A Beauty Feature: #MyMaskeraide with Sherlyn Torres

A recent interview by one of my go-to beauty brands ~ Maskeraide....Check it out below...

#MYMASKERAIDE WITH SHERLYN TORRES

We caught up with some of our MaskerAide customers and fans and asked them a few questions about MaskerAide and how it fits into their fabulous lifestyle. We'll be spotlighting great people around the globe, in different industries and with different lifestyles, in a new blog feature called #MyMaskerAide

MEET SHERLYN

Sherlyn Torres is a professional makeup artist and seasoned beauty expert. She is known for creating flawless looks that enhance an individual’s beauty without overpowering their features. Sher has a knack for forecasting trends and translating a client’s vision into reality. She also loves to teach her clients about proper skin care and how to beautify their face in a seamless and natural way. Sher’s ability to create timeless beauty and her contemporary style keeps her in demand with regular & new clients alike.

Insta: @sher_beauty Twitter: @sherlyntorres Site: www.sherlyntorres.com B: sherlyntorres.com/beautyblog Tumblr: sherlyntorres.tumblr.com

Above photo by: Wade Hudson

Initial thoughts on MaskerAide?

When I first saw MaskerAide’s packaging, my immediate thought was “this is really cute!” I love the convenience of having each sheet in a separate sachet which makes it very travel friendly and the fact that all of them are hydrating!  After trying the DETOX DIVA & BEAUTY REST'ORE, I was very pleased with how smooth my skin felt! Hydration is a must for my dry skin type and the added benefits the afore-mentioned sheets have are just icing on the cake.

Above photos by: Tavis Gordon

How does MaskerAide ‘fit’ into the ‘SHERLYN TORRES’ life + work life?

Being a makeup artist requires me to be organized and on-the-go on any given day of the week. Late nights on set & early call times the next day doesn’t leave much time for me to do multi step beauty routines. That being said, having MaskerAide sheet masks on while I prep my kit and wash my brushes the night before a shoot really helps to cut my beauty routine time in half.

Which of our 6 MaskerAide sheet masks is your fave + why? 

Living downtown means I’m constantly exposed to toxins and pollution in the air and both the DETOX DIVA & BEAUTY REST'OREsheet masks really come in handy when it comes to fighting free radicals while simultaneously keeping my skin hydrated and glowing at the end of a long day.

People of all professions, all over the world love MaskerAide. Have you or would you recommend MaskerAide to any of your clients? industry peers? If so, why?

I certainly have and will continue to recommend MaskerAide to my clients & friends. I usually recommend it to brides the night before their wedding day to ensure their skin is smooth & prepped for a long day of makeup the next day. I also suggest it to models and music industry pros who are constantly put through long days on set & on-stage performances  wearing all sorts of makeup. These sheet are heaven-sent for last minute calls to photoshoots & early morning press junkets to help restore their skin’s glow.

Last Question - What are you up too next? where are you travelling to?

I’m currently working on growing my side business called Beauty Inc which is an extension to my artistry but encompasses multiple artists providing makeup & hair services to larger groups of clients for special occasions / events, etc. I’ve also recently partnered up with a professional image consultant & portrait photographer on an upcoming independent makeover series called Project YOU where we will be selecting lucky individuals who may be in a rut with their beauty routines & wardrobe game and need a boost for a good cause. We want to feature individuals who truly deserve a makeover but also have an empowering story.

SHOP SHERLYN'S #MYMASKERAIDE FAVES HERE

Schwarzkopf Got2B & Dial Innovations Event

  Recently joined Langton PR for another fun product launch! The event was held at The Storys Building ~ A spacious, loft style room with a ton of character.

The two brands showcased were Dial & Schwarzkopf's Got2B.  Both had equally exciting new additions to their roster of already sought after products.

My first stop was Dial & their latest innovations...

Loved the set up of all the new offerings, amidst fresh cut flowers, complimenting the bottle packagings.  I was immediately drawn to the Miracle Oil products ~ all infused with Marula oil (known for its intensely hydrating and skin healing properties). I'm constantly on the lookout for products that won't strip my skin's depleted moisture at the height of winter, so I was delighted to see that majority of the products focused on maximizing hydration!

After experiencing the wonderful array of scents, placed in shot glasses and set in front of each bottle, I stopped at the washing station to test out the Miracle oil gel. My hands felt really fresh & clean and didn't feel uncomfortably dry. The marula oil left an immediate softening effect but didn't leave a nasty film. An excellent choice of oil since marula is quite stable, meaning even after processing, it maintains a lot of its natural properties. It's also incredibly lightweight and soaks deeply into skin.

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Next up is one of my long time favourite brands for hair - Schwarzkopf's Got2B. After speaking to one of the reps, I was a little dissappointed to find out that one of my go to's has been discontinued :( [Cashmere Hairspray - a flexible hold spray that smelled absolutely divine]. But she re-assured me that their new additions are equally awesome with even more benefits!

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Before lining up to the get my hair done, I met some great people, mingled a bit & made a pit stop at the DJ booth to say hello to a familiar face - DJ Lissa Monet :).

She always knows how to liven up a crowd and has impeccable taste in music ~ So happy to see her!

The lineup  subsided at the hair stations so I decided to test out the products first hand. I rarely style my hair these days - mainly because it's super long & time consuming (really need a hair cut! lol)  It was a nice treat to be on the receiving end of getting styled & pampered :D. The stylist who took care of me also happened to be a lovely gal I met over the summer while working on a wedding gig.

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Thanks Isabella, for the product knowledge & lovely hair style!

I spent the remainder of the night meeting & mingling with fellow beauty enthusiasts and conversing with the lovely ladies of Langton PR. Also managed to snap a few candids ;):

And snuck a quick mirror selfie before taking off...

Below are some photos I took at home of the hefty swag bag takeaway & it's contents...

Here are my faves from the event...and yup...they all smell wonderful!

• Got2b Mind Blowing Range ~ Formulated to speed up styling process and make at-home blow outs a breeze! Combine all three or any on their own. Pictured below (from left to right: Quick Shape Mousse, Fast Dry Hairspray & Xpress Dry Styling Spray)

Step 1 - Quick Shape Mousse reduces your blow dry time & increases style ability with its Iconic+ System Technology. The formula not only adds volume but also boosts shine. Apply to roots of damp hair before blow drying - I usually blow dry my hair upside down to lift the root area ~ this tip particularly works better on shoulder length or shorter hair. Retails for $7.99 (227g)

Step 2 - Xpress Dry Styling Spray works with damp hair as well to expedite drying process while protecting hair from heat and keeping hair from tangling while blow drying. A must for my super long, easily tangled hair! Apply to towel dried hair and blow dry using a round brush. I specifically want to test this out for stick straight styles as it boasts a sleek & ultra shiny finish. Retails for $7.99 (177ml)

Step 3 - Fast Dry Hairspray is the finishing touch. Ionic+ Power and Micro-diffuser technology offers fast drying time & flexible hold so you can run your fingers through your hair without any sticky residue. I would suggest to use this one mainly for curled styles for a flexible, crunch free & bouncy hold. Always hold hairspray 8-10 inches away from your hair to create an even spray coverage on your strands. Retails for $9.99 (340g)

• Dial's Men & Women's New Range of Moisturizing Shower Gels ~ All Formulated for maximum moisture and infused with a variety of delicious & fresh scents. Pictured below (from left to right: Coconut Water & Mango, Omega Moisture with Sea Berries, Miracle Oil with caring Marula Oil, Dial for Men Fresh Reaction Body Wash. So far, I've been using the Marula Oil infused shower gel but can't wait to try the other equally yummy scented options. Also convinced my other half to try out the Fresh Reaction and he totally approves! Shower gels retail for $6.99 each (473 ml) / $3.49 for the hand washes (221ml).

Quick tip: Use a bamboo cotton based (shower gel) mitt for a comfortable scrub and the ultimate lather ~ a little on the mitt goes a long way!

What are your first impressions of these products? Would you give them a try? What are some of your favourite brands of hydrating shower gels & hair styling products? Leave a comment below ;)

Vita Liberata - Product Launch at Montecito

 

The timing couldn't be better for the launch of Vita Liberata's latest additions. The weather has been dreadful as of late :/ and no doubt has taken a toll on most Torontonians' complexions!

Last night was especially chilly but well worth the outing :) Another great presentation by Vita Liberata founder, Alyson Hogg whom I've had the pleasure to meet last fall for the launch of her luxury self-tanning products at the Thompson Hotel ~ see products below:

Back to last night's festivities ~ This time, the event was held at Montecito Restaurant, chosen by host Langton PR and situated in the gorgeous upper floor lounge. The perfect venue to compliment the equally chic products showcased to the room full of beauty experts.

The first product demoed is a pretty revolutionary one in the realm of bronzers. This is the first time I've been introduced to a loose mineral bronzing powder with the additional benefit of leaving a lasting tan on the skin. The tan develops over a 4 to 8 hour period and lasts 5 to 7 days! The DHA is in crystal form and gets activated by your moisturizer and or foundation.

I'm a big supporter of clean ingredients in makeup & skin care and this is definitely one I plan to keep in my stash! The minerals are finely milled so it goes on very smoothly ~ the ultra soft kabuki brush included in the package also helps to create a flawless finish. Another key feature is the universally flattering shade of buildable bronze that's far from the orangey hues we all try to veer away from. When applying the product, use light sweeping motions starting under the cheekbones, forehead & jawline for a contouring effect. Then apply a sheer amount all over your face and neck to create a veil of colour.

The second item of the night was another multi-tasker. A night-time moisture mask that doubles as a gradual tanner so you can literally get up and glow! The base ingredients include sunflower seed oil & shea butter which both boost the skin's resilience against drying elements along with other nourishing ingredients like vitamin e and kiwi seed oil. It's naturally scented with essential oils of chamomile & bitter orange flower oil ~ both aromatherapeutic: Chamomile calms while orange oil relieves stress and insomnia - a perfect combination before bedtime!

To sum it up, I would place both products at the top of my list of gradual self-tanners! I've already incorporated the moisture mask to my nightly routine and saw immediate benefits this morning :D I'm also excited to demo the mineral bronzer on my clients and provide them with a flawless golden look!

Many thanks to Vita Liberata for the generous swag & the Langton PR crew for having me. You guys did an awesome job hosting!

You can check out Vita Liberata at Sephora or Click HERE to view their full range of products ;)

ANNA SUI VISIT IN TORONTO

Had such a fun time doing makeup for Anna Sui’s Event the other week! Anna Sui herself made an appearance & it was a wonderful honour to meet and chat with her. I truly admire her brand and her tenacity both in the fashion & beauty industries over the years. She only visits every few years so I was definitely glad to be a part of this particular event.

Be sure to check out her makeup & skin care line at Hudson’s Bay for the holidays. Her packaging is always impeccable, makeup quality is top notch *and they usually have terrific gifts with purchase ;)

Lippy featured below is one of Anna Sui's Signature Red Shades #401 - Limited *Star Edition

Anna Sui Lipsticks Overview

• Conditioning formula infused with fruit and flower oils

• Smooths and softens lips

• In a range of pink and red hues

• Sweet rose scent

• Star shaped tip and crystal style lipstick lid

• Product size: 3g/0.01z

ABOUT ANNA SUI: Launched in the late ‘90s, American designer Anna Sui's cosmetics line is as coveted for its luminous light-reflecting shades as it is for its collectable packaging.

Anna Sui Cosmetics • Fall/Winter 2013 Product Previews

 

Anna Sui Cosmetics • Fall/Winter 2013 Product Previews + A Return to Old Faves

I spent a lovely afternoon with fellow beauty enthusiasts at King Edward Hotel enjoying high tea, yummy treats & playing with some fabulous makeup and nail care by Anna Sui.

It was nice to be reminded of how many fantastic products Anna had in her line!

I really liked the quality, look and feel of her lip products and eye liners. I was equally impressed with the range of shades in her nail line, and of course the cute, signature lacquered casings which are refillable in most cases.

I snapped a few iphone photos throughout the event and tried to include some of the upcoming products she has lined up for Fall/Winter 2013. Everyone was ecstatic when the Minnie Mouse limited edition collaboration was revealed :D.

One thing I love about Anna Sui, is she remains true to her vision and brand. I admire her boldness, quality control and hands on approach. I look forward to seeing her continued success and longevity in the beauty industry!

Clarisonic Mia - Part 2 of 2

 

I’ve been using my Clarisonic Mia 2 for about a month now and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in the texture of my skin!

One thing I determined, is the biggest change occurs within the first few uses.

As previously noted, the kit came with four different brush heads: delicate (pale blue base), sensitive (b&w bristles with white base), normal (grey base) & deep pore cleansing (blue & white bristles on a white base).

I immediately started using the ‘deep pore’ cleansing brush…I’m a frequent exfoliator so I figured my skin could handle it! But I may have jumped the gun a little cuz the tops of my cheeks got slightly red after the 4th use :/ On the positive side, I *did notice that my skin was much smoother with less dry patches :)…

I switched to the ‘normal skin’ brush head on my 5th use which felt very much like the ‘deep pore brush’ - it’s still quite coarse so be sure to dampen the brush with luke warm water before using ;). I also switched my face wash to Dermalogica’s fragrance free cleansing gel - The one that came with the package was geared specifically for oily skin and my skin veers more towards normal to dry in the winter.After 1 week, my skin was still fairly smooth & glowy :)

The second week was a little different. I think my skin started purging which caused a bit of bumps on my forehead, cheeks & chin >.< - A friend who owns one mentioned this may happen in the 2nd or 3rd week of regular use so I knew it was a bound to occur!

I’ve just completed my 4th week of use and the bumps have started to go away - definitely less dull in all areas and less dry patches overall.

Pros:

~ I saw fast results which means I can use it on clients prior to makeup application & see an immediate difference in their skin

~ The patended sonic technology really works to give a squeaky clean feel & smooth finish to the skin - there was no dirt or makeup residue left on my face after swiping a cotton pad soaked in toner

Cons:

~ The battery needs to be regularly charged as it looses power within 6-8 uses

~ The bumps that may arise after a couple weeks of using. This may not happen to all but it’s possible if you don’t go for regular facials - that would be me! :S

Overall I would recommend this ultra cleansing / exfoliating machine because:

• It helps brighten a dull complexion

• You’ll no longer need granular exfoliants which can contribute to or worsen enlarged pores

• It can save you time & money since it’s fairly equivalent to getting a microdermabrasion facial at a spa

Last Tips:

* Be sure to use a suitable cleanser for your specific skin type Try: Dermalogica’s (fragrance free) gel cleanser or Purity by Philosophy if you have dry, sensitive skin

* After a few weeks of twice a day use, switch to once a day for maintenance if you have ultra sensitive skin. Otherwise, you can always switch to a softer brush head (e.g. the delicate brush) to continue a twice a day ritual ;).

Clarisonic - Product Review

 

Occasionally I'll receive products from brands for testing. Well, this product couldn’t have come at a better time! I’ve been suffering from winter ravaged skin that could really use some recouping right about now.

The package included the following…

Inter-changeable brush heads depending on skin type or condition:

• Normal Skin

• Delicate Skin

• Sensitive Skin

• Deep Pore Cleansing

• Clarisonic Handle

• Case for Handle

• Charger

• Cleansing gel

Super excited to test this baby out! Check back for my full review ;)

Noir Cosmetics - Product Review

This week I received some goodies from noir cosmetics. It’s a fresh line from Montreal specializing in all things black - which I find totally smart since black never goes out of style. So far, I'm lovin' the line! I recently tested it for a shoot which will be featured in a mag version of broken heel diaries. Thanks for the love guys!

clockwise from left to right:

Eyeshadow palette - jewel box

Lifeline Liquid Eyeiner - true black

Lash Lust - black out

High Precision Eyeliner - brush

The Perfect Brow Definer - brunette

Gel Eyeliner - royal black

www.noircosmetics.com