Listen to Lena

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Holiday Beauty Fest

Holiday Beauty Fest!

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I’m making a list… and checking it twice… to profile some of the hottest beauty and cosmetics companies this December! It’s Lena’s Holiday Beauty Fest!

This month, tune in for features (and giveaways!) for a few of my go-to holiday products – I’ve been dabbling in pots of shimmer, tubes of gloss, swatching colours galore… and because I love to share, I’m inviting you all to join in the festivities!

And it’s a Holiday Gift Guide with a twist – I’ll be drawing for all winners after Christmas, on December 31st. Why? Because I don’t want the giving to end! You’ll have something to look forward to even after all the presents are unwrapped – think of it as Santa 2.0!

So check back today… and for the next two weeks… for some holly jolly beauty! First up – it’s The Body Shop Canada, of course!

Holiday Beauty #1 – The Body Shop

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It’s time to kick off the Holiday Beauty Fest! Let’s begin with a company who embodies the very essence of gift giving – The Body Shop!

The Body Shop products are a no-brainer for everyone on your list this year. From bath products to makeup, home fragrance and more, you could literally shop for every single person – and get a few stocking stuffers to boot! TBS boutiques are just brimming with gorgeous gift ideas to suit everyone and every pocket. Even better – “Every time you purchase one of the stripe gift bags or boxes, 50% of the sale price from the purchase will be donated to the Somaly Mam Foundation, which is actively working to stop the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children and young people around the world.”

I’ve made my love affair with the products quite clear over the years, and I’m happy to have had the opportunity to review their Holiday 2010 line this season.

Two words: BUY EVERYTHING.

With so many fabulous products that I’m just dying to chat about, I’ll be separating my review into two parts: Bath/Body and Makeup. Lucky you – that means TWO chances to win!

Let’s begin with their oh-so-luxurious bath and body products…because everyone deserves to be pampered at Christmas.

Lena Loves:

Jolly Orange Bath & Shower Gel
From the moment I tried this shower gel I loved it – and so did my husband. And no wonder; it has a faintly masculine scent, layered with bursts of fresh citrus and sweet honey. The shower gel is the perfect pick-me-up on winter mornings and I was blown away with how long the fragrance lingered on my skin: hours. The addition of orange seed oil went a long way to moisturize and protect.

Jolly Orange Body Scrub
Fresh, invigorating and with just the right amount of exfoliation, this is the first scrub in a long time I can truly say I enjoyed. Opening the tub is like cracking open a jar of orange marmalade; you’re greeted with a burst of citrus goodness. The scrub does its job without irritating the skin, and once again leaves a lingering fragrance that brings about visions of Christmas morning.

Cranberry Joy Shimmer Body Lotion
You can’t help but get noticed with this luscious body lotion. It’s light, moisturizing and leaves a subtle shimmer on the skin in addition to enveloping you in a festive fruity fragrance (think more musk and less berry). The pampering formulation contains cranberry seed oil, shea butter and sesame seed oil (all Community Trade of course). It goes on super smooth and sheer – I love it as an all-over lotion, especially around the clavicle.

Spiced Vanilla Body Butter
A newbie to the famous body butter lineup, the scent is enough to make you drool. Mostly sweet with a hint of spice, the cream is thick and absorbs deep into the skin for non-stop moisture. And for those participants in the Vanilla Perfume Challenge – everything about this rich, warm, indulgent scent will knock his socks off!

Since I’m a lip balm junkie (over 60 and counting) it didn’t take much to sell me on this little number – smooth, supple and just the right amount of fragrance, my pucker was smooch-ready and resisted chapping during wear.

You can also make pampering a holiday tradition with any of The Body Shop’s gift sets – with an extensive selection featuring their most popular product lines, you’re sure to find an enviable present for that someone special. My pick? The Born Lippy Fruity Lip Balms of course! Quite possibly the perfect stocking stuffer; a colourful collection of moisturizing lip balms in a range of juicy, fruity flavours ($15). Not a balm lover? Check out all their stocking stuffer picks under $20.

BUY IT!

The Body Shop currently has some fabulous promotions on body butters, scrubs, shower gels, lotions and more! Grab ’em and make a dent in your holiday shopping list.

WIN IT!

The Body Shop has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a Holiday Bath & Body set, featuring Cranberry Joy and Spiced Vanilla (value $100)!

To enter, simply visit their online shop and leave a comment here, telling us about your favourite new product and why.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” The Body Shop Canada on Facebook
(4) Follow The Body Shop Canada on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/2c7nej6)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Holiday Beauty #2 – Sephora

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The Holiday Beauty Fest continues with a little beauty shop you may have heard of… Sephora!

Christmas came early for me this year when I received an enviable haul of Sephora goodies. I’ve been swatching and sampling all week, and can’t wait to tell you all about them! In fact, there was just so much goodness, I’ll be separating the products into THREE (3) giveaways – lucky you!

Fun Fact: Sephora was founded in 1993 in France by Dominique Mandonnaud, who fashioned the store’s unique name by blending the Biblical name of Zipporah (Moses’ exceptionally beautiful wife) with the ancient Greek term for “pretty,” sephos.

First up – see that little bag at the top? It’s actually not a bag; it’s a box. And inside, you’ll find a euphoric climax of colour – by way of 98 original, iridescent effect eyeshadows, 70 shiny lip glosses, 6 cream eyeliners, 2 lip liners, 3 eyeliners, one mascara and 4 applicators. Ladies, I present to you the Endless Color Blockbuster.

(I took the above picture when I first opened the kit – then proceeded to dance for joy.)

A $565 CDN value for just $62 CDN, this limited-edition palette lets you create virtually any look. It’s perfect for those who don’t like the clutter of pots and tubes of makeup but still enjoy variety and punches of colour. Or, perhaps it’s the kit you keep at your boyfriend’s/ parent’s/ office/ gym locker, so that you’ve got makeup at your fingertips in a sleek, portable format (the case is only 5.75 x 5.75″ closed).

A quick dry swatch of some eyeshadows yielded bright, vibrant coverage with colours that applied smoothly. The lip gloss pots were like dipping into candy – such an array of shades and finishes.  And the addition of colour eye pencils, cream shadows and bronzer is a nice touch; it completes the palette and truly makes it an all-in-one.

Got a few mascara junkies on your list? Well then RUN – don’t walk – to grab Sephora’s LashStash Mascara Deluxe Sampler. For just $50 CDN, you can grab 10 of Sephora’s most sought-after mascaras from the hottest-selling brands.

The set contains:
Too Faced LashLight Mascara in Black (full size)
Josie Maran GOGO Natural Volume Mascara in Pitch Black
Tarte MultiplEYE Clinically-Proven Lash Enhancing Mascara in Black
Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara in Black
Blinc Kiss Me Mascara in Black
Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Mascara in Black
Buxom Lash Mascara in Blackest Black
Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara in Black
Sephora Collection Advanced Lash Booster in Black
Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara in Onyx
Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler

It’s a little more than I’d usually spend for a stocking stuffer, but with enough mascara to conceivably last the entire year, it’s too good to pass up! Buy! Buy! Buy!

Mascara not your thing? That’s okay – you can give your pucker some pizazz with Sephora’s Give Me Some Lip. Just $40 CDN for a lip-smacking holiday set packed with 10 of Sephora’s go-to glosses.

The set contains:
Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Tease
Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Sex Pot
Sephora Collection Super Shimmer in Pink Ballerina
Sephora Collection Super Shimmer in Rusted Rose
Tarte Vitamin-Infused Lipgloss in 40 Winks
Cover FX Mint Glaze Lip Gloss
Lorac Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in Cliché
Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Radiant
Tarte Rise & Shine Lip Gloss and Stain in Cherry

Buxom Lips in Roxanne

Love, Love, LOVE this! I giggled with delight when I saw the Lorac Lip Gloss in Cliché – it’s quite possibly the hottest pink ever, and one that has long been on my “must try” list. It pairs perfectly with winter white for a snow princess effect, and brings colour to otherwise sallow winter complexions. I fully intend on rocking this look with a white wool coat and beret. Magnifique!

BUY IT!

All of these limited edition gift sets are available online or in-store – but hurry, they won’t be around for much longer. Make it a beautiful Christmas for a special gal!

WIN IT!

One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win a $100 Sephora Gift Card! To enter, simply visit the site and check out the beauty value sets. Then leave a comment here, telling us which one is your favourite.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” Sephora on Facebook
(4) Follow Sephora on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/2cmwqvm)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Holiday Beauty #3 – Too Faced/Urban Decay

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The Holiday Beauty Fest rolls on…

Sometimes you feel like a fairy princess; sweet, serene and filled with light. Other times you feel like a rock star; dark, moody and sensual.

Sephora has you covered this holiday season with two amazing limited edition palettes: Too Faced’s Enchanted Glamourland and Urban Decay’s The Black Palette.

Enchanted Fairyland is an exclusive super set of Too Faced favorites for the eyes, lips, and cheeks, including festive, limited-edition shades for the holidays. The collection includes 15 high-pigment shadows, an anti-crease shadow primer, and beautiful shades of gloss, blush, and bronzer to create a range of versatile looks fit for a fairy princess.

In addition to the shadows (In The Buff, Exclusive Nude, George & Weezie, Velvet Revolver, Honey Pot, Teddy Bear, Exclusive Purple, Boy Toy, Peach Fuzz, Exclusive Green, Label Whore, Glamazon, Exclusive Plum, Ooh & Aah, and Stiletto) the set contains a Shadow Insurance primer, Glamour Gloss in Pillow Talk (the perfect neutral pink), La Vie en Rose Blush and Snow Bunny Bronze.

I must admit that at this time, I’ve swatched the palette only sparingly. Not because I don’t think the product is fabulous, or because I have no interest in the award winning anti-crease shadow primer. It’s because the palette is too darn pretty! It’s one of those things you want to open and just look at, and at $49 CDN for over $150 CDN worth of makeup, it’s the perfect present for a glamour gal on your holiday list.

But sometimes you don’t feel all sweet and sugary…

The Black Palette by Urban Decay allows even the meekest in the karaoke bar to discover her inner rocker. Conjure up your dark side with six black-based shadows, allowing you to create unlimited smokey-eye combinations that boost your sex kitten status.

This provocative palette includes deluxe minis plus an Eden Eyeshadow Primer Potion and a 24/7 Glide- On Eye Pencil in Zero (one of the world’s most famous chart-topping pencils),…ensuring perfect performance every time.

Shadows included: Black Dog (richest matte black), Barracuda (black with silver sparkly shift), Jet (black with purple sparkly shift), Sabbath (black with blue sparkly shift), Cobra (black with golden sparkly shift) and Libertine (black with emerald sparkly shift). For just $43 CDN, I’d say it’s easier than ever to rock out.

BUY IT!

Both limited edition palettes are available online and in-store for – you guessed it – a limited time.

WIN IT!

One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win Urban Decay’s The Black Palette (value $43). To enter, simply visit Urban Decay on Sephora.com and leave a comment here, telling us your favourite Urban Decay product, or which product you’d like to try.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” Sephora on Facebook
(4) Follow Sephora on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/24csfbb)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Holiday Beauty #4 – Bare Escentuals and Tarina Tarantino

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Let’s keep the Holiday Beauty Fest going! And if there’s one makeup look to keep mind this season, trust me ladies, it’s all about the shimmer and shine.

No one does it better than Bare Escentuals: with their limited edition bareMinerals Shimmer & Shine Collection ($68 CDN), show off your sweet or sexy side with an exclusive 10-piece collection chock-full of fabulous shades that glisten and gleam for a gorgeously modern look.

“The collection for eyes, cheeks, and lips contains two illuminating looks: Shimmer and Shine. Shimmer is full of light-reflective shades that set off brilliant sparkle for your eyes, cheeks, and lips. Shine offers that sexy, runway model sheen created with mega-watt High-Shine Eyecolors.”

The kit contains:
– Eyecolor in Shimmer (frosted cappuccino), Flicker (burnished violet), High Shine Gold Medal (pale gold), and High Shine Vapor (graphite)
– Big & Bright Eyeliner in Intense Black
– All-Over Face Color (sheer translucent glow)
– Pink Petal Blush (bright poppy pink)
– 100% Natural Lipgloss in With a Twist (tulip pink)
– 100% Natural Lipgloss in Sprinkles (diamond shimmer)
– Full Tapered Blush & Eye Brush
– Booklet featuring instructions for Shimmer and Shine looks

LOVE these shades. They’re perfect for any complexion! You can adjust the amount of sparkle in your application – barely there or shimmerlicious. When I first saw the Pink Petal blush I was disappointed – thinking it would look too bubble gum on my olive skin. But I was wrong! It’s actually the perfect, sweet baby pink and works amazingly well with the rest of the kit to give you a fabulous holiday glow.

Now of course, there’s a different kind of shine – the one that comes from bling. And what better way to stash your bling than the limited edition Tarina Tarantino Jewel Box Palette.

A $299 value for just $49 CDN, “this limited-edition collection brings together eyeshadows, mascara, lip gloss, and a primer in a high quality silver jewelry box decorated in true Tarina fashion—it integrates skulls, flowers, and bows like only she can. The chest opens to reveal an oval makeup mirror. Its removable top tier holds the included makeup. Lift it out to uncover a hidden velvet-lined compartment for storing jewelry.“

The set contains:
– 12 Eye Dream Hypershadows in Buckle, Brooch, Beaded, Toggle, Sequin, Suede, Ribbon, Butterfly Black, Headband, Facet, Petit Chapeau, Chain, Bright Owl, Baby Sparkle, Violette, Cinematic
– Mini Pearl Glow Primer
– Gem Gloss in Ruby Headphones
– Fleur de Lash Mascara in Black Opal

HOT! I have to admit I’m in love with the deeply pigmented shadows, and Tarina’s Pearl Glow Eye Primer is a MUST have to set off your holiday looks. The primer is infused with mica which helps create its iridescence, and makes it a terrific base for eye makeup while adding just a hint of sparkle. It can be worn alone to give eyes a subtle shimmer, or under any eye color to create a brighter, sparkling undertone.

Of course, you simply can’t beat the fact that it’s two gifts in one – the velvet-lined jewelry compartment hints at luxury, and the jewel box will be used long after the makeup has been enjoyed. At under $50, I would have to make this an honourable mention for the Stocking Stuffer Series :)

BUY IT!

Both limited edition palettes are available online and in-store for – you guessed it – a limited time.

WIN IT!

One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win a Tarina Tarantino Jewel Box Palette and Pearl Glow Eye Primer (value $64). To enter, simply visit Tarina Tarantino on Sephora.com and leave a comment here, telling us your favourite Tarina Tarantino product, or which product you’d like to try.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” Sephora on Facebook
(4) Follow Sephora on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/2vcfvsk)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Holiday Beauty #5 – The Body Shop

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Get ready to get noticed.

This season at The Body Shop, experience the JOY of Makeup. With an enviable lineup of beauty products – everything from subtle shimmer to intense shine – you’re bound to get your gorgeous on.

I was fortunate to receive the hottest holiday shades to enjoy – with unique packaging, state-of-the art colour processing and sweet, dewy finishes… I’m so excited to share these fabulous products with you!

I couldn’t be more pleased to introduce The Body Shop’s collection of Baked-to-Last Colours, innovative eye duos and blushers hand-baked on terracotta discs for intense colour, incredible depth, rich coverage and long-lasting staying power.

“Each product is unique with freshly milled powders, pure pigments and gorgeous shimmers, slow baked to perfection for 24-hours. The pearls and pigments are bound together to create a smooth sheen of colour. The Baked-to-Last craftsmanship is outstanding, made in Italy and baked in small batches.”

Yes please! I could not get over the vibrancy of the eye colour – these shadows are definitely not for the shy girls. Due to the tightly packed shimmer, do yourself a favour and use a damp brush to apply; otherwise, I found that I had way too much flake-off under the eye. Of course, going wet means a serious punch of colour,  but if you’ve got the occasion and the confidence, it’s a serious beauty pay off.

(Due to their high sparkle and shine, the next few products didn’t photograph very well with my little Canon SD1100, so I’ll be using stock photos.)

Next, I indulged in one of The Body Shop’s most innovative beauty products in a long time – the very glamorous “The Sparkler“. Resembling a boudoir perfume atomizer, this gorgeous little number releases a light-diffusing, fine shimmery powder to highlight the face, body and hair. And it’s scented! A light, floral fragrance topped off a burst of long lasting shimmer. It is THE illuminator you’ll want to have on hand if you’re club hopping this holiday season.

To complement your iridescence, check out the new Love Gloss in Twinkling Pink!

I also had tons of fun with Star Dust. The description on the website states: “Add sparkle to the face or décolletage with a little pot of glitter.” Which is true… if you’re 16 years old. To vamp it up, I’d suggest mixing it with your favourite black liquid liner for a va-va-va-very Merry Christmas sparkle. Star Dust is available in Gold and Pink – and is definitely a must have for (especially creative) makeup junkies.

Create your signature look with The Body Shop! This Christmas, I’ll certainly be adding a little shimmer and shine courtesy of their fabulous holiday makeup.

BUY IT!

Check out The Body Shop’s Holiday 2010 beauty products, available for a limited time!

WIN IT!

The Body Shop has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a Holiday Makeup Gift Set (value $100)!

To enter, simply visit their online makeup shop and leave a comment here, telling us about your favourite product and why.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” The Body Shop Canada on Facebook
(4) Follow The Body Shop Canada on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/3y54ocq)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Holiday Beauty #6 – CARGO Cosmetics

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The Holiday Beauty Fest continues… with a beloved Canadian cosmetics fave!

It’s CARGO Cosmetics of course! A long time cult-favourite thanks to their signature oversized metal tins of lip gloss (love!), CARGO is a multi award winner with such pedestal-worthy products as their blu-ray Collection, PlantLove Lipsticks, Lip Glosses and more.

I am so excited to feature this brand which offers innovative, best selling products for girls on the go – after all, a girl’s makeup is her CARGO!

The company recently launched CARGO blu-ray cosmetics; a revolutionary line created specifically for high-definition filming which provides up-close coverage, yet looks completely natural. In other words, get ready to achieve flawless results! The collection offers face, cheek and eye products, in addition to a pore refining, line minimizing High Definition Mattifier.

I was fortunate to receive a few fabulous products for review, including their famous Lip Gloss Duo and Essential Eye Shadow Palette.

What can I say about the Lip Gloss Duo? Other than it just happens to be a favorite of beauty editor’s the world over. The glosses are sheer with a hint of colour, and there’s just something about the consistency that has me wanting to keep one everywhere (vanity, purse, car, you get it). Pictured left is Bella Bella, which includes a peachy, sheer gloss and its nemesis – a vampy, tart fuchsia. Never sticky and formulated to last, the duos boast 21 different combinations packed with rosemary extract and vitamin E.

Pictured left is The Essential Eye Shadow Palette in “Smoky”, which contains everything you need for a seriously sexy eye, including basic instructions on where to apply the shadows (each of the four shades is embossed with its function/use – Browbone, Lid, Crease, Outer Corner – to make the application process a breeze). The four shades are gradations of each other; ranging from light to dark, with a combination of matte and satin finishes.

The eyeshadow stays put. No flaking, flawless application and wonderful blending capabilities, I only need the perfect excuse to rock a come-hither eye, and have a few holiday parties lined up for just that purpose. The palette is also available in warm, cool and dark combinations.

If you’re a celebrity enthusiast like me, you’ll appreciate their PlantLove Lipsticks for two reasons: first, they’re a 100% natural lipstick, with a tube made entirely from corn! PlantLove lipsticks are certified by ECOCERT for being environmentally friendly in product, packaging, and process, and $2 from every celeb-designed lipstick goes to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

And there’s the second reason – celebs galore! Such famous gals like Angie Harmon, Denise Richards, Courteney Cox, Whitney Port and La Lindsay have all designed lip colours for the PlantLove line.

BUY IT!

CARGO Cosmetics can be found at select Sears and The Bay locations, and online at Ulta.com.

WIN IT!

CARGO Cosmetics has generously offered FIVE (5) Listen to Lena! readers the chance to win a Lip Gloss Duo in Bella Bella and an Essential Eye Shadow Palette in Smoky – both pictured above! (Value $54)

To enter, simply visit CARGO Cosmetics and then leave a comment here, naming your three (3) favourite products.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” CARGO Cosmetics on Facebook
(4) Follow CARGO Cosmetics on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/29k4ogx)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Holiday Beauty #7 – Vasanti Cosmetics

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Are you feeling all FEST-ive? I sure hope so – and I just know you’ll love our latest participant (and another fabulous Canadian company)… Vasanti Cosmetics!

I first heard about Vasanti Cosmetics through – believe it or not – my husband. Early in our relationship, I was chatting about makeup and trying to coax him into stopping by the mall so I could pick up a concealer.

“You should try Vasanti,” he suggested wisely.
“Huh?” I said.
“I saw them in a little booth at Fairview Mall. There were three pretty girls and they were selling makeup aimed at a variety of skin tones and pigments.”

Okaaay. (It was then I knew, without a doubt, that I was dating a metrosexual.) Some time later, I checked out the line at a local Shoppers Drug Mart and had to concur; the products were fabulous.

“Made in Canada, and founded by three Canadian women, Vasanti recognizes that women have different needs when it comes to their makeup and have embraced an attitude of inclusivity in developing light-weight, easy-to-use products for all women. From highly pigmented shades to sheer washes of colour, from porcelain foundation to rich warm hues, our colours and formulas beautifully suit all skin types and tones. Vasanti Cosmetics aims to encourage women to celebrate and enhance their natural beauty.”

An innovative addition to their lineup is EYE WONDER, a triple action peptide eye cream for dark circles, wrinkles and puffiness. Watch this:

I can’t wait to put this product to the test – dark circles caused by weeks of being up all night with a teething baby will surely be a worthy opponent!

You’ll love their Ultra Luxe Lipsticks – playfully named to represent countries around the world, the luxe lip colours are formulated to plump, hydrate and smooth with the latest in peptide technology. The addition of mango seed and pomegranate oil helps keep your lips feeling pretty spectacular, too. Vasanti generously sent me a selection of products to indulge in, including Denmark, a deep cranberry magenta. It’s so me; the perfect blend of pink and crimson. Now if you’re looking for a sensual nude pink to pair with smoky party eyes, do check out Sweden; and, for the essential holiday red, look no further than USA  from their line of Soft Finish Matte Lipsticks.

Perhaps one of Vasanti’s most famous products is their Liquid Cover Up Oil-Free Foundation and Concealer – incredible coverage, featherlight finish and radiant glow in a one-of-a-kind liquid foundation. Providing coverage only where you need it for the most natural looking finish, the advanced formulation blends into skin without a trace. Evens out skintone while disguising undereye circles and camouflaging blemishes, a concealer and foundation in one!

I love that the product is a true hybrid; it applies like a concealer with the coverage of a foundation. You can adjust your coverage and build the product up around the eye area and to cover spots, all while keeping your skin looking bright and hydrated. If you require a lighter coverage, try Vasanti’s Face Base Oil-Free Powder Foundation; formulated with mineral pigments, the light-weight, oil-free formula brightens and moisturizes to give you a radiant glow.

Finally, go long with perhaps the most proven mascara on the market – the coveted Conditioning Long Lash Mascara. It took Vasanti one year in development to get it right – and they did – with a best-selling mascara which is guaranteed to beautify your lashes; lengthening and thickening from root to tip without clumping or flaking. I’ve purchased this mascara twice in the past year; it’s a deep, true black that opens your eyes, and I can certainly vouch for its lengthening abilities. The brush is just full enough to search out every lash without clumping at the base of lashes. And most impressive, it wears all day long without the faintest smudge or flake.

Want to see Vasanti Cosmetics in action? View company videos here.

Vasanti is currently holding a pretty sweet Facebook contest: Contestants can post a pic on the Vasanti Facebook wall and either let the company know what Vasanti products you are wearing or what Vasanti product you would like to try. Then invite your friends to join the Facebook page and vote by commenting on your pic. The Prize? A chance to win 1 of 2 $100 prize packs in which the winner will get the chance to pick items of their choice!

BUY IT!

Vasanti Cosmetics offers online shopping, and their products can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall/ Pharma Plus locations across Canada.

WIN IT!

Vasanti has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a holiday prize pack, including EYE WONDER, Long Lash Mascara, winner’s choice of Liquid Cover-Up, winner’s choice of Face Base Powder Foundation and winner’s choice of Lipstick (value $120)!

To enter, simply visit Vasanti Cosmetics and choose three (3) products you’d love to see under your tree this Christmas, then leave a comment here telling us what they are.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” Vasanti Cosmetics on Facebook
(4) Follow Vasanti Cosmetics on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/2d9onkw)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Holiday Beauty #8 – Balmshell

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It’s another fabulous Canadian addition to the Holiday Beauty Fest – Balmshell!

I first became obsessed with Balmshell lip glosses when I read about one of the company’s proudest moments, courtesy of an interview by Anjali of Rock That Look. Having enjoyed their “Shopaholic” lip gloss for some time, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the creators followed their passion and entrepreneurial instinct to create and market the perfect lip gloss.

And that it is! High shine, super moisturizing and never sticky, the gloss feels more like a balm than lip colour. It is quite frankly the only gloss I own that improves the look and feel of my lips the more I wear it.

“Balmshell’s high-end conditioning formula contains lanolin oil, jojoba oil and no artificial preservatives. Perfume-free, Balmshell is slightly flavored with a hint of natural fruity vanilla. This unique formula creates a smooth high gloss finish to enhance and give the appearance of full supple lips.

Each shade is packaged in a unique tube that contains a floating illustration. Each illustration has a cute story line that can relate to every woman. When you are finished with the gloss you can unscrew the illustration and attach it to a complimentary keychain component allowing you to keep the artwork.” 

LOVE it – two insanely hot products in one!

As mentioned, my go-to gloss has always been Shopaholic (surprise, surprise!) – even before I realized that with my tanned complexion and quick smoky eyes, I’ve got the perfect Snooki style a la Jersey Shore. A less heavy application yields prom princess results – the essential pretty look for everyday wear. The lip gloss pairs wonderfully with all complexions, and is my preferred stocking stuffer this season!

When Baby Reid made his appearance back in May, the Balmshell gals generously sent me a Yummy Mummy gloss to celebrate; a sheer pinky-brown, which goes with everything (including tired eyes) and does wonders to make this mummy feel rather delicious. The gorgeous shimmer and sheer application gives this neutral gloss a touch of magic. And since mamas can usually do wonders, the gloss truly hits the mark.

Can’t decide? Grab Balmshell’s Mini Lip Gloss Collection. At just $24, you can indulge in 5 of Balmshell’s most popular shades, including Darling You Look Fabulous, Shoe Fetish, Shopaholic, Weekend in the Hamptons & Yummy Mummy. The lip glosses are displayed beautifully in a sleek Balmshell gift box (pictured below).

Great news for fans of the brand – Balmshell has plans to expand their line to include complimentary cosmetics, and has already introduced the coveted Lip & Cheek Tint. Praised by beauty professionals, the gel based product has a built-in antibacterial sponge applicator to reduce colour transfer on your fingertips. The innovative formula includes white tea and chamomile extract, plus rose water to control oil and keep skin fresh. Shades available are Black Cherry, Blackmail Betty, Gossip Greta, Scandalous Scarlett and Tabloid Tammy.

I’m a novice at applying cheek tints, but I’m all about the lip stains. Can’t wait to get my hands on this amazing product – the Tabloid Tammy shade (bronze) looks like the perfect way to add a sunny glow.

BUY IT!

Balmshell cosmetics are available online and at Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Canada.

WIN IT!

Balmshell has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win 5 (FIVE!) lip glosses of her choice (value $100)!

PLUS, two runners up will each receive a Mini Lip Gloss Collection (value $24 each)!

To enter, simply visit Balmshell and choose 5 lip glosses which reveal your inner Balmshell, and leave a comment here listing them – including your favourite and why.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” Balmshell on Facebook
(4) Follow Balmshell on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/33qm4u3)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Holiday Beauty #9 – e.l.f. Cosmetics

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It happened just a few weeks ago, on a day much like today. I was having coffee with a girlfriend, and before I could take a sip of my gingerbread latte, she remarked, “That’s a lovely lip gloss. What is it?”

Frowning, I searched through my purse for the gloss I had applied literally minutes before. Was it my Lorac? Or my Stila Lip Glaze? I knew it wasn’t the MAC Lip Glass – and I was pretty sure my NARS gloss was in the car. Then, at the bottom of my bag I unearthed the pretty little number – a $1.00 e.l.f. Essentials Plumping Lip Glaze in Mocha Ice.

“It costs a dollar?!” she exclaimed. Yes, you bet it does.

“We at eyes lips face (e.l.f.) believe that innovative technology, quality ingredients and superb delivery systems should not be limited to prestige retailers. Every woman should have the opportunity to participate in innovation, without sacrificing her budget.

We are often asked how we are able to provide our customers with such wonderful products, many for as little as $1. By developing quality cosmetics and the highest standard of service, but using the Internet for branding rather than higher-priced advertising media; by sourcing the best ingredients at competitive prices; and by prioritizing our products, rather than their packaging, e.l.f. always provides you with quality and value.”

As part of e.l.f.’s Elite, I must admit that I’ve got a stash of about 100 e.l.f. products. From eye liner to blush, lip treatments to primers, e.l.f. has got you covered. It is conceivably the only brand of makeup where $10 will get you 10 items, regardless of the type of makeup. A nail polish costs $1; mascara costs $1.

If you’re looking for a slightly elevated level of quality, e.l.f. offers their professional line: e.l.f. Studio. It’s their ultra-luxe, makeup artist-proven cosmetics line available at everyday, designer beauty pricing. “When you experience e.l.f Studio cosmetics, you discover our top-rated professional makeup that’s also super affordable and easy to use.”

Most products in the Studio lineup retail for $3-$6, including the Shimmer Palette pictured left: The weightless and creamy shimmers illuminate the eyes, lips, and face. 

Prefer the superiority of mineral makeup – but don’t want to pay $20 for an eyeshadow? Check out e.l.f. Mineral Makeup. The cosmetics are 100% mineral-based with no parabens, no preservatives and no chemical dyes. Best of all, 100% pure, all-natural mineral makeup from e.l.f. cosmetics means healthier, illuminating skin for you, without sacrificing your budget.

“The all-natural consistency of our mineral makeup and cosmetics makes them incredibly easy to apply and blend for a flawless finish. And rest assured knowing that at e.l.f., all-natural also means top-rated, professional-quality makeup made with naturally-derived ingredients guaranteed to deliver professional results whenever you wish, wherever you are. Compare, save, and enjoy e.l.f. mineral makeup and cosmetics, or any e.l.f. makeup & cosmetics product you choose!”

e.l.f. also has tons of budget-friendly gift set and palettes to choose from – check out my review of the Beauty Encyclopedia for Eyes.

BUY IT!

Shop online! As with all e.l.f. orders to Canada, you’ll have to pay shipping (and duty costs for orders over $20). However, I’ve discovered a cool little way to save on these fees – if you choose to pay with PayPal, you’ll only be charged US $6.95 for shipping vs. their standard rate of CDN $14.95 when you charge to your credit card. With the dollar roughly at par, that works out to $7.03 for shipping. Not bad at all!

*Please note, you can only access the PayPal option if you place items in your cart and proceed to checkout before signing in (found through trial and error). If you’ve already signed in, for some reason, it bypasses the PayPal option.

WIN IT!

One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win a $25 e.l.f. Gift Card! (I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but trust me – you could purchase 25 products!)

To enter, simply visit e.l.f. Cosmetics and leave a comment here, naming a few products that catch your eye.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” e.l.f. Cosmetics on Facebook
(4) Follow e.l.f. Cosmetics on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/24zutw8)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Holiday Beauty #10 – Olay Regenerist

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The Holiday Beauty Fest comes to an end today… but not before celebrating a brand that makes millions of women look (and feel) beautiful every day – Olay!

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a favourite world-wide for beautiful, younger-looking skin. The cream firms appearance in the areas most prone to sagging – even the jawline – with Olay’s highest-available concentration of amino-peptide complex.

The cream:

• Hydrates better and longer than a $700 luxury face cream (can you guess which one?)
• Allows you to target and smooth problem areas
• Hydrates to help firm and micro-sculpt your look

I had the pleasure of using this cream over a period of two weeks, and while I’m far from worried about sagging skin, I can confirm that my skin does feel “tighter” all over – almost like I’ve just had a facial (for a fraction of the cost). The cream smoothes on easily and is absorbed almost instantly – hydrating all day long without excess oil or shine. I’ve long been a fan of Olay products but have always discounted them as “Mom’s cream.” With the addition of  the Micro-Sculpting Cream to their Regenerist line, Olay has firmly established themselves as an advanced anti-aging specialist.

The cream is also aligned with Proctor & Gamble’s Give Hope Campaign – “P&G’s GIVE HOPE is a partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC. to raise awareness and educate women about the importance of early detection in helping increase women’s chances of survival from breast cancer.”

Purchase a specially marked package of Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream and Olay will donate $1.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

BUY IT!

Olay products are available at drugstores across Canada. Sign up for Club Olay, and you’ll have exclusive access to an amazing resource of inside information, online consultation, free samples and special member offers.

WIN IT!

Olay has generously offered three (3) Listen to Lena! readers the chance to win Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream (value $36 CDN each).

To enter, simply leave a comment here with your favourite Olay product and why.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/27yepxm)
(4) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for winners on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Holiday Beauty Fest… Winners!

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The end of 2010. I hope you all had a most memorable year, and that Santa was exceptionally good to you this holiday season. I could not have asked for a better Christmas – or better readers! Thank you for the continued love and support… it was a truly awesome year.

To all the new friends I’ve met, readers who faithfully stop by, and even those who will land on this post accidentally via Google – I wish you a blessed, fulfilling and fabulous 2011 with lots of love, luck and laughter!

And what better way to end the year than to wrap up the Holiday Beauty Fest! It’s Christmas 2.0!

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaways (including the faithful re-tweeters!), and all of the LOVELY sponsoring companies – The Body Shop, Sephora, CARGO, Vasanti, Balmshell, e.l.f. and Olay!  

All winners were drawn using Random.org; however, as I don’t want to pollute the esthetics of my blog with 14 widget snapshots, you’ll just have to trust me sight unseen. (Please send me an e-mail if you’d like a copy of the winning widgets – I’ll keep them on file for 7 days.)

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

THE BODY SHOP – Winner of a Holiday Bath & Body set, featuring Cranberry Joy and Spiced Vanilla (value $100): #606 TV WATCHER

SEPHORA –  Winner of a $100 Sephora Gift Card: #448 REMY

URBAN DECAY – Winner of Urban Decay’s The Black Palette: #49 CAITLIN

TARINA TARANTINO – Winner of a Tarina Tarantino Jewel Box Palette and Pearl Glow Eye Primer: #392 DIAMANTE

THE BODY SHOP – Winner of a Holiday Makeup Gift Set (value $100): #13 ELLA PRETTY

CARGO COSMETICS – Winners (5) of a Lip Gloss Duo in Bella Bella and an Essential Eye Shadow Palette in Smoky: #203 KAILIN, #299 JOSIE, #470 JOOLS, #379 DIAMANTE, #112 JANN

VASANTI COSMETICS – Winner of a holiday prize pack, including EYE WONDER, Long Lash Mascara, winner’s choice of Liquid Cover-Up, winner’s choice of Face Base Powder Foundation and winner’s choice of Lipstick: #55 MICHELLE

BALMSHELL – Winner of 5 lip glosses of her choice (value $100): #15 STAM-ISH. Winners (2) of a Mini Lip Gloss Collection: #108 J, #49 ERIE

e.l.f. COSMETICS – Winner of a $25 e.l.f. Gift Card: #110 KITTY

OLAY – Winners (3) of Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream: #112 KENDRA, #119 DEEDEE H, #5 JANN

Please send me an e-mail so that I can have the prizes sent to you right away! Congrats again – and HAPPY NEW YEAR! xo