M1 High Definition Eye Shadow Palettes

Summer is over, fall is in full swing and we’ve been working like crazy getting things ready for our spring launch. Our most recent project involves our M1 High Definition line. A little while ago, we asked you about your eye shadow preference. We appreciate the feedback we received and are currently working on creating 5 well eye shadow palettes. Each palette consists of 5 gorgeous coordinated shadows hand created by MJ herself. Whether you’re a looking to create an everyday office look, or a gorgeous smoky eye, you will find a palette to suit your needs.

We are in the stages of fine-tuning and testing each palette so please stay tuned for more information and some colour previews!

WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK!

We’re working on the launch for the M1 HD Cosmetics Line and we’re looking to you, our consumer to give us some feedback about eyeshadow. What we’d like to know is this....

Do you prefer duos and quads of shadow combinations, single shadows or both?

Our duos and quads would be chosen to coordinate looks most often used from MJ’s pro kit and would enable easy application without having to search through countless single colour choices. All combinations will be hand selected by MJ and will be unique to this line.

Your opinion is important to us. Help us bring you the product that you want. Please reply with your comments.

Colour Choices for M2 Virtuous Mineral Cosmetics

We have been busy working on colour choices for the launch of the M2 Virtuous Minerals line. Getting the colours just right is so important to us because we want enough choices to suit every woman, no matter what her style, personal preference, or what look she wants to achieve. We have finished putting together our launch list for our eye shadows. With 34 eye shadow shades available in either standard, matte or intensive finishes, we think we've really hit the mark. We're sure there is going to be something for everyone.

Naming the shades goes hand in hand with choosing colour & we have been busy with that as well. M2 Virtuous Minerals is definitely not your typical mineral makeup. We feel that our unique minerals deserve unique names that stay true to our personalities. After some quality girl time, some cocktails and a lot of laughs we've managed to name all 34 shades of the eye shadows.

In true MJ & AJ fashion, we're having a lot of fun and managing to get a lot accomplished. In addition to the 34 shades of eye shadow, we also plan to launch some additional specialized colours. These colours will be bright, bold and embellished - definitely glamorous, definitely MJ! Keep watching the blog for more news and some sneak peeks!

MJ Studios Pro Cosmetics Trade Show News

We're back with some exciting news about what we've been up to during our little break. In June, MJ & AJ hit the airways and traveled to the Fabulous Las Vegas for the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Convention. We decided to go to the show to scope out the U.S. market, hoped to make some retailer contacts and of course, to have some fun while we did it!

Having never been to a show like this, neither MJ nor I were sure of what to expect. We had been told that attendance was down this year, but this convention isn't called the largest esthetics, cosmetics and spa show in the world for nothing. When we got to the tradeshow the first day we realized that the show was so huge that there was no possible way for us to see everything, so we went off to explore as much as we could.

While we were at the show, we had the opportunity to meet with some packaging companies and we are so pleased to say that we have picked out some great packaging for our product. While we are in the very beginning stages of that process, we are so excited about it. Staying true to the MJ vision, the packaging we are considering is far from looking clinical but instead it looks edgy and unique to the cosmetic industry standard. Finding packaging was a major step for us and we are so excited to have made progress.

Of course, what would a trip to Vegas be if you didn't mix business with a little pleasure? No, we didn't hit the jackpot on the machines and come home rich, but Las Vegas is one of our favourite places to visit. We saw the sights, ate some great food and certainly had lots of fun shopping. We even managed to keep our luggage under weight for the trip back home. Well......almost!!!

During the 3-day conference, we met some fabulous people, made some great contacts and though we didn't have a chance to see everything there, we were able to leave the trade show confident that we are launching a totally unique product. We left Vegas certain that our M2 Virtuous Minerals line will stand out both in the Canadian and U.S. markets.

M2 Virtuous Mineral Cosmetics

MJ Studios is committed to the health and well-being of our consumers. The M2 Virtuous Minerals line provides women with the option to choose a HEALTHY, paraben and chemical free alternative to colour cosmetics without sacrificing the bold, beautiful and long lasting colour. Mineral cosmetics are a choice not a compromise.

Mineral cosmetics are the purest, most natural form of makeup available. Derived from naturally occurring minerals found in the earth, minerals are crushed into fine powders and are the most hypoallergenic cosmetics on the market today. They have been around for thousands of years, used by ancient Egyptians. Minerals are pure natural pigments that will blend easily and provide excellent coverage that is actually healthy for your skin. Product is versatile, long lasting, hypoallergenic, and have a high content of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, both of which are naturally occurring sunscreens. We have colours that suit women of all ages, skin types and complexions.

At the moment, mineral cosmetics seem to be all the rage in the industry. Many different companies are introducing their versions of mineral product to their lines. MJ Studios urges you to check the ingredients. Our M2 Virtuous Minerals line is and always will be free from all plastics, oils, fillers, talcum, and other beauty destroying, cancer causing chemicals found in many designer and supermarket brands. We are dedicated to providing you, the consumer, with high quality, flawless finish products that do not sacrifice the health of your skin.

M1 High Definition Cosmetics

MJ Studios feels that all women should have access to high quality cosmetics. That is why our M1 High Definition Cosmetics are a makeup artist quality product created for the everyday consumer. This line provides product that can create a wide variety of looks that range from the everyday, simple and natural beauty to sheer over the top glamour. We are currently developing product for this line, but we are so excited about it that we couldn’t wait to share some of the fabulous things we will be bringing to you.

The High Definition Cosmetics line will include products such as:

· HD SETTING POWDER – a colourless powder suited for all ages and ethnicity.
· HD LID PRIMER – prepare your eyes for shadow with our lid primer. Keep your eye shadow vibrant and crease-free all day by applying our HD lid primer before you apply your eye makeup.
· HD FACE PRIMER – Just what you need to keep your makeup in place all day.
· SPARKLE LIQUID AND PENCIL EYELINERS – Quality pencils designed to define and shape your eyes.
· HD LOOSE SHADOWS – Regardless of the look you want to create, you are certain to find a shadow to suit your needs.

We have carefully selected product ingredients to maintain our integrity with the M2 Virtuous Minerals line. All ingredients will be clearly listed, as we have nothing to hide.

MJ Studios wants to hear from you!

There's a lot going on at MJ Studios right now. We're hard at work getting things in order for our launch, developing our exclusive 2 line series of makeup, and researching fun and fabulous products and services to bring to our clientele. We have some really great stuff in the works so keep your eye on the blog for all the news.

We're still learning about the blogging world and working out the kinks, but we are committed to providing you with the best information we can. We plan on bringing you some fun information to help you look and feel your best. MJ Studios wants to hear from you. Whether its a burning question about skin care/makeup, a suggestion for a product , or if you just want to say hi, we would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment or send us an email and we'll be glad to get back to you!

MJ Studios at Smashbox Pro Artist Workshop

Michelle recently traveled to Culver City, Los Angeles to attend the Smashbox Pro Artist Workshop. 28 makeup professionals attended the workshop; 26 from the United States and 2 from Canada. Those in attendance had the opportunity to participate in a professional photo shoot held at the Studios. Models were provided for the artists and 2 looks were created through demo.

The first look was a “perfect canvas” where artists were asked to create a beautiful, perfect canvas enhancing natural features only. The aim was to bring out the bone structure of the entire face. The second look was a “fashion magazine look”. Artists were instructed to create sultry eyes using 2 sets of lashes, darkening the shadow and liners to bring out the eye structure without sinking the eye and using the appropriate colours to do so. Check out the slideshow below to see MJ's take on both looks!

Out of the 28 participants, Alex Factor, who represents the professional artists of Smashbox studios, recognized MJ’s work as being exceptional. Alex contacted Michelle asking her if he could use the images on the Alex Factor Facebook page. Michelle is honoured to have her work acknowledged by Alex and has returned with a wealth of knowledge to pass on to her clients.

Meet MJ

Certified Makeup Artist Michelle Loustel has lived, breathed and dreamed about makeup for about as long as she can remember. Her interest in makeup began early as a child, admiring her stay at home mom’s desire to look her best. Michelle fondly remembers watching her mother freshly applying lipstick before walking into a shopping mall and associated this with the fact that women feel their best when they look their best. This early association drives Michelle to provide every woman with the opportunity to look and feel their best. To this day, Michelle is inspired by her mother. When applying makeup, it takes her back to the image of her mother and seeing the satisfaction in her. Michelle dedicates her passion to her.

At the age of 18, she started doing freelance makeup for various friends, family and strangers who would comment on her meticulous appearance. People were impressed with her obvious talent despite no formal education or training. Not knowing much about the field of makeup artistry, Michelle worked several office jobs but always held the dream and passion in her heart and thought about pursuing a career in the industry all the time. She got married and supported her husband by managing his businesses. After her son JD was born and he got ill, Michelle decided not to return to the office but rather stay at home to raise her son.

Known as a regular customer at The Bay, Michelle could be found playing with the make up at the various cosmetic counters; and her passion was apparent. Noticed by the Cosmetic Manager, Michelle was offered the opportunity to work as a part time manager at the fragrance counters. Michelle willingly accepted the job, enabling her to fulfill not only her family commitment but also her passion. Management soon discovered her true talent when Estee Lauder was short a makeup artist and she jumped in with nothing but her personality, passion and natural talent.

From there, Michelle was handpicked by CHANEL cosmetics to open the first CHANEL boutique in Saskatchewan. While waiting for the CHANEL counter to open, she worked as a floater, working all cosmetics counters that required makeup artists. She has also worked for Shoppers Drug Mart where she was a featured artist for such lines as Rimmel, Lise Watier, Elizabeth Arden, GOSH, and L’Oreal.

Michelle officially pursued her passion and received her diploma in advanced makeup artistry. During her training she built on her talent and knowledge of basic, advanced and specialized makeup artistry. Because the nature of the cosmetics industry is ever changing, she is committed to continuous learning and is always looking for new techniques and skills to master her art. She recently traveled to Los Angeles to attend the Smashbox Studios Pro Artist Workshop. Her work there was recognized as being exceptional.

At present and for the past 3 years, Michelle has represented CLARINS PARIS as their Saskatchewan Makeup Artist and Skincare Specialist. Michelle is known in the industry with a reputation for flawless application, and as an educator. Not only does she excel in makeup application but she loves to teach. Each client receives step-by-step education on their appropriate look. From chic, contemporary to over the top glamorous, Michelle creates a clean, breathtaking look that is right for each person.

Her commitment to her family led to the decision to stay in Saskatchewan although the industry demands usually lead to a move to a major centre like Toronto or Hollywood. As such, she is committed to bringing the people of Saskatchewan the quality of services and products they would expect to see in Hollywood. Michelle’s passion, eye for detail and her ability to see the beauty in everyone is evident in her work. Her decision to open MJ Studios was born from this passion and she is definitely excited to live her dream.

While she is very busy with getting things ready for the launch of her own 2 series makeup line and the opening of MJ Studios, Michelle is taking bookings on a limited basis. To discuss the possibility of booking Michelle’s services, please contact Michelle by email at mloustel@msn.com

YOUR BEAUTY + MICHELLE’S KNOWLEDGE = TEAMWORK

Welcome to MJ Studios Pro Cosmetics Ltd.

Scheduled to launch early in 2010, MJ Studios Pro Cosmetics is the brain-child of professional makeup artist Michelle Loustel. With over 10 years of industry experience, Michelle has been drawn to create her own 2 series makeup line due to the limited number of quality makeup lines accessible to rural residents and Saskatchewan as a province. Michelle has worked with and for some of the top cosmetics companies known worldwide such as Chanel, Smashbox, MAC, Christian Dior, Lise Watier, Rimmel, L’Oreal, Lancome, Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder, and Clarins Paris. This solid foundation of product knowledge gives Michelle a competitive edge, enabling her to make the best analysis of a client’s needs and choose the products and techniques necessary to create a specific look.

MJ Studios Pro Cosmetics is devoted to creating high quality product to suit everyone’s needs. Our M1 series of High Definition Cosmetics is a makeup artist’s product created for the everyday consumer. Our M2 series of Virtuous Minerals provides women with the option to choose a HEALTHY, paraben and chemical free alternative to colour cosmetics without sacrificing the bold, beautiful long lasting colour. We are dedicated to Saskatchewan women and bringing them the type of product that they deserve. While we feel that true beauty comes from within, we strive to offer exciting products to help women of all walks of life feel as confident, sassy and sexy as possible.