Over the weekend I’ve been wearing the Kat Von D Motorhead (black colour) eyeshadow. What I liked about the shadow initially was the two textures in one. Half is matte the other half has small silver glitter particles infused into it. Inside the lid is a small mirror which is quite convenient. I found that the shadow adheres to the skin quite easily when applied with a brush. The pay off is good especially the matte texture. As with most eyeshadow, when applied on top of a cream base you get maximum pay off. As I blended the shadow, I did notice the colour started to lose intensity going from dark black to more of a grey colour. The glitter particles fall onto your cheeks which can be annoying if you’ve already done your foundation. On myself, I found the shadow wore for at least 5 hours without fading.

Currently these shadows are half price at Sephora-only $10. For that price they are worth trying.

While we are patiently waiting for Spring to arrive, the white shirt is a go to transition piece. This wardrobe staple works for every season, and in between. Seen at Chloe and Alexander Wang for AW 09 in crisp button down form. Then again for Spring at Celine, and a softer version at Berardi. White always brightens up skin tone. Try MAC Strobe Lotion to add more radiance to the skin, right now on the face and collarbone. When the weather warms up it looks beautiful on arms and legs. I also love a little bit of white pencil on the water line. This opens up the eyes making them look bigger and brighter.

Images from style.com and netaporter.com

For smooth lips wrap a make up wipe around your finger, and gently scrub dry chapped skin from your lips. Once all the dry skin is removed, apply a lip balm to lock in moisture and keep lips looking soft and supple.

Former New York club kid and one time model, Kabuki is one of the most phenomenal make up artists in the industry. What I find most intriguing about Kabuki is the diversity of his work. From creating the make up looks for the early seasons of Sex and the City to outrageous fantasy looks for Lady Gaga. I once saw him create this beautiful alien mask on a model, with wing like lashes that he’d made out of construction paper! I always say in this business the more you know, the more you work, and Kabuki is a testimony to that.

Images from kabukimagic.com

MAC Studio Fix Lash mascara is the first of it’s kind at MAC to have the moulded wand. The silicone applicator has short spiky bristles, really good for grabbing the lashes and thoroughly coating them with product. I also find that the spikes on the wand are very effective at separating the lashes. A couple of coats gives descent length but more work is required to build volume. This is where the trouble begins, as you build it can become too clumpy especially on the lower lashes. I have the black and the colour is very rich and dark so lashes stand out. Overall I like this mascara but I’m not in love with it. Will it be as iconic as it’s name’s sake product Studio Fix? I’m not convinced.

Anyone else tried Studio Fix Lash?

The Grammys last night were a star studded event. So many fantastic moments on the red carpet, and on stage. We narrowed it down to five of the overall best. The one shoulder, feather dress worn by Lea Michele was adorable on her. She’s really turning into quite the red carpet show stopper. The low key, fresh faced look Ciara chose showed off her naturally pretty features. The glossy nude lip and sleek ponytail really worked. Always with the golden glow, smoky eyes, and nude lips-Jennifer Lopez. It must be said that she made our list based on her make up and hair, not the dress. Her dress was a mistake. Katy Perry was gorgeous in her backless number. The bright pink lip was an excellent choice. Beyonce looked stunning as usual. Loved the gold Armani Prive dress, and the blonde hair just looks so lovely with her skin tone. I also enjoyed her structured eye make up that enhanced he almond eyes. Plus she set a record by taking home 6 Grammys! A pretty spectacular evening for Mrs. Beyonce Knowles-Carter.

Images from justjared.com

The couture shows have just about wrapped up in Paris. As usual there was outstanding make up and hair to go along with the amazing designer creations. Elie Saab’s neutral contouring and braided hair looked like it could be go from the runway to the streets the easiest. Jean Paul Gaultier showed a kaleidoscope of colours on the eye that looked like an abstract painting. Obviously JPG still can’t get enough of the jade nails!  I’m particularly partial to coral lips, so the look at Chanel was a favourite of mine. (I’m thinking about getting a fringe too!) Givenchy’s take on smoky eyes and red lips, with the must have bleached brow was amped up with a dose of glitter. Blue was the colour of choice at Christian Dior and for some of the Valentino girls who wore pastel coloured masks. In about a week we’ll be previewing NY ready to wear-I can’t wait…

Over the past decade lip gloss has dominated over lipstick, and therefore the lip liner has been somewhat forgotten. As we start a new year and new season lipstick’s making a major comeback. Precisely applied lipstick requires well executed lip liner. The benefits of using a liner are that it creates definition for lips, helps lipstick stay on longer, and prevents lipstick from feathering or bleeding. Here are our tips for lining lips:

1. Apply a lip conditioner or primer to lips before applying lip liner for smooth application.

2. Dab a small amount of concealer along the lip line with your finger to create a blank canvas for lip lining.

3. Choose a lip pencil colour that matches or is slightly darker than your lipstick.

4. When lining follow the shape of your lips as a guide, making adjustments to balance.

5. Hold the pencil at an angle when applying rather than straight on with the tip. This will give a softer line that blends in easily with the lipstick instead of leaving a hard edge.

6. Rest your pinky on your chin when drawing your liner to stabilize your hand.

7. Fill in your entire lip with liner and apply lipstick over the top for increased wearability of the lipstick.

8. For fuller looking lips extend the lip liner just past the natural lip line. Use a light to medium shade lip pencil.

9. To decrease the size of lips line within the natural lip line using a medium to dark shade of lip pencil.

Image from trendland.com

American Apparel has ventured into the beauty industry, the newly launched nail polish collection features 18 colors and is DBP, toluene and formaldehyde-free. According to the PR Newswire, each of the 18 colors in the primary offering evokes an important part of American Apparel. One is the color of raw cotton, while another — a minty green color called Office — was matched to the color of an accounting notepad found on the seventh floor of American Apparel’s headquarters. Factory Grey is the actual shade used to paint all floors of the company’s manufacturing operations, while Hassid – dark black – is a nod to American Apparel’s Jewish roots. Even the collection’s custom shade of red, “Downtown LA”, took the area where the factory is located as its inspiration.

“We think this nail polish captures what American Apparel is all about — a Made in the USA, high-quality product in a beautiful range of colors. It’s a venture of families in manufacturing, from the factory in which the polish is made to the Nail Lacquer logo created by Dov’s uncle, the noted graphic designer Israel Charney,” said Marsha Brady, a creative director for American Apparel.

American Apparel Nail Lacquer is priced at $6 per bottle and is available in a 3-pack for $15. It will be sold at American Apparel stores worldwide as well as online. I’ve tried and tested the jade colour and I’m a fan, are you?

If you are like me then you are so ready for the weather to change so we can get into the new season. I love seeing all the new ad campaigns because they set the tone for the season for make up, hair and fashion trends. Above are some of my favourites for Spring/Summer 2010. Armani showed  a very blunt fringe and sculpted cheekbones. Sonia Rykiel, Prada and St. John all showcased strong bright lips in different textures.  As a fan of the bleached brow trend, and high shine orangey red lips I particularly like the Prada campaign. Brows were also the stand out feature on Longchamp’s ad. Patent black highly arched suit Sasha’s already severe features. Alexander McQueen never fails to set the bar for innovation. Those shoes have been the most talked about foot wear of the Spring season. The snakes are unbelievable. This is the most visually stimulating ad I’ve seen in a while.

From left to right:

Sonia Rykiel, Giorgio Armani, Alexander McQueen, Prada, St. John, and Longchamp.

Images from Prada, St.John, and Models.com

Awards season continued on this weekend with the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Here are some of our best dressed girls of the evening: Diane Kruger looked stunning in gold floor length Jason Wu.  The red lip and subtle eye shadow was exactly the right combination. Lea Michele in emerald green Malandrino went for a matte nude lip with soft smoky eyes.  Drew Barrymore wearing Monique Lhuillier, looked retro with her bouffant blonde up do and pale glossy lips. Marion Cotillard-always the picture of Parisian sophistication wearing Elie Saab Couture, slicked hair and smoky eyes.

Who’s your favourite?

Images from justjared.com

Update your hair with one of the hottest runway trends — the undone updo. Seen in all sorts of variations — the loose chignon, messy top knot or intertwined with beautiful embellishments, this updo was seen all over the Spring/Summer 2010 runways creating an effortless, casual kind of luxury. Updo’s are no longer for special occasions. Now is the time to work with the natural texture of your hair and embrace those wispy flyaways. Check out Elle UK’s post for a DIY on this look.

All images are from Style.com

Winged eyeliner is a classic make up trend. Here are some tips to perfect your look:

1. Hold the brush, keep your hand steady by resting it on your chin.

2. Look straight ahead into mirror tilt head back slightly rather than pulling your eye.

3. Start from outer corner of eye where upper and lower lash line meets and create a small flick.

4. Taper the line-it should be very thin from the inner corner and get thicker in the middle then thin again before the flick.

5. Depending on how thick you want the liner start thin and build on that for more control.

6. For a more modern look (see closed eye pic above) draw the liner straight and extend out from the outer corner rather than flicking up. An angled brush works best for this.

7. For very dramatic eyeliner (Amy Winehouse) mark out the lines in pencil to achieve the correct symmetry. Then fill in with liquid eyeliner.

8. A gel based eyeliner like MAC Fluidline, and a thin tapered brush are easier to control than traditional liquid eyeliner.

9. The tapered brush can be laid flat on it’s side and pulled across the lash line.

10. A felt tip pen eyeliner is easy to use, and more convenient than having a liner and a brush. Try Armani Maestro Liquid Eyeliner

Image from Style.com

Georgia May Jagger, daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall she inherited some of their most recognizable traits-Dad’s lips and Mom’s legs and hair. Recently she was honored as Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in London. Interview magazine thinks she’s the next big thing, and I am inclined to agree.  The gap in her teeth is reminiscent of another successful model from years back. She’s got that cool, easy style of many famous Brits. Georgia has contracts with Hudson Jeans, is the face of the latest Spring Summer Versace ads, and joins Coco Rocha in the new Rimmel cosmetics campaign. It looks like at 17, Georgia is well on her way to an amazing career.

Images from style.com, elleuk.com, & vanityfair.com

I’ve been using  MAC Mineralized All-Over Lotion on myself and others and I only wish it came in a larger size! It contains key ingredients like muru muru butter, aloe and charged water infused with diamond powder. It feels very lightweight and gives tons of moisture and hydration to the skin. What I like the best about this product though, is the gorgeous sheen it leaves behind. It’s not shimmery in anyway, but instead leaves dewy glow. Amazing on the face as it’s fragrance free. Love it on the body for moisture and a beautiful glow.

Last night at the Golden Globes most celebrities seemed to opt for a fresh faced look. Light to medium toned lips were very popular with a few exceptions. Christina Hendricks showed off a bright red lip which was a huge contrast to her fair skin, but it made her eyes pop nicely. Zoe Saldana and Olivia Wilde’s soft smoky eyes weren’t overly dramatic. I like the elongated shape that created a cat eye look. Kate Hudson’s skin looked tan and glowy as always. Her tan skin worked really well with her blonde hair and white Marchesa dress. Lea Michelle has been working the red carpet all over the place this past week and looking lovely. With her naturally stand out features I liked her subtle eyes, and pale pink lips. Christina Aguilera looked so polished. I always like it when she takes a break from the fire engine red lips! Her eye make up was defined and blended with matte textured earth tones. A little shading under the cheekbones, and a natural looking lip. She looked so modern and beautiful. Christina was one of my favourite’s of the night.

Who did you think looked the best at the Golden Globes?

Images from justjared.com

It’s still cold and/or raining in most parts of North America, and Europe according to my weather widget. So breaking into Spring attire is not going to happen quite yet, but these nude shades will help you start to transition to Spring easily. This season (AW 09) the nude trend was big at Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and blocked in with bright colours at Dries Van Noten. And this upcoming spring season the trend will continue with varying shades of nude. Alberta Ferretti showed us beautiful, gauzy lingerie pinks and ivory’s and Celine’s collection was full of sporty warm beige nude tones. This neutral palette of is sure to brighten up your current Winter wardrobe. If you’re like me, you’re currently wearing of lots of charcoal grey and black. For the face a quick dusting of Dior’s illuminating powder on the tops of cheekbones and temples is a fast way to add radiance to dull, dry, winter skin. Also after months of being addicted to every version of tar coloured nail lacquer I’m happy to try out a pale alternative. Blissed Out from MAC is the necessary antidote to AW 09’s dark polish.

As eager as we are for Spring to begin, by the end of February when all the fashion weeks are complete, we’ll be dying to start wearing AW’10 trends. Don’t you just love fashion?!

Red lips, strong black liner, slicked back hair, and oiled up skin. These are often the requirements for girls in men’s magazines. Blake pulls the look off effortlessly as though she always looks like this (which she actually often does!) I especially enjoy the sheen on the skin. Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel gives the same effect to bare legs and arms a must have for the upcoming season.

Image from esquire.com

If your false lashes need to be trimmed to fit your eye, cut from the outer corner and save the piece you cut off. Once your false lashes are glued on take the piece you trimmed and, stack it on top of the lash at the outer corner for more depth.

Image from Monika Robl Photography.

Check out German fashion and beauty photographer Monika Robl’s stunning portfolio. She has shot for German Vogue, Italian Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Claire just to name a few. Trained both in photography and art/design, her work has a real graphic quality to it.