Fall Trend 2010: Sparkling Plum-Smoke

I was so glad I got to use my brother's girlfriend as my model for this next look. It's so much more fun to do makeup on other people than it is on myself. I coined this one as "plum-smoke" with some sparkle. Here are some of my Fall faves featured in today's look: 

1. NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok ($25 USD): Since these new lippies landed in my hands, I've hardly picked up a gloss! I'm absolutely in love with the rich pigments and the smooth  matte application. The best part is that it's long-wearing without drying out my lips! It's rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E and Acai Oil and Wild Mango Butter to keep your lips well-moisturized. I actually prefer the texture of these lipsticks over the NARS Velvet Matte Pencils. Bangkok is a soft rose and is this season's perfect nude-pink to compliment smokey eyes. This one has definitely become a staple in my kit. Pure Matte will be sold exclusively at The Bay for the month of September in Canada before hitting other retailers. Be sure to check it out!

2. YSL Eyeshadow Duo #29 ($41 USD): I'm not so sure about the colour combination. It just doesn't catch my eye. However, each shadow on its own are absolutely gorgeous. The texture is unbelievably smooth and the pigments are long-lasting. For today's look, I only used the Purple Amethyst on the lid which is a pretty shimmering lavender. I love YSL, but I don't think I would spend $41 USD for these duos. These shadows are definitely a splurge item if you are a fan of YSL.

3. NARS Blush in Douceur ($26 USD): There has been much buzz over this blush because it is the first blush from NARS to have the logo etched on it. Love the concept and it looks awesome but after a few uses it starts to fade which doesn't bother me. Douceur is a soft pink-brown that my cheeks are kind of loving right now. On fair skin you only need one application for it to show but for someone with medium-dark skin like moi, I need at least 2 applications. It's just such a great neutral and goes with just about every look this season. I've used it multiple times on multiple people and it looks beautiful every time. Another staple for me!

The Look: Sparkling Plum-Smoke

Before

This is my brother's beautiful girlfriend, Amy, who loves makeup and learning about makeup just as much as I love applying it. She's a natural beauty and rarely wears makeup so we decided to do something a little edgier than normal. I love her eye shape and really wanted to play it up by extending it and making her eyes bigger. I chose to go with plums and purples because it's her favourite colour and it looks amazing on her! I also styled her hair by giving her volume and curls with a blow dryer and small round brush and defined the curls with a flat iron. The hair looked too pretty for this heavy eye so I put her hair up in a messy ballerina bun. Tip: When your hair is already curled it's so much easier to throw in a bun.

After

Skin:

Make Up For Ever HD Primer

Face Atelier Ultra Pro Foundation #3

YSL Touche Eclat #1 (under eyes)

CoverFX Setting FX

Smashbox Halo Bronzing Powder

Eyes: 

CoverFX EyePrep

Bobbi Brown Basic Eye Palette (dark brown for her brows)

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Galaxy (lash line & lid)

YSL Duo Eyeshadow Purple Amethyst (lid and lower lash line)

M.A.C. Shadestick in Royal Purple (outer lid/crease)

NARS Vintage Duo Eyeshadow in Bysance (irridescent iris on outer lid/crease)

Stila Smudge Pot in Black (liner and smudged onto outer crease)

Kat Von D True Romance Eye Shadow Palette (black shadow outer crease and lower lash)

M.A.C. White Frost Shadow (brow bone)

CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara in Black

I took out the bun after with her curls still in tact looking voluminous and sexy!

Cheeks: 

NARS Douceur Blush (cheek and contour)

Giorgio Armani Blending Duo Blush (shimmering Pale on apples)

Lips:

CoverFX MintGlaze FX (blotted with tissue)

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok

What do you think of the plum trend? Will you be rockin' it this season? Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Products featured were sent for editorial consideration.