Posts by lisa:
Kevin Murphy Angel Shampoo & Rinse
March 9th, 2010
Kevin Murphy Angel is a line of hair products that claims to strengthen fine, dry, broken or coloured hair. Initially I was drawn to the beautiful packaging and I love how the opening is on the side of a square container. Tres chic.
What I love… 1. Makes my hair look thicker and it has way more volume. 2. Cleanses without making the hair feel stripped. 3. It’s got a lot of natural ingredients and is sulphate and paraben free.
What I don’t like… 1. I’m not crazy about the smell. I don’t know what to say except it’s a unique smell. 2. I feel like you need to use a lot of conditioner for the product to really work.
So basically, I’d say smell it first and if you like it you’ll probably like the results.
Becca Lip and Cheek Creme
February 22nd, 2010
I’ve been wearing the Becca Lip and Cheek Creme for the last month and I really love how light weight, smooth and blendable this product is. It is much more richly pigmented than a lot of the creme blushes out there so a little goes a long way. I’ve been wearing the Tuberose colour which is a salmon pink colour and I think it’s the best colour out of all this range. Personally, I don’t love using this for my lips because the texture is a bit matte for the lips, but I think it would work well under a gloss. If you are into creme blushes this one is definitely worth checking out.
Tangerine Lips
February 18th, 2010
Spring Summer 2010 is the season of the statement lipstick. Bold, bright, orangey red colours were splashed all over the runways. This vibrant colour was seen mostly in a matte texture. Although the colour is intense it makes green and blue eyes pop beautifully, and enhances an olive skin tone. Let your lips be the focus feature and the rest of your make up be neutral for a modern Spring look.
Fashion & Beauty Photographer: Gyslain Yarhi
February 10th, 2010
French fashion and beauty photographer Gyslain Yarhi has shot for a long roster of clients and magazines including Elle (French, Russian, Norway), Glamour (Italia), Gloss, Harper’s Bazaar (UK and Singapore), Madame Magazine (Germany), Marie Claire UK, Surface, Sunday Time, Tank, Vogue (Australia), Vogue Joyas. Check out his beautiful portfolio.
American Apparel Nail Lacquer
January 27th, 2010
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?
Undone Updos
January 22nd, 2010
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
How to: Winged Eyeliner
January 21st, 2010
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
Fashion Photographer: Monika Robl
January 11th, 2010
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.
Makeup Artist: Topolino
January 7th, 2010
Topolino is Italian for Mickey Mouse, and the name of one of the most extraordinary make up artists I’ve ever met. Hailing from Paris France, Topolino has been in the industry for over 27 years. He’s very petite, smokes like a chimney, and has the tiniest kit ever, basically the size of a handkerchief. His work spans from designing looks for shows like Frankie Morello in Milan, and ad campaigns for Thierry Mugler in Paris. What I find most fascinating about Topolino are the quirky characters that he creates like those above. These pictures were taken a few years ago at a master class in New York. The “chesire cat” smile is one of his standard designs. Using just a few basic products he works with such precision to create perfectly defined lines, and matte skin.
In his heavy french accent, he shared minimal information to the slew of questions that everyone in attendance bombarded him with. He favours primary colours, black white and sometimes silver. Doesn’t care what brand the tools and products he uses are, with the exception of Vaseline-it must be American. The consistency is better for glitter adhesion. To achieve the glitter princess Topolino rubbed Vaseline all over her face, neck and chest. Then poured large particle glitter into his hands and blew! As you can see the results are amazing. Topolino is a true artist.
For more information check out Topolino’s book Make Up Games
MAC Care Blends Essential Oils
January 4th, 2010
Ever since I picked up this product I have been mixing it every day with my foundation. I am a huge fan. And my dry skin loves it! Care Blends has a base of four richly conditioning botanical oils like avocado and soybean oils that conditions and moisturizes the skin. It comes in two scents: grapefruit and chamomile to soothe and calm, and sweet orange and lavender to energize the skin.
What I love is the versatility of this product. Apply it to those really dry, rough areas like the elbows and knees. Use it as a serum after cleansing and before your regular moisturizer. It’s great as a cuticle oil too. But what I like best is adding it to my foundation. Just add a drop and blend it with a brush before you apply it to your face for instant glowy skin.
Last Minute Purchases for AW 2009
December 22nd, 2009We’re about to say goodbye to AW 09 and hello to SS 10. The end of season sales are in full swing and for those of us in Canada, Boxing Day is on Saturday! This marks the last chance to pick up this seasons trend items before it’s too late. Here’s what we’re planning on picking up:
Leah’s picks: The new Michael Kors collection with Estee Lauder launched recently. As it always goes with these limited edition things, they sell out fast. As an avid peach lip gloss wearer I can’t wait to get my hands on the starlet peach gloss. This gloss will work with pretty much any make up I wear, it’s also going to look quite nice on top of my beige/nude lipsticks, and take me right through to Spring. MAC’s Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Sense of Style is a dark navy infused with black. These eye kohls have intense colour,and a pearlized creamy texture. The pay off is richer and more opaque than regular MAC kohls. Kohl Power is also limited edition so I have to get this quick too. Then there are the Ferragamo pumps. I’ve been obsessing over these since I first saw them at the beginning of the season in Selfridges London. The covered platform and 5″metal heel make these the ultimate versatile shoe for me. I’m really hoping for a half price ticket!
Lisa’s picks: In the past I’ve been a bit of a sceptic when it comes to glitter. I always thought it looked so juvenile, so Lip Smackers if you know what I mean. But after seeing glitter used in a much more sophisticated way (Prada, LV) I’ve decided that I need a little sparkle to glam up my party makeup. So I’m planning to pick up Mac’s 5 Sexpot Smoky Mini Pigment/Glitter from their holiday collection. I think it has the perfect colours of glitter and pigment to wear in a much more grown up way. Wear the Dark Soul with a smoky eye or add Naked to clear lip gloss for sparkly lips.
I’m also planning to order some Zoya matte nailpolish in Dovima. It’s a matte black nailpolish with a bit of sparkle. Seems like an oxymoron but somehow it works. And for my third item I’m planning to get the CC Skye Benatar clutch. At a reasonable $150 it’s a real steal.
What are your AW 09 last chance must haves?
Party-worthy Hair Accessories
December 18th, 2009
Statement making hair accessories were on the runway, and red carpet for AW 09 — who can forget the LV bunny ears? Hair ornaments continue to be a trend for SS 10. Feathers seem to be the way to go as they were strategically perched on top of models heads at Chanel. An easy way to glam up any ‘do. I especially like the crystal, and jewel embellished barrettes and combs, it’s like jewelry for the hair!
Here are some of our favourite hair accessory brands:
Fashion and Beauty Photographer: Jamie Nelson
December 10th, 2009
Jamie Nelson is a New York based fashion and beauty photographer with work shown in numerous international publications including Harper’s Bazaar En Espanol, InStyle Germany and Nylon. What I really enjoy about this portfolio is the creative use of makeup. From what I’ve read Jamie Nelson often works with the New York based makeup artist Lottie who is responsible for many of these great makeup looks.
Philisophy: The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
December 7th, 2009
As the weather gets colder and harsher I’ve noticed that my skin is getting rougher and even at times flaky due to extreme dryness. To battle the dry winter skin I’ve found the perfect product: Philosophy’s the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash. It’s a mild exfoliating cleanser – gentle enough to use daily but strong and effective enough to slough off all the dead skin while conditioning and retaining moisture levels. At first I was a bit of a skeptic but after reading all the rave reviews online and trying it myself I can see why this is such a popular product. What I love best is that it’s a cleanser and exfoliator all in one. I don’t have to add any additional steps to my daily routine.
Fashion Photographer: Joel Rhodin
November 23rd, 2009
After eight years of assisting the high end fashion photographers in New York, Joel Rhodin has made an explosive career in Sweden. With a passion for challenges Joel approaches each commission with an open mind, always tapping into contemporary currents. Renowned for their bold edge his images express a quality both crude and elegant. Stiff perfection is never the goal for Joel who fancies the peculiar detail. His charismatic persona colours both set and process – Joel is highly appreciated for his decisive clear vision and capacity to pull it off.
Joel Rhodin was born in 1975. Established as one of the top photographers in Sweden, with Elle, Lindex , H &M and Mini Rodini among his clients, he is now on the starting blocks of an international career.
Gift Palettes
November 17th, 2009
This is by far the best time of year to buy cosmetics. All the brands put out special edition sets, and palettes for a fraction of the price that they are usually available for. Above are some of this seasons best.
From left to right:
1. MAC Naughty Noir Eye Bag-Mascara, Fluidline Eyeliner, Eyeliner brush, Pigment, & small bag.
2. NARS Lipgloss Collection-5 shades of Lipgloss
3. Bobbi Brown Chrome Beauty Kit
4. Sephora Mascara Deluxe Samples- 10 popular Mascaras
5. Armani Mini Brush Set-5 brushes & case
6. Dior Holiday Eye Palette
Bleached Brows
November 16th, 2009
There was an absence of brows on the Fall runways. Shows like Givenchy, Giorgio Armani, and Matthew Williamson featured a make up look that did not require eyebrows. What I like about this look is that it’s ethereal and edgy all at the same time. Now executing this no brow look, can make for a slightly more chaotic backstage environment, which was the case at Jonathan Saunders Spring show. All the girls that showed up with their natural brows, had to then be bleached out. After the show about 15 models swarmed the make up team as we mixed up dye to put their brows back to the way they were! Based on that, I think this is one trend that will remain on the runway.
Images from style.com
Jo Malone Cologne Collection
November 13th, 2009
Jo Malone has been one of my long time favorites. If you’ve always wanted to try Jo Malone but weren’t sure of the price, here’s your chance. This gift set features 6 of the best selling scents in little 90 ml spray bottles that can be worn alone or combined to create your own signature scent (for men or women). The collection includes Sweet Lime & Cedar, Grapefruit, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Nectarine Blossom & Honey — my personal fave, Pomegranate Noir and White Jasmine & Mint. Just make sure you grab a set before the stores run out.
Fashion Photographer: Gabor Jurina
November 2nd, 2009
Notoriously charismatic, Gabor Jurina is best known for his innate ability to create equally charming and striking fashion and beauty photography. His personal appreciations for beauty and form have created a strong portfolio of feeling photos that immediately engage the viewer. Working since the mid-nineties, he’s developed a hallmark style that’s graphic, warm, crisp, alluring and unmistakably luxurious.
His work has appeared in Esquire, Oprah, and Fashion Quarterly and he is a regular contributor to Fashion Magazine, one of Canada’s leading style bibles. You may also recognize him as the photographer from the Dove Evolution video in the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. Gabor’s commercial clients include L’oreal, Proctor and Gamble, Dove, Lubridern, MAC Cosmetics and Holt Renfrew. No stranger to celebrity photography, his roster of star sittings include Rosario Dawson, Rihanna, Shania Twain, Kate Hudson, Sandra Oh, and models Coco Rocha, Jessica Stam, Daria Werbowy, Lisa Cant, Julia Dunstall, Heather Marks and Noot Sear.
Diorskin Nude Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer
October 19th, 2009
Everybody knows that flawless looking skin is always in style. That’s why it is so important to start your makeup with a good concealer. And just like the name of the product, Dior’s Diorskin Nude Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer is just that – skin perfecting, hydrating and concealing. This is one of my favorite concealers. The texture of the product is super smooth and velvety with a lightweight, but buildable coverage. And it easily covers up my blemishes without feeling too heavy or cakey.
