MMVA Beauty Thoughts

Katy Perry always looks gorgeous in my opinion. She always loads on the makeup on the red carpet and always has a very flawless looking complexion. But if you can't load on the makeup on the red carpet then when can you?
The Lipstick colour isn't something I would wear but she makes it work. Always love her dark hair. The dress colour is great on her as well.

Altho Kristin Cavallari is incredibly annoying on The Hills, there is no denying that she is absolutely gorgeous. Really loving her makeup here. The Smokey eye isn't too dramatic and still has a soft look to it. I also love the colour on her cheeks.

Miley Cyrus and her attempt to be Lady Gaga was just painful to watch

Please stop

Shenea Grimes looks absolutely adorable here! Loving this hair-do on her! Takes a pretty girl to pull this hair off. Mission accomplished















I just love Adam Lambert. He was by far the best contestant American Idol has ever had. I think he looks great here. The hair is different and I like it.








I just don't "get" Ke$ha..... at all.... She always seems like shes trying soooooo hard.... and the talking in her songs really bothers me.... This look is all wrong.... For a variety of reasons.... The nose ring has got to go.


How are these two even famous?


Why wasn't I told that Kellan Lutz was going to be in Toronto????? Outraged! How adorable is he? Seriously! SO glad he got rid of the blonde hair. His natural colour is a thousand times better. Mmm

Glamour Shots!

Did a shoot this week with Dave Mydlo. It was a blast. Been a while since I did a shoot.
This adorable skirt is from Zara. My new favourite clothing item :)
Photoshoot makeup needs to be alot brighter and heavier in order to show up on camera. Therefore, I used the blush my makeup artist BFF gave me for my Birthday. M.A.C. Powder Blush in "Azalea". This stuff is intense! You only need to apply a very very light dusting, especially if you have pale skin like Moi. But the colour is amazing! I also use it when I go out at night sometimes and I often apply a shimmer powder overtop to tone down the colour a little. This is a great product for photoshoots or for a night when you know you will be in alot of pictures.

Get Him To The Greek.... (or just bring him here!)

Saw Get Him To The Greek this week.

Can we please just stop and take a moment to admire how freakin sexy Russell Brand is. Katy Perry is a lucky lucky girl.

Hilarious movie. I was expecting it to be funny based on how much I loved the character Aldous Snow in Forgetting Sarah Marshall (one of the funniest movies EVER).

But, to tell you the truth I thought it could have been funnier. I liked it, don't get me wrong. But with Russel Brand and Jonah Hill the potential to

make the funniest movie ever is there.... but it just

didn't end up that way. Alot of the jokes didn't quite make the impact they could have.

P.Diddy was quite hilarious in this movie and he normally annoys me like no other.

I would say rent for sure. Mostly just to stare at Russel Brand for an hour and half. Yum! Such a pretty smile!

Am I the only one?

When I don't have time or when I don't have an iron handy......

I use my hair straightener.

Yup, it works fantastic. I do it all the time. Had a few creases in my tank top this morning and used my hair straightener to get those wrinkles right out.

Please be careful if you are doing this while you are still wearing the shirt. It can be tricky to maneuver. Try not to burn yourself! Also be careful which fabric you are using the straightener on. I always test out a little section at the back of the shirt first.

Am I the only one that does this?

Pretty Cocktails with My Pretty Best Friend

Top Pick:

I've been using Avon Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover Lotion for years now and never really gave it much thought untill I tried using a new eye makeup remover..... it was then that I realized just how amazing this product is compared to other eye makeup removers.

Common eye makeup remover problems I have noticed:

1. The product doesn't fully remove all of the eye makeup leaving traces of mascara still on your lashes

2. My eye area is very sensitive and some eye makeup removers leave my skin irritated and stinging.

3. If the remover gets in your eye it stings like crazy.

4. The eye makeup remover is too oily.

None of these problems occur with this Avon eye makeup remover. It's moisturizing, it has never irritated my sensitive eye area and it certainly removes all traces of my eye makeup. It's also creamy and not oily at all.

A+ !! This product does not disappoint.

Know of a great eye makeup remover? Tried Avon's?

Let me know!

Have a pretty day!

xoxo

The Rules Of The Pick Up

Is it just me or has dating these days become really weird and complicated? With all this new technology you would think people would be more connected then ever before. But, it seems that technology has done the opposite. I find it's just made people lazy when it comes to personal connection. What happened to face to face contact? Or actually talking to people on the phone?

I've noticed that meeting people has also taken on new rules and I wanted to share my thoughts and advice for guys who may be confused. Take my advice or don't. I just think life is too short to spend it hiding behind your phone or your computer. So here we go.

#1. If you wait more then two days to call the girl after getting her number it comes across as trying too hard to play games. And if the girl is like me, she will run far away from you at the first sign of game playing. If you need to play hard to get in order to get a girl to like you then she doesn't really like you (and vice-versa).

#2. Waiting the standard one or two days to call or text is acceptable..... but also predictable

#3. Texting or calling the girl the day after you get her number is only creepy and stalkerish if the girl didn't like you. If she liked you then she will be flattered and think that it's super cute that you were excited to contact her.

#4. Waiting a week to call, really? Unless you had an emergency trip to Australia or you were deathly ill in the hospital it's no secret that nobody is TOO busy to find 30 seconds to send a text or make a phone call in a whole week. Therefore, I immediately think this guy is just "too cool" (too stupid) and I will immediately move on.

#5. Text vs. Call:

Call me old fashioned, but the first time you contact a girl I feel it should be an actual phone call. It's so much more personable and shows the girl you are actually interested. Also, you will stick out amoung other guys that only text her which can become annoying and frustrating over time.

Texting is great and all for keeping in touch when you are busy but we like hearing your voice, guys always sound good over the phone. When your only form of communication is texting things can get boring really fast.

#6. If you are too scared to ask for the number in the first place: Man Up!!!! There's so many opportunities out there to meet people but so often we don't take them. How many times in a week do you walk by someone your attracted to and smile or make eye contact with and think "wow, I'd like to talk to that person" But you just let them pass you by? Stop relying solely on alcohol and bars. Do you really want to tell your future Grandchildren that you met their Grandmother at Jack Astors or Crocodile Rock?? I'm not against meeting people at bars, I've met some great people that way..... But I think it's very limiting if the only place you ever approach someone is at a club after you've downed a bunch of drinks.

It's better to go for it then regret it. Whenever I'm really wanting to approach someone but I'm too nervous I always give myself the same little pep talk and it works EVERYTIME "You have nothing to lose, if he rejects you it's okay because you will never see him again, in the grand scheme of your life this will mean nothing if he isn't interested, Life's too short not to put yourself out there"

Putting each encounter into perspective can really help.

Get out there and go for it! Taking risks always leads to the best memories :)

*Swoon*

Totally crushing on adorable Formula One Racer Jenson Button who was in Toronto last night, as the special guest for a Hugo Boss event celebrating the return of the Canadian Grand Prix.

He said "Hi" and shook my hand. I'm a lucky girl :) Check out his yummy Hugo Boss ad below.

Did I mention the British Accent?

Nudist

If there is one thing you purchase this summer make it a pair of nude heels.

I cannot express how happy I am with my recent purchase of a pair. I have never owned a pair of nude shoes and since purchasing them I don't know how I lived without them! They match any outfit, they make your legs look longer and since the heel on mine isn't too big they are also comfortable! I can wear them out at night or to work.

Seriously the best purchase you will make all summer.

Believe it or not, the pair I got were from Zellers! I was on the hunt for some cheap summer shoes, hitting all the regular stops: Zellers, Wal-Mart, Payless.... when I found these nude Alfred Sung Classic Pumps at Zellers for $29.95. They also come in metallic and black (pictured below). The ones I got are at the bottom of this picture. Receive compliments on these puppies every time I put them on.

Loving the nude heel look as much as I am? Let me know!

Summer Leg Ready

I've got good news and bad news.... The good news is , warm weather is finally arriving!!! and the bad news is that your legs are so pale they would blind innocent bystanders. I am so excited to dig into my sun dresses and skirts but first I need my secret weapon. If you know me well, you probably know about my love for Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Spray..... and you also probably use it now because I made you try it and you loved it too.... Your welcome!

This product is like foundation/bronzer for your legs. Genius! It provides coverage and colour to make legs look tanned and flawless. Covers up veins or bruises while bronzing and some also provide some sparkle for nights out. I've used this stuff on my legs, my arms, my stomach.... And my friend who is a makeup artist admitted to using it on her face once when she ran out of Dior AirFlash (side note: I'm not sure if it is recommended for face use haha).

The trick I found to applying it (to make sure it looks natural and fully blended) is to spray it on your legs or in your hand and then apply lotion to your legs as you blend the two together.

I then let it dry before putting on clothes.

Warning: be careful when wearing white because it could show up.

Happy strutting :)

xo

Maybelline Pure Stay Powder Foundation

It's amazing to me how often new products and new cosmetics companies are showing up these days. Because of this, it is rare that I use the same product for a very long time. There's always something new that I am dying to try which means I am constantly switching up my foundation, my mascara, my lipstick, my blush, all in search of new favourites.

Even with all this variety there is one product that has stayed consistently in my makeup bag for years now which is my Maybelline Pure Stay Powder Foundation in two shades, "Ivory" and "Buff". Yes, I carry around in my purse two shades of the same product. I like to apply the lighter powder to the bottom half of my face and the darker powder around my eyes and forehead. I also need a darker shade for when I have a spray tan and the lighter shade for when I am au naturel (aka very very pale).

This powder provides a great amount of coverage while still looking natural. It also has staying power and is great for removing any shine. The price point is a little more then I'd like to spend on a drugstore brand powder but I still end up always restocking because it's just that good :)

I've tried other pressed powder but they never compare.

Have you tried a great pressed powder? What would you recommend?

Special Thanks

It has been a very crazy/busy last couple of weeks with some pretty major changes going on in my life. I recently started a new position at a Public Relations Agency in Toronto which I am SO excited about! I then quickly found that getting up at 5:45am, driving to the go-station, taking the train, then the subway, working untill 5:30 (at the earliest depending if there's an event after work) then taking the subway, train, and sometimes a bus back to my car, and then finally getting home around 8:00pm at the earliest was not a schedule I could keep for long. Not to mention how ridiculously over-priced the train and subway are!.... I'd rather be spending my money on living somewhere more convenient. So, I immediately started searching for a summer sublet which I was lucky enough to find :)

As of Thursday I will be moving into a condo downtown for the summer. Needless to say I am terribly excited to be spending the summer in the "big city". I will be so relieved when I will have a 5 minute commute to work instead of over 2 hours!

If there's one thing I've learned from taking the go train it's that I am terrible at crossword puzzles and I'm amazing at Sudoku.... somehow they have become the highlight of my mornings.

Working for a PR agency is a new experience for me. I feel like I've now officially covered the beauty PR spectrum. I started off on the editorial side, I then moved on to interning on a PR team, gaining experience working for a huge beauty company with a major focus on fragrance, and then took on more responsibility working in the PR department for cosmetic giant Revlon. I am now gaining experience working for a PR agency which will involve working with a variety of different clients (Beauty, Fashion, Jewellry,Vodka, etc. etc.)

Looking back, I truly feel so lucky to have had the opportunities I have had at 24 years of age. Working for such wonderful companies and with such wonderful employees has truly led me to a career path I love.

I am so excited to buy this months June Issue of Cosmetics Magazine where 4 people I have worked with in this industry are being honoured in the list of Canada's Top 30 Beauty PR Reps. I couldn't be prouder or more honoured to have worked with people that are some of the best at what they do. I have learned so much from working with these amazing women. They have inspired and taught me so much.

In a world where it is quite common for women to not have each others backs, or to put each other down, to not be there for one another as much as they are for men, or to always be competing with each other, I am lucky to have worked with women who have respected me, helped me and who have prepared me for this crazy industry.

Congratulations Ladies! If there's one thing I know first hand it's how hard you all work and how much you all deserve this recognition!

Thanks for everything!
xoxo
Amanda

"I don't have girlfriends that are inconsiderate to other women.

It's all about taking care of each other"

Summer Fragrance Picks : Part 1

Summer is upon us (I hope) and therefore it is time to once again bust out the sweet, flowery, fresh fragrances, perfect for a hot day at the beach, a night on the patio, or a hot date under the stars. I love applying fragrances that I haven't smelt since last summer which immediately bring a wave of memories floating back. Fragrance is such a powerful thing!

So here we go. The first post of my favourite fragrances for this summer. New and old, anything goes! First up: SJP NYC

This may just be the SWEETEST fragrance I have ever smelt. Therefore, I think you will either love it or hate it. But, since it smells so delicious I am betting you will love it. Just in time for Sex In The City 2 (which I am DYING to see), SJP launches another fragrance, which I think is her best yet. The bottle is very cute and fashionable.... but would you expect anything less from Sarah Jessica Parker? The fragrance is fruity, fresh, and sweet like candy. The top note of wild red strawberries definitly stands out. I'll be wearing this fragrance with all my little sun dresses this summer. A match made in heaven :)

For the Fellas:

My pick is Prada Amber Pour Homme. My all time favourite cologne. It's perfect for the summer time. Light enough to wear on a daily basis but it also wont easily fade (which is a bonus if you've been sweating in the hot sun). It somewhat reminds me of the fresh, clean smell of ivory soap, while still smelling very masculine. This cologne could make any man instantly sexier. It's delicious and only gets better over time after it's lingered on the skin for a little while.
Stay tuned.... More to come!

"Where should one wear perfume? Wherever one wants to be kissed" - Coco Chanel

I Love Me Some Pageantry

I'm a sucker for a Pageant... Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe!.....I always imagined one day I might attempt to be in a pageant. Maybe try out for Miss Canada..... untill I realized for most pageants you need to have a talent. At which point I always said "um ya, never mind."

I can't sing, the competitive dancing level I attained when I was younger has now been reduced to a few somewhat unfortunate club moves, I did learn how to play the piano but at this point the only song I might be able to remember by heart is Mary Had A Little Lamb.... which I highly doubt would turn up high scores from the judges.

So, instead I will just sit on my couch .... most likely with a big bowl of buttery popcorn....and watch and judge the pretty, perfect looking girls that have most likely been starving themselves for months and going through hell to look so magnificent! I give them alot of credit.

Last night I caught the Miss USA Pageant and I have to say I was rooting for Miss Oklahoma. After she showed up in this dress for the Evening Gown Competition I thought she for sure had it in the bag. This is definitely one of the most stunning gowns I have ever seen! But, I was wrong. She took second place. First place went to Miss Michigan. Yes, she is also gorgeous but, I thought her dress looked like a boring wedding gown, she tripped during her final walk and when asked how she felt immediately after winning she said "Ask me after I've had a pizza".... Really?...... And worst of all: she didn't even cry!!!! I'm not sure I have ever seen a Miss USA pageant where the winner didn't cry. Whats a pageant without the ultra cheesy ending with the winner bawling her eyes out, the running mascara, the ridiculous wave? I feel jipped!

Anyone else catch the pageant? Who were your cheering for?

"If you want the rainbow you have to put up with the rain"

IF I WERE RICH

.......This dress would be mine

Camilla Belle at the Cannes film Festival

It's Beginning to Smell Alot Like Summer!

I'll admit it, I change my nail polish colour on a very regular basis. What can I say? I'm a girl of variety. One day jet black, the next a pretty pastel. All depends on my mood, my outfit, the weather, the time of the year.

My top pick for Spring nail polish is Revlon Scented Nail Enamel in "Gum Drop." This lavender/grey shade has been receiving tons of compliments every time I put it on. It looks great and smells delicious! I recommend applying two coats to get the most pigment.

I am in love with so many colours/scents from this new line! Scented nail polish is one of my all time favourite beauty inventions.

They are available for only $5.50!

The Beach scented Lime Green shade actually smells exactly like the Beach.... A mix of sand, sun and suntan lotion. The lime green colour isn't my favourite but the smell alone makes me want to wear it.

The Bubblegum scented bright pink is just a great colour.
For toes, try the greeny/blue Ocean scented or the bright Orange Pop Scented.


Another fav is the bright purple "Grace Icy."

Peach Smoothie

Cotton Candy

Which one's are you wanting to try???

In love with Clinique Bonus Time!!

I've blogged before about my love for Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. It hydrates my skin better than any other cream I've come across. Sadly I've been putting off buying it as I'm trying to save money and I already have alot of other creams that I can use.... which means I can't justify spending $50 on a cream I don't necessarily need.....

Well.... today that all changed.

It's Clinique bonus time and I just HAD to give in. I definitely do not feel guilty considering all the amazing free stuff that came along with it!

I purchased the 50ML of Clinique Moisture Surge which came with a cute makeup bag, Superbalm Gloss in Passionfruit (in a colour I will definitely wear) and All About Eyes.Because I spent more than $26.50 I also received the bonus GWP which also comes with a mini Clinique Moisture Surge!!! Also included: Self Sun Body Daily moisturizer, Up-lighting Liquid Illuminator, Lash Doubling Mascara, Lipstick in "Think Bronze", and another super cute makeup bag.

Sooooo excited about all my new free goodies. So glad I waited to buy my cream! Definitely worth the wait!