Cute Makeup Tips

This summer has been all about the corals. My lips have been rockin' everything from orange corals to pink corals. Here are some of my favourite picks this season! (Will have to update with swatches - still no memory card! :()

(Counter clockwise)

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon ($19 CAD): These chubby sticks bring me back to my kindergarten days when I used to rub crayons on my lips for colour. These balms will drench your lips with moisture. Love the colour pay off too. I was expecting it to be sheer, but the colour payoff is similar to a glossy lipstick. Mega Melon is a beautiful shade just right for bronzy summer skin. It leans more orange than pink so it gives the skin some warmth. I also love the twist-up feature. I hate sharpening gloss pencils - just too messy. Available in 8 shades.

Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Nahema ($35 USD): Luxury in a lipstick tube. Guerlain's signature gold casing and interesting packaging screams luxury. This is the first time my lips have ever been touched by Guerlain and unfortunately I'm in love. The texture is unbelievably creamy. For a long-lasting lip colour, it doesn't dry out your lips and keeps them hydrated. I love the flip-top applicator. No need to take off the cap - just push up and your lipstick pops out. And isn't luxury all about convenience? Nahema is a bright coral sheen. It has a nice mix of both cool and warm undertones so it will work for many skin tones. If you love collecting uber chic and luxurious lipsticks this is one to add to the collection! Available at Sephora.

Revolution Organics Freedom Gloss in Vibe ($26 CAD): You all know my love affair with Revolution Organics so I'm sure it's no surprise I'm featuring the brand again. Vibe is described as "fresh warm peach", but it looks more like a flat orange in the tube. Before trying it I wasn't too keen on this shade, but once it was on my lips I fell in love. There is a slight shimmer and it has beautiful undertones of coral and peach. With the Freedom Glosses, you never feel like you're wearing a gloss. I never have to apply a lip conditioner before applying these glosses. They contain organic plant proteins, oils and shea butter that moisturize and heal the lips. 

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero ($24 USD): New for summer, Bolero is described as "pink cantaloupe". The bright pink swatch on the website is deceiving. Do go to the counter and test this out. I'm featuring this not because I'm totally in love with it, but I think it's an interesting shade for summer.

What I love: 

What I hate:

Stila Convertible Color in Petunia ($25 USD): Petunia is such a pretty pinky coral shade. It looks amazing with a bit of bronzer and really perks up the skin. The finish is creamy and gives the skin a lovely glow. It'll never look overdone because it melts right into the skin. The shade is highly pigmented yet it's very easy to blend. You can wear them on the lips, but I find it dries mine out too much. But it works great as a base for glosses. If your skin needs a good pick-me-up or you're in a rush these are perfect, but don't expect it to last in humid sticky weather! Tip: Make it last a little longer with translucent powder or a powder blush in a similar shade.

Have you tried any of these lovely corals? What colours have you been wearing a lot of this summer?

Makeup Junkie guest contributor, Olivia, has brought you readers another fantastic tutorial! Can you do smokey eyes in the summer? Yes! Throw out your ideas of the classic smokey eye and swipe some colour on those peepers!

Summer fever is upon us and we’re all itching to get out doors. For some that includes a night out on the town sans jacket, sporting your favourite little black dress. My go-to party look is a smoky eye but in the summer I prefer to substitute the blacks, browns and greys for purples, blues and greens. Really the options are endless with a colourful smoky eye. You could keep your signature look but appear more versatile simply by switching the colours. For this look I decided to use a combination of teal, blue and lavender purple with a gold highlight.

As an avid Makeup Junkie reader, the most important lesson I’ve learned is starting every look with a flawless face. I tend to avoid using foundation but after reading Joy’s reviews on tinted moisturizers I thought I would test out the alternative. I’ve been using Tarte’s Smooth Operator, which has a great natural coverage and really evens out my skin without feeling cakey. Then minor imperfections can be corrected with a dab of concealer. Once you have completed your flawless face, follow these simple steps for a vibrant and alluring nighttime look:
 

Step 1: Line top and bottom lash lines and blend with your finger (or smudging brush) for that smoky effect.

Step 2: Start with the darkest colour and blend up towards your crease. Using that same colour, line the outer half of your bottom lash line. Taking the lighter shade, blend into your crease and brow bone. With the lighter shade and a pencil brush (try MAC 219 pencil brush) apply the shadow to the lower lash line in order blend the colours and complete the smoky look. For that extra sparkle, sweep a gold shimmer under your eyebrows.

Step 3: To complete the look, line your waterline with the same liner used to begin the smoky eye. Then apply lots of mascara! Since we want to keep the focus on your eyes, keep cheeks and lips simple by using a touch of bronzer and a light gloss.

Step 4: Throw on that little black dress and you’re good to go!

*Products used on eyes:

- NARS eyeliner in Kaliste

- CARGO Lumieres Du Monde palette (blue, purple and gold shadows used)

Thanks Olivia! I love the softness of the whole look and think it looks gorgeous on her! It's smokey but totally wearable for day. What do you think of this summer smokey eye? Would you wear it?

I'm no longer on bed rest, but you still want to know what kept me looking pretty right? Right!

6. Revolution Organics All Over Body Balm ($28 USD): I've raved about this product before and I'll rave about it again (you can read my review here)! This eco-chic all-purpose body balm really came in handy when I was in the hospital. I didn't want to pack too much so this worked as my belly stick, lip balm, and hand cream!

7. Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm ($34 USD): You want the perfect glow? I love these coloured beauty balms for the eyes, lips and cheeks. Yes, I've featured these a few times before and I love them so much I packed all 3 (click here for past reviews). Since I was missing out on some major sun, Bronzed gave me that faux tan my skin needed. I loved using it on my eyes and to contour my cheeks (you know gotta give the illusion of slim cheeks when your pregos!). Sunkissed  (coral peach), is so hot for summer right now. I used this one most often. It'll leave your skin looking - well - sunkissed! I loved Blushed (bright pink) on my lips and looked gorgeous with Bronzed on the lids and cheeks.

8. NARS Mayflower Lipstick (LE, Summer 2011, $24 USD): When I first saw this lipstick in the tube, I didn't fall in love right away. But after first swipe, I was hooked. It's described as sheer raspberry, but on me it pulled warmer tones of coral and raspberry-pink. It's the summer version of your lips-but-better, well on me at least! I also adore how moisturizing the texture is. I can usually just swipe this on with minimal makeup and it still perks up my complexion. 

9. Lancome Juicy Tubes Awakening of Love (LE, $22 CAD): This review is a little late. I had meant to feature this in time for Toronto's Luminato Festival, but didn't get around to it for good reason. Lora Spiga, Lancome's Official Makeup Artist for Canada, created 3 Juicy Tubes shades and Desert Rose Blush to compliment designer, Denis Gagnon's, Garden of Roses: Denis Gagnon Interprets Alice that was featured during Luminato. 

I received Peace & Flowers, a gorgeous shimmering warm pink. The shade is sheer, but it adds subtle colour with a whole lotta shine! For some simple shine and a bit of colour, I wore it on its own. When I wanted more colour, I loved pairing it with NARS' Mayflower and my Revolution Organics Beauty Balms. This Juicy Tube collection (3 shades in total) will be apart of Lancome's Bronze Azure summer 2011 collection.

Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

In case you missed my post on The Joy of Makeup, read about the 5 pink blushes I reach for in my kit! Click here to read the post. What are your fave must-have pink blushes?

(WARNING: A lengthy but informative post if I do say so myself!)

I know, this season isn't about the neutrals. You want to see bright, bold and shocking right? As I mentioned in past posts, my makeup can be quite boring for a makeup artist. I love a neutral eye because it works for day and you can wear it with a bright lip. No matter what the trends, my neutrals are a staple and never go out of style!

I'm quite old school when it comes to makeup. I love learning new techniques, but I've always steered clear of airbrush makeup. I've always found that the products I use and my makeup technique has a similar effect to airbrushing. I've also heard from other makeup artists that airbrushing really isn't that much faster than doing it manually.

The beauty world was all abuzz when TEMPTU's Airbrush Makeup System was made available to consumers in Sephora. I was intrigued but not enough to buy it. So, when I got the chance to test it out I definitely jumped on the chance.

The basic Airbrush System is $225 USD. Depending on the bundle that you get the prices range. I was sent the System and Face Kit Airbrush Makeup System, a complete set with the airbrush, compressor, 2 foundations, one blush, one highlighter, and DVD instructional video for $345 USD. My foundation match was Warm Beige which matched me with Soft Peach Blush and Gold Highlighter. The pods range from $30 USD to $55 USD (2 foundations come in a package). With daily use the foundation lasts for a month or more and the blush and highlighter for 2 months or more.

This is me wearing the complete system plus other products I'll be featuring in this post. Overall, the system was really easy to use. You can adjust the dial for more or less product. For sheer coverage, you have to hold farther away and for fuller coverage you can apply closer to the face. To make it smooth and blended, you have to apply in a circular motion. I couldn't really tell if my face was being covered when I held the airbrush farther away so I decided to go in closer. The above picture are the results. I found the finish to be really flawless and well blended. On areas like my eyes and under eyes, I did have to blend with my fingers a bit. It felt weightless on the skin and lasted all day long, no fading or sliding. It also applies beautifully over a primer. Warm Beige also matched me really well but I imagine once summer hits I'll have to get a darker shade.

The Soft Peach blush applied really sheer so it took a few layers to get my desired intensity. No matter how strong I went, the blush always looked blended and never left any harsh lines. The Gold Highlighter gave my cheekbones a gorgeous glow that didn't leave me looking overly shiny. Overall, I'm really hooked and think I may convert to airbrushing at least for foundations. However, it seems a bit much for me to apply if I'm just running some errands, but for a night out or a wedding I will definitely be using. The kit itself is really light-weight and easy to transport. Now I want to actually try doing this on one of my clients! Any volunteers? LOL Hopefully I'll get the same effects.

M.A.C.'s Greasepaint Stick in French Quarter ($21 CAD, LE) isn't new for Spring - it's actually from the Venomous Villain collection - but it's new for me this season! During a taping of a special Blogger episode of CityLine, each audience member was given CityLine's makeup artist, Tracy Peart's, favourite makeup products. Ever since that show, I've been using it whenever I get the chance. I'm so in love with this pencil/shadestick and wish it wasn't a LE. I'm wearing it underneath my shadow in the above picture but here is a closer swatch.

It's a gorgeous black-brown with a gold pearl finish. It glides on easily and blends out to the most perfect smokey eye. You can also wear it as an eyeliner but if you want an easy smokey eye all you need is this stick. It's long-wearing and didn't smear on me which was a surprise.

I have a love/hate relationship with NARS' spring shadow trio in Calanque ($45 USD). The top shade is a gold infused platinum with silver flecks, middle shade is a light matte caramel, and the bottom shade is a rich antique bronze infused with gold. In the photo of myself, I used the middle shade as a base and on my brow bone. I was actually surprised at how light it applied on my skin because in the palette itself it appears much darker. I don't find the finish matte at all and has a more pearl/frost finish. I like using it to highlight the eyes. I love the darkest shade and applied this over top of French Quarter, on the bottom lash line and into the crease. The top shade is a question mark. It's too glittery for my liking and has a lot of fall-out. I think this would have been better as a duo as the middle and bottom shades are very wearable. For the price, you're better off finding a dupe in a duo or single shadow. However, I do find myself reaching for this palette quite frequently and I just recently used it during a bridal trial!

When it comes to fake lashes, I have my favourites and know what works. I was really impressed with the style and make of Revlon's fake lashes. In the photo, I'm wearing Revlon's Fantasy Lengths in Intensifying ($6 CAD). It's a nice blend of feathery volume and length. To make it look more natural on my eye shape, I cut the lashes in half and applied only to the outer corner. I also applied the lashes underneath my lash line rather than on top. I learned this technique back when I was working at M.A.C. - the lash line is less visible and looks more like your natural lashes. Since I was going out (I can't remember for what), I didn't take a chance with the glue and used my go-to Duo. I'll have to do a separate review on Revlon's glue.

These two lippies are from M.A.C.'s Quite Cute Collection available this Thursday April 7! I don't usually use a lip liner on myself unless it's a bright or bold lip, but for the sake of testing the pencil Naked Lip Pencil ($15.50 CAD) was part of the lippie of the day.

My smokey eye is what I consider a "subtle" smokey eye. It's not overly dramatic so I could have went for more colour on the lips, but I wanted to keep the look easy and effortless especially for day. Naked is described as a light neutral. It's a bright peachy shade which looked pretty stark against my skin tone. To tone it down, M.A.C.'s Plushglass in Fashion Fanatic, a creamy pale pink worked perfectly. On its own, Fashion Fanatic is pretty much clear on my lips, but when you pair it over a pink or peach lipstick the pink tones really come out. I haven't worn a Plushglass in a while and back in the day I could have sworn it had a minty tingling effect. I'm probably wrong but that's the reason I stopped wearing it. I actually love the way it feels on the lips - it's moisturizing and just hugs the lips not to mention plumps 'em up! The lippie I'm really lemming for from the collection is Candy Yum-Yum, a matte neon pink but seriously - how many bright pink lippies can a girl have?? Never enough right?!

What is your look for Spring? Are you a neutral girl or like to mix it up once in a while? Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Are glosses taking on a new form? Are you loving these chubby lil' sticks of colour that many brands are carrying now? Don't worry - wand glosses aren't going anywhere but I'm loving glossy pencils. They are super portable and so easy to apply.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils now come in a gloss form! The Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils ($30 CAD) comes in 6 beautifully glazed shades just in time for Spring. They glide on smoothly, are light-weight and emollient with a slightly tacky texture. These chub-sticks leave your lips looking sensuously luminous.They offer a nice shine and pigment - the more you apply the shinier and stronger the colour is. The pigment doesn't last as long as a lipstick but for sure lasts longer than your regular gloss.You want a multi-tasking lippie? Use this to line your lips then fill in the entire lip! Can be worn alone or with over top of your favourite lipstick. One minor downside? The smell is a little off - smells a little waxy but doesn't last. 

Baroque is a beautiful raspberry sorbet shade. It's bold but the softer side of bold just perfect for Spring. I lovely the shimmer and the deepness of the raspberry. Wear with minimal eye makeup, bronzer on the cheeks, and this lippie for a fresh yet sexy look this season. Hopi will be your new favourite neutral for Spring! Love this honey beige hue - it's a nude that won't leave you looking dead and will compliment this season's bright pops of colour on the eyes. 

Check out some of the stunning stills and the short film created to celebrate the launch of Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils featuring Canadian model, Heather Marks. Makeup is so fresh and beautiful! Directed by Ruth Hogben. 

NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils are available on counters now nationwide. Have you tried these gloss pencils? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? What's your favourite shade?

SHOW: 3.1 phillip lim

LEAD ARTIST: Lisa Butler for NARS Cosmetics

TREND: Theatrical eyes

DESIGNER INSPIRATION:  “I thought about the element of motion – movement and vibrations that occur when you see a really chic girl riding a bicycle,” said designer Phillip Lim. “It’s a sense of class, but it is an athletic elegance in how she carries herself, and how she looks gliding through the air.”

LOOK: “Phillip had an image of a black swan in a green lake as part of his inspiration board – and I wanted to mimic that idea of color surrounding something black - an unexpected element of surprise,” said Lisa Butler for NARS Cosmetics.  “The skin is kept clean, with a muted lip and then there are beautiful layers of green and blue on, and around the eyes."

Below are the key products used to create the exclusive look:

FACE

SHOW: Marc Jacobs

LEAD ARTIST: François Nars, Founder & Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics

TREND: Blushed cheeks and defined upper eyes

Napoleon Perdis kicked off the first official day of fashion week with a variety of looks. From the all natural, fresh faces of the Duckie Brown boys, the strong brows and nude matte lips at Nicholas K, to the extreme look of the Victor de Souza show – Napoleon and his talented team has and continues to cover it all.  

At Nicholas K, to echo the rugged, outdoorsy feel, Napoleon mirrored the tones in the collection and used the Napoleon Perdis Eye Pencils and Color Discs to achieve dark tomboy brows and smoky eyes.  For the boys in the Duckie Brown show, Napoleon used his Auto Pilot Pore Minimizer and Mattifer to tone down shine and keep the look natural, yet camera ready.  Napoleon’s talent as a makeup artist really shined at Victor de Souza, where he used Eye Will Survive Eye Primer and Neo Noir Liquid Liner for high impact results.  

SHOW: Thakoon

LEAD ARTIST: Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics

TREND: Tribal eyes and muted lips

INSPIRATION: “The collection draws inspiration from the opulence of the Rococo period and the style of the Masai tribe in Africa,” said designer Thakoon Panichgul. “There are a lot of primary colors, but also gorgeous marabou feathers, so we wanted to create a balance to everything to ensure it was really believable. We’ve always done fresh, pretty, natural, and it was time for a strong makeup look.”

I love boutiques especially when it has the name "NARS" in it. The new boutique opening on February 10 in New York City's West Village is white, bright and oh-so-chic! The fire place adds a warm, cozy touch. I can't help but drool over the displays of eyeshadow after eyeshadow, blush after blush, lipstick after lipstick!  The boutique will sell a series of products exclusive to the boutique such as 413 Bleecker Pure Matte Lipstick (warm rosy brown hue) and a special Bento Box that features three compartments for customers to fill with their favourite NARS products.

On my next trip to NY, this will definitely be on my list of must-sees! Who knows - maybe I'll bump into Francois Nars! Oh to dream...

Location: 

NARS Boutique

413 Bleecker Street

New York, NY 10014
Phone: 646.459.2323
Monday – Saturday: 11am - 8pm
Sunday: 12pm - 6pm

I love that we're going into the second week of October and bridal season is still going strong! Meet Erica, one of my gorgeous brides-to-be! She's a natural beauty with lovely green eyes and long lushes lashes. I instantly wanted to play up her green eyes so we decided to go with a neutral base and plum accents in the crease. Plum, being one of the big trends for Fall, is a perfect palette for this November bride! (Quick shout-out to Naomi for inspiring me to do this post! Thank you!)

Here are the star products: 

Skin: 

Cargo blu_ray High Definition Mattifier Primer (t-zone)

Make Up For Ever HD Primer (rest of face)

Face Atelier Ultra Pro Foundation #2/#3 mixed (all over and under eyes)

YSL Touche Eclat #1 (under eyes)

Make Up For Ever HD Powder

Bailey Cosmetics Foundation Duo in Tan (contour)

Eyes:

CoverFX EyePrep FX

Bobbi Brown Caviar Eye Shadow (brows)

M.A.C. Vanilla and White Frost (brow bone)

1. NARS Rajasthan Duo Eye Shadow ($32 USD):  I love this duo. For this look I only used this metallic almond shade as her lid colour. I also applied this on the lower lash line. Even though we were using plum shades, we still wanted the overall look to be fairly neutral. I have used the metallic almond colour on just about every skin tone and every result is beautiful. I will definitely do another feature using both the shades because the navy-grey is a sexy alternative for a black smokey eye. 

2. M.A.C. Sketch Shadow ($17.50) Sketch is an oldie but a goodie! This burgundy-plum shadow with red shimmer is deep and gives the eye a real sultriness to it. I added this shade in the outer crease to middle of the lid and over top of UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Crush. This shade was also applied on the lower lash line.

3. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Crush ($17 USD): I've had a love affair with these eye pencils for a few years. This is actually from last Fall's collection. Crush is a deep plum with teeny silver glitter. I love using cream bases like an eye pencil to bring out the hue of a powder shadow. Plus, it helps enhance the staying power of a powder shadow. Thankfully the glitter does not fall off onto the skin and gives the hint of sparkle appropriate for a grown woman. I also used UD's Zero black liner to line the top lash line. She didn't want a heavy line so I smudged it into her lash line and dipped an angled brush in black shadow to help lock it in. 

L'Oreal Black Mascara (bride's own)

4. Quo #803 Lashes Shopper's Drug Mart Brand ($7.99): I adore Quo lashes. I do not love the glue but their line of fake lashes has never disappointed me. There are a variety of styles to choose from and all are made with 100% natural human hair. One of my favourite styles from the line is the #803. The hair is longest at the center and shorter on the sides which makes the eyes really pop. The feathery quality also gives it a flirty quality and looks very natural against her own lashes. Erica already has long lashes but these falsies just enhanced them even more. Tip: I don't always like to add an obvious line with liquid liner to hide the band. Since she doesn't want the liner to look thick, I will use a flat synthetic brush dipped in black liquid liner and smudge it right onto the band of the fake lashes.

Cheeks:

5. Benefit PosieTint Cheek and Lip Stain ($28 USD): Another beauty crush. When it first came out I tried it on in the store and wasn't too impressed. A month ago, one of my bride's asked me to use it on her underneath a powder blush. I fell in love! I finally decided to pick one up and can't get enough of it. I love cheek and lip stains especially since I wear minimal makeup for everyday. I love it on its own or layered underneath a pink or coral-pink blush which is what I did with Erica. It's creamier than the original, Benetint, and gives a true girly flush. On my skin tone, I need about 2 layers on my cheeks and 3 layers on my lips but once it's on it stays on. I applied this first then dusted a translucent powder to set it.

NARS Douceur Blush (dusted over top of PosieTint)

M.A.C. Mineralize Skinfinish in Shimpagne (cheekbones)

Lips:

M.A.C. Dervish Lip Liner (all over)

Beaute Cosmetics Luminous Volume Gloss in Paramour

6. YSL Rouge Volupte Perle Lipstick SPF 15 in Stellar Pink ($34 USD): This bride is a gloss junkie but I think I've made a lipstick convert out of her! Stellar Pink is a soft pink-beige from the Fall collection and is a shade that is "your-lips-but-better". This luxurious, creamy lipstick is packed with pigment but the glossy finish keeps your lips ultra moisturized. It's not a long-lasting lipstick but if you don't mind reapplying you'll love how it just cushions your lips!

What do you think of Erica's bridal look? Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Here are the star products for today's look: 

1. Burberry Eye Shadow in Almond ($29 USD): As luxurious as Burberry's clothes are, so are the makeup. From the luxe smokey metal casing to the plaid detailing imprinted on the eye shadow, this is the iconic Burberry trench for the eyes. These shadows apply so buttery smooth and have long-lasting pigment. I was afraid that Almond wouldn't show up on my skin tone, but it does in the best way possible. This taupey-brown may look boring at first glance, but for me it's a basic staple and the perfect compliment to a bold lip. The finish is a satin sheen - not too matte and not too shimmery. It's just dark enough to add depth to my crease yet light enough to swipe all over my lid. I especially love using this on brides. I used it a few weeks ago as a contour in the crease for a bride going Old Hollywood glam!

2. Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara ($34 CAD): I love mascara - more like I NEED mascara! But I hate spending a ridiculous amount on one. Lancome mascaras are a cult classic and fine - they've earned their expensive-mascara status. I really wanted to hate this mascara not because I hate Lancome but so I wouldn't become hooked! Too late - I am. This mascara contains a "Lash Densifier complex, with precious plant cell extract, designed to reginerate the lashes".

I've tried a couple of other brands who claim to do the same thing, but Lancome's version actually lifts, lengthens, and adds volume to my wimpy lashes. I've really noticed a difference in the fullness of my lashes since I've been using it which has been almost a month. The brush width is great as it's thin enough to get to the little lashes and the ones on the bottom. My only complaints are that it smudges just a tad on me, occasionally flakes, and is triple what I would spend on a mascara! For the most part, my lashes are looking great!

3. M.A.C. Mineralize Blush in Soft Meow (Fabulous Felines Collection, $25 CAD): I think one of my favourite products from M.A.C. are their mineralize powders. I adore the pearly, luminous finish it gives the skin. If I recall, when the mineralize blushes first came out I wasn't a fan. I thought they were too shimmery for the cheeks and often made me look too shiny. Well, Soft Meow very much reminds me of the original mineralize skin finishes just with more pigment. It is warm peachy-bronze and looks lovely with a bold lip. Soft Meow is all glow minus the shine!

4. NARS Pure Matte Lipsticks in Vesuvio and Terre de Feu ($25 USD): When I have no time to put on a full face, a red lipstick is the shade of choice for me. Any bold or bright colour will instantly perk your complexion up. If you want to wear a "casual red lip", I recommend going for a matte lipstick or a stain. Mattes don't bleed as much as a gloss or creamy lipstick and aren't so in-your-face. And anything that looks more like a stain seems understated - my opinion of course.

I love the new Pure Mattes from NARS. They're not ultra moisturizing but definitely more hydrating than a typical matte lipstick. Vesuvio, which is worn on Canadian model Heather Marks in the campaign shot, is described as a "full bodied red". I'd say that's pretty accurate. It's a shade that will suit most skin tones. On me, it looks more on the warm side. Vesuvio definitely makes a statement - you'll have all eyes looking at your lips! I receive compliments every time I wear it.

Terre de Feu, described as a "black cherry" is my red of choice. I tend to gravitate to deeper reds and although it is still a bold shade I feel more comfortable wearing it than Vesuvio. Tip: To make both shades wearable for day, skip the lip liner and press lipstick onto the lips with your finger for a just-kissed stained effect. If your lips are normally chapped, apply lip balm when you first apply your makeup so it has time to soak into your lips. Remove any peeling skin with a warm wash cloth in a circular motion or with a tooth brush. Matte lips will only enhance dry, cracked lips!


The Look: Casual Red Lips

Eyes:
Urban Decay Eye Potion Primer
Anastasia Highlighting Brow Kit (brows) 
Burberry Almond Shadow (swept across lid and crease)

NARS Duo Shadow in Rajasthan (metallic beige on center of lid for dimension)
Anastasia Brow Duality (Lace Shimmer on inner corner of eyes and Shell on brow bone)
Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara Black (apply a couple of a coats to really make your eyes pop especially if you're doing a soft eye)


Cheeks:
Smashbox Halo Bronzer (contour)
M.A.C. Soft Meow Mineralize Blush (cheeks)

Lips:
Korres Lip Butter in Guava
NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio
Bottom photo: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Terre De Feu