Holiday Look: M.A.C. Chill Collection

Chill out this New Year's Eve with one of M.A.C.'s latest collections Chill! Inspired by below freezing temperature, Chill will leave you looking hotter than cold! Perfect for any black-tie affair this New Year's, embrace the chilly weather with sculpted eyes, glittery reflects like frosted snowflakes, and icy barely-there-lips.

1. M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Mont Black ($17 CDN): If you love Beauty Marked, then you'll love Mont Black's sparkly black multidimensional pearl effect! The pretty finish reminds me of twinkling lights on a Christmas tree. The velvety texture applies and blends beautifully. Use on the lid and crease for a smokey effect. For a more toned down version of the Chill look, apply Mont Black in the crease and the bottom lash line. Apply Vellum (not shown, pale white) to the lid, inner corner and brow bone. Urban, cool, yet sophisticated eyes - chill.


2. M.A.C. Reflects Glitter in Reflects Transparent Teal ($21 CDN): A dash of sparkle, a little twinkle will add a lil' somethin' to this cool look. This glittery teal is just gorgeous and will give your skin that icy cool sheen. The glitter can be used many ways (check instructions if it can be used on eyes). Mix a bit of clear balm with the glitter and dab onto your cheekbones. Give your skin a sparkly finish by mixing it with your favourite moisturizer. Sprinkle some in your hair for some festive fun!


3. M.A.C. Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapid Black ($20 CDN): Black liquid liner is like a little black dress - every gal needs one for those glam days. A new, permanent classical liquid pen liner in a modern, plastic barrel with cap package that provides precise and bold application. Swipe this rich black liner along the lash line and wing out for a dramatic effect. Your line will also act as a guideline for those faux lashes!

4. M.A.C. 41 Lash ($14 CDN): This look isn't complete without the 41 Lash! I've applied lashes to a lot of faux lash virgins and every one of them has fallen in love! The 41 Lash delivers a slightly more dramatic length. The overlapping hairs will make your lashes look more lush and full.


5. M.A.C. Tinted Lipglass in Naked Frost ($16.50 CDN): Keep the look edgy and cool with a muted lip. Naked Frost, a sheer taupe with silver pearl finish, is a gorgeous nude shade that won't give you that "almost dead" effect (darker skin tones should use this to highlight a darker shade of lipstick or gloss). It's no secret that M.A.C.'s Tinted Lipglasses in the past have not been my gloss of choice. I don't know if M.A.C. has changed the formulation over the years but the glosses don't seem as sticky and don't make my lips dry and flaky like they used to. Maybe it was the extra lip balm I applied right before applying??

www.maccosmetics.com

Holiday Look: Statement Lips

Ring in the New Year in a bold way! Nothing makes a statement like a kiss-me-red pout. Whether it's a siren red or a deep burgundy, there is a shade and texture for every gal!

1. Stila Paint Your Pout Red - The Talking Palette ($45 USD): Where would a makeup junkie be without Stila's fabulous talking palettes? With a press of the button and step-by-step instructions, all makeup newbies will be able to achieve the perfect red pout! This handy palette contains a lip primer, 3 red lip colour shades, and a lip brush! Custom blend for the perfect shade or wear each on their own. Dab on the lips as a stain for the day and layer on thicker for bold night time lips. I love how long-lasting the lip colours are and the primer helps prevent bleeding and feathering. Just throw this compact palette in your favourite clutch for touch-ups before the clock strikes 12!


2. Urban Decay Lipstick in Gash ($22 USD): It may not be the prettiest name but Gash is a sexy blood red! I LOVE this lipstick! This full-coverage lipstick with sheen goes on rich and smooth. I always get compliments when I wear this lipstick. It's a lovely deep shade and looks amazing with a gold or bronze eye. The packaging is just another fabulous element to these lipsticks. The tubes are made from purple metal and pierced with a mini gunmetal dagger which is used to twist the lipstick up and down. Embossed in the actual lipstick is the Urban Decay logo and a little dagger. Every eye will be drawn to this lipstick and your lips!


3. Tarte Berry Couture Rise and Shine Berrylicious Lipstain ($35 USD): If you're worried about your lip colour leaving its mark, stick to a lipstain that will last you sip after sip or smooch after smooch! This has been one of my go-to lippies for a day of shopping or a holiday party. I just love the deep wine stain it leaves on my lips. The berry lip plumping gloss is a perfect compliment but I like to use the shimmering deep mauve gloss from Tarte's Purse Your Lips over it instead. My lips can't handle the stinging sensation of a plumping gloss! Give your cheeks the same berrylicious flush as your lips with the Cheek Stain! The combo together looks so pretty and polished. The best part of Tarte products are that they are all natural so you can feel good about slicking these lovelies on!


4. Face Atelier Lip Glaze in Shiraz ($20 CAD): Still unsure if a bold lip is for you? Go shiny and sheer in a beautiful deep burgundy like Shiraz. Face Atelier Lip Glazes are super shiny like glass with a moisturizing finish. The frosted slanted tube makes the application a breeze! The colour is sheer but still noticeable. I found the gloss lasted for a while and left a nice stain on my lips after the shine had worn off. To prevent a gloss from bleeding, I like to use an invisible lip liner!

For tips on how to wear red lips check out our Makeup Junkie Holiday Makeup 101: Red Lips post!

Holiday Looks: Lise Watier Pink Diamonds

Makeup Junkie has been featuring Lise Watier products all week for the line's stunning Holiday Collection that makes a great gift (to give or to keep!). This last installment will feature Pink Diamonds, the signature look and name of Lise Watier's 2008 Holiday Collection, as featured on the model above. The Pink Diamonds look features two key products (see below) from the collection: the Pink Diamonds Palette ($36) for mesmerizing eyes and Pink Icing Lipstick ($18) for a stand-out pout!The Pink Diamonds Palette has five rich and pigmented shades that are perfect for that holiday look. The gorgeous colours of pearl white, vivid fuchsia, metallic silver, black sparkle, and gold shimmer come in a fashionable mock-croc palette. Each eyeshadow glides on smoothly for vibrant colours that will last you well into the evening. Use all five eyeshadows simultaneously (as on the model above) or any combination your heart desires! You'll have fun experimenting with the colours and textures of this palette, and you'll have a multitude of looks to carry you forward into the New Year!

Lise Watier's Pink Icing Lipstick is literally that - like icing on the cake! The creamy and metallic texture of this intense fuchsia looks and feels great on the lips. Use Pink Icing with Lise Watier's Black Stars Pencils or Precious (Liquid) Eyeliners for a bold lip look. Or pair it with the Pink Diamonds palette for a dramatic look that will have you set for any holiday party! Watch out for that mistletoe :)

The signature Pink Diamonds collection is perfectly named - just like diamonds, the make-up of this collection is a girl's best friend! Enjoy and Happy Holidays to all!

To see more Makeup Junkie coverage of the gorgeous products from Lise Watier, check these out:
24 Carats Gloss and Precious Eyeliners
Magic Pearls Eyeshadow and Black Stars Eyeliner Pencil

Holiday Look: Lise Watier Part II

...Lise Watier Holiday Collection continued!

II. 24 Carats Lip Gloss and Precious Eyeliners Liquid Liner Duo
With Lise Watier’s 24 Carats Lip Gloss and Precious Eyeliners Duo in tow, the hanging Christmas lights won’t be the only thing sparkling this season. The warm gold gloss and metallic liquid liners will help you achieve a delightfully rich holiday look!
24 Carats (pictured above) is a warm gold gloss with sparkles that brilliantly reflect the light. It has just enough stick to keep the sparkle where you apply it and feels comfortable on the lips. The gloss can be a bit gooey when coming out of the tube, but you quickly forget about that once you see the results. Usually I’m not a fan of smells when it comes to make-up, but the vanilla scent is so light that I actually find it pleasant! You can use 24 Carats on top of bare lips for a perfect pairing with a smoky eye (a la Magic Eye Pearls eyeshadow and eyeliner combination as in the previous post). Or layer it atop your favourite lipstick to kick up your lip look with some glitter. Any way you wear it, Lise Watier’s 24 Carats gloss is sure to give you a look that sparkles this holiday!

In addition to a smoky eye, another great pairing for 24 Carats is the liquid liner duo of Precious Eyeliners (see pic above). The liner comes with classic black on one end, and either metallic gold or silver on the other end. For a precious metals inspired look, apply the metallic eyeliner first keeping it tight to the lashline and drawing it slightly thicker. Use the black liquid liner next and again keep it tight to the lash line, but this time using a lighter hand to draw a thinner line. You can even smudge the metallic liquid liner to get a long-lasting intense eyeshadow effect. Just be sure to work quick, as lliquid iner generally tends to dry up fairly quickly. The two-in-one action of the liner duo is fab - just pop that baby in your purse, and you’re set for when need to take your daytime look into night!

24 Carats Gloss and Precious Eyeliners Duo make a killer combination, but both of these products can be mixed with the other fabulous products of Lise Watier's collection. See more from Lise Watier here!

Holiday Look: Lise Watier Part I

We’re closing in on those last few days of shopping for the Christmas season! For any last minute shoppers out there and any Makeup Junkies looking to spruce up their holiday looks – we have you covered! There are plenty of options to choose from with the gorgeous Lise Watier Holiday Collection 2008. (In fact, there are so many products Makeup Junkie loves from Lise Watier that we'll be reviewing them in several posts!) The products and colours of this collection suit a host of skin tones and Christmas wish lists!

I. Lise Watier’s Magic Pearls Eyeshadow & Black Stars Eyeliner Pencil
Lise Watier’s Magic Pearls Eyeshadows ($20) are dome-baked in an eye-catching swirl of colour. Choose from one of three swirl combinations: Gold, Orchid or Teal. The pigmented eyeshadows glide on smoothly in a colour that first appears to be black - but as you tilt your head in the light, you notice a subtle tint of the colour portion of the eyeshadow. When paired with one of the matching eyeliner pencils [in Black Gold, Black Orchid & Black Teal ($16)], the result is absolutely eye-catching!
I sampled Magic Pearls Eyeshadow in Orchid and paired it with its counterpart Black Stars Pencil in Black Orchid, a deep violet colour with small light-reflecting sparkles. The result was a sultry smoky eye that was fitting for an evening out. I love that the eyeliner is waterproof and long-wearing, which means you can party into the night without worrying about exaggerated raccoon eyes!

ARTIST TIP: Use Magic Pearls Eye Pearls eyeshadow with some water or Lise Watier Magnifix (an eyeshadow mixing medium) to produce a more intense liquid liner like effect.

Believe me, once you take a look at these shadows and liners – you’ll be thinking that they’re just too pretty to give away! So much for being done your Christmas shopping, but hey at least you'll look fab for all that partying!

Stay tuned for more from Lise Watier!!

Holiday Makeup 101: Red Lips

GET THE HOLIDAY LOOK | Red Lips
If you’re donning that little black dress for your holiday party, a pair of red lips is the perfect make-up match to complete the look. Red lips make a bold statement and can be an intimidating colour to buy (and wear!). But rest assured, there is a red out there for everyone!

How to apply:
Trace the desired shape of your lips with a matching red lip liner. Lip liner will help prevent lipstick from feathering into the fine lines around the mouth. Fill the lip in completely with lip liner to act as a base for the lipstick. Blot. For a sharp finish, use a lip brush with your red lipstick and trace around the edges of the mouth. Then apply the lipstick directly to the mouth from the tube, swiping back and forth a couple of times on the top and bottom lip.

How to make it go the distance:
Once lipstick has been applied, blot with a one-ply tissue and reapply one more coat of lipstick. You can also take a large clean powder brush and while holding a tissue to cover your mouth, dust some translucent powder atop the mouth area using a brush. These methods will help stain the lips with some colour so if you end up caught under the mistletoe, you’ll still have some colour on the lips post-kiss!

Complete the look:
Keep the look balanced by going light on the eye make-up – a stroke of black liquid liner and neutral eyeshadow on the lids looks gorgeous with red lips. Red lips also have the tendency to make the face look washed out. Add blush/bronzer for colour and definition after applying lipstick, but use just a small amount so that the lips remain the strongest element of the make-up look.

Artist tips:
If red is still too bold, blot the colour slightly and apply a clear gloss atop to soften the look. If you're not a lipstick kind of girl, there are plenty of red lip stains or cherry coloured glosses to help you achieve that festive red look!

To avoid the dreaded lipstick-on-the-teeth look, take your index finger, place it in your mouth and pull it straight out. This technique will help remove any excess lipstick and keep your pearly whites in check!

It's best to first try on a red you plan on buying and looking at it outside of department store lighting. Use this as a guideline to narrow in on reds that will work best for you:
For pale skin tones, try a cool and bright cherry red. (Think Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera).
For medium yellow and olive skin tones, give a warm-toned fire-engine red a go.
For dark skin tones, try a berry colour or crimson red.

Holiday Look: 'Tis the Season for Glitter!

It’s the season for tinsel so why not add a little glittery glam to your evening look? Try out these products to add a little bit of sparkle and a whole lotta glam this holiday season:

Annabelle Silverstar Glitter Mascara
As part of their recent Space Baby collection, Annabelle released a glitter silver mascara, aptly dubbed Silverstar. I initially was a bit taken aback by the idea of glitter mascara. Whenever I hear the word "glitter", I have flashbacks to the '80s and memories of dancing to Fame & Flashdance soundtracks and rocking the ever popular legwarmer look! Needless to say, glitter has come a long way. Glitter is no longer the chunky bits that churn up my memories of the 80s. Today's glitter is finely milled with more of a subtle, but still eye-catching, sparkle.

In a mascara though? Whodathunkit?! But after giving Silverstar a test run, it turned out I was pleasantly surprised and an immediate convert!! Once applied, Annabelle's Silverstar mascara made my lashes look like they had been kissed by diamonds! The effect is actually very subtle, but catches the light brilliantly as you blink and bat away those lashes (and believe me, you'll be batting them even more!!).

I tried the mascara on its own a few times and then tried it again with a black mascara as a base. I preferred the look with the black base coat of mascara first. The black base coat helped give my lashes the necessary oomph factor to stand out (they need all the help they can get!). From there, applying the glitter mascara was like the icing on the cake! Be warned that this mascara is highly reflective, so it takes a little bit to get used to seeing sparkles in the corner of your eye (think of when a snowflake catches your eyelash - similar to that feeling!).

Glitter mascara is definitely a fun and super easy way to add sparkle to your evening out. So pop in it that purse, add a coat or two and bat those lashes (and the night) away!!


MAC Reflects Glitter
Similar to MAC Pigment, MAC Glitter has the same staying power and potent shine, but with a larger sparkle finish. You can use this versatile product around the eyes, on the lips and on the body! Add it atop your eyeshadow, apply it over your gloss or mix in a tiny bit with your body lotion for a simply dazzling effect.

I was lucky enough to scoop up a container of Reflects Transparent Teal Glitter, which looks amazing when you add a tiny bit to your lotion for use as a highlighter. Teal Glitter also looks great atop blue eyeshadows so layer it on for an extra pop!

Here are some more options for glitter around the eyes (Note: Try only one glitter look on the face at a time…otherwise you may risk glitter overkill!):

1. Use glitter to highlight the inner corner of the eye. Layer it atop a highlighting eyeshadow for a stand-out look that makes the highlighting eyeshadow more visible from afar.
2. Use a tiny amount of glitter and place it on a tissue (you can control the amount better this way). Use the tip of your ring finger or a sponge tip eyeshadow applicator and lightly pat on the centre of the eyelid (where the eye is the most prominent). This gives a nice highlighting effect that truly makes the eye come forward.

Disclaimer: Glitter has its limits, so be sure to consult here on how to make glitter work for you!

Holiday Look: All Aglow

Last night we put up the last of our ornaments on the tree and my son stood beside the twinkling lights illuminated and all aglow. It was such a precious moment! For brands like Prescriptives, their holiday collection, Aglow, was inspired by the light-catching effects against winter's frosty backdrop. Let your holiday look set you aglow in shimmery shades in all the right places.

1. Prescriptives Winter Reflections Warm Eye Color Quad ($54 CAD): I love neutrals and bronzy shades. These are my go-to colours for everyday when I'm not in the mood for something different. This was my first time trying Prescriptives eye shadows and I am impressed! Each shadow in this palette goes on velvety-soft. The pigment is amazing and the shimmery finish is just gorgeous. These are colours you can wear for day and night. Just swipe on Banana (far left) all over the lid and add Suede (2nd shade from left) to the center of lid and inner corner to brighten the eyes, and line the eyes with Chestnut (far right). If you're hurrying out to a party after work, swipe on Brunette (third colour on right) on the lid and contour and line with Chestnut for a dramatic effect. The compact comes with a mirror for those quick touch-ups! Also available in a Cool quad.

2. For that perfect luminous glow with a touch of colour, brush on Prescriptives Winter Reflections All Over Highlighter ($45 CAD) to the apples of the cheeks. It leaves a soft pink glow on the skin. If your cheeks are calling for a pop of colour, brush on your favourite blush and dust this highlighter over top for a luminous finish. You can also dust on lightly on the bridge of your nose and your chin for more radiance. These little pink and white balls provide a lot of pigment on your brush so tap the excess off onto a tissue.

3. Prescriptives Colorscope Lip Gloss in Rosy ($26 CAD) will have everyone wondering why your lips look so wonderfully plush. This soft pink pearly shade catches the light leaving a shimmery high-shine, pouty-full finish. I love this gloss on its own especially with a dramatic eye or over top of a lipstick for some extra oomph. You'll love this gloss for the non-stick factor and its ultra moisturizing qualities. Also available in Twinkling, Peachy, and Icy.

Have you tried Prescriptives Aglow Collection? Love it? Hate it?

www.prescriptives.com

Holiday Look: Classic Smokey Eye

The "smokey eye" is like a little black dress - it's classic and will never go out of style. Whether your wining and dining with friends or checking out the bar scene this holiday season, smokey eyes will always work and keep you looking glamourous.


1. Lise Watier Smokey Eye Kit ($34 CAD) has everything you need in one little kit! The set includes Solo Eye Shadows in Ecru mat and Charbon , Waterproof Eyeliner in Noir Intense, and a duo ended eyeshadow brush for perfect application. Ecru mat is a perfect base with the right mixture of beige and pale pink to brighten up the eyes. Rather than it being matte, the texture has a gorgeous subtle sheen. Charbon is not at all your typical black - it's better. The shade is a like a gun-metal grey mixed with black and has flecks of gold and silver in it. Noir Intense eyeliner glides on smoothly and stays put all night. The kit even comes with step-by-step instructions for achieving a smokey eye! You can also watch Lise Watier's Beauty Clips for a lesson on creating a smokey eye using these products! Click here to watch.

2. CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 1- Kit Shadow in Shimmering Onyx ($4 CAD) is a definite must for this season! This shimmery black shadow is gorgeous for creating a smokey eye with a little dash of twinkle. Dust from lash line to crease and add to the bottom lash line. To add more drama, wet your brush before dipping into the powder and smudge into lash line. The result is smoldering and will last much longer when applied wet. Pigment is strong and blends beautifully. At $4 a pop, this shadow is a steal!

Have you tried these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em?