Toronto and GTA Makeup Artist, Fashion and Hair Stylist, Photography
As a thank you to all of our beyond loyal customers, this month myself and the Fancy Face Team decided to put on a promotion for all of you gals who need to look glamourous this month. We know that this is the most romantic month of the year so that is why we decided to give you the gift of 50% off special event makeup applications so that you get to go to that Valentine’s Day date, night out on the town, birthday party or special event feeling flawless!! Hence why we created the “Fancy Face Flawless February!! See flyer attached for all the details! Limited spaces available, so book now and don’t miss out!
Hi beauty lovers,
Now that we are coming to the end of January, I thought I would share with you my absolute FAVOURITE products that I have discovered this month. I never post or talk about a product unless I think it is fantastic so here we go!!
BLISS FABULOUS FOAMING FACE WASH: I actually purchased this for half the usual price at Winners, but this face wash is a HUGE seller at Sephora.com. I love this face wash because of 4 reasons. 1) It smells AMAZING! 2) It washes off all of my makeup in one wash and doesn’t sting my eyes 3) It doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dehydrated…it feels impeccably clean and hydrated after one wash 4) It has the finest beads to slightly exfoliate your skin. These beads are barely noticeable to the point that I can use the face wash around my eyes, yet I know that it is removing all of the dead skin. TRY IT!!
ANGEL PROFESSIONAL BRAZIL NUT HAIR MASK: Ok, let me be frank. About a month and a half ago I had black hair. Then, for work-related reasons I needed to lighten it drastically. To do this I had to bleach my hair TWICE!! AHHHH! Not a good idea if you want to have any hair left over. Well, after the bleaching treatments my hair was a bit fried but thanks to my mom’s discovery, she put me on to this hair mask and voila!!…my hair was saved!!! I use this EVERYDAY as a conditioner and also as a 15 minute hair mask once a week. I still have long and shiny hair and I really do have this product to thank.
SMASHBOX “Be Discovered” HOLIDAY PALETTE: When I walked in to the Shoppers Drug Mart beauty boutique around Christmas time, I literally fell in love with this remarkable palette. I believe it was only around $68 which is insane considering the fact that you get 45 Smashbox eyeshadows, 9 cream eyeliners, 3 blush shades, 1 bronzer, 2 highlighters, 6 lipglosses and 4 mini Smashbox makeup brushes. When I use this, I feel like it was SUCH a steal for such amazing quality!!!
NARS -LARGER THAN LIFE LONG-WEAR EYELINER in”Rue Bonaparte”: This product is a MUST-HAVE for makeup artists and for anyone that wants to open up their eyes to make them look bigger and brighter. What you do is line the bottom water-line of your eye with this nude pencil and then all of the sudden, your eyes open…the redness disappears and you are ready to take on the day!! This retails for $25 at Sephora.
LORAC “Bejeweled” DAY & NIGHT JEWELERY BOX: Ok, yet again another steal, I bought this with a $75.00 gift certificate to Sephora. It was only retailing for $78.00 at a $500 value and you get SO much! Two full size lip glosses, one GIANT bronzer that is such a gorgeous shade, two full-size eyeliners (Black & Brown), two blushes and 36 eyeshadows! Also, the box that it comes in turns into the most gorgeous jewellery box!!
SEPHORA NAIL POLISH in “Going Nude Eh?”: One word….Class.
SEPHORA NAIL POLISH in “Spark-tacular!” TOP COAT: Two words: Party time!!!
And there you have it!! All of my favourites for the start of 2012!! There will be much more to come….I promise. 
This time of year is one of my favourites!! It is the time of year when new people come in to our lives looking for a team to glamify them on their wedding day! I always feel so incredibly honoured to have Fancy Face Make-up Artistry & Co. chosen to be a part of the bride-to-be’s most special day. Since opening this company in 2006, we have grown exponentially servicing hundreds of brides over the years. The best part for me is keeping up the relationships after the wedding date. I love to see the brides wedding pictures that they will look at for the rest of their lives…I love watching them find a home and create a family…and I feel nothing but honoured when the send their friends and family to follow in their footsteps to invest in our company yet again!
With that, I do have some advice for future brides in regards to booking trials and finding the perfect fit for you!
*Book your trial a good 6-8 months prior to your wedding date: That way, you know that the company you decide to go with is not booked up and unavailable for your special day.
*Bring lots of magazine cut-outs of looks that you love to your wedding trial: That way the hair stylist and makeup artist know what your style is. You will save time, and get the results you want.
*Always come to the trials with no makeup on and with hair that is dry and has NO PRODUCT in it. This ensures that the makeup artist has a clean slate to work with, and the hair stylist will be able to manipulate the hair to do whatever style you like.
*In the trial, ask to see 2-3 different looks. That way, once you choose the final look you would like to go with, you know its right for you.
*Do not deviate from the ‘final trial look’ on your wedding day. I have seen this time and time again where brides all of the sudden, hours before walking down the isle decide to add or remove eyelashes, put in extensions, make the eyes smokey instead of more natural, have a red lip instead of nude, etc. With time always being limited, you are simply setting yourself up for a heart attack. If you decide before the wedding that you would like to change your look, do yourself a favour and set up another trial.
*Make sure that you can purchase a lipstick/lipgloss from the makeup artist on your wedding day to touch up with OR purchase something in advance perhaps right after your trial so that you know you have the right shade for your big day. Also, you may want to pack a mini face powder, blotting sheets, blush brush, blush, eyeliner and lipstick/gloss to touch up with as well. We at Fancy Face also offer on-site touch-ups as well…a good option for those of you who don’t want to have to worry that a hair, or eyelash is out of place. 
*Purchase all of the current bridal magazines and search for makeup and hair looks that you love. Put them all up on a cork board and then stand back, look at it for a few days and notice the looks that you gravitate most too. That is probably the look for you.
*Do not choose to save $$ when it comes to your hair and makeup. This sounds harsh but I am telling you this to save your wedding pictures! There have been so many women that decided to save money on their look by going with an artist who charges $50 or less to do hair and makeup and then were disappointed with the results. This is NOT a professional rate and most likely you are getting someone who has just gotten out of school and who does not do this full-time as a serious professional. Save money on other things…your shoes, decor, jewellery etc. but when it comes to the way you look and feel on your wedding day, you will NEVER regret investing in professionals who know how to make you look great in person AND in pictures. It is money well spent.
*MOST IMPORTANTLY: Understand that the way you look on your wedding day is up to YOU. As much as you love your friends and family members, do not let them dictate your look for you. YOU WILL REGRET IT! You simply will never please everyone so you need to learn how to say no, and how to confidently go in the direction you love.
Hope that helps!!! Now, go out there and create the day of your dreams!!!
With love,
Brittany Gray
So, let me be frank. I never expected to be as invested in this beauty industry as I am now. I always wanted to be a Broadway actress, singer and dancer as a child and still would love to give that a shot one day but I have to say that I have really found another passion in my life…and that is, as you all know, MAKEUP!!!
Over the course of the 6 years that I have been running this business, I have been able to ‘play’ in all facets of the beauty industry. I’ve done makeup for commercials, hit TV shows, print ads…I’ve been on the Shopping Channel representing brands from the U.S and most importantly, I’ve been blessed with the amazing honour of doing the makeup for hundreds of brides. When I think of all of those things I have been able to do in this industry and reflect on my absolute FAVOURITE thing to do…its definitely makeup for brides!!
Given that, I really to pride in learning all about the bridal industry. Now that Fancy Face is a FULL-SERVICE MOBILE BEAUTY BOUTIQUE with hair stylists, makeup artists, fashion stylists, photographers and nail technicians, I pride myself on being the go-to gal for all the brides-to-be out there!! I search out the best people in the industry and this year I’ve done that by hitting up the bridal show circuit. So far I’ve been to Canada’s Bridal Show and the amazing Wedlux Bridal Show at the Ritz-Carlton. In the weeks to come, i’ll be attending The Wedding Co. Bridal Show, The Total Wedding Show and the National Bridal Show. I have to say that so far, the Wedluxe show knocked it out of the park!! It was a stunning show with the absolute BEST vendors in Toronto. It was a glamourous affair and the staff treated everyone like an A-List star! I highly recommend this show to all of my brides. Although the Wedlux show vendors are quite pricey, lavish and high-end, you can still stop by to get amazing ideas for your special day no matter what your budget is. Below are a few of my shots from the 2012 Bridal Show experience so far. Enjoy!! xo Brittany
This is such an exciting time of year! All the inquiries and bookings are rushing in as brides decide which makeup artists and hair stylists they would like to trust in to make them into the gorgeous brides-to-be!! It is a crucial decision since they will look back on their wedding photos for the rest of their lives. I take my job very seriously. I take this business very seriously. I know how important it is to help achieve the exact look that the client would like for their special day. With that, I love to stay on top of what is current, in-style, unique and glamourous each year. Here are the looks that are inspiring me for 2012 and that I can’t wait to demonstrate on my clientele this year…
1) This first look has a great deal of focus and drama around the eyes. It is very soft, blended and doesnt have any harsh edges. To me it is a very sexy yet romantic look and one of my most requested looks from my brides.
2) The look below is gorgeous because it takes a slight twist from the regular smokey eye. With the models brown eyes, the smokey blue shade chosen for the eyeshadow shade really makes her eyes pop. Also, if navy blue was a part of her bridal decorations, it would be a nice way to tie things together in a subtle way. I also love how this is paired with a very simplistic and neutral lip. Makes the blue smokey eye not look over the top.
3) This look is fantastic for the girl who loves to be a glamour goddess. To me this look screams sexy and confident. The eyes are dramatic…the soft pink lip say ‘sex kitten’ in a classy way. I also love the highlighted cheek and tend to use this technique on my clientele. Also, it looks fantastic in photos as you can see from the picture below.
4) A great deal of my brides like to look tanned for their weddings. When the skin has been hit with some rays or self-tanning cream (be careful), it really does have a radiant glow that doesnt need to be covered up with too much foundation or powder on the skin. The soft brown smokey eye is not overdone but still makes the eyes pop and the bronzed cheeks really give you a chiselled look in photos.
5) Kim Kardashian’s makeup artists are simply incredible. I admire their skills greatly. This was not a makeup look that I would have expected from Kim. Her makeup usually looks a bit over the top for how beautiful she is. In my opinion she doesnt need to wear as much. However for the bridal look below, I really do think it is an A+ job! It is a soft, neutral look that is created with earth tones which accentuates her natural beauty rather than a manufactured one. The picture below Kim is of the same vane yet the cheeks are a tad more flushed with beautiful pink tone. Also, a favourite look of mine.
6) Ok girls, for those of you who are a little more bold and up for being different, I really think the red lip is strongly coming back. For some time brides would not even consider such a shade but last year it started becoming a hit and I believe the same will happen this year as well. Nothing screams Hollywood classic glamour more than the right shade of red does. The great thing about it is you can be sure it will never look ‘out of style’. Marilyn Monroe really did it right…follow in her footsteps with this soft yet beautifully bold look.
With the new year beginning before we know it, we must take some time to discover what the new makeup trends for spring 2012 are!! I’ve done the research for you!! Continue reading to start off the year in ‘the know’ and more importantly, in Fancy Face style!!
Harper’s Bazaar states that the overall message from the backstage inspiration boards is to ‘pair vintage with modern to make a statement that’s unique and all your own this season.’
What’s in-fashion right now you ask???
*Red lips of every shade and texture!! (Matte reds, glossy reds, vintage reds, dark chocolate reds, blue reds, orange reds and more!)
*Modern Cat Eyes (Black Liner, Brown Liner, Color Liner, Heavily Winged Liner, Double Lined)
*Intense Brows: Nothing frames the face better!! A striking look for 2012 and very 60′s! (Brushed Up Brows, Untamed, Filled In)
*Dramatic Smokey Eyes: The darker and the smudgier the better!! Keep the face nude and simplistic and play up those peepers. Use dark, intense shades like black, brown, grey and navy blue. A daring look that doesn’t require a steady hand to pull off. For an edgier look, add a touch of vaseline to grease it up and look uber rock and roll!
*Sporty Cheeks: The makeup artists were inspired by athletes this season. Get that dewy, sunkissed, just ‘off the court’ look with peach bronzers on the tops of your cheekbones to give you that healthy glow.
*White Silver Metallics: On the runways displaying the 2012 looks, white silver metallics were seen everywhere on the models eyes. Chanel and Ralph Lauren’s models consistently sported the look. Wash the shade over the lids with a strong black liner or leave it alone with 2 coats of mascara!
*Nude Cheeks and Lips with a Pop of Color: Leave the face blank and play up those eyes with purples, turquoise, green, yellows and blues. Sound atrocious??? Trust me, done correctly it can make you look like a knock out!!! Use the color in small amounts on the lids or as eyeliner. Pair it with loads of mascara and nude lips and you are good to go!!
*Doll-like Lashes: Ok, every girl loves the look of thick lashes!! We all usually accomplish that with a set of falsies but now, whats hotter than ever are thick, feather like doll lashes!!! There is nothing better than this to make your eyes pop and radiate in pictures!! I love this look!!!
*Rosy Lips: With spring soon approaching, the feeling of love and romance will soon be in the air. What better than to have kissable lips to pair with the season. A light blush color rose was seen everywhere on the runways! Go for a creamy shade and then blot it off to give you more of a stained lip than a heavily coated one.
*Soft, Dewy, Clean Baby Skin: Stella McCartney made this look very popular for 2012 as she paired it with her clothing collection. To achieve this look it will take you next to no effort. A good moisturizer and hydrating foundation with light-reflecting particles go a long to impart that enviable youthful radiance. Oh, and stay out of the sun and put down that bronzer!
And that’s it!!! It’s time to play!! Try a different look each day and see what suits you best!!
Stay inspired…stay fancy…and most importantly….stay YOU!!!
<3 Brittany
Hi glamour goddesses!!
Today I stumbled upon an amazing article in Gwyneth Paltrow’s newsletter ‘Goop’ that I am a subscriber to and let me tell you, I LOVE IT!! Such great tips!! Today, she did an article teaching you”how to do your makeup on your own” with tips and tricks from her personal celebrity makeup artist Emma Lovell. I think it has some fabulous tips in it so I thought I would share it with all of you makeup lovers out there!
Click the purple writing below!!
Enjoy! Let me know your thoughts!
Working with VJ Kathleen from Much Music was a dream! Her skin is absolutely gorgeous and I just couldn’t wait to apply makeup to her face. She works any look…from simplistic and dreamy to smokey and intense. Photography by the magnificent Shannon Boodram. Hope you all like it!! xoxoxo B
