Spice up your holiday look - DIY style

It's that time of year again- one holiday party after another, and other than a great outfit, how else can you add some sizzle to your look and stand out at the next holiday bash? Nothing can be more simple (and inexpensive) than some fun make up! Here are 3 easy ways that you can change up your look this year:

*Note - using all three of these options can cause makeup overload, my suggestion is to pick one at a time and run with it!

1. The lips say it all

Bold lip colours in every shade imaginable have been trending this year, so for the holidays take it up a notch and try a bright, bold, and rich hue. In this case, keep the rest of your makeup simple and muted, the focus here is on the lips. Don't be afraid to try a deep and dark colour, choose a shade that looks great on you and go a few shades darker.

2. Colour combo eyes

Colour blocking and combining clashing tones has been all over the runway, so do the same with your eyes! Take two contrasting hues opposite on the colour wheel, ( for example yellow and purple, blue and orange, or even red and green if you really want to be festive!) and apply the lighter colour on the inside of the lid, and the darker colour on the outside and in the crease. Don't forget to put a neutral highlighter under the brow and on the inside corners of the eye!

3. Well manicured lady

The counters are filled with hundreds of shades of nail polish, from matte, to pearly, to the new trend this year - glitter and sparkle. These polishes can get pricey though, and they rarely turn out as glitter packed as they seem! An easy way to use up that left over glitter from your high school art project, is to mix it into a bottle of your clear nail polish! Another great way is to apply a clear coat on your nails first, then quickly sprinkle on the glitter while it's wet so it will stick, then finish with another clear layer, VIOLA!

*Tip - Match the base colour with the colour of the glitter for a cleaner look.

Hope you got a little inspiration and helpful tips to take on the holidays, DIY style... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

By: Karolina Swietoniowska

For more great holiday ideas, check out Pinterest!

BAGGIN' BITCHES!

BAGS + BITCHES = BAGGIN' BITCHES!


WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?

Just because you have a designer bag doesn't make you a bagging' bitch; It's whats inside that counts... almost like the human soul. A bagging' bitch is someone who rocks their handbag from the inside-out. It's not the style of bag that counts, it's how trendy the objects inside of it are. Some seem to think the apocalypse may happen at any given moment, so they carry their entire life's needs with them, and others, travel light. We can tell a lot about a personality through the random findings inside people's handbags:


"That's expensive!" 
"Hoarding, much?!"
"Designer-overload?" 
"Rich bitch!"
"Pads vs Tampons."
"I want that.. No no, I need that!"
"Ummm... somebody is insecure."
"TOOTHBRUSH?! Did she even go home last night???"
"TMI. Too much information."
"You needs Jesus!"


I'm no psychologist, but what I can tell you is that each of us is designed with distinct personality traits which render the process of our every decision. Every thought, attraction or emotion leads to a choice. So, what I want from you is to tell me, who's 'soul' is the trendiest, baggin' bitch of them all? And which baggin' bitch are you most likely to befriend?

BAGGIN' BITCH #1

Angela Cole

BAGGIN' BITCH #2

Lauralee Talbot

BAGGIN' BITCH #3

Billy Vasilios

BAGGIN' BITCH #4

Nicole Grisell

BAGGIN' BITCH #5

Francesca Bata-Blyth

BAGGIN' BITCH #6

Lily Dai

BAGGIN' BITCH #7

Karolina Swietoniowska

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the baggin' bitch of them all?

Billy

xx

Zombie Boy Keeps Halloween All Year Round

by LI DAI (LILY)

Now that Halloween has just passed and costume parties are finished, do you still want to continue the Halloween mood? Someone liked the theme so much that he made himself look like a zombie 365 days. He tattooed his entire body and face, which ends up looking like a zombie. His name is Rick Genest, a Canadian artist as well as a fashion model born in Montreal. He is also known as Rico the Zombie Boy in the fashion industry, featured in TV series, movies, fashion shows, ads and magazines like GQ. He also appeared in Lady Gaga’s music video, “Born This Way”.

At the age of 15, Rick developed a brain tumor which required surgery to remove it. Since 16 year-old, Rick has gradually added tattoos on his body which expressed his struggle between good and evil, life and death. Someone discovered him on the street to shoot for a magazine, and then later for the Bazaar Magazine, followed by more appearances in movies and other shows.

In 2011, Rick became part of the Dermablend campaign titled “Go Beyond the Cover”, promoting their professional make-up products. In the following video, the makeup team covered up all of his tattoos from head to body with its concealer product.

I think the true Halloween costume for Rick is to look normal for a change!

Say YES to SPF makeup

By: Finency Anggreni Setioyuwono

“Sun, sun, sun, here it comes... “

Summer sun is finally approaching and we need to start being proactive in incorporating sunscreen to our daily routines. Although it is advised to wear sunscreen daily, the truth is most people don’t. Unless you’re going to go to the beach, it can be very inconvenient to put sunscreen on under your makeup – because it can make you look very oily.

If you still hesitate to use actual sunscreen daily, why not get some protection from your makeup? Many products carry SPF, and although they aren't meant to replace the use of sunscreen, they are definitely worth investing in.

“At this point, there’s no excuse for not using a product with sunscreen—cosmetic companies have gotten so savvy, most formulas have at least SPF 15,” says dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, MD

Let's start by choosing SPF to be put on the base of our face. NARS Primer with SPF 20 is the perfect choice because it create a perfect canvas for natural-looking and long-lasting foundation application.

Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation SPF 15 - “Best Foundation” as recommended by Marie Claire beauty editor all around the world. The coverage is buildable, the finish is…there’s no other words to describe it but dewy!

The new Kiss of Hope Lip Treatment SPF 15 from Philosophy imparts the perfect sheer pink hue. Perfect choice for you who has medium skin tone.

Kérastase Soleil limited collection for sun-exposed hair. All of the products are packed with UVA and UVB filters, which will protect your hair during sun exposure.

Illamasqua

by: Finency Anggreni Setioyuwono

Spring / Summer 2011 is nothing but wearing refreshing fun and bright colors.

Let me introduce you to Illamasqua


Founded in November 2008 by Julian Kynaston, this UK brand positioned itself as "makeup for your alter ego." What's so unique about this product its daring and intense colors, along with dramatic makeup. Inspired by the dark and illicit club scene drama in 1920s and a rich heritage in the manufacture of makeup for film and theater, Illmasqua represents the bolder and darker side of a person hiding inside of us; also a confident statement of self-ownership.

In Canada, Illamasqua is only available at Sephora. False lashes, nail polishes, and lipsticks are some of their best-selling products.

Below are some of my top picks of Illamasqua products that you can use for everyday looks. Let me know which one you can't wait to be trying out this season!

(Toxic Nature nail polish - $18)

Illamasqua's spring collection, entitled Toxic Nature includes neon, neutral and rich metallic colors. These nail polishes are a must to complete your Spring's collection.

(4-Colour Liquid Metal Palette - $45.50)

This palette features four-must-spring-liquid-metal shades. Each color is amazingly rich and highly pigmented. Now is the time for you to get dazzled!

(Sheer Lipgloss in Mistress -$23)

An easier way to pull off the Tangerine trend for spring is with a gloss, and Illamasqua has a great one. The Sheer Gloss includes hints of shimmer to make the bold color a bit more wearable.

(Powder Blush in Nymph - $28)

Nymph is a beautiful cool toned light pink shade. Like all of Illamasqua's blushes, it has a matte finish, but it's extremely pigmented and a little bit goes a really long way. When applied lightly, it appears as a gorgeous baby pink - giving you a very fresh look.

(Illamasqua Lipsticks in Obey, Sonnet, Atomic - $25)

Of all Illamasqua's beauty products, my absolute favourite is its lipstick collection. Since Illamasqua's lipstick pigmentation is intense, you might want to try the lighter-colored Obey (matte coral pink) and Sonnet (matte peachy nude). Also, don't forget to try the Atomic lipstick (fuschia violet), a part of the Toxic Nature collection.

Happy shopping!

Poppy Pucker!

How to get the perfect red lip

By Gillian Waxer

Help commemorate Remembrance Day in a modern way with the perfect pair of poppy red lips! To do this you will have to take certain steps in order to prepare your pucker.

Step 1: Exfoliate. Gently remove dead skin cells with a soft sugar and honey scrub or by lightly brushing your lips with a toothbrush.

Step 2: Moisturize. Apply a moisturizing treatment such as a hydrating moisture mask, lip balm, or Chap Stick. Let set for a minute or two, and then blot away any access product.

Step 3: Line. Line your lips along their natural line with a red lip pencil, then fill in both lips. Avoid lining your lips outside their natural line because it will give a clownish or drag queen appearance.

Step 4: Color. Apply your lipstick. If you want a more precise application use a lip brush as opposed to applying straight from the tube. After application, put your finger in your mouth and pull it out. This will remove any excess product that would end up on your teeth.

Step 5: Contour. Using concealer, line the outside of your lips and blend outwards. The concealer will add even more life to your lips.

Now your lips pop like a poppy!!

iMakeup?! by Mahi Hadizadeh

Lancôme has had a high-tech strategy of establishing personal connections between the brand and its clients. They were the first brand in the market to launch a mobile commerce website in 2007. Today, they continue that strategy of innovation with an iPhone application that lets women try out their new “Declare Indigo“ fall line of make-up, get make-up tips from Lancôme experts, and even share their creations with their friends!

The app is designed not only to provide information about the new product line, but also to give an interactive experience that lets consumers virtually try out the new make-up colors and experiment with various combinations and looks. You can easily touch the screen and apply the makeup and apply the make-up in a fairly natural way and, after you have finished, you can save your creation and email it to a friend. A client can show you exactly what look she is looking for.

Lancôme is notifying their customers about this app on their web sites, as well as by weekly emails. Do not be upset if you have not been notified, your avatar probably has!

Lipstick Love Affair

By Stefania Di Mascio

Ok ladies so I’m overwhelmed with excitement and I can’t wait to share with you my new favourite lipstick. You’re probably thinking what’s the big deal it’s just a lipstick but for anyone that knows me they know I’m a lip-gloss, Chap Stick kinda gal. However, a month or so ago my girlfriend came over and we were getting ready to go out. I routinely put on my sheerest lip-gloss while she applies her lipstick, THE LIPSTICK. One look and I was instantly intrigued so I asked her if I could try it. Well, let me tell you I apply the lipstick all the while thinking ‘it won’t look good on me’ only to be proven wrong. It was as if I had found a long lost friend. It was clear to me right then and there that I had to have this magical shade of lipstick. Not only did I ask her to borrow it for re-application the whole night but the next day I went to the mall and bought it. Every time I wear it I get complimented and I tell everyone I know about it. To top it all off I have changed my way of thinking-I too can wear lipstick, who knew!

The Lipstick: made by M A C, Crosswires. This cream based, coral shade looks good on just about anyone.

Stila by Mahi Hadizadeh

http://www.stilacosmetics.com

Recently, I’ve been introduced to a great line of makeup called Stila, and I thought you should know about it too. Simple and practical, the brand's innovative, multi-tasking formulas, eco-friendly packaging, and fashion-forward colors have cemented its place on must-have lists of top beauty editors around the world.

All you need to have a decent makeup using this line is a one-step makeup foundation which acts as your primer, foundation, concealer, and powder, and one-step prime colour which combines your primer, eye shadow, highlighter, lip colour, and cheek colour. All this is applied using your fingers!

I believe every woman should feel beautiful while not overdone. To have a tool like this at your disposal is a must.