Tame Your Sweet Tooth With These Tasty Cupcakes Lip Balms

Cupcakes Lip Balm Collection

Are you a cupcake fan?

If you don’t live in Vancouver, you may not know that we have some of the best cupcakes in the world.

My favorite cupcake hangout is the retro Cupcakes bakery.

Last time I visited, I noticed that they now carry four delicious lip balms based on some of their all time favorite cupcakes.

Of course, I couldn’t resist trying out a cupcake (or two), but I also picked up their Red Velvet Buttercream lip balm which smells like a delicious mix of cream cheese frosting and cocoa cake.

Not only can you wrangle your sugar fix with this lip balm, you can also hydrate your lips with healing ingredients like Grape Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil.

Next Big Multi-Tasker: CC Cream

Self-adjusting Color that Covers Imperfections

Complexion Corrector (CC) creams are the latest skin phenom, featuring a new approach to wearing makeup.

Designed to be worn on top of your moisturizer, CC creams offer a sheer coverage that eliminates redness and dullness and evens out your skin.

One CC cream, soon to be on the top of my list, is the Almay Smart Shade CC Cream.

Packed with complexion enhancing ingredients, the tinted cream provides just the right kind of coverage you’ll need over the next few months.

You’re Going to Love This Heat Wave of Color

Luxurious Gelée to Celebrate the Sand and Sun

Estee Lauder is always ahead of the pack when it comes to summer collections, and this year’s Bronze Goddess collection is no exception.

One item in the collection that’s sure to make your temperature rise is the limited edition Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Heat Wave.

This all-over bronzer is an innovative mix of liquid, powder, and gel that delivers a more sophisticated glow. The result is an all-over soft sheen that you can build to get a pearl highlighting effect.

You Too Can Be a Bond Girl

Celebrate 50 Years of James Bond Style

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a potential Bond Girl, you now have a chance to try on some glamor that the role is famous for.

The OPI Bond Girls collection contains six sophisticated Liquid Sand nail lacquers. These lacquers feature a textured, matte finish with just the right reflecting sparkle.

The nail lacquers are meant to be worn without a top coat so they keep their 007 sparkle.

If You’re a Busy Mom, These Tips Will Help You Streamline Your Morning Beauty Routine

How to Simplify Your A.M. Beauty Routine

Since Mother’s Day is around the corner, it’s a good time to acknowledge how busy mothers juggle their time between work, family, and personal obligations.

If you’re a time-challenged Mom or know someone who’s burning the candle on both ends, here are some tips from the founder of Skinn Cosmetics, Dimitri James, to simplify your morning beauty routine.

Skin Care Tips

• Stick to the “essentials”. Find one gentle yet effective cleanser that removes dirt, oil, makeup, and mascara and leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed. You’ll also want to use a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15.
• Use a cleansing brush or soft washcloth to eliminate the need for eye makeup removers, toners, and scrubs. To brighten your complexion, exfoliate, and extract blackheads, try is the Skinnsonic High Frequency Cleansing System. Get more details about the system here.

Get Ready for Rihanna’s New Lipstick: RiRi Woo

RiRi ♥ MAC Lipstick

It’s no secret that Rihanna loves MAC.

So, it’s no surprise that MAC has come up with a cult classic shade for the global superstar with style-blazing looks.

The lipstick, which is called RiRi Woo, is a matte cool red (retro matte).

When news first broke of her collaboration with MAC Cosmetics, Rihanna explained: “I’ve been using MAC on tour for such a long time it was a natural fit for me. I have always loved make-up, and I always said that if I do it, I want to do it with a credible brand.”

Finally, Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skin

A Colourful Nail Innovation

If you have sensitive skin, you may already know that nail enamel is considered a significant allergen by dermatologists.

In fact, because we touch our eyes on average 200 times a day, nail enamel can cause irritation on the thin skin around the eyes.

After six years in the making (three years of research and three years of product development), Clinique is launching A Different Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skins formulated for people with sensitive skin and sensitive eyes.

You won’t have to sacrifice style, though, when it comes to this nail enamel because the formula features a high shine and streak free application. The thin, flat brush also works like a charm and glides easily and evenly across your nails.

NARS Teams Up with Shoe Designer Pierre Hardy for Summer 2013 Collection

NARS Pierre Hardy Provocative Pairs

If you’re a fan of NARS and shoes (who isn’t?), get ready to try out their summer 2013 collection of nail polishes and blush palettes in collaboration with shoe designer Pierre Hardy.

The polishes come in 6 high-fashion color pairings that are inspired by the designer’s latest collection. The blush palettes have a gold overspray that shows off Hardy’s iconic cubic print.

Here are the colors in the NARS x Pierre Hardy Collection.

Nail Polish Duo ($29)

* Ethno Run: Orange and navy
* Sharplines: Peach and burgundy
* Vertebra: Coral and dusty rose
* Easy Walking: Rose Gold and camel
* Sharks: Yellow and lavender
* Venomous: Gunmetal and black

Real Housewives of Vancouver Mary Zilba Launches Buff Beauty

All Natural Colours for a Sheer Dewy Look

This season, The Real Housewives of Vancouver is all about taking sides.

Whether you’re Team Jody or Team Mary, if you love an all-Canadian beauty line, you’ve got to pull for Mary Zilba’s latest venture into the world of cosmetics.

Coming to the Shopping Channel on Friday, April 12th, Buff Beauty is all about enhancing beauty instead of covering it up. The line is designed for everyone, but especially for women on-the-go.

Gotta Have This: Prada CANDY Eau de Parfum

A New Facet of Prada Femininity

Up until now I haven’t been a fan of sweet perfume, but there’s one scent that’s helping to change my mind.

Prada CANDY smells like delicious caramels with a touch of musky powder.

Although that may not sound very intoxicating, Prada CANDY Eau de Parfum does come off as sophisticated and warm.

Here are the notes in Prada CANDY:

Top Notes: Seductive notes: Joyful carefreeness, explosion of caramel
Mid Notes: Powdery notes: Sophistication, cocktail of musks
Base Notes: Vanilla notes: Sensuality, Benjoin Overdose

Two New Lash Growers for Sensitive Eyes

Next Wave of Lash-Growing Potions

If you’ve been avoiding lash enhancers because of eye sensitivity, here are two brand new products that are non-irritating and dermatologist tested.

NeoStrata Enhancer Serum

This serum uses the latest in apple stem cell technology to extend the life cycle of lashes.

The triple-action treatment increases lash length, volume, and strength.

Expect to see visibly lengthened lashes in about two weeks and thicker lashes in two months.

Prevage Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum

This serum is the Rolls Royce of lash enhancers.

The anti-aging formula, which targets the loss of eyelashes as you age, contains a cocktail of ingredients to help improve the look of lashes. These ingredients include peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants.

New Mad Men Collaboration with Estée Lauder

Sheer, Shimmery Pastels for Lips and Nails

Mad Men’s sixth season (and second to last season) is set to premiere with a two-hour episode on April 7.

To honor the occasion, Estée Lauder has just introduced a second partnership with the nostalgic 60′s series.

The new collection features a pink palette this time and includes:

• See-Thru Blush in Light Snow
• Rich, Rich Lipstick in Pinkadelic
• Nail Lacquer in Pink Paisley

Target Your Eye Area with Laser Focus

New Clinique Eye Cream Passes the “Smile Test”

Clinique did so well with their Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector (the serum has 63% of the wrinkle reducing power of a laser treatment) that the company decided to create a wrinkle-fighting serum for the eye area.

The Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream is uniquely designed to help repair the visible signs of aging around your eyes.

When testing how the serum addressed smile lines around the eyes, results found a noticeable 54% reduction in smile lines around the eye area after 12 weeks.

New MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick Has Shade Retention

New Mineralize Masterpiece for Lips

If you’re a fan of the MAC Mineralize line (I love the Mineralize Skinfinish), get ready to try the new member of the collection: Mineralize Rich Lipstick.

The Mineralize Rich Lipstick is larger in size and delivers a fuller, sleeker application in a single stroke.

The formula is enhanced with a mineral moist complex that provides lips with nourishment and lasting hydration.

All of the moisture doesn’t mean the lipstick is heavy. The color is lightweight and bright with an intensity that lasts.

Spring Fever: Are You Ready for These Spring 2013 Makeup Trends?

Go Big or Go Home

In Vancouver, you can smell spring in the air. It’s the perfect time to get ready for your spring makeup palette.

Here are a couple of Spring 2013 trends on the horizon.

Big Blush

As a throwback to the 90′s, blush is back in a big way.

To get the best effect for the upcoming season’s blushing trend, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for a flushed look. One long lasting and pretty new blush to try is Lancome’s Blush in Love.

Aqua

If you don’t have blue eyes, you can still jump on the aqua trend for shadow. You can either swipe your whole lid with the color or just apply to your lash line. Try Estee Lauder’s Intense Kajal Eyeliner Duo in Black/Blue to get the look.

High Drama Lashes

If you haven’t got the picture yet, I’ll spell it out for you. Spring makeup is about drama. If you’ve never tried false lashes yet, now is the time to try on a pair like Benefit’s pin up lashes. Or, skip the faux lashes and try  Clinique’s High Impact Waterproof Mascara for a deep black effect.

Trend Alert: High Drama Mascara

Long Wearing, Dramatic Lashes

Big lashes are definitely one of the hottest crazes for this year.

If you don’t want to wade into false eyelash territory, you can try a high drama mascara.

Clinique’s mascaras are always stand-outs and their latest High Impact Waterproof Mascara is no exception. This mascara is all about dramatic lashes that last despite humid weather or sweaty workouts (hello Hot Yoga).

What’s unique about this mascara is its lash lengthening base of polymers that instantly build volume and condition lashes making them feel soft. The brush also helps to create the magic with its exclusive design made of solid, stiff fibers that easily comb through your lashes.

If you have an active lifestyle, the water repellant film in this mascara will evenly coat your lashes and prevent moisture, without giving up on volume and length. And don’t worry about removing the mascara because it easily comes off with makeup remover.

High Impact Waterproof Mascara is available in Black and can be found at Clinique counters nationwide and at www.clinique.com.

Target Canada Announces Designer Brands and Collaborations for Their Upcoming Launch

Attention: Canadian Target Shoppers

Since some of Target Canada’s stores will be opening in March and April 2013,  you may be wondering which designer collaborations will be available in our home and native land.

The good news is that many of the collections that are available in the U.S. will also be showing up on Canadian shelves.

Here are some of the brands that will be unveiled when Target stores open across Canada:

The Newest Member of the Clinique Chubby Stick Collection

Sheer, Buildable, Long-Wearing Colour

Clinique’s Chubby Stick collection has been such a hit, it’s not surprising that the company is introducing their latest member of the team: Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes.

Just like their lip counterparts, the Chubby Stick Shadow Tints are portable and deliver creamy colour in  a silky formula that stays on your lids without dusting on your cheeks or getting stuck in the crease. The lightweight crayon with Vitamin E also means that you can create all kinds of looks without tugging and pulling.

This Foundation is Like an Oxygen Facial in a Bottle

Breakthrough in Liquid Foundation Technology

If you haven’t heard of It Cosmetics, I’m going to let the cat out of the bag.

This cosmetics brand works with leading plastic surgeons to come up with amazing, cutting edge anti-aging technology for their high-performance color cosmetics.

Their latest launch is the IT-O2 Ultra Repair Liquid Oxygen Foundation. This foundation not only provides buildable, full coverage, it’s also infused with anti-aging peptides, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen. The foundation, which comes in five shades, also  has light-diffusing properties that even skin tone for airbrushed-looking skin without settling into lines and wrinkles.

Best of all, IT-O2 is formulated to deliver oxygen to the skin and is clinically proven to increase skin hydration by 71% after just 10 minutes of wear.

MAC Archie’s Girls Collection is Launching Soon!

Do You Have a Soft Spot for Archie and the Gang?

The Archie’s Girls collection for spring is coming to a MAC counter near you soon and it looks great!

The line comes in two contrasting MAC color collections:

* Girl next door softer shades (à la Betty)

* Sophisticated rich girl vampier shades (à la Veronica)

It’s not just that the makeup packaging is super cute like the Eye Shadow X4 palette with shades like Pin-Up Purple, Spoiled Rich, Ron Ron Run, and Gravel.

Accessories like the Yours Forever Tote, the Jingle Jangle Coin Purse, and the the Young Hearts Mirror are trinkets you may want to pick up too.

Benefit’s Emergency Cheek Color Trio Covers All the Bases

Dial Fine One One for Sheer Cheek Color

According to blush experts, you need a pink blush and a peach blush to round out your makeup wardrobe.

I’m a huge fan of MAC’s Mineralize Blush in Dainty which does the job quite well, but sometimes you want a more sheer flush (especially for a winter pick-me-up when your skin is dull and dry).

Benefit’s Fine One One is a sheer, brightening cheek color that gives you an instant lift and pop of color. The sheer brightening cheek color instantly glides on in pink champagne, sheer watermelon, and soft coral shades.

Zooey Deschanel’s High Shine Lip Color at the Golden Globes

New Girl Star on the Red Carpet

Zooey Deschanel had a fun, easy look at this year’s Golden Globes compared to some of the more elaborate makeup and fashion other attendees showed off.

Deschanel wore a red Oscar De la Renta gown with a ’60s style ponytail that definitely wasn’t overdone.

Her makeup artist, Jorjee Douglas, commented on her ’60s style: “We always love to go very ’60s with Zooey’s makeup, so we looked to Brigitte Bardot and Twiggy for inspiration.”

Jennifer Aniston’s Hair and Makeup Stole the Show at the People’s Choice Awards

39th People’s Choice Awards: Red Carpet Style

Love it or hate it, Jennifer Aniston’s Christian Dior leather dress created a lot of buzz at the People’s Choice Awards.

However, this year’s favorite comedic actress’ makeup and hair were really the standout at the PCA.

Here are the products Aniston used to put her red carpet look together.

To achieve straight, glossy hair (no frizz allowed) that brought out her highlights and lowlights, Jennifer’s stylist celebrity hair stylist, Chris McMillan, applied a combo of Living Proof styling products: Full Thickening Mousse and No Frizz Weightless Styling Spray.

Aniston’s makeup was definitely a Chanel home run. On her eyes, Chanel makeup artist, Angela Levin, applied shimmering shadows in neutral and plum from the Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow palette in Vanities. The slightly smoky shades were the perfect choice for her edgy look.

Gotta Have This: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Six Naked Neutrals (including Four Never-Before-Seen Shades)

I’ve been lusting after the Naked palette since the first one came out, but resisted due to the sparkle in the original and Naked 2 shadows.

I’m glad I did because I’m now ready for the basics palette which has everything you need for the perfect neutral matte eye.

The versatile shades in the Naked Basics palette comes in a compact that’s perfect for travel, so you’ll never have to be without these very wearable shades.

Each shadow features Urban Decay’s proprietary blend of ingredients that make the shadows velvety in texture, rich in color, and extremely blendable.

Beauty Trends for 2013

Keep Your Eyes on These New Beauty Trends

Thanks for stopping by The Blush Stops Here. Happy new year to all my fabulous readers!

Here are some beauty trends can look forward to for 2013.

Bangs are the Latest Hair Accessory

Kate Middleton took the plunge and so did mama-to-be Kim K. towards the end of the year.

Making even more of an impact in 2013, you’ll see a lot of runway and celebrity looks with blunt (sheepdog) bangs. The good thing about long bangs is that you can do double duty and angle them to the side for a softer look.

Nourishing Oils for the Hair and Face

Have you tried any of the latest oils on your hair yet? Argan oil from Morocco has been around for a few years in products like MoroccanOil shampoo and Josie Maran’s Argan Cleansing Oil.

You’ll see exotic oils in other products as well this year, even foundation like Giorgio Armani’s Maestro Skin Perfector which is currently getting raves.

Drew Barrymore’s New Affordable Colour Cosmetics Line

Prestige Makeup at Walmart

Drew Barrymore is partnering with manufacturing firm Maesa Group and launching a colour cosmetics line called Flower.

The line will be available exclusively at Walmart in January 2013.

The line of 181 products will be priced from $4.98 to $13.98. It includes 70 items for the face, 44 for eyes, 51 for lips, and 16 for nails. The face products will feature a proprietary botanical  “soft focus complex” to enhance your skin’s glow.

Exceptional Colour and Coverage With New Additions to MAC Studio Collection

Studio-Quality Perfection

If you’ve used any MAC Studio products, you know that the finish in these products is unbeatable.

MAC has added to the collection with new shades of Studio foundation with enhanced colour and coverage.

The new foundation, which features formulas enriched with antioxidants, is suited for all skin types.

Don’t Keep Your Arms Under Wraps This Holiday Season

Do Your Upper Arms Need Tightening?

If you’ve been doing some “planking” to tone your upper arms for your holiday sleeveless looks, you can now combine Yoga with a new lotion designed to get rid of that nasty flab.

NIP+FAB Upper Arm Fix contains natural ingredients designed to target the fatty acids in your arms and firm and smooth the skin.

The clear sculpting gel with prickly pear and blue lotus flowers dries quickly to “redefine” the upper arm area as you massage it into your skin using circular motions.

Mariah Carey for OPI to Debut in January 2013

Limited Edition Shades Featuring New Liquid Sand Nail Lacquers

Nicky Minaj has an OPI collection so it only makes sense that her co-judge rival on American Idol, Mariah Carey, has partnered with OPI for a collection of nail polishes to be released in January 2013.

The Mariah Carey by OPI collection includes a wide range of colors with Mariah’s signature look all over them from pale pink in the Studio Shades to matte black with red flicks of sparkle in the Stage Shades.

Four of the shades in the collection also use OPI’s latest nail polish innovation, Liquid Sand. This new technology gives your nails a textured matte finish with reflective sparkles.

Easy Ways to Glam it Up for the Holidays

These Three Products Will Get You Ready in a Flash

If you’re party hopping this holiday season, here are some easy ways to change your look from day to night.

Skinn Precision Eyeliner (Jet Black)

The quickest way to add drama to your eyes  is by adding deep black eyeliner.

Skinn’s newest eyeliner combines the ease of a pencil and the wear of a liquid. The tip is super soft but covers the bases whether you draw a simple line along your lashes or a bold winged style. I found this eyeliner super easy to use which is a bonus since the ink stays put all day long!

Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm is Now More Intense

Fuller Lip Coverage With More intense Colour

If you’re a Chubby stick fan like me (my fave is Heaping Hazelnut), there’s even more good news.

Just in time for the dry winter season, Clinique has launched Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm.

This new addition to the Clinique line is the perfect combination between a moisturizing lip balm and full coverage lip colour.

The new chubby stick has an increased blend of pigments which provides intense colour. On top of that, butters, oils, and antioxidants help protect your lips with long-lasting moisturization.

There’s also a big payoff with the condition of your lips. Over time, you’ll likely notice a significant improvement in lip moisturization and a reduction in lip flaking. All of this happens without having to compromise a more intense lip look.

Want to Make Sure Your Eyeshadow Doesn’t Budge? This Potion is the Ultimate Eye Prep

Primer That Provides the Perfect Canvas

For those who plan on burning the candle at both ends this holiday season, makeup that stays in place could be your new BFF.

With the latest dramatic eye looks this fall, a primer is a must have if you want to make sure your shadow and liner lasts.

The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is an easy to use shadow primer packaged in a new squeeze tube that delivers the precise amount of product.

Gwyneth Paltrow Collaborates with Butter London on Holiday Nail Kit

Goop and Butter London Nail Polish Set

Is it just me or is Gwyneth Paltrow everywhere . . . carrying a tune on Glee, creating recipes with chef Mario Batali, working out with Tracey Anderson.

If you’re a regular reader of Gwyneth’s lifestyle site, Goop, you’ll be happy to know that the busy actress has teamed up with Butter London for a holiday nail collection.

Stila’s New Eye Shadow Palette is Written in the Stars

Limited Edition Winter Eye Shadow Palette

You can always count on Stila to come up with a dreamy eye shadow palette.

Their latest palette features a star-shaped pattern with 12 neutral eye shadow shades that you can mix and match.

Perfect for any day or evening holiday look, the dozen shadows can be worn both wet and dry for countless looks.

Would You Buy Oprah’s Organics?

Oprah is Going Organic

Since her OWN channel is getting mixed reviews and losing money, is it possible that Oprah is now looking at more winning ventures to help build her empire?

According to today.com, several trademark applications were recently filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The applications trademark “Oprah’s Organics,” “Oprah’s Farm,” and “Oprah’s Harvest.”

Some of the food products Oprah hopes to sell are sauces, soups, salad dressings, and beverages.

She is also looking at creating a line of bath and body products. The line will include soap, bubble bath, hand cream, lip balm, moisturizer, hair products and other personal-care items.