Lancome Lip Lover. Colour And Care In The Best Package Ever! (Also A Little Health Update)

Hello, my neglected wee orphans!

I have been a bad blogger.  There's been a few things keeping the muse at bay of late, and I feel like I should share a little bit of what's happening with you guys.  I feel that you share your time with me by reading my little labour of love, and you deserve to hear why I've been a bit out of touch.

First, let's talk about my new fave lip product!

I had the pleasure of attending World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto last month, and it was such a great experience!  I'm working on a full recap, and trend report so keep an eye out for that.

A week or two before, my lips cracked and split in a few places.  I panicked!  How can one be expected to do Fashion Week sans lipcolour?  I healed up nicely, but my lips were extremely dry an is a d sensitive.  I still couldn't wear most lipsticks or glosses.  They irritated me, or dried out too quickly.  That is until I tried Lip Lover by Lancôme!

A few months back, Lancôme released their entry into the lipstick/balm hybrid world.  Lip Lover is a highly pigmented liquid lipstick with a balm-like texture and gloss-like shine.  The 3-in-1 elixir formula contains a balmy base for ultra cushiony comfort, saturated pigments adhere to the lips for long lasting vivid colour, and a shiny layer remains at the surface for a dewy finish which also protects the lip.  The result is a soft, rich, nourishing formula which provides a great colour payoff, and lasts for hours!

The shade I chose was Belle de Rouge #356, which is a clear rosey-red.  It has a my lips but better quality to it, and gives an elegant hit of colour.  Such an amazing product that's worth every cent of the $29.00 price tag!

 

 

As I mentioned above, things have been a bit rough for the last month or so.  My lupus has progressed, and it can`t be controlled with my current treatment plan.  I`ve been suffering with pain, lethargy, stiffness, and some neurological issues.  In late September my Doctor talked to me about the next step in treatment.  A form of chemotherapy is often helpful for lupus patients, so we decided to do some tests to see if there was a chance I`d respond to the chemo.  The test results show that I should respond well to it, so as of next Monday, I start the treatment!  The dose of medication is much lower than that of a cancer patient, so the side-effects won`t be as severe.  I`ll be run down, lazy, may lose some hair.  The first 12 weeks will be hard, but by spring I should be a dancing machine!

 

So, in the meantime I`m rocking a short pixie, and enjoying my last weekend of wine for the next six to nine months!  My yoga pants are prepped, and my Annie is keeping the couch warm for me.  If I`m MIA here and there know I`m thinking of you guys, and I`ll keep you updated.  I also have some really cool posts which I`m working on to keep me occupied for the next few weeks! 

 

Be well Boys and Girls!

 

Donna Xoxo

The New Neutrals. Flat And Boring Need Not Apply!

One of the biggest trends to surface for the last few seasons, has been the return of the no-makeup makeup look. 

The new version of neutral is nude, but with a little kick!  We should add a little spice to the gumbo, so to speak.

Usually when you think of a nude makeup look, matte taupes and beiges come to mind.  It's a clean polished look, that has seemed to be the go-to for daytime.  My favourite way to give a neutral face some spark is by using metallics.  Add a little copper to the eye, some gold to the cheek and that will bring a little interest to the face without adding loads of colour!

 

 

The first step in a neutral makeup look should always be a good primer.  This look is about a flawless face, with healthy and luminous skin.  The Almay Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer is perfect for a glowing canvas with which to begin.  It allows foundation to apply smoothly, adding a pearlesence to the skin that is just heavenly!  I talk a bit more about this primer here.  It's a must try!

 

For eyes, I chose a palette that has a taupe with a little shimmer for the lid, and a coppery shade in the crease.  A copper liner brought some warmth to the eyes as well.  The palette shown is No7 by Boots which I picked up in Scotland, but I'm really intrigued by The Nudes by Maybelline!  This looks like it has everything for a new neutral and more in it!  The liner is by Quo and it's part of their holiday collection which is out soon, if not already available.  These liners are gorgeous!  The colour is creamy, and they wear a long time without smudging.  I'll discuss Quo Holiday soon.  It's so good!

 

 

A nude lip can be tricky to pull off.  There usually has to be a caramel or rosey undertone in it to avoid a corpse-y look.  Texture is also important when it comes to a nude lip.  I personally like a bit of a sheen to nude lipsticks.  Shimmer, or gloss, but I find a true matte in a yellow shade looks like death.  Not pretty.  My go-to lipstick for a nude lip is Lancôme Colour Design Lipstick in Vintage Rose.  It has a mauve undertone which is great for us pale girlies.  Unfortunately, the Colour Design line is being phased out, but the Rouge In Love line is wonderful!

 

For the cheeks, I used a soft pink blush and a bronzer together for some warmth and definition.  A softly enhanced brow finished off the whole face!  This is nude makeup that won't wash you out, or make you look like you're going to work in you cubicle in an insurance agency in the 90's. 

 

What are your nude makeup tricks?



KissKiss Lipstick By Guerlain Fall 2014. The Perfect Lip Look Update!

I am in love with Guerlain and I don't care who knows it!

French cosmetic companies speak to me, in ways I can't even explain.  It's the effortless glamour, and elegance that gets me. 

The French, Guerlain in particular, make products that are effective while dripping with luxury.  It's in the scent, in the texture, in the results. Every piece of Guerlain looks sophisticated.  It just feels posh beyond belief, and it delivers exactly what it should!

 

 

This fall Guerlain re-released 25 shades of their KissKiss lipstick in new packaging and an improved formula. The new KissKiss is enriched with hyaluronic acid spheres for lip shaping and plumping.  The addition of Commiphora Myrrha oil and mango butter smooth and hydrate.  The lip is left with a satiny, vibrant finish with impeccable hold.  

 

 

 

The colour above is Rouge Kiss.  It's a vivid true red that's creamy and rich on your pout.  This colour feels sexy, and wears beautifully!  I got a few hours of comfortable wear without touch-ups, and once I did have to touch-up I just slicked on some lip balm!  There was loads of colour left, so most people would get six hours easily from this lippy. (I get a little less wear-time due to my freakishly dry lips, so it's tough to judge normal people's wear-time!)  Can we also talk about how fabulous the little imprint of KissKiss on the lipstick bullet is?  Such a wonderful detail!

 

The new packaging was designed by Herve van der Straeten, and Olivier Echaudermaison who is the Creative Director for Guerlain had this to say about the change:

 

"Because lipstick is the absolute weapon of seduction, our revamped version of the KissKiss tube is like a little black dress slipped over gold."

 

An amazing way to look at lipstick packaging, no? 

 



This lipstick is the most beautiful addition to a fall makeup wardrobe!  The cost is $41.00 and it's worth every cent!  The pigmentation is wonderful, the wear is beautiful and the feel is luxurious.  I want every one!  Every. Single. One.

I was going to quickly discuss the KissKiss Lip Lift Primer, but that beauty deserves a post all it's own!  I want to give it a thorough testing before I start bragging about it!  Love it that much already!

How are you going to update your fall look?

Donna Xoxo

My Face Of The Day. Once I Can Wear One, That Is.

Guys, I can almost wear makeup again!
It's been a month and a half, but I'm almost there!
I've been planning what to wear for weeks now, so I thought I'd do a little show and tell.
I'm so looking forward to having colour on my face, and the longing looks I've been giving my poor, neglected lippy collection are a little obscene.

My collection has been teasing me!

The first thing that's going on my face, is some funky summer-proof eyeliner!  I discovered Artdeco cosmetics last year, which you can read here, and it is an amazing line!  The Soft Eye Liner Waterproof #72 is a beautiful, rich, metallic, emerald green.  It's creamy, long wearing, and fun!  Perfection!

Have you tried They're Real Mascara from Benefit yet?  If not, it's a fab find, so you should consider bringing this baby home with you!  I've fallen completely in love with this mascara.  It leaves you with long, lush lashes that has remarkable staying power!  It wears like a dream, and won't smudge or flake at all.  Now, it is a son-of-a-biatch to remove.  I found that an oil remover is mandatory, and it usually takes two applications of remover to get all of the residue.  Benefit does have a remover specifically formulated for They're Real coming out soon, so that would be a great investment once it's available.  Believe me, kids, this mascara is worth every bit of the trouble that comes with removal.  It is that good!
The coup-de-gras for my eventual FOTD will be a bright-ass pout!  I'm so very excited to wear an orange shade on my lips!  I actually have butterflies at the thought of wearing this!  The Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm in Audacious is a delicious, vivid tangerine shade with a velvety finish and a moist feel.  I've bragged about these before, here, and I love them just as much now as I did then!
Once I can wear these products, you better believe I'll be showing them off! 
Until then, I'll be quietly making googly-eyes at my makeup cases, dreaming of the day I can paint myself up!
What trends are you excited to try?

Donna Xoxo

PS- I do have to admit, that I'm remarkably comfortable without makeup these days!  I don't know if it's age and wisdom, or simply necessity, but I'm much more comfy in my own skin, and that's pretty cool!  I would advocate it to everyone to give it a whirl once in a while!!!

I Have A (Colour) Crush On The Body Shop

A few weeks ago, The Body Shop had an event called Girls Night Out to showcase some new spring products.

The mingle of scents in there was delightful, as usual, and the new displays were so inviting!
Of course, I gravitated towards the new makeup collection!  I had visions of soft lilac shadows and pretty corals and nudes dancing in my head before I walked in.  What I ended up with was not what I expected!
The most adorable young lady was looking after me and we decided to play!  We tried the sweet pretty shades that I had in mind, but together we found so much prettiness in the not so sweet shades!

 

I hadn't tried the Colour Crush collection before, and was I in for a surprise! 

The textures were smooth and creamy.  The pigments were intense and true.  Just call me a Smitten Kitten!

The Colour Crush Shadows are a powder that can be applied wet or dry.  They are highly pigmented with a nice rich finish.  The shade shown above is 315 Mon Cherry.  Its a pearlescent mauvey hue that is a slightly warm in tone.  The wear time on these is fantastic, and they don't crease!  The price is beyond worth it at $10.00!  Try this as your nod to Radiant Orchid, and you will be wearing this forever!

The Colour Crush Lippy is a rich, moisturizing lipstick with a high-impact colour pay-off.  The shade I chose is 340 Damson in Distress.  At first it looks like a dark plum but once applied, it's more of a hydrating, shiny stain.  The shade is a beautiful wine that lasts for ever!  I had to remove it with a heavy duty remover at the end of the night.  It stayed comfortable throughout however, and if I needed some moisture after several hours a little bit of balm on top did the trick!  This little wonder is only $13.00, but the quality is that of one that's twice the price.  If I want a softer finish, I just press it into my lips with my finger for a berry stained lip.  Pretty!

 

 

There are so many new things from The Body Shop this spring!  The Raspberry Scent is delicious, and the Vitamin E Oil in Serum is heaven in a bottle! 

 

 

I love my berry lips!  What do you guys think about non traditional makeup colours in spring? 

 

Donna Xoxo

Pretty Pastels From Maybelline and L'Oreal

Happy Easter Boys and Girls!
I hope everyone has lots of chocolate, lots of family and lots of happiness this weekend!
I'm hanging out with Annie, eating too many Easter Cream Eggs, and chillin', which works for me!

 

 

Since the day they came out, I was dying to get my hands on Maybelline's Colour Sensation Colour Elixir Liquid Lip Balm.  I was intrigued by the formula, as I am such a lip balm junkie!  Had to see if it was as hydrating as they claim, right?

It kind of is!

 

The Colour Elixir's are a hybrid of lipstick, gloss, and balm.  They contain a trio of concentrates which contribute shine, colour, and an ultra-cushiony feel.  The applicator is a wide doe-foot, and the smooth angora of the applicator brings a lovely luxe component to the product! 

The balm has a vanilla scent, that has a touch of mint to my nose.  It also feels a bit minty on the lip which makes it a little tingly.  The texture is soft and squishy, and I got about two and a half  hours wear from it.  This was while drinking tea and eating a chocolate chip cookie!  (Man, I have the worst willpower!) 

 The colour I have is Captivating Carnation.  It's a pretty warm pink, which is quite sheer.  The darker shades may be more pigmented.  If I'm honest, I don't love the colour on me.  I wish I had picked up the coral, or the caramel.  Next time!

The shade of the L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Colour, however, is spectacular!

The L'Oreal Nail Colour is a richly pigmented, smooth polish, which wears exceptionally well!  I'm quite rough on my nails, but I got four days wear from this polish before it chipped badly.  The application couldn't have been easier either.  The brush is dense with a nice curve at the edges, and a flatter shape.  It glides nicely over the nail, and since it's not too thick it didn't spread all over my little nail beds!  I did about three coats to get a streak free finish.  That's the nature of a creamy shade, though.  I always need an extra coat when I'm using a shade without shimmer.  Streaks stress me out!

The colour I'm wearing above is from this springs "Trend Setter" collection, and it's called Royalty Reinvented.  What a lovely violety-lavender shade!  It screams spring, and sunshine, and freshness to me!

These colours are the perfect Easter pastels, aren't they?

Have you guys tried Maybelline's Colour Elixirs yet?  What did you think?

 

Donna Xoxo

 

 

 

 



Lancome and Lupita

How much do we love Lupita Nyong'o?  How much do we love Lancôme? 
I was so excited when I heard that these two spectacular entities have joined together, and I cannot wait to see what comes next! 
I may have wet myself a bit. 
Don't judge me!

A small smattering of my Lancôme collection.

 

It's no secret that I am a huge lover of Lancôme. 

I've worked for Lancôme, I've used their skin care and makeup since I was a teenager, and it still amazes me how beautiful and innovative the product continues to be! 

One look at my blog posts, here, and it's pretty clear that no one does a lip quite like Lancôme.  In honour of Lupita joining Lancôme, I'm going to discuss my favorite lip look.  I've featured this lippy before, but it's so good that it deserves another go round!

 

The Colour Design line of lipsticks are a wonderful burst of pigment in different finishes, and textures.  This particular lipstick was in a gift a while ago, which is why the packaging is different than usual. Fuchsia Clutch is a satiny magenta pink that's bright and really, really girlie!  It's not available any longer, but Intense Fuchsia is much the same.  The Le Crayon Liner in Berry is creamy and rich, which acts as a beautiful base for the colour. 

There are a few steps to get the best wear from this lip look:

 

1- Scrub the dryness off  your pout gently with either a baby toothbrush, some sugar and a drop of oil, or a lip scrub like the one from Fresh or Lush.  Sooo yummy!

2-A thin coat of balm that's been blotted will make everything smoother and better!  It always does!

3-Fill the whole lip with liner.  That keeps everything anchored, increasing wear time and keeps the finish consistent.

4-Get that lippy on! From the tube, or with a brush.  Either way!  Blot, and add another coat for added richness to the colour and better wear.

 

A bright lipcolour feels fun doesn't it?  It just lights up the whole face! 

I can't leave you without a picture of the lady whom served as the inspiration for this post, as well as many other beauty choices I've made lately.  I think Lupita Nyong'o feels like a breath of fresh air in the celebrity world!  She's unafraid of colour, elegance and she does it all with the most amazing short hair!  Lupita, I adore you!!!!

 

How can you not?

 

Donna Xoxo

 

Revlon ColourBurst Matte And Laquer Balms

I'm kind of in love with the soft makeup trend!
If the Fall 2014 runways are any indicator, it's not going anywhere for the rest of the year. It's been showing everywhere so far.
This is where Revlon comes in.  Glowing skin and strong brows are the perfect backdrop to a fresh lip!

A year or two ago, Revlon launched the Just Bitten Balm Stain Crayon.  It was such a great product, that it inspired some additions to the line.
Welcome to the world of ColourBurst Matte Balm and Laquer Balm!
Both formulas have a "Triple Butter Complex", which is a combination of shea, mango and coconut butters for a super hydrating and smooth feel on the lip.  The Laquer Balms have a high-shine semi-opaque finish to them.  The Matte Balms have a velvety appearance that is quite opaque.  The Laquer does feel more moisturising than the Matte, as you would expect, but they both do feel quite good on.
Each formula comes in ten shades that co-ordinate with it's counter-part.  Start with the Matte, add the Laquer, and you get a lovely intense colour!
I have been lucky enough to have been given two of each formula in two of the best lip trends of this year.  A set of nude, and a set of orange shades.

The shade on the left is the Matte Balm in Audacious, on the right is the Laquer in Tease.

 

The shade on the left is the Matte Balm in Complex, on the right is the Laquer in Ingenue.

 

Two of the best looks from the Academy Awards on Saturday had lip looks which were similar to two of these balms.  The Matte Balm in Complex was very similar to Olivia Wilde's mod peachy-nude matte lip.  Lupita Nyong'o had a gorgeous shiny coral orange lip, which looks close to the Laquer Balm in Tease.  Both are hot trends right now!

Has anyone tried these balms yet?  Love them as much as I do?

Who had the best Oscar look?

So much pretty!

 

Donna Xoxo

 

 



Break All The Rules! What I'm Changing In My Forties!

I turn 40 tomorrow, and you know what I'm changing about my look?
NOTHING!!!
There are  a few tweaks, which I talk about here, that are good rules to follow, but that's about it!
Rule 1- Never wear anything with shimmer. 
I will never give up a good shimmer eye shadow!  It will settle in lines, but if used strategically and in small doses, you're fine!  You should be doing that anyways, if we're honest here!  We are not the wimpy-ass vampires from Twilight, are we?
Rule 2- Softer hair colour is more appropriate.
Really?  As long as you believe it works, it does!  Vivid hair is all about attitude!  I'd lie if I said it didn't take nerve, but if you have it you're all set!  Choose the proper tone, of course.  It's like anything else, if the skin tone is off, you can't make that just work by will!

 

 

Rule 3- No dark or bright lip colours.

Never Going to happen!  You can take my full coverage red lippy out of my cold dead hand!  The logic behind this is that lips thin as we age and lines form on the outer portion.  As a result, darker shades bleed, as well as make lips thinner looking.  This is why primer, lip liner and hilighter were invented.  These three things ruin that argument Mr. Arbitrary Rule Maker!!!

My hair went grey when I was a teenager, and by the time I was 17 I was colouring every four-six weeks!  I always told myself that when I was forty I'd stop colouring my hair.  What.  Was.  I.  Thinking!

I'm going to be as fiery red tomorrow as I am today!

Well, wish me luck Boys and Girls!  This is a biggie!

I have wine, red velvet cupcakes, an incredible new camera, and my lovely wee family to cushion the blow!

I'll be just fine with all that going for me! 

Lucky, lucky girl that I am!

 

Donna Xoxo

 

PS- I was given a Canon Rebel camera by Ray today, so this is going to be a great adventure for all of us!  I want to give everyone the best possible experience at An Occasional Redhead, and that means better pictures!



Nude Lips, Olivia Pope Style

I'm a bad blogger guys!
I've been all over the place for the last month, which is why I've been a bit MIA.  Last week I was helping a friend look after her two boys, which are two and a half and three months old. 
Parenting is hard!
I figured I'd have time to post, but Holy Hell, it was non stop!
It was so much fun, though!  Those boys love me like nobody's business, and I cant even begin to explain how much I love them!
During nap time, I discovered the tv show "Scandal" and Olivia Pope.
Where have I been all this time?
How have I not been strung-out on this for years already!
Just watch it and try not to be obsessed with it.  All the intrigue, damaged people and debauchery!
Let alone the fashion!
OHHHH MMYYYY GGOOODD!
I'd sell a kidney for a third of that woman's wardrobe.  (If I had one that functioned, that is.)
If I can't have Olivia's style or creamy glowing complexion, dammit, I can have her lip colour!

 

 

 

Olivia always wears a lip colour which is a pink toned nude.  Hers tends to be slightly more matte than the lip I have in the pic, but I needed to add some warmth to the lip crayon I'm wearing as a base so I added a sheer gold gloss.  It perks the colour up a bit, and gave a nice sheen to my dry old-lady lips.
The product that is used on Kerry Washington on the show is Clinique's Chubby Stick in "Whole Lotta Honey".  Here I have on Pop Beauty's Pouty Pop Crayon in "Rose Romance".  It's a full coverage creamy matte stick with a good wear time and soft feel.  The gloss I added was Dior's Crème de Gloss in "215", which is a sheer gold-taupey shade with small multi-coloured glitter particles.  I love that the glitter gives off more of a sheen than a sparkle.  As far as wear time goes, it's not bad for a gloss!  I like this formula quite a bit!

 



 

I`ve never really been one for a nude lip, but I`m a massive fan lately!  It`s a versatile look that can be as great with a soft eye and sculpted cheek as it is with a dramatic eye.  I think we`ll be seeing more of this on me!
Do you guys do the nude lip thing?  Any tricks to pull it off to share?
More importantly, do you guys watch Scandal?  I'm only half way through the second season, and I'm dying to see what's coming!

Donna Xoxo

How to Look Fresh and Pretty On Cold Days Like These.

Winter is officially kicking our asses!
We have been covered in six inches of ice, as well as blasted with -40 degree temperatures.
We now know that a Polar Vortex exists, don't we!
Holy Hell, I wish we didn't!
I am past the point of needing to look chic when I go out the door.
Winter, you win.
I will have hat-head, which for a short haired girl is BAD with a capital B.
I will not compromise on wearing the right makeup, though! Thankfully, I don't have to!
Weather like this is the best time to bust out a flushed cheek and a pretty lip!
The trick is prepping the skin, and using the correct products.

Hydrating, waterproof, and illuminating are your best word friends during a cold snap.
 A rich moisturizer will protect your skin from wind burn, regardless of skin type. (Don't forget the SPF!  So important!)  It's usually best to avoid a full coverage foundation and go with a BB cream or tinted moisturizer.  Go for a smooth, even finish that's dewy.  A little concealer, and that's all she wrote! 
Skin gets so dull when the temperatures drop.  That's when a cream or liquid hilighter comes in handy.  Put some life back into those cheekbones!  You already know I love Pearl by MAC, but Joe Fresh makes some great ones!
Cheek colour is wonderful in the winter!  It's the perfect time for a pretty pink flush!  Benefit Posietint is my fave cheek product right now.  I love the sheerness of it, and the fact that it DOES NOT BUDGE!  Hugely important when you are wind-blown and partly covered by scarves and misery.
A waterproof and smudgeproof mascara is mandatory right now.  I learned that one the hard way!  I wore  a terrible mascara one cold winter morning on my way to work.  I had to wear my sunglasses on the bus at seven in the morning like an idiot, to cover rivers of black running down my face.  Charming, I know.  Since then, I have been rocking L'Oreal's Double Extend Mascara religiously!  It gives ma-jah length and volume to lashes, as well as wears through everything!  It also comes off really easily.  If that isn't the best thing ever, then I don't know what is!
Let's keep with the bubblegum pink flush for the lips, shall we?  I'm in love with Benefit's new Hydra-Smooth lip colour!  It has shea and mango butters for smoothness and hydration.  This feels spectacular, and leaves the prettiest sheer pink velvety finish.  Layer the Posietint  under the lipstick to up the intensity, and wear time. 

What are your best tricks for the winter?

Donna Xoxo

Makeup Looks for Saying Goodbye to 2013

Happy Holidays!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and has been enjoying some time off.
Most of all, I hope everyone has their power back on!
What the HELL was that????!!!!
We lost power for about 36 hours, and after the first 10 or so, Ray and I were bored, delirious and freezing!  Even my poor doggie was cold!
We were pretty lucky though.  I can't imagine having to leave my home for a week, or going through that with young kids.  (I did however get a text from a friend, who has a 10 week old and had to pump breast milk in her Subaru.)
Now, to the subject at hand.
New Year's Eve!
No matter what you have planned, New Year is always an opportunity to be fancy!
Try something a little gutsy and colourful!
I have a few looks here that are fun!  A little colour goes a long way towards brightening your face, and making you feel confidant.
Go for it!!!

I love a smokey-ish eye in something unexpected, like turquoise.  It brings such an inherent sexiness to the look without being obvious.  I have a taupe and gold combo eyeshadow on the lids, and I also have black liner very close to the upper lashes and the lower waterline.  This gives some depth to the eye and makes the whole thing a little Rock and Roll!  For the turquoise liner I used a beautiful waterproof liner from ArtDeco.  I brag about this in more detail here.  I applied a heavy line of the Art Deco above the black on my top lid, and a nice  thick one along the bottom too. This is not the time to be subtle!
Add lots of mascara, a good dose of hilighter along with a pale, shiny lip and Sexy is your middle name!

We all know how much I love Lippy right?  Love the feel, the richness, the elegance!  There is no way I'd discuss NYE looks without offering an option which involves a bright lip!  I went with a fuchsia shade instead of red for a more unusual feel this time of year.  Red is classic, while this feels like a more modern choice.  The best thing to do while wearing a dark or bright lip is prep like a champ!  Too Faced Lip Insurance is an amazing primer!  It gives hours of wear.  A good lip liner is a life saver too!  Make sure it's waterproof, like Sephora's Waterproof lip liner.  Makes a huge difference!  After that, apply your lipstick from the tube, or with a brush.  I'm wearing Lancôme's Colour Design in Fuchsia Clutch.  It's a gorge satiny shade, non? 
All you need to go with this is mascara, brows, and a sculpted cheek!   HOOOOTTT!
Well, Happy New Year Guys!
Thanks so much for all of the support I've gotten from each and every one of you in the past year!  It means more to me to be able to write this blog than I can say, and I couldn't do it without you!
 I wish you all the best for 2014, and I'd love to hear any plans for New Year's Eve, or resolutions for next year!  An Occasional Redhead has a few interesting things coming up!

Donna Xoxo

Gift Guide For The Fancy-Ass Makeup Lover

I may be a little late to the gift guide party, as usual, but this is a good one!  

If there's a makeup afficianado in your life, or you want to give someone some hints for what to leave under the tree for you, these are Ah-May-Zing choices!

Try not to slobber while reading the rest of this post, it's not a good look. Not easy though!

First I have the Mac Masterclass Brush in Oval 6.  $50.50

This brush shape is like nothing that we're used to. The oval head has dense, synthetic bristles which are "perfect for buffing in foundation, blush, and powder" according to the MAC website.  

My Wishes:  I would LOVE with a capital L to use this baby to apply a BB cream and cream bronzer as a contour. 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Diffused Light (one of six shades)  $52.00

This line of powders are faboosh because each one mimics the effect of different types of lighting on the skin. The finishes range from moonlight, or candlelight to a gentle morning sunlight and more. Sign a sister up!

My Wishes: Diffused Light mimics the light of a soft camera light, which softens lines, blotches, and redness. It also has a less sparkly finish than some, so you don't look like a knock-off Twilight vampire!

Yves Saint Lauren Rouge Volupte Lipstick 

Forbidden Burgundy  $39.00

I have been dying to get my paws on one of these beauties since they came out!  The formula has an SPF of 15, is intensely pigmented, and contains YSL's "Colour-Shine Complex" which leaves lips smooth, plump and radiant. All that and a light, yet silky texture. 

My Wishes: Had me at plump!  The colour is a rich and vampy shade of burgundy that still feels feminine too!  

I would adore whoever left these under my tree, or in my stocking!

Wouldn't you???!!!

Let my know your wishes!!

Donna Xoxo

"Rosie" Lips

I was reading People Stylewatch the other day and have come to a conclusion.  Guys, I need Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's lips.
Not just because they get to kiss Jason Statham either, although, that is a major selling point!
It's the pillowy, pouty quality of them in the pic that I fell in love with!  The texture is beautiful, as well as the colour.  She tends to wear a lipstick which is the perfect shade of rosey-nude.
When I wear lipstick, it's usually a statement shade, or a beigey tone if I'm doing a smokey eye and its never on the matte side.
Well, that has all changed, thanks to Rosie!

I have a fairly dark pigment to my lips, so I had to play around with a few different products to get the texture and shade I was after.  The final look was achieved with three products.
1- Lancome Le Lipstique Sheer Lip Liner in Sheer Raspberry all over the lips.  This is a warmer toned pink which gave me a nice smoothness to the lip colour.
2- Lancome Colour Design in Vintage Rose. This lipstick is a very soft pink with a touch of mauvey irridesance to it.  Ultra girly!
3- elf Matte Lip Colour in Nearly Nude.  This is a very pale matte beige.  I applied this sparingly near the middle of the mouth for a little dimension. I pressed this in with my finger to give the lips an almost "worn in" look.
I am of the opinion that make-up is alchemy a lot of the time. If you don't have the exact shade or texture you're after, play around with what you do have!  You might surprise yourself!
I am absolutely going to add this lip look to the rotation!
Do you guys like it on me?  Be honest!!!!

Donna Xoxo

My Favourite Fall Look Featuring Clinique and The Body Shop

Happy September!

I like summer, but I'm totally a fall girl!  I love the richness of the colours associated with fall. I'm also a big fan of layering clothes. There is nothing I enjoy wearing more than a scarf with a great cardi!

I'm also sooo excited to update my makeup look!  There are two things in particular which are absolute musts this season for me. 

Matte, but still luminous skin, and deep plum or berry lips. 

I started with a smooth canvas. I applied a foundation with a medium-full coverage. I'm really in love with the Extra Virgin Mineral foundation from The Body Shop. The coverage is buildable, and the finish is smooth. It blends well, and feels quite creamy. It has a nice glow to it. After adding powder, you're left with a finish that's not chalky.  Matte, but luminous!  A little concealer and cream hilighter helped too!

I added a softly defined eye next with, of course, lots of lashes, (Thank you L'oreal Double Extend Mascara!!!!) along with a sculpted cheek. 

On to the lippy!

I have always loved Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey!  It can look terrifying in the tube, but, don't be scared!  It goes on quite sheer and leaves a beautiful blackberry stain. The texture is between a balm and a full coverage lipstick. Apply it with a finger for more of a true stain, or straight from the tube with a lip liner as I have in the picture for a more opaque finish. 

This face is the kind of look I'll be wearing all over the place these days!  It works with jeans and a pair of Toms while running errands on a Wednesday just as well as it will while having a couple of drinks on a Saturday night. Different footwear, of course!

What is your go-to face for this fall going to be?  I'd love to hear!  Now, as for the hair situation above, I'm waaayyy overdue for a cut and colour!  It's getting remedied tomorrow. 

Don't judge me!!!

Donna Xoxo

What Looks to Rock This Fall, and How to Try Them Tomorrow!

One of the most exciting times of the year for me is when the fall makeup collections come out. 

I love the richness of the hues, and the textures!  

I want to wear them immediately. 

This very second. 

So I'm going to!

I'm of the mind that every shade can be transitional. It's all in the application, and placement of the product. 

Lets discuss some fall trends, shall we?

Eyeshadow is still all about colour!  Two of the biggest trends on the fall runways were orange-tones and deep purple shades. Both look fresh when used in a smokey eye, or as a sheer wash over the eye. The most modern shades, in my opinion, were the glossy copper at Givenchy, and the rich prune at Gucci. 

Above, I have a few shades that are going to be great applied in a wash over the entire eye now, and then up the intensity when it cools down. 

Bottom left to top right:

Lancôme Colour Design in Model, Estée Lauder PureColor in Smokey, Lancôme Colour Design in Spontaneous. 

Next, I'm going to speak about grey. Glorious grey. Grey is HUGE this fall!  What makes it new this year is the softness of it. It was sheer, but very impactful at Alexander Wang. For now, soften a cat eye, by using a charcoal in place of black. 

Lips are going to be wine, wine, wine. All the way from berry to plum. The look is very textural, either matte, stained or ultra-glossy, but quite opaque. Derek Lam showed a beautiful stain on his runway. One of the prettiest effects of the season was a stain which focused most of the colour in the centre of the lip creating a soft diffuse colour toward the outer edges. So very pretty!

Top: 

Lancôme Le Rouge Absolu in Merlot

Bottom Left to Right:

Clarins Mono in Urban Grey, Covergirl Naturelux GlossBalm in 245 Pinot

I'm beyond excited for some new in my makeup repertoire!!!!

How about you?

Donna Xoxo

Donna's Top Five! My Go-To Lipsticks for Every Occasion.

Happy National Lipstick Day!

I just found out that July 29th is National Lipstick Day and this makes me soooooo happy!  I love the idea of a whole day devoted to lipstick. 

Not gloss, not balm. Good old fashioned lipstick!

I love the feel of a lipstick. I love the way it looks, the way it glides on the lips. I love the sense of glamour and how it seems like I'm complete once its on!  

Just the act of putting it on feels sexy and Old-Hollywood to me!

Here are my Fave Five lipsticks. (In no particular order)

1- Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivids in Shocking Coral. A pretty pink toned coral That's fun to wear. I did a post on this one not too long ago!  Worth a revisit!

2- Lancôme Colour Design in Desert Bloom. This rosey shade is a great neutral for days when you want a soft lip, but not a nude, especially if you have a good amount of pigment in your lips like I do. 

3- Avon Anew Youth Awakening Lipstick in Bordeaux. A gorgeous creamy burgundy. Gives a great fullness to the look of the lip. 

4- Lancôme Colour Design in Red Stiletto. Everybody needs a great red, and this one more than fits the bill!  It's a blue toned shade that works with most skin tones. Elegant beyond belief!

5- Lancôme Colour Fever in Fuschia Fever. This magenta is an attention getter!  

What are your fave lippies?

Donna Xoxo

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine. So Worth the Price, and Possible Divorce.

Have you tried Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick yet?

One from the summer collection followed me home a few days ago, (I swear it wasn't my idea Ray!  Please don't divorce me.) and let me tell you, this is like heaven in a tube!

When Chanel formulated the Rouge Coco line, they added what they call the Hydratender Complex which gives a soft, hydrating quality to the lipsticks. The Rouge Coco Shine is slightly more sheer than its counterpart, with a balmy texture.   They say it has a "melt-away" feel, and that's exactly how this felt going on!  The texture was incredibly smooth while being shiny, not slippery. 

The colour, as I mentioned above, is 467 Pygmalion from the Summer Collection. They are slightly more pigmented than the regular collection, but still have that great transparency. The shade is a warm coral-pink, which could easily be layered over a deep red liner in the cooler months. The price was $39.99. 

I'm becoming a total coral junkie!  What the hell is that about?

I wore it with a nude lip liner, but that wasn't necessary for touch-ups!  I got about two and a half hours wear out of this, which is what I expected. If I need more wear time, I'll add my Too Faced lip primer and I'll be good to go!

I've been a sucker for Chanel lip products since I was a teenager, and this is exactly why. They really are beautiful, and I always feel so Glamorous bringing out that wonderful black and gold packaging. 

Who cares if I walk with a cane, like I'm Ninety?  I have Chanel on my face, Bitches!

Donna  Xoxo

Summer Stained Lips.

I don't know about you peeps, but I hate the feeling of heavy makeup when it's hot!  My face feels like its suffocating!

There is nothing better in the summer than a bright lip though. 

What's a girl to do?

Well, as it would happen, I have the answer!  

A stained lip!  

I LOVE the lip to look as though you have just finished a Popsicle!  Slightly darker in the centre of the mouth, with a soft matte finish. 

I have a little step-by-step tutorial on how this is done. The pics below are in order of the steps.

This is my particular fave way to get this look. 

1-Smooth on a hydrating lip balm and pat it thoroughly into the lips. Line and fill in the lips with a bright berry tone lip liner. 

2-Apply a bright pink lip stain on the inner portion of the lips. Take a matte nude lip crayon or lipstick and apply that the outer portion of the lip. Smudge where the two meet so there is a nice soft ombré finish.

3-Apply concealer around the outer lip line and blend for a clean lip line. This prevents bleeding like a champ!

4-Put a creamy hilighter in the "cupid's bow" of the lip. (The "V" on the top lip). This gives the appearance of fullness. It's a great trick since the formula and technique used here are not adding volume to the lips. 

And, there you have it!  

I used four products for this, which may seem like a lot of work, but the payoff is worth it!  It will wear for hours, and if it feels dry, just press some lip balm on gently and you'll feel more comfortable without losing any colour!

This also looks fab in the cooler months with a deep wine shade!  

So many possibilities!!!

Don't you love some new tricks! If you guys have any, hook a sister up!!!

Donna Xoxo