"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others: For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness: and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Making A Statement!!!!

At New York fashion week, bright orange lipstick literally popped of the runway.  Paired with minimalistic black and bright floral's that make a statement that is fun, flirty, fresh and bold.


This citrus spritzed trend was seen in such runway shows as Marc by Marc Jacobs, Isaac Mizrahi, J. Mendel, Milly, Imitation, Jill Stuart, Lela Rose, Luca Luca and Alice & Olivia.  The tone of orange varied from hot to bright and deep but across the board the finish was nearly the same: Matte.  This fresh look is a welcome change from the high gloss finish we have seen in seasons past.

With spring right around the corner I am feeling inspired to play around with bright orange statement lip myself and I am so pleased with the outcome.  Here is my take on this trend.





FACE:
MAC Fix+
MAC Prep + Prime Skin
MAC Face and Body in C2
MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer in NW20
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC20
Mac Studio Careblend/Pressed in Medium
MAC Powder Blush in Strada to contour
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle to highlight

EYES:
MAC Cork to fill eyebrows
MAC Matte Texture as shadow base
MAC Blanc Type on brow bone
MAC Nylon on lid and into inner tear duct
MAC Soba in crease
MAC Blacktrack winged out on upper lashline
MAC Technakohl Liner in Graphblack on lower waterline
MAC Copperplate on lower lashline
MAC Prep + Prime Lash
MAC Opulash in Bad, Bad Black

LIPS:
MAC Prep + Prime Lip all over lip and extended outside of lip line to prevent bleeding
MAC MOrange Lipstick
MAC Prep + Prime Translucent Finishing Powder to achieve a more matte look on lips



How do you all feel about this spring trend? What products will you use to achieve this fresh look?

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

What's Your Super Power???

Last Thursday marked the launch of MAC's much anticipated Wonder Women collection.  And just as expected it was a huge hit. 

Is it because of the packaging, over sized products or all the hype surrounding this pop art collection? 

Though probably a bit of each, I think it has a lot to do with every girls secret urge to not only be a sexy, powerful and strong woman, but every girls urge to secretly possess a super human power. 

This got me to thinking, of all the the super powers I could possess which would I choose.  To be invisible, be able to fly like a bird, walk through walls, read minds, teleportation...... so many options! 

After weighing the pros and cons of each I came to the conclusion that I don't think I would want to have any of these super human powers (could you imagine reading minds, does anyone really want to know what people are thinking all the time).  I guess for now I'll have to settle for just being me!

Here is a FOTD inspired by one of the Wonder Women face charts using Defiance shadow quad.  Although the colours are not entirely different from anything MAC has launched in previous limited collections or part of the permanent line it is a very versatile combination.  All the colors work really well together and it will make a good travel companion.





Face:
MAC Fix +
MAC Complete Comfort Creme
MAC Prep + Prime Skin
MAC Mineralize Foundation SPF 15 in NC25
MAC Select Moisturecover in "NW20" for under eye area
MAC Select Cover-Up in NC20
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Medium to set foundation
MAC Powder Blush in Strada to contour
MAC Pigment in Vanilla to highlight
MAC Beauty Powder in Briar Rose very lightly as cheek colour

Eyes:
MAC Shadow in Cork to define eyebrows
MAC Select Cover-Up in NC20 on brow bone
MAC Paint Pot in Painterly as shadow base
MAC Shadow in Paradise Island on lid
MAC Shadow in Star Studded in crease and blended up toward brow bone as well as on lower lash line
MAC Shadow in Real Drama to deepen crease and on outer part of lower lash line
MAC Shadow in Defiance to highlight tearduct area
MAC fluidline in Blacktrack on upper lash line
MAC Technekohl liner in Graphblack on lower lashline
MAC Zoom Lash Mascara in Zoomblack

Lips:
MAC Lip Erase in Dim
MAC Pink Poodle lipglass
MAC Revenge Is Sweet lipglass



 

Hope you all are having a great week and channeling your inner super hero!!!

What super human power would you take on if you could?

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Rediscovering Forgotten Things

Hi there dolls, 

So, Last night I was just relaxing and spending some much needed downtime on the couch.  I really love to cruise around artistic and high fasion web sites such as Nylon and Vogue.  They are such great tools for inspiration and expanding my creativity whether it be on myself or clients. 


This got me to thinking that there are so many items in my makeup collection that I have barely ever used but still really love.  After going up to my Vanity and poking through my stash I decided that the next morning when I got up to get ready for work I was GOING To use some of these products.  I always tend to go for the same neutral or purple smokey eye, peach or pale pink cheeks and nude lip. 

You see over the last while I have really found tones and techniques that work for me and that I find flattering with my coloring.  I also work about sixty hours a week so I have really stuck to certain products, textures and techniques that will look polished, show of my ability and be VERY VERY long lasting.  Long lasting is pretty much my number one criteria in really being a holly grail product. Other then lipstick and lip gloss I am really not a touch up kind of girl..... No time!!!!

So in these below FOTD's I decided to get some use of MAC's superslick liners.  They are great products but there are a coulpe thing about them that haven't kept them in my daily rotation.  First of all thy are very thin in consistency, and you really have to layer them.  Some shades more then others but the more you build the product the more they get a little chunky and flaky on your lid.  I just find that they don't look as clean and crisp as a gel liner (as you will see in the below pictures).  They are also really difficult to not get in you lases, even just the tiniest bit really messes with your mascara application.  I do however love the applicator.  It is a little easier to apply a precise line providing you aren't building the product very much.  I also love that they are water proof as my eyes tend to go through stages when they can be extremely watery.  I also really love the range of unique and rich colors offered and that the finish when dried has almost a wet look to it.
(Please excuse my hilarious t-shirt.  Its my boyfriends old Calgary Flames gym shirt.  I sometimes ware it to bed... So comfy)

The other products I choose for my look, which I rarely use are are MAC's Dazzleglass in "Rags to Riches" and MAC Shadow in Humid.  I think the Dazzleglasses are a beautiful product but this particular one is just so sparkly I find that the sparkles in it can really migrate and tend to get all over my face after just a couple hours of ware.  Just doesn't look clean or tidy on me when I'm not wanting to do touch ups every hour.  I really have nothing bad to say about Humid.  I actually really love it.  I find it very pigmented and very easily blended.  It just isn't a color I have recently reached for often. 

In tune with wanting to switch things up a bit I decided to not use any color on the cheek but instead a contouring and highlight.   Also instead of using Humid to darken my crease or my out V I used it on my lower lashline. 


Have you ever feel like you want to switch things up?
What is your number one criteria in finding a HG product?

Thanks to anyone that stops by to read.... you have no idea how much it means to me.  I just hope that you will keep checking back for all my make up babble.
LOVE LOVE LOVE

Monday, February 7, 2011

I LOVE FEBUARY!!!!!!

Febuary is one of my favourite months of the year.  Not only because of Valentines Day but because it's me and my boyfriends anniversary.  Its a month full of romantic inspiration and I love it.


Every where you look there are beutiful shades of pinks, reds and purples.  Not only does it inspire me to create makeup looks using these colors but it reminds me that spring is right around the corner.  I have had enough of this freezing weather.

Here is a FOTD using almost all Reds..... brick reds yes, but reds all the same.  Red or orange toned colors are my favorite to wear because the really bring out the green in my eyes. 

Are you all feeling inspired by this romantic month?
What kind of look are you creating?





Face:
MAC Fix +
MAC Brightening Serum
MAC Strobe Cream
MAC Face and Body Foundation in C2
MAC Select Moisturecover in NW20 for under eye area
MAC Select Cover-Up in NC20 
Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder to set foundation
MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Style
MAC Pigment in Vanilla to highlight

Eyes:
MAC Shadow in Cork to define eyebrows
MAC Paintpot in Painterly as base 
MAC Cranbery all over lid and on lower lash line
MAC Mythology blended into crease
MAC Brown Down to deepen crease
MAC Motif in tear duct
MAC Fluidline in Blitz & Glitz winged out on upper lash line
MAC Eye Kohl in Costa Riche on water line
MAC Zoomlash Mascara in Zoomblack

Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil in In Sync
MAC Viva Glam II lipstick
MAC Viva Glam Gaga lipglass


I hope you are all having an amazing Valentines month.  And stay tuned because I have loads of fun  post coming.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

January Favouites

One of my ultimate favourite thing is when other beauty blogs list the products there using alot right know and why they are getting alot of use out of them. So i decided to borrow the idea and do one of my own.

Here are the products that I am currently loving.



MAC Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask - This is an amazing product that came out with the Style Black collection.  When I first picked this up and used it I instantly fell in love.  So much so that I wanted to savor every last bit.  In doing so, I actually forgot about it until I was rummaging through my unorganized drawer of skin care product and stumbled upon it.  I have been using this 2 to 3 times a week and have noticed my skin being smoother, softer and a noticeable amount of reduced redness.  The only bad part about this product is that its limited edition so i wont be able to replenish my supply.

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 plus Lavender - This has to be my favourite MAC tinted lip conditioner to date.  It leaves my lips with the perfect amount of pinky nude color, almost like my natural lip color but better.  

OCC lip Tar in Hush -  I am totally obsessed with any product that is long wearing and that I dont have to touch up so for me any of OCC lip tars are really a HG product.  The color is the most amazing dusty nude pink that creates the perfect base for literally about 70% of my glosses.  Not only are all of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics products Vegan and Cruelty free, but they are designed to be mixed so you can always create the perfect color.  All of the colors from OCC lip tar collection are definitely on my wish list.

MAC Tete-A-Tint - I love this shadow for using to blend out my crease color or to use on my lower lash line to camouflage my under eye circles.  All MAC's matte2 colors are so smooth, pigmented and easily blended.  This color is being discontinued so I must get a few back ups before it's totally gone. 

MAC Mineralize Blush in The Soft Meow - The perfect shade for contouring on my NC25 skin and is easily blended.  I fell in love with it when again I was trying to find a sculpting colour in my stash with not to much orange or red in it......LOVE!!!

MAC Fluidline in Dark Diverson - In the pot it looks like a burgandy plum, but when on me it really apears more chocolate red brown.  That is just fine with me!  It's not quite as drastic as Blacktrack, but a bit darker the dipdown and this colour really pulls out the green in my eyes.  I even like the consistency better then the other fluidlines.  You do have to build the colour a bit, but it's very smooth and the end result is amazing with my eye color and skintone.

MAC Beauty Powder in Oh So Fair - It's the perfect pale pink for that smokey eye and nude lip I have been rocking all month.  I love how natural this colour can look and how you can build it beautifully for more drama. 

MAC Dazzleglass in Babyspark - Though I am usually not a fan of the dazzleglasses, this one is a no fail.  I love that it can help to create that perfect Kim Kardashian pale pink pout.  The shimmer in it adds just the right amount of glamour.  I've had this product since it was first launched but saw a YouTube video using it paired with a dark smokey eye and decided to add it back into the rotation.  

MAC Strobe Cream - I literally dont think I could exist without this product.  I love that just had a facial look that it gives me when using it on a no make up day.  I also love how it adds that dewy healthy looking finish to even the most matte foundations.    


50's Inspired

I love love love 50's inspired makeup.  That arched eyebrow, flawless skin, loads of mascara and most importantly defined red lip.  Sporting a red lip just instantly makes me feel more glamorous.  Looking back through time every decade had a memorable bombshell that's signature style was a variation  of Marilyn Monroe's perfect pout..... each very different but each equally beautiful. 

Here is my variation of her signature style.  Its hard to compare to her flawless look, but i am happy with how it turned out.









Face:

MAC Fix +
MAC Strobe Cream
MAC Prep and Prime Skin
MAC Face and Body "C2"
MAC Select Moisturecover "NW20" to conceal under eye circles
MAC Blot Powder "Medium" to set fondation
MAC "Bite of An Apple" Blush
MAC Minerilize Skinfinish in "By Candlelight"

Eye:

MAC Shadow in "Corduroy" to define brows
UDPP from lash line to brow bone
MAC "Crystal Avalanche" all over lid and into tear duct
MAC "Ricepaper" and "Vanilla" pigment on brow bone
MAC "Copperplate" to deepen crease
MAC "Tete-A-Tint"  to blend out copperplate and over define crease and on lower lashline
MAC Fluidline in "Blacktrack" dramatically winged out on upper lashline
MAC Opulash Mascara in Bad, Bad Black
Mac #36 lashes


Lips:
MAC Prep and Prime "Lip" to prevent bleeding
MAC Lip Pencil in "Redd" to define lip line
MAC "Russian Red" matte lipstick
MAC "Russian Red" lipglass just patted on center of lip

I thought I would also just add a couple pics of how i turned this look into something totally different for the birthday party I was attending that night.  I wore that red lip look all day at work and decided I was more feeling the smokey eye and nude lip for night. 

I simple sprayed Fix+ on to my MAC 187 brush and then buffed it all over my skin to freshen me up, then added a little MAC Seedy Pearl to my lid  and MAC Girlie and Sketch into my crease.  I then defined my water line with Urban Decays eye pencial in Zero.  After retouching my concealer and adding a little MAC Minerilize Skinfinish Natural all over my face I added some of MAC Stero Rose to my cheeks.  To bring the whole look together I lightly tapped MAC "Myth" all over my lips and finished it of with MAC Creemesheen Gloss in "Fashion Whim" 

And Ta-Da....... a whole new face and all in less then 10 minutes. 








Wednesday, January 26, 2011

My MAC Lipstick Stash

So here is my humble lipstick collection.  I tend to use my nudes, peaches and corals the most but love brights for that Wow factor or special occasions.

L to R: "Big Bow" Glaze (LE), "Impassioned" Amplified, "Full Fuchsia" Amplified (PRO), "Show Orchid" Amplified (PRO), "Lickable" Cremesheen

L to R: "Front Lit" Frost (LE), "Myth" Satin, "Close To Real" Lustre (LE), "Creme D'nude" Cremesheen

L To R: "Blanketly" Amplified, "Archtype" Lustre (LE), "Warm Me Up" Amplified (LE), "Touch" Lustre

L to R: "Of Royality" Cremesheen (LE), "Prive" Amplified (LE), "Lazy Day" Lustre (LE), "Creme Cup" Cremesheen. "Angel" Frost, "Phlox" Glaze (LE)

L to R: "Marquise D'" Lustre (LE), "Shy Girl" Cremesheen, "Dressmaker Dressmaker" Lustre (LE), "Ravishing" Cremesheen, "Jazzed" Cremesheen (LE), "Cut A Caper" Lustre (LE), "Made To Order" Lustre (LE)

L to R: "Vegas Volt" Amplified, "Toxic Tale" Satin (LE), "Morange" Amplified

L to R: "Capricious" Lustre, "Heartless" Amplified (LE), "Russian Red" Matte, "Prolong" Pro Longwear Lipcreme