Another great part of fashion is dressing up your face.

For those of you who were like me a couple years ago and have NO clue how to do your makeup, I highly suggest that you go to a makeup store ( Mac or Sephora) and just say “I want a casual look” or “I want a dressy look” or “I don’t even want it to look like I’m wearing makeup.” They will literally give you any look you want for free. They won’t do both sides of your face though, so don’t rely on them everytime you’re planning on going out. They will show you step-by-step how to do one side of your face and then they will watch you do and help you do the other side. It will be a very beneficial visit. And also, feel no pressure to buy the exact makeup they are putting on you, I assure you that you can find a similar brand for much cheaper at Macys or even Target.

Don’t feel pressure if you don’t like wearing makeup. You can dress up your face with a hat, scarf or sunglasses. It just pulls an outfit together much better….

This post is for N and for everyone else who, like moi, has a healthy obsession with make-up. I’m going to try and make this as comprehensive as I possibly can, so be warned. This is going to be looong. Anyway. Take what you can. Leave what you hate. And, at the end of it all, let me know if there’s something I should try!

LAURA MERCIER

If I could only use one brand of make-up, I’d use Laura Mercier. Been using it for years and it’s simply the best thing ever! Evarr! I’ve sensitive skin that tends to break out, so I’ve to be really careful about the products I use. Happy to report that LM is perfect if you have the same concern as me. It’s light and lets skin breathe, essential in keeping your complexion happy. And because I’m too old to rock electric blue hues, the neutral, earthy palette is love love love. Can’t live without it!

My Favourites:

Oil-Free Foundation Primer – I used to think that primer was dispensable, but have come to learn that it is not. After all, it protects your face AND keeps your make-up in place. I use this primer even if I’m just using loose powder.

Loose Setting Powder (Translucent) – This keeps everything looking matte and pretty. Minus the espasol effect.

Oil-Free Foundation (Honey Beige) – I don’t use foundation everyday. Actually, I hardly ever use it at all. But if I must (for special occasions, etc), then I use this liquid foundation for medium coverage. It’s the only foundation I use because everything else I’ve tried (MAC, Clinique) has been nightmare for my skin. I love the skincare plusses, but also because it comes in just the right shade for me. Getting foundation to match your skin tone is CRUCIAL, okay? Review Kate Hudson’s make-up in “How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days”. Ladies, that is not a good look. Will never be a good look! Cannot stress enough that your face should be the same colour as your neck/body! I’ve learned this the hard way–cringe–and live by it now after one too many horrible pictures.

Secret Camouflage Concealer (SC-3) – Having mentioned skin tone, I must say that I’ve a hard time looking for make-up to match mine. Which is why I prefer the Secret Camouflage. Because it comes with two shades, you can mix it to get the perfect blend to cover up that blemish. Not to be used for undereye coverage (we’ll get to that).

Second Skin Cheek Colour (Orange Blossom) – For everyday, no-nonsense make-up, I use this blush. It’s just the right amount of shimmer for that sun-kissed look (without making you look like a clown).

Caviar Eyeliner (Chestnut) – Just got this and love it because it stays in place. Also have the Kohl Eye Liner and Eye Liner. My issue with the former is that it smudges, and the latter you have to use with a wet brush. They’re great, too, but I just love that the Caviar is hassle-free.

MAC COSMETICS

For a little bit of colour, you’ve got to go to MAC. I do prefer the natural look, but when special occasions or important dates come up, must add a little drama to the make-up. Nothing too crazy for me, but MAC has a wide enough colour palette to suit everyone’s needs.

My Favourites:

Shadow – Hands down, MAC has the best eye shadows. They’re highly-pigmented and they stay in place (not all over your face). You can choose your shade to suit your matte or shimmer needs. Little Tip: Buy your favourite colours in the Eye Shadow Pro Palette Refill Pans and then place them in the Pro Palette X4 (or X15) for easy storage. Personally, I use the 4s and organize according to shade (earth tones, vibrant, etc).

Mineralize Blush (Earth To Earth) – There’s a lot more pigment in this blush than the LM one, which means you don’t have to use a lot. I love it because the colour just pops up and gives your cheeks a nice contour. There’s a nice amount of shimmer in it that makes it perfect for special evenings out (or in, whatever you prefer).

Cheek Colour (Springsheen) – This is a more everyday shade for moi. Don’t need to use a lot, usually just a sweep of your brush through it is enough to give your cheeks a healthy colour. The shimmer depends on the shade, and the variety is good for the choosing.

Dazzleglass Creme (Amorous) – Is it a lipstick? Is it a lipgloss? Actually, a little bit of both. The Dazzleglass Creme is less sticky than the Lipglass (love Florabundance), but it also has less shades. Luckily, I found one that I like (the deep red one) and I’m sure you will too.

BARE ESCENTUALS

It’s been years since I bought the Bare Escentuals start-up kit, but I’m still restocking some of my favourites from that box set.

My Favourites:

bareVitamins Skin Rev-Er Upper – I use this as an alternative to the LM Oil-Free Primer. You can use this as a moisturiser as well, so it’s a great value. It absorbs into skin fairly quickly, and doesn’t leave you with greasy-feeling skin. I also love it because it helps fight breakouts while making sure your make-up goes on smoothly.

Mineral Veil - When I skip the foundation, I use this setting powder for a healthy-looking glow even though I’ve had maybe four hours of sleep the night before. If you pat it lightly on where you applied concealer, it helps it stay put longer. Must-use if you’re avoiding the caked powder look (which has to be all the time).

OMG, I told you this was going to be a long post. And I’m not even done yet!

Watch out for Part Deux.

in high spirit ya!

Hari AIDS Sedunia. 1 Disember 2009. Hentikan AIDS. Tunaikan Janji. Malaysia menggunakan slogan Jalani Ujian. Manfaatkan Rawatan sebagai respond kepada tema tahun ini Akses Universal dan Hak Asasi Manusia.

The Official MAC Poster

Saya berkesempatan berkongsi mengenai asas HIV/AIDS dengan selebriti MAC Cosmetics. Kakitangan MAC Cosmetics turun padang di Rumah Kanak-Kanak Pertubuhan Wanita dan Kesihatan KL (WAKE) dan menjalankan beberapa aktiviti dengan kanak-kanak di sana. Di samping itu penyerahan sumbangan untuk program-program MAC juga dilakukan di sini.

bukan budak² je yg seronok, org tua pun sama! ^_^

Kombinasi sukarelawan yang sangat teruja, selebriti, kanak² dan wanita yang positif dan menerima kesan HIV/AIDS, press, big shots dll menjadikan ini satu acara yang bukan sahaja berjaya tetapi meningkalkan mesej yang sangat jelas kepada masyarakat.

Girl power uols! and the ever cool Mr. Loo! ^_^

Perjuangan masih jauh. Banyak yang perlu dilakukan dalam usaha mendidik masyarakat mengenai HIV/AIDS. Satu lagi celebration. Satu lagi tahun berlalu. Tolong doakan saya punya kekuatan untuk meneruskan usaha ini. Selamat menyambut Hari AIDS Sedunia. Moga kita semua mampu menerima tanpa syarat.

As some of you may know, December 1st is World AIDS Day. As some of you may also know, I work part-time for MAC Cosmetics. One of the best things about my job is being part of the Viva Glam program and MAC AIDS Fund, it is something I feel very strongly about.

Since 1994, the MAC AIDS Fund has raised money and awareness for men, women and children living with AIDS and HIV all around the world. Worldwide, through the Viva Glam product range, MAC Cosmetics has now raised over $135 million US Dollars and the amount continues to grow.  The Viva Glam range consists of six lipsticks and two lipglosses, which despite being beautiful, wearable colours for everyone are very, very special. 100% of the selling price goes to help sufferers of this horrible illness.

Over the past fifteen years, many celebrities have put their name to this worthy cause and become Viva Glam Ambassadors. They do not get paid in this role, they choose to take it on to help others. Wonderful, strong individuals who deserve a mention. Rupaul, Elton John, k.d. Lang, Mary J Blige, Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliott, Christina Aguilera, Linda Evangelista, Chloë Sevigny, Boy George, Pamela Anderson, Deborah Harry, Lisa-Marie Presley, Eve, Dita Von Teese and Fergie, have all dedicated their time and energy into promoting and supporting the MAC AIDS Fund.   Viva Glam VII is due for release in 2010 with Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper rumoured to be the next spokespeople. For more information please visit the Official site at http://www.macaidsfund.org/ and watch the video I have posted also.

One Viva Glam can change a life. Please make a difference this World AIDS Day and go and treat yourself to a Viva Glam lipstick or lip glass. Not only will you look gorgeous, but you’ll feel it too.

Gemma xxx

SO, I was recently on the MAC Cosmetics website where I discovered a new limited collection has been released!  There are three lipsticks, three lip glosses, two compact/sheer mystery powders and even a clutch! I’m kind of disappointed that none of the salesgirls told me about this the other day when I was in there.

So pretty!  Anyways, what most of you don’t know is, I’m pretty much a regular at the MAC Pro store and MAC Counter at my local mall.  I go there all the time.  I usually treat myself with a few items from there every couple of weeks even though I go there at least twice a week.  So, the salesgirls know my name, what I like, and a lot of other random details about me. Example: I get paid every second Friday

They usually give me a heads up on new collections and even throw free samples and things at me as soon as I walk in. This feeds my serious MAC addiction and keeps me coming back.

Anyways, seeing this new collection on the website makes me hope it hasn’t been released in the stores yet. There’s usually a good chance that collections have become sold out, especially around Christmastime. Either way, the collection probably has been released, but a girl can dream.

You can view the collection here. What do you all think? I gotta see this stuff in person so I’ll probably go tomorrow before class. As soon as I do, I’ll let you all know if it’s any good!

UPDATE:

So, I went to the MAC store to find out that most of the collection is sold out. This is insane since it literally came out on Thursday.  I did, however, find out that two new lines are coming out on Boxing Day.  For all of you Non-Canadians, that’s December 26th.  I’m really annoyed because I loved two of the three glosses!  I did, however, manage to snag one.  It is the Lip Gloss from the Baroque Boudoir collection called Preciousness.  It’s quite lovely actually.  It’s like a sheer and metallic pink with a bit of an iridescent pearl to it.  Pretty nice, I like it; however, I also wanted a couple of the lipsticks as well, but what can you do?  Click this link for a swatch of the gloss I did get.

Yay, my very first post!

I got these when the DSquared² came out, and I really wasn’t planning on getting it, but since DSquared² kind of fell flat, I looked at the display for Style Black and ended up walking out with both the Volcanic Ash Exfoliator and Thermal Mask >.<. Since then, I’ve used both of them twice or more a week for a little over two months now, and I’m impressed. 

I honestly didn’t think I would like them because when I used both of them, I didn’t see or feel any different. The exfoliator eventually turns a foam, and the mask gets hot when you rub it on wet skin, so that’s cool. However, my skin didn’t look any different. It wasn’t softer, or smoother… or really anything. So, about a month in I wrote it off but kept using it just to use up both of my tubes.

During that time, I also stopped washing my face at night. Not intentionally, but I started to get really tired after I got home from school, and I’d pass out as soon as I came home until about midnight. Now, before when I skipped washing my face at night, I’d break out all over in a matter of days. However, this time I didn’t. And I knew it had to be because of this because I didn’t change anything else in my skin care routine. So, I’m actually LOVING these because I don’t have to be scared to fall asleep. I haven’t broken out nearly as much since using these. It has really helped my skin. It looks so much better.

I apply them kind of strangely, but it’s how I got the best results. First, I get my face a little bit wet, and then I apply maybe two pea-sized amounts of the Thermal Mask all over my face. Don’t rub it around too much because then it tends to thin out and not stick back on nicely. I leave it on for more than the recommened time (which is 3-5 minutes), and then I wash it off. After that, I used the exfoliator just by rubbing it into my face until it becomes a foam, leaving the foam on for a couple minutes, and then rinsing it off. After, I just wash with my normal cleanser and do my skin routine. I know that seems like a lot, but I don’t feel clean otherwise, and the results aren’t good .

Overall, I really like it and can’t think of any cons besides it being LE and smelling like ash. Though, I’ve lived with heavy smokers all my life, and to be honest, it really doesn’t bother me at all. Oh, and the mask can kind tickle if I put too much on… LOL.

All in all, I’m very pleased with it. I hope MAC decides to re-release it for a fourth time soon (Neo Sci-Fi, Future Earth, Style Black are the first three). Honestly though, I’ve barely made a dent in mine after using both of them about 15-20 times each. I have 80% of my tubes left – it’s insane. I def. reccomend it to anyone who’s curious.

MAC Cosmetics, free shipping with any purchase, use code BAROQUE.

This offer is valid through 11:59 pm EST THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009 on orders shipped to U.S. addresses only.

An allure of pale complexions, dark smoky eyes with extended lashes, deep crimson stained lips and raven hair has turned beauty trendsetters into beloved blood suckers. This year’s vampire inspired-look is credited to the popular Twilight franchise and HBO’s True Blood .

The visual trope of a vampire may include fangs but the image has sent many cosmetic brands lusting and beautiful villains strutting down Fall 2009 ready-to-wear runways. Anna Sui is among a platoon of designers bitten by the potent bloody brute. The models’ cheekbones were contoured in blush complimenting dark-lined eyes and bold lips. Muccia Prada took it a step further with blanched skin tones, red-rimmed eyes with a midnight smoky effect over the lids and spooky frizzed-up hair.

“Either go with black knight, a classic red or dark purple lipstick with crazy dramatic eyes to achieve the look,” said Roberto Salazar, freelance makeup artist at MAC Cosmetics. “You can use Carbon black eye shadow with a silvery dark metallic to highlight the lid, a smoulder eye liner, black Plump Lash and the same eyeshadow can be blended on the cheek under blush to get the pale scary effect.”

Twilight Beauty, a new cosmetic brand composed of two lines makes it easier for vamp followers to take part in the captivating trend. The blockbuster series of Twilight films including New Moon which arrives in theaters on November 20 was the driving force behind the brand. Bundled in sophisticated packaging, Luna Twilight and Volturi Twilight launched in Dillards, Nordstroms and specialty retailers in September.

Esmy Mancia and Kimberly Clark of All About Beauty teamed up with Cristina Bartolucci, creative director of DuWop Cosmetics to develop over 70 products for Twilight Beauty. Luna Twilight, the luxurious collection reflects saga’s female characters and creates a soft, natural yet edgy face.

“The lip venom which is a lip stain is the most popular item sold in the Luna collection,” said Alexandra Greene, makeup consultant at Nordstroms. “It gives a really pretty look.” The lip gloss sells for $16. Greene also recommends Snow Storm Moon Shadow for $20 to get a smoky eye.

The murky line, Volturi Twilight exploits through the family’s crest as the brands logo. Volturi features Enrapture black lip gloss in Arsenic for $12 and Foreshadow Primer, an ultra-sheer eye base that provides preparation for a smoother eyeshadow application.

Vampires has become the favorite incubus in beauty trends. The look draws the fine line between goth and gorgeous. For more information on the collection, visit www.twilightbeauty.com.

Written by: Shaneia Caldwell

Ladies! Mac cosmetics has gone completely glamour! There holiday line is full of jewel tones, glitter, exclusive brush kits, and a lovely new line of palettes! Make sure you visit your local Mac store soon!

www.maccosmetics.com

Ladies! Mac cosmetics has gone completely glamour! There holiday line is full of jewel tones, glitter, exclusive brush kits, and a lovely new line of palettes! Make sure you visit your local Mac store soon!

www.maccosmetics.com

CALLING ALL RED HEADS – THIS SHADES FOR YOU

Marquise D. lipstick from MAC ,as I understand, is part of the Brunette , Blonde, Redhead collection of MAC cosmetics designed to complement skin & hair tones. I’m guessing that this shade would do well for red-heads considering the fact that Marquise D. sported a lovely reddish-brown coiffure. The peachy pink with soft shimmer looks like it would work for a pale skinned redhead. I think on me .. it could look a little washed out.

One thing to point out about the product are that the ingredients used in this stick are toxic- hopefully some light will be shed on the toxicity of ingredients like polyethylene and alumina to name a few , so that consumers and manufacturers alike will be more informed in this area.

Yeah…so I got to be the “Zeabiscuit”. The Zebra version of Seabiscuit, I guess. Not your every day “glam” makeup, but for Halloween – it’sjust right!

!!!

Here’s @erinmccaffrey’s look…the beautiful Flutterfly, done by Moises – MAC Artist at MAC Soho!!

!!!

Baby Phat is always one of my favorite shows to cover during New York Fashion Week. You’re almost guaranteed to like what you see both backstage and on the runway.

Some things remain constant, James Kaliardos did makeup for MAC and Odile did hair (check them out in previous seasons here and here), however, who you will see trotting around backstage is always up in the air (this time around Kim Kardashian was backstage doing her thang for Ok! magazine since she’s a contributing beauty editor and all).

According to Kaliardos, “We’re doing a really strong blue eye that has a lavendar in the corner and a gold underneath the brow bone.” Kaliardos used a bold liner on the inner rim of the eyes as well as a peachy color on the cheeks. On the lips was a peachy, sparkley lip gloss.

“Kimora really wanted a really strong sexy look and was inspired by her trip to Morocco,” so think Marisa Berenson and Diahann Carroll in the 70s- really strong and sexy and feminine.

Odile Gilbert is no stranger to fashion week and has coiffed the hair of many a models. For Baby Phat, the hair is very long and very curly withs lots of volume. Odile and her team added one braid going across the head (like a headband).

Odile used Moroccanoil products (love!!!) on all of the models. She prepped hair with Moroccanoil Treatment to hair and extensions then used Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream. Odile took medium sections of the hair, curled them with a two-inch curling iron and used Moroccanoil Luminous Hair Spray to give it volume. The look was finished with a spritz of Moroccanoil Luminous Hair Spray.

“The hair has to look rich and beautiful,” she told me.

I spoke to CND nail genius Roxanne Valinoti who told me that, for the show, they used a gold overlay but at home this can be easily recreated with CND’s Gold Chrome nailpolish, from the Colour & Effects line.

i say screw the berlin im-so-natural-and-never-needs-to-wear-makeup attitude! we are girls and make up can be fun! with heatherettes pink line for mac cosmetics, we can all have a night looking like jem, and who can say no to that?

ART HARVEST LA benefit event for voices for Umoja (www.voicesforumoja.org) and The Niapele Project (www.theniapeleproject.org) will be taking place at the Stephen Cohen Gallery at 7358 Beverly Blvd. (between Martel and Fuller) on Saturday, November 14th from 4pm to 10pm.  This event is open to people of all ages.  Please spread the word.

Come view the curated exhibition Between the Surface, in which emerging LA artists examine the response to beauty in contemporary image making.  Enjoy photographic works by Chris Leombruno, Pierre Letulzo, and Kenyan youth.  Join us for delicious food provided by A Catering Company and Whipped, Beat & Battered.  Sip delicious beverages as you shop for fair trade items from Kenya and Ghana, browse through our awesome silent auction items, or try your luck at our raffle for impressive prizes.  Mingle with other interesting people.  And feel good while doing it because you will be supporting nutrition, education, and empowerment for some of the most vulnerable populations in Africa.  Silent auction and raffle with awesome items from MAC Cosmetics, BLD Restaurant, Steven Arroyo(Cobras & Matadors), Urth Cafe, Smashbox, Aveda, Anti-Body, D Man Designs, Third Eye Tattoo, DW Drums, Spork Foods, Mary Kay, Artasan Jewelry, Lisa Robinson Photography, Bikram Yoga of Silverlake, Photographer Nick Brandt, and more. And items from Kenya and Ghana.

$20 donation at the door will get you cocktails, beverages, appetizers, and 5 raffle tickets.  $10 donation at the door will get you cocktails, beverages, and appetizers!!  Feel free to contact by e-mail or at (646) 761-1876 for more information.  For pre-sale tickets please contact celina@theniapeleproject.org.  If you cannot make it to the event but would like to make a donation, please visit http://voicesforumoja.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=194&Itemid=134.

Thank you!
Voices for Umoja
www.voicesforumoja.org
www.csafrica.org

Follow them on twitter!

www.twitter.com/sarafeldman

www.twitter.com/alexishudgins

www.twitter.com/voicesforumoja

www.twitter.com/niapele

Free shipping with any MAC purchase, use code MIDNIGHT2.  This offer is valid through 11:59 pm EST SUNDAY, November 15, 2009 on orders shipped to U.S. addresses only.

You have probably all seen this New Moon picture of Edward and swooned over it. The shadowy -almost smokey- eyes, his perfect cheekbones, the amazing lips…
So here’s the good news! Wish your guy would look like that? Here comes the fantastic “Make your boyfriend look like Edward Cullen” manual presented to you by the two most accomplished make-up artists the Twiworld has to offer, us!

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All products used are by mac. Seems they made a whole Edward Cullen collection…

Eyes: create the smokey eyes look by using the blitz&glitz eyeliner. Add a bit eyeshadow in the color called “knight divine” (yeah, you’re right, this just sounds so like our favorite vampire…)

Lips: apply the special dazzleglass (no joke, that’s the real name) in the shade “girl’s delight”

Cheeks: so, here best use blush in the color “the perfect cheek” (honestly, are you kidding me? This one fits exactly, because he so has the perfect cheekbones! )
For special effects you can use body glitter, this works out especially well in the sunlight!

Has anyone else realized how strange this is? Or is it just me thinking everything is twi-related now?
I can totally imagine the girl (and we all now this must be a girl) creating the names for those products. She sits in her office in front of her computer and of course her desktop background happens to be the exact same picture we posted above. She looks at the screen and then thinks of her boyfriend who promised to come to the New Moon premiere with her. Because yes, she’s one of those lucky girls whose boyfriend know about their complete obsession acute fondness of Twilight. And as she’s intending to go dressed up as Bella, of course it would be great to have her man go as Edward.

Don't forget the glitter!

And her thoughts go like this:
“Oh Edward, I’m so dazzled by you, you’re every girl’s delight. You’re like a knight divine with your perfect cheekbones and glittering skin. If we could just make every man look like you with our new products…”
Yes girl, you’re great! You totally dazzled us with the excellent names you came up with, honestly!

So try it out…at your own risk. Because we all now Edward could wear anything and would still look gorgeous, your boyfriend on the other hand…well, we’re not quite sure, so no guarantees here. But if you decide to really try, please send us pictures!

a

Off to buy mac make-up to make my non-existent boyfriend look like Edward

Saveyoursoul

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(images from google and the official mac cosmetics homepage)