Leave “it”: No Mascara Trend

Bare-naked mascara-free lashes were the surprising NYFW/13 trend that everyone is talking about. Some beauty looks have become synonymous with the season: a bold lip, a strong brow…but bare lashes? 

That just might be the craziest thing we’ve ever heard.

Spotted on runways including Altuzarra, Thakoon, Theyskens’ Theory, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Missoni, and DKNY–all of which presented very different collections, it’s clear that this will be a staple next fall. Even some of the makeup artists agree.

“I just think the face looks more modern without mascara,” said makeup artist Diane Kendal, leading the Nars team backstage at Thakoon. MAC‘s lead makeup artist James Kaliardos agreed and is encouraging us to abandon our own mascara for a day.

Will you ditch your mascara and rock your lashes bare-naked next fall?

65 Shades of M.A.C.

MAC Cosmetics is stepping up their game in the nail polish zone. You might not have appreciated MAC only offered 8 in its permanent nail polish collection (all the other ones you may have seen and loved were fleeting, limited editions).

But now they are nailing it with 65 new colors!

Starting in July, M.A.C. Cosmetics is putting out a wowing 30 here-to-stay shades — ranging from pearl, cream, and frost finishes. From beige nudes to ballet pinks to bold orange and bright red to glitters and golds and holographic gunmetal.

Oh it doesn’t stop there. Expect an additional new 35 seasonal colors to come, for a total of 65 choices to make!

In Beauty Bloggers We Trust

It’s not news that bloggers have changed the world of communications, and so it should be no surprise that bloggers are impacting the beauty world. Beauty bloggers developing a collection of make-up? That is just what MAC Bloggers’ Obsessions Collection is doing.

Not to mention the fact that on the runways MAC Cosmetics is “the” iconic cosmetics brand. This is a true “tipping of the hat,” so to speak, on bloggers’ influence as a voice to the world.

To make it all the more exciting the limited-edition products will be available on MAC’s website only,  from June 21 through Aug. 2, 2011.

M.A.C. picked 10 out of 80 potential bloggers to be swept away to our own backyard, Oh Canada. And with a wiggle of their nose, these bloggers locked themselves away in a Toronto lab seething with inspiration.

My personal favorite of the collection is Wendy Lam’s Nitro:licious2046 lipglass. The word on the street is that Lesley Ellen Mirza’s eyeshadow Parisian Skies is a “must have”. The collaboration created some insatiable colors, and let’s not forget the charismatic names that we adore so much.

As I traipse through the MAC world I wonder “what’s a girl to do other than be fabulous?”

Pout “it” Out

MAC Pro Lip Erase is the ideal addition to your make up bag.

Maybe you purchased a shade too intense? Or perhaps you have pigmented lips and find it hard to get the true shade of a lipstick?

The balm makes any hue lighter, giving you a less intense look.  It is the “lip” saving tool for anyone with deep-pigmented lips, as it completely removes any natural color from your lips.  Comes in 2 shades; Dim and Pale

We suggest exfoliating lips first and adding a dab with your finger.  I just got mine, and love the fact that I have instantly doubled my lipstick wardrobe!

BONUS: Substitute your concealer with the Pro Lip Erase, to achieve the ultimate nude lip look.

Pucker “it” Up for Valentine’s

MAC Cosmetics Tough Love Collection is pretty fun – whether making kissy faces for the camera with the gals or puckering up to kiss your beau, MAC’s Valentines’ theme collection dishes out some lip (tough) love.

The collection of Lipsticks, Lipglass, Lipmixes, & Lip Pencils boast deep-pigmented and bold new colors sure to bring out your wild side. And it’s not just for a limited time; these items will be a permanent addition to their entire product line (Yay, thanks MAC).

Celebrate dark hearts and sexy secrets this Valentine’s and pucker up this Valentines Day and emphasizes the most sensuous part of your face – The Lips!

Blush “it” to Lips – MAC

Neon makeup is back in.  How do we know?  Diane von Furstenberg showcased neon lips at her most recent show, so we know it’s a hot trend.

MAC Cosmetics has introduced Neon Pink Pigment, so you can achieve the same look as the DVF models.

Blush: When applied to cheeks sheerly, does not look neon.  It does however, add a unique glow that you can only achieve with the neon hues.  Can be used as a base blush, on its own, with skin finish over, or even as a highlighted powder.

Lips: To achieve a shocking cool affect start with a base of a balm, lip-liner or concealer.  Then apply a tiny bit of pigment with a lip brush or finger.

Tip: The trick to nailing this look down is to keep eyes bare and hair sleek.

Happy World AIDS Day M.A.C. Style

Tis’ Noble to give the VIVA GLAM Lip bag.

The VIVA GLAM holiday kit goes full-out tartan in a bag featuring a clash of red. M.A.C crest and the complementary duo of VIVA GLAM V Lipstick and Lip Gloss. This truly is noble to give – and receive! All proceeds go to the M?A?C AIDS Fund to help support people living with HIV/AIDS.

I’ve recently been able to see first hand where VIVA GLAM’s proceeds go in my home town. You hear that the funds go locally, but it’s another to see and experience the difference it’s making. I commend MAC Cosmetics! (like I didn’t already have a makeup crush on them for years now).

Tartan Takeover

Tartan prints refuse to be restricted to kilts, skirts and outerwear – they are taking over makeup too!

Trust MAC to do it first – the trend setting cosmetics line has just released their latest fantasy holiday collection ‘A Tartan Tale’.  This line features a broad color spectrum of warm toned colors in mineral makeup, pigments, glosses, shadows and nail polishes and the best part is the packaging! The products feature bright vibrant takes on tartan topped off with the MAC signature gold crest and the makeup bags are finished with patent leather and studding – what girl wouldn’t want to pull that out of her purse?  They make the perfect holiday gift for your girls you are stuck over what to get.

Honorable mention: A shout-out must be given to Sir Teddy, and adorably tartan-covered bear who’s proceeds go towards the Viva Glam program which supports those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Shimmer ‘It’ M.A.C

True there are a lot of makeup brands out there – but when it comes to color, nobody can do it like M.A.C. Cosmetics.

‘To the Beach’ collection rocks it with the slick green packaging alone. This collection is amazing.  The colors are VIBRANT and everything is topped off with a shimmer of gold… perfect for sun-kissed skin.

Coral and peach are definitely dominate this collection, but there are some seriously sexy greens and teals mixed in too.  My fav “it” M.A.C. picks are:

• ‘Humid’ intense green shimmer eyeshadow
• ‘Float On By’ dark green/turquoise eyeliner
• ‘Easy Lounger’ light baby pink lip glass with multi-dimensional pearl
• ‘Sun Rush’ peachy/bronze lustre drops
• ‘To The Beach’ bronze body oil

I personally am stocking up – if you have the right skin tone you can do these throughout the year (just not everyday).  And while your out there sporting your new glow, please ‘fake it, don’t bake it’ and slather on that SPF 30+.  A bronzy glow is sexy, sun damage is not.

Carrie Bradshaw gets a new “it” computer

Gasp! Carrie Bradshaw has ditched her Apple MacBook for a Hewlett-Packard (HP) computer in Sex and the City 2.

HP is all over SATCII promoing their hot new tech line up. All the ladies will have new HP computers…HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition, HP TouchSmart PCs and HP TouchSmart notebook PCs.

You’ll be seeing a lot of Sarah Jessica Parker as she’s face for HP’s new campaigns -  “the PC is personal again.” HP will be hosting world-wide events to promote their tech couture spring collection.

HP is targeting fashionistas; the company is no stranger to the fashion world! They’ve collaborated with Vivienne Tam on a netbook computer that was strutted on the catwalk of New York Fashion Week in 2008. Plus, they’ve recently completed partnership with Project Runway. An outfit is never complete without the perfect gadget, right?

All this build up is for the theatrical release of Sex and the City 2 on May 27th. Couture will come in two forms: fashion and technology. Enjoy the movie!

M.A.C. Style Black

It doesn’t look like the black trend in makeup and nail polish is going anywhere and that’s not a bad thing!

MAC Cosmetics has a new line called Style Black and what’s great about it (besides the name) is it offers that dark look that is so pop, but in other intense shades that are almost as dark for those who don’t feel like their complexion can pull of the harsh black.

M.A.C. Style Black has some great mineral eye shadows, nail lacquers, lipsticks and glosses in super deep violet, green, navy and bronze.  They’re so great chances are you’ll want to try them before you reach for the staple Style ‘Black’!

The line also has a Volcanic Ash thermal masque and exfoliator (getting great reviews for it’s deep cleaning).

Deepen the drama and give this line a try – it’s worth it.

Computer Couture

Is there such thing as a fashionable laptop?

Most would say of course!  The Mac!  But amazing as they are, does the sleek polished appearance count as a fashion statement or is it simply a trend?

In an attempt to win over the PC fashionista’s in their market, Hewlett-Packard teamed up with Vivienne Tam to make a limited edition laptop that will make you want to trade your apple for a peony.

The peony design is what really stood out in Tam’s Spring 2009 collection and is what makes the HP Mini Vivienne Tam edition a true statement piece.  (And really isn’t that what fashion is all about, making a statement?)  This notebook has a 10.1″ display, weighs in at only 2.45lbs and is merely 1″ thick.  It retails for $699.00USD which will also get you a matching Vivienne Tam sleeve or you could opt for the exclusive tech-chic bundle which includes a matching Vivienne Tam scarf and tote for $899.00USD.