five lipsticks to wear new year's eve

Lipstick for some is a daily necessity, while for others is reserved for a special occasion. However you normally choose to dress your lips, try something new by wearing one of these bold lipsticks to kiss 2014 goodbye.

1. M.A.C. Lipstick in "Ruby Woo"

My go-to red shade as of late, this lipstick is a cult favourite and with a trendy matte finish you won't have to worry about it wearing off before the ball drops. [TIP: pair it with M.A.C. "Trust in Red" liner for a perfect pout]

2. Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in "Fuchsia Flash"

Another matte choice, this lipstick is flattering and fun, without being too flashy [despite what the name says]... ok maybe it's a little flashy.

3. Estèe Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in "Spiced Coral"

A fresh alternative to red, coral lips look great on a variety of skin tones and this baby drenches lips in moisture while adding intense colour.

4. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in "Fiore"

I know this one looks like a gloss, but it's technically a lipstick. It has the most amazing staying power to get you to midnight, and the flashy hot pink hue is perfect for any party.

5. M.A.C. Lipstick in "Rebel"

This medium-dark berry shade is perfect with an a simple flicked cat-eye liner, or a smokey eye for a more dramatic look.

Happy New Year Beauties!!

19 last minute beauty gifts under $40 [and a few splurges]

If you haven't noticed, there are only 7 more days until Christmas (yay!), but if you've left your shopping for the beauty gal on your list to the last minute, I've got a few suggestions to help you get that list crossed off and stay within your budget!

1. The Original beautyblender [$25, Sephora]

2. Smashbox On the Rocks Always Sharp Liner Set [$39, Sephora]

3. Korres Body Blockbuster Set [$25, Shoppers Drug Mart]

4. Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Mini Fragrance Duo [$23, Sephora]

5. Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette [$34, Beauty Boutique]

6. Sephora Collection Gold Star Dual Boar Brush [$19, Sephora]

7.  Smashbox Try it Kit Best Sellers [$21, Shoppers Drug Mart]

8. Ciaté Very Colourfoil Manicure Set [$9.50 on sale!, Hudson's Bay]

9. Josie Maran Argan Skincare Ritual Set [$30, Sephora]

10. Givenchy Le Vernis Black Glittering Nail Lacquer & Top Coat [$24, Sephora]

11. Smashbox Be Legendary Lipgloss Set [$33, Shoppers Drug Mart]

12. Peter Thomas Roth Mini Mask Magic Kit [$25, Sephora]

For the Stocking:

13. EOS Lip Balm [$3.50, Target]

14. L'Occitane Hand Cream [$10, Sephora]

15. Bite Beauty Lush Lip Wipes [$12, Sephora]

16. LUSH Santa's Lip Scrub [$9, LUSH]

Splurges:

17. Guerlain Meteorites Light Revealing Pearls of Powder [$65, Beauty Boutique]

18. M.A.C. Objects of Affection Lipglass Collection [$42, M.A.C.]

19. Christian Louboutin Rouge Louboutin Nail Polish [$50 US, christianlouboutin.com]

Happy Gift Giving!! 

loose pigments: how and why you should try them

Since I've started working at MAC I've gotten to experiment with all kinds of products, and one product that I'm currently loving is loose pigments. Even though they are mainly used as eyeshadow, loose pigments have a wide variety of uses on the face. You can mix with a clear gloss for a custom lip colour, dust on the contours of the face to highlight, or combine with a mixing medium for a very pigmented eyeshadow application.

How to Use:

I like MAC's fix+ as a mixing medium, and to use as an eyeshadow spray a little bit of fix+ on a palette or old CD, dip your brush in the fix+ (just to dampen, not soak), then dip it in the pigment. Mix it around on the back of your hand and then apply to your eye for the desired look.

Here's a recent eye look using MAC's loose pigment in "Heritage Rouge":

Get This Look:

-MAC loose pigment in "Heritage Rouge" [crease]
-Maybelline The NUDES eyeshadow palette [lid + transition crease]
-MAC shadow in "White Frost" [tearduct]
-Revlon liquid eye pen in "Blackest Black"
-MAC pearlglide eyeliner in "Almost Noir" [undereye]
-Lancome Doll Lashes Mascara
-Ardell "Demi Wispies" false lashes
-MAC fix+


And don't forget to use an eyeshadow primer with all eye looks! This is a very important step that keeps shadow in place for 12+ hours.  I like Urban Decay's "Shadow Primer Potion".