If you are familiar with my hair & makeup work or know me you will know that for me to break out a powder is a feat. I just don't like the texture it gives the skin. It makes you look old. Women, in my opinion are oversold powder foundations more than Big Macs.

So when I say I have found a powder that I LOVE you know it has to be a good one. I'm a sucker for flash sale sites. I stalk the beauty links. Hautelook was having a flash sale on Stila.

With the description of the Illuminating Face Powder being:

"Let your inner radiance shine through with this unique, all-in-one powder foundation. Infused with Mica, tiny crystals found in nature, this unique formula helps reflect light for luminous skin that looks fresh and bright.Perfect for all skin types, illuminating powder foundation minimizes skin imperfections while maximizing sun protection with SPF 12 for ageless, timeless skin that simply glows. Apply dry for a light coverage or damp for more complete coverage."

I thought ok... I'll bite and buy a few. I always buy my shade so I can test it on my delicate Princess skin. Well... this powder has the Andrea Claire seal of approval and trust me that is HUGE!

stila 'illuminating' powder foundation SPF 12 $28.00 USD by Stila at Nordstrom Compact sold separately.

On the subject of powder...

Are you one of those ladies who reapplies all day because you think you are shiny?? Check your skincare. You may need a new routine or just try some blot film. Adding layers of powder truly ages you as it accentuates lines and you will look cakey. Apply your foundation once and then perhaps one t-zone touch-up, that's it!

Also bare in mind: over-powdering and even over-blotting will tell your oil glands that you need more oil and speed up the oil production process. Cut back powder and blotting and let your skin get back on track. True story.

My lists for Best Hair and Best Skincare were kept at a list of 10ish; I fear this list will be longer so I will break it down into sections. Bear with me. [A sampling as to why you should believe me here.]

Primers

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer $30.00 USD at Bergdorf Goodman

Laura Mercier's foundation primer was the first I used and although I have tried and liked many others, hers is by far the best. Creating the ultimate canvas for foundation and makeup. Apply over moisturizer or onto clean skin before a Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer or foundation.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 $17.00 USD at Sephora

Another Primer that I have tried and like. The price point is more affordable than Laura Mercier and really, there isn't a big difference in results.

**Use Primers sparingly as some formulations if you use too much it will cause foundation to pill. You only need a pea-size for your entire face.

Foundations: I give you my top 3 as I can't settle on just one.

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation. I bet you saw that coming. I first used this since 2004 on Stylin' Gypsies and have been hooked ever since. Excellent coverage that still looks like your skin and not heavy.

Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free SPF 20 $32.00 USD at Sephora

A lightweight, tinted moisturizer infused with protective SPF 20. What it does: This oil-free, water-resistant tinted moisturizer helps skin look softer and younger with micro-fine light diffusing pigments. Perfect for daily use, it creates a sheer wash of natural color and helps diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Rae Cosmetics Climate Control a semi-sheer foundation with SPF that is heat and sweat-proof. Developed by Austinite Rochelle Rae in the heat of Texas. You have to work to blend quickly as this foundation sets pretty fast but once it's on it ain't goin' nowhere.

Concealers / Under-Eye Brighteners

These to me fit in the same category and not because they are the same thing but because if you have very little baggage under your eyes you may just require an under-eye brightener. Or if you look like you have excess then you may need to dab some brightener on top of your concealer.

By Terry Touche Veloutee, $55 USD is a new find for me. I LOVE it. Makeup Artist, Terry de Gunzburg developed YSL Touche Eclat [which is meh for me; I find the texture chalky] and now has her own line. If you are an Eclat-fan then the transition is a must for you. If you were like me and meh on the Eclat then this is definitely a no-brainer.

Amazing Cosmetics A Little Amazing Light Golden 0.2oz $28.00 USD at SkinStore

This concealer erases dark circles, blemishes, broken capillaries, sun damage and redness with only using tiny amounts of product.Called the ""magic eraser"" by beauty insiders, Amazing Concealer will transform your skin... into Amazing skin.""

I've tried this once feeling and seeing the results immediately. So - keeping in mind that I just bought it and haven't thoroughly tested it yet - but the results at first sight were amazing.

Soap & Glory Trick And TreatmentTM Double-Action Under Eye Dark Circle Corrector $18.00 USD at Sephora

It features a special yellow pigment mix to neutralize dark purple under eye circles. The formula also includes soft-focusing spheres to instantly minimize fine lines and clinically-tested levels of HALOXYL™ dark-circle -lightening peptides. What else you need to know: HALOXYL helps mobilize sluggish, dark under-skin pigment. It works by slowly attacking the root of dark circles while instigating a quick cover up.

Yup. It works. One shade though... any darker skin lovelies care to comment?

Master corrector $36.00 USD at Giorgio Armani

Corrective concealer in four color-balancing shades designed to target specific complexion concerns. Exclusive micro-fil technology allows for targeted correction, visibly concealing imperfections while light-reflecting pearls impart a halo of light imparting a seamless, flawless facial canvas. Corrective concealer shades include:

• 1. pink: counteracts sallow, dull skin and effectively corrects yellow and olive pigmentation.
• 2. orange: targets olive or darker skin tones to conceal under-eye circles, freckles, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation.

**Normally at this stage you would lightly powder. I'm not a powder fan. My opinion: it's the most over-used makeup. If you want to age yourself use powder. It accentuates fine lines and makes the skin look dry. I use FACEatelier's Translucent powder SPARINGLY.

Bronzer

Sheer Bronzer $48.00 by Giorgio Armani at Saks Fifth Avenue

Great for sculpting! Create the glow of sun-kissed skin with Sheer Bronzer, a soft micro-fine bronzing powder. Copper and bronze hues warm skin, creating a sculpted glow with shimmering, honey highlights. All skin types.

Soap & Glory Solar Powder cheap and cheerful at 11 pounds... which is what in USD?? $22- ish? [insert Barbie beauty math here]

This comes with a subtle highlighter too so easy-peasey for scuplting. Subtle, blends as you apply so you won't look like an aging 80s rockstar.

LOVE Soap & Glory products. Every one I have tried I have kept in my box o'beauty.

Blush

FACEatelier Facade is a beautiful blush that blends out to a wash of colour. Great blendibility so you aren't playing beat the clock trying to blend.

NARS Powder Blush Cheek Color, Orgasm $27.00 USD by NARS at Beauty.com

Um. Yeah... as the name would imply... a beautiful just got laid colour.... If only there was a hair equivilent... Ladies, you know what I mean; show of hands if you actually have had sex with the intention of getting that look... come on... don't be shy...yay, me neither. *wink*

If you are lucky you can grab a limited edition NARS Danmari All About Cheeks Palette $65.00 USD. Long story but I have 2 - that I paid for, NARS shows me no makeup artist love. All of these colours are wearable for everyone and a must-have for beauty pros. If you do a lot of bridal makeup click order now.

EYESHADOW

Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner $19.00 USD at Benefit

The only downfall with this product is there are not enough colours. I love it. The texture is sheer but you see it. Benefit's cream shadows are a great base for any eye makeup too as it can act like a bit of a primer. I can layer many colours on top and they don't flake or crease. The most used item in my kit is my Benefit Creaseless Eyeshadow in Birthday Suit. Need a smoky eye? Here.

M·A·C Eyeshadow $15.00 USD by M·A·C at Nordstrom

With a plethora of colours you can't go wrong when looking for a new shadow hitting the MAC counters. One of my FAVE colours of all time is SHROOM. A great champagne colour for the inner eye, brow arch and anywhere else you want a smidge of a highlight.

Yaby Cosmetics has many wonderful things in their line and this is one of my favourite palettes. The pigments are so powerful and look so gorgeous on anyone that I work on. A must for any beauty addict.

I'm still on the search for a great black intense shadow, Any suggestions? The ones I have tried are either wimpy or shimmer. I want a great intense, I'm a goth-type black shadow. Trust me, I have tried a lot and I'd be surprised if someone can come up with one that I haven't tried. Oooo, a challenge! :)

Eyeliner

Powerpoint Eye Pencil $15.00 USD at M·A·C

I have so many of these. I love them. They are easily blended and stay-put.

L'Oreal-Voluminous Mistake-Proof Marker Eyeliner $6.99 USD at Ulta

L ́Orèal Voluminous Eyeliner Mistake-Proof Marker has an exclusive Slanted Applicator that provides a flow that is controlled and continuous allowing you to line your eyes perfectly every time.For a soft look, use the pointed tip to draw a thin, fine line.For a more dramatic look, use the slanted side to draw a thick, full line.The fragrance-free formula is water-resistant and won¿t smudge, fade, or smear for all-day wear, up to 12 hours.Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, this eyeliner is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.Removes easily with eye makeup remover. (.056 oz)

D) All of the above. It's amazeballs. Buy it.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner $21.00 USD Sephora

Get the precision of a liquid liner with the ease of a gel-based formula. The eyeliner glides on smoothly and precisely, then quickly dries down to a long-wearing, water-resistant finish. Also an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner.

Mascara

L'Oreal Voluminous Dramatic Volume Building Mascara $6.99 USD at Ulta for bold and beautiful lashes, with dramatic volume.

I first tried this when I was the L'Oreal Paris lead hairstylist for Canadian Idol. L'Oreal was uber generous with their products and I could have opened up my own shop with the product they supplied us for Idol [I led hair for L'Oreal Paris Fashion Week in Toronto for 3 seasons too] I came away with much love for L'Oreal Paris and this mascara is my kit staple.

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara

$5.99 by Revlon at Target

I have been trying this mascara lately. I have the brownish-black - normally I wear black as I find the brown/ brown-blacks not intense enough, This colour has depth and when I wear it I don't feel the urge to grab my black mascara. Easy to apply and zero under-eye bleeding or smudging. I love the volume I get too - much needed for my aging lashes. *sigh*

Majolica Majorca. Good luck finding this is North America as I don't think it's available there. Anyone?

I love the brush - you can get right to the roots with no fuss.

Lip Liners

Yes - they can look harsh but they do have a purpose especially with the red lips trending right now.

Givenchy Lip Liner

$24.50 USD by Givenchy at Sephora A long-lasting, waterproof lip liner pencil with sharpener. Literally glides onto lips without feathering as it provides a precise line. Enriched with vitamin E, the formula protects lips while skin conditioners retain moisture.

Honestly Givenchy, you need more colours. You have the best lip liners but I need more colours!

MAC Lip Pencil $14.00 USD at Dillard's

Where Givenchy fails in colours MAC wins! Everyone knows MAC for their vast colour range. I find the pencils a smidge dry, I'd like to see a reformulation with some slight added moisture then they would be perfect!

Lipstick

The best neutral goes to Bobbi Brown for the lip colour in Beige. It is wearing out from my 1991 Anniversary palette. One of her original colours so happy to know that it's not a limited edition and I can snag a full tube anytime. A great colour wearable for so many women.

Julie Hewett Noir Lipstick $22.50 USD at Anthropologie

This double-pigmented formula is blended with healing camellia oil and essence of rosebud, for color that will stay on your lips for hours but never dry them out.This claim is so ridiculously true. These lipsticks are genius. I don't know how she did it but the pigments are so vivid and stunning. I use them on shoots, brides and myself. They last longer than the Energizer Bunny.

Highlighter

Jemma Kidd Makeup Dewy Glow Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme, Iced Gold $30.00 USD at Beauty.com

Hands-down the BEST highlighter I have ever used. I have tried others that come close but this one I will cry if Jemma Kidd ever discontinues it. A little goes a long way. When you apply this turn your head slowly in the light to see how it catches the light. You want to see it as you turn not when you are static. If you see a lot of highlight staying still then you have applied way too much and then you will just look sweaty Betty.

XO

There's my list!

What are your faves?? Anyone hate anything on the list? Not sure who could possibly but if it doesn't work for you tell me why - maybe it's your technique and I can happily help correct it.

Last year's beauty palette post was such a hit and really, who doesn't love a great palette?!

Makeup Palette Math

Simple Beauty Math: 1 base colour (lid) + 1 contour colour (crease) + 1 liner (lashline) = Gorgeous!

Drama Beauty Math: 1 base colour (lid) + 1 contour colour (crease) + 1 liner (lashline) + 1 Highlight (tearduct and brow bone) = STUNNING!

TIP: Eyeliner applied heavily onto the inner rim will add a quick smoky effect. Try grey, brown, plum or basic black.

Here are the must-have beauty items for Holiday 2011, whether a selfish Scroogette who wants them all for yourself or for gift-giving these are my pretty picks:

Bobbi Brown Ultimate Party Collection $65.00 USD by Bobbi Brown at Neiman Marcus Model picture from the Bobbi Brown It's Your Party collection.

Bobbi Brown Party Shimmer Brick $40.00 USD by Bobbi Brown at Sephora

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks are a staple in my makeup kit. This is a great new addition for holiday as well as fab for highlighting a gorgeous bridal makeup.

4-Step Smoky Eyes Palette - Golden Brown $28.00 USD at The Body Shop, Yes, I just blogged about this one. And yes, I love it. [Comes in Silver Black too!]

Urban Decay Nail Polish Set $28.00 USD by Urban Decay at Sephora If you have girl sextuplets you can divide these into their stockings. I love mini bottles of polish. I actually buy these for my nail kit when I can since I never use up a full bottle of polish.

Stila Holiday Dream in Full Color Palette ($366 value) $39.00 USD by Stila at Beauty.com Always a fan of the Stila palettes, the shadows are easy to blend and this palette will give you endless possibilites.

Smashbox 'Pretty In Pictures' Holiday Set ($230 Value) $89.00 USD by Smashbox at Nordstrom Be camera-ready for holiday snapshots with the Smashbox Pretty In Pictures Holiday Set. Set includes:- Metallic Proof Cream Eyeliner Palette.- Soft Lights.- Two Photo Op Eyeshadow Trios.- Full Exposure Mascara.- Two Double-ended Lip Enhancing Glosses.- Photo Finish Foundation Primer .

A flight of fragrances by Mary Kay. This Limited-Edition Mary Kay Miniature Fragrance Collection includes Bella Belara®, Belara®, Journey®, Thinking of You® and Velocity® all in a pretty posh box, makes a great holiday hostess gift, mother-in-law or even for that smelly girl in your office.

Can You Serve is a Singapore reality show whereas the contestants take on judged customer service challenges to become #1 in their field. Resident judges then critique their service, offering suggestions of improvement prior to letting one go. [I don't mean they fart; a contestant is voted off] Each episode has a guest judge who also interjects with words of customer service wisdom.

There is no dramatic "You're Fired!"! The host, Anita Kapoor delivers on each episode to the unsuspecting contestant 'Your services are no longer required.' Tears are shed.

Season 2 premieres on the 26th of July. For those not in Singapore or who just wish to repeatedly watch check out Can You Serve on youtube and please 'LIKE' the FACEBOOK page.

I watched season one on youtube and really liked the show, it's very entertaining with the various scenarios the contestants are placed in and the judges offer some great customer service tips that even viewers can takeaway.

Vested interest?

I am the hair and makeup artist for the host of season 2, Anita Kapoor.

What I used on Ms Kapoor here:

Skincare: provided by Dermalogica. Let's face it, Anita has gorgeous skin! This is one I use on EVERYONE: Dermalogica-age Smart Multivitamin Power Firm For Eye And Lip Area, $53.00 at Ulta

Foundation: Guess... yup, I'm a broken record: FACEatelier Ultra Foundation, #6

Cheeks: Cherry Cheek Tint by Joe Fresh Beauty

Eyes: We really favoured the Urban Decay Naked Palette, $48.00 by Urban Decay at Sephora

Lips: Stila Cosmetics This Availability Of This Item Is Unknown At This Time.$20.00 by Stila at SkinStore We used the Grapefruit Lip Glaze a lot. Not sure if the 'availability unknown' means that they are discontinuing these Lip Glazes. I hope not. LOVE them.

[NOTE: I was the hair and makeup to the host only, minus episode one because I was so bloody ill with food poisoning - thank's to a certain restaurant by the Indoor Stadium, I'll spare you the details but the upside I was down 5 lbs. Thinking of eating there this week...]

Wardrobe Stylist to Ms Kapoor: Faz Abdul Gaffa

Often I am asked by women ‘I just turned XX on my birthday, should I be changing my makeup habits?’

Such a fabulous question!

 Age appropriate makeup, like a hemline, needs to be adjusted with age. Your actual age, your physical age and your emotional age all factor into your beauty dos and don’ts.

For example – let’s say you are 50 but often mistaken for 30. Yes, you may get away with a younger beauty look but you should still tone down the glitter. Sorry – we don’t make the rules, we just play by them. It can work in the opposite direction too, i.e.: if you are 25 mistaken for 40 you may need to cut down on the compact powder or at least stop reapplying every thirty minutes.

When In Your:

20s: The beauty world is your oyster. Hate to break it to you, but this is the last decade that you can embrace all things beauty from bright pigment, shimmer, sparkles to frosty makeup; just don’t wear it all at once.

Try MAC Cosmetics eye shadow in Aqua from the Fashion Flower collection.

Bronzers are great for you 20-somethings too, especially if you are blessed with flawless skin. Try a light buff of bronzer paired with your bright eye color and lip gloss will get out the door in less than 10 minutes looking Fashionista fabulous!

Try Rae Cosmetics Endless Summer Mineral Bronzer

TIP: Club makeup and job interview makeup are not the same unless you are interviewing in a club. To get the stubborn sparkles from the night before off your skin use a little scotch tape.

30s: If you have taken care of your skin up to now, good for you; on the other hand, it’s not too late to start with magic creams. Makeup applies better and lasts longer with a smooth canvas.

 "By the mid 30’s, women start to acquire a more sculpted beauty. With greater confidence and knowledge, make-up becomes less experimental and a more refined looks evolves. As you reach your later 30’s, switch from out-and-out glitz to subtle shimmers that are more flattering and won’t accentuate any fine lines around the eyes. There is no need to stop wearing strong colors, though." Jemma Kidd, International makeup artist

Try Dermalogica’s Treatment Foundation that has light to medium coverage with skincare benefits including Vitamin A that helps to increase skin elasticity, reversing signs of premature aging.

On the eyes try Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette, all the colors you need for pretty, soft and (when you need) sexy eyes.

40s: As fine lines may be digging their Louboutins in a little deeper, be aware that some makeup is no longer flattering on your skin; opt for liquid foundations versus powders. Avoid frosty, silvery and white eye shadows; in fact, note that frosty makeup will actually age you! Use cream shadows that are crease-free and try for a more neutral color palette on the eyes which is more complimentary. Cream shadows can also be used alone or as primers to build powder on top avoiding the dry-crepey look.

Try Stila Prime Pot in Taffy or Caramel.

Finish off your neutral eye with L’Oreal Paris Double Extend Eye Illuminating Mascara, formulated to enhance your eye color with two simple steps: a light-reflecting lengthening black mascara highlights flecks of color found in eyes, while the sphere-shaped tipping brush applies the pearl-infused top coat. Available in four shades.

"Choose a lightweight water-based foundation; it gives a more youthful dewy appearance to the skin than heavier oil-based foundations, which can settle into lines and pores. Avoid applying too much; you just want to even the skin tone. You can use a concealer for problem areas that may need a bit more coverage." Rochelle Rae, Rae Cosmetics

50s: Define Define Define is your new makeup mantra. Sharpen up your fading natural lip line and define your eyes by using brow pencils and lip pencils. Think classic Hollywood glam with semi-matte to satin finishes which work best on your skin and lips. Add a little dazzle to the eyelid and brow bone with a shadow or cream that adds a youthful glow by giving a lifting illusion.

Try Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight, an eye primer with a reflective glow diffuses fine lines and can be worn alone, especially great for a more mature woman. Touching up under the eyes and spot correcting the skin with just a concealer may be all you need then add color and radiance to your cheeks which also livens up your complexion with a long-wearing blush.

Try Anti-Aging Concealer SPF 20 and Cellular Radiance Cream Blush, both La Prairie .

60s+: Borrowing from the 50s, define and add in a brighter creamy lip. Bright corals, pinks and even reds will brighten you up. If your skin is getting quite wrinkled be mindful of your foundation color (too light and you can look chalky), texture and blending – tinted moisturizers or liquid foundations are best for your skin blending with a foundation brush.

Try La Prairie Anti-Aging Hydra Tint SPF 20 that contains an extract from a salicornia plant and sunflower seed oil which increase skin’s moisturization while an anti-aging peptide helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

 To add some color try MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Ever Hip from the Fashion Flower collection.

Every new decade rethink your look. Consider booking a private lesson with a pro to get your bespoke day and night looks created just for you!

This article by Andrea Claire [moi] was originally written for austinwoman magazine.

So you wanna be famous? Already are? A-B-C or Double D- list? If you are A or B you probably have a makeup artist.... 

Hopefully a good one.

photo: from the web

photo: Logo's 3rd Annual 2010 "NewNowNext Awards" - Arrivals

When people like Snooki give beauty a very bad mane - I mean name... you have to wonder: Are we losing our style?

photo: Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi Promotes Snooki Slippers Line At MAGIC Convention

Judging from this recent photo, even Snooki realized the error of her ways.

photo: 2011 Winter TCA Tour - Day 3

Joan Rivers, who is a pulled a little too tight has opinions on what not to wear but really as a member of the Fashion Police she needs to give herself a ticket.

And finally... what inspired this blog.

photo: Traci Melchor  via Jody Daye's Facebook page

Jody Daye, a good friend / fellow makeup magician and I just had a Facebook public display of horror over beautiful Traci Melchor's TV appearance. Traci is a well known TV presenter in Canada. All I can say is 'What was she thinking?!'

Jody's thoughts:

Poor Traci. We are here to help.

I found this image online.

Dearest Traci: This is lovely. The other - ditch it. You are too young and beautiful to look like an Auntie.

Now - Jody and I are no slouch when it comes to TV appearances. Both of us have a lot of behind the camera and on-camera experience. I am sure I can speak for both of us when I say - we aren't always perfect. Well, Jody has no kids and a little more vain than I so... maybe he is perfect.

photo: The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards - Arrivals

If you are going on TV... whether it's your first appearance or your last, inspire your TV glow from Ms JLo herself. Nothing says Hot Damn - I'm gorgeous like the famous JLo Glow. Her makeup artist needs a beauty medal. Troy? Is that you?

Your Reality Star DIY Basic Makeup Bag

This makeup combo gives you luminous perfect skin:

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation

Shimmer Brick Compact - Bronze

 $38.00 at Bobbi Brown

Stila Lip Glaze

 $22.00 by Stila at Ulta

CARGO EyeLighter Eye Brightening Stick, Shimmer & Matte, Gold 1 ea

$20.00 at Beauty.com

MAC Shroom eyeshadow or Cargo Cosmetics Eye Lighter for the tear ducts, outer corner and brow bone highlighter

Urban Decay Cosmetics 24/7 Glide-on Shadow Pencil

$20.00 by Urban Decay at Ulta

Grey, Brown or Black powder pencil liners or Bobbi Brown Long-Wearing Gel liners if you are very careful

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara Collection

$4.99 by L'Oreal at Target

*Fake lashes IF they are NOT plastic are fine IF you know how to put them on. Brown lashes are easier to blend into your own lashes. Ardell has nice real hair lashes. Why not the plastic ones? They are heavy. They reflect light. They are ugly.

*Eyebrows. Eyebrows. Eyebrows. So many mishaps and misshapes. Best to not apply them without a lesson from a Brow Guru. There is a fine line between well-defined and Drag Queen. If you are Drag Racing, please, carry-on. If you are a woman, put the brow pencil down and walk away.

Everything else should remain OFF your face unless done by a professional or if you have been taught to do your makeup on the fly by a pro. You need to understand lighting and tv cameras and with the world of 'everyone is going on tv' these days - keep in mind:

1. Less is MORE
2. Wear SPANX

That is all.

PS. Or you can just hire us to make you pretty. ;) 

Makeup palettes are the LBD [little black dress] of your cosmetic bag; the go-to collection of day or night beauty. Not sure where to start? First decide your makeup look; are you all about the DRAMA, sophistication or a simple day look?

Makeup For Dummies

 Simple Beauty Math: 1 base colour (lid) + 1 contour colour (crease) + 1 liner (lashline) = Gorgeous!

 Drama Beauty Math: 1 base colour (lid) + 1 contour colour (crease) + 1 liner (lashline) + 1 Highlight (tearduct and brow bone) = STUNNING!

 Note: Base colours tend to be lighter/brighter. Crease shades are darker/dramatic and liners either match the crease colour or tend to be even darker. [email me if you don’t know what a highlight is]

 *Tip: Inspire from that celeb everyone says you look like! Tape a magazine page onto your mirror and refer to the picture as you apply your makeup.

 Find cosmetic palettes overwhelming? Just because your palette has twelve colours doesn’t mean you need to wear all twelve; in fact, please don’t. Eye makeup should never exceed five colours or three for the novice; and don’t forget to blend, Blenderella, blend!

Stila Eye for Color Eye Shadow Palette

Features 13 new, ultra-wearable eye shadow shades for endless, easy to-create looks. This compact version is perfect for the on-the-go Stila girl and is an amazing steal-a (get it? Stila Steal-a...?) !

Urban Decay Book of Shadows

 Included are 2 pencils which can double as a great base for eyeshadow! Filling in your entire lid with eyeliner adds depth and longevity to your eyeshadow. The creamy consistency of the Urban Decay eyeliners makes the application tug-free on the delicate eye area.

Too Faced Enchanted Glamourland 

A perfect palette to begin your fairytale evening! Included are 15 high-pigment shadows, an anti-crease shadow primer, and beautiful shades of gloss, blush, and bronzer to create a range of versatile looks fit for a fairy princess. AND three ‘Get the look’ instruction cards!  

Overwhelmed with the plethora of colour before you? Decide on your colour theme before you dive in brush first!

Sephora Colour Play 5-in-1 Holiday Palette

 For the makeup maven or aspiring beauty queen! Each of the five palettes is packaged within the colour range that compliments each other so no colour confusion here!

  *Don’t be a hot mess, apply eye makeup using Shadow Shields which catches all the flakes!

 ** Cosmetic palettes make great gifts! No guess work as most colours will suit all skin tones and personal style.

 If you have a makeup maven to buy for where the last thing she needs is another palette then you may want to suggest some light reading?

 WWD 100 Years 100 Designers: A compilation detailing designers and their creations. 

 Hint: I have lots of makeup... but not this book... yet.  

$38 US / $50 Canadian

Yup! I ordered one through Sephora. It's a limited edition only - so hurry!

I had to share the info after my order was confirmed cuz I am selfish that way.

I love palettes like this; a brand name with great quality pigments and a lot of options.

This palette is versatile from day makeup to night makeup.

Like a colour wheel theory, mix and match colours that are directly across from each other.

(Don't shy away from palettes with many colours as the shelf life for powder is usually around 4 years.)

Check out another palette with options here, at I'mABeautyGeek.com

TIP: IF you live in a humid climate store your makeup with your silicone packets from your shoe boxes which draws moisture away from your cosmetics.