Nudestix Lippies and Lattes Event: New Releases + Love is Louder!

Hi, everyone! Nudestix is a brand that caught my eye from the beginning, since its launch on Cult Beauty before even hitting Canadian shelves. Despite the fact that I can be properly high-maintenance when it comes to makeup, there is something about the coolness and ease behind the simple pencil packaging that appeals to me. I also realize that, for the majority of women and men out there, walking into a Sephora is utterly overwhelming, so I totally appreciate a brand that tries to take the fuss out of the process! I've been super impressed with the Nudestix products I've used so far, so was thrilled to be invited to the brand's Lippies, Lattes, and Love event in Toronto a few weeks ago! 

The event was held at Terroni's Rosedale location, Terroni being perhaps my favourite Italian restaurant in the city. Their pizza is seriously incredible. I'd yet to visit their Rosedale space and I was really impressed by the chic, modern, yet warm decor. 

When I arrived at the event, on the restaurant's top floor, I was quickly offered a hot beverage and seated at a spot with some press materials for new products. Exciting! I read a pamphlet for the brand's new Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms as well as a teaser about a Nudestix release celebrating their Canadian roots. 

Shortly afterwards, the event's guests of honour arrived- the three women behind Nudestix! We were joined by Jenny Frankel, creator, chemical engineer, and scientist behind the brand, as well as her two lovely daughters, Taylor and Ally, models and brand ambassadors. They mingled and met with all of us and then did a presentation about their latest products and the vision behind their line. 

They talked about their new Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencils (which I've raved about, here), including an upcoming limited edition release that houses the shade Royal, a stunning classic red, in truly Canadian packaging. A cute little poem was read that expressed the brand's dedication to their Canadian roots. 

We were also introduced to the brand new (just now in stores!) Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms, a summer release that promises smooth, non-sticky, moisturizing gel colour. The girls explained the concept behind the product and did some demos showing the ease of use and texture of these new goodies. 

During the chat and demos we got to munch on an absolutely incredible breakfast that included fresh fruit, frittatas, and Nutella crepes. So, so good. 

Then we got to play! There was a station set up that featured the entire range of products and we were encouraged to swatch, test, and experience everything. I chatted for a while with Jenny, who swatched for us her favourite shades and described some of the science behind the formulas. 

I was eager to test out the new Gel Colours, as I'm a sucker for a lush summer release. My faves from the bunch were Siren, the perfect bold glossy red, and Fate, a warm champagne that works wonderfully as a highlight. 

Wearing Nudestix Gel Colour Lip + Cheek Balms in Siren on the lips and Fate on my cheek bones and down the bridge of my nose. (Ignore the lipstick on my teeth! ;))

I also swatched some of the bolder shades from the Intense Matte range as well as a few of the Magnetic Eye Pencils, which are among my favourite cream shadows on the market! 

And here is Ally swatching the full range of Gel Colours- such a lovely selection of shades! 

The final and most meaningful message from the event is Nudestix's involvement in the JED Foundation's #LoveisLouder campaign, a worldwide initiative to provide support and advocacy for marginalized youth. Love is Louder was born from a collaboration between the JED Foundation and actress Brittany Snow, as a solidarity movement to combat bullying, depression, and feelings of isolation in young people. The idea is that Love is Louder than hate, fear, anxiety, and mistreatment- louder than any inner or outer critic. As a psychologist and as someone who struggles with her own depression and anxiety, this movement feels very close to my heart! 

During May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, Nudestix has paired up with Love is Louder, in that $5 from every purchase of their Lip + Cheek Pencils in Love and Kiss will be donated to the charity. The brand also encourages you to spread the word via their visual campaign- sharing a photo of yourself with the phrase Love is Louder on your palm and using the hastags #loveislouder and #loveislouderpics. You can read more about the JED Foundation here and LoveisLouder here! 

The event let us interact with the Love is Louder movement, posing with Taylor and Ally to spread the word. The girls were very open about their own struggles with depression and bullying, which was refreshing and inspiring. I have seen so many young people feel so ashamed of such struggles, so it's wonderful that the Nudestix girls are choosing so speak out!

I left the event with a souvenir Polaroid of our group photo, as well as a goody box full of new products to test- I'll be sharing some with you soon!

I had such a great time at this event; as a fan of the brand, it was a thrill to pick the brains of the its creators. I also fell in love with the new products and completely connected with their charity involvement. It's not everyday that you get to schmooze with makeup moguls while swatching lipsticks and eating Nutella! Sounds like heaven, right?!

Hope you're having a fabulous week! xo

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