Browsing Category

Beauty 101

Beauty Beauty 101 Corporate Events Health and Lifestyle Travel

Beauty and Sanitation during COVID-19 aka Coronavirus

March 13, 2020


At this time when hand sanitizers and disinfectant sprays are sold out on all store shelves, big industries and organizations are ‘closing-up shop’ and cities are under major quarantine, we thought it was fitting to discuss how The Beauty Team practices good hygiene and sanitation always when on all makeup and hair jobs! The Coronavirus has no doubt given us this idea to write about how us as makeup artists and hair stylists are germaphobes and obsess about good hygiene, always!

Our clean practices have always included cleaning our brushes in front of our clients, using disposable mascara wands, sharpening and cleaning eye pencils and lip pencils with 70% rubbing alcohol after we sharpen them. There is absolutely no cutting corners for our team in this department!

We have had clients compliment us on the fact that we take time to clean our brushes in between clients as it is so important. What you will often hear us saying at corporate events or beauty bar events is ‘please have a seat and talk to me about your beauty preferences as I sanitize my hands and clean my brushes’. This statement is always something our clients usually smile about and appreciate! Then, going home to spend time giving our hair tools or makeup brushes a good cleaning or shampooing is our life story!

Last, we don’t double dip! We scrape off lipsticks, glosses and concealers, for example, with a palette knife, put it on a stainless steel clean palette, and take product with a clean brush from the palette. 

Photo by: Jenn Kavanagh Photography

During this incredibly odd, scary, and extra cautious time with Coronavirus we wanted to share some of the precautions we take as artists to keep ourselves and our clients healthy. It’s something we pride ourselves in! So remember to wash your hands & even clothes often as the virus can live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, on your clothes for 6 to 12 hours & on a metal surface for 12 hours!

Stay safe, clean and sanitized! 😉

All makeup brushes cleaned!

~Love, The Beauty Team

Book The Beauty Team by emailing us at: info@thebeautyteam.ca or click here.

Beauty Beauty 101 Product Reviews The Beauty Notes

Winterizing Your Foundation

January 27, 2020


‘Winterizing’ your foundation for the colder months is a thing! When doing our client’s makeup during these winter months, we always keep in mind that with their skin being more susceptible to dehydration & dryness throughout the day, it’s always good to take preventative measures to make it look more luminous. That can include changing your foundation in the winter months versus sticking to your same foundation all-year round!

For someone who typically has oily skin in the summer, it’s not out of the ordinary to have really dry skin in the winter depending on your environment (due to heaters, lifestyle, location & environment). A foundation that will make your skin glow will usually have light-refracting technology that makes it appear extra radiant, but will also have added hydration to go hand-in-hand with your winter moisturizer. Here are some of our favourite foundations that you can use in winter (that you might not use in the summer depending on your skin-type!) to help your skin look amazing.

Light coverage:

For a no-makeup-makeup dewy finish, the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector is a great option. It’s border-line skincare with spf 30 that’s needed in the winter months as well! It is described as a ‘Hydrating Complex made up of Macadamia and Kukui Seed Oils that helps increase the skin’s moisture levels long-term for 24 hours of hydration, while reducing the signs of visibly dry skin’.

Medium coverage:

Tarte’s ‘Shape-Tape’ Hydrating Gel foundation is very luminous, buildable & oil free (yes you can get hydration from an oil free foundation too), with hyaluronic acid and collagen that work to plump and smooth the skin!

Full coverage:

Lastly, for a more full coverage hydrating foundation I love the Nars Natural Radiant Long-wear Foundation. The name says it all! Nars claims that 91% of women agree that their skin appears smoother while wearing the foundation.Enjoy extra-hydrated skin for these last few winter months and you’ll see the difference. To book a private lesson or a makeup appointment with The Beauty Team, email us at: info@thebeautyteam.ca or click here and we will treat your skin to the best foundation for your skin type and give you more tips for ‘winterizing’ your very own foundation.

(Client makeup in photo by co-founder Jenna Sardo)

~The Beauty Team

Beauty Beauty 101 The Beauty Notes

Makeup To Keep You Feeling Fresh In A Heatwave

July 22, 2019


With the scorching heat waves that have been hitting the GTA, the last thing we want to do is put on a heavy face of make-up and hair products. But with that being said, it’s always nice to look and feel put together. Here’s a few tips to help get you through the next heat wave looking as chic & fresh as possible!

Tinted Moisturizer:

product-images_5389_variants_2355_imgs_PDP_DEWSKIN_01

Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer – no one wants to feel like they’re wearing makeup in the heat (but some of us also don’t want to brave a completely bare face either) which is why we’ve fallen in love with Beautycounter’s Dew Skin. This super sheer coverage tinted moisturizer is packed with benefits including SPF 20, Vitamin C to enhance brightness and Sodium Hyaluronate to promote firmer, smoother looking skin. We like to apply this product with our fingertips (just as you would your normal moisturizer) and add concealer to any areas that require a little more coverage. The end result – luminous plumped skin!

Cream Blush:

S002070004.0_petunia • Stila Convertible Color – this two-in-one lipstick and blush combo is a convenient and quick product to apply in the heat. The creamy and translucent colour is easy to blend and keeps you looking fresh and radiant. Apply with a brush or fingertips for a monochromatic look.

Tube Mascara:

Screen Shot 2019-07-22 at 6.27.11 PM
Blinc Mascara – when applied, this innovative formula forms tiny water-resistant (aka sweat-proof) tubes around your lashes for maximum amplification and hold, rather than painting them like conventional mascaras. The tubes bind to your lashes and don’t run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes. Moral of the story – you can kiss those raccoon eyes goodbye!

Facial Mists:

0110787_facial-spray-with-aloe-herbs-and-rosewater
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with aloe, herbs and rosewater – the antioxidants filled formula is great for dry skin! This best-selling product helps to clarify with thyme extract, moisturize and rejuvenate skin with rosewater and is paraben-free. We cant stress more about how crucial a facial mist is! Facial mists keep you cool throughout the day, set and refresh your makeup, and keep your skin hydrated and balanced throughout the day. There’s one for every skin type out there!

Hair Wave Spray:

Screen Shot 2019-07-22 at 6.36.47 PM

Ouai Wave Spray – your hair is going to get frizzy in the heat so why not just embrace it! Ouai wave spray is a weightless texture hair mist formulated with rice protein (instead of sea salt – which can actually dry out and damage hair). Spritz this on wet or dry hair to add hold for effortlessly chic undone waves.

Those are just a few of our fave melt-proof beauty must haves, so let us know some of your faves so we can all thrive this summer! If you want to learn more about our techniques or get your hair or makeup “professionally heat-proofed” The Beauty Team’s got you covered! Book your on-demand beauty services today.

Beauty 101 Celebrity Beauty On Set Product Reviews The Beauty Notes

BACKYARD BUILDS: Hear from the Onset Makeup Artists!

April 5, 2017


Get insider info from our hair and makeup artists on the set of HGTV’s Backyard Builds and learn top tips for looking flawless on screen!

FullSizeRender (7)

We asked The Beauty Team artists, Justine and Natasha, a few questions about their experience working on the set of Backyard Builds:

  1. You used FACE Atelier products on Sarah and Brian. Which were your favourites?

J: My favourite FACE Atelier products had to be the FACE Atelier Ultra Pressed Powder for Brian and FACE Atelier Jolie Lipstick for Sarah—she loves a pop of colour!

N: Other than FACE Atelier, Pro Long Wear Concealer from MAC was great for under their eyes or on any problem spots.

  1. How did you control shine on long shoot days?

face_atelier_ultra_matteJ: The trick to controlling shine was to prime with FACE Atelier Ultra Matte, use the FACE Atelier Ultra Pressed Powder then follow with one more layer of FACE Atelier Ultra Matte.

N: Blotting papers by Elf and Make up Forever HD loose powder were key for controlling shine. On long days we would even clean the face and start fresh!

3. What were your set bag essentials?

J: My set bag essentials were the FACE Atelier Ultra pressed powder, FACE Atelier Jolie Lipstick, and two bottles of water with straws to keep the talent hydrated!

N: For me, Make up Forever HD translucent powder, lip balm, and make up setting spray!

  1. What was your favourite look on Sarah?

J: Sarah always looked her best with a bit of Colour Runway on the cheeks and FACE Atelier lipstick in Jolie on the lips!

N: For Sarah, less is more! Blush and a coral lip!

  1. What is a typical day as a makeup artist on set of Backyard Builds?

J: No two days were the same on Backyard Builds! I was always ready to climb a tree house ladder for touch ups.

N: A typical day on an outdoor set meant always being ready behind the scenes to fix flyaway hairs!

  1. What is your best tip for looking amazing on camera?

J: The best tip to looking good on camera is staying hydrated.

N: Blending your blush and contour is important but don’t be afraid to go a little heavier as the camera may not pick up the pigment!

Be sure to tune in for the premiere of Backyard Builds on April 6th at 10 p.m. and catch the work of The Beauty Team on the big screen!

xo The Beauty Team

 

Beauty 101 Celebrity Beauty Product Reviews The Beauty Notes

Conair Infiniti Pro Straightener – Pro or No?

March 6, 2017


image1Our hair expert and OUAI Canadian Educator, Alysse, tested out the Conair Infiniti Pro Straightener and we just had to ask her about it!

Here are her answers:

Q: What are your favourite features of this product?

A: The number one thing was that it heated up quickly and was simple to use! I personally loved how it left some movement in my hair as opposed to making it pin straight and lifeless. My models also loved how it didn’t pull and made their hair feel silky and shiny.

Q: Who would you recommend this product to?

A: I would recommend this product to a variety of hair types however, if you have very kinky roots this product is not for you. The straightener doesn’t get close enough to smooth them out. I would say the target market is the girl on-the-go. It heats up quickly and smooths out hair giving you a polished look in minutes.

Q: Would you use this on a daily basis?

A: I would definitely use this on a daily basis. It’s always good to have easy-to-use products on hand to make mornings less stressful! Not to mention, if it makes my models happy I really can’t complain!

Q: Overall, do you give this product your stamp of approval?

A: Yes! It surprised me. I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did! I would definitely recommend trying the Conair Infiniti Pro Straightener.

Thanks Alysse!

If you’re always on-the-go but don’t want to sacrifice your beauty routine, the Conair Pro Infiniti straightener may be the perfect tool to add to your belt.

Try it out and let us know what you think of the Conair Infiniti Pro Straightener!

xo The Beauty Team

Beauty 101 Product Reviews The Beauty Notes

Our favourite Valentine’s Day Beauty Products

February 10, 2017


Whether it’s Valentine’s or “Galentine’s”, our top products for the infamous holiday will make you fall in love!

Glo-Minerals Lip-Suede matte crayonsv day 1

These lip crayons are a Valentine’s Day essential for many reasons. Coming in a range of romantic hues, there is no question why we would want to smack this on our lips for the big day. They are also peppermint scented, allowing you to embrace those up-close moments. With an extreme long-wear formula, you won’t have to worry whether they are kiss-proof. Feel free to test that out for us!

NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer

v day 2Wearing your heart on your sleeve doesn’t mean you can’t hide spots and dark circles. That’s why we recommend NARS Soft Matte Concealer for a flawless complexion on your night out.

 

Unwind before or after a romantic night out with LUSH’s Valentine’s Bath Bombs.

v day 3

The Cupid Bath Bomb is sure to give your bath the holiday themed colour you are looking for. Calm pre-date jitters with bergamot oil and fresh raspberry juice.

v day 4

We also love LUSH’s Lover Lamp. Pamper your skin with this aphrodisiac-inspired cocoa butter and Brazilian orange oil bath bomb.

Makeup Forever’s Uplight Face Luminizer Gel

v day 5

We think Valentine’s Day is a day to shine. Illuminate with Makeup forever’s uplift. Apply it to cheekbones, collarbones, or anywhere you want a subtle shimmer. The gel formula ensures an irresistible glow that will last all night.

v day 6

 

Finish off your V-Day look with Dior’s Iconic Mascara. This wand is nothing less than magic as it gives limp lashes the volume they deserve. Swipe this on and they won’t forget that “your eyes are up here”.

 

Find love this year by treating yourself to these fabulous products!

xo The Beauty Team

Beauty 101

Micellar Water, the solution to great skin?

April 9, 2015


micellar_cleansing_waterBy now you’ve probably heard someone talking about Micellar Water . The convenient cleansing water has quickly become the latest skincare trend in Canada.

First originating in Paris, France to help Parisians deal with the harsh water supply Micellar Water is a product suited for each and every skin type. The simple ingredients and hypoallergenic formulas make it a great option for hyper sensitive and acne prone skin.

The alcohol-free formula can be used to remove all traces makeup (even mascara) with a cotton pad…and it really does quite the job! Micelle molecules purify your skin by removing makeup, drawing out dirt and oil while gently cleansing the skin without stripping it of it’s natural oils. Although, if you’re quite oily your face might not feel thoroughly cleansed, if this is the case we recommend a quick wash with a gentle cleanser after removing makeup.

Lazy girls are in luck! These products are rinse-free making it a perfect for those late nights when you don’t have enough energy to go through your entire skin care regime but at least want to remove your makeup.

There are many options when it comes to purchasing Micellar Water.  Bioderma has been an industry staple for years; showing up in Makeup Artist’s kits worldwide.  We are also loving versions by Marcelle, Garnier and Simple skincare which are all available at your local drug store.

Will you be trading in your extensive skincare regime for this new trend?

♥ Victoria 

Beauty 101 Product Reviews

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit

January 16, 2015


anastasiacontourpalette

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit is a perfect contour and highlighting palette for the everyday woman, Makeup enthusiast and of course Professional Makeup Artist!

The highly acclaimed hypo-allergenic palette comes with 6 well-crafted powder shades that are suitable for light to medium skin tones. The shades include:

  • Sand – Soft beige for light to medium skin with warm and neutral undertones.
  • Vanilla – Peachy nude for light to medium skin with warm beige undertones.
  • Banana – Warm nude which universally flatters all undertones.
  • Java – Soft mocha for light to medium skin with cool olive undertones.
  • Fawn – Toffee nude for light to medium skin with cool, beige and olive undertones.
  • Havana – Coffee brown for light to medium skin with warm olive undertones.

#BEAUTYNOTE

To achieve the flawless contour and highlight, use a sculpting brush (we love tarte’s slenderized bamboo contour brush). Apply the most suitable light shade for your skin tone under your eyes, chin, top of nose, middle of forehead. Apply the right dark shade for your skin tone at the top of your hair line of your forehead, below your cheekbones and both sides of your nose and jaw.

tarte_powder_contouring_brush

 

If you have any trouble follow Kevin Aucoin’s guide below from Face Forward and remember to blend!

Contouring-Kevyn-Aucoin

 

 

 

The blendable colours allow for the perfect combination of contour and highlighting results in amazing sculpted and defined features of the face.

 

Beauty 101

How to Block Brows like the pros.

October 30, 2014

You will need:

  • Spoolie Brush
  • Metal Spatula
  • Spirit Gum + Spirit Gum Remover
  • Wax
  • Castor Sealer
  • Sponges
  • Concealer

Please note that when using Spirit Gum you will also need to purchase the Spirit Gum Remover! Be gentle when removing and remember to cleanse and moisturize the skin once all the product is removed.

                        images-1  images-7

Step 1:

Using a spoolie brush, comb brows downwards and coat with spirit gum. Proceed to brush them upwards adding a bit more product as needed. Flatten brows as much as possible. Once the spirit gum starts to become tacky, continue to flatten the brows by lightly pressing a metal spatula into the skin moving in an upward direction.

Step 2:

NWtn

Proceed with a wax. Take off a very small piece, warm it up with your finger tips and roll into a small ball. Smooth this overtop of the already flattened brow and use the same technique with the spatula (as discussed in Step 1).

Step 3:

bncastor

Apply a sealer with a wedge sponge over top of the wax. Once evenly coated, absorb any moisture with transluscent powder and a powder puff. The sealer insures the makeup application will provide the proper finish and prevents discolouration of your concealer.

Step 4:

Layer concealer in a stippling motion over top of the brow ( I like to use a Beauty Blender for better coverage). Start by color correcting with a yellow tone to neutralize the darkness of your natural brow. Continue to layer with a concealer that’s your skin tone (or tone desired depending on the look you want to achieve) until the brows are completely blocked out. Set with transluscent powder.

images-8

hd_powder_closed1

Beauty 101 Events Product Reviews

philosophy’s new serum gives you “no reason to hide”

October 3, 2014


This past week we attended philosophy’s latest event and were introduced to newest serum, “no reason to hide”. The name certainly got us thinking of what this multi-imperfection serum could do for our skin. We soon realized that this wasn’t only about what the product can do and hide but how it can help to bring out a confident reflection of ourselves.

As woman, we love our products and take time out of our days for our daily skincare regimen. We cleanse, we tone, we moisturize all to look our best on the outside. We rarely take the time to see what makes us naturally beautiful and practice positive self talk.

Beauty Note: 

Add a few positive affirmations to your daily routine and notice how it changes the way you feel about yourself.

philosophy.jpg

The product:

No reason to hide serum was formulated as an all-in-one serum solution to target many skin concerns. It is clinically proven to treat blotchiness, redness, dark spots, acne scaring, pores and rough textures. In just 4 weeks 88% of women showed a decrease in red spots and blotchiness. By the 12th week, 100% showed transformative improvement on multiple skin imperfections.

After using the serum for a few days, our skin is feeling a lot softer, some redness has demised and our pores both seem to a bit smaller. Of course the most dramatic results will appear after at least 6 weeks of use but we like what we’re seeing so far!

tab_1_bg_canada

Be sure to check out philosophy’s confidence community on Facebook  http://bit.ly/1lBW4Dy .  Get involved with with #noreasontohide , reveal your confidence personality and enter for the chance to win prizes (like a $2,500 Hudson’s Bay shopping spree, a year supply of no reason to hide and other philosophy fan favorites), and of course help spread the confidence!

This event challenged us to bring out the positive in ourselves and exude self confidence. Just another reason why we can’t get enough of philosophy and what they stand for!

No reason to hide multi imperfection transforming serum ($72.00/30ml) is available at all philosophy retailers including Shoppers Drug Mart and Hudson’s Bay company.

Victoria & Justine

The Beauty Team