in the nude {makeup~Spring'09}

Its that time of year where I start to get rid of the old & bring in the new...makeup that is! Time to clean out my makeup stash & start fresh. However, by the look of things I might not need anything more, a few designers at the Spring'09 shows showcased a bare-minimal face. What does that mean to me? Time to focus on skincare too! But onto makeup trends for Spring'09. A nude face accentuated with the right shade of nude lips, subtle blush, and a bit of mascara & your good to go:) Simple, right? Well, sometimes trying to achieve that "I'm not wearing any makeup look" involves having the right shades of makeup. I can't even begin to count how many "lips but better" shades of gloss I have. But onto the pics for inspiration:)

(pic on the top from the Tommy Hilfiger Spring'09)

~At the Tommy Hilfiger Spring'09 show make-artist Lisa Butler was influenced by the all-American look of the 1970's. Butler used products by MAC specifically;

Oil Control Lotion (primer)
Studio Sculpt Foundation (available in February)
Beauty Powder Blush in Fun & Games (available in February)
Crème Royal Eyeshadow (available in February)
Pro Lash Mascara in Coal Black

Butler states, "It's bare but groomed—the kind of even, silky, neutral face that says, 'I take care of my skin." (source: style.com)

~At the Chloé Spring 2009 show makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury was influenced by the late 70's. Tilbury used MAC products, specifically;

Face and Body Foundation
Cream Colour Base in Premeditated (on the cheeks)
Pro Cream Colour Base in Dark Brown (in the crease & lower lash line)
Lengthening and Thickening Mascara X in Dark Brown
Eye Brows in Fling & Lingering

"Gorgeous, healthy, and lush," describes Tilbury of the look. (source: style.com)

~At the Threeasfour Spring'09 show makeup artist Gordon Espinet used coral on cheeks & lips. MAC products were used, specifically;

Strobe Liquid Lotion
Face and Body Foundation
Cream Colour Base in Virgin Isle (cheekbone & temple)
Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
Brow Set in Girl Boy
Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 in Gentle Coral

"The pretty coral accents lent the look an air of innocence, "like a girl who is too young to wear makeup," said Espinet. "But it's really about a modern, 'no fuss' woman." (source: style.com)

(photo credits & sources: http://www.style.com/beauty/backstage/)

join me on my magic carpet ride

Thought I get away a bit from the winter cold air without leaving my house, although this is not beauty or fashion related join me while I escape (for a bit) by looking at some of my travel pics! Which by the way is where I end up spending my money anyways on fashion & beauty products:) Get on the magic carpet ride with me....

beach in Portugal

Rome, Italy

Chichén Itzá, Mexico

Cheers:)

just like a box of crayons {the SAG Awards}

Like a box of crayons the 2009 SAG Awards red carpet watch was the rainbow that was missing in my part of the world....colour at last! Fresh vibrant shades of pastels and bold colour, finally feels like Spring is only a few months away!


I picked a few of my favourite looks from the 2009 SAG awards:

Taraji P. Henson, in Hervé L. Leroux (top)

(left-right)
Kate Winslet in Narciso Rodriguez
Laura Linney in Michael Kors & a Tod's clutch

Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli

Freida Pinto in Marchesa

Christina Applegate in Emanuel Ungaro

Marisa Tomei in Elie Saab

(credits: style.com)

Dolce & Gabbana launch makeup line

Just when you think there are enough makeup lines out there, Dolce & Gabbana have added a makeup collection to their roster. Who did they pick to be their new model do debut their collection, Scarlett Johansson! “Scarlett is sure of herself,” Gabbana said. “She’s a beautiful girl, but she’s really easygoing. She is very Dolce & Gabbana.” (stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com) Inspired by the colours of the Mediterranean and their childhood memory of their mother's lipstick scent, fragrance was an important element in the creation of their makeup line. “We wanted to create makeup with a scent. Domenico and I remember when we were children and opened our mother’s handbags — the scent of her lipstick trailed out. I observed that when women open makeup, they smell it first,” said Gabbana. (stylenews.peoplewatch.com) The collection will launch in Spring'09 and prices will range from $20-$59.

What are your thoughts on this ad campaign? Honestly, I'm not a fan of Scarlett's pic above. I also think I would've preferred a "professional" model as opposed to seeing another ad campaign by an actress. Is their a shortage of models in this world? I highly doubt it.

(credit:stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com, wwd.com)

on the topic of birthdays...

As you know by now by Birthday is coming up & since "we're" on the topic I couldn't help but blog about Birthday cards. I love stationary (by the way its National Handwriting Day) and for those that know me personally I love cards & giftwrapping. I could go days trying to search for that perfect card. One that screams out, "oh! that is sooo (insert name here) her/him!". And I won't even go into gift wrapping or this post will go on & on....Some of the nicest & original cards can be found on the net but when I don't have time one of my favourite shops is Red Pegasus, in Toronto.
However, for those that don't live in the area here's a few of my favourites (via the net)for your fashionista friends.

(1) Red Lingerie Birthday-MadeByGirl

(2) French Chicks Birthday Cards-She's SO Creative

(3) Shoe of Birthday Gifts-Swanky Bristles

(4) Fashionista Birthday Card-Heart Piercing Cards

(5) Birthday Purses Card-Pinkerton Design

(6) Oughta Be Illegal-Elsewares.com

Mascara on Trial (part2)

The one beauty item I never leave the house without applying is mascara. It completes the whole face for me, makes me look awake, and adds that bit of ommph factor! As I've mentioned before in my other mascara on trial review I refuse to spend more than $25cdn on any mascara & rarely spend close to that price point. I tend to buy when they are on sale & usually that means that I rarely spend more than $10cdn (before taxes).

The latest mascaras I've tried have been:

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara:

Product Claim: • Elastic formula stretches lashes up to 70% visibly longer in just one step
• Exclusive Grip & Extend brush grasps each lash to separate and lengthen from every angle
• Pro-Vitamin B-5 and silk protein strengthen and condition for hi-gloss black-patent shine

The display for this mascara is what caught my eye, as I had not seen any advertisements for this until recently. I bought this in Very Black, as I like all my mascaras to be the darkest shade available. This does come in three shades: Very Black, Soft Black, Brownish Black. On to the review: this mascara has a very distinct fragrance (rose water a la "old lady" face cream) however aside from the smell (once you get over it & it does fade once applied) it actually lengthens. But don't expect any volume, it does what its suppose to lengthen as in the "Ultimate"! Stay on all day, no smudges, & no clumps. Repurchase: if on sale

Rating (out of 5):

Maybelline the Colossal Volum'Express Mascara

Product Claim: The world's #1 mascara goes colossal! Lash-boosting collagen formula and unique Mega Brush plump lashes one by one, for 9X the volume in just one coat. Conquers clumps! Go bigger than big. GO COLOSSAL! Ophthalmologist tested. Contact lens safe.

I bought this more than a month ago & did not like this mascara at all. This smells very similiar to the Lash Stiletto Ultimate Mascara, at first I thought that they were perhaps the same product but with different wands (and obviously the packaging). Initially, this mascara went on too wet, smudged, & was messy. However, I decided to try it again & I'm thinking that the product itself must've dried a bit because I'm actually really liking it! It delivers thicker/volumizing lashes & I love the colour! I purchased Glam Black (of course) but also available in Classic Black. Repurchase: if on sale (mainly because of my initial reaction).

Rating (out 0f 5):

(photo & text credits: maybelline)

Birthday Wishes

birthday wishlist - by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

My birthday is fast approaching & I've been getting asked that question, "what do you want for your birthday?", so without having to actually verbally say it I'd rather much visually display my wishlist (is it too obvious? LOL!)...Anyhow, with that being said I hardly expect to receive gifts & prefer to purchase items when I feel the need to buy. I'd also rather go out for dinner & drinks and celebrate with my boyfriend, friends, and family. Here is my wishlist of items that I have been lemming for some time & will hopefully buy in the near future:)


Items in my collage;
Love Poster by Jennifer Ramos from MadebyGirl
NARS Multiple Duo in Orgasm/South Beach from the Spring'09 Collection
MANGO dress from the Spring'09 collection
Dell Inspiron Mini 9 laptop
Beauté Cosmetics Luminous Volume Glosses-especially shades Paramour, Elitist, Girlie Show, actually all the shades are gorgeous
LUSH-Strawberry Bar
MAC 182 Buffer Brush "kabuki"

Miu over its Katie plus eight

Katie Holmes is the new Miu Miu model for their Spring'09 campaign, plus eight other models who are suppose to be her "accessories". The other eight models are; Darya Kurovska, Elena Lomkova, Imogen Morris Clarke, Katie Fogarty, Myf Shepherd, Sophie Srej, Tilda Lindstam, and Yulia Leontieva.

What are your thoughts on Holmes as the Miu Miu girl? I do think she photographs well but her fierce look in this pic is not my faveourite pic of her. I really liked her look a few months back when she had the bob with the bangs, I wish I could pull off that hair cut (however I would look more like Suri than Katie). Gorgeous!

(source: nymag.com, image: wwd.com via Courtesy Photo, http://katieholmes-hair.blogspot.com/)

Putting back the Spice in sexy!

The Beckhams sure photograph well! I thought that David Beckham looked hot in his Giorgio Armani underwear ads but these pics of Victoria are equally as steamy. She doesn't even look that starved as she does in pap pics...I love the contrast between her boyish pixie hair cut & the lingerie. “Great underwear is alluring and provocative, so I wanted to work with someone who would make a real impression,” said Giorgio Armani. (wwd.com)

(Photo By Courtesy Photo via wwd.com)

Baby, it's cold outside...

"Baby, it's cold outside...", as most of you know I live in Toronto, Canada. Being a true born & raised Canadian that I am you would think that I would be used to this weather....ha! ha! NO not really. But there are a few things that make the cold a bit more bearable...lattes, hot chocolates, leg warmers, scarves, oh the list can go on:) Not only is a cold front within my city limits but I'm also a January baby. Which means that my birthdays are usually spent indoors (except for those few times I've escaped to the beach), and so it is that this year I haven't yet made any plans but will admit that I've been dreaming of going to Paris. Being that I am a flight attendant it is one those places that I haven't yet gone, but have the opportunity to go, just haven't had the time. To most being that I'm in the travelling business you would think it would be quite easy to just jump on a plane & go anywhere but the last thing you want to do is jump on a plane on your days off, home...sweet home & your own bed is where its at because "baby, it's cold outside."

P.S-guess my birthday!

Hint: Oprah, Heather Graham, & Tom Selleck all share the same day as me.

Hint#2: I'm an Aquarius.

(photo credits: legwarmers-american apparel, scraf by Yokoo on etsy.com: she has the nicest knit wear & inspires me when I knit, snow pic from my collection)

Gorgeous makeup at the Globes

The Golden Globes this year featured quite a few gorgeous makeup looks that anyone can mimic at home (a few trial & errors perhaps but a little makeup artist inner channeling will work). Here's my faves!

January Jones: makeup by Rachel Goodwin

Lipstick-Chanel Rouge Allure in Dazzling

Face: Chanel 4 facettes Bronzing Powder (due out in April)

Beyonce

Penelope Cruz: makeup by Jeanine Lobell

for complete breakdown click popsugar

Laura Linney: Make-up by Joanna Schilp, for the complete makeup breakdown check out makeup411

Drew Barrymore: one of my faves, think Spring'09 trends


Cameron Diaz: although I wasn't thrilled about the hair

I loved her makeup, very fresh-looking!


Jennifer Lopez: makeup most likely by Scott Barnes

(If anyone can confirm or deny this let me know:)


Salma Hayek: Makeup by Matthew Van Leeuwen for NARS

Eyes-China Blue Single Eyeshadow as liner

Cheeks-Desire Blush & Laguna Bronzer

Lipliner-Marnie

Lipstick-Tutti Frutti

(credit: style.com)

(photo credits: makeup411.com, style.com, bellasugar.com)