GIVEAWAY: Soul Beautiful Fashion Accessories

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION! KEEP READING & STAY IN TOUCH :) - ANJALI

*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2ND 11:59PM EST*

Hey, guess what?

IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!

I am so happy to announce that I am co-hosting a giveaway with Soul Beautiful Canada!

Who Is Soul Beautiful?

Soul Beautiful is a fashion accessories company focused on providing unique, customizable and affordable accessories to enhance a woman's wardrobe.  Now, when I say accessories, I don't mean shoes and bracelets...Soul Beautiful gets up close and personal with products that will shape and enhance the inner beauty in you.

What Do They Have?

I was lucky enough to sample a few of Soul Beautiful's main products - here's what I got to try:

Regular Enhancer: Made of silicone material, this bra insert adds a little touch of fullness to your breast.  It increases enhances the appearance of your breast by one full cup size and fits any size or shape.  It is reusable and washable and for $25.99, is very affordable.

The way I see it, I'd rather place this in my bra than in my body.  Wouldn't you?

Bathing Suit Enhancer:  This clear enhancer can fit into most bathing suits and bras.  It's waterproof, reusable and clear in colour so it will blend easily with any swimsuit.  For $25,99, this is perfect to take away to a beach holiday.  It also enhances the appearance of your bust size by one cup size.  Not bad, huh?

Strap Solutions: These little clips are awesome for disguising a bra under a racer-back or halter top.  I have so many tanks and blouses that do not have traditional backs and require some kind of bra intervention.  You can save on the cost of a new bra by investing in these three little clips (3-pack for $7.99).  You can mix and match with black, clear, or nude coloured Strap Solutions.

Clear Bra Straps: these are great to wear under spaghetti straps, halter tops,  off-the-shoulder tops and even tube tops.  They are fully adjustable, comfortable to wear and are available in 3 different sizes.  It's always handy to have clear straps available - you never know when you'll need to throw on a sexy top or dress...and I'd rather support my tatas with style than show my bra straps - agree?  Retailing for $5.99, it's totally worth it!

Fashion Tape: Remember when J-Lo first wore that gorgeous and controversial green dress years ago?  We were shocked and appalled...and secretly wondering how she managed to keep her breasts fully covered.  And remember that drunken girl at the bar in freshman year?  We were shocked and appalled...and very loudly wondering why she wasn't keeping her breasts fully covered.  With Fashion tape, you can be a J-Lo, not a trashy bar girl.  This two-way tape is fabric-friendly and allows you to be more daring with your outfits!  For $7.99, this is product is a must-have accessory.

Each of these accessories is practical - especially with the holiday season fast approaching.  Whether it's a company holiday party or a family get-together, dressing up and feeling your greatest is probably on the agenda.  That's why I am so happy to be hosting this giveaway, just in time for your holiday fashion planning!  

SOUL BEAUTIFUL GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

What's Up For Grabs?

There will be THREE lucky winners in this giveaway!  

Prize Pack #1:  Regular Breast Enhancers + Girls Night Out Kit (includes Fashion Tape, 1 Strap Solution, Compact Mirror, Glitter Bra Straps)

Prize Pack #2:  Bathing Suit Enhancers + Girls Night Out Kit (includes Fashion Tape, 1 Strap Solution, Compact Mirror, Glitter Bra Straps)

Prize Pack #3:  3-Pack Strap Solutions, Clear Bra Straps, Girls Night Out Kit (includes Fashion Tape, 1 Strap Solution, Compact Mirror, Glitter Bra Straps)

Watch this video for more details:

*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2ND, 11:59PM EST*

How Do I Enter? 

Easy! Follow these steps for an Official Entry:

1. Become a follower of Rock That Look (follow via Blogger.com or Google Friend Connect)
2. Head over to Facebook and "Like" the Soul Beautiful Page
3. Leave a comment on this post indicating your favourite fashion accessory (it does not have to be related to this giveaway - just tell me what you love!)  

PLEASE NOTE: if you plan to do extra entries (see below) please indicate your Twitter handle and Facebook user name in your Official entry - this will allow me to track your entries!E.g. "My favourite fashion accessories are my Tiffany pearl earrings that I wear everyday!  Twitter: @anjali_handa Facebook: Anjali Handa"
 
After completing the above steps, you can gain one Extra Entry per day by doing each of the following:

• Leave a comment on Soul Beautiful's Facebook Page stating your favourite fashion accessory and referencing this giveaway.
• Follow @anjali_handa and @SoulBeautifulCA on Twitter and tweet:  

I want to win @anjali_handa & @SoulBeautifulCA's Fashion Accessory Holiday Give-Away! http://bit.ly/rsaFsu

Giveaway Rules:

1. You must be a follower of Rock that Look - if you are not one now, you can become one by signing into Blogger and clicking [Follow] at the top of my blog OR you can follow via Google Friend Connect on the side bar
2. You must have a screen name - no anonymous entries!
3. One Official Entry per person, One Extra Entry per person per day (that means you only need to comment on this blog once, however you can tweet and comment on Facebook once a day until the contest closes). 
4. If you win, you must be willing to provide me with a mailing address as I'll be sending the prizes via mail
5. You must be a resident of Canada or the US
6. Your entry must be submitted by 11:59am EST on Monday, November 28, 2011 

Three winners will be drawn at random and announced after 11:59pm EST on Friday December 2nd, 2011

For any questions or concerns, please email:  anj.handa@gmail.com

Good luck!

- Anjali
xoxoxo

How Social Media Has Made IMATS Bigger

Beauty bloggers and makeup artists across the world will tell you it is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year - the International Makeup Artist Trade Show, also known as IMATS, came to Toronto on Nov 11th & 12th (see #IMATS and #IMATSToronto).

IMATS is a two-day trade show where makeup brands and high profile makeup artists (think Koren Zander, Melissa Gibson, Kandee Johnson) come together to bring an audience of MUAs, beauty bloggers and makeup junkies a weekend of deals, demos and workshops.  Last weekend I attended my 3rd show and it was probably the busiest one yet. 

The show is getting bigger and bigger.  After talking to some of my MUA friends, we concluded that the crowd seemed younger and more into beauty products than ever before - how else do you explain a 2-hour line up for NYX Cosmetics?  And what about the $40 entrance fee (an increase from previous years)?  I think it's the surge of YouTube, Twitter and Beauty Blogging that has popularized makeup and, depending on how you look at it, has either empowered young women to take their beauty to higher standards, or has made them more obsessed with the superficial fulfillment of hoarding makeup, constantly trying to make themselves prettier.  Either way, IMATS is benefiting.

Five years ago, the average beauty consumer probably didn't know of all 6 ways she could use her bronzer and was probably fine with a drugstore brand and square sponge that came with it.  Now after watching YT and catching up on blogs, she considers the expensive makeup more practical and needs to invest in 3 different bronzer brushes to "get the look".  This newly empowered (or obsessed) consumer is willing to pay $40 to stand in line and, in some cases, push her way to get her hands on all of the products listed in MakeupGeek's last tutorial.  And she's not alone.  Her 16-year-old sister, who has already been experimenting with makeup for 3 years, thanks to Fafinettex, has a wish list of her top 6 MUFE products, top 3 NARS shadows and 17 brushes that she's got to get her hands on...the 12 Naked Cosmetics pigments are just a bonus. 

I am not sure if this is social media influence good or bad... 

The good path:  On one hand, young women are now feeling more empowered to take ownership of their beauty - they are watching out for toxic ingredients in their products, they are starting important skincare routines, and they are finding creative outlets to express themselves (through colours, contours and shading).  They are attending shows like IMATS to learn more about the products and to find inspiration from highly admired professionals.

The not-so-good path: On the other hand, young women are running high credit card bills to ensure they are getting the latest and greatest products, they are spending more time watching pretty girls on YT twitpic-ing their latest kissy faces, showing off their Orgasm blush.  These women are now criticizing others for having chipped nail polish or for wearing the wrong pink lipstick at the wrong time of year, because the guru-of-the-month clearly said this Fall is about rose-pink not peach-pink, duh - how did you not know that?  These women are attending IMATS only to feed their hunger and hoard more makeup, enabling them to have even prettier twit-pics and blog photos. 


I love that someone who would never touch lipstick 2 years ago is now ready to experiment after watching someone (she can relate to) post a video on how to choose the right shade - this is what I try to achieve with my blog.  But it also really bothers me that 14, 15 and 16-year-olds are already obsessed with plumping their lips and contouring their cleavages because their blogger idols gave them 5 Easy Tips to Win More Attention.

I think I stand somewhere in the middle of the good and not-so-good paths.  I attend shows like IMATS to stock up on items needed in my makeup kit, check out the latest products from some of my favourite brands, learn a thing or two from professionals, and yes, succumb (a little) to my slight obsession with beauty products.  But I'll admit that on occasion, I get caught up in beauty-junkie-land and find myself buying products just because Kim Kardashian said they make her boobs bigger...and I am guilty of posting twit-pics every so often. 

Anyway, this post was supposed to be about my IMATS haul, but it quickly took a turn in a different direction!  I guess my point is that thanks to social media, young women are at least more aware of what's available to them and are helping shows like IMATS grow bigger and better.  Whether it is to facilitate a path of empowerment (the good path) or to enable a superficial addiction (the not-so-good-path), IMATS is there, responding to the demand.

So let's continue to write our blogs, post our videos and chat over Twitter...and let's hope the good path wins. 

I'll post my haul photos later this week!

- Anjali
xoxoxo

Just amazing: Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria

Youthful.  Sensual.  Tempting.  Forbidden. 

Calvin Klein's Forbidden Euphoria encompasses everything I want in a fragrance.  At first spray it is fruity and flirty, reminding me of a playful first date full of innocence and naivety - it's exciting, fresh, vibrant and fun.  Shortly after spraying it, the floral tones of tiger orchid, pink peony and jasmine flowers add a hint of maturity.  The combination of fruity and floral creates sweet curiosity - the kind you get on a second date when you know each other better, you feel more comfortable, and you want to explore.  Finally the sensual musky undertones take over and you enter a place where temptation is queen and you are her servant - a place where everything you want is strictly...Forbidden.

Yes - a perfume can do that to you.  If you haven't had a chance to test Forbidden Euphoria, I suggest you try it now.  I've been wearing it for a few weeks and have been stopped in my tracks by people (both men and women) who just needed to know What is she wearing???  Never before have I received so much attention from just my perfume. 

Giveaway Alert:
Want to try it?  I have good news.  Until November 21st The Scent Society Facebook Page is giving away daily chances to win a dual Forbidden Euphoria roller ball.  All you have to do is click on this link and enter yourself into the draw.  It's so easy.  AND you can register yourself once a day - that's awesome.  The giveaway is open to all Canadian residents...so hurry and enter yourself now and everyday until Nov 21st! 

This is a beautiful fragrance that is a true head-turner.  Oh, and did I mention it makes a great decoration piece on your dresser?  The sleek Eurphoria bottle will add a lil somthin' to any beauty space - it's a staple on my dresser along with two other mini Euphoria bottles:

This is the good stuff ;)

Let me know how you like it.


- Anjali
xoxoxo

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for consideration only. The above post consists of my personal and honest opinions and thoughts on the product.

FOTD ft. NEW Vasanti Greece Lipstick

I love Fall beauty collections.  The colours are rich, the textures are soft and the products are uber moisturizing.  Even better than Fall beauty collections are Fall beauty collections from one of your favourite cosmetics brands, wouldn't you agree?  I was anxious to try something from Vasanti's recently launched Mediterranean Fall line.  As soon as I heard they were introducing a new lippy I had to try it (if you regularly read my blog, you know how much I love Vasanti lipsticks!).
 
The timing was perfect because I've been looking for a new shade - something not too bold, bright, or gothic.  Also something not too sheer or nude like my Summer tones.  I wanted something I can wear everyday (or most days) and will bring a little pop to my otherwise neutral and dark Fall wardrobe.

Given my criteria, I'd call Vasanti's lipstick in Greece a fabulous find for the Fall:

After a summer of glosses and lip balms, it's been refreshing to wear Greece.  A neutral plum shade that is a wearable mix between a neutral pink and a plum purple:

Greece shown without flash.

Greece shown with flash.

It's like a less bright, more toned down (and deeper) version of France, which is a holy grail Summer shade for me.  Greece is just one of those shades you can throw on to a very neutral face to give a spot of glam and character, wouldn't you agree?

NOTE: Eyeshadows are from Cargo's Neutral Cool Essentials Palette - a staple in my makeup drawer!

Greece is a shade that will compliment virtually any skin tone and is safe for even the I-can't-pull-off-anything-with-colour kinda gals.  If you are longing for the confidence to rock a bold lippy this Fall, I'd say this is an excellent transition shade - it will get you used to seeing colour on your lips without being too far off from your natural look.  Once you've spent a little time with Greece, you'll be ready to go for something more bright and bold - I can almost guarantee it!

From the website:
[Greece is a] luxurious lip colour formulated to plump, hydrate and smooth with the latest in peptide technology.  Key Ingredient: Palmitoyl Oligopeptide - helps to increase lip volume, reduce the appearance of fines lines and smooths the lips surface (clinical trials of this peptide show results within 28 days of use).  [This is an] ultra luxe formula loaded with anti-oxidant vitamins and botanicals

Purples, Pinks and Reds are totally in this Fall - so are products that are soft, moisturizing and good for your skin...so I'd say Vasanti hit the mark with this new creation.

Vasanti lipsticks retail for $15CAD and can be found in many Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall locations across Canada.  Our American and British friends can also purchase Vasanti products online at www.vasanticosmetics.com.

  If you live in Toronto and are looking to try the product before buying, you have a great opportunity this weekend.  There will be a Vasanti booth at the National Women's Show running Friday to Sunday.  I'll be working at the booth on Friday evening, 5-9pm, so if you're in the area (Metro Toronto Convention Centre) be sure to stop by :)

So what are your thoughts on Greece?  Have you tried it?  Do you want to try it?  Will you try it? 

Drop me a line - as usual I'd love to hear form you :)

- Anjali
xoxoxo

The Blogger Returns...with Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm

...and she's back!  Mmmhmm!!!!  I'm finally at a point where I'm (somewhat) settled into my new place, so now I can get back to blogging.  What's happening people?

I wanted to tell you about a new fav of mine.  Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Multi-Tasking Beauty Balm:

I got this at the Blush Pretty Beauty Board event back in August.  The shade pictured above is "Blushed", which is what I am also wearing here:

I'm not typically into cream blushes, but lately, the convenience of this product combined with the staying power and the beautiful glow it creates has won me over.  I say "convenience" because it is so easy to dab on and blend in...AND it doubles as a lip shade (which I haven't tried yet).  I simply dab the product onto my cheekbones and blend with my fingers (you can also use a brush - just make sure it's synthetic like a foundation or concealer brush).  Today was a true testament of its staying power - it was a muggy morning so I was sweating on my way to work (major sweaty bang syndrome), worked a full day, grabbed a coffee with a friend, and then headed to the gym.  Before I hit the weights I glanced in the mirror and saw that it was STILL on...that was about 13hrs of wear.  Mind you, I set it with a spray of MAC's Fix+, but I still find it impressive. 

Blushed is a fairly deep pink shade, so I would recommend it for olive skin tones, but they make it in Sunkissed (more coral) and Bronzed (as the name suggests, it's bronze), which may be more appropriate if Blushed is too bold for you (see link here). 

This is the first Revolution Organics product I've tried.  If you're concerned about the ingredients in your makeup, this is a great alternative to other brands.  This beauty balm is "free of synthetics, chemicals, parabens, mineral oil, artificial ingredients, petrochemicals and animal testing"...pretty good huh?  The pigments are 100% natural and don't leave the skin overly greasy.  In fact, I found it to be fairly moisturizing which helped keep my skin glowing throughout the day. 

I don't really have anything negative to comment on...other than the price.  Retailing at $34USD, it's a little steep, but if you are willing to pay for quality products, I would definitely recommend the Multi-Tasking Beauty Balm - it's made of natural ingredients and creates a beautiful glow that will last you an entire day!

On a side note: Oh and this was my OOTD, just because:

Dress:  Banana Republic

Long Cardigan:  H&M

Black Tights:  Hue from The Bay

Boots:  Aldo

So I'm curious...

Have you tried Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm?  I'd be interested to know, how'd you like it?  How does it compare to other cream blushes?

Drop me a line, will ya?

 - Anjali

xoxoxo

Waiting for the Internet...

Hiiiii!!!  I have successfully moved into my new place :)

Unfortunately I am internet-less until Friday, so there wont be any good posts until then.
Just wanted to give a quick update...check out my new background (lol): 

 

There are still a few empty suitcases and boxes around, but those will be cleared up by the weekend.
I JUST finished building the chair that I am sitting on - turns out I am a little bit handy!  

Okay, I am using my roommate's (who also one of my BFFs) Rogers stick for Internet and don't want take up her usage...I'll be back in full swing on Friday!

Hope you are all awesome :)

- Anjali
xoxoxo