Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 RTW Fashion Week (Source: style.com)

Something funny happens to me all the time: when it’s cold (like today, -15C / -26C with the wind), I like to do springtime inspired looks.  Why do you think that is?  An easy look that has been my go-to for the past couple of months now is this: Pat McGrath’s Sophia Loren-inspired makeup for Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012.  It’s all about the flushed cheeks, brows, flared lashes and the kitten eye. Oh, and can I just say I love that the term kitten eye?  Like, kittayns! #crazycatlady

Get the Look

For the eyes, go over the entire lid with your foundation to even it out.  Brush and fill in your brows (MAC Brun eyeshadow).  Take a black liquid liner (Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner) and start lining the outer half of the upper lash line. Make sure that the line gets thicker as you move towards the corner, and draw a slight flick at the end.  I made the line quite thick on the corners, but someone who has a lot of visible eyelid can pull this off with a thinner line.  Go over the outer corner with a black pencil (Urban Decay Zero 24/7 Pencil) and smudge with a brush to soften the line.  Don’t forget to line the top waterline black as well. Highlight the inner corner with a light-reflecting champagne eyeshadow.

On the lower lash line, take a brown pencil eyeliner (Urban Decay Whiskey 24/7 Pencil) along the outer half and soften the line with a brush.  Line the lower waterline with a flesh coloured pencil.  I don’t have a flesh coloured pencil, so I mixed two eyeshadows (Urban Decay Naked and Virgin eyeshadows) and applied with an angled liner brush. Apply lots of mascara on top and bottom lashes, and a half strip of false lashes if you wish.

For the face/cheeks, keep the base sheer with a lightweight foundation (Bourjois 55 Beige Fonce Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation) and go over it lightly with a translucent powder (Kett Sett Powder).  Apply a mix of a coral and a brownish blush (Tarte Blissful and Exposed Amazonian Clay Blushes) along the cheeks, close to where you would normally shade and contour.

For the lips, apply a rosy pink lipstick (Chanel Jersey Rose Rouge Coco Lipstick).  You can keep the lips matte like this, but I went with a little dab of sheer light pink lipgloss (Giorgio Armani Pink 508 Wild Rose Gloss d’Armani — from the Spring 2012 collection ‘Luce’).

Read on to see more pictures!

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Read the rest of Everyday Makeup: A Recreation of Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 RTW Runway Look. (488 words)

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2012. | Permalink | 34 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Bourjois, Dolce & Gabbana, Looks, MAC, Makeup, Maybelline, Tarte, Urban Decay | Tags: fotd, looks i'm loving

Ah, the season of the polished, darker lips is finally upon us.  Fall is all about drama.  After wearing the neon pinks and oranges all summer, I have missed my dramatic reds, berries and plums.  Here are four colour options that I have been wearing and loving lately.

From top to bottom: Maybelline 830 Plum Shine, Vasanti Denmark, FACE atelier Prim Rose, Maybelline Cranberry Crave

Maybelline 830 Plum Shine Color Sensational High Shine Lipstick *

I first saw Maybelline 830 Plum Shine Color Sensational High Shine Lipstick ($9.99) on Michelle of Lipstick Rules.  She raved about the lipstick, and of course, I had to have it.  At this price, I’d definitely pick up a few more.  Plum Shine is a plum-berry with a glossy, frosty finish.  I usually stay away from frosty lipsticks, but this one is done just right; I don’t feel tacky old lady with this lipstick on.  The glossy finish makes it a great option for lipgloss girls who want to try lipstick for the first time.

Maybelline 830 Plum Shine Color Sensational High Shine Lipstick

Wearing Maybelline 830 Plum Shine Color Sensational High Shine Lipstick

Vasanti Denmark Ultra Luxe Lipstick

It comes as no surprise to me that Vasanti Denmark Ultra Luxe Lipstick ($15) is one of Vasanti’s best-selling lipstick shades.  I mean, really, this is a “look at me” kinda shade.  So own it.  Denmark is an opaque berry magenta.  Because of its creamy formula, I pair it with Annabelle Burgundy Lipliner so it doesn’t migrate outside my lip line.  The shade wears a long time, stains the lips, and has Vasanti’s signature guava scent.  I think it might be a good dupe for MAC Rebel Lipstick.

Vasanti Denmark Ultra Luxe Lipstick

Wearing Vasanti Denmark Ultra Luxe Lipstick

FACE atelier Prim Rose Lip Glaze

I wrote about it before, and I still think that FACE atelier’s Lip Glaze is one of the best lipgloss formulas out on the market. I picked up FACE atelier Prim Rose Lip Glaze ($22) at IMATS last year and I’m so glad I did.  Primrose is a beautiful plummy rose lipgloss.  It is opaque, non-sticky and unscented.  I like this one because it’s a “my lips but vampier” kinda colour.  It’s certainly darker than my natural lip colour, but it is still a swipe-and-go kind of shade.  Don’t let the higher price fool you.  The tube is huge; it contains 0.5 oz of product, whereas MAC Lipglass has 0.17 oz.  That’s almost 3x the product!  This one is so worth the price.

FACE atelier Prim Rose Lip Glaze

Wearing FACE atelier Prim Rose Lip Glaze

Maybelline 85 Cranberry Crave Shine Sensational Lipgloss *

If you like your lip gloss on the sheer side, I like Maybelline 85 Cranberry Crave Shine Sensational Lipgloss ($6.99).  This one has a sweet taste, though, but it’s not totally awful.  It is super glossy and low on the shimmer.  This is a great pick for those who don’t usually go bold on the lips.  It’s perfect to layer on top of the Plum Shine lipstick.

Maybelline 85 Cranberry Crave Shine Sensational Lipgloss

Wearing Maybelline 85 Cranberry Crave Shine Sensational Lipgloss

Other Great Colours For Fall…

Here are some more from the lipstick vault that you might want to try.

• MAC Party Line Lipstick
• Marcelle Rouge Xpression Cleopatra Lipstick
• Marcelle Rouge Xpression Obsession Lipstick
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Demure Lip Tar

Your Favourite Lipsticks/Lipglosses For Fall: Go!

It’s totally the best season for lips.  What are your old standbys, or new acquisitions for the colder season?

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 23 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: FACE atelier, MAC, Marcelle, Maybelline, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Vasanti | Tags: drugstore, lipgloss, lipstick

I have been playing around with my Chanel Ombres Perlées de Chanel palette to showcase a couple of looks here on Glitter Geek.  Michelle from Lipstick Rules came up with the great idea of creating both day and night looks using the palette, so I present to you my two FOTDs.

Daytime and Evening Looks

Daytime Look

This daytime makeup is all about the bright glowy eyes and a punchy lip colour.  This look totally screams Springtime.

For the eyes, apply a matte taupe (MAC Coquette) on the crease and blend out softly.  Take a peach pink (Pink) and pat all over the lid with the sponge applicator.  Then, apply a shimmery gold white (White Pearl) on the middle of the lid only, as well as the inner corners and lash line to brighten the eye.  Line the top lashes with a blackened green pencil (Urban Decay Stash), applying it thicker as you move to the outer corner of the eye.  Line the outer half of the lower lashes with the same pencil.  Where you lined with the green pencil, layer a greyish green (Green Grey) on top.  Apply mascara (Rimmel Glam Eyes) to the top and bottom lashes.

For the cheeks, warm up the face with a bronzer (Annabelle Haute Gold) applied on the temples, cheeks and chin.  Then, apply a shimmery peachy pink blush (NARS Deep Throat).

For the lips, apply a bright coral lipstick (MAC Crosswires).  Top off with a shimmery lip gloss (Chanel Maline) down the centre of the lips only.

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Read the rest of Two Looks: Daytime and Evening Makeup Using Chanel Ombres Perlées de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette. (516 words)

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 35 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, Chanel, L'Oreal, Looks, MAC, Makeup, Maybelline, Rimmel, Urban Decay | Tags: fotd

I won’t beat around the bush here: I was really underwhelmed, or I should say really disappointed with this mascara.

Maybelline Full ‘n Soft Mascara (US$5.94 in Target, CDN$9.99 at Shoppers Drugmart) is the latest mascara to join my usual five-tube rotation. I’m crazy I know, but I like to have options.  Full ‘n Soft is supposed to deliver thick and soft lashes.  So you probably want to know what went totally wrong here.

They Should’ve Called it Bare ‘n Soft Instead.

Before the complaints go into full force, I gotta give props to Full ‘n Soft for leaving my lashes very soft.  So soft that it almost doesn’t feel like I had mascara on.

Okay.

Now to tackle the claims for full and thick lashes?  It doesn’t.  I found the formula to be quite wet — more wet than I’m used to in a mascara.  Maybelline advises that I should layer while it’s still wet, but it really does not build any volume on my wimpy lashes.

1 coat of Maybelline Full ‘n Soft

2 coats of Maybelline Full ‘n Soft

Bare lashes vs. 2 coats

It Lacks (Almost) Everything Else I am Looking For.

Let’s look at the check list shall we?

1. Volume: No.
2. Length: No.
3. Curl: No.  This was the most irritating aspect about this mascara.  Like seriously, stick straight lashes as soon as the formula touches my curled lashes.  Awful!
4. Staying Power: Yes! — no flakes or smudges throughout the day.
5. Easily Washable (if non-waterproof): Yes! — washes off with face wash and water.

I guess it’s not that bad, but the top 3 items are the most important.  I like big, in-yo’-face lashes, and this just does not deliver.  Oh well.  If you are born with naturally batty Bambi lashes, then this may work for you.  Otherwise, stay far far away.  Rating: D.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Makeup, Maybelline, Reviews | Tags: mascara

I’m hesitant to call this one a Summer Smoky Eye, just because it looks quite dark and dramatic to me.  But it was fun to do, especially adding the last bit of glitter to the eyes.

Swatches (from left): Urban Decay Freakshow, Annabelle Violet Vibe (pigment), MAC Coquette, MAC Carbon, Sassy Minerals Off Kilter (pigment)

Get the Look

For the eyes, apply a mid-tone blue violet (Annabelle Violet Vibe Pigment) with a wet flat synthetic brush, all over the middle of the lids.  Using a pointed crease brush, apply a rich dark purple (Urban Decay Freakshow Deluxe Eyeshadow) to the inner and outer corners of the lid, and the crease, creating a pointed shape on the outer corner.  Blend out the crease colour with a matte taupe (MAC Coquette Eyeshadow).  Deepen the corners with a matte black (MAC Carbon Eyeshadow). Duplicate the purples on the lid to the lower lash line (dark, mid tone, dark).  Line the upper lash line with a black liner (MAC Blacktrack Fluidline), creating a double-wing.  Line the lower waterline, then add mascara to both upper and lower lashes (Maybelline Full ‘n Soft).  Last but not least, add the glittarz to that lid.

For the cheeks, first warm up the face with your favourite bronzer (Annabelle Haute Gold Bronzer).  Then, apply a coral on the apples of the cheeks, nose, and chin (MAC Hipness Blush).

For the lips, apply a coral-y peach lipstick (MAC Fresh Salmon).  Top off with a shimmery golden pink gloss (Smashbox Candid Sheer Color Lipgloss).

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Read the rest of Summer Smoky Eye?!? Glittery Purple. (403 words)

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, Geekery, Looks, MAC, Makeup, Maybelline, Sassy Minerals, Swatches, Urban Decay | Tags: fotd, summer smoky eye

Yesterday I was back at LIFT, and this time around I went in for a haircut. My hair needed a style badly.  I can no longer ignore the fact that my length was weighing my hair down flat.  I wanted to keep growing my hair longer, and I trust Emily completely with my hair so I just let her do her thing.

Before

After

Hello, bangs! So. much. fun.

I can also wear them side swept as usual.

In addition to the major, slightly asymmetric bangs, I also have hidden layers underneath to bump up the volume without sacrificing length.  Genius right?  Thanks Emily for the new hairstyle.  I love it!

Products Used

Eyes
Vasanti Go Canada Palette bronze eyeshadow (lid and inner corners)
CARGO Vienna Palette camel eyeshadow (crease)
Maybelline Define-A-Line Slate Gray Liner (upper lash line and waterline)
MUFE Smoky Lash Mascara
Annabelle 3-in-1 Brow Pencil in Medium

Cheeks
LIFT Cosmetics Moon Dust Eye Shimmer (highlight)
LIFT Cosmetics Sanibel Sunset blush (apples)

Lips
Avon Beyond Color Plumping Lip Conditioner SPF 15
MAC Fresh Salmon Lipstick

Face
Annabelle SkinTrue Concealer
Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer in Almond
MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium Dark

Hair
Schwarzkopf Osis Glamour Queen
Morrocan Oil

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 34 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, Avon, CARGO, Hair, Laura Mercier, LIFT Cosmetics, Looks, MAC, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Makeup, Maybelline, Vasanti | Tags: fotd, LIFT Beauty Boutique

When it comes to eyeliners I tend to stay away from drugstore brands, as they tend to either tug or smear all over. This is not the case for Maybelline Define-a-Line.

The Good

• Texture is smooth and glides on like a dream.
• It comes with a smudger for easy soft lines.
• Stays on and on!
• Slate Gray is a fantastic alternative to black when you still want to look pulled together.

The Bad

• I’m glad to report that I have no problems with it.

If you need a good smudgy liner for cheap, I’d recommend this. Note that I only use it for soft lines though, I’m not sure how it performs as a sharp liner. For that purpose I prefer my gel liners. Rating: A-

Speaking of gel liners…

This thank-you has been delayed for eternity, but I want to thank Marisol for being so sweet to hunt down Lancome Gel Artliner in Indigo Charm for me. I really love it! Thanks again, girl!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Makeup, Maybelline, Reviews | Tags: eyeliner, shopping my makeup drawer