What's New at BlushPretty!

February 2010

We've Launched!

If you haven't yet, please check out The Blush Boutique.  It's a simple-to-use, easy on the eyes, online beauty boutique.  I'm stocked with some great brands such as Cake Beauty, Principessa, Crazy Rumours and DaLish.  Later this month, we will be adding on Butter London and some other great, "indie but you really should get to know them" kinda brands!

For the month of February our featured item is Cake Beauty's Satin Sugar All Purpose Balm. This balm treats dry skin, chapped lips, ashy elbows, and frizzy flyaways.  You can also use it on baby's diaper rash! :)

Be sure to visit the shop.  This month, you can get 10% off your purchases over $25 - just email blushboutique@blushpretty.com with your order!

www.bpblushboutique.com

-bp-

February 10, 2010

BlushPretty + CRAVE

I'm nervous.

Tomorrow, I'm scheduled to shoot my photos for my bio and spread in the new CRAVE Toronto book.  Not only do I have to be sure I look picture perfect, BUT, I have to make sure my little studio space does too.  Cleaning myself up - I'm more than willing to do ... having to clean up the studio ... hhmmm not so much - lol ... just kidding.

Wondering what CRAVE is?

Well, the original CRAVE guide originated in 2002. It was founded by Melody Biringer and she launched with CRAVEGuide: CRAVE Seattle, The Urban Girl's Manifesto.  This guide "innovatively connects urban gals to the sassiest, gutsiest, most inspiring people they need to know in town. Soirees, gatherings and online networking—we are your guide to everything you CRAVE in your city."

There are CRAVE guides all over North America including: New York, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta and Vancouver.

An now ... TORONTO.  Naturally, I'm excited to be a part of the first guide.

I'll be in "cahoots" with other great entrepreneurs in the city including Sash & Bustle, The Sewing Studio, and Glitter Pie Art Studio.

The book will be available at several retailers in Toronto PLUS it will be available at The Blush Boutique.  Be sure to look out for my close up! 

Now ... time to go get the brows waxed and the nails done! :)

-bp-


February 09, 2010

If I Were Lea Michele, I'd Be Wearing ...

Lea-Michele by Siobhan B., BlushPretty Intern

There’s been a huge amount of hype over the new musical comedy show on Fox … Glee. It’s all about a high school glee club (a musical theatre club) - hence the title. It’s been extremely popular and I’ve heard, quite hilarious. The main character in this show, Rachel Berry, is played by Lea Michele.

Who’s Lea Michele?

Lea is a New York born actress who has starred on Broadway, and because of her work in Glee, she’s received both a Satellite Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.  And to add to that, she’s been nominated for a Golden Globe Award and a Teen Choice Award. Talk about a resume and she’s only 23!

Alright so we’ve got the background out of the way, let’s get to the INTERESTING business. Being from Spanish and Italian descent, Lea naturally has that exotic look. She has stunning features - oh and of course - that long dark hair. She plays a bit of a dramatic teen on Glee, but this girl has “sexy new star” written all over her. She can sing with the best of ‘em, and rock the red carpet. She's on fire right now and we all wanna look like we’re on fire right? ;)


Here are 5 products that will have you jumping for Glee!

Continue reading "If I Were Lea Michele, I'd Be Wearing ..." »

February 08, 2010

The BlushPretty Five: Stephanie Gray

Stephanie The BlushPretty Five: Stephanie Gray

Name: Stephanie Gray
Occupation: Online Editor, Wedding Bells Magazine
Website: www.weddingbells.ca

1. You woke up late and have ten minutes to get ready and out the door.  What is the beauty routine and list the products you would use.
First I’d wash my face with Aveeno’s Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser, moisturize with Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 15, then use Oscar Blandi’s Dry Shampoo Spray to get rid of any hair greasies. I love how it gives your hair a fresh smell! Then, I’d apply MAC’s Studio Fix (I’m NC30), a little cream blush (I have about three on rotation), curl my lashes (an everyday must) and apply some mascara (I love DiorShow Mascara in black and waterproof). I also feel naked without shadowing in my brows a little bit and use Benefit’s Brow Zings to fill in. Then I’d spritz some perfume. Recently I’ve been wearing J’adore by Dior. And last but not least, some lipgloss. I tend to go for soft pinks and really love Rouge Dior Crème de Gloss or I’d go with something really moisturizing like C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve.
 

2.  You have ten dollars to spend on beauty product with no coupon to spare nor membership points to redeem.  What would you buy and from where?
I would buy Joe Fresh Cheek Tint, which also doubles as a lip colour. Plus I’d leave with enough change from a $10 to buy a Starbucks coffee.  

3.  You got sixty dollars to spend on beauty product without a care and anywhere you please.  What would you buy and from where?
Definitely Les 4 Ombres de Chanel in Smokey Eyes, which I’d probably pick up at Sephora. The great thing about this palette is that it can be applied wet or dry, so I can go more dramatic at night, but it’s still wearable in the day.  

4.  Share with us your biggest beauty secret – either a hot tip for us to try ... or your worst beauty disaster ever.  Which one will it be?
I’m a firm believer that what you put in your body is reflected on the outside, so I always drink a ton of water, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and am pretty much certain salmon is the best beauty food out there.

5.  Name your poison. Facials worth more than your rent payment, a $2.99 bottle of nail polish that everyone mistakes for Chanel’s latest colour. What’s your guilty beauty pleasure?
I cannot live without face masks. My obsession probably began when I was a little girl. I remember watching my mom doing her weekly mask’s and always felt like they were an simple yet glamourous indulgence. Recently I’ve been using Clinique’s Deep Cleansing Emergency Mask. I hate breaking out and I find if I use a mask regularly it tends to help regulate my skin.

February 07, 2010

BlushPretty + butter LONDON

Butter There is another great addition coming to The Blush Boutique!

I'm really excited because my shipment from butter LONDON is coming this week. 

If you haven't heard of butter LONDON, now the time to get yourself familiar! Their product, 3 Free Nail Lacquers which means: no formaldehyde, no toulene, no DBP.  The brand meshes high fashion colour with healthier nails.

The Blush Boutique is very happy to bring on a select few colours including Yummy Mummy, Tea with The Queen, and Chimney Sweep.  And I didn't forget to bring in some of their Hardwear P.D. Topcoat to keep your pretty colours chip free or some of their Handbag Holiday cuticle oil to keep them soft.

I'll be sure to let you know when the new candy arrives.  Until then, check out butter LONDON here.

-bp-

February 06, 2010

I Am Mom, Watch Me Multitask!

Yummy Yummy Mummies are multitaskers.

That's probably what makes us yummy.  We know that walking the dog will count as exercise. We know that soaking our feet while BlushPretty baby is in the tub will prep them for a good round with the pumice stone. We know to schedule BlushPretty boy's art class nearby the mall, so we can get an hour of shopping ... I mean errands ... done. 

Multitasking is our forte. We can make the most of our time.  We know that if we are going for a 30 minute drive from point a to point b, we might want to add 20 minutes to our drive so we can stop somewhere in between and pick up those potatoes that are more delicious than the ones at the store nearby home.  And while efficiency experts will tell you that multitasking is really just an excuse for getting things done half-ass, the truth is at least stuff is getting done. To me, multitasking is making the most of your time and working double duty. Are you telling me that writing out a to do list while I am waiting in the bank line for 20 minutes is doing something half-ass because I'm not sitting at my desk and focusing on it?

My favourite way to multitask is to find beauty products that are two-in-one.  I find that cream colour anything is a yummy mummy's best friend and if you can find it in the right colour, then you are good to go at any time of day. On top of that multitasking product usually requires less precision, less tools, and less space.  Here are some items to stock in your diaper bag (see - the diaper bag also multitasks) before you head out the door.

DaLish Lip/Cheek Balm: Packaged like a fat chapstick, you can swipe this on over the lips and cheeks for colour.  Very sheer, layer it light for day and double it up for night.  You can also use this as a base to colours you already have at home.  The right colour can intensify your favourite powder blush, or maybe a layer of it under the right lip gloss glams you up a bit. (This product is available at The Blush Boutique and is no more than $10 bucks - look at that - I multitasked again by making my post a promo - tada!)

Stila Convertible Colour: Just like the DaLish Balms, this product can do the exact same thing, however it gives more colour and intensity at first application and does require use of your fingers to apply or a couple of good brushes.  There is a range of colours. Pick up Peony, Gerbera or Lillium - three of my faves.This is perfect for on-the-go because it comes in a compact with a mirror.  It's tiny and takes up little space.

Olay Dual Action Cleanser and Pore Scrub: So self-explanatory. Not only does it clean and remove a days worth of makeup, but is scrubs and exfoliates - in just one product, one squirt, one scrub, one rinse.  Clean skin, poreless face, yummy mummy.

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmers or Lip Gloss: You talk, you eat, you kiss baby.  Your lips get more work then you know. Dress them up with colour and shine, but also, keep them soft and smooth and well-hydrated.  Burt's Bees lips shimmers and lip glosses contain vitamin e and natural oils but don't skimp on tint.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for multipurpose, multitasking product.  There are tonnes more from foundation to nail polish choices.  Exercise your multitasking muscles and start searching the beauty websites.  You can do it while you are waiting for the kettle to boil on the stove.

Have a great Saturday morning!

-bp-

February 05, 2010

fresh.beautiful.beauty.

Covergirl-event Guess what! This weekend its 20x the points at Shoppers Drug Mart when you spend on beauty.

Of course you have to spend like $75 dollars to get the 20x the points ... but who are we kidding ... we could definitely drop $75 big ones on beauty goods if we really wanted to. 

The problem more or less lies in trying to find great drugstore products.

It's quite obvious that blushpretty.com is a big fan of the COVERGIRL brand.  I've come to build a great relationship with their PR team, which has opened my eyes up to how great the brand really is (and how far its come since I was a kid in high school with only a dime to my name trying to pick the right foundation colour). I'm definitely not snobbing the quality of affordable brands any more ...

Last week, I visited the Design Suite at Cosmopolitan Hotel and along with other online mags and bloggers, got to check out some hot of the runway trends and how to create them according to COVERGIRL and Herbal Essences. Greg Wencel and the team from MS&L showed us how to modernize popular looks from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Here are my top three products (from the event) that I think you should pick up:

COVERGIRL ShineBlast Lip Gloss: Lipgloss - the instant pick me up.  If you are feeling blue, hit the local drugstore and pick yourself up a lip gloss.  You'll feel better trust me ... Trust me even more, when I say that I LOVE this lip gloss.  This shimmery and sheer lip gloss is high shine without being tacky.  Bonus: the little divot in the applicator, it holds the right dose of gloss for a perfect application. AND its shaped to hug the curve of your lips.  Me and my friend currently fave Firecracker - a sheer red.

COVERGIRL Smokey Shadowblast: Everyone at the event loved look number one (look on the left of the picture above).  There was something about the liner that was definitely a throwback to the 60's but completely modernized.  For that thick, bedroom liner, use Smokey Shadow Blast in Onyx Smoke.  One end is contoured to create lines and the other rounded to blend and shade.  To top it off, he used LashBlast Length to give her lashes some oomph.

Herbal Essences Set Me Up Hair product: Admit it.  You are wondering how to get your hair full and voluminous like the girl on the right (all of us at the event wanted her hair ... ).  Try Herbal Essences Set Me Up line use the mousse to create volume and fullness and the spray gel to set and keep it that way.  These products offer maximum hold, but as you can see the end effect is really soft and touchable.

Happy Shopping. (more pics if you click on "Continue reading ...")

-bp-

Continue reading "fresh.beautiful.beauty." »

February 04, 2010

That's What the Intern Says ... Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner

Herbal-essences Our hair is important to us!

Yes it is. Don't lie. You may say you don't do anything to your hair, but admit it ... you love a great hair cut, you love a great hairstyle, you l-o-v-e a great hair care product.

When it comes to conditioner, finding the right one is very important.  While conditioner makes our hair feel soft and silky and totally touchable, it can also cause our hair to fall flat (funny enough, that's because it makes it soft smooth and silky).  I armed the interns with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner and asked them to test it out until the bottle fell dry.  Here's what they had to say ... (have a seat - this is another long post!)

Christine the Intern Says:

    The hours of preparation we go through to curl every lock, straighten every strand, and perfectly place your bangs just the way you want it then BAM! You walk out the door and a big, cold rush of wind comes along or a big heat wave and ruins your hair. At that point you know that smooth, satin, softness you had inside your house is now gone. All that’s left is dry, damaged hair.
    I know that during the winter months my hair gets really thin, dry, and tangles much quicker. This always drives me crazy. I wanted something that would really work so that this wouldn’t happen half way through the day. So I tried using Hello Hydration Conditioner by Herbal Essences. Automatically the word “Hydration” caught my attention and from using different products from Herbal Essences before I knew they were a good brand to trust.
    After trying this product for a couple of weeks I found that my hair stayed smooth and soft all day long. Being a full-time student, having to travel back and forth through the subway full of pollution, and then going in and out of different temperatures all day really put a strain on my hair. This conditioner really helped to keep my hair together which is a relief. 
    In the cosmetic industry you always need to look your best, as well as every day, and that includes your hair. Knowing you have amazing hair takes off at least one stress, which can make all the difference in the world.

Continue reading "That's What the Intern Says ... Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner" »

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  • The paparazzi is on to us! Check out these media mentions:

Beauty is Easy Because ...

  • ... beauty IS easy - you just need to find the products that work for you and learn how to use them!

    And BlushPretty can help you out with that! Keep on top of events, workshops, and parties held in and around the GTA.

    Coming up: EXCLUSIVE Beauty Board: fresh.beautiful: From the Inside Out, February 11, 2010
    It all starts with what you put IN your body. Learn about getting fresh.beautiful starting with the inside. This event will take an organic and holistic approach to beauty focusing on diet and natural beauty product. Email me at beautymail@blushpretty.com for more information.

    Coming up: Beauty Board: Spring Cleaning, April 18, 2010
    Our next Beauty Board event will take place on Sunday, April 18, 2010. Want more info on how to be a part of the Board? Or are you a beauty company hoping to showcase? Email me at beautymail@blushpretty.com

    Visit our events page to see what is happening in and around your area!

The Top 5 ...

  • ... things you must buy ... or should consider buying ...from The Blush Boutique:

    DaLish Blush & Highlighter Duo, a flush colour for the cheeks and a highlighter for overall glow

    Principessa Pleasantly Pafutto Lip Glosses, fours shades of flattering pink perfect for everyday

    Cake Beauty Refreshing Body & Hair Powder, refresh that bedhead with this sweet smelling powder

    Crazy Rumors Gourmet Lip Balm in Bubble Gum, the taste of bubble gum always brings back memories

    Butter London 3-Free Nail Polish in Yummy Mummy, it looks like a neutral colour, but really looks chic and sophisticated

On This Day I Wore ...

  • January 31, 2009 – I'm currently using a mix of products to brighten up my face in the morning. I started with a bit of facial moisturizer. Once that set in, I dabbed on some Simply Ageless Colour Corrector mostly under the eyes. I then dusted on my Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder - which is great. (Mineral powder does need to be blended in well, so double check over ridges and hollows in the face since mineral powder can look streaky here.) I swept on my fave blush: MAC Cream Blush in So Sweet, So Easy. I took two colours from my NARS Essential Eye Palette, Nepal and Ondine, and smoked it up from the lashline. I finished with two coats of my Max Factor Mascara.

My Brides are Wearing ...

  • … the Taylor Swift side chignon This has been the most popular and most requested hairstyle. In many variations, this particular soft updo looks great on all face shapes and with all styles of wedding dress. The best way to dress this up: with a floral hairpiece. Tucked right into the chignon, its a classic and pretty touch!

Did you know ...

  • … that you can apply your cream blush with a powder brush instead? And you don't have to smile when you apply it either? I got to meet with Greg Wencel last month and he showed me a great new way to apply cream blush. Swirl your brush over your cream colour and then dust it on in a circular motion over the cheekbones. This results in a nicely diffused wash of colour - very natural. It gradually fades the colour towards the temples too. As for the not smiling, while its great for getting the"apples of your cheek - be careful! Once you stop smiling, your cheeks drop a bit which means so will the colour - you might end up with blush that's applied to far down the face!

Have you tried ...

  • ... Butter London Nail Polishes? They pride themselves on their 3-Free Nail polishes. 3-Free stands for "No Formaldehyde, No toluene, and No DBP (Phthales)". Ever. This nail polish brand is all fashion and rock and roll with so many hot colours from Yummy Mummy to Fash Pack to La Moss. By the way ... Butter London will be available at The Blush Boutique in late February!

I Just Can't Live Without My ...

  • ... MAC Blush in So Sweet, So Easy. In the pot, it's a really, REALLY, bright pink. Just like candy. But when I sweep it on, it becomes this nice, soft and flirty blush. It's the perfect pink for my skintone. I swish this colour around from the apples of the cheeks up to the temples. I wear it alone most of the time, but when I have an extra 30 seconds, I also use it over a bit of bronzer. This is currently my go-to blush for the winter and definitely for spring ... and then maybe even summer ...

And I Just Bought ...

  • ... NARS Powder Foundations . I actually didn't "buy" these! I received seven colours of this great powder foundation from a former bride/now yoga friend (thank you ms. marcelo-domingo). It's a lightweight formula providing flexible coverage and SPF 12 protection. It covers imperfections without looking cakey! I'm really excited to use this on my brides. A light layer will set the face nicely.

Scene & Heard

  • "I really believe that so much of how we look is a reflection of how we feel. When I see pictures of my grandmother when she was 40, I think, Wow, she looked old! And that's because she believed she was old; its shows in the way she dressed and behaved. The one thing to remember is that regardless of your age, you should never turn away from sexuality. And that's no Bull___."

    Demi Moore's answer to her discovery of the fountain of youth from Beauty Talk in InStyle Magazine, January 2010.

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