Lipstick Makes a Comeback. Be not afraid. Be that girl at the party with the brightest lipstick, ever of all time.

Lately, I admit I have been reverting to my 90’s teenage heart.  Buried away like an amnesiac grasping for a memory, “Wait a second. Ohmigod, I remember…lipstick!  It looks so good on.”  For a decade, I put away my M.A.C. matte Viva Glam in favour of lipgloss or Chapstick.  But I have been enjoying a renaissance of sorts what with the off the charts ROC (return on compliment) that my pop-art fuschia lips have been inspiring from friends…and random strangers.  By the way, you know it’s a winning look when you get stopped by strangers.  Just take it and say ‘thank you.’

While I profess my love of M.A.C., I don’t think it’s necessary to splurge all the time on lipstick.  I mean, you also need money to fund your shoes and grocery.  You can find some lovely hues at the drugstore and like me, you won’t shed tears when you lose your favourite gloss or get it confiscated at the airport security.  Here are my Top Summer picks:

1. Coral Crush – I think that Coral is one of the most flattering hues to wear in Summer, what with your tan, white eyelet summer dress already going for you.  Whenever you wear a bright lipstick, I think it’s best to keep the rest of your makeup somewhat neutral with shades of taupes or browns and a gentle application of mascara.  

2. In the Mood for Nude -  Nude is sooooo 90’s matched with your M.A.C. Spice lipiner.  Ahhh, we were freshmen then.  Le sigh.  I love a nude lipstick with a baby pink undertone – this is very Edie Sedgwick circa Andy Warhol’s The Factory.  Looks amazing paired with a heavy handed smokey eye and dramatic swirl of cat-eye liquid eyeliner. Meow!

Nude done right: Is it just me or is Drew Barrymore getting more beautiful? Every time I see her in an ad, I want to buy CoverGirl. And she's my idol reforming a bad boy whose father was a CEO at Chanel.

3. Red Never Dies – My mom was trying to make me buy red lipstick today.  It is the classic go-to.  The key to red lipstick is first finding the hue that suits your complexion then practicing to achieve a perfect shape and applying enough coats so that the colour is opaque.  Here is a mini tutorial on how to get The Perfect Red Pout.  Special trick: If you have trouble lining your lips, start filling in your lips working your way out so you don’t line outside your natural lipline.  Ronald McDonald is a definite don’t.  Please be a DO!

Bet on red: I know I wax poetic about my girlcrush Emma Stone but girl can wear a red lipstick like no ones business. This image alone should make you stop what you're doing, get in the car and find a beauty consultant to test shades on your pout. Phew! Run-on sentence.

As a teenager, I would always steal my sister's pink pair.

I am obsessed with my eyebrows.  And I despise falling into strange lighting in an elevator only to catch glimpses of stray hairs that I have missed.  Ooh, it gets me so crazy.  The best on the market are Tweezerman Tweezers – an Allure fan favourite.  The slanted edges make plucking less ouch and its tiny size are great for travelling.

Do you believe in magic? Nars Bronzer Brush, cheaper than a spray tan or a trip to Mexico!

A little bronzer goes a long way, especially if you use a chubby bronzer brush.  I don’t have a particular favourite brand, however, I never leave home without bronzing up the apples of my cheeks, my nose, chin and slight brush all over (where natural sunlight hits your face).  Otherwise, I would look like an extra from The Walking Dead (ahem, a zombie if you didn’t get my pop culture reference).

MAC 219 Pencil Brush. Good enough for makeup artists and drag queens everywhere

If you are going to invest money in makeup brushes, I firmly believe that M.A.C. has the best ones out there.  Because I like to create sexy eyes on a daily basis, I swear by MAC 219 Pencil Brush.  After applying a pencil eyeliner to my top and bottom lashline,  I tap this brush gently into a chocolate eyeshadow and blend for a smokey effect.   

Be not afraid of Smokey Eye! Just beware, if you sport these to work, NOBODY will get any work done.

Read more on Fave Beauty Tools and be sure to enter BlogHer Life Well Lived Sweepstakes.

Forgive my lack of new blog posts, but I have been working day and night, night and day to bring you Creative Heart Collective.  Spring is almost here and what better way to celebrate than to have a leisurely afternoon, perhaps brunching, meeting artisans, shopping local and doing a community workshop?  Sounds like too much fun, non?  Don’t pencil or pen it in.  Sharpie that!!

Date:  Saturday, April 16th, 2011 & Sunday, April 17th, 2011

Place:  The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. West, Toronto ON

Time:  11:00am – 5:00pm

Admission:  PWYC* (Suggested Donation $2) 

The Love Collage presents Creative Heart Collective, a Spring show and sale for local artisans, crafters, designers, bakers and retailers.  The mission of the event is to give artists and retailers an opportunity to connect and showcase their wares with the community in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Join us as The Gladstone Hotel Ballroom is transformed into an exciting, bustling marketplace.  This two day event will feature the talent of more than 50 local vendors and artisans.

The focus for the show will be:  Indie arts and crafts, Fashionable giftware, Jewellery & Accessories, Homemade food, Home décor, Beauty, DIY presents, Apparel and Vintage.

* Door proceeds will go to the non-profit organization, The Corsage Project www.corsageproject.ca   

Join us for the following community workshops:

LEATHER WEATHER – SATURDAY, APRIL 16^TH: 1PM – 3PM

The Make Den’s Irene Stickney will be teaching a FREE workshop, ‘Leather Weather.’  She will be teaching participants how to sew little leather medicine or cell phone pouches.  These petite fringey pouches are the perfect functional accessory while galavanting on the sidewalks of Queen West West. 

You need one to match your Muklukks whilst walking along the grassy nole that is Trinity Bellwoods Park. I want one.

WEARABLE ART – SUNDAY, APRIL 17^TH:  11AM – 5PM

Steeped in ancient history, symbolism and a celebration of beauty, Mehndi designs are awe-inspiring works of wearable art.  Henna Yasir will be contributing her artistic talents to the event.  Take a break from shopping and receive a unique herbal temporary tattoo (applicable fees).

For more info, please visit: www.creativeheartcollective.com

Kardashian Mashup. I also enjoy shows with sisters. People always pick on Khloe when she's the voice of reason.

One day, I was having brunch with my good friend C and I was telling her that I had stayed up all night watching episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.  She told me that I reminded her of Kim Kardashian, to which I was utterly flattered (“Really?! OMG, not like Vanessa Hudgens?”) because those girls are gorgeous (even though Kim’s initial claim to fame is a sex tape).  As far as guilty pleasures go, there is nothing like laying like a deadbeat on my mother’s sofa and watching a Kardashian marathon on the E! network.  I find socialites highly entertaining.   

The Kardashians also have a covetable high-fashion style – monochromatic black with pops of glitz (think sequins), heavy black eye makeup, smooth dark hair and those sky high platforms.  Let’s break it down shall we?

Black Dramatic Sexy Eyes – Reserve your black sexy eyes for evenings that begin after 11pm.  I know Kris Jenner loves hers for lunch but TRUST.  A camera crew and bright lights wash you out.  You are not on a reality show. 

1. Cover both your lids with a few dabs of concealer followed by a light dust of powder.  This helps to keep colour in place.
2. Using an eyeshadow brush cover the entire lid with a chocolate brown eye shadow.
3. Line the top of the lashline and under the eye using a black eye pencil.
4. Using an eyeshadow brush layer black eyeshadow all over the lid.  Using the black eyeshadow, apply more in the crease and outer eyelid creating an ombre effect.
5. Take a finer shadow brush, dab in the chocolate shadow to blend and smudge the eyeliner.
6. Finish with faux eyelashes or with two generous coats of black mascara.  Ta-da! Who can resist?

How pretty? Sooo pretty. A toned down version of the heavy smokey eye.

Some Kardashian styling cues to emulate:

A Kardashian would love the structured details of this LBD: Alice + Olivia 'Tatum' Sheath

Better than a disco-ball: Velvet Ombre Sequin Blazer breaks up all black.

Are those jewels on your booties or are you just happy to see me? Report Signature.

The Bigger the Better: Teased Hair at Rochas

Back in my party heyday, I worked a look called ‘Gina Lollabrigida,’ named after the famous Italian actress.  I had a favourite red gingham halter dress with oversize white buttons down the front and a giant slit.  I once wore Gina on a night out on The Rambla in Barcelona.  When I did a turn to show off my look to friends, a nearby waiter dropped his tray of wine glasses and sangria.  Such was the power of Gina Lollabrigida.  True Story. 

My retro look was topped off with my favourite hairstyle - voluminous party girl loose curls with a teased crown.  Now that 90’s is considered vintage, I thought I would bring it back for holiday season.  This hairdo is particularly va-voom paired with some glamourous cat eyes.

Step 1 – Start with dry hair (damp won’t do as it has a tendency to lose its curl easily).  Hairdressers always recommend that you let your hair be unwashed for a day or two if you are going to get an updo because it holds a style better.

Step 2 – Using large sized velcro rollers, begin rolling hair around the top section of your head starting from the ends to the roots and pinning using bobby pins.  Use medium sized velcro rollers for the bottom portion of your hair using the same method.  Spritz all over generously with hairspray.  If you have bangs, section them off and leave them uncurled.

Step 3 -  Leave velcro rollers in for a half hour to an hour.  Kill time.  Maybe watch an episode of The O.C. on DVD or paint your nails.

Step 4 – Remove velcro rollers gently by pulling them away from your head on the diagonal.  Your curls will be fairly subtle (unlike hot rollers).  You can touch up the ends by using a 2″ wide barrel curling iron.  Spritz again with hairspray. 

Step 5 – Using a fine tooth comb, take the section of hair on the middle top of your head and begin to tease hair.  Spritz again and finish by gently smoothing over hair from the front of your head.  Do a prolonged all over spritz.

Whoa, a lot of hairspray and effort to look like you just rolled out of bed.  But pain is love my darlings.

My Italian Muse circa 1960's: Gina Lollabrigida

Drew Barrymore loves volume at The Golden Globes. Can't you tell?

A dramatic cat eye at LAMB. I've been practicing mine since 12. You?

Meow!  Purr!  Hiss!  I imagine it must be quite chill-ax to be a cat, lounging about without a care in the world.  Seductively enticing you to pet them while giving you the cold shoulder to sit on the window sill and stare at the birds.   

A popular beauty trend takes inspiration from those lovable, elusive felines ‘Cat Eyes.’  How very.  This fall/winter ladylike Victorian meets Rock n’ Roll returns to the forefront; minimalist makeup with striking vibrant pouts are wonderfully paired with a hint of eyeshadow and the slick swoop of a black-lined cat eye.  Taking after its namesake, the look is at once mysterious, chic and retro harking back to the glamour pin-ups of the 1960’s. 

Let’s break it down, shall we?

Step 1  The Basics:  Apply a light taupe shade to your entire lid followed by a mocha brown in the contours of your crease.  Blendx3.  The trick here is to make the eyes look au naturel yet polished.

Step 2 The Professional:  Using the tips of your finger gently pull your left lid taut.  Using the liner start at the corner of your eye and move the pencil slowly across the base of your lashes then upturn the line slightly to form a point (similar to the end of an arrow).  Repeat on your right lid.  To create a wide-eyed doe look, begin to draw a heavier line beginning in the middle of your eye (so that the line begins thinner at the inner eye and widens as it moves to the outer lash).

Step 3 The Perfectionist:  Sometimes we make mistakes but we shouldn’t walk out the door with a squiggly line above our pupils.  Unless you are keen on channelling Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?  Using a cotton swab dipped in water, wipe away imperfections and start over.  I find getting the corners perfect can be challenging at first so this tip comes in handy.  Curl lashes and finish with two generous coats of black mascara.

And a final parting note and blessing for you legions of beauty adventuresses:  the cat eye requires a steady hand, patience and perseverence.  Be not disuaded by your lack of expertise.  For amateurs, begin your attempts using a pencil which can be smudged with a brush for a smokier cat eye.  Once mastered, novices try felt tipped black eyeliners.  And lastly, for those who have gone on to join the master ranks, I suggest liquid eyeliner for its smooth finish and dramatic effect (however, it can be unforgiving and messy if you make too many mistakes).

Italian movie stars are stunning: Sophia Loren with a heavy cat eye. Meow!