Staying Power

The red lip has transcended from being a seasonal trend to a constant and sought after statement. It can be integrated in almost every makeup look and has the possibility of being worn casually or for fancier occasions. The trick is finding the right shade for you. Although I am now convinced that EVERY woman can work the red lips.

L'Oreal Paris has just launched a 10hr long wear lip color in 30 amazing shades. Infallible Le Rouge is making an impact in the industry for it offers "the hold of a long wear in the luxury of a lipstick". The moisture rich formula guarantees soft lips for the duration of the lip color wear - something that most long wear lipsticks lack and that all consumers strive to achieve. Plus bold color that is sure to turn heads.

Also with a variety of 30 shades, you are sure to find a color that best suits you. From paler pinks to rich, deep reds, the range is quite inspiring.

You may have seen the campaign for this launch featuring none other than Gwen Stefani, newly appointed spokesperson for L'Oreal Paris. Known for her red lips, Gwen is the perfect choice to promote this product. Also featured is another new spokesperson for the brand, Jennifer Lopez (my personal favorite!).

I am thrilled and honored to have had a role in launching the creative for this campaign - the TV commercial, spread in fashion magazines and even larger than life posters in major malls across Canada. (Montreal residents - check out the Centre Eaton downtown, Carrefour Laval or Place Vertu, Torontonians - Eaton Center has the biggest poster which is worth seeing! Also stroll through Square One, Yorkdale or Sherway Gardens. And even in Vancouver at Metropolis and Pacific Center, you can see our beautiful banner!)

Montreal Eaton Center

Toronto Eaton Center

But despite having easy access to such products, I was never the type to wear lip color. I didn't like the sensation, the smell or the fact that I would leave my mark on everything - glasses, food, etc. Being a gloss kind-of-girl, I recently decided to explore this world of "lipstick", quite a foreign concept for me. I must say, I have converted! Le Rouge allowed me to explore the world of rich lipcolor that really does last! I applied in the morning and went on with my day - had coffee, lunch, and through everything, my lips were still beautifully colored and most importantly, moisturized.


Now, my advice to select your shade would be to first decide what range: pinks or reds. With 30 shades to choose from, you can ease in with a paler pink or go BOLD with Ravishing Red, the shade that Gwen is wearing. This particular red suits every skin tone and style that I have seen thus far. I personally like Rambling Rose, which resembles a deep rose-violet. But I have worn Ravishing Red as well. Trial is key to finding the best shades for you.


Finally, the important detail to wearing bold lip color is simple: wear it with confidence. No matter what shade or style, when it is worn with confidence it becomes the best accessory. And have fun! Explore different colors and enjoy the experience. After all, makeup is supposed to bring joy - take advantage of this simple pleasure! 

Tim Burton Exhibit

I consider myself to be a very passionate person, inspired by art, photography and fashion, among others. The feeling that overwhelms me when I step into an art exhibit or museum is inexplicable. My emotions rush to the surface and I suddenly find my eyes misty.

That's exactly what happened on Friday when I visited the Tim Burton exhibit in Toronto. I have always been a fan but didn't realize to what extent this man's vision of the animated world could really inspire me.

Dark, grotesque but comical, strange, witty, carnivalesque... This is how I would explain the works of this incredible man. But what makes his characters memorable and thus his work timeless are the raw, human qualities that his characters portray.

Edward Scissorhands is by far my favorite; The tale of a lonely, robot-man who was left incomplete with scissors for hands when his master suddenly dies. Although in theory this character has the makings for the perfect villain, Tim Burton instead created an innocent and naive Edward, who we cannot help but feel empathy towards. Even Burton's early sketches of Edward suggest such character traits.

Being in the presence of the early artwork and written synopsis for such great films as Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice and Batman Returns was truly incredible. It was fascinating to read Burton's hand-written notes - it was a mere glimpse into the inner workings of this man's mind. 


Tim Burton is recognized for bringing back the "stop-motion" clay animation with his unforgettable The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride. He also manages to bring this animated world to life in his blockbuster films Sleepy Hollow, Big Fish, and most recently Alice in Wonderland.

Amazingly, Burton's visions and unique insight into a world where the dead are represented in vivid color and the living are dull are grey, were combined with the traditional story of "Alice in Wonderland" and "Alice Through the Looking Glass". With the Lewis Carrol tale already containing elements of fantasy and dark, complex characters, Burton was able to bring new life to this classic story and accentuate the "over the top" characteristics that we all know so well.

 

As much as I enjoyed viewing the artwork for the films we all know and love, I equally enjoyed being introduced to Tim Burton's other characters and creatures. Burton has developed a number of unique characters, such as Stain Boy, who are as clever as they are strange. 

But again, they is something so human about these strange characters that you cannot help but feel an attraction and liking for them. 


It is incredible and inspiring that Tim Burton is able to combine such unnatural elements together and manage to provoke strong audience reactions - the images are dark and disturbing but with the addition of witty humor and modest, humanistic traits of the unique "characters", we fall for them and want them to succeed.

Overall, I left the exhibit inspired, moved and entertained. If anyone is in the Toronto area, you HAVE to experience this ONE OF A KIND EXHIBIT - Tim Burton fan or not, it is worth checking out. And of course, if you are a Tim Burton fan, this is a necessity. Click here for more info - hurry it ends April 17th!

Share your V-Moment with L'Oréal Paris

L'Oréal Paris is inviting you to share your V Moment! When did you feel most victorious? This could be a simple moment that stands out amongst many or a lifetime achievement. How did Voluminous Mascara help you to during this moment? Post your comments on youtube.com/lorealpariscanada
and join in on the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Voluminous Mascara - a staple item in every woman's makeup bag.

Spring Fashion Trends

With spring finally around the corner (despite the blistering cold), Fashion magazines have released their trend alerts for the new season. 

LouLou has outlined 11 trends fresh off the FashionWeek runway, and of those, I have chosen my personal favorites:

ROMANTIC/BOUDOIR

Feminine, classic, sensual, free-flowing - this style can bring out the inner Romantic in any woman and turn the head of any man. A soft and innocent approach with the use of pinks and nudes, a wonderful combination.

TRIBAL

I am absolutely loving the styles influenced by the TRIBAL motif for this season. Although not necessarily my personal style, I respect any woman who can wear these garments with confidence. The bright colors, mesmerizing patterns and unique shapes are absolutely stunning.

WHITE

Nothing snaps us out of the winter blues like crisp white clothing. The beautiful draped fabric shown above demonstrates how any woman can feel like a goddess by the help of this fashion trend.

FLUORESCENT

The 80s are back! I've always wished I grew up to appreciate the style of the 80s (I was just a child) and now I have a second chance! Bright colors and shapes reminiscent of the glam-rock era have shown themselves on the runway for this season. Be prepared for some bold fashion statements!

SILK

Another trend that reminds us how wonderful it is to be a woman. Sexy silk in a variety of colors and shapes accents a woman's curves. Whether it is free flowing or structured, silk is making a comeback this season.

Bright Eyes for Spring 2011

The eye makeup trend for spring 2011 as seen on runways and throughout the pages of fashion magazines, is BRIGHT, COLORFUL and BOLD. Bright eyes are a sure way to take us out of the winter blues. 

Inspired by Pop Art such as the infamous "Marilyn" by Andy Warhol, makeup for this season is playful and fun, with emphasis on a rainbow of color palettes to match any mood.

In terms of color, my personal favorite has always been blue. By combining dark, midnight blue with aqua, one is able to achieve a beautiful contrast that is guaranteed to turn heads.

The above look can be re-created with the help of HIP Bright Shadow Duo by L'Oreal Paris in Showy. By layering the colors, beginning with the darker color in the crease and lash lines, blending profusely, work in the brighter blue from the lash lines out, creating a diffused effect from darkest to lightest.

Define eyes with black eyeliner and finish with a heavy coat of mascara. My favorites are L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black and Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black, also by L'Oreal.

Equally as stunning, pastels and bright yellows can make for interesting eye makeup looks.

With the help of high pigment shadows from Make Up For Ever, this look can easily be recreated. 

Additional colors to explore: GREENS, PURPLES, PINKS... separate palettes or combined together!

Montreal Fashion Week - Anomal Couture

I didn't attend the ANOMAL COUTURE show but thanks to the beauty of UStream, I had the opportunity to witness the fabulous collection.


Inspired by the laws of the jungle, this collection showcases the beautiful blend of classic career woman and inner lioness, waiting to be unleashed. The attention to detail is exquisite and emphasis should be placed on the back of the outfit just as much as the front. There is clearly something special on every part and angle of each outfit. Definitely worth seeing!


Here is just a mere selection of my favorites, among many unique styles:

Montreal Fashion Week - Nadya Toto

The fashionistas were out and about this past week in Montreal. 


I had the honor of attending the opening night at Marché Bonsecours. We assisted both the RUD by RUDSAK and the Nadyo Toto shows.


My personal favorite is NADYA TOTO's dark yet feminine and detailed collection. She managed to take a classic black palette and add details of lace and knits to create a powerful, strong female style. Delicate yet fierce, wearing this collection is guaranteed to bring out the inner goddess in any woman.


Here are some highlights:

Part of the collection also included a version of the styles in white, which proved a more innocent and gentle approach to the fierce fashion statement:

I will definitely be on the look out for this young and talented designer.