Ahhh That Hot CUBAN Sun!!!

Canadians love going to Cuba - its a relatively short flight (3 hours from the Toronto airport) and the beaches there are simply amazing! I visited Cuba for the first time just a week ago and had an amazing time and experience - the people working at the resort were friendly, the food was good, the beach - oh the beach - how I miss you so!!!  My mom and I decided to take a mother/daughter trip and I'm so glad that we did - we stayed at the Melia Cayo Coco on the island of Cayo Coco in Cuba.  The resort is for adults 18 or older and it was only 15 minutes from the Cayo Coco airport.  Melia has 'sister' resorts (owned by the same company) that does allow children and families - there is the Melia Galermo and Tryp Caco Coco.  I know some people who have stayed at the Tryp resort and 'Loved' it!  I wanted to share a few pics from my trip - Enjoy:

Just lounging by the beach!

The Ocean in Cayo Coco was incredible - the water was warm and crisp, so refreshing and that aqua/turqouise colour just melts all your stresses away!!!

Inside the resort - how cool is this car???

This was the walk-way to the beach - I really liked the fact that you could walk from the resort to the beach!

The pool was awesome as well - there were a ton of taning chairs and cabana's around the pool, so getting a spot was never a problem (the same with the beach - there was always enough chairs, even if you got to the beach late)!

Everyday they offered water aerobics either by the pool or by the beach - it was a lot of fun - they also had dance lessons, volleyball in the pool and nightly shows - They were supposed to have yoga as well, but the instructor was on vacation himself the week we came so I missed out on that - oh well, the beach and swimming in the ocean made up for it!

One of the Cabana's by the pool - We usually spent the whole day at the beach and then headed to the pool around 5pm just before heading back to the room to get ready for dinner!

I have to say that Cuba was fantastic and I would go back in a heart-beat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Painting by Numbers

There is a great little book out there called 'Things a Woman should Know about Style' written by Karen Homer.  It is a very inspirational book written for anyone who wants to learn the basics and essentials of how to live with style and grace.

There is a chapter in the book called 'Painting with Numbers' and its a guide to stylish makeup.  In this chapter, Karen states that "A woman only needs two lipsticks: almost nude for day and darkish red for night".  She goes on to suggest that a woman avoid a vivid fire engine red and frosted pink!  I think her point with this is that lipstick should not look clownish, overly-bright or like you belong out working the streets.  However, finding that right shade of red that suits your skintone and looks stunning on you - thats a different story - thats the 'evening' look that I think Karen is refering to.  I like the simplicity and philosophy behind having two shades that become your signatures and are chic and elegant.  I gave this concept a lot of thought and instinctively knew what two shades I would pick as my '2 essentials' - the fact that these two shades just made themselves apparent to me was almost a sign and wake-up call.  We are endlessly searching for that perfect colour and in the end, we end up spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars and purchasing endless lipsticks to find that one or two that make us feel chic and beautiful.  I think Karen's advice holds a lot of merit - imagine having one natural day shade and one stunning evening shade that become your 'sidekicks', your lipsticks partners in crime that help mold and shape that signature style of 'YOU'!  Imagine having the courage to say 'No more - no longer am I going to continue buying lipstick after lipstick in an attempt to feel like this one could end my search forever - this could end up being that perfect lipstick'.  The truth is - the search is over when you say it is!!!  Let the 'searching' end and the 'style' begin!!!  This is what I've decided to do (and that doesn't mean that I won't play around with various shades and purchase another colour ever again - its more of giving the lipstick a chance become part of my style and embracing that simple elegance that I've always admired in other women).  So, what are my two lipstick picks????

1) Bois Des Iles - Chanel (For everyday)

2) Gabrielle lipstick - Chanel (For evening)

I am feeling so re-newed and inspired by this 2 lipstick philosophy.  It almost feels like a 'reclaiming' of my own power and sense of self worth.  Its saying good-bye to the search and past insecurities and hello to simplicity and living with a style thats my own!!!

Gabrielle No. 19 Lipstick - Happy Birthday Coco Chanel

Chanel's Gabrielle Lipstick has definitely caught my attention!!!  Have you ever heard that expression 'Everything happens for a reason!"?  Well, there is a 'very good' reason why I just had to go out today and purchase 'Gabrielle' Lipstick by Chanel.  I was at the mall earlier with my mom when I saw one of the makeup artists at Chanel wearing the most beautiful red lipstick.  I asked her what she was wearing and it was none other than Chanel's 'Gabrielle' - I walked away with a big 'sigh' reminding myself that I just decluttered my lipstick bag and that whole point of that was to stick to just a few shades and make a few of them my signatures.  I then went home to research a little more about the Gabrielle No.19 lipstick shade when I realized that the lipstick is named after Gabrielle and created for her birthday - August 19th.  I couldn't believe it - TODAY is August 19th - how could I not get the one lipstick that I've been adoring on the day and for the reason that it was actually created!!!  I decided that I had to make a choice - if I was going to bring 'Gabrielle' home with me, I would have to make room for this amazing colour by getting rid of another shade!  I'm sticking to my philosophy that a woman just needs a few signature shades.  Luckily red is one of them and luckily, I adore Chanel's makeup and skincare products.  I've decided that there was a REASON that I was lucky enough to get Gabrielle N0.19 lipstick on Chanel's actual birthday- Aug 19th!  I'm going to 'honour' this lipstick and pay tribute to Chanel's style, grace and elegance everytime I wear it - HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABRIELLE!!!

Signature Scent

There are certain elements that are required in order for a woman to be elegant, classy and stylish.  In my opinion, these elements are: a great hair-style, a great skin care routine, subtle yet classic makeup (and a fantastic red lipstick), the right accessories (diamond studs, pearls, a classic scarf, sunglasses, a watch, a few belts and at least one thing with an animal print), clothes that are classic and represent your style (including: a classic white shirt, black pencil skirt, a little back dress, cashmere sweater and turtle neck, black pumps and knee high boots and a fabulous trench-coat) AND, last but not least a 'Signature Scent'.  Put all these things together and you'll be looking at one classy, elegant and sophisticated woman.

When a woman wears a scent or chooses a scent, it should be like everything else - subtle and a complete representation of who she is as a woman.  If you're more of a bohemian, natural woman, choose a scent that brings this image out even more (a beautiful woodsy or floral scent).  If you're a power vixen, go for that spicy, exotic scent.  I think the true test of a great scent is when people stop you on the street and ask you - what perfume are you wearing - it smells amazing!  Why is this a true test???  Perfumes tend to work with the chemical makeup of your body - thats why, just like a lipstick will look completely different on one woman versus another, a perfume will smell different on one woman vs another.  A perfume should also be subtle - people shouldn't smell you a mile away, but rather they should get a delicate 'whiff' of your scent as you walk by.  Learning what type of scent works for you is a process - its something you learn as you go, just like learning what makeup shades work for you and what style suits you - its often trial and error.  Once you find a scent that really work for you - stick with it!!!  Make it your signature.  I think it so classy that you have something that makes you recognizable and different from everyone else.  My mother has been wearing Calvin Klein's Obsession  for years.... Its still her favourite and its still her signature.  People always ask her what she's wearing and its something she's known for! 

I have a few classics that I stick to, but my absolute favourite signature scent is Versace Crystal Noir:

I have been stopped by bouncers at clubs, random men walking down the street, women in various stores and friends/co-workers to ask me 'what perfume are you wearing?"  Men stop me and say "I want to buy that perfume for my wife/girlfriend - what is it?".  I get constant compliments when I wear this scent and I'm not saying this because I want to show off - I'm just making a point that certain scents can really work with your chemistry so well, that the scent will smell 'intoxicating' on you!  For me, that scent just happens to be Crystal Noir by Versace!!!  Every woman should find a scent that wins her compliments!!!

Narciso Rodriguez perfume for her is another amazing scent.  I always feel so pretty when I wear this and its the perfect day/weekend scent.  I get complimented on this as well and I love, love, love the bottle!  I tend to like perfumes that have a little more 'oomph' scent wise, which is why this is the perfect everyday scent for me!

I am currently 'in love' with this perfume - 'Chanel No 19 Poudre'.  The September 2011 issue of Lucky magazine has this to say about the No 19 "Chanel No 19 is the perfume equivalent of a striped boating shirt" (page 94) - its classic, fresh, crisp, clean and so unique!  This is the scent that I would love to spray over my bed-sheets and pillows - it makes me feel very delicate and romantic.

Finally, Very irresistable by Givenchy is one of those classic scents that screams 'femininity'.  I wear this scent when I want to feel sensual and feminine, but don't want a strong spicy scent.  Its actually a scent that I really like to wear in the summer and spring and I love the fact that the scent lingers.

These are some of my favourite scents and I like to change them up depending on my mood and style, just like I would with makeup and clothes - but I stick with these tried, tested and true scents and have been wearing some of them since my university days ( 10+ years ago).  If you find that signature scent that makes you feel feminine and inspired to be your best scent - wear it with pride and let it become part of your overall style because nothing is more alluring on a woman than a scent that works with her chemistry and personality!!!  Its all part of that feminine mystique!!!

Scarlet Empress - NARS

There is something so seductive about a wine-red stained lip.  I recently blogged about red lipstick shades in my 'Femme Fatale' post and mentioned Scarlet Empress as a perfect red shade for cooler toned women.  I decided to create a look around it, so you can see how wearable it is - to me, this colour has that dramatic-romantic feel to it - its red, but its not a full blown true red - its more of a romantic, kissable red:

For this look, I started with my basic corrector, concealer, HD Foundation and NARS pressed powder. On my eyes, I'm wearing NARS 'ashes to ashes' from the lid into the crease, Cliniques Black-Brown eyeliner with MAC's concrete shadow smudged into the upper lashline. I blended Ambering Rose onto my cheeks and used Gentle blush as a pop of colour (both MAC). On my lips, I'm wearing bronzelle lipliner with NARS Scarlet Empress lipstick!


If you want to try a red lip but don't want to go too much in the true red direction, but you still want some drama and colour, give Scarlet Empress a try!!!

Femme Fatale

The dictionary describes the 'Femme Fatale' as "a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers in bonds of irresistible desire, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations".  I love the image and expression of the idea behind a 'Femme Fatale' - this almost mystical type of woman who holds a seductive yet deadly power in her midst.  When I think about poweful words that describe a woman (Femme Fatale, Diva, Vixen, Siren etc etc), I always, always, always have an image of a woman wearing red lipstick!  I looked up the 'energy' that is evoked with the colour red and found that it inspires "action, courage, assertiveness, and fearlessness" (I got this from my Life in Color Book) and it is almost always connected to sexiness and sensuality.  Why would a Femme Fatale wear anything else?  When people hear the word 'red lipstick', everyone often seems to have a different idea of what that means - some women see the perfect red as a suble and sheer red lipstain, others see a deeper blood-type red shade, while other women think of a true, bright true red shade.  So which is the right colour that one should wear if they want to invoke this allure of a seductive passionate woman???  I think that the answer lies with your skin-tone, women with warmer skintones take on that 'fiery passion' when they wear a 'flame' inspired red (i.e with orange or yellow undertones) - I think MAC's Chili and 'So Chaud' are the perfect reds for a true autumn or spring woman (pictured below):

These lipshades are definitely red, but they have that sexy spicy feel.  I actually think of chilies and a a true paprika colour when I think of these shades.  They are colours that you would see at spice market and would look so amazing paired with a true mustard or golden brown shade (perfect on an autumn or warm spring)! 

Women who have a cooler skintone can really work a red with a blue undertone - my favourites being NARS 'Scarlet Empress' and MAC 'Red':

Don't let Scarlet Empress fool you (pictured above) - It looks deep in the tube, but goes on a stunning merlot-red shade.  Its the perfect mid-toned red-burgundy shade.  When I think of this type of red, I think of a woman who is elegantly sipping some wine and has naturally stained her lips with the wine shade - its not too purple or deep, its the perfect red wine stain!!!

MAC 'Red' is the ultimate true blue red - It is the ultimate shade for a medium to olive toned woman who has a cool undertone.  You can pair this lipstick with MAC's Cherry liner if you want to take it into the true red family - it looks uber sexy!!!

Women with neutral skintones are very lucky because they can borrow from both the warmer and cooler red lip shades (think a beautiful brick red), but they also look amazing with a neutral true red (no real blue or yellow undertones, but rather a pure, true red shade).  I love Make Up For Ever's Moulin Rouge for that perfect true red lipstick:

If you want to inspire sexiness, elegance, power, assertiveness, seduction and basically the true energy of a 'Femme Fatale', don't leave the house without your red-lipstick.  I think Rihanna is such a beautiful and stunning woman and she really rocks this look - actually, seeing this photo of her has inspired me to write about red lipsticks.  When it comes to RED lipstick - you can't just wear it, you need to OWN it.  Rihanna totally and completely OWNS it in this photo - her whole look and style screams sexy and elegant:

Classic Look #2

I recently came across some childhood photos of myself and I realized that my natural lip-colour in each of the photos was a beautiful brownish-red/pinky shade (hard to describe, but the colour I saw reminded me so much of my favourite 'Baroque' lipstick by Chanel).  In my last post, I blogged about a classic 'red lipstick' look, but this post is about that elegant 'everyday' natural look.  I'm finding that my 5 favourite lipsticks can really be narrowed down to 2-3.  I think it would be ideal to be able to stick with 2 shades for everyday and 2 for evening.  For me those shades would be Bois Des Iles and Baroque by Chanel for everyday and Moulin Rouge (Makeup For Ever) and Schiap (NARS) for evening.  Here is my classic 'everyday natural' look that I would love to make my signature for work this year - its a simple look to put together and perfect for any professional meeting or conference:

Here is the makeup that I used to create this classic everyday natural look:

I started with my basic face makeup: Bobbi Brown corrector in Bisque and Loreal true match concealer in N4, HD Foundation (Make Up For Ever) #125, NARS 'Desert' Pressed Powder


Eyes: I used quite a few products from a Bobbi Brown Palette I have - I started with Mahogany on the brown, Navajo as a base, I mixed Cement and Heather Mauve and applied this from the lid to the crease and then used Black Plum in the crease. I lined my eyes with Cliniques Black-Brown eyeliner and smudged Black Plum shadow into the upper lashline and used Smolder eyeliner on the lower lash line.

Blush - Dolce Vita by NARS

Lips: Bronzelle lipliner with Baroque lipstick by Chanel
 
Since I've decided to clean up my makeup case and really declutter the 'stuff'' and colours that just don't work for me anymore, I feel like I've discovered a more sophisticated approach to makeup.  I'm not really interested in whats trendy or funky - I'm more interested in really finding something that works for me and making it my own.  Its a new feeling for me and it may take some getting used to - but I like it!!!