DaVinci Oval Powder Brush

We’ve just received a new shipment of our fabulous DaVinci brushes and soaps.

DaVinci is a family owned business of three generations that offers the largest selection of brushes in the world! They are known not only for their beauty and elegance but high quality and endurance. All their brushes are expertly cleaned, hand shaped and made only from the highest quality materials. Best of all, these sleek German-made brushes are produced in an eco-friendly factory and are 100% sweatshop free.

For those of you who are looking to start or expand your brush collection, here are a few options and tips to get you started.

Smokey Eye Brush Set

Every woman must have her own collection of quality brushes that she loves and feels comfortable using. If you’re new to using professional brushes [or even applying makeup with a brush] you might want to look into the DaVinci Brush Sets. These prepackaged kits include all the brushes you need to achieve your desired look as well as step by step instructions on how to use them. They come in three varieties- Classic Look, Nude Look and Smokey eye; the perfect way to start getting comfortable with applying makeup.

Double-ended Foundation and Concealer Brush

This week’s feature are the double-ended brushes by DaVinci. They’re sleek, stylish and very convenient [not to mention a much better deal being a two-in-one]. While this dynamic duo is made of synthetic fibers, they are still soft, durable and engineered to provide a flawless application everytime.

DaVinci Conditioning Brush Soap

What is the best way to take care of your makeup brushes? Cleanse them with DaVinci Conditioning Brush Soap. Much like our own hair, your brushes need a moisturizing treatment to keep them smooth and elastic. The best thing about this product, aside from the fact that it both cleanses and moisturizes, is that its based with vegetable oils; making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. Its convenient little case also makes it easy to store and take with you when you travel [now available in two sizes].

Come check out the extensive DaVinci line at the Mika Makeup Stuido.

Written By:

.:Lady Bella:.
www.artofbella.com

Taylor Swift- Flare Magazine

The search for the next big thing in lip colour is over. Beauté Cosmetics has three sumptuous lines to give you perfect luscious lips for summer.

Weightless Lip Creme

First we have Weightless Lip Creme. This line has it all; lightweight, full coverage, moisturizing and long-lasting. Their unique formula is not only beautiful to wear but is Paraben-free and includes ingredients such as Mango Butter and Vitamin E [to keep your lips moist all day] coupled with Orchid Extract and Maxi-lip [stimulates collagen and provides anti-aging benefits] to give you a truly amazing product. With six chic shades to choose from, there is something for everyone.

Liqui-Gel Stains

Next, we have their Liqui-Gel Stains. For those of you who love lip colour but seek something that isn’t creme of gloss, these are for you. When I’m on-the-go or prefer a lip product with a little less maintenance, I opt for a stain. Usually one application every few hours [and sometimes less] is enough to give me that perfect kiss of colour without worrying about reapplying or accidentally transferring my lipstick on to clothes, drinking glasses, etc. Stains are often the easiest way to wear lip colour, so make your next purchase a Beauté Liqui-Gel Stain.

Luminous Volume Gloss

Last but certainly not least, we have Beauté’s Luminous Volume Gloss; so much more than your average lipgloss. Not only do they come in a wide variety shades [some with gold micro-shimmer, making them flattering for most skin tones] but three active ingredients to help you achieve a luscious pout. Dehydrated Marine Filling Spheres that absorb the body’s natural water and expand to give you instant volume, Maxi-Lip which stimulates collagen [giving you semi-permanent volume after 29 days!] and Orchid Extract which regulates the natural moisturizing factor of the lips. Beauté seems to have created the ultimate volumizing lip gloss.

Beauté Cosmetics are now available at Mika Makeup Studio!

Book an appointment for your next makeup application today.

Written By:

.:Lady Bella:.
www.artofbella.com

Products: MAC Girl Boy Brow Gel, MAC Fawntastic Cream Colour Base, MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot

Sometimes, in a season full of colour, a little nude is all you need.

A bare face with the beautifully placed highlights can be just as, if not more striking, than a full-on glamour look.

Here are a few of my favourite nudes and a how to use them:

Face Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer by Laura Mercier

This light weight, buildable, sheer foundation gives a natural glow without looking like makeup at all. The pearlescent sheen adds highlight and an overall dewy appearance to the skin. It also has a bonus of 20 SPF to protect from sun damage. Wear it alone as a foundation or blend on to the apples of your cheeks, chin and bridge of the nose for a natural highlight.

Eyes Trip: 5 Neutral Eyes Kit by MAC

From the barest beige, t0 a milk chocolate brown, to a rich coral; all packaged together in a glossy black mirrored compact [don't forget a 213SE Brush!]. This kit has you covered for any ‘nude’ occasion and is small enough to carry in your purse for those quick touch-ups.

Lips Fresh Brew Lipstick and Chai Tinted Lipglass by MAC

The weather is warming up and we’re all getting some serious love from the sun. So what shade is best for that healthy golden tan? MAC has the solution. Worn on their own or together, these two colours are phenomenal for medium to dark skin. Fresh Brew Lipstick on its own has a good lustre to it; a slight sheen to accent a beautiful pout. For high impact shine, coat it with Chai Lipglass. For those of you who want the high gloss without going fully ‘nude’, wear Chai on its own or with a rosy coloured lip pencil.

Products: MAC Indian Wood Paint Pot, MAC Two Virtues Mineralize Blush, MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light

Complete your nude look with a messy updo or ‘undone’ fishtail braids. The perfect accent to a natural face.

Credits:

Photography Zenaida Kwong

Makeup Karin Shoji

Hair Liz Dungate

Styling Joanna Kulpa

Written By .:Lady Bella:.

www.artofbella.com

Pat McGrath

If you’ve ever flipped through fashion magazines, watched runway shows, or found ads that made you stare in amazement, you were probably looking at the work of the one and only Pat McGrath. Straight out of the UK, Pat made her mark in the world by exceeding expectations a million times over and continues to amaze and inspire us everyday.

Pat McGrath for Vogue

Some of her many credits include: Global Cosmetics Creative Design Director for Procter and Gamble, editorial work with top photographers like Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue and American Vogue. She has worked on major fashion advertising campaigns such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, YSL and Lanvin to name a few. If that weren’t enough, she is also in high demand by top celebrities such as Madonna, Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Aniston.

Pat McGrath is one talented woman and an industry legend. For more photos of her and her work please visit Style.com

Written By:

.:Lady Bella:.

www.artofbella.com

Every season is defined by many looks and styles. So here are a few more to add to your Spring 2010 list.

The Flower Child

Here we have colour used to convey softness and beauty with a little fun mixed in. To achieve this look select a eyeshadow colour from the season’s palette, a beautiful shimmery gold shadow, and a matte nude lipstick.

• Step 1: Apply a fully saturated sweep of the gold shadow from the lashline of your upper lid all the way up to your crease. Make sure to blend the shadow from your inner corner to your outer corner.
• Step 2: Apply the coloured shadow just above the gold and blend up to your eyebrow. Its up to you how opaque you would like the colour to be. In this case, the more saturation, the better! Remember to blend the shadows into each other avoid a harsh line. Carry the coloured shadow down and around to the outer corner of your lower lid and follow through to your lower lashline.
• Step 3: Take a black liner or kohl pencil and line your upper lid. Remember to follow all the way from corner to corner. Continue to line your lower lid with much softer, thinner strokes than your upper lid. Finish with mascara.
• Step 4: Line your lips with a nude coloured pencil that matches your lipstick. If you have naturally red lips, use concealer first to help tone down the colour. Once your lips are well defined apply your matte nude lipstick… Full Saturation!

Now add a beautiful flowing dress, put flowers in your hair, and you’re ready to go.

For those of you who would like a trendy look but prefer to keep to the more sleek and sophisticated side, this one is for you.

Sexy and Sophisticated

In this look, colour is washed across the lid to create an accent without being too loud. This is perfect for adding a splash of colour to your usual style. To achieve this look you will need a pearlescent white shadow, a coloured shadow from this season’s palette, and a pinky beige gloss. Now that you have all that you need, lets get started.

• Step 1: Apply the pearlescent shadow to your lid. Start at your inner corner and sweep all the way up to your browbone, across to your outer corner, and down to your lower lashline. This shadow will act as a highlight. It will also help give more pop to your coloured shadow.
• Step 2: Apply the coloured shadow to your outer corner and work your way in to the center of your lid. Only place the shadow from your lashline to your crease. Remember to blend out the edges to avoid hard lines. Also carry it to your lower lashline stopping at approx. 1/3 of the way in from your outer corner.
• Step 3: Apply black pencil liner to your upper lashline all the way from corner to corner. For the lower lashline, take an angle brush and apply black shadow as liner from corner to corner. This will help maintain the softness of your look. Finish with mascara.
• Step 4: Apply your pinky beige gloss. To keep the look more natural, use the gloss alone. For something more defined, take a nude pencil and define your lips before applying the gloss. For even more definition, use concealer to line the outside of your lips. This will make your lips stand out and solidify your shape.

Add a sleek hairstyle and you’re good to go. Feel free to add little embellishments to your hair. Jeweled hairpins, a lace headband, anything you want. This season is more than accommodating for pretty decorative pieces.

The dress.

Alberta Ferretti . Maria Grachvogel . Emilio Pucci

Everything from chic goddess to clean and simple to sexy siren; this dress is a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe.

When the weather is warm you don’t want to sit inside all day getting ready. If easy style and comfort is desired, opt for a maxidress. They give us everything we need- light fabrics to help keep us cool, a goddess-like appearance, style, and best of all comfort. They are also easily accessorized. Try adding a large waist belt, neck scarf, shawl, cardigan, bangles, or anything else you can find. The possibilities are endless!

Written By:

.:Lady Bella:.

www.artofbella.com