Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring TV Personality Farah Nasser!

Every random Sunday I feature a blogger, artist, photographer, makeup artist, actress, socialite or all around awesome person on my blog in a feature I like to call "You Go Girl!" or in some cases "You Go Boy!".

This week Ill be featuring a beautiful Canadian journalist named Farah Nasser.  She is currently an Anchor/Reporter for Toronto TV station CP24 and is also co-host with Nathan Downer on CP24 Live at 5:30.

I remember seeing Farah when she was at her previous gig on CityTv and thinking there someones on TV with my name! Besides the obvious name connection she was stunning, smart and had a way of connecting with her audience that I loved.

I was lucky enough to steal a few moments of Farah's busy day to chat with her about beauty & her career for this edition of "You Go Girl!"

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Farah (nice name ;)) tell us a little about who are you & why are you so fabulous?

I’m a news anchor with CP24 in Toronto.  I’ve been a journalist for more than a decade.  I don’t know if I’m fabulous but I sure am blessed with an amazing career, loving family, wonderful friends – and a couple of AMAZING make-up artists!

Where can we find you on the world wide web?

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/farahnasser

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/farah.nasser

Web:  http://www.cp24.com/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100205/100219_farah_nasser_bio/20110209/?hub=CP24About

Being on TV and in the spotlight Im sure you have tried your fair share of beauty products SO, what beauty products have you learned about in the industry that have become a fav?

Wearing full TV make-up everyday is tough on the skin so to give my face a good scrub I rely on Vasanti’s Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator.  As for make-up, at work we use a lot of MAC.  When I’m rushing out to cover a story, (and have to do my make up in the news van) I’ll grab my “go-to” kit.  It includes MAC 80% Lipliner, Velvet Teddy Lipstick, the Noterity eye-shadow pallet, C4 Studio fix and Mascara.  A good camera-man will always tell you when he’s making a sharp turn or quick stop so you don’t end up with mascara on your forehead!

Your favorite beauty treatment is?
Do I have to choose one?  How about I wrap it all up into one very relaxing day?  I’d start with a super hydrating facial at Pure + Simple, followed by a soak in the waters at Body Blitz Spa and then finish out with a blow out at Fuss Hair Studio with my genius of a hairdresser Martha.  Ah, that’s heaven.

You're in a huge rush, what one beauty product do you grab? 
Concealer.  My cousins and I have all been given the genetic Nasser dark circles.

Are there any makeup or beauty faux pas you really cant stand? 

The Indian girl geisha look (aka foundation too light for your skin).  Mind you, I have to admit I’ve been guilty of it in the past.

Are you guilty of any yourself? 

My other ‘oops’ moment was in the late 90s.  Dark dark lipstick (ie Revlon’s Toast of New York or MAC’s Paramount)  My girlfriends now lovingly refer to it as my ‘tar lips’ faze.

Do you have any beauty secrets? 

Navy eye liner underneath and brown on top – courtesy of my make up artist Spring Roy (@makeup4tv).  The combo really makes brown eyes pop!

How did you get your start in television, was it that summer job you landed at CNN New Delhi years ago?

CNN was an incredible experience but I started few years before that.  When I was 18, I did a co-op placement at Rogers Television in Peel and fell in love with reporting.  From there, I moved on to various TV stations and attended Ryerson for Radio and Television Arts

Who would you say have been some of your favorite celebs/people to work with during your career? 

When it comes to stars Gerard Bulter is hilarious!  I’ve also enjoyed interviewing Will Farrell, Ryan Gosling, Keanu Reeves, Keira Knightly, Jonah Hill, Gene Simmons, Drake….to name a few.

Favorite career highlight & why?

My job is to push, to find out the answers that people sitting at home want to know.  The G20 was a prime example of that and a huge highlight for me.  We put police on the spot.  It sure doesn’t make you popular but it’s the purpose of journalism.  I’ll also never forget the big east coast blackout, I covered the transportation angle and slept at Pearson Airport for days.  SARS, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina all stick out in my mind.  I’m very lucky, my job is a front row seat to history.

What can people expect from Farah Nasser in the future?

National news, more in-depth reporting and politics, perhaps?  Covering elections are like the Oscars for me.  I guess you’ll have to tune in to CP24 and find out.

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Thank you so much Farah for taking the time out to chat with us here at FacesByFarah.com. We cant wait to see what the future holds for you!

Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring the Founders of Luxy Hair Sisters Leyla & Mimi!!

 Every Sunday I feature a blogger, artist, photographer, makeup artist, actress, socialite or all around awesome person on my blog in a feature I like to call "You Go Girl!" or in some cases "You Go Boy!".

This week Ill be featuring the 2 beautiful founders of Luxy Hair. These sisters are not only business savvy with their growing business selling luxury hair extensions but they also have a strong following on their YouTube channel that features everything from simple how to hair styles to outfit of the days to an inside look at their lives.

I recently chatted with the sisters about beauty, life and business. Keep reading to find out what they had to say....

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So tell us a little about who is behind Luxy Hair and why are you ladies fabulous?

M: Luxy Hair is an outlet for me and Leyla to share our creative ideas with like minded girls around the world. We are really grateful for Youtube that have created such an amazing platform that makes it possible for us and other Youtubers.  Why are we fabulous? We don't particularly think of ourselves as fabulous to be honest. We are just regular girls, having fun with beauty and make up.  

L: I wish we could just credit all the fabulousness to ourselves, but as most people might find it surprising, that part of our Luxy Team is actually a man! Mimi's amazing husband, Alex is the mastermind and the business savvy brains behind all of the success. And of course, Mimi & I are the face of the brand, as well are hugely involved in all the other parts of the business.

Where can we find you on the world wide web?

We have a very strong web presence, and can be found on any of the following sites:

https://www.facebook.com/LuxyHair

http://www.youtube.com/user/LuxyHair

http://www.youtube.com/user/EverythingLuxy

http://twitter.com/luxyhair

www.luxyhair.com

What are some of your must have beauty products and why?
M: Gosh concealer and Mac Bronzer. Those two products have the ability to make me look refreshed in minutes.

L: My Amazing Cosmetics concealer - it truly is amazing, super creamy, great coverage and you only need a teeny-tiny amount to do the job, Bobbi Brown Hydrating Under-eye cream  - it's lightweight, fast absorbing and leaves my under eye area/skin feeling like silk and the Macadamia Deep Repair Hair masque - I love how creamy it is, the smell is amazing and it leaves my hair really soft and easy to manage! :)

Have you ever lost or broken a beauty item you wish you still had today?
M: Estee Lauder limited edition bronzer. I dropped it on the floor the second or third day after I bough it and it broke it into tiny pieces

L: Can't really recall anything from the beauty items, however, I once forgot all of my jewelry while visiting Montreal in a hotel room, and I wish I could retrieve all of it back.. But it's long gone..

How did Luxy Hair get started?
L: Mimi was getting married last year, and was looking for great quality clip in hair extensions at an affordable price for her wedding day. And when she couldn't find any on the market, Alex suggested that we start our own brand. He proposed that Mimi & I would be the face of the brand, while he would handle all the behind the scenes, technical, business and financial aspects.

Favorite fashion look for Summer 2011?
M: A white ruffle summer dress. I'm loving white at the moment.
L: There are so many! But if I had to choose just one, it would be florals! Especially floral rompers.. Pure love!

Favorite makeup look for Summer 2011?

M: Very light and natural smoky eye ( using brown eyeshadows) and peachy blush.  

L: Fresh face and dewy make-up that makes you look like you're glowing from within.

Favorite hair look for Summer 2011?
M: Beachy waves or a side braid.  
L: This one is easy. It's braids! In all of its shapes and sizes and variations, from a simple side braid, to a french braid to a more complicated fish tail braid.. I love and wear them all constantly!

The thing I love the most about my career is...?
M: I love what I do , because it doesn't feel like work. So, I don't necessarily think of it as I career. It's just something that I do and enjoy.  
L: That it isn't a career to me or feel like work. It is my life, and it allows me to have the freedom and flexibility to do and be what I want, when I want. That to me, is priceless!

My sister would say Im crazy for.....?
M: I'm crazy for herbal teas:) hehe Fruity and caffeine free, it's my absolute favourite beverage. 

L: The sun, the beach and a beautifully tanned skin

My best kept beauty secret is?
M: Smiling. I think that instantly makes anyone beautiful :) 
L: I wish I could say I have one, but since starting both of our YouTube Channel (LuxyHair and EverythingLuxy) most of my beauty secrets are being revealed one by one in all of my videos and tutorials on hair, make-up, fashion and life in general

Are there any fashion, makeup or beauty faux pas you really really cant stand?
M: To me a faux pas is wearing something only because it's trendy. I believe you should wear things that make you feel good and comfortable as well as look good on you.
L:

Are you guilty of any yourself?
M: I have in the past, and I believe it's completely fine, as we learn by making mistakes. As my awareness is growing, I'm becoming more selective as to what I wear and why I wear it, whether it's clothes or make up. 
L: It's not really a beauty related faux pas, but I do love to wear my Uggs in the winter time... I know some people can't stand them, but to me a winter in Canada and Uggs go hand in hand.

Was there a product you bought due to word of mouth hype that you just weren't please with once you tried?
M: Yeah....lots of hair shampoos and conditioners. Also, the brazilian blow out treatment. It's so sad, that I've had it done about a year ago, and I still can't get my curls back. 
L: I'll only try out a product if the hype comes from a source (friend or YouTube Beauty Guru) whose opinion I trust, and as such it's hard to recall if there ever was any product that I got because of a hype that I didn't enjoy later on.

Who are your mentors/idols?
M: I don't believe in having idols. I think we are all the same- all talented in our own way, some are famous for it and some or not. That's the only difference. I do get inspired by many people but mostly just regular people I get to meet on daily basis. My mentor and best friend is my soulmate- Alex :)
L: There are a lot of people that inspire and motivate me, however, I cannot call them my mentors or idols. I just like to stay open and observant to life and people, and I can derive inspiration from the smallest of situations that I can later apply to my own life.


What can people expect from you ladies and Luxy Hair in the future?
M: More fun and interactive videos and projects. We enjoy those the best:) 

L: We have a lot of ambitious and large projects that we'd like to tackle in the future, but we like to take our time and do things thoroughly, one step-at-a-time. So we're in no rush to expand, but that is definitely where we're headed.

Any last words or advice?

M: Follow your instincts in life as they will guide you in the right direction of where you need to be to grow as a being. Always try to do your best and leave the rest to the universe.

L: The best advice I can give is to follow your heart, your passion and don't let fear of failure or rejection stop you from following your dreams. As cliche as it sounds, anything truly is possible, if you believe in yourself and your power to succeed!

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Thank you Leyla & Mimi for taking the time to chat and share your story with FacesByFarah.com readers.

Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring the Editor of Social Life Magazine Devorah Rose!

Every Sunday I feature a blogger, artist, photographer, makeup artist, actress, socialite or all around awesome person on my blog in a feature I like to call "You Go Girl!" or in some cases "You Go Boy!".

This week Ill be featuring the fabulous Devorah Rose who is the editor behind Social Life Magazine, has appeared on the Real Housewives of New York and who vacations in the Hampton's with some of the biggest names in entertainment.

I was first introduced to Devorah when I was addicted to watched the Real Housewives of New York and Bethenny was shooting the cover of the Social Life mag. I loved her style,beauty and confidence so when she agreed to be interviewed for my Sunday Feature I was so excited to share her thoughts on beauty, life and her career with my readers.

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So Devorah tell us a little about who are you & why are you so fabulous?

I'm the Editor-in-Chief of Social Life Magazine, a luxury and fashion publication in the Hamptons. Besides that, I'm a loyal friend, try to be the best daughter I can be and make a difference in as many people's lives as I can.

Where can we find you on the world wide web?
You can visit devorahrose.com

Are there any beauty product would you recommend to others and if so why?

I think the best beauty product is sunblock. I wear at least 30 SPF everyday.

Your favorite beauty treatment is?

Sleep. Every girl needs her beauty rest.

Who would you say have been some of your favorite celebs/people to work with and why? 

I can't name just one! What impresses me the most about the cover stars I've worked with is the level of humility and charm most of them have. I've worked with Kim Kardashian, Annalynne McCord, Beth Stern, Kellan Lutz, among others. All of those experiences have been incredible.

You're in a huge rush, what one beauty product do you grab?

Tinted lipgloss.  A little goes a long way.

How did you get your start as Editor-In-Chief at Social Life Magazine?   

I helped found Social Life.  I've been there since day one.  It's been an amazing experience to build the magazine from the ground up.  

Do you have a favorite makeup artist?

I adore Mario Devonic. Mario and I worked together on the Kim Kardashian cover shoot, which is where he met Kim. He has really taken off and I just love his style tips. He is such a talent.

Are there any makeup or beauty faux pas you really cant stand?

I've learned over the years that less is more. Try not to do too much because it just comes off as loud. What you really want to do is enhance your natural beauty, not hide it!

Are you guilty of any yourself?  

I used to think a lot of makeup was great but I had an amazing stylist who showed me how much more chic it is to embrace a nude face.

Favorite mascara and lip gloss?
I love Maybelline mascara - I swear by it!

Do you have a signature scent? 

I've actually always loved essential oils and mix my own fragrances. At times I use Chanel 5

Favorite career highlight & why?
I truly enjoyed working on The Real Housewives of New York because Bravo is an incredible network and the show felt very natural to me. The individuals on that show are very dynamic and it was a ton of fun to work with them.

You've made appearances on a few reality TV shows like The Real Housewives of NY, are there any plans for your own show someday?
I have been approached several times to have my own show. There are some intriguing possibilities.  At the moment, I want to make sure it's the right move and a very positive one.

What can people expect from Devorah Rose in the future?

Lots and lots!  I will work hard at everything I do, will try to help develop new artists, and will continue to help Social Life grow!

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I want to send a BIG thank you to the stunning Devorah Rose for taking the time to connect with me :)

Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Makeup Guru & YouTuber Deepa Berar!

I haven't done a feature in a while but I'm back with a good one!


Every Sunday I feature a blogger, artist, photographer, makeup artist, actress, socialite or all around awesome person on my blog in a feature I like to call "You Go Girl!" or in some cases "You Go Boy!".

This week Ill be featuring makeup artist, YouTube guru and blogger Deepa Berar!
I've been watching Deepa's videos for a while now and always loved the way she filmed her tutorials especially being a South Asian girl I could relate to, so you can imagine my excitement when I found her blog! She has been a total sweetheart since we first started exchanging tweets and emails and I'm so happy to be able to introduce all of you to one of my favs!

Read all about Deepa's favourite beauty items, her industry influences and what's in store for the future.

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Who is Deepa Berar and why are you so fabulous?

Haha. I don't know if fabulous is the word, I'm just your average Canadian born Indian girl with a serious love of makeup and all things girly.

Where can we find you on the world wide web?

I'm everywhere!! You can read my blog at http://blog.deepaberar.com, watch my makeup tutorials at youtube.com/deepaberar, follow me on Twitter for makeup tips twitter.com/deepaberar and check out my Facebook page under "Deepa Berar makeup artist". 

My top 3 must have beauty items are?

Ooh, I love this question Farah! I never leave home without my Lash Blast mascara by Cover Girl. It gives you the fullest lashes out of any mascara that I've tried. I love kohl eyeliner and MAC studio finish concealer to cover those dark circles.

You're in a huge rush, what one beauty product do you grab?

Definitely has to be mascara. It is the one beauty item I won't go without. I have long lashes but not a lot of them so without mascara my lashes are basically non existent.

How did you get your start in the beauty industry?

Well I have loved makeup since I was a little girl and had been applying it on myself ad friends for so long but when I wanted to get serious about it I decided to go to makeup school to get comfortable with different skin tones and types. A week after was school was finished, I went to a bunch of different MAC counters and applied. As luck would have it they were actually hiring for a new location they were opening up and I got in there.

Who would you say have been your favorite celeb or high profile clients? 

It has to be Leslie Stewart from the CH News & Ti-cats. She is so funny, all we do is laugh the whole time she's in my chair!

Are there any makeup or beauty faux pas you really cant stand?

Well I don't really like to say that something is right or wrong, makeup is art and therefore subjective, but if I had to pick one thing it would be heavy, visible foundation. I'm all for natural, healthy looking skin and I believe it is possible to get that natural flawless look even on the worst skin. It just takes the right products and more importantly, the right tools to apply them.

Do you have a favorite beauty guru/mentor?

I love the magic that Kevin Aucoin used to create. His work will live on forever. He is a true legend.

Favorite foundation, lipstick & mascara?

I normally use MAC Face & Body foundation, but I am really loving the Make Up For Ever HD Invisible foundation right now. It covers really well and looks so natural. Mascara would definitely be Lash Blast by Cover Girl. My favorite lipstick color is always changing! At the moment I'm in love with a limited color that was released by MAC a little while back, it's called Saint Germain. It's kinda like MAC's Snob, but brighter. I don't ever wear just one color though, I'm always mixing lip liners, lipsticks and glosses to come up with the shade I'm looking for!

What can people expect from Deepa Berar in the future?

More makeup tutorials for sure! I'm in love with both Hollywood and Bollywood so I'll feature looks based on both. I'm also the beauty expert for CityTV's "Eye On Asia" (a South Asian TV show) so expect to see more segments from me in the future. And lots, lots more, I'm just getting warmed up here.

Any last words or advice on beauty?

Makeup is meant to be fun! Play, have fun with it and don't take it too seriously. After all, it washes off at the end of the day :)

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Thank you so much Deepa for taking the time to chat with me. Not only is she beautiful and talented she's super nice too! If  you haven't already seen her blog and YouTube channel head on over you wont be disappointed.

Sunday Feature 'You Go Girl' Best of Edition!

Today I thought I would do a run little recap of some of the most talked about and loved 'You Go Girl' features. Do you have a favourite?

Former MTV Hills star Jenn Bunney
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring The Hills Reality star Jenn Bunney!

Celeb Makeup Artist Andrea Claire
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Makeup Artist To The Stars Andrea Claire!

MTV Host & Producer Aliya-Jasmine Sovani
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring MTV Host Aliya-Jasmine Sovani!

City TV Makeup Artist Tracy Peart
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Makeup Artist to the Stars Tracy Peart!

Makeup Artist Extraordinaire Sandy Gold
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Makeup artist and Guru Sandy Gold!

Comedian and Actress Carla Collins
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Starring Actress Carla Collins!

Canadian Recording Artist Farahri
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Canadian Recording Artist Farahri!

MTV Makeup Artist Lucky B
Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Starring MTV's MUA Lucky B!

Hollywood Socialite Courtenay Semel
Sunday Feature: 'You Go Girl' Starring Hollywood Socialite Courtenay Semel!

Catch up on the rest of the past Sunday Features here.

Enjoy!

Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Marketing Guru & Former MUA Megan Pais!

Every Sunday I feature a blogger, artist, photographer, makeup artist, actress, socialite or all around awesome person on my blog in a feature I like to call "You Go Girl!" or in some cases "You Go Boy!".

This week Ill be featuring marketing guru, former MUA, Cargo Cosmetic rep and bride to be Megan Pais!

After meeting Megan this past February we realized we meshed very well we kept in touch and become good friends. I will also have the honor of being her personal makeup artist in just a few weeks at her wedding and I couldn't be happier.

Read her thoughts on beauty, business & Cargo Cosmetics below :)

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Who is Megan Pais and why are you so fabulous?

Haha Fabulous? Me? I am a mid-20's beauty junkie who prides herself in being able to cut through the crap of marketing cosmetics. I see things for their true value. As a *retired* makeup artist, I have seen alot through the wedding and fashion industries and now try to make an impact with the current company that I work for - CARGO Cosmetics - through enhancing their online reach from zero to hero.

Also, when I was in retail I noticed a huge need for finding the perfect foundation/concealer and blush match. I then invented a technology that would mathematically match your skin to a foundation/concealer/blush within 30 seconds. I'm still trying to get the technology on its own two feet, but the point is there - Making makeup easier, better and smarter for the people. L'Oreal took a stab at using the system, anyway, and they did see an increase in sales.

Where can we find you on the world wide web?

Unfortunately, the places you can find me aren't scandalous. :) haha!

I am on youtube under "BeautyCrime" and I had a website up for when I was an artist full-time called http://make-upbymegan.blogspot.com/. Now, it's just an old blog. Although, I think I need to revive that part of my life. I do have the website up for the ColorMatch technology but there's not alot of meat on there.

How did you get your start with Cargo Cosmetics?

People really disregard getting relevant experience when they're young. They take jobs that are in a completely different path to where they want to be. I always knew makeup was fun but I also knew I wanted more than to be an artist. I built the software for the Color Matching Technology and threw myself into internships in marketing. Everything's starting to come full circle but I still feel like I'm still not where I want to be.

What is your favorite Cargo product and why?

That's a difficult question! I love the blu_ray Pressed Powder. For me, I don't like to look anything but natural. People always think I barely wear makeup, and even though I do, the blu_ray keeps me looking fresh and even without that powdery approach.

Youre in a huge rush, what one beauty product do you grab?

OneBase, hands down. It's a foundation and concealer in one. If I'm on the go, it's probably because I got up too late and didn't give myself enough time to do my essentials in daily pampering. OneBase is great to *dot dot dot* on the face, blend, and out I go!

Has working for a makeup company changed the way you think about beauty & makeup?

Absolutely. It's made me appreciate the hard work that goes into every season. I am able to see everything from the conceptual stage to the actual launch and then the consumer feedback. Every year you try to come up with something you hope everyone will adore. Sometimes you hit and sometimes you miss. As for the makeup itself and working in the marketing/customer service department, I get to see a lot of concerns people have about their makeup. Gluten-free, aluminum-free, animal testing etc., these things really affect the way people live their lives and you understand buying habits a lot more.

Are there any makeup or beauty faux pas you really cant stand?

Oh gosh, yes. What is up with the orange face/ white neck? I don't understand how in this day in age people can walk out the door looking so terrible. Also, less is more. If I can take a fingernail to your cheek and see makeup in my nail bed, put the bronzer down - You've gone too far.

You're about to walk down the aisle, what are your beauty must haves for your big day?

Yes, I am! For me, CARGO's Better-than Waterproof Mascara, CARGO's blu_ray pressed powder with the new Magic Brush which is AMAZING for brushing and buffing on the powder, a mattifier to keep me from looking like a pubescent boy and a lip stain because I have a terrible memory for re-applying lipstick. One last thing which has never really been big on the market, but I love, is the Kryolan Finishing Spray. This is my "Botox-in-a-Can" and I swear by it to set my makeup. I can't stand wet sprays and this is a nice dry aerosol.

Was there a product you bought due to word of mouth hype that you just weren't pleased with once you tried?

People are very informed consumers, which brings me to the point that word of mouth hype is usually correct when it comes to purchasing. Reviews and feedback are so big now because unless there's a mixed review, the general consumer knows the if claim is real or not. I personally have never bought anything anyone has told me about because even though I love makeup, I love to beat my own path on what I love or don't love.

What can people expect from Cargo Cosmetics in the future?

Definitely some great things. We have our new website to be launched this fall, and that will be full of pro-artist discounts, sales, specials, ability to Ask an Artist and best of all - shop us online! That is going to have a huge impact on our brand image and the way consumers connect with us. What we want more than anything is to be able to be contacted at any time should someone have a question or comment. Customer service is our number 1 priority and we feel that gets lost in many other companies. We want you to feel like you can be our best friend and we can help make you look and feel like the fox you are. I hope that people enjoy the site as much as I have working on it!

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Huge thanks goes out to Megan for taking the time to chat with me :)

Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Entrepreneur Shah Emily Noaman

Every Sunday I feature a blogger, artist, photographer, makeup artist, actress, socialite or all around awesome person on my blog in a feature I like to call "You Go Girl!" or in some cases "You Go Boy!".

This week Ill be featuring Shah Emily Noaman! She's not only a friend but a talented, driven beauty who's pushed through the odds to become a successful entrepreneur & business woman.

Not only is Shah ridiculously stunning but shes intelligent, sweet & always willing to help others. Shah talks to me about business, life and beauty :)

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Who is Shah Emily Noaman and why are you so fabulous?
I am a professional jeweler, style adviser, entrepreneur, and an aspiring
philanthropist. My creative vision has allowed me to pursue my passion
while helping hundreds of people define their unique style. On a daily
basis I try to positively adorn our world and this makes me fabulous!

Your'e a successful young entrepreneur, how did the 3 SHAHS brand begin?
Making jewellery started out as a hobbie when I was in my teens. I really
enjoyed making pieces for my family and friends and soon people placed
orders. I have always been good with colours and balance and that showed in
the jewels that I made. One night while making jewellery with the help of
my mom and sister, we decide to give the jewellery a name. The name we
came up with was 3 SHAHS. The 3 being the three of us and Shah is the
abbreviation of our names, it also means ‘king’ in Persian. So that is how
the 3 Kings was born and the rest is history.

How did “Bask Tanning Salon & Boutique” come about?
I had experience working at trade shows and in showrooms, therefore I
developed a lot of contacts worldwide. As well I worked at a tanning salon
when I was a teenager and enjoyed it very much. A few years ago, I decided
to open a boutique to carry my jewellery line, so I combined my experiences
and passions and opened Bask Tanning Salon & Boutique.

Are there any beauty products you would recommend to my readers and if so
why?
Yes, one of our best-sellers at my salon is called “Quick Tan”. It is the
best self-tanning product I have come across in years. It give you
instant, natural looking colour, smell nice (Coco), dries within seconds
and is easy to apply. The price is very reasonable too (under $30 at our
salon) and it lasts for months. As to why…it’s simple, because it’s
PHENOMENAL!

What is your favorite tanning product and why?
There are so many great tanning products from ‘nail savers’ to indoor
lotions. I love lotions. In regards to my favorite indoor tanning lotion,
I would have to say it’s “Bridget” by California Tan. It is paraben free
(naturally based preservatives) and has a dermadark feature which boost
melanin production, resulting in an immediate and natural looking glow.

Who or what has been your inspiration behind your success?
My family has been the number one reason for my success. My parents
always put my sister and I before themselves. They left their families,
friends and all comfortable familiarities to provide endless opportunities
and equality for us. In a nutshell - my father has taught me how to be a
business woman and my mother has taught me how to be a good human. My
sister has been my idol growing up. She is kind, intelligent and an
absolute beauty. She has supported me through life, love and everything in
between.
A dear friend who touched my life deeply is B.J. She is literally an
angel on earth who is like a second sister to me. She inspires me to
challenge myself to my full potential. She is my definition of a perfect
being - when I grow up I want to be just like Barbara Jeanne!
These great people along with my other loving circle of friends inspire me
to be and do more for our world.

Are there any makeup or beauty faux pas you really cant stand?
People who look orange! This is due to using a lotion that is not right for
your skin type (ie. A fair skinned person using a x2o bronzing lotion).
This can easily be avoided by using the right type of product for your skin
type. Salons that are Smart Tan Certified – like ours, often are very well
education in lotions and can help in choosing the right product.

Do you have a favorite 3 SHAHS Collection?
Hmmm, difficult to say…It really depends on my mood and outfit.
One of my all time favorite collections that I often wear when I go out is
my DTN (down-to-nipple) Collection. As the name implies these are very
long (and light weight) earrings. I usually pair these earrings with a
matching ring from my “Cocktail Bling” Collection.

My “Native Rock” 2010 Fall Collection is also turning out to be one of my
favorites. Some of the colours and trends to look out for include chunky
camel tones to ox reds.

Have your jewels been worn by any celebs?
Yes…Fergie - the Black Eyed Peas, Laura Vandervoort – Smallville, Mariana Valente - Miss Universe 2009,
Alexz Johnston – Instant star, Jane McLean – Actor….to name a few.

Where can people buy the 3 SHAHS Collections?
The largest selection of the collections is available at Bask Boutique
located at 1365 Yonge St. However, the 3 SHAHS brand is available
throughout the GTA (from Bloor West to the Danforth). For a full listing
or the location nearest you, feel free to contact my sales representative,
Alaina (alaina@3shahs.com).

Is it true that you repair & make jewellery at Bask Boutique?
Yes, I do. Be it a broken clasp to watch batteries. I also do a lot of
custom orders on a daily basis. Be it for a special event (ie.
Bride/bridal party) or for every day wear (ie. For men, pets etc). Because
I do all the repairs myself, the turnover time is very quick and the fee is
very reasonable.

Favorite foundation, lipstick & mascara?
Mac or Estee Lauder, Balm Shell Lip Gloss (smells yummy, not sticky),
Almost any Lancome Mascara preferably for lengthening – that’s my personal
preference.

What can people expect from you, 3 SHAHS & Bask Boutique in the near and
far future?
In regards to 3 SHAHS I am currently working on my “NATIVE ROCK” 2010 Fall
Collection, which I will be premiering on August 28th at LOKI Lounge on
King St. If your readers or you would like to attend this fashion-forward
festivity for a sneak peek, please join me.
As for the future, I am continuously looking to expand my line into
different boutique/salons. So if you know someone who would like to carry
the 3 SHAHS please contact us at info@3shahs.com.

In regards to Bask Tanning Salon & Boutique, I am preparing for my busiest
season. When the weather starts to cool down people love to enjoy the
‘indoor sun’. Tanning indoors is great for getting vitamin D, boosting
your serotonin levels and getting a gorgeous glow. As well with the
holiday season just a few months ahead, I am already at suppliers and trade
shows, shopping for unique gifts.
As for the future of Bask Tanning Salon & Boutique, I am looking to
franchise, so if you know someone who wants to be in business for them
selves but not by themselves, contact me directly.

Where is Bask Boutique located and how can we contact you?
Bask Tanning Salon & Boutique
1365 Yonge St. (one set of lights south of St. Clair)
416 924 2275
info@3shahs.com
www.3shahs.com,
www.basktanningsalon.com

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Thanks again to Shah for taking time out of her busy day to chat with me. Visit her at Bask Tanning Salon & Boutique!

Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Makeup Artist Nancy Power!

Every Sunday I feature a blogger, artist, photographer, makeup artist, actress, socialite or all around awesome person on my blog in a feature I like to call "You Go Girl!" or in some cases "You Go Boy!".

This week Ill be featuring fellow makeup artist, mom and beauty blogger Nancy Power.

I met Nancy back in February when she attended the Toronto Beauty Bloggers meetup. We drove down together and chatted about everything from blogging to makeup to careers. She inspired me with her business savvy sense and we have been friends every since.

Nancy is currently expecting her second child and so we chatted about health,beauty & pregnancy... Here's what Nancy had to say.

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Who is Nancy Power and why are you so fabulous?
I am a mom of 1... and 1/2 (due in October) that loves all things beauty whole heartedly!! I have worked for over 5 years in the beauty industry as a makeup artist and started blogging about a year ago as a way to share my passion with a wider audience. As for being fabulous... that is a hard one to answer! I am so thankful that my job brings me so much happiness and allows me to work with and meet amazing people where ever I go! I have had experiences that I never thought possible for a FT mom PT makeup artist and more and more I am amazed at amazing opportunities that come my way!

Where can we find you on the world wide web?

Blog: http://nancypowermakeupartist.blogspot.com/

Website: http://nancypowermakeupartist.com/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/makeupkase

Twitter: http://twitter.com/nancypowermua
Are there any beauty products you would recommend to my readers and if so why?

Products I recommend could end in an essay!! haha For me framing the eye's with great brows is a must and I have recently revisited an old favourite with Elizabeth Arden's Dual Perfection Brow Shaping Powder! It creates amazing perfected brows for anyone's needs!

You're in a huge rush, what one beauty product do you grab?

Concealer! My pale skin shows redness quite easily, so concealer allows me to always feel confident!

How did you get your start in this industry?

I started over 5 years ago by working at the counter for several different cosmetic brands. I really found my focus when I decided to free lance after the birth of my son! I knew I didn't want to go back to a 9-5 and my wonderful husband convinced me that it was time to take the leap and free lance so I could both stay home and do what I love. Now I have a flexible schedule and only take jobs that really make me happy!

Are there any beauty reads (mags or books) that you would recommend?

I love books by Kevyn Aucoin he was so talented and skilled at sharing his knowledge in an easy to understand way! I learned a lot from his books when I was first starting out! Also Makeup: The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris I bought this book last year and really found Rae's approach to makeup interesting!

Are there any makeup or beauty faux pas you really really cant stand?

Too much blush, or unblended blush really bothers me! It is supposed to be a natural flush not a splash of colour! I also cannot stand dark lip liner and light lips, I had a client request it once and I almost fell over! Makeup should enhance your beauty, not make people wonder what you were thinking!

What is your favorite product in your kit to use on brides?

I am a huge fan of great highlighting on brides! I think done well it gives an amazing glow to the skin that shows up beautifully for pictures during that special day! Just remember that if you have having issues with your skin highlighting can accentuate this so use a light hand and only on high planes of the face that are smooth and free from complication!

Do you have a favorite beauty guru/mentor?

Hmmm I can't say I have a favourite but YouTube's Pixiwoo has been a go to for viewing these days! As well I always look forward to my blogger lovelies for tip, tricks and product advice. My faves are in my blog roll and who I follow!!

Being Pregnant, are there any beauty products that you have either had to stop using OR have started using because they help?

I am so lucky that I haven't become sensitive to any of my regular products. My go to addition is Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil. It soothes dry skin so well, has an easy to use pump for application and has that great cocoa butter smell!

Was there a product you bought due to word of mouth hype that you just weren't pleased with once you tried?

Cover Girls Lash Blast mascara! Heard so many great things about it and EVERYONE loves it! I just couldn't stand it! The brush didn't work for my lashes, it made a mess and didn't stand up to the test at all! I tried several times to make it work for me but it was just a pairing that was never meant to be!!

Favorite foundation, lipstick & mascara?

Foundation for myself is Revlon Colorstay. I have heard of people being sensitive to it, but it has never failed my oily skin for all day wear.

Lipstick isn't something I wear everyday but I really love Besame lipstick. They have vintage inspired packaging and the most beautiful red shades. I also think MAC makes some really nice must have lipsticks!

Mascara is a hard one because I am always looking for the next best one. I always have L'Oreal Voluminous in my kit as I can always trust it! I also love CARGO's Triple Action Mascara!

What can people expect from you in the future?

So hard to say! Once baby comes in October I think I will focus on my blog for a little while but I have been so lucky to have amazing opportunities lately that you never know where I may pop up next!!!

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Thanks goes out to Nancy for taking the time to chat with me. I wish her the best of luck in her career and with the delivery of her new baby in about 11 weeks!

Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring MakeupJunkie Joy David-Tilberg!

Every Sunday I feature a blogger, artist, photographer, makeup artist, actress, socialite or all around awesome person on my blog in a feature I like to call "You Go Girl!" or in some cases "You Go Boy!".
This week Ill be featuring makeup junkie Joy David-Tilberg. Founder of MakeupJunkie.ca, makeup artist extraordinaire, mother & self proclaimed makeup hoarder!

I met Joy or as I affectionately call her JoyJoy back in January or February when she graciously offered to donate her mannequin head to me... now I know this sounds odd but you see as makeup artists we are often asked to do hair as well... I needed to practice, I tweeted about it... Joy saw my desperate tweet and offered up her mannequin head for me to practice on.

I remember it was freezing out when I went to go pick it up and I had a hard time locating her house. When I finally found it I rang her up to let her know I was outside.... no answer... yikes, did I have the wrong house? Did she forget about the exchange of the "head"? I decided to just knock anyways and out popped the cutest little thing id ever seen.

She smiled, extended her hand and gave me the bag with the goods... I think we exchanged all of 10 words and then she said bye and rushed back inside. I felt like I had been the only one anticipating our meeting like it was a blind date... lol.. I got an email about 10 mins later explaining that her baby was inside sleeping, she hadn't heard the phone ring and she was SO sorry for rushing our meeting...

*Phew*... we have been friends ever since! Her infectious smile and bubbly personality combined with her talents as a makeup artist make Joy the perfect feature candidate! Check out her words and advice on beauty.

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Who is Joy the Makeup Junkie and why are you so fabulous?

The name "makeup junkie" says it all! After I started my beauty blog Makeup Junkie, the name pretty much stuck with me. I'm a freelance makeup and hair artist in Toronto. I started my blog as a way to showcase my work, share beauty tips and connect with other "makeup junkies" out there. Hmm, why am I fabulous? Oh let me count the ways! All kidding aside, the people that are in my life are what make me fabulous. Being a makeup artist and a beauty blogger has given me many amazing opportunities and I have met so many cool people along the way. But it's the people in my life that keep it real.

Where can we find you on the world wide web?
Come say hi! Would love to hear from you!

w: www.makeupjunkie.ca
w: www.makeupandthebride.com
www.Twitter.com/MakeupJunkieJDT

Makeup Junkie on Facebook
Are there any beauty products you would recommend to my readers and if so why?

I could recommend a slew of products that I love but we'd be here for days! One thing I am never without is a good eyelash curler. I have barely-there-lashes and an lash curler is a must for opening up the eyes. Shu Uemura Eye Lash curler is a staple in my kit.

Do you have any "rules" when it comes to makeup/beauty you live by?
I hate rules lol. Makeup is supposed to be fun and a great way to express your personality and to enhance your best features. However, I am a firm believer in taking care of your skin. It doesn't matter how much makeup you have on if your skin is in bad shape.

Youre in a huge rush, what one beauty product do you grab?
One?? Mascara!

How did you get your start in this industry?
I was working years ago at a computer firm and decided to take the leap into makeup artistry. I started in cosmetic retail working for brands like Red Earth & M.A.C. I left cosmetic retail 4 years ago and have been freelancing ever since. My blog also opened up a lot of doors for me. Being an artist is a hustle everyday so you have to truly love it. It's all about connecting with others in your industry, finding mentors, and working with others that inspire you. I've tried many different careers in the beauty industry but makeup is what I love the most. I love freelancing and the freedom that it gives me. I have a 4 yr old son so a flexible schedule is especially important to me. It's hard to find an employer that understands what it's like for parents especially if he/she isn't one.

Are there any beauty reads (mags or books) that you would recommend?

I used to read Vogue, Allure, W and Zink Magazine religiously. But the beauty reads I absolutely love now are other beauty or fashion bloggers! There are so many fantastic blogs that I read but I love my TBB (Toronto Beauty Blogger) crew! Full of creative, fascinating, and inspiring bloggers!

Have you had the chance to work on any celebrity clients during your career?

My celebrities are other makeup artists! I have had the awesome pleasure of meeting and interviewing celebrity makeup artist, Billy B. and Michael DeVellis, founder of The Powder Group. I'll be working in the eTalk Lounge for CARGO Cosmetics during the Toronto International Film Fest this year, so hopefully I'll get to touch some famous faces!

Are there any makeup or beauty faux pas you really really cant stand?

Dark lip liner, makeup that is not blended and orange tans (although Snooki seems to be making it popular!)

Do you have a favorite beauty guru/mentor?

When I first started out, celebrity makeup artist Andrea Claire from Beauty & The Blog, was my mentor and I think several other makeup artist's mentor! It's really rare to find someone in the same industry as you who will show you the ropes and really want to help you succeed. I still turn to her for beauty tips!

Was there a product you bought due to word of mouth hype that you just weren't pleased with once you tried?
Yes! Philosophy's Hope In A Jar! I had heard rave reviews. My skin was a dry, flaky mess!

Favorite foundation, lipstick & mascara?

Foundation: On my clients, I like to work with Face Atelier Ultra Foundation and will use it on myself when I know I'll be out for a hours like to an event or wedding . Although, for everyday I prefer to wear a tinted moisturizer from Fresh Minerals.

Favourite lipstick? Too many but I do love ones from Chanel, YSL, Julie Hewett, and a most recent one from NARS that is not out yet!

Mascara: I've tried so many but the only one that has never smudged or flaked on me is CoverGirl LashBlast Original Waterproof.

What can people expect from you in the future?
So far my life has been full of surprises - who knows! More makeup, more blogging and lots of good stuff to come!

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Thank you Joy for taking the time to chat with me, its always a pleasure! Im so glad we got to know each other this past year you are an inspiration!

Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Chick Advisors Ali De Bold!

Every Sunday I feature a blogger, artist, photographer, makeup artist, actress, socialite or all around awesome person on my blog in a feature I like to call "You Go Girl!" or in some cases "You Go Boy!".
This week Ill be featuring the founder of one of Canada's hottest site ChickAdvisor.com Ali De Bold.

Ali is not only the founder but the producer and host of chickadvisor.com, a site where members can list their blogs, get access to deals, articles, and free products through their Product Review Club.

I have had the pleasure of chatting with Ali and have grown to admire her determination and drive. She is one successful woman who's vision has now become a reality.

I recently chatted with Ali about her site, career, life and of course beauty. Here's what she had to say.

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So who is Ali De Bold and why is she so fabulous?

I'm the founder of ChickAdvisor.com, Canada's first social shopping site for women. I don't know if I'm so fabulous but I certainly have a charmed career. I'm very fortunate that I get to do a job I love and get pampered daily with the latest products and services for women. I have my dream job and I know I'm very fortunate.

Where can we find you on the world wide web?

Site:www.ChickAdvisor.com
Twitter:http://twitter.com/alidebold
http://twitter.com/chickadvisor

What beauty product would you recommend and why?

There are so many. Honestly this is a really hard question for me because I'm testing products on a daily basis. Right now a few of my daily favourites are:

Maybelline New York The Falsies Mascara - it's inexpensive yet very dramatic

YSL Rouge Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick - my fave colour is Blood Orange

And I can't get enough of Lise Watier Feline HD Eyeliner - All you need is one line of this and one swipe of mascara

Have you ever lost or broken a beauty item you wish you still had today?

You know what, I'm fickle when it comes to beauty products. I'm always trying the latest stuff so I get over losing or breaking products quite easily.

How did ChickAdvisor.com come about?

I was planning my wedding out of town in 2004 and researching for where I should get my hair and makeup done. Not only were there no online reviews, most places didn't even have a proper website. I found it frustrating that there wasn't any place I could get genuine recommendations. Also, I'm a big product junkie and spent a lot of money every month trying new things. I was always disappointed if I shelled out for something that didn't work for me. My fiance (now husband) suggested we build a service were women could review things and share advice. So we built a business plan, mapped out how the site should look, feel and work, then hired some developers and a designer and sat around our living room table for months to get it off the ground. We launched September 2006.

Favorite look for Summer 2010?

A long flowing maxi dress, hair in a messy bun, big dark sunglasses, stacked big bracelets and an iced beverage in hand.

The thing I love the most about my career is...?

I get spoiled with the events I go to and the products I get. It's pretty awesome. I haven't had to buy anything at the drugstore in a really long time, but I get the most excited when I get to meet our members. I know I sound corny saying this, but I am always humbled and honoured when I meet the awesome women who are part of our community. I always think, "wow, you like us?" It's the hugest compliment for me.

Are there any makeup or beauty faux pas you really really cant stand?

I think everyone should experiment with colour and have fun. Anything goes really. But I don't like the look of overly thick or caked foundation.

Are you guilty of any yourself?

I can be very lazy with my appearance. Inevitably I will bump into someone on those days. Like the time I went to the Chanel counter at the Bay and the girl helping me turned out to be a ChickAdvisor member. She was so excited to meet me but I was embarrassed because my hair was all frizzy from the rain and I was sporting an unconcealed zit on my chin and hardly any makeup. I felt quite disheveled.

Was there a product you bought due to word of mouth hype that you just weren't please with once you tried?

I was really excited about Bare Escentuals Foundation, but after wearing it for a bit it I realized it emphasized the oil on my face like no other. I felt like people could see their reflection in my forehead.

Who are your beauty mentors?

I don't really have any. But I get Mandy (one of my staff) do my makeup for events sometimes. She's an amazing natural talent.

What can people expect from Ali De Bold and ChickAdvisor.com in the future?

There are so many things I want to do personally. I'm a big believer of giving back and helping others. I have some ideas that I'd like to work on in the future.

#1 on my list for the business is to continue to give big publishers a run for their money and grow really strong in Canada. There aren't many large Canadian publishers that aren't owned by a monolith. It's nice to be independent and unique. I like not having to worry about 'The Man'.

Any last words or advice?

If you have a great idea don't let anyone discourage you. I knew our business would work because I spent a lot of time talking to women about it who represented our end users. However there were plenty of people who said we couldn't do it or that it was a dumb idea. We had some would-be investors laugh in our faces about it before we launched, but I knew we had the skills and determination to do it.

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Thank you Ali for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me. Be sure to check out Ali's site Chickadvisor.com, become a member for all the latest beauty news and giveaways.