Sunday, August 30, 2009

Good Vibrations














Since the launch of Oscillation, Lancome has seen an even greater jump in popularity with its mascara's. As the #1 in mascara sales in the world, they just keep knocking everyone else out of the ball park.
Lancome's Oscillation Power Booster is the newest vibrating mascara primer from the geniuses at Lancome. The vibrating primer enhances the look of lash thickness, density and length so that naturally occurring lash growth is more visible/noticeable. Power booster has a flexible wand. It works the same way as Oscillation. You place the wand at the base of your lashes, push the button to start the vibration and draw out. You don't need multiple coats of the primer, it deposits all the product with just one sweep of the lashes. It can be paired with your favorite mascara from any line. Though, if you know what's good for your lashes, stick with Lancome's many mascara's. Your eyes will thank you.

You can pick up Oscillation Power Booster at any Bay, Sears, Holt Renfrew, Shopper's Drug Mart, London Drugs or Sephora for $39.


Question of the Day

I am in desperate need of some make-up advice. My skin is horrible and now that the end of summer is here and I will be going for job interviews and hopefully working soon, I need to do something to make myself look a little less hideous. What should I use to help cover up the redness and blemishes? I have a Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and powder and I find that right after I use it, my face looks more even and presentable, but it doesn't last. I will try basically anything at this point.

I would suggest that you try a primer, they help with keeping the makeup on a lot longer as well, Laura mercier's primer is actually fantastic as is Benefit's That Gal. Benefit's primer is skin brightening but I would say if you are already using a LM tint and powder, try the primer. 
Also, sometimes only using a tinted moisturizer won't give you the proper amount of coverage as it is much lighter than a foundation and all it does is even out the skin tone. What I would suggest is getting a concealer and using that to help cover the redness and/or blemishes. If you start out with a bit of tinted moisturizer and then use the concealer on top of your tint it will give you a flawless and well-evened out look. Also the best way to apply your powder to ensure that your makeup will stay on is to pat it on rather than swirl it on. Using a bit of force with a less amount of powder will actually aid in better staying power than using more powder in a swirling motion.

Thanks Oz,  Any tips on applying the primer to make it hold the makeup better?

The best way to apply primer is to apply it after your moisturizer has set and also allow it time to set before you apply your tint. Just apply all over the face as you would your tint, using a brush if you have one or fingers, dont use a sponge as it will soak up a lot of it and it'll go to waste. If you dont have a foundation brush, you can get a good one for an affordable price at Shopper's Drug Mart, QUO. try that out and let me know how it goes.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Question of the Day

I get little pimples on the back of my thighs. What causes this? How can I prevent them from appearing?

The little bumps are most likely hyperkeratinization, which is extremely normal. It can happen almost anywhere on your body: back of thighs, back of arms, on your back. The best way to diminish the appearance is to exfoliate regularly and to moisturize with a heavy cream. Meaning, do not use a lotion. The exfoliation will aid in sloughing away the dead skin cells and allows the newer, fresher skin to show. Using a heavier body cream will help keep the skin's hydration levels where they need to be to prevent your skin from drying out. Shaving can also play a role in causing these little bumps. While they may not develop into in-grown hairs, the hair follicle is wide open and this allows the bacteria/dirt to enter thus causing more little white bumps. Again, exfoliation is your best bet.

What I suggest is to exfoliate your skin 3 times a week. You don't want to over exfoliate as that can dry your skin out but just enough to keep the smoothness intact. Moisturize after every exfoliation/shower. Here is another little trick of mine. After I am done my showering/shaving/exfoliating, I always stand under the shower tap for 1 min with only cold water. It helps to close off any open pores as well!

You can't go wrong using these:

Sephora's Sephora Body Sugar Scrub

Bliss's FatGirl Scrub

Kiehl's Creme du Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Scrub

Kiehl's Creme du Corps Body Lotion

Philosophy's Amazing Grace Body Emulsion

The above products can be found at:

Kiehl's

Sephora

And to help you buff away, you can use a loofah, which can be purchased from any drugstore. However, I suggest you buy cheap ones but it bulk. It is best if you throw away your loofah after 1 month of usage. Or you can use the loofah gloves. They have a rougher texture to them and can be used both wet and dry.

Try it out and you'll start seeing the differences right away!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Just Stunning

I came across an article in (my bible)  Harper's Bazaar called " Supermodels without Makeup" photographed by photography great Peter Lindberg.  

I just had to share it with you....enjoy

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Skindinavia


THIS IS AWESOME

I was contacted by a representative of Skindinavia to try out their Makeup Finishing Spray. IT.IS.FANTASTIC!!
I first tried it out on a photoshoot a girlfriend of mine was having in Vancouver, BC. There were 7 of us total and it was a SCORCHING hot day. Im thinking to myself, "there is no way this makeup is going to stay on in this weather." I was WRONG. It kept the makeup intact for the whole length of the shoot. I was impressed, however, I thought to myself, "the shoot was only 2 hours, can it handle keeping makeup on for longer?"

I recently moved out to Toronto. If you know anything about Toronto, you'll know that in the summer, the humidity is INSANE. So I thought to myself, why not do myself up and go out during the day and see how the finishing spray works. I've got to tell you, I am VERY VERY impressed with this product. My makeup stayed on for 7 hours! 7!!! I came home looking the same way I did when I left and let me tell you something, Oz and heat, we DO NOT get along. Makeup rarely stays on my face, even the 'long wear','waterproof' makeup that some companies claim to have.
The beauty of this product is, it is perfect for all skin types. Two of my girlfriends have very sensitive skin and react easily to products. They showed no reaction at all. It has a highly breathable formula so it feels like there is nothing extra on your skin. You can re-apply the spray multiple times during the day and it doesn't affect your makeup at all. This spray is a must have in any makeup artist's kit. Especially if you do bridal makeup in the summer months. I highly recommend you try The Makeup Finishing Spray.
You can read up more about Skindinavia's technology and the rest of their line of mists here: Skindinavia.

I can't wait to try the rest of the line!!

You should....Check this out!!!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Passion

In my close circle of friends, I am one of the only who works in a artistic field. And I like it. I like being the one all my friends ask for advice on products, purchases, trends, everything and anything to do with makeup and skin care. I enjoy being the one who takes them shopping and introduces them to products they have never heard of or tried before. I even like being a know-it-all. To be able to share my passion and love of all things makeup is ...beautiful.

Do you remember, when you were little, playing in your mom's closet, dressing up in her clothes, trying on her makeup and using too much hairspray? The joy you felt, feeling so grown up, trying something you had never tried before, experimenting with a product not knowing the result? And then showing off to your mom, aunts, friends how pretty you looked in your coral cheeks, blue eyeshadow and red lips. If you remember that feeling, you will understand my love.

Makeup is about experimenting, about creating, trying new things and not being afraid. Trust your instincts. Enjoy, play, have fun, don't fear trying a pink lipstick you may never have thought about or lining your eyes with a turquoise liner. Trends always start somewhere and often start with those who are fearless. Don't be afraid. Worst case scenario, you wash it off and start all over. After all, its JUST makeup ;-)

Fall's Beckoning




Every season we often see similar makeup trends on the runways. Dewy skin, bronze glow, matte skin, the list goes on and on. Come Fall, we often always see stronger makeup looks. Two of my favorite are smokey eyes and red lips. The brave will wear both. The fashion savvy will wear wear only one while paring it with a neutral. Either a strong eye and soft lips or bold lips and soft eyes. I dare you to try them all.

Re-Location



Ive recently moved to Toronto, which has delayed many, many, MANY blog entries. I am still familiarizing myself with what I consider Canada's version of NYC. Its very fast-paced, go, go, go all the time and for a laid-back vancourite, it'll take some getting used to.

That being said, if you or anyone you know would like a product review or are interested in advertising on my page, drop me a line.
Again, shameless self-promotion :D
www.ozzandiyeh.com
Check it out :D

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Forgive me

It has been a LONG TIME since my last blog entry and I apologize. Things have been chaotic the last little while but fear not!! I will be blogging again tres soon!!

Coming soon----PRODUCTS REVIEWS!!!

XXOO
moi