A Fall FOTD & OOTD: ByeBye highlights

This was my Face of the Day one day last week:

FACE: 

- Vasanti Liquid CoverUp and Facebase in V4

- Bronzer:  MAC Blush Ombre in Springshine

- Eye Primer:  MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre

EYES: 

- Face Atelier Shadow in Ice Burg

- Annabelle Smudgeliner in Oh My Goth

- Maybelline Falsies Mascara

LIPS: 

- MAC lipstick in Taupe

This is the outfit that went with it:

 

And this was my BYEBYE to highlights...

Because that day, I went ALL black:

And that is all.  Have a great week :)

MAC TREND F10/W11: Satin Eyes via Nadine Luke

Last week I wrote about MAC's Red Velvet trend, today it's all about...

Satin Eyes

While a dark, smokey eye is always trendy for the Fall/Winter, Nadine described the Satin Eyes trend as "black liner that's kicking your ass" - I couldn't have said it better myself.  The focus here is on soft washes of colour over the entire lid with dark browns, greys and blacks.  It's not a clean and crisp look - more like the morning after sleeping in your party makeup (although I would highly recommend you never sleep with your makeup on).  So here's your approval to colour outside the lines.  Sex it up with Satin Eyes.

TRY: Blacktrack Fluidline, Graphblack Liner, Smolder Kohl Pencil  

 Photos courtesy of MAC Cosmetics Facebook Page

FOTD ft. NYX 10 Eyeshadow Palette and Mosaic Powder

Remember my IMATS haul?  Two days ago I dipped into it and pulled out NYX's 10 Colour Eyeshadow Palette in Catwalk (from The Runway Collection) along with NYX's Mosaic Powder in Love. 

NYX 10 Colour Eyeshadow Palette in Catwalk from The Runway Collection

NYX Moasic Powder in Love 

 

I have to admit, I was a NYX virgin before Tuesday, so I was kind of excited to give em' a go.  I'm sorry, I don't have swatch photos to show you yet, but here is the FOTD I came up with:

The face:

The cheeks:

The eyes:

Overall Impressions:

• EYES: I loved the neutral shades of the eyeshadow in the Catwalk palette, however didn't feel the 3 shades I chose were as pigmented on my eyes.  Perhaps because they are so light...I probably need a darker palette in order for the colour to stand out against my skin tone.  The texture is smooth and silky - the shadows go on like satin and with a good primer, stay on fairly well.  With this palette, I was able to achieve a fresh look, but was hoping for more colour to transfer on the lids.
• CHEEKS: This orange-tinted shadow is perrrrfect for adding a summery glow.  I love that it translates into a nice deep coral blush on the cheeks, as opposed to looking too pink or bronzed.  I didn't need much makeup on my brush to achieve the depth and dimension I got.  This will definitely find a home in my regular makeup drawer. 

Other Products Used:

• Vasanti Liquid Cover Up and Facebase in V4
• MAC Eyeliner in Molasses
• Maybelline Falsies mascara
• Emani Minerals lipstick in Sex Pistol

What do you think?  Have you used these products?  

What are your favourite NYX items?

Temptation Tuesdays: Nicki Minaj & MAC Pink 4 Friday

Is it me or does it seem like Nicki Minaj has managed to collaborate with every freakin' artist in the world?  Well, good on her - she's creating a name for herself and is making some people (ME) very excited with her latest fab collab.  Pink Friday is the newest limited edition lipstick from MAC Cosmetics.  Designed by Ms. Minaj herself, this lipstick was created in celebration of her debut album called (you guessed it) Pink Friday. 

This lipstick has all the criteria for a pefect Anjali temptation - a bright, creamy, pink satin formula that is only available online and ONLY ON FRIDAYS.  There's that exclusivity bug biting again...  The lipstick goes on sale this Friday, November 26th and will be available for purchase again on December 3rd, 10th, and 17th and only while supplies last.  You can purchase it here:  http://www.maccosmetics.com/

I've already decided - I'm buying it.

Kim Kardashian inpsired FOTD ft. NARS Schiap lipstick

I know I just wrote about red being the "in" colour for Fall (read it here), but a few weeks ago I came across this photo of Kim Kardashian and decided I HAD to get her lipstick:

It was Anita who saw my tweet about it, did some digging and found out it was Schiap by NARS.  Thank you my dear friend, for now I am $30 poorer and my heart has been stolen yet again.  Here's what it looks like in daylight on a normal person:

Along with MAC's Toxic Tale (from the Venomous Villians collection) this has got to be one of the brightest lipsticks I own..and I love it!  It reminds me of Vasanti's France, but this is the ultra sexy, jacked up version. Here's the FOTD:

And then I did a little photo shoot with my iMac.  The lipstick doesn't look as bright in these photos, but I think you get the point:

Everything about this lipstick is hot, hot, hot!  The most important feature is that it's LONG-LASTING, I'd say a good 6-8hour wear...in fact, I had to use makeup remover to get it off at night.  This was officially my first NARS purchase (no, I have not jumped on the Orgasm band wagon...yet) and I am very impressed.  I foresee many more NARS lipsticks in my 2011 makeup drawer mmm-hmm!   

 Do you have any NARS lipstick recommendations for me?

I rocked Schiap at the office, and then at a trade show my company was participating in.  It was awesome - I love the confidence boost a simple shade of lipstick can give a girl :)  Because the lipstick is so bright I paired the look with this simple black dress and black tights combo (the photo below was taken on a different day) - this helped Schiap get the center-stage attention it deserves:

 

Now it's your turn...what do you think of Schiap?  Would you rock it? 
And don't give me any excuses about not being able to pull it off...instead read this post about wearing bold lip colours :)  


Thanks for stopping by!

What's better than Cougar Boots?

Can't think of what's better than Cougar Boots?  How about Cougar Boots with cougar PANTS?!?!?!

That's right - I put my fancy pants on for this one :)

Remember Cougar Boots? Those bulky boots that Mom and Dad made us wear when we were kids?  Well, they're making a come back and this time you're going to want to rock those Cougars! 

I was recently sent two pairs of boots from the women's line.  They arrived in a funky box that looked like this (love it!):

 
Let's first look at the Regal - a military-style, water-proof rain boot:

 

I love the style of these boots - they are light-weight, non-bulky and a tad edgy - a perfect match for my cougar pants, don't you think?  These are great for my commuter lifestyle - they are roomy enough to wear over dress pants or tights and they slide on and off easy.  Retailing at $85CAD, I would say they're a great buy!

NOTE: Cougar Boots has a Waterproof Guarantee!  Check it out here.  

The second pair is the Ringo Star - a cozy, suede winter boot with a faux fur trim.  This boot is like a two-in-one - it can be worn with the fur folded up or rolled down...I prefer folded up - it's less bulky and more cozy!

  

For $200CAD I think this is a great boot.  It will keep your feet and legs warm and dry throughout our -20C Canadian winters.  Think about how much you spend on UGG boots.  Take that money and drop it on a pair of Cougars - you'll be more fashionable and less like everyone else ;)

What I appreciate the most about these boots is that when I requested size 11's I actually received boots that FIT MY FOOT!  With a size like mine, it's difficult to go shoe shopping, never mind ordering online.  It's very rare to find a true size 11 out there - usually the shoes or boots are a half size too small, leaving me with very limited options.  These Cougar Boots fit perfectly.  I am so happy I found a line that I can rely on for size, fashion and comfort.  I cant wait for it to snow so I can test these babies out.

Oh!  And here's the bonus - they also sent me a big fat Cougar mug - I LOVE big mugs:

I want to send a huge thank you to Matchstick and Cougar Boots.  These boots are so awesome I'll be rockin' them all winter! 

Have you tried Cougar Boots?  If not, go try them.  You'll be happy you did.   

Cick here for the Cougar Boots Store Locator

MAC TREND F10/W11: Red Velvet via Nadine Luke

This year at the Toronto IMATS show I had the pleasure of attending a seminar led by Nadine Luke, Director of Makeup Artistry for MAC International. Nadine talked about the hot trends for Fall 2010 and Winter 2011. Over the next week, I'll introduce you to each of the trends in a separate post. Let's kick it off with...

Red Velvet

This trend is all red and all lips! Nadine emphasized that all shades of red are in this season.  So whether it's blue-red, brown-red, or coral-read, whether it's matte, gloss, sheer or pigmented, you have the 'okay' to ROCK THOSE RED LIPS!  Don't think you can pull off a red look during the day?  You absolutely can - read this post on wearing bold lips in the office.  Embrace it ladies, rock the red velvet and get those heads turning ASAP! 

What red shades are you reaching for this Fall?

TRY: Mac RubyWoo $17.50; Vasanti USA $15

   

Photos courtesy of MAC Cosmetics Facebook Page

Temptation Tuesdays: L'Wren Scott Holiday Collection at Lancome

It's about that time when cosmetic companies assemble their finest products in delicious packaging, luring vulnerable beauty junkies (like us) to the counters so we can drool over the limited edition shadows, lipstick, and nail colours.  My latest temptation is everything in Lancome's L'Wren Scott Holiday Collection:

Eyeshadow Palette: Ombre Absolue Palette Quad in G60 Les Gris L'Wren:  $54.00CAD

Nail Polish: Le Mini Vernis in Le Gris L'Wren (there is a red shade but I like this better):  $16.00CAD

Lip Gloss: L'Absolu Creme De Brilliance:  $33.00CAD

SHIMMERY Mascara: Hypnose Drama Top Coat in Excessive Strass:  $31.00CAD

Lipstick: L'Absolu Rouge in Le Rouge L'Wren - $35.00CAD

I'm dreaming of doing a FOTD with this line!  I love the combo of smokey, sultry greys with a pop of colour on the lips - it's cool and sexy.  Hmmm I think I have a few Bay coupons kickin' around - maybe I'll indulge in an early birthday present?  Or mayyyybe I'll just wait and see what I get for my bday *hint hint* :)

Interested in this line?  Let me know if you indulge!

Toronto IMATS 2010

Last weekend, the International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS) was in Toronto.  Just from the name, I am sure you can imagine that this was one of my most highly anticipated events of the year.  It's a place where cosmetics companies, beauty supply vendors and beauty schools all gather to tempt local makeup artists (and anyone with an interest in makeup for that matter) with juicy deals on the latest and greatest products and tools of the trade!  It's also a place where experts gather to share ideas, techniques, trends, and industry updates.

 

This year, I attended the show on the Saturday, and had a chance to sit in on a seminar led by Nadine Luke, Director of Makeup Artistry for MAC International.  Nadine's presentation was on Fall/Winter trends for 2010-2011.  She had a whole lot to say, so I'll be writing about that very soon :)  For now, you can enjoy the photos:

Nadine Luke, MAC

Nadine Luke + model for MAC

After-shot of model from Nadine Luke seminar, MAC

After the session I met up with some of my favourite beauty bloggers, YouTubers, and makeup artists to check out the show.  This post is a little pic heavy, so sit back and enjoy :)

Ben Nye eye shadow display

NARS display

Face Atelier display

 Eve Pearl was giving a live demonstration when we approached her booth.  She saw that I was trying to get a picture of her and then stopped talk to look at me and say, "why don't you come up here and take a picture with me?".  Ummmm OKAY you nice woman!  So here's a shot of me with Eve Pearl:

Me with Eve Pearl

I also spotted the gorgeous Elessa from Pursebuzz and Koren from EnKore Makeup who were kind enough to take a photo with me.  Best moment: when Elessa gushed over my colourful ring, she absolutely loved it - wicked!

Some more walking around:

MAC Pro display

Brushes, brushes, brushes!

NYX booth

NYX

 Oh heyyyy - here are the Cover FX girls!  It's always a pleasure seeing these beautiful faces:

Pari Beauty was doing a live makeup demo.  I also ran into Naomi, who was trying out some Pari products.  I have bought a few things from Pari, but I have to admit, I haven't gotten around to trying the stuff out yet.  I will get to it soon - I hope!

Pari Beauty makeup demo

Naomi trying out Pari

 And ohhh Makeup Forever - live body art demo:

Makeup Forever live demo

Makeup Forever live demo

OCC Lip Tars

Oh and I stopped for lunch with some awesome ladies:

Photo taken from www.lipstickrules.com; Arianne, Aanchal, ME, Lelo, Monica, Michelle

Blogger Passes to the show!

By the end of the day, I came home with this:

Yaaaa, I spent a little more than I expected, but it's all good stuff that I NEED to try out for both myself and my kit.  Right?  Right.  You can see there are quite a few neutral shades in there - I guess it was my theme for the day.  I look forward to telling you guys all about these new goodies I picked up!

AND, just as I was leaving the show, I ran into an old friend from my university days.  Amelia and I used to work at Faces Cosmetics together, and she recently started a blog of her own!  Check out In The Pink Of Things.  Here's a pic of us (with high school friend Erica) after all the damage was done:

Erica, Amelia, and ME!

What a great day.  I can't wait to dabble into my new purchases.  This was the second IMATS show I attended and now I am sooo looking forward to the next one! 

Did you attend IMATS?  I will try to write a post with links to all of my blogger friends' posts...until then, leave a comment so I remember who all was there!