Softlips Cubes & Giveaway!!!

I'm doing another Giveaway on my blog - YEAH!  This one is from the wonderful people over at Softlips Canada.  You may remember I had a really popular giveaway w/ them a couple of mths ago and they've been nice enough to set up another one with me!

Softlips Canada is launching their new 5-in-1 Lip Balm Cubes and I got to try out the Vanilla Bean and Berry Bliss cubes myself and I gotta say I'm definitely a fan!  Small, sleek cube design, easy twist off lid and very moisturizing on the lips!  I have some other lips balms that I have to go over my lips several times before I feel like there is any product on them but these just glide right on and leave my lips smooth and hydrated.

I personally like to keep one in my purse and one near my bed b/c I think it's always important to moisturize your lips before bed.  I find for myself at least that's one of the biggest things that prevent me from getting dry, chapped lips b/c we tend to dry out our lips a lot while we sleep if we sleep w/ our mouths open...plus if you sleep w/ the air conditioner on in these Summer mths that can be super drying to your lips too!

They are also totally affordable at $4.99 a piece and available Walmart, Rexall, Lawtons and Shoppers Drug Mart...so pretty much everywhere lol!

Btw if you're curious what the 5-in-1 stands for:

Hydrates - forumlated w/ Shea Butter to restore moisture
Replenishes - with antioxidant Vitamins A, C & E
Smoothes - rich emollients leave lips silky and soft
Protects - long lasting moisture to protect against dryness
Adds Shine - for a perfect radiant finish

So now on to the GIVEAWAY!!!  What exactly is in the prize pack you ask?

1 WINNER

1 Softlips CUBE lip moisturizer Berry Bliss

1 Softlips CUBE lip moisturizer Vanilla Bean

1 Clutch Purse with Zipper Chain Wristlet

1 Purse Mirror

Open To CANADA ONLY (sorry everywhere else) 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Fantasy Farms Wedding

Back in May I had the pleasure of working w/ a pastry chef named Kadie on her wedding at Fantasy Farms in Toronto. I've never actually done at wedding at Fantasy Farms before...it's a cool venue and "bridal suite" is definitely one of the more "interesting" places I've gotten a bride and her party ready.  It's full on 70s style in the suite which is weird and sort of cool all at the same time.  

For her wedding day Kadie wanted a really soft makeup look w/ a flushed cheek, soft nude pink lip and neutral soft smokey eye.  Kadie has some of the biggest and bluest eyes ever...seriously they make her look like a doll and once I put the false lashes on them the look was really complete!  For her hair, Kadie like many modern brides opted to not have a veil.  I did a really textured side bun and I worked her beautiful applique headband into the style.

I think one of the coolest things about Kadie's wedding is that she designed her own wedding cake (being a pastry chef I wouldn't expect less of course).  She didn't actually make the cake which I think was a good thing b/c let's be real regular brides have enough to worry about before their wedding day let alone making their own wedding cake!  Instead she hired Bobbette & Belle to bring her vision to life!

I think one of the sweetest things about this wedding was the really touching and thoughtful email Kadie sent after the wedding expressing her gratitude for the day...I know it's corny but I'm such a softy when it comes to that stuff lol!

Kadie and her younger sister - who I also did hair and makeup for!

Skindinavia - Great Products from Beginning To End!

A few mths back I heard about Skindinavia on a makeup artist forum.  Many artists were raving about their setting spray and w/ wedding season right there I thought why not give them a try!

Often times one of the biggest compliments I can get as an artist is when a bride comes back to me and says my makeup looked amazing even at the end of the night!  In fact some of my favourite pictures are the ones where I see the bride at the reception dancing it up looking as flawless and beautiful as she did 10 or 12 hrs earlier when I first applied the makeup.  Having the makeup last through the heat, tears and kisses of a wedding is also one of the biggest concerns for brides so having a good setting spray to give it that extra bit of hold is always a good thing.  I always tell brides - It's like hairspray for the face (except a lot less sticky) ;) and in fact sometimes I think just the idea of using a setting spray at the end of the makeup applications helps the bride feel more secure and confident that her makeup is going to last...and when I'm doing it it always does ;)

But Skindinavia doesn't just have a setting spray - they also have a Primer too!  Basically, they are hitting your face w/ their Temperature Control Technology in the beginning and end of the makeup application. For those that are wondering what exactly "Temperature Control Technology" is and how it works follow this link.

The benefits of this technology include:  Oil Control, Diminished Shine, Skin retains moisture longer, Keeps makeup fresh throughout the day and prevents colour loss.  Plus all of their products are formulated w/out Parabens and they are Hypoallergenic, Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Free, Breathable and Lightweight on the skin.  Pretty much every person I use the primer and setting spray on comments on how refreshing and nice the mist feels on their skin at the beginning and end of the makeup appt.

The Primer is their newest product and I should also mention it's silicone free which is a major bonus for a lot of people and I know personally I sometimes find silicone primers have too much slip or can ball up on the skin.  It also helps to minimize redness, uneven skin and large pores.

One of my favourite things about Skindinavia has got to be their Pro Program!  Not only do they often have awesome Deals and Makeup Artist Kits but if you are a Pro and sign up for their Pro program and email them after you've made your order they will DOUBLE your order for FREE - YES you read that correct!!! Even if you aren't a Pro you can take advantage of their Makeup Artist Kits and great shipping rates for both USA and Canada!  I love when companies don't charge an arm and a leg to ship to Canada - I've literally not ordered from some companies b/c their shipping was ridiculous!

Another great plus is the little travel size bottles of the setting spray and/or primer that come w/ the order. I'm all about condensing my kit so I just refill those little bottles from the big bottle!

So w/ all these great benefits and the hot weather upon us I definitely think Skindinavia is a company worth checking out!

Hart House Wedding

We are officially right in the thick of wedding season right now which is of course exciting and busy!  But this also means I'm starting to get some photos from brides from weddings in May!  As you all know there's pretty much nothing I love more than receiving photos from my brides after the wedding!  I'm always trying to update my wedding site and keep it current and fresh...and it's even surprising to me sometimes just how far my work has come in the past few seasons!

Back in May I got to work w/ Jasmine and her wonderful group of family and friends at Hart House which is located at the University of Toronto.  What's funny is the weekend before I actually had a wedding job there too!  It's a gorgeous location and I love doing weddings there not only b/c I love old historic building but also b/c it's literally walking distance from my apt. lol!  Love any job I can walk to and from ;)

I met Jasmine a few mths before her wedding when I did her makeup trial.  Originally I was only going to do makeup at the wedding but when we started discussing logistics w/ her traveling to and from her hair salon to the wedding venue we agreed it might be a bit of unnecessary stress so at another date we did a hair trial. I'm so glad I got to do both Jasmine's makeup and hair b/c I really loved the updo I created for her!  It's funny actually b/c there have been multiple occasions in the past couple of years where I've actually received more credit or praise for my hair work than makeup lol!  Who ever would have thought that would have happened!!

In fact after the wedding Jasmine's wedding coordinator Events by Bridal Solutions actually contacted me a couple of wks later about another client they had b/c they loved the hair work I did so much w/ Jasmine. Even funnier we realized once we were talking that we also shared another client already who's wedding was in June :)  Wedding business is always such a small world!

Here are some photos from Jasmine's wedding courtesy of  We Do Photography

Also thought I'd share the really kind words Jasmine wrote on Wedding Wire for me after the wedding :)

I had such a wonderful experience with Jessica and her team. In addition to doing my wedding hair and make-up, she also did my two bridesmaids and my mom. The fact that Jessica will travel to you is a HUGE advantage and saved so much time for the morning prep. I would also highly recommend doing a trial. At the trial, Jessica was able read through my nervousness (because I have very thin hair) and knew what hairstyle I actually wanted, but didn't think I could get and was able to do it. On the morning of the wedding, Jessica was on time, prepared and her easy going attitude helped calm any morning jitters. Overall, Jessica is professional and talented and my hair and make-up were absolutely perfect for my wedding and it lasted from 8 am to the wee hours of the morning the next day.

GIVEAWAY!!! FREE 60 min Facial at Saul's Beauty Shop - $100 Value

I'm hosting another giveaway and let me tell you I'm SO EXCITED about this one!  Why you ask? Well it's a really awesome prize!  I'm giving away 1 60 min facial at Saul's Beauty Shop in Toronto - Value $100.  Contest open to anyone in Toronto or GTA (if you're willing to come to Toronto for the facial) - open to Men & Women - Saul's is a gender neutral joint and they actually really really want the boys out there to start taking better care of their skin ;)

Never heard of Saul's?  Well that's probably b/c it's pretty new but can I just say it's also pretty awesome!  I personally had the pleasure of getting my own facial at Saul's last week and it was probably one of the best facials I've had..no lie!  The spot itself is located right on Dundas West near Bellwoods Ave.  It also has a totally different vibe than most spas too...almost like you're stepping into someone's cute apt...not sterile or all white...that's b/c owner Eliss wanted to create a warm and friendly environment that would appeal to both men and women...reg. spa goers as well as newbies.

Eliss has been in the aesthetics biz for years and funny enough I've actually had the pleasure of receiving her services before once or twice at Aroma Wellness Clinic.  Eliss even recognized me when I came in for my facial which was surprising b/c I'm sure she saw A LOT of ppl at Aroma so kinda nice that she remembered me even though we only met once or twice before.

What makes her place different from a lot of other spas out there is as I mentioned she's really trying to make an inviting gender neutral, unpretentious environment and in fact not only does she carry a wide range of shave products for the boys out there but she also has a conditioning mask for facial hair during the male facials...facial hair and the skin underneath it need love to you know ;)

She also only carries products that are SLS and petrochemical free...she even writes up about it here on her site.

Also...and this is probably the biggest one compared to most places I've received facials from before.  Her facials are booked in time increments instead of the type of facial.  Basically when you go in you speak to Eliss about your concerns, sensitivities and the things you want most out of a facial ie. mask, extractions, peels etc. and from there she customizes your facial based on your skin type, needs, concerns and the time increment you've paid for.

So why did I enjoy my facial so much you might be asking.  Well to start off I just really liked the vibe...I actually always liked Eliss the once or twice I had her at Aroma so I knew I was off to a good start there.  Unlike most spas she doesn't play typical waterfall or meditating music but instead it's more of an old school classic slow r&b & jazz sort of thing.  Plus using the Aromatherapy Associates spa line she customizes the masks based on what she thinks you need...maybe a bit extra oatmeal or guava etc.  I had the Rose face mask.  And this was probably the best part...during the facial a lot of times the esthetician will leave the room during the steam or mask but Eliss actually gave a hand massage, shoulder massage and finally a scalp massage all during the facial...definitely aided in my relaxation!

Eliss also offers waxing services and spray tans...I'm actually going back next week for a spray tan to get my healthy "Summer glow" on ;)  I'll be sure to tell you guys about that too!

So here's how to ENTER!  Please allow a few moments for the widget to open.  Open to Men & Women.  Toronto or GTA area ONLY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Phyt-Age Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Whenever I'm given any sort of skincare creams to use and review I really like to take some time and use them for awhile to see if they really work...I hate when I see bloggers writing about creams and serums that they've used once :P

I was sent Phyt-Age Anti-Wrinkle Cream several weeks ago and I've definitely had a chance to use it.  One thing I can definitely say is that it's a very thick cream and a little goes a long way so you definitely get your money's worth w/ it!  I've been using it for probably 6-8 wks and there's still well over half a jar and that's w/ use once or twice a day!

As I mentioned before it is a thicker cream which is great for older more mature skin which tends to be more dry and dehydrated (which the product is targeted at...it is anti-wrinkle after all).  When the skin is dry and dehydrated wrinkles are accentuated so hydrating the skin properly is definitely the first step to smoother, younger skin.

As someone w/ minimal wrinkles and oily skin I can say even though this cream is thicker I didn't feel like it was heavy on my skin or that it made it feel greasy in anyway...it absorbed nicely into my skin.  A little does go a long way though and if you put too much you'll have some trouble rubbing it in as it is rather thick...if that happens just take the excess and rub in down to your chest area...that needs moisture too ;)

The company definitely stands behind their product and they advertise it's a risk free 30 day trial...if you don't like it send it back for a full refund!  I like when a company stands behind their product like that.

I also like that Phyt-Age is formulated w/out sulfates, parabens, gluten, mineral oil, DEA, synthetic fragrance, PABA, synthetic colour, phthalates and propylene glycol.  I also know this is important to a lot of other people too as the trend seems to be finding products w/ these least amount of harmful chemicals or additives possible.

Phyt-Age also says that it's active ingredients that rival botox, brighten the skin, provide UV protection and promote collagen stimulation.  Like I said before I don't really have many wrinkles but I will say I have been getting a lot of compliments on my skin lately.  A lot of people have said it's glowing...I don't know if I owe all the results to this cream as I've definitely been eating healthier and living a more active lifestyle which also has a big impact...but the cream definitely isn't hurting the situation.

I really suggest people check out the website to learn more about the benefits and active ingredients in Phyt-Age cream.

A Look Back At Some Of My Winter Weddings!

As Spring is FINALLY here and I'm officially full force into wedding season I thought it might be fun to share w/ you all a collection of some of my weddings from the Winter mths.  People who aren't in the business always find it surprising how many weddings I actually do during the "off season".  Of course it's not as busy as the Summer mths but I do still average about 3 weddings a mth even in the "off season".

So here's a collection of a few weddings and brides I had the pleasure of working w/ during these colder months!

Noeline

I did this wedding right in the beginning of Nov.  In fact it was suppose to be a sort of Gothic/Halloween type theme without it being "too Halloween" or "tacky".  The bride made the hair fascinators and bouquets herself!  I loved the old hollywood glam look we created which I thought was perfect not only for her personality but also the complete look of the day! 

Chelsea

Chelsea actually got married the day after Noeline.  Definitely a change in style but that's what I love about my job...getting to work w/ so many different people and different ideas for what they want on their wedding day!  Chelsea had very long, straight hair so I was very happy to see how well the curls held for the side pony style!

Photographer Joanna Balcerak

Rebecca

Like Chelsea, Rebecca had very heavy, long, straight hair and one of the big concerns and worries with a Winter wedding is the wind and cold ruining the hair (unlike the Summer when the big concern is the heat and humidity).  I remember it was definitely a chilly, windy day in Dec. so I was so happy to see how well her hair held up and I love the added volume through the top that we decided on the day which I think made it a bit more dramatic and bridal!

Anna

Anna and her husband Mark live in Japan (where they met) and were actually already married over there.  They decided to do another wedding here for all the guests from Mark's family that couldn't make it to the Japanese wedding.  They got married on New Year's Eve...I wonder which wedding they count as their "anniversary" lol!  One of the biggest compliments I got was when Mark emailed me after the wedding to tell me how thrilled Anna (and her mother) were w/ the hair and makeup and they never thought they could find someone here in Canada (and I'm sure not a white girl lol) that could do an updo w/ the Japanese aesthetic and style in mind (b/c it definitely is different than a lot of Canadian styles).  

Photographer Jessica Li

Carol

Carol is another example of the "typical" Jessica Jean Myers bridal client - clean, fresh and pretty!  She wanted an updo that was sort of like smooth ribbons to show off the beautiful back of her dress.  She got married in January and believe it or not my company actually had 2 weddings on this day!

Photographer Tara McMullen

Kyla

Kyla got married on a Sunday on the long weekend in February.  She's actually American so her and her then fiance wanted a weekend that was holiday weekend for both countries for all the guests coming in.  It was a traditional Jewish wedding so it had to be held on a Sunday.  Kyla has a very girly aesthetic and I love the soft pink smokey eye I did and those lashes just look amazing on her.  It was such a fun and relaxing afternoon w/ both her and her mother.

Can't wait to see all the beautiful pics from all my brides this upcoming season!  It's going to be another busy one!