By Tamara, Local Contributor – Canada

Tamara lives in southwestern Ontario, where she works in a multi-disciplinary physical rehabilitation clinic. When she’s not there, you’ll find her at the local cosmetic counters or freelancing as a makeup artist.

She rediscovered makeup in her early twenties, and since then, she’s become immersed in the beauty community. Tamara loves the idea of sharing information with others who share her beauty interests. After being an observer for some time, she started her own beauty blog. She has learned so much and had an amazing time since starting, and she considers herself lucky to have two jobs she adores.

Annabelle Smoothie Eye Shadow Pencils

Canadian Spotlight: Annabelle Cosmetics

Annabelle is a brand that has been around for quite some time. The line was first launched in August of 1967 by Morrie Cohen, a Montreal businessman. Known as “the house of colors,” the have always offered a wide range of color cosmetics, makeup accessories, and nail polish to consumers.  (Though sadly, in 2004, the line of nail polishes was discontinued!)  The company was named after Mr. Cohen’s mother-in-law, Anabel. The name Anabel, was modified to Annabelle to give a bilingual twist to the Canadian brand.

My top three products from Annabelle are…

Le Big Show Mascara ($9.95 CDN): I’ve had a drugstore favourite for mascara for a long time, but Le Big Show took over a few months ago. This is an absolutely fantastic mascara that gives length, volume and an intensely black colour payoff.

Smoothie Eye Shadow Pencil ($8.95 CDN) As someone with eyelids oily enough to eat through many popular bases, these over-sized pencils really impressed me with their longevity. They can be worn on their own or layered under shadows. I frequently use Melonade (mid-tone peachy pink) or Cocoaloco (rich chocolate brown) with some mascara for a quick low-key look, and Licoriche is perfect for smokey eyes.

Hush Mineral Powder Blush ($10.50 CDN): Amazing colour payoff, smooth application and good wear time are all hallmarks of a great cheek colour and Hush has them all. This was my first experience with a mineral blush and it was a pleasant surprise to find a mineral product at the drugstore that showed up on my skin tone.

Annabelle is widely available across Canada in a number of box-stores, drugstores and supermarkets. U.S. customers are able to make telephone purchases, but only for those products permanent to the line.

See more photos!

Annabelle Smoothie Eye Shadow Pencils

Annabelle Smoothie Eye Shadow Pencils

Annabelle Hush Mineral Powder Blush

Annabelle Hush Mineral Powder Blush

Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara

No mascara

Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara – two coats