New Beauty - Kiera Sutherland Models

Below are some new additions to my online portfolio's beauty tab! I've also outlined some product highlights below...Pls don't hesitate to drop me a line if you have any questions ;) Makeup & Hair: Sherlyn Torres  |  Photos: Wade Hudson  |  Nails: Jennifer Solis

Skin is in:

Kiera's skin was in perfect condition which made my job so much easier :D Before applying any foundation, I prepped Kiera's skin with a hydrating moisturizer from Andalou in Perfecting Goji Complex with a hint of Bioderma's serum for sensitive skin on areas that needed more moisturizing.

About the Base:

I applied a very sheer combination of Stila's Perfect & Correct foundation in Tan and M.A.C. Cosmetics' Studiofix Fluid in NC44 using M.A.C. duo fibre face brush in #187

Eyes are the window:

Love this entire range of Anna Sui neutral eyeshadows! I applied the lightest shade (#500) in the inner corners of the eyes, the mid-range shades (#501 & #502 combined) on the centre of the lids for a pop of sheen and the darker shades (#503 & #504 combined) on the outer eye corners to create a soft ombre effect.

Rose Petal Finish Lips:

I hydrated Kiera's lips with John Master's Organic Lipbalm and painted a mixture of Hot Tahiti & Darkside lipsticks from M.A.C. I only added one layer to give a sheer natural effect.

Pop of colour:

For the following look, I really wanted Kiera's eyes to have a rich pop of colour. One that would compliment her skin tone with minimal contrast and Cranberry eyeshadow from M.A.C. was the perfect choice! I darkened -&- warmed it up a slight bit in the transition areas and of course added highlight shades throughout to add lots of dimension to the reddish pink smoke. The finishing touch was NARS's clear lipgloss in triple X.

Sid in "Rapids" for Mith Magazine

Below is a recent photoshoot I worked on with Yugo Takahashi (Fashion Photographer), Michelle Davis (Wardrobe Stylist), Kevin N'Toi (Hair Stylist) & Sid (Spot 6 Management Model). Everyone did an awesome job pulling all of the elements together & Sid looked amazing in every outfit! She really embodied each persona needed & conveyed the perfect expressions in every set up. The story was featured in Mith Magazine's Fall/Winter 2016 Issue! Enjoy ;)...

To get Sid's look, here are some of my product highlights & suggestions from this shoot: 

1. Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturizer  $72 CAD ~ Just the right amount of hydration without the sticky feeling. It’s great for combination & sensitive skin. Drier skin types may want to try a slightly heavier alternative during the coldest parts of winter

2. NARS Pore Refining Primer  $35 USD ~ An ultra smoothing, oil free mattifying agent that truly refines the look of your pores and leaves your skin looking velvety smooth

3. M.A.C. Studiofix Fluid in NC30 SPF15  $32 CAD ~ Provides full coverage & is non-comedogenic!

4. M.A.C. Select Sheer Pressed Powder  $31 CAD ~ A travel-friendly version of M.A.C.'s loose translucent powder that gives a sheer, shine free finish that won't look cake & dry

5. Stila Magnificent Metals Eye Liner in Deep Charcoal Simmer  $25 US each ~ I prefer to use this with the mixing liquid (included in kit) to achieve a smoother, more satiny finish

6. Anna Sui Rose Lip Balm  $24 CAD @ Hudson’s Bay ~ Leaves your lips smooth and hydrated without a greasy feel. Opt for the rouge jar version for a hint of soft pink ;)

7. M.A.C. Diva Lipstick  $21 CAD ~ One of my favourite deep reds for a bold wine stain effect

8. M.A.C. #217 Blending Brush  $30 CAD  ~ A cult fave and go-to crease brush for pro artists

9. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner  $22 US  /  $26 CA ~ Amazing for an intensely rich black line that glides on smoothly and lasts all day long.

10. M.A.C. Chromagraphic Pencil in Pure White  $20 CA ~ A pigment rich creamy pencil

11. M.A.C. Lip Pencil in Cork  $20 CA ~ A tried & true shade of brown for that 90's vibe

12.  M.A.C. Sculpting Power in Shadester  $26 CA ~ One of my fave contour products for lighter complexions. Won’t oxidize or look orange and has a soft matte finish.

13. M.A.C. Irresistibly Charming Pigments and Glitter in Warm Snow, Silver Fog & Naval Blue ~ Limited Edition Pigments that perfectly complimented the colour palette of this story

14. Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Bold Brunette & Brown Ebony  $21 CA ~ My current go-to product for filling in, grooming & setting brows all in one step!

15. M.A.C. Touch Lipstick $21 CAD ~ A perfect combination of taupe & spice + works on so many different skin tones!

Makeup for Doritos "Intervention" Commercial

Recently worked on this funny commercial for Doritos. The director wanted all of the characters to appear paler than their natural skin tone, partly so the nacho flavoured Dorito stands out but also because the family in the commercial needed to look a little out of sorts. Basically, the only normal looking person on screen needed to be the therapist. To achieve the pale skin look, I used M.A.C.'s face & body liquid either on it's own or mixed with foundation for most of the characters. The brief for "Mark"'s mom was to give her 80's over the top looking dated makeup along with the younger sister in the wheelchair. The concerned sister on the other hand, had to look distressed, worried & tired so I made sure she looked unkept with dry skin, lips & messy hair + I added dark circles under her eyes.

The production team did an incredible job pulling all of the elements together to create an eery, awkward mood & overall gave a nostalgic feel to the commercial's set & characters.

Check the video link below & let me know what you think!

[embed]https://vimeo.com/157687680[/embed]

Makeup & grooming for Doritos commercial shot in Toronto. Assisted by Kevin Ntoi. Styled by Muska. Directed by Scott Cudmore.

Fshnunlimited Designer Feature - Sid Neigum

Below is another makeup & hair contribution I put forth for Fshnunlimited Magazine's Winter 2016 Issue. This was a spotlight feature on talented local designer, Sid Neigum, accompanied by Elite Model Alexa L. ~ She was lovely to work with and truly embodied the type of character & persona needed to bring Sid's designs to life.

Photography: Allysandra Cervantes

Makeup & Hair: Sherlyn Torres

Fashion direction: Dylan Dias assisted by Rebecca Wengle

Peep some of the behind the scenes photos I shot with my iPhone ;)

To get Alexa's look, here are some of my product highlights & suggestions: 

1. Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer  $48 US ~ One of my all time faves! It's reliable & won't clog your pores

2. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation in Vallauris  $48 US ~ Ultra lightweight & won't dry out your skin during the cold winter months (light to medium coverage)

3. Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturizer  $72 CA ~ Just the right amount of hydration without the sticky feeling. It's great for combination & sensitive skin. Drier skin types may want to try a slightly heavier alternative during the coldest parts of winter

4. Anna Sui Pressed Powder  $38 CA ~ I adore Anna Sui's packaging and her eco-friendly approach of selling refills for nearly all of her cosmetics which also saves us money :)

5. M.A.C. Coppering Eyeshadow  $19 CA each ~ A gorgeous shade of copper to shade the crease and lower lash line using the #217 blending brush above & #219 pencil brush below

6. Anna Sui Rose Lip Balm  $24 CA @ Hudson's Bay ~ Leaves your lips smooth and hydrated without a greasy feel. Opt for the rouge jar version for a hint of soft pink ;)

7. Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Bold Brunette & Brown Ebony  $21 CA ~ My current go-to product for filling in, grooming & setting brows all in one step!

8. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner  $22 US  /  $26 CA ~ Amazing for an intensely rich black line that glides on smoothly and lasts all day long.

9. Chanel Le Crayon Kohl in 69 Clair  $30 US ~ Perfect for brightening up the lower water line and inner eye corners for a bright-eyed look. Also comes w/ a cute Chanel sharpener!

10. M.A.C. Lipsticks in All I Want, Japanese Maple, Gossamer Wing  $20 CA ~ All equally gorgeous neutral & warm shades to partner up with copper, burgundy or bronze smokey eyes

11. M.A.C. Sculpting Power in Shadester  $26 CA ~ One of my fave contour products for lighter complexions. Won't oxidize or look orange and has a soft matte finish.

~ Click here to view another story I worked on with Fshnunlimited. To check out the full magazine, you can grab a hard copy at Indigo Chapters.

Junction - FSHNUnlimited Magazine

"JUNCTION" Another fashion editorial to add to my book! The below images were recently published in the 2016 "Metamorphosis" Printed Issue of Fshnunlimited Magazine.

Photography by Allysandra Cervantes  |  Wardrobe by Dylan Dias & Rebecca Wengle

Makeup by Sherlyn Torres  |  Hair by Kaila Baker  |  Model Lauren G (Spot 6)

Designers and Retailers:  Small Studios  |  Empty Culture  |  The Future Frances Watson  |  Vitaly Design  |  BIKO  |  Gold Corium

I contributed to a few other stories in this issue so I'm excited to get my copy :D FSHNUnlimited Prints are currently available for purchase at Indigo Chapters.

** On the interim, below are some product highlights & suggestions to get Lauren G's look **

1. Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer $48 US ~ One of my all time faves! It's reliable & won't clog your pores

2. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation in Vallauris $48 US ~ Ultra lightweight & won't dry out your skin during the cold winter months (light to medium coverage)

3. Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturizer $72 CA ~ Just the right amount of hydration without the sticky feeling. It's great for combination & sensitive skin. Drier skin types may want to try a slightly heavier alternative during the coldest parts of winter

4. M.A.C. Eyeshadow Palettes in Burgundy & Amber Times Nine $40 US -or- $48 CA each ~ Super cute & handy for artists or individuals who like to pack light but want lots of options

5. Anna Sui Rose Lip Balm $24 CA @ Hudson's Bay ~ Leaves your lips smooth and hydrated without a greasy feel. Opt for the rouge jar version for a hint of soft pink ;)

6. Chanel Le Crayon Kohl in 69 Clair $30 US ~ Perfect for brightening up the lower water line for a bright-eyed wide awake look. Also comes w/ a cute Chanel sharpener!

7. M.A.C. Trend Forecast Spring 2016 / 6 Shades Lip Palette $40 US -or- $48 CA ~ A great mix of light, neutral, bright & deep shades in one convenient palette.

8. Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Toasted Blonde & Quiet Brunette $21 CA ~ My current go-to product for filling in, grooming & setting brows all in one step!

9. M.A.C. Pro Longwear Eye Liner in Black Ice $24 CA ~ Amazing for an intensely rich black line that glides on smoothly and lasts all day long.

10. M.A.C. Lipsticks in All I Want, Chintz, Bronze Shimmer $20 CA ~ All equally gorgeous neutral & warm shades to partner up with copper, burgundy or bronze smokey eyes

11. M.A.C. Sculpting Power in Shadester $26 CA ~ One of my fave contour products for lighter complexions. Won't oxidize or look orange and has a soft matte finish.

Garnet - Ellements Magazine

Very excited to have some new additions to the Fashion Editorial portion of my portfolio! The below images were recently published in Ellements Magazine's December 2015 issue. The photos were taken by Toronto fashion photographer Yugo Takahashi & Styled by Michelle Davis. The beauty department consisted of myself on makeup and Kevin N'toi on hair.

I wanted to keep the makeup clean & fresh with dewy elements and satin textures. I also wanted to incorporate complimentary colours to some of the cool toned wardrobe pieces like poppy red, warm tawny browns, peaches, oranges, brick red, mahogany and hints of pink.

We worked closely together & consulted one another to determine which makeup & hair looks would go well with each wardrobe selection. Not all of the makeup & hair looks I planned were set in stone, I always like to tweak on the spot according to the outfits.

Be sure to peep the products list page below to check out some of the product highlights ;)

Makeup Work: Rogers Mastercard Commercial

This was a very productive day! We processed makeup & hair for 12 different talents and shot three different locations in one day. Also, I really enjoyed working with the actors on this set :D Based on personal experience, many commercial actors I've come across tend to have a sunny disposition and a great sense of humour ~ great attitudes all around!

I witnessed first hand how an optimistic look on life can really help to set the mood for the characters needed for this treatment and it certainly helps to make the day go smoothly when the person in your chair is co-operative, respectful and patient.

Even though the looks required for each actor was true to life & realistic in nature, it was still imperative that each actor fit their character description to a T. It is also important to make sure the actors' faces & hair were prepped with care - which means everyone's skin is as flawless as possible without looking like they have any makeup on (sometimes, this type of makeup requires more skill and experience than doing a glamorous look). HD / Red Cams pick up every little flaw, and at times it could be tough to disguise discolouration or skin issues with minimal, undetectable product unless you're truly skilled to pull it off. Also, everyone's hair needed to be camera ready, meaning no strays being highlighted by back lights or that may distract the audience viewing the screen. Distracting flaws on camera can pull an audience out of the story which could inevitably steal a potential buyer's attention lol. I know it's not that deep but it does happen.

Glad to see the final outcome of our 13.5 hour day in a concise, well edited 30 second spot for Rogers. I also added a few behind the scenes content below...have a look and let me know what you think ;) Directed by Marc Andre Debruyne

[embed]https://vimeo.com/146850885[/embed]

Be sure to follow me on the periscope mobile app to view more of my behind the scenes chats + live makeup & hair demos on set: @SherlynTorres or visit periscope.tv/sherlyntorres

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvZC6vNFpz8[/embed]

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8Ol0nEjpS4[/embed]

Makeup for Contessa Hair Awards Winner 2016

I had the pleasure of collaborating with uber talented hair stylist, Mandy MacFadden, photographer Allysa Cervantes & Wardrobe Stylist Vanessa Sanchez on the below images. They were submitted for the Contessa Hair Stylist Awards contest in Spring of this year. I had a really good feeling about the submission, so it was no surprise when I found out that Mandy took home the best hair stylist of the year award for 2016!! Always such an awesome feeling being involved with stylists who are recognized for their excellence by the beauty industry :D

Below are the final images as well as some behind the scenes photos I shot during the shoot:

Congratulations once again to Mandy for an awesome job with these hair creations!!! Kudos to our creative team and the beautiful models for pulling off these amazing looks :D

Click here to view the other Contessa 2016 Hair Awards Winners :)

Click here for another set of Contessa Hair Awards winning images I was involved in 2014.

Makeup & Hair for Minto Condo Commercial

Commercial Makeup & Hair Work for Minto Condominiums:

The building / structure style of the new Minto Condo is going to have an art deco flare.

What immediately came to mind in relevance to this era is the great gatsby style of clothing, makeup and hair that people wore during the late 20s & early 30s. As a key makeup and hair artist, it is my job to translate the directors vision but also keep the looks fresh, innovative and modern. I learned how to create period specific looks while in school but its still important to research, save references and tweak the looks to suit the atmosphere & wardrobe on the day of on set. The below video is the directors cut and I absolutely love how it turned out! Enjoy!

[embed]http://marcandredebruyne.com/movies/co_minto_york.mp4[/embed]

Key Makeup & Hair: Sherlyn Torres

Wardrobe Styling by: Hilary Jenset

Assistant M&H: Amanda Tacus

Directed by: Marc Andre Debruyne

Cast: Alyssa Veniece, Drue, Luke, Albert (Spot 6 Models), Megan Mane, Nikki Morrison, Tresor, Trevon Pfeiffer, Anastasia, Roxy

Makeup & Hair for Remark Magazine

  Some new makeup and hair work I did with talented duo: Photographer Yugo Takahashi & Wardrobe Stylist Michelle Davis currently featured in Remark Magazine ~ Also available on newstands across Canada.

TIFF After Party!

  TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) is just wrapping up in Toronto and it was quite the week!

The below photos were taken by Tavis Gordon at Spice Route the other night.

It was super fun + got a chance to catch up with some old friends we haven't seen in a while which was an added bonus!

[embed]https://youtu.be/yJFyxUwLQLU[/embed]

Elite Model Lenna - Get Her Beauty Look

 

The above images are from a recent photoshoot I did with Elite Model Lenna, shot by photographer Yugo Takahashi, styled by wardrobe stylist Michelle Davis.

The first makeup look I did was a very minimal eye with a lot of glow & iridescence. I did an orangey-peach toned sheen on the eyes contrasted by royal blue mascara, framed with strong dark brows, a contoured glowing complexion and neutral, semi-glossy lips.

Get Lenna's First Look:

•  One Minute after moisturizing, apply one pump of Lancome Primer to your t-zone (1)

•  Next, apply NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Ceylan (2)

•  Dot & blend NARS' Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard (3) under the eyes

•  Dab a hint of Benefit's Moonbeam highlighter (4) on the brow bone & tops of the cheekbones for a soft glowing effect

•  Use Yves Saint Laurent Blush & Contour Brush (5) to set the concealer & foundation w/ a sheer translucent powder from NARS (6)

•  Fill in all the brow gaps with D&G Softbrown Eyebrow Pencil for strong defined arches and line the lower water-line with a cream pencil from Chanel (7)

•  Emphasize your cheek bones with NARS bronzer in Casino (9)

•  Using a dry or damp shadow brush, apply loose M.A.C. pigment in Melon (10) all over the upper eyelids just below the crease and beneath the lower lashes for a colour wash

•  Apply a generous amount of M.A.C. False Lashes Mascara in Blue (8)

•  Finish off the look w/ a small dab of Yves Saint Laurent Golden Sand Lipgloss (9) on lips

The second look is a bit more sultry, bronzy & glowy. I used a lot of long-wearing waterproof products so this look is perfect for a long summer night rendez-vouz from evening til dusk ;)

Get Lenna's Second Look:

•  Keeping the complexion and brows the same, you can take the first look to evening by first using a dry or damp shadow brush to apply the darkest shade in Tom Ford's Gold Mink Quad shadow (10) all over the upper eyelids just below the crease and beneath the lower lashes, use the lightest gold shade on the brow bones & inner corners of the eyes to add highlights

•  Apply a generous amount of M.A.C. False Lashes Mascara in Black (8)

• Replace the creamy nude lower water-line pencil w/ Stila's Stay All day Smudgestick Liner in Stingray (7) on the upper lash line + upper & lower water line for a smoldering effect

•  Finish off the look w/ a dab of Yves Saint Laurent Golden Sand Lipgloss (9) on lips

Gigi Hadid in Toronto for #Maybelline100 Event

  Last night in Toronto, Maybelline New York Canada celebrated 100 years of beauty with brand Spokesmodel and #ItGirl Gigi Hadid. 

In a nod to the racing stripe on Hadid's white Smythe pantsuit, Maybelline New York Lead Makeup Artist Grace Lee penned a double-lined eye using new (July 2015) Maybelline Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Pencil in Cashmere White and Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner in Black. Lashes were coated with Lash Sensational Mascara in Blackest Black and brows were combed through with Brow Drama in Blonde. Hadid's lips were topped with nude hue (Color Sensational The Buffs Lipstick in Truffle tease), keeping all focus on her gorgeous liner.

Photos of Gigi Hadid and other notables at the #Maybelline100 event:

+ More event photos:

CREDITS:

Who: Gigi Hadid (Model)

Event: Maybelline New York 100 Year Anniversary Event in Toronto

Date: Wednesday June 3, 2015

Location: The One Eighty

Makeup: Grace Lee, Lead Makeup Artist for Maybelline New York Canada

Hair: Matthew Collins

Nails: Wendy Rorong

Product Credit: Maybelline New York (www.Maybelline.ca)

Photo Credit (all photos from Toronto event): George Pimentel

Milk & Heels - Spring/Summer 2015 Editorial

Key Makeup & Hair Artist for the latest Issue of Milk & Heels Online Magazine - Spring/Summer 2015 Edition

Behind the Scenes of Garnet from Spot 6

A brief behind the scenes clip of me & Garnet from Spot 6 Models in our element ;) Video by: Tavis Gordon

Makeup & hair: Sherlyn Torres

Photographer: Allysa Cervantes

Model: Garnet @ Spot 6 Management

https://youtu.be/KpAJpE9hrjE

“Say goodbye to your little zit”

 

Date: The morning of your date with the cutie from work

Time: 7:00 a.m.

Setting: Your washroom

Scene: Your alarm goes off. You stumble towards the washroom with your eyes half closed... After washing your face, you squint into the mirror to find a bright red zit living on the tip of your nose!

The coward thing to do: Hide under the covers until the zit goes away.

The hero thing to do: Scour your beauty stash & treat it!

Step 1: Use a mild (sulfate-free) cleanser infused with an anti-bacterial agent, like tea tree oil.

Step 2: Run a q-tip under warm water and dab onto pimple to open up the pore.

Step 3: Use the other end of the q-tip to dip into your spot treatment* and apply onto zit.

• Go for a treatment with B vitamins, tea tree oil, salicylic acid or purifying clay. If you have none of the above, a dab of seabuckthorn oil can do wonders! (just keep it very minimal)

Next…Camouflage it! (if you opted for clay, be sure to rinse off first)

Step 1: Go for a lightweight moisturizer that is free of heavy oils - dermalogica's active moist is a great one to have on hand.

Step 2: Apply light layers of concealer with a small synthetic brush to cover up the imperfection. Be sure to use a patting motion and go for an acne treatment infused formula to continue the healing process.

Step 3: Set with a mineral-based loose powder so the concealer stays put. *Bonus: The zinc from the mineral powder is also an anti-inflammatory ingredient, which will keep redness at bay.

By end of day, hopefully the blemish would have shrunk significantly so you won't have to skip out on your date ;)

Comment below to share some of your tips for maintaining a clear complexion and which products you swear by...

Zaliris (Next Models) - Get Her Beauty Look

 

Photographer: Tavis Gordon  |  Model: Zaliris Next Models  |   Hair: Caffery Van Horne  |  Makeup: Sherlyn Torres  |  Wardrobe Stylist: Olivia

Shot on location: South Beach, Miami

Get the look:

• After moisturizer, I applied Lancome La Base Primer (1)   •   Then mixed Bobbi Brown Foundation Sticks in Warm Honey & Golden (2)   •   A very small dab of M.A.C. Gloss Texture on the eyelids (3)   •   Set the foundation w/ a sheer translucent powder from M.A.C. then used Yves Saint Laurent Blush & Contour Brush (4) to emphasize Zal's cheek bones with NARS bronzer in Casino (8)   •   Applied Dolce & Gabbana Cream Eyeshadow in Cocoa (5) on outer v   •   Applied a generous amount of M.A.C. False Lashes Mascara (6)   •   Small strokes of D&G Softbrown Eyebrow Pencil for naturally defined brows (7)   •   Finished off the look w/ a small dab of Yves Saint Laurent Creme de Blush in Praline Soyeuse (9) on lips   •   On Body: Pacifica Island Vanilla Body Butter Mixed w/ Mambino body Oil & a pinch of M.A.C. Iridescent Loose Powder in Golden Bronze

Makeup & Hair - Blackberry Commercial

 

Makeup, Hair & Grooming work for a recent Blackberry Enterprise Software Commercial.

I also did a very short cameo towards the end lol See if you can spot me ;). It's tougher than finding Waldo! So I'll leave you with a hint below...

[embed]http://youtu.be/msL0UQqtRL0[/embed]

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 ;)

Actra Awards - Makeup for Arisa Cox

  One of my favourite clients & good friend, Arisa Cox hired me to do her makeup for the 15th Annual Actra Awards held at The Carlu, Friday February 20th, 2015.

We prepped at the beautiful Park Hyatt Hotel in Yorkville and was later joined by another familiar face, Jason Ruta :D. It was pretty much a mini E! News reunion with a ton of laughter and catching up over food & drinks...

The above photo was taken w/ my trusty old 20D and as usual, Tavis Gordon added his magic touch to the photos :)

Here's a few more pics from the night (iPhone snapshots this time):