Fall Trend 2010: It's A Lipstick Love Affair With Burberry Lipstick

Sometimes high-end brands are overrated. The packaging can be underwhelming and the formulas and colours are on par or worse than the average to cheaper brands. Burberry is every bit a high-end line and if you love your luxury brands then Burberry should be on your 'It' list. I just love the metal magnetic casing with the signature plaid detailing. 

Burberry Soft Satin Lipstick in Rosewood is like a classic trench - it's a neutral lipstick that will never go out of style. It's a lovely rose-pink with brown undertones and golden shimmer. On my skin tone, the brown tones of the lipstick come out more. On fair-skinned beauties, it looks rosier. I love that it looks different on everyone making it a very wearable neutral. In the tube, it doesn't look too exciting but if you're looking for high-end neutrals this is a must-have basic shade.

I LOVE the satiny smooth finish of this lipstick. It's buttery soft, well pigmented and contains anti-aging properties for fuller definition. I love smushing my lips together just to feel the lipstick. The only bad point for me is the texture and colour aren't as long-lasting as other lipsticks. My solution - I like to press it into the lips as a stain with my fingers then apply the lipstick from the tube. I also notice that after a few uses the lipstick looks like it's melting. Don't worry, it's not so soft that it will break on you!

The shade range is something I would love to have in my kit for my brides. There is a great selection of neutral and blushing shades. At $30 USD, this will definitely be a splurge item for me.

Have you tried Burberry Soft Satin Lipstick? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

http://us.burberry.com

Product was sent for editorial consideration. 

Fall Trend 2010: It's A Lipstick Love Affair Part 2

Fall has been my favourite season for lipsticks. My lip glosses have taken a back seat thanks to the many lipstick options. One of my favourite lip launches of the season has been Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense. With 50 shades to choose from and 3 different finishes (matte, pearl, and satin), it's a lipstick junkie's dream!

Want to know what red suits your skin tone the best? Give the colour wheel a whirl and see what red you are based on your skin tone and your hair colour. You can find this handy wheel at Sephora locations. I chose #3 and #48 before I received the colour wheel but both still work for my skin tone!

Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick #48 Satin Blackcurrant - Like all of Make Up For Ever's products, the lipstick does not lack in pigment. The satin collection has a rich, smooth finish with intense colour payoff. Blackcurrant is a gorgeous shade that looks more like black cherry than blackcurrant but definitely still a perfect shade for Fall. 

Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick #3 Matte Caramel - The matte lipsticks apply effortlessly with no tugging or pulling at the skin. Again, the pigment is a full rich colour. Although it is matte, it does not dry out the lips. However, if you have chronically dry lips the lipstick will accentuate chapped skin and fine lines. Always prep the lips and remove dead skin prior to application for smooth looking lips. Caramel is great neutral for Fall and compliments the season's sparkling smokey eyes.

If you're a lipstick lover, you'll be sure to find a favourite (or 2 or 3) from this collection. And if you're a makeup artist, these lipsticks are a kit must-have.

Have you tried Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick retails for $19 USD and is available at Sephora locations across North America and Sears in Canada.

Products were sent for editorial consideration. 

Fall Trend 2010: It's A Lipstick Love Affair Part 1

How sexy is this shot? It's a little naughty, a little suggestive, and makes me want to get with this lipstick.

Before I get into my review of YSL's Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks, I just want to share a few of the campaign shots. I love receiving their press releases because it's so well presented. The images are all worthy to hang on my wall!

Who doesn't love lipstick art?

If you love anything YSL then these haute lipsticks designed by YSL Creative Director, Stefano Pilati, are a makeup must-have! I've always found the gold packaging of YSL's beauty line to be symbol of luxury and decadence. The three YSL emblematic colours - red, fuchsia, and orange - have been reinterpreted to offer a shade range for every skin tone. If you're wondering what the black and white lipsticks are for, Noir Laque is used to darken any lip shade and the Blanc is used to lighten. Talk about custom shades! My YSL lipsticks are popular among my brides - I may have to pick up a few more or the entire line!

The formula much like the line's other popular lipsticks are very hydrating and offer a rich and radiant finish to the lips. Of all their lipsticks, Rouge Pur is probably the most long-lasting. It's not as slippery as their other lipsticks.

Tip: If you apply your lip balm and then the lipstick directly after, the lipstick will move around making for a messy application. The lipsticks are so creamy that if the lips are too wet, it will start to bleed and feather. Either apply your lip balm at the same time you apply your primer or apply the lipstick first then dab some lip balm after to the center of the lips. For precise application, it's always recommended to use a lip brush (who am I kidding? I don't even do that on myself!). 

1. YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick #17 Rose Dahlia ($30 USD): Rose Dahlia is the bottom swatch and is the sheerest of the lipsticks I received. This appears more coral-pink on me and doesn't really remind me of a rose shade but it is lovely against my skin tone. This would be a perfect spring-summer lippie - just picture bronzey skin and this lip. Gorgeous! 

2. YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick #7 Le Fuchsia ($30 USD): When I'm not doing a bold red lip, you'll most likely see my lips in a bright fuchsia. What can I say? My little girl obsession with pink has followed me into womanhood! I lurve this shade. During the day, I'll press it into my lips with my finger and wear as a stain. It's still striking but not so day-glo-I-need-my-shades sort of thing. As soon as the moon is out, I layer this puppy on! I wore this out for Nuit Blanche and it held up through 4 hours of walking and sipping on hot chocolates.

3. YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick #14 Rouge Feu ($30 USD): In the tube, this lipstick looks like a classic blue-based red. But on my skin tone, it looks more like a tomato red. I don't feel comfortable with this shade unless I'm really tan as I tend to go for deeper reds. This would be a beauty on women with an olive skin tone. 

4. YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick #8 Belle De Rose ($30 USD): I love that this red has a more berry undertone than plum. It's a stunner. I have a lot of deep reds that look more burgundy and Belle De Rose is exactly what I've been looking for. In person, it's much deeper and richer than the swatch. I don't need much makeup with this shade. It instantly perks you up. Just add a neutral shadow, a little colour on the cheeks and this lip and I'm ready for a night out. For the day, dab into the lips as a stain.

Have you tried Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick from YSL? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? Stay tuned for more lipstick features!

www.yslbeautyus.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

Fall Must-Have: Little Black Liquid Liner

Love this look! Louis Vuitton 2007

Liquid liner has been lingering for a few seasons and this Fall is no different. From plum, to navy, to classic black liquid liner is the way to make a beauty statement. Just like an LBD, liquid liner can be worn so many ways. Wing it out, keep it subtle, or make it dramatic with a sexy kitty-cat eye.

Liquid liner is one of those beauty products most women shy away from. I get it - liquid liner can be intimidating and not the easiest beauty product to use. As a beauty expert, I think every woman should own a LBLL. All it takes to go from girl-next-door to drop-dead-glamourous is all in the swipe of a line. But not all LBLL's are created equal. I tested out 3 that are hot on the market - see which one came out on top!

1. L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Waterproof Eyeliner ($9 + CDN): This liner has a lot of good and a lot of bad going for it.

The good: The slanted felt-tip brush allows for ease of application. I found it really easy to achieve a thin or thick line. It didn't smear or smudge on me and is the cheaper of the 3 liners.

The bad: When you first apply, the formula is way too runny and wet. Even after shaking the bottle, it was still too runny. At the same time, the liner also dried fairly quickly causing a lot of gaps and making it difficult to work the line across the eye. I found this especially annoying when using on my clients. Even though it was smear-proof, I found if you rubbed your eye it would rub off. I believe this has to do with the shiny plastic-like finish. Taking off the liner was a mess because it came off much like a tube mascara.

2. Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Liner ($32 USD): There's a lot that I love about this liner!

The good: The packaging is chic and shaped like a marker. My grip was comfortable and the felt-tip liner made it really easy to line the eye and wing out. The brush is more on the firm side but that's usually how I like it. Less chance of making a mistake - at least for me that is. The moisturizing formula dries much like a marker does and really "hugs" the lash line. I also love the matte finish. I wore it while working a 17 hour day on-set and it didn't smear or move all day. Bonus: it's formulated without Sulfates, Synthetics, Phthlates! 

The bad: The price! $32 USD is a lot of money to spend on a liner when there are cheaper ones that are better or comparable. Once this runs out, I'm not sure I'll be dishing out money to purchase it!

3. Benefit Magic Ink Liquid Liner ($20 USD): I have to admit, I had low expectations for this liner. My experience with Benefit mascaras and the waterproof pencil liner have been a smeary-mess. I've also never been a fan of liquid liners with a thin brush, but the results left me pleasantly surprised!

The good: You want jet-black? Then look no further. The black is really black. The finish is the perfect balance between shiny and matte and it has some serious staying-power. It does not budge at all! Don't be fooled by this tiny little brush. I thought it would be flimsy but it is firm with some flexibility. I can get really close to the lash line and build the line to my desired thickness without it moving all over the place. It dried pretty quickly but allowed enough time to work it across the lash line. The price is also pretty reasonable and a good compromise between the L'Oreal and Hourglass liners. And as always, it comes with a mini-tutorial on how to line your eyes using the "jimmy-jimmy-dot" method. Say it aloud and make a dot every time you say "dot". Dot for natural looking volume or connect the dots for a sleek line.

The bad: Nothing really but I find with most liners that have a similar brush it's hard not to get the formula on the lashes. My lashes end up sticking together and I have to clean them off right away before applying my mascara to avoid a clumpy mess. Otherwise, I pretty much love it! 

Tip: The best way to achieve a smooth line and symmetrical shape is to sweep the brush across using short strokes. I don't know about you but my hand can get shaky so using a short stroke helps. Another great trick is to create a guideline using an angled brush and a black powder shadow. This way you can avoid mistakes and wing out your liner that much easier.

Have you tried these liners? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

Fall Trend 2010: Zoya Cheryl

The colour brown can sometimes get a bad rap for being "boring". Zoya's Cheryl ($7 USD) from the Fall Wicked collection is anything but! I instantly fell in love with this rich, jeweled, smokey brown. It's a shade I definitely don't have in my nail polish stash. I love the mix of brown, copper and gold shimmer. It's one of the decadent shades just perfect for Fall!

Taken the morning after application. Without the flash, the shade is deeper and more rich.

Have you tried Zoya Cheryl? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

www.zoya.com

Makeup 101: Flirty Plum Eyes With Bride-to-Be Erica!

I love that we're going into the second week of October and bridal season is still going strong! Meet Erica, one of my gorgeous brides-to-be! She's a natural beauty with lovely green eyes and long lushes lashes. I instantly wanted to play up her green eyes so we decided to go with a neutral base and plum accents in the crease. Plum, being one of the big trends for Fall, is a perfect palette for this November bride! (Quick shout-out to Naomi for inspiring me to do this post! Thank you!)

Here are the star products: 

Skin: 

Cargo blu_ray High Definition Mattifier Primer (t-zone)

Make Up For Ever HD Primer (rest of face)

Face Atelier Ultra Pro Foundation #2/#3 mixed (all over and under eyes)

YSL Touche Eclat #1 (under eyes)

Make Up For Ever HD Powder

Bailey Cosmetics Foundation Duo in Tan (contour)

Eyes:

CoverFX EyePrep FX

Bobbi Brown Caviar Eye Shadow (brows)

M.A.C. Vanilla and White Frost (brow bone)

the fake lashes were not glued on for the trial which explains why it is falling off the left eye!

1. NARS Rajasthan Duo Eye Shadow ($32 USD):  I love this duo. For this look I only used this metallic almond shade as her lid colour. I also applied this on the lower lash line. Even though we were using plum shades, we still wanted the overall look to be fairly neutral. I have used the metallic almond colour on just about every skin tone and every result is beautiful. I will definitely do another feature using both the shades because the navy-grey is a sexy alternative for a black smokey eye. 

2. M.A.C. Sketch Shadow ($17.50) Sketch is an oldie but a goodie! This burgundy-plum shadow with red shimmer is deep and gives the eye a real sultriness to it. I added this shade in the outer crease to middle of the lid and over top of UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Crush. This shade was also applied on the lower lash line.

3. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Crush ($17 USD): I've had a love affair with these eye pencils for a few years. This is actually from last Fall's collection. Crush is a deep plum with teeny silver glitter. I love using cream bases like an eye pencil to bring out the hue of a powder shadow. Plus, it helps enhance the staying power of a powder shadow. Thankfully the glitter does not fall off onto the skin and gives the hint of sparkle appropriate for a grown woman. I also used UD's Zero black liner to line the top lash line. She didn't want a heavy line so I smudged it into her lash line and dipped an angled brush in black shadow to help lock it in. 

L'Oreal Black Mascara (bride's own)

4. Quo #803 Lashes Shopper's Drug Mart Brand ($7.99): I adore Quo lashes. I do not love the glue but their line of fake lashes has never disappointed me. There are a variety of styles to choose from and all are made with 100% natural human hair. One of my favourite styles from the line is the #803. The hair is longest at the center and shorter on the sides which makes the eyes really pop. The feathery quality also gives it a flirty quality and looks very natural against her own lashes. Erica already has long lashes but these falsies just enhanced them even more. Tip: I don't always like to add an obvious line with liquid liner to hide the band. Since she doesn't want the liner to look thick, I will use a flat synthetic brush dipped in black liquid liner and smudge it right onto the band of the fake lashes.

Cheeks:

5. Benefit PosieTint Cheek and Lip Stain ($28 USD): Another beauty crush. When it first came out I tried it on in the store and wasn't too impressed. A month ago, one of my bride's asked me to use it on her underneath a powder blush. I fell in love! I finally decided to pick one up and can't get enough of it. I love cheek and lip stains especially since I wear minimal makeup for everyday. I love it on its own or layered underneath a pink or coral-pink blush which is what I did with Erica. It's creamier than the original, Benetint, and gives a true girly flush. On my skin tone, I need about 2 layers on my cheeks and 3 layers on my lips but once it's on it stays on. I applied this first then dusted a translucent powder to set it.

NARS Douceur Blush (dusted over top of PosieTint)

M.A.C. Mineralize Skinfinish in Shimpagne (cheekbones)

Lips:

M.A.C. Dervish Lip Liner (all over)

Beaute Cosmetics Luminous Volume Gloss in Paramour

6. YSL Rouge Volupte Perle Lipstick SPF 15 in Stellar Pink ($34 USD): This bride is a gloss junkie but I think I've made a lipstick convert out of her! Stellar Pink is a soft pink-beige from the Fall collection and is a shade that is "your-lips-but-better". This luxurious, creamy lipstick is packed with pigment but the glossy finish keeps your lips ultra moisturized. It's not a long-lasting lipstick but if you don't mind reapplying you'll love how it just cushions your lips!

What do you think of Erica's bridal look? Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Most products with the exception of Benetint PosieTint, Quo #803, and M.A.C. Sketch Eye Shadow were sent for editorial consideration.

Fall Trend 2010: Zoya Kelly

Meet the new black. Kelly is a deep grey shade with undertones of purple and blue. Sometimes a straight black shade can seem boring and and a little harsh against some skin tones. If you're in a gothic mood but don't want to go halloween-black, Kelly is a nice alternative. Although, I didn't love it or hate it against my skin tone. It was just alright for me. However, on fair-skinned beauties it would be lovely!

Taken on Day 3 with some minor chipping. This was taken with flash. Without flash it's a lot darker.

Have you tried Zoya Kelly from the Fall Wonderful collection? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

www.artofbeauty.com

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

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.

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.

Fall Trend 2010: Dewy Skin

Glow on girl! Dewy skin is back this season so all you shimmer junkies can rejoice. Back in the day, the word "dewy" was over-used and over-done. Dewiness this time around should be less wet or moist looking (bad choice of words?) and more glowy and radiant.

1. Shu Uemura Stage Performer Instant-Glow ($49 USD): Supermodel skin in a tube? Yes please! Inspired by the models' hectic schedules during fashion week, this beauty cream is designed to revive tired looking skin, enhance the finish of your makeup, and deliver a natural glow. It contains depsea water to improve skin's moisturizing ability and contains ginkgo leaf extract to fight oxidation. I've replaced my day cream with this one and kind of love it too much. Once it settles into the skin, I really notice a rosier glow and a more even skin tone. It definitely delivers instant results.

2. Benefit Girl Meets Pearl ($30 USD): Pearls don't just drape around your neck anymore. Meet Benefit's liquid pearls for your face! This lovely golden-pink highlighter is a light-weight cream used to give your skin that "lit-from-within" glow. Similar to Benefit's That Gal Brightening Primer (love), just twist the bottom and dab a little on where light would naturally hit you. To avoid a disco shine, keep it to the high plains of the cheekbones, inner corner of eyes, and a little down the nose - don't forget to really blend into the skin. You can wear over top of makeup or on bare skin. You'll also love the light sweet scent of raspberry!

Throughout the Fall, I'll be posting photos of me (yikes!) trying out the hottest trends. This is my version of the dewy trend. 

Skin:

Shu Uemura Stage Performer Instant Glow

CoverFX BritePrep FX

Benefit Erase Paste

tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer

Benefit Girl Meets Pearl (cheekbones, down nose)

CoverFX Setting FX (dusted lightly over t-zone)

Cheeks:

Smashbox O-Glow Bronzer (contour)

M.A.C. The Soft Meow Mineralize Blush (Fabulous Felines Collection)

Eyes:

CoverFX EyePrep

Anastasia Highlighting Brow Kit (brows)

Burberry Sheer Eye Shadow in Almond (lid/crease)

NARS Duo Shadow in Rajasthan (metallic beige on center of lid)

Anastasia Brow Duality (Lace Shimmer on inner corner of eyes)

Milani Liquif Eye pencil in Black (waterline and smudged into top lash line)

Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara

Lips:

Korres Lip Butter in Guava

What do you think of the dewy skin trend? Love it? Hate it? Rockin' it?

Products featured were sent for editorial consideration. 

Beauty Feature: Andrea Claire Dishes on Fall Beauty Trends!

Yikes, September 1st already! Where did the summer go? I thought it only fitting to ring in September with some fabulous Fall beauty trends. Summer is almost done but there are some good things to look forward to - autumn colours, cozy sweaters, fall booties, and of course all the beautiful Fall makeup collections!

I turned to one of my makeup gurus and celebrity hair/makeup artist, Andrea Claire, to dish on what beauty trends we'll be seeing this season! Thanks Andrea for chatting! Stay tuned for my Fall beauty faves!

Fall 2010 beauty is more decisive than previous seasons. I felt that in the past few years we hadn’t really seen a specific trend. This season there will be no second guessing with beauty. Women will still have a choice and keeping with these beauty trends, all women can wear the Femme Fatale or the Pure Minimalist.

Left: Diane Von Furstenburg Right: Lanvin

Photo Credit: Style.com

Trend: Sparkling, Jewel Eyes

Sparkling jewel tones are making a comeback. They are flattering and let's face it - very fun and wearable!  

Tips: Press on sparkles and pigments as opposed to a sweeping motion. Pressing on the product avoids flaking as well as flattening out the multi-dimensions that are generally in this type of makeup. By sweeping, you can lose the dynamics of the various undertones that produce the reflective quality. To lay glitter over shadow use your fingertip, sponge-tip applicator or even a flat head makeup brush and press on.

Apply loose pigments over pressed shadow as pressed shadow will act as an anchor for the loose minerals and will give it a more consistent application and longevity. Avoid overkill with light reflective shimmers, glitters and pigments as the more you wear, the more you can resemble a Club 54 go-er! Think more modern, mixing flat and reflective textures together. 

Keep in mind, everyone snaps photos these digital days. Flash on reflective textures on your eyes will not always look flattering in photo-ops. Another point to keep in mind is too much near your lash line will make your eyes appear puffy - especially if you are already tired. Brow bone, arch and mid-lid are great application points.

Pair sparkling jewel tones with darker matte shadows. Some colour suggestions for specific eye colours: Brown Eyes: berries, purples and golds, Blue eyes: cranberries, pinks, white golds, Green Eyes: Turquoise, Bronze, copper, Hazel Eyes: steel, champagnes, greens

Lastly, avoid the big flake: Shadow Shields are a key makeup tool!

Left: Donna Karan Right: Givenchy

Photo Credit: Style.com

Trend: Bold Lips

Tips: Lip liners give you clean lines for a sleeker more precise lip as well as keep the lippy from bleeding. However, lip liners can look too geometric; soften the tip slightly before applying and blend the line with a cotton swab. Another must-do: apply liner AFTER your lipstick which helps to have a less harsh line or shade in the entire lip with your pencil so you aren't left with the 'ring around the mouth' look.

For any lipstick/gloss application make sure your lips are smooth and hydrated (not wet) which will give you a more even application and therefore enhancing the lippy of choice finish.

There are a variety of bold lip shades to choose from this season. Something for everyone!

a. A burnt orange/terracotta lip? Stay away from coffee/red wine - anything yellowing to your teeth as your teeth will look yellow with orange-based shades. Teeth whiteners will help make your teeth look brighter and whiter.

b. A deep, dark amethyst lip? This femme fatale traditional shade is not for the cute or the faint of heart. It's a confident and powerful look. Best worn at night unless your day job is at an uber-chic environment! 

c. A glossy, rich red lip? Glossy reds are the most high-maintenance. Yes, anyone can wear this and with reds being such a classic color you can wear this day or night. Unless you are perfect at lining your lips, best to avoid lip liner. An awkward lip lining paired with a dramatic red can look a bit clown-ish. I love this lip with a dewy-high-lighted skin - so fresh and beautiful. (Do not match with your handbag and nails - it's a tacky and dated 'rule' in my books)

Left: Nina Ricci Right: Louis Vuitton

Photo Credit: Style.com

Trend: Dewy Skin

Tips: Dewy Skin is best achieved with liquids and creams. A must for application is a foundation brush- result is a perfect, air-brushed quality. For powder, the old school puff is great for application; gently press into the skin and then 'buff' with a brush geared to buffing the skin - mix of natural and synthetic bristles or a kabuki.

To get the most out of this trend, apply cream high-lighters with your fingertips and sparingly so you don't look sweaty. A little just under your eyes on your cheekbone is great to as it will reflect light into your eyes acting as an eye brightener. Silver can look harsh on some skin tones and age categories - a champagne colour is a better translation from runway to everyday for every woman.

Liquid Foundation: With a dime to nickel size amount, start liquid foundation application with a foundation brush along side of your nose just under your eyes and blend out without adding more product onto the skin. This is the area with the most imperfections ie: shadows, uneven skin tone... by the time the foundation is blended out towards the hair line you will have minimal product on your skin and as long as you have the right shade of foundation, your base will blend right in.

Powder Foundation:  Best on skin that is normal to oily - dry skin will just appear more dry. Avoid powder directly under the eyes as it will dehydrate and crease exaggerating crows' feet. (I am not a supporter of powder foundation - tried it numerous times, even new formulations, I'm just not a fan of the texture it leaves on the skin)


What Fall beauty trends will you be wearing?

About Andrea Claire

Andrea Claire is a seasoned beauty expert. She started her career in Kitchener, Ontario before relocating to Toronto in the early 90s. In Toronto, Andrea's career quickly blossomed where she went from salon stylist to session stylist. As both a hairstylist and make up artist, Andrea's passion for the industry and thirst for success motivated and challenged her to continually better herself. We have seen Andrea on Stylin' Gypsies, So Chic, Canadian Idol, tv guest appearances and behind the scenes for NY Fashion Week and Canada's Fashion Week. "Relocating" became a popular word in Andrea's vocabulary. In 2006, Andrea relocated with her family to Singapore where she became a regular team member for Bazaar, ELLE, Amica and VIP shoots as well as wrote many beauty articles with tips, tricks and trends.

www.andreaclaire.onsugar.com

www.aclairebeauty.com 

www.judyinc.com/andreaclaire