‘HOW TO’ Category

Wrap-Around Eye Shadow

September 1st, 2010

Lots of looks from the Fall 2010 collections showed eyeshadow that was wrapped around the eye. This is a really easy look and can be done with any colour that is medium to dark. Here’s a few tips to create this diffused, soft smoky look:

1. Use a flat shader brush to apply the eye shadow to the eyelids from lash line to crease.

2. Use the same colour and blend along the lower lash line.

3. Blend out the edges to keep the look soft.

4. For extra definition take a slightly darker colour and blend through the socket line, or add dark pencil to the water line.

Curls for Fall

August 25th, 2010

Hair for Fall 2010 has a certain opulence to it. The beach waves of the summer have been replaced with a more precise curve. Sometimes soft like at Gucci, or more defined like at 3.1 Philip Lim.  After a quick discussion with my stylist here are a few tips to achieve the look:

1. Roll sections of hair up with hot rollers – size of section will depend on how tight or loose you want the curl

2. Wait until rollers have completely cooled before removing, then spritz with shine spray.

3. Smooth curls out with a brush to create volume and finish with hair spray.

Image from allure.com

Tip of the Day: Dark Lips

August 19th, 2010


Dark lips and red lips are mandatory for Fall. If you can’t handle the colour full on, first apply a sheer amount of lip balm and then dab your dark lip colour on with your ring finger for a subtle look.

Tip of the Day: The Ponytail for Fall

August 9th, 2010

To create a runway worthy ponytail, curl hair first with a large barrel iron before putting it up. This will give your ponytail a bit of volume, and a more on trend look like the one seen here from Louis Vuittton Fall 2010.

Image from style.com

How to: Brows for Fall 2010

July 27th, 2010


For Fall 2010 it’s all about the well groomed eyebrow. The common brow theme at Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Chloe and Fendi-all seen above, is- full, brushed, defined, and slightly arched.  Here’s how to update your brows for the new season:

1. Use a mascara wand shaped brush to brush the brows up

2. Fill in gaps with a eyeshadow and an angle brush or pencil about one shade lighter than you hair colour. Use short strokes.

3. For more definition use a slightly darker eyeshadow or pencil.

4. Finish with either a wax or brow gel to keep the brows in place.

1. Anastasia mini duo angled/spooley 7 2. Smashbox brow tech 3. Laura Mercier brow gel 4. MAC eyebrows

Waterproof Makeup

July 21st, 2010

During the Summer months don’t waste time with make up that can’t withstand the heat. Waterproof products will keep you looking fresh whether you’re at the beach or in the city. Look for silicone based eyeshadows and eyeliners like Make Up Forever Aquacream. This cream eyeshadow blends on easily and then sets and stays put. For lips and cheeks products that leave a sheer stain are often very longwearing, try Stila Lip and Cheek Stain. Don’t forget about your foundation. During hot and humid weather you need a foundation that will perform under such circumstances. Diorskin Forever Compact is waterproof and transfer resistant.

Tip: Use an oil based cleanser to remove waterproof products easily.

1. Stila Lip and Cheek Stain 2. Make Up Forever Aquacream 3. Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner 4. Lancome Definicils Waterproof Mascara 5. Make Up Forever Waterproof Eyeliner 6.  DiorSkin Forever Compact Flawless & Moist Extreme Wear Makeup SPF 25

Tip of the Day: Nude Lips for Dark Skin

July 20th, 2010

For nude lips that complement dark skin tones choose a warm caramel lipstick with gold undertones. My favourite is Dolce & Gabbana Cashmere lipstick. Avoid anything that has an undertone that is too white or pale.

Image from allure.com

Tip of the Day: DIY Tinted Moisturizer

July 14th, 2010

The fastest way to create your own tinted moisturizer is to mix equal parts of your usual foundation and day time moisturizer together. The result is a lightweight version of your foundation, perfect for the summer weather.

Tip of the Day: Good Looking Feet

July 7th, 2010

Moisturize your feet that means heels, and the cuticles on your toes. Make sure to do it every night before going to sleep to keep your feet looking sandal ready. Use a salve like Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. Or for on the go cuticle touch ups use Sephora’s Cuticle Care Pen.

Image from style.com

How to Get Wavy Beach Hair

July 5th, 2010


The dominate hair trends of the season have been the side braid, the top knot the undone up do and of course beach waves. It’s super easy to achieve this relaxed look, and it works whether your hair is shoulder length like the Versace image or longer like the Pucci one. Must have product: Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

1. For soft waves use a curling iron and wrap from the middle of the section to the end

2. Hold for about 15-20 seconds

3. Use your fingers to separate

Images from style.com

How to Get Dewy Skin

June 28th, 2010

Here are our tips to achieve the ultimate in dewy skin:

1. Exfoliate. At least once a week will increase cell turn over and remove any dead skin from the surface which can cause the complexion to look dull

2. Hydrate the skin with a skin mist that contains water, vitamins and minerals. Try Shu Uemura Depsea Spray.

3. Moisturize. Once the skin is wet it will lock in moisture better.

4. Primer that evens skin tone and texture and delivers radiance. Try Armani Light Master Primer

5. Apply foundation that has a glowy finish like Armani Face Fabric Radiance

Bridal Makeup the Basics

June 25th, 2010


Wedding make up is perhaps one of the most important of a girls life. Everyone wants to look perfect in real life, and more importantly in the photographs that are around for years to come. Often the best route to take is something modern yet classic. Long wear products are a must, and skin needs to look flawless.

A soft smoky eye and lashes looks good on everyone. I always apply MAC Paint in Untitled before the eyeshadow products, to prevent creasing and smudging. Dark brown shadow is a softer alternative to black for the smoky eye.

In a world of HD your skin must look flawless and radiant. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone, and looks invisible. To keep your foundation looking good all day prep the skin with appropriate skin care and use a primer. Add luminescence to the high points of the face. Try a liquid luminzer like the Lorac one, as creams and liquids mimic skin and look more natural. Don’t forget contouring and blush because they add dimension to the face especially in photographs.

Nude lips are the obvious choice with a smokey eye. Be careful not to go too light. I usually recommend lipstick and liner with gloss on top for shine. This gives the lips more depth and lasts longer than gloss alone.

1. MAC Paint in untitled 2. MAC espresso eye shadow 3. Shu Uemura false lashes luxe 4. Laura Mercier second skin cheek colour rose bloom 5. Lorac oil free luminizer 6. Make Up Forever HD Foundation 7. Lorac 3D lip gloss in polished

Tip of the Day: Bronzer

June 16th, 2010

For a perfect sun kissed look use a large powder brush and apply bronzer on all the high points of the face. The forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.

Image from vmagazine.com

Tip of the Day: Eye Shadow for Shallow Eyelids

June 1st, 2010


The key to any well applied eye make up is blending. For a sophisticated look on shallow eyelids or Asian eyes, apply your darkest shade of eyeshadow at the upper lash line and blend up. Avoid creating a fake crease with colours that are too dark.

Loose vs Pressed Powder

May 19th, 2010


Powder is used as a finishing product to set foundation or concealer, and to absorb oil. In some cases powder can be used alone to enhance your complexion. When it comes to choosing between loose or pressed a lot of times convenience can be the deciding factor. Obviously if you need to carry powder with you, then pressed will be a better choice.

The advantage of loose powder is that it’s often lighter weight especially when applied with a brush. So for mature skin or dry skin that requires minimal powder loose is a good way to go. The opposite can be true of pressed powder. When applied liberally with a powder puff you can get quite a bit of coverage and a very matte look. Both versions can be applied with a brush or a powder puff depending on the look you want to achieve. A brush will apply less and a puff will apply more.

Expert Tip: Before powdering very oily skin remove excess oil by pressing a tissue or blotting paper to the face, and then finish with powder.

How To: Maximize Your Lashes

May 11th, 2010

Mascara is probably one of the most important cosmetic products you own. Whether it’s lengthening, thickening, curling, or separating every girl wants their lashes to stand out. The hunt for the best mascara can be a never ending task. Here are some of my favourite tips to make your natural lashes really stand out:

1. If your lashes are straight before you do anything-curl them! Squeeze the curler for at least 5 seconds before releasing.

2. Use an eyelash primer. It works like a base for your lashes to give extra volume and length before you even add mascara.

3. Layer your mascara. Use one for length and a different one for volume, you often get better results than you would from a multi purpose one.

4. To maximize volume push the brush into the base of your lashes and wiggle from side to side before pulling it through your lashes.

5. Apply at least 2 coats I usually do 3 to achieve a more dramatic effect. Don’t let the mascara completely dry between coats.

Tip of the Day: Keep Your Eyeliner from Smudging

May 5th, 2010

Set eye pencil with a shadow to keep it from moving too much. Or use a smudge proof product like Stila Smudge Pot for a long wearing look.

The Top Knot

April 30th, 2010

This runway look gained momentum in the Fall and we’re still seeing it for Spring. The top knot comes in many forms, and sizes. I think a medium size undone look is the easiest to replicate and looks the most chic. (It depends on how long and thick your hair is. I like to add extensions for a more dramatic look as seen at Lanvin or on Jennifer Lopez) Here’s how to get the runway look in a few quick steps.

1. Simply brush your hair into a ponytail. Closer to the top of the head looks best.

2. For an undone look, lightly tease the lengths of the ponytail to create some body.

3. Twist the ponytail around the base and secure with pins.

How To: Statement Lips for Spring

April 23rd, 2010

Tip of the Day: Protect Your Skin

April 19th, 2010

The healthiest way to slow the aging process down, is by protecting your skin against UV rays. Use a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protectors, and remember to reapply after being in the water. Try Shiseido Ultimate Protection Cream for Face SPF 55.

Image from studiojordan.com