Finger nails are a great place to express your personality and creative talent if you like the wildly popular nail art. While I appreciate the detail and the creativity of what one can do on their nails, it really isn’t something I’m a fan of for my own nails I prefer something shall I say…less distracting.

So in keeping it simple, I was inspired by this Kate Moss cover for British Vogue June 2013 shot by Patrick Demarchelier. Love the 60′s Mod vibe of the white nails, hey I’m a sixties gal at heart, not the free love era, more the fashionable early to mid 60′s time frame of beehives, bouffants, mini skirts and eyeliner.

My nails are natural with an overlay of gel (not shellac, or gel polish) My nail gal Cathy customized the look at my request and I love it!  She started with a  thin layer of a crisp white, followed by a layer of a more creamy white to build the opaqueness but not have it glaring bright. To finish, it was topped of with a translucent soft pink for shine and again to keep the nail from being a blinding white. By going simple with the nails it gives you the freedom to pile on the big baubles!!

rings: Left by LissaBowie.com / right by Michael Kors

You can get your own Mod inspired white nails by using a couple of coats of Essie’s ‘Marshmallow‘ polish. Tip: To slightly cover up the natural pink of the nail bed, use Essie’s Ridge Filling Base Coat as its slightly cloudy finish is perfect to build the soft white on, plus it also gives a smooth base to polish over. Don’t forget your clear top coat!

Have yourself a fantastic weekend!!

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time,

~Melody xo

Très flirty non? (false lashes, top and bottom) ~Moschino Ready to Wear Spring 2013

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then mascara is a wonderful way to pretty them up and just happens to be your makeup wardrobe must have #3.  The basic purpose of mascaras are to give the appearance of long and healthy eyelashes. Mascaras work to define the eyelashes by thickening, darkening and lengthening them to help make the eyes a stand out feature on the face. Every girl needs to have a tube of that magic black gold to create fluttery and flirty lashes. I prefer black mascara always.

Perks of a mascara:

• darkens lashes
• adds length
• thicken your lashes so they look fuller
• takes lashes from blah to vavavoom by layering it
• can be worn alone or with other eye makeup
• gives the appearance of opening/waking up the eye (especially if a lash curler is used)
• can define the shape of the eye
• helps a girl feel less naked (in a make up way)
• plenty of formulas and prices ranges to choose from
• compliments and gives the finishing touch all other eye makeup used (liner and shadow)
• layer 2 different formulas to get maximum effects

A Guide to Formulas

(each picture below is for example purposes only)

Volumizing/Amplifying/Lash building -for average to full natural lashes that want to be fuller more  ’fattened up’ great for the smoky eye. Layer it for even fuller effect

Lengthening/Stretching -for short upper lashes. There are formulas in which the product coats the lashes then can stretch itself beyond the natural lash forming extensions past the natural tip (natural lashes are not pulled at) Even if you layer it you may not get extra volume.

Separating/Definition/Defining -full natural lashes don’t need the extra volume, but they need to be better defined and separated to really show off the volume they have. A more ‘natural, softer finish’

Curling -a formula which helps to hold lashes in upturned look. A curved brush does not necessarily mean curling formula. If you want a good up-swept lash, try using a lash curler before your fave mascara for extra oopmh.

Waterproof -many of the leading brands and formulas have a waterproof equivalent to their regular ones. It’s exactly what it says, holds up under wet conditions. Swim, rain, or shedding a few tears, it won’t leave it’s mark. But you will need a special eye makeup remover for it. Often marked on the package with a blue stripe,top or lid. *Water-resistant -is not the same as waterproof! It may only stand up to a few rain drops or snowflakes, but not for splashing around in, read the package.

I can’t tell you exactly which mascara is your perfect magic formula, that’s up to you as it differs from person to person. What I like may not be what you need -I personally go for volume ; ) Ask your friends and coworkers what they trust and why. The mascara search is a journey. Some women will be happy with just one, while others enjoy the adventure of discovering what new out there.

TIP: Don’t be influenced by mascara TV commercials and print ads as they often depict the model with “lash inserts’ (false lash extensions) and you will not achieve what they are showing! Read the fine print. Many formulas (regardless of price or name brand) contain the same waxes, oils, preservatives and pigments that are available for all mascara. Some brands are sisters to each other therefore you will find a high and low version of the same mascara…it’s all in the marketing and of course your personal preference. Read your labels.

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time,

~Melody xo

A new season is a great time for us to make some updates with our appearance, from makeup and wardrobe to hair. Whether it’s going with a new color, a cut or simply needing fresh ideas to style our hair…check out the ‘Spring/Summer 2013 Hair Trends’ from the runways for inspiration by clicking the picture below.

I strongly recommend that if you are cutting or coloring your hair, that you should bring photos of what you like to your stylist. Don’t assume they’ll understand what you want as the words we use to describe a look, may give the other person a different visual in their mind and that’s where a lot of unhappiness can happen. Bring those pictures to share your ideas, your stylist wants you to look good and work with you, plus he or she knows your hair and what will or won’t work on you.  Even celebrities use pictures with their stylists, read the Into The Gloss article with Jennifer Lawrence’s stylist Mark Townsend about her new do’

Get some hair-spiration from this Glamour UK online slideshow

photo from Glamour UK online site

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

Dolce & Gabbana $31 @ Sephora

Your makeup wardrobe classic #2 ‘must have’ piece:  the no color lipgloss. There are clear ones and some with a bit of shimmer, both are great. (keep away from ones with glitter pieces, they’re not always flattering and not as versatile)  Quick Lesson:  shimmer=think delicate crushed pearls and it’s très chic, glitter=shiny confetti pieces)

The choice of glosses is endless…there are luxury brands and drugstore faves. Truthfully when worn, others will not be able to tell the difference between $$ or $ versions. It’s what works well for you and makes you feel good when you use it.

Why non colored gloss?

• it works with everyone, outfit and occasion
• no guessing on the shade
• always pretty and polished
• can be applied without a mirror if needed for a quick fix
• it layers over all your other lipcolors to make ‘new’ lip looks
• can make lips look fuller (not talking plumping) just a smoother texture
• formulas may contain; SPF, moisturizers, plumpers, treatments, etc.
• great for touch-ups before photos, gloss up before the BFF takes pics with her phone ; )
• pairs well with minimal makeup looks

L’Oreal COLOUR RICHE® LE GLOSS under $10 @ Walmart Canada

From squeeze tubes to wands and brushes, the application type and texture is totally up to you. TIP: When layering gloss over lipstick from a squeeze tube, use a lip brush to gently swipe it over the lipstick so you don’t move the lipstick around underneath. If  your gloss has a brush/sponge tipped applicator, try taping it on the lips gently, again so you don’t disturb the color under it.

PS In my pro-makeup kit I have the Smashbox High Shine pearl -looks white in the tube but goes on clear with a touch of pearl. Works great on camera and for everyday.

Stay tuned for the next Makeup Wardrobe Classics item.

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

Love pink flamingos. (Tory Burch @ Nordstrom)

Regardless of the size or type of makeup bag you own, there are some makeup ‘must haves’ you should squeeze in there. Your closet has classic pieces (the LBD, a great pair of jeans that make your butt look fab, the black blazer, a great white  T-shirt) so why shouldn’t your makeup bag have them too? Simple and easy items that can go from casual to dressed up.

The first piece you need: a dark shade of gel/cream liner. Why this format of liner you ask?

• truly the best of both worlds of pencils and liquid liner
• easily glides on with a brush (if you can hold a pencil you can hold an eyeliner brush ; )
• smooth, creamy texture let’s you smudge it to soften or go smoky
• no pulling or stretching the eye to apply
• get it into the roots of the lashes, no more ‘skipped’ spaces like pencils do
• make thin or thick lines
• get the dramatic look of a liquid, such as the cat or winged eye
• may have one or more perks; long-wearing, smudge-proof, water-proof

It should not be pretty packaging, a fabulous brand name or a good price that makes you buy an item… every makeup product must deliver results for it to have valuable makeup bag real estate.

Maybelline Lasting Drama gel eye-liner is just one brand that I own and use but I always recommend it because it gives great results, has a fab price ($10-$12 CAD) and the tool needed is included. Plus it’s water-proof and long-wearing. If you haven’t tried a gel or cream liner this is a good place to start.

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

Some days I NEED more luminous skin and I want it NOW!  Regardless of the causes for the lack of radiance (lack of sleep, weather, stress, illness, etc.) you can have pretty and glowing skin so easily these days.

My all time fave way is the fabulous Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector. (I’m a huge fan of all Becca) It’s a sheer, lightweight  lotion that is loaded with radiance and gives an instant veil of elegant shimmer the moment it touches your skin. It also happens to be good for the skin too. It contains broad-spectrum SPF of 20+, anti-oxidants, hydration and more, all to keep skin looking fresh, youthful and healthy.

My everyday shade is Opal (seen left) a soft warm pink, but I have other shades as well. There is Topaz – a warm golden bronze, Pearl- white pearl, and I want the new Moonstone – a pale gold.

They can be used in several ways depending on the result you want, just play with them.

• under my moisturizer as a hydrating serum
• alone as a lightweight hydrator in the sweltering summer
• mixed in moisturizer or liquid foundation
• tap above cheeks, down the centre of the nose for a hi-lighter
• add to body lotion or straight up any where on the body
• and more.  

Becca for Canadians: Sephora online and a selection at eBeauty.ca  US: full Becca collection is here.

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

My makeup: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector used all over top of my moisturizer. Foundation-Make Up For Ever face & body applied with fingers. Guerlain 4 seasons bronzer in brunette, cheeks topped with Giorgio Armani sheer blush in #10. Lips are Annabelle twist up lipstick in Mai Tai.

Here’s what I was using behind the scenes this past weekend when working with Press the Fashion Magazine as they are shooting the Summer 2013 Edition.

These are just a few of the items found in my kit and are must haves.

• Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream), a pro artist fave moisturizer as it’s lightweight, hydrates well, works on everyone.
•  H20 Oasis 24™ Hydrating Booster line has this amazing hydrating booster (oil free) it really is great on super dry/dehydrated skin. I layer under Embryolisse on really dry skin. (a few drops can be added to foundation to thin out, change textures)
• Carmex lip balm, 20+ yrs of love. I’ve tried others, this is still the best!  TIP: apply lip balm when you apply moisturizer, blot off excess when you get to lipstick stage.
• Set the Stage Primer by Whip Hand Cosmetics, found via a recommendation by Kevin James Bennett (take his recommendations seriously, he knows his s#@*) This is a small and mighty pot o’ primer used before makeup. It fills in, smooths out and can mattify…it doesn’t dry out skin – I tried it on my dehydrated skin first ; )
• Model in a Bottle – makeup setting spray. I’ve tried many but none works as great as this. I’ve seen it keep makeup application fresh looking and budge proof for12hrs+

After setting up my kit and before I start with each client it’s sanitize time. I much prefer to wipe away germs instead of using a gel while on set as I have to do it so often. Clean Well sanitizing wipes are amazing (alcohol free) and I love the scent of the thyme used in them. Great for sensitive skin and kids too. 

If there is eyeshadow being used (most often is) then I use Shadow Shields to prevent any shadow fallout on the concealer/foundation under the eye.

I love to contour  to build great cheekbones and jawlines. This Real Techniques contour brush is my new super hero, love it!! It fits perfectly into the hollow under the cheekbone and isn’t to large (wide) over the jawline. (reviews coming soon)

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars   100% Vegan & cruelty free  These are lip paints that can be mixed to create tons of new shades. So fun and long wearing too.

Time to bronze the models up for the pool scene. I sprayed Bourjois DÉLICE DE SOLEIL BRONZING POWDER SPRAY FOR FACE & BODY on 6 models head to toe, back to front.  Amazing soft bronze look, and delicate chocolate scent.

While I use these products professionally (and personally) they aren’t just for pro’s. All these items are available to shop for everyone! Enjoy : )

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

Who wants to achieve that simple pretty day look and then take it to a FAB evening look without breaking the bank or a million products??  It’s really possible!

Here I show you step by step the 2 looks while using minimal products and keep it wallet friendly. Simply click the picture below and you’ll open up to the full picture tutorial I did for the St. Laurent Shopping Center blog using Joe Fresh makeup.

Madison (left) and Melody

*Special thanks to Madison, Carolynn and Stephanie for a fun afternoon and to St. Laurent Center for having me a part of their blog.

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

I love and work with makeup everyday but I also have a long time love for accessories.  I’ve been loving snakes, (not a fan of them in real life) skulls and pure Rock n’Roll glam for a very long time. When Alexander McQueen’s designs included skulls, I was hooked for sure. Let’s face it, most everyday gals don’t have the budget for some of these luxurious items. Use them to fire up your fashion inspirations instead.

My Clutch Inspiration from Alexander McQueen 

What I found to channel my Rocker Chic’ness -pronounced sheek’ ness               This one was in-store for just $89.95 (they had a white and a gold one as well) couldn’t find this style through their online store but found these other ‘inspired’ versions of skull clutches instead.  You can put your fingers through it to hold it in your hand for the more dressed up/evening out idea or as my girlfriend tried it on with the chain as a small cross body bag, wearing jeans and a shirt and it was amazing!! With this good purchase, we headed to the Sephora so I could pick up some new sweet YSL lippies to stash in my new clutch. (I share those in another post)

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

I’m a big fan of the textured beach wave look. It works really well with my slightly natural wavy hair, and to spray a product in and go is also a plus. The only thing about the products I own or used before is that they give the wave but  leave my hair with a matte finish. That matte look works well for a casual sexy-messy look. Sometimes I want hair that is a less matte more sexy-tousled-dressed up look instead! Too much to ask as I thought all ‘beach wave’ sprays were created equal…until I found this online:

Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray

300ml and 75ml

Hello beach wave with shine? Oh yes please!! I have never tried the Oribe hair care line.  Try it I shall.  Just need to wait patiently for my order to arrive from eskincarestore (took advantage of limited time 20% discount offer)  Here is the product description from the main site that drew me in..

Attention island-hoppers and champagne-poppers: Get beach-to-bombshell hair — tousled, touchable waves with sun-kissed shine — without the salty stiffness. Our moisturizing glamour spray uses rich extracts and exotic oils for lush repair and sultry texture.

Shake. Spray on wet or dry hair. Tousle to taste and let dry in the St. Tropez air. Follow with lipstick and heels.

When I have been able to try it,  I’ll report back with the review.

Have you used Oribe products? Is there something you’d recommend from the line or want to try yourself?

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time

~Melody x0