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!