Models at the Spring/Summer 2010 Prada Show

Last Saturday, I went out, met some friends, had a few drinks…you know, typical Saturday except for some reason, I kept getting similar reactions from people; Wow, you look great! Omg, I didn’t recognize you! Hey, I didn’t know you were here! As the night went on, and the comments continued to come, I started to think that the black dress I was wearing really did do it for me or that maybe my recent slavery at the gym was really paying off! Or perhaps it was the cutting down on carbs? Then I realized exactly what I did differently that night that I hadn’t done in a while; I wore red lipstick.  Blood red…or as I recently learnt from a male friend what the opposite sex likes to call it, hooker red.

The overload in comments made me wonder if the red lipstick made me look odd.  I rarely wear it so when I do, I feel very self-conscious.  I’m just not used to it but I like the strong colour with certain looks and when I wear it, I think I look fine.  The thought made me curious…curious enough to ask Google “how to wear red lipstick?”

Here are a few things to keep in mind when wearing the shade:

Shades of Red

There are many shades of red and it’s important to choose one that best suits your skin tone.  Paler skins do well sporting reds with cold undertones while warm reds should be used for more olive or tan skin.

Face Faux Pas

When wearing red lipstick, keep everything else simple or you’ll end up looking like a clown! The shade is very powerful so the rest of your face should be kept soft to balance it all out.  On your eyes, use a shade that brings out your skin tone; consider skipping the eyeliner and going straight to your lashes; do not overdo your cheeks.

Time to Work

Buff away any dead skin to ensure smooth looking lips.  Shape your lips evenly by filling them with lip liner first.  Lip liner also acts as a great base; don’t be afraid of shading your entire lips with it.  When applying red lipstick, opt for a lip brush.  It gives you more control and really lets the shade sink into your lips for a better and more long-lasting effect.

The Rest of Your Game

The rest of your outfit is important too.  Don’t be matchy-matchy as you will run the risk of overdoing it.  Avoid pairing red lipstick with red dresses, nails, purses and shoes.

It’s not suitable for every occasion but when worn well and with confidence, you will rock this Spring trend with class and sexiness!

Image Sources: Style.com

I was ecstatic when I saw that the inspiration behind OPI’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection was Hong Kong.  Coming from Hong Kong myself, it’s always exciting to see someone showcasing the beauty and excitement of this city.

The company that famously preaches that “it’s no longer about wearing a nail polish; it’s about wearing an accessory,” uses this season’s collection to capture the brilliant sharpness of Hong Kong’s cityscape.  The inspiration behind it comes from the intriguing complexity and multi-cultural personalities of the Pearl of the Orient – Hong Kong, a city where we all yearn for the simplicity of the old but are not quite ready to leave the excitement of the new.

The 12 vibrant shades are cleverly named after gems of Hong Kong and aspects of Chinese culture.  This palette truly brings Hong Kong alive! I’m definitely feeling some “Meet Me on the Star Ferry”…

To see close-ups of OPI’s Spring/Summer 2010 Hong Kong Collection, click here and here.

Image Source: OPI.com

Celebrating Nars’ 15th anniversary, make up guru Francois Nars launched 15 x 15, a book that is fit for the coffee table featuring 15 artsy portraits of his fashion buddies.  Tanya Ballou, Naomi Campbell, Daphne Guinness, Carla Gugino, Dayle Haddon, Shalom Harlow, Marc Jacobs, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Amanda Lepore, Natasha Poly, Isabella Rossellini, Lisa Marie Smith, Olivier Theyskens, Amber Valletta and François Vincentelli are all featured using star products from the brand.  All proceeds from the project are donated to 15 of the icons’ desired charities.

The looks, created by Nars himself, truly show how you can play with make up!

Marc Jacobs as China Machado wearing Dovima Nail Polish

Natasha Poly in Punk Rock wearing Rated R Duo Eyeshadow

Daphne Guinness in Modern Edwardian wearing Night Breed Single Eyeshadow

To view all portraits or to purchase the book, click here.

Image Sources: 15x15Project.com, NarsCosmetics.com

For a nail colour, Chanel’s Jade is causing quite the buzz.  All the model’s at Chanel’s latest collection were sporting it and it’s already sold out on Chanel.com.  Would you wear this shade?

Image Source: Chanel.com

It looks like Hello Kitty will be popping up in our handbag soon! Sanrio Global Consumer Products (Ms. Kitty’s parents presumably) has teamed up with MAC cosmetics to create a cosmetics collection for Spring 2009.

The brand will offer two collections – Hello Kitty Colour Collection and Hello Kitty Kouture.  The regular collection will offer lipsticks, eye shadows, mascaras, nail polishes, false eye lashes, you know, the regular MAC goods.  Prices will average about $12-$12 and shades will range from pinks to turquoises to lavenders to greens.  The Kouture collection will offer a larger variety in shades with more lavish packaging and will naturally have higher prices.  Both collections will offer other non-makeup products such as makeup bags and totes.

I’m not too sure how I feel about Ms. Kitty’s involvement in makeup.  I know she’s idolized by many.  In some Asian countries, she’s practically a God and has somewhat of a cult following.  At the same time though, I also smell a desperate marketing attempt here.  I mean, how is Hello Kitty going to attract customers to buy lipstick??? She doesn’t have a mouth! It’s hard for me to see how a cartoon character can sell such products.  I guess we’ll have to wait a few months to see how things turn out.

Ms. Kitty’s cosmetic collections will be available on MAC’s website on February 10 and in stores on February 12 but for all you crazy Hello Kitty fanatics, a waiting list for the items will go live on January 7 at maccosmetics.com!

Source: www.wwd.com