Trip to Spain - and NEWS about this blog!!!

I just came back from two incredible weeks in SPAIN!!!  For me, it was a life changing trip, so much so that it's inspired me to begin a new blog (more info to come soon).  :)  One of my habits when I travel is to people-watch, especially when it comes to what people are wearing, style, makeup etc etc.  I would have to say that one of my impressions about Spain, in regards to makeup, is that is incredibly chic.  While shopping at El Corte Ingles, I was in awe of how elegant and put together the looks were.  In some ways, it reminded me of the Parisian look, but with more emphasis on accessories and incredibly stylish hair.  I recall being mesmerized by the look of one woman who had her dark hair loosely pulled back in a half pony tail with loose waves, a red lip (which seemed to look incredibly natural on her), gold hoop earrings and a very simple, casual outfit.  She looked so incredibly 'casually chic' - yet she looked better than someone who took 2 hours to get ready.  She reminded me so much of Penelope Cruz - a natural, confident Spanish woman.  I think this look has always appealed to me - the idea that the true mystery of feminine beauty is in being simple and elegant and not trying too hard to be a part of the 'beauty industry'.   Traveling back to Toronto, I wanted to create a similar look - casual, chic, red lip :)

You could call this my Spanish inspired jet-set look :)  Since I was able to get such a great golden-bronze tan, I found that I didn't need any makeup products for my face, so I'm not wearing any concealer, foundation, bronzer etc etc.  I did apply just a touch of blush - I found that NARS Torrid was the only blush that had enough colour to enhance my tan.   I applied a touch of Bobbi Brown Mahogany shadow on my brows and some black mascara.  The key to this look is the red lip.  I'm wearing a shade that was recommended to me by a makeup artist at the NARS counter in El Corte Ingles, Alicante Spain.  I spent some time with her talking about makeup and picking out my best red.  She was so helpful and we both agreed that NARS Red Lizard is the winning shade for me. 

 I've spent YEARS trying to figure out my best look and it took a trip to Spain to finally come to some serious realizations about what I'm really searching for.  That being said, I'm saving my most important news for last. I think that it's time for me to say good-bye to this blog.  It's been a great journey and my experiments with colour analysis have been really fun.  However, I want to blog/post about so many other things and not just focus on makeup/colour analysis.  I have a new vision for a new blog that will still include my passion for makeup to a certain degree, but will also include information/reflections on food, cooking, lifestyle, music, wine etc etc.   

I wanted to personally thank everyone who has followed me on this blog and read my posts.  I'm not going to delete or take down this blog, so you can continue to search, read my past posts.  However, for me, personally, it's time to bring in some new, fresh energy and let go of what is no longer serving me at this time.  Thanks to those who have followed me.  I will most likely write one final post once I've set up my new blog :)  Excited for my next new venture :) :) :)  

Not Impressed with MAC Cosmetics - A bloggers Vent Post

Today is a very sad day.  It's a day that I've lost a lot of respect for MAC Cosmetics.  For YEARS I have been a loyal MAC customer and have had my Pro Membership card.  I have purchased a lot of money worth of their products and have promoted them throughout this blog.  Recently MAC has changed it's application process and the qualifications that you must now have in order to keep and use the MAC Pro Card.  Apparently, being a makeup artist, promoting their products on this blog and not being 'agency branded' is their reason to 'decline' my membership.

What is happening to the face of MAC and what it used to stand for???  I guess just like every company, money and elite membership takes centre stage.  To be honest, I'm not surprised.  I'm just really hurt and upset!  I know the MAC product line like the back of my hand.  I've recommended MAC products as a makeup artist and being declined because I'm not 'agency branded' is a slap in the face!!!

Personally, I've always believed that everything happens for a reason.  Perhaps, it's time to move away from MAC products, as I can no longer support them knowing that I've spent so much time, energy, money promoting their products with nothing in return.  MAC has declined me and now it's time for me to decline MAC!!!

There are so many wonderful other makeup companies and products that are available on the market. Products that stand for something other than corporate gain.  :(

Boooo MAC - you've really disappointed me!!!

Bobbi Brown Sunset Orange Art Stick

I am starting to fall in love with Bobbi Brown's Art Sticks.  I've had my eye on a few of them but decided to wait until the fall-time to play around with the more neutral shades.  However, the last time I was at Sephora, I found myself drawn to the 'Sunset Orange' shade.  In fact, I couldn't put it down - I kept swatching it, holding it up against my skin - I think it's the 'perfect' orange shade.  What I love about it the most is that it's not quite pure orange, but more of an orange-red.  Most orange red's however, I find 'too bright'.  Bobbi Brown's sunset orange is perfect - it's not too bright, but it's not muted/soft either.  It reminds me a little bit of NARS Red Square, but the Sunset Orange just has that additional classic feel.  I also love the idea of an 'Art Stick'.  It sounds so 'playful' - I love that I can wear it as a lipstick, but also use it as a cream blush.

It's interesting to me how my natural lip shade allows this colour to appear more 'red', yet still hold on to the orange undertone.  I think I may have just discovered my perfect red liner/lipstick.  I can't wait to play around with this shade as a base to my favourite reds like YSL #1 and even Bobbi's 'Burnt Red' would be beautiful paired with this shade :)

I decided to pair the Sunset Orange with Bobbi's Tawny blush - it's the perfect pairing, as both are warm and it allow's the lip to still take centre stage.  For the eyes, I used a blend of MAC embark and expensive pink shadows, Bobbi Brown Caviar gel liner smudged with embark shadow and MAC Teddy liner on the lower lash line.  I really love these combination of shades against my golden skin and dark hair - I feel it gives me a very unique and original look, something that is authentic to me :)  The Bobbi Brown Art Stick's are amazing - I will definitely be getting more of these in the future :)