Beauty News: Miss BlushPretty Brings Us The Next Beauty Board!

I'm thrilled to be apart of the next The Beauty Board created and hosted by the fabulous Stephanie Daga, makeup artist and founder of BlushPretty.com. If you are a beauty lover and a savvy shopper then The Beauty Board is a must-attend event! Just in time for the holidays, attendees will have the chance to see, smell and smear some of the hottest beauty products on the market. The event will be held on November 14 from 2-6 pm with yours truly doing guest demos! September 30th is the last day to buy the early bird tickets of $25. After that, it is $30 so get on it! Click here for event details and to purchase tickets!

Monica from The Beauty Parler has raved about the event and ever since I've been curious to go. Want to know more about the brains behind The Beauty Board? Check out my Q&A with Stephanie Daga!

About Stephanie Daga

Stephanie Daga is a Freelance Makeup & Hair Artist in Toronto, the Editor behind BlushPretty.com, and the Founder of The Beauty Board events. Her expert tips and work have been featured in The Toronto Star, Anohki, and LOU LOU. When she’s not talking, eating or breathing beauty, she can be found at home with her hubby, two boys, and black lab!

Makeup Junkie: How did The Beauty Board start?

Stephanie: One day, I thought to myself how great it is to be a blogger and how I get to test out a bunch of product daily. I wanted to share this experience with my readers; after all, I would get emails daily from readers, family, friends, and clients about what I would recommend or what I think about a product.  At that moment, I organized my first The Beauty Board.  I had twelve guests, held it in my small condo, and had four brands present. I let my guests test and try out the products and provide their “editorial reviews”. I posted the reviews on BlushPretty.com and the next thing I know I was getting requests to be a part of the next one.  The second event was held in October 2009 and it grew to over 35 guests and about 8 brands.  The last one in April 2010, had over 50 guests and over 10 brands present.  It grew so fast ...

MJ: What are some beauty must-haves that you discovered at The Beauty Board?

SD: Its so hard to narrow it down to just one! Everyone loved Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics for the 3-Free Nail Polish; COVERGIRL LashBlast Length for Mascara; Consonant Body for their Body Soap (which comes with a Loofah!!); DaLish Cosmetics lip glosses; MaryKay’s Cheek Colour in Pomegranate; and a past but on-going favourite is Cake Beauty’s Milk Made Velveteen Hand Cream!

Thanks Stephanie for organizing such a fantastic event for us beauty lovers! I can't wait!

Beauty News: NTM Model Competition!

Calling all aspiring models! The fabulous makeup artist, Lelo, and the team at NTM Studios are hosting another model competition that will take place from November 15 to November 21. The winner will receive $1000 cash prize! 

To view the competition details visit www.nexttopmodelstudios.com. Will you be the last one standing? Hurry up and enter!

Fall Trend 2010: Zoya Shawn & Cola

Zoya is one nail brand that I can count on to create eye-catching, edgy and unique colours. Wonderful and Wicked from the Fall collection feature 6 creams and 6 sparkling shades. Before I dish about all the lovely colours, lets talk about the application.

Zoya Shawn taken on Day 2 in the am and already chipping :(

Is it me or did the brush get smaller? Getting it to look neat around the cuticle never seemed troublesome before. I'm not sure if the formulation has changed since the summer collection but the application was such a mess. It didn't apply streaky but the formula looked more watery than past nail polishes. Maybe a bad batch? What surprised me even more was that it started to chip by the 2nd day. I guess Joe Fresh nail polishes have set the bar!

As popular as the green nail trend has been, I haven't found one that I've really loved on myself. When I saw Shawn in the bottle, I was hopeful that this mossy green would be the one. When I first applied it, I was kind of on the fence but for the most part liking it. Funny enough, the next day when I woke up the first thing I looked at was my nails and I hated it. I sat with it for a bit but by the afternoon had to remove it. It's a lovely shade of green but it doesn't belong on my finger tips. I think it just brings out too much of the yellow in my skin.

Zoya Cola taken on the 1st day

Zoya Cola is definitely more up my alley. It's a new twist on a classic brown making it more terracotta much like the pretty autumn leaves! I love this much better against my skin tone. The application was still a bit of a mess though and chipped a wee bit by the end of the first day.

Stay tuned for more reviews from the Zoya Fall collection! Have you tried Shawn or Cola? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Zoya nail polishes retail for $7 USD and $36 USD for the 6 samplers.

www.artofbeauty.com

Beauty Crush: Joe Fresh Nail Polish in Storm

I love when I fall in love with beauty products unexpectedly. After a summer of the bright and sparkly, my tips were longing for something less happy-go-lucky and something more smutty. No, "smutty" is not a word but it's what I describe as not-so-pretty yet edgy and definitely sexy. The navy's, the blacks and the gun-metal greys are cool but I wanted something out of the ordinary and that I didn't own already. I didn't know what nail colour I was looking for until I met Storm, from Joe Fresh that is. 

Taken on the first day

It's a neutral - big deal right? Believe it or not I don't own many neutrals and definitely not one like Storm which is from Joe's Fall collection. I instantly fell in love with this colour! It's the perfect combo of taupe-grey-mauve. If this hadn't been in my swag bag from eTalk, Storm may have never come into my life. Ok, I'm getting a little silly I know but when you're on the hunt for something you're not quite sure what you're looking for and it magically appears, everything in the world just seems right. My nail polish fanatics can attest to this - right? 

Taken on day 7 and only tiny chips on the middle and ring finger

To my surprise, the application was smooth and non-streaky especially for a cream formula. The brush width was pretty decent considering I was able to get a nearly perfect application. What was an even better surprise was that this $4 (CDN) polish remained chip-free for 7 days! Pretty impressive since I usually notice a small chip by the 2nd or 3rd day with some higher-end brands. It lasted through many makeup applications, washing dishes, brush washings and daily scrubbings of one dirty little kid! Even on day 7 it still had the same luster and shine as it did on the first day.

Well, like most of my beauty relationships ours ended and I moved on to the next polish. But it has stolen my heart and I will be back for more! Now I want every shade from the Joe Fresh line which won't be hard since I can purchase 3 for $10! Ah-mazing! If you're in the mood for a neutral that's chic and affordable, Storm is a definite beauty must-have this season!

Have you tried this nail polish? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

www.joe.ca

Guest Review: Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Liner

With celebrities like Rihanna and Katy Perry sporting them on the red carpet, colored liners have become very popular. I currently started to wear them on my lower lids when I don't have time for a full eye look.

Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Liner in Teal ($22 USD): This innovative gel-based waterproof liner stays blendable for 60 seconds then dries to a smudge-proof, budge-proof finish that lasts all day. Jet Set is perfect for lining the inner rim of the eye or as a stay-put traditional liner.

The pros about this liner:

This liner is honestly smudge-proof & budge-proof! It doesn't move which is good if you have oily lids. Also the waterproof factor is amazing! Living in Canada, we will be dealing with a lot of rain and snow soon, so the waterproof aspect will be a god sent!

Liner in Teal applied with the MAC 209

Water has been applied

The liner rubbed five times with my fingers

The con about this liner:

The only bad thing I can say about this liner is it's way too small!! The box it comes in is a pretty good size, so I thought it would be larger.

Overall I like this liner because I don't have check my liner throughout the day to make sure it's not running! I would give it 4/5 because of the size.

www.smashbox.com

About Jenn

Jenn is Director (future beauty director), certified makeup artist and a lover of all things fashion, beauty and media! She is also the founder of her popular beauty blog, Spiced Beauty. I met Jenn at a beauty bloggers brunch back in February - she was warm, always flashing her beautiful smile, and her camera was always on hand! Thanks Jenn for your guest review! Do check out her blog - must reads are her daily fashion finds and product reviews!

www.spicedbeauty.com

Fall Trend 2010: The Casual Red Lip

I can wear a red lip any time of the year so I'm glad this trend isn't going anywhere for a while. I call this look the "casual red lip" because I want women to see that red lips can very much be wearable during the day. Instead of red carpet glamour I skipped the black liquid liner, fake lashes, and skipped the lip liner. All this look required was a neutral shadow, lots of mascara, softly defined cheeks and a gorgeous red lip.

Here are the star products for today's look: 

 

1. Burberry Eye Shadow in Almond ($29 USD): As luxurious as Burberry's clothes are, so are the makeup. From the luxe smokey metal casing to the plaid detailing imprinted on the eye shadow, this is the iconic Burberry trench for the eyes. These shadows apply so buttery smooth and have long-lasting pigment. I was afraid that Almond wouldn't show up on my skin tone, but it does in the best way possible. This taupey-brown may look boring at first glance, but for me it's a basic staple and the perfect compliment to a bold lip. The finish is a satin sheen - not too matte and not too shimmery. It's just dark enough to add depth to my crease yet light enough to swipe all over my lid. I especially love using this on brides. I used it a few weeks ago as a contour in the crease for a bride going Old Hollywood glam!

 Burberry Almond used in the crease on my bride

2. Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara ($34 CAD): I love mascara - more like I NEED mascara! But I hate spending a ridiculous amount on one. Lancome mascaras are a cult classic and fine - they've earned their expensive-mascara status. I really wanted to hate this mascara not because I hate Lancome but so I wouldn't become hooked! Too late - I am. This mascara contains a "Lash Densifier complex, with precious plant cell extract, designed to reginerate the lashes".

I've tried a couple of other brands who claim to do the same thing, but Lancome's version actually lifts, lengthens, and adds volume to my wimpy lashes. I've really noticed a difference in the fullness of my lashes since I've been using it which has been almost a month. The brush width is great as it's thin enough to get to the little lashes and the ones on the bottom. My only complaints are that it smudges just a tad on me, occasionally flakes, and is triple what I would spend on a mascara! For the most part, my lashes are looking great!

3. M.A.C. Mineralize Blush in Soft Meow (Fabulous Felines Collection, $25 CAD): I think one of my favourite products from M.A.C. are their mineralize powders. I adore the pearly, luminous finish it gives the skin. If I recall, when the mineralize blushes first came out I wasn't a fan. I thought they were too shimmery for the cheeks and often made me look too shiny. Well, Soft Meow very much reminds me of the original mineralize skin finishes just with more pigment. It is warm peachy-bronze and looks lovely with a bold lip. Soft Meow is all glow minus the shine!

4. NARS Pure Matte Lipsticks in Vesuvio and Terre de Feu ($25 USD): When I have no time to put on a full face, a red lipstick is the shade of choice for me. Any bold or bright colour will instantly perk your complexion up. If you want to wear a "casual red lip", I recommend going for a matte lipstick or a stain. Mattes don't bleed as much as a gloss or creamy lipstick and aren't so in-your-face. And anything that looks more like a stain seems understated - my opinion of course.

I love the new Pure Mattes from NARS. They're not ultra moisturizing but definitely more hydrating than a typical matte lipstick. Vesuvio, which is worn on Canadian model Heather Marks in the campaign shot, is described as a "full bodied red". I'd say that's pretty accurate. It's a shade that will suit most skin tones. On me, it looks more on the warm side. Vesuvio definitely makes a statement - you'll have all eyes looking at your lips! I receive compliments every time I wear it.

Terre de Feu, described as a "black cherry" is my red of choice. I tend to gravitate to deeper reds and although it is still a bold shade I feel more comfortable wearing it than Vesuvio. Tip: To make both shades wearable for day, skip the lip liner and press lipstick onto the lips with your finger for a just-kissed stained effect. If your lips are normally chapped, apply lip balm when you first apply your makeup so it has time to soak into your lips. Remove any peeling skin with a warm wash cloth in a circular motion or with a tooth brush. Matte lips will only enhance dry, cracked lips!


The Look: Casual Red Lips

 

Skin:
Shu Uemura Stage Performer Instant Glow
Korres Silicone-Free Primer
Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer
Smashbox Halo Powder
Benefit Erase Paste (under eyes)
CoverFX The Big Cover Up (cover up zits and blemishes)
Smashbox Halo Bronzer (forehead, cheeks, nose, chin)

Eyes:
Urban Decay Eye Potion Primer
Anastasia Highlighting Brow Kit (brows) 
Burberry Almond Shadow (swept across lid and crease)

NARS Duo Shadow in Rajasthan (metallic beige on center of lid for dimension)
Anastasia Brow Duality (Lace Shimmer on inner corner of eyes and Shell on brow bone)
Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara Black (apply a couple of a coats to really make your eyes pop especially if you're doing a soft eye)


Cheeks:
Smashbox Halo Bronzer (contour)
M.A.C. Soft Meow Mineralize Blush (cheeks)

Lips:
Korres Lip Butter in Guava
NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio
Bottom photo: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Terre De Feu

I used the exact same products but changed the lip colour to Terre De Feu - isn't it fabulous? LOVE!

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think about wearing red lips in the day? Still think it should be saved for night? 

All products were sent for editorial consideration.

Beauty News: TIFFing In The eTalk Lounge Recap!

My home during TIFF - the makeup/storage room!

My first Toronto Film Fest and I made it out alive! Despite the early mornings and the craziness that TIFF brings, it was one of the best experiences of my makeup career! I'm so fortunate and so happy that I got the chance to be apart of it with much thanks to Annesley from CARGO Cosmetics!

CARGO products used to touch-up celebrities and beautify the eTalk hosts!

There were many celebrities that came through the eTalk Celebrity Interview Lounge but the ones that I was most star struck with were Harvey Keitel, Paul Giamotti, Minnie Driver, Josh Brolin, and Jason Jones. Harvey Keitel is a movie icon and I absolutely loved him in Reservoir Dogs! He was our first interview yesterday and came in with a big smile and said "Hello! How is everyone this morning?". He's amazing and I totally would have run up to him and hugged him if it weren't for trying to be professional! Annesley had the lovely pleasure of powdering his nose!

 

 eTalk Celebrity Interview Lounge. Swag everywhere! I was gifted with some sweet swag too!

Paul Giamotti was a big teddy bear and so sweet. I also wanted to run and hug him! Minnie Driver is so stunning and even more so in person. She's just so statuesque and elegant. Josh Brolin physically isn't my type but he's definitely got sex appeal. I was also expecting him to be taller in person since he usually plays these bad-ass characters in his films. Gotta love those camera tricks! 

If you're not familiar with Jason Jones he is on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and is married to Samantha Bee. They are a hilarious duo. He sat in our CARGO makeup chair cracking jokes with us and talking about Bloody Caesars while Annesley powdered him up. He was awesome and I took a quick snap of him on my camera phone - shhh! Unfortunately we were not allowed to snap photos of the celebrities - understandable of course.

Loved doing makeup on eTalk Vancouver reporter, Susie Wall! She was absolutely lovely!

I missed Jennifer Connelly and Ryan Gosling and I heard they created quite a frenzy in the eTalk Lounge! Other stars I would have loved to meet: Natalie Portman, Carrie Mulligan, James Franco, Frida Pinto, Jason Reitman, Martin Sheen, Robert DeNiro, Blake Lively and Marion Cotillard (who I heard from Lainey Gossip is out of this world drop-dead-gorgeous). But getting to meet celebrities was just the icing on the cake. What really made the week worth it was working with the amazing eTalk crew, the eTalk hosts, Annesley and the David's Tea girls (which I'm totally hooked on now). What's ironic is that I didn't get to see any movies! So many on my list to see including Black Swan and I'm Still Here. 

 eTalk cast filming the last TIFF10 segment. I worked mostly on Lainey, Ben and Susie but in this photo I did Lainey's makeup (such a beauty).

Me with the gorgeous Traci Melchor - I looked so horrible that day!

My first TIFF down and hopefully many more to come! Did you see any movies or meet any celebrities? If you missed my first TIFF post click here.

Makeup 101: Hair and Makeup in 45 Minutes!

Yesterday and today I had the pleasure of working on one of my favourite models, Malina from Chantale Nadeau Model Placement and Sutherland. She will be making an appearance on Canada AM and eTalk! It was an early morning and we only had 45 minutes to work with. Both appearances required a natural look. You don't have to be a pro to achieve the same results!

As requested by fellow beauty blogger, Monica from The Beauty Parler, here is the hair and makeup breakdown!

Click to on photo to enlarge

Makeup:

Skin: 

Make Up For Ever HD Primer

Face Atelier Ultra Pro Foundation #5 (all over and under eyes) - Love using this foundation. Skin always looks flawless without looking or feeling heavy. Malina looked fresh and radiant!

YSL Touche Eclat #1 under eyes (brightening)

Make Up For Ever HD Powder

Smashbox Halo Bronzing Powder

Cheeks: When you want to look fresh and radiant, bronzer and blush always does the trick!

Smashbox Halo Bronzing Powder (all over and contour)

Benefit Coralista

Eyes: When I want a quick but subtle smokey eye, I like working with cream shadows that blend well and are smudge-proof. You can quickly blend with your finger across your lid or use a brush. Brushing an eye shadow in a similar shade over top will help set it and intensify the colour. Use a light hand then layer more until you have reached your desired intensity. Add a highlighter, curl lashes and mascara and your eyes are smokey and perfectly polished!

CoverFX EyePrep FX

Stila Smudge Pot in Bronze (smudged against lash line, outer crease, and bottom lash line)

Sephora Waterproof Smokey Cream Liner (liner and smudged into outer crease for definition)

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Rajasthan (metallic gold in center of lid)

NARS Single Shadow in Coconut Grove (blended into crease, outer lash line, and along lash line)

Anastasia Brow Duality (Lace Shimmer inner corner top and bottom)

CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara Black

Lips: 

Benefit Lady's Choice Lipstick

Balmshell Lipgloss in Yummy Mummy over top

Hair:

Step 1: L'Oreal Studio Line Indestructible Volume Spray (all over at the roots)

Step 2: Chi Flat Iron - I achieved bouncy curls by twisting the flat iron all the way down the hair. For volume at the roots, I lifted the hair while twisting flat iron.

Step 3: Teasing - I took a square section at the crown of her head, sprayed L'Oreal Studio Line Indestructible Volume Creation Spray at the root (stronger hold), and teased with a teeth comb. I took sections from the side of her head as well and teased to create over all volume and shape. If you don't need volume, skip this step.

Step 4: I spread out her teased sections with my hands then smoothed with a smoothing brush. 

Step 5: I gathered her hair with my fingers and brought it to the side and positioned at the nape of the neck. II smoothed the hair with a teeth comb then used an elastic to create a side pony tail. 

Step 6: Because her hair was curled, it took seconds to twist the hair into a bun. I used bobby pins to secure the hair. 

Step 7: Sprayed all over with L'Oreal Elnett Volume Spray for extra hold. The overall look was soft texture rather than slicked against the head.

Featured Product: NARS Single Eye Shadow Coconut Grove ($23 USD)

I love me some NARS anything but especially their rich and pigmented shadows. Don't be fooled by this basic neutral. Coconut Grove from the Fall collection is a lovely deep chocolate shadow that creates gorgeous depth and definition. It was the perfect alternative to black for creating intensity in the crease and along the lash line. This has become a staple in my kit as I often reach for my browns and bronzes for a simple everyday look. But watch out - this deep brown creates the most gorgeous smokey eye that is just lovely for the autumn season!

Easy right?! What is your quick but polished look? Have you tried any of these products?

Product was sent for editorial consideration. 

Beauty News: TIFFing In The eTalk Lounge!

In case you aren't following me on Twitter or Facebook, I've been working with CARGO Cosmetics in the eTalk Lounge doing makeup for the hosts of eTalk and doing the occasional powder touch-up on the celebrities. I'm off for a couple of a days and decided a much needed blog post was in order! Again, my apologies for the lack of blogging! 

Our makeup/swag storage room. Ben Mulroney's makeup all ready to go (far left corner)!

The above room is where the lovely Annesley from CARGO and I beautify the hosts. It's cramped but I've worked in worst conditions! The lucky celebrities are gifted with some of my fave products from CARGO: Cannes Blush, Toronto and Los Angeles Palettes, The Essential Smokey Eye Palette, and Lash Activator Primer and Mascara. 

Celebrities that have come through the eTalk Lounge so far: Kat Dennings, Rachelle Lefevre (who loves CARGO), Paul Giamotti, Rosamund Pike, Shannon Woodward, Kathleen Robertson, Jack Rathbone, Bruce Greenwood, Scott Speedman, Minnie Driver, Zach Braff, Josh Brolin, Josh Lucas, Dominic Cooper, Molly Parker, Allie MacDonald and Terence Howard. I know there are more but names are slipping my mind! While on lunch I walked by Chris Cooper! 

I did a powder and lip touch up on Kathleen Robertson who played Clare Arnold on my child-hood must-watch Beverly Hills 90210. She was so sweet and utterly gorgeous! Terence Howard on the other-hand was a different story. I had to do a quick powder touch-up on him yesterday. He's kind of intense but lightened up after the interview was over!

I'm back on Thursday and excited to see who will pass through. I'll try and snag more photos! I've had a blast so far getting to work on Ben, Lainey Lui, and Susie Wall! Check out Monday's eTalk TIFF coverage here: http://watch.ctv.ca/etalk/highlights/etalk-highlights/.

Have you seen any great TIFF movies? Spotted any celebrities?

Beauty News: CoverFX International Treasure Hunt!

(Picture heavy!) :)

Start the first day back to school with a treasure hunt! The lovely team at CoverFX has organized this amazing treasure hunt taking place in select cities in Canada, US, and the UK. I love contests that really get the fans involved. CoverFX's last event was a successful flash mob that took place all over but I have to say the treasure hunt tops it all! Click on the poster to enlarge for contest details and visit their Facebook page!

Last week I attended a fabulous event to celebrate the launch of CoverFX's newest star, EyePrep FX. I'm already a huge fan of their primers so I knew I would fall in love with this one. Not only is it an eye primer for your concealer, foundation and eye shadow but it's also an eye cream!

I spoke with Co-creator, Jenny Frankel, who informed me that it's better not to layer the EyePrep FX over your traditional eye cream as it may affect the 'stay put' primer quality. However, if you just can't live without your favourite eye cream, Jenny suggests applying EyePrep FX during the day and your night cream at night. But to reap the full benefits of EyePrep, it's best to use both day and night. It's also made without silicone so for all you oily lids your shadow won't slip and slide throughout the day. 

I had a blast at the event (despite the heat and sweat!) seeing all my fellow blogger buddies and meeting new ones. And of course, it's always a pleasure being able to chat with CoverFX creators, Lee and Jenny! Thank you to the fabulous Marketing Co-Ordinator, Melissa Shum, for throwing a great event and wearing those fantastic purple heels! 

Sh-wag!

Gorgeous ladies Monica from Beauty Parler and Jennifer from Spiced Beauty

Co-creator Lee Graff demonstrating EyePrep FX on the lovely Melissa Shum

Clearly EyePrep FX works! The colour is definitely more vibrant.

More gorgeous ladies and sporting the "glow"! Rhia from ArtistRhi, Anjali from Rock That Look, and Farah from FacesByFarah

The awesome Lee Graff and Jenny Frankel! Love Lee's dress!

The fabulous International Communications Director, Wanda Longo and Lee

Celebrity makeup artists of the night Tracy Peart from CityLine and Lucky B from MTV Canada!

Me (and my "glow") with some pretty fabulous women!

I'm really bad with names - sorry! Jill from Jillo Jello, Arianne from GlitterGeek and moi. 

Rhia and I getting our sweat glow on!

Hot!

Melissa's killer purple platforms!

Uber talented MUA, Lelo, from Ramblings of An Artist. I love how we're resting our sweaty heads on each other!

I heart you Lucky!

www.coverfx.com

Fall Trend 2010: Sparkling Plum-Smoke

I was so glad I got to use my brother's girlfriend as my model for this next look. It's so much more fun to do makeup on other people than it is on myself. I coined this one as "plum-smoke" with some sparkle. Here are some of my Fall faves featured in today's look: 

1. NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok ($25 USD): Since these new lippies landed in my hands, I've hardly picked up a gloss! I'm absolutely in love with the rich pigments and the smooth  matte application. The best part is that it's long-wearing without drying out my lips! It's rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E and Acai Oil and Wild Mango Butter to keep your lips well-moisturized. I actually prefer the texture of these lipsticks over the NARS Velvet Matte Pencils. Bangkok is a soft rose and is this season's perfect nude-pink to compliment smokey eyes. This one has definitely become a staple in my kit. Pure Matte will be sold exclusively at The Bay for the month of September in Canada before hitting other retailers. Be sure to check it out!

2. YSL Eyeshadow Duo #29 ($41 USD): I'm not so sure about the colour combination. It just doesn't catch my eye. However, each shadow on its own are absolutely gorgeous. The texture is unbelievably smooth and the pigments are long-lasting. For today's look, I only used the Purple Amethyst on the lid which is a pretty shimmering lavender. I love YSL, but I don't think I would spend $41 USD for these duos. These shadows are definitely a splurge item if you are a fan of YSL.

3. NARS Blush in Douceur ($26 USD): There has been much buzz over this blush because it is the first blush from NARS to have the logo etched on it. Love the concept and it looks awesome but after a few uses it starts to fade which doesn't bother me. Douceur is a soft pink-brown that my cheeks are kind of loving right now. On fair skin you only need one application for it to show but for someone with medium-dark skin like moi, I need at least 2 applications. It's just such a great neutral and goes with just about every look this season. I've used it multiple times on multiple people and it looks beautiful every time. Another staple for me!

The Look: Sparkling Plum-Smoke

Before

This is my brother's beautiful girlfriend, Amy, who loves makeup and learning about makeup just as much as I love applying it. She's a natural beauty and rarely wears makeup so we decided to do something a little edgier than normal. I love her eye shape and really wanted to play it up by extending it and making her eyes bigger. I chose to go with plums and purples because it's her favourite colour and it looks amazing on her! I also styled her hair by giving her volume and curls with a blow dryer and small round brush and defined the curls with a flat iron. The hair looked too pretty for this heavy eye so I put her hair up in a messy ballerina bun. Tip: When your hair is already curled it's so much easier to throw in a bun.

After

Skin:

Make Up For Ever HD Primer

Face Atelier Ultra Pro Foundation #3

YSL Touche Eclat #1 (under eyes)

CoverFX Setting FX

Smashbox Halo Bronzing Powder

Eyes: 

CoverFX EyePrep

Bobbi Brown Basic Eye Palette (dark brown for her brows)

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Galaxy (lash line & lid)

YSL Duo Eyeshadow Purple Amethyst (lid and lower lash line)

M.A.C. Shadestick in Royal Purple (outer lid/crease)

NARS Vintage Duo Eyeshadow in Bysance (irridescent iris on outer lid/crease)

Stila Smudge Pot in Black (liner and smudged onto outer crease)

Kat Von D True Romance Eye Shadow Palette (black shadow outer crease and lower lash)

M.A.C. White Frost Shadow (brow bone)

CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara in Black

I took out the bun after with her curls still in tact looking voluminous and sexy!

Cheeks: 

NARS Douceur Blush (cheek and contour)

Giorgio Armani Blending Duo Blush (shimmering Pale on apples)

Lips:

CoverFX MintGlaze FX (blotted with tissue)

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok

What do you think of the plum trend? Will you be rockin' it this season? Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Products featured were sent for editorial consideration.