Thanks to The Province for featuring Karin in the “It list: Things I’m loving”.  Click on the image to read the article about fall trends for makeup.

Here we are once again, Halloween is just around the corner and you have no idea what you would like to dress up as or where to get your costume. Believe it or not, [often] the best places to get ideas are the hundreds of fabulous couture and ready-to-wear shows- anywhere from Miss Sixty to Dior and beyond! Here are some examples:

Futuristic: Alexander McQueen Fall '09

80's Rockstar: Miss Sixty Fall '09

The Flapper: Dolce and Gabbana Fall '09

… to name a few. The photos were supplied by www.style.com, one of my favourite websites for styling ideas, trend forecasting, and just fashion in general.

In light of the recent Vampire craze created by Twilight, True Blood, and The Vampire Diaries, here are a few ideas on a fun and sexy vampire makeup.

Bella Swan from Twilight

Selene from Underworld

The Classic Vampire

To achieve these looks, start with a white foundation either on its own or mixed with your regular colour so that it looks more natural [Try MAC Face and Body Foundation in White]. For those of you who are dark skinned, skip this step and move on to step 2- highlight.

Take an iridescent cream or powder and highlight your cheekbones, chin, straight down your nose to the tip, and your forehead [Try MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl or Strobe Cream].

Next is eyes [Tip: if you are using a dark shadow start with your eyes, then move on to foundation. This way you will avoid pesky fallout which will ruin your beautiful foundation]. Define your brows with a nice solid high arch [Try: Joe Fresh Brow Pencils from Superstore **more bang for your buck!]. For eyeshadow, you may go neutral with a shimmery beige or white all over the eye. For the more adventurous, a sexy smokey eye in black or purple. **Don’t forget false lashes [Try: The Shu Umuera Lash Bar in Holt Renfrew, MAC False Lashes, and lashes from Makeup Forever]

Finally, the lip. The traditional vampire will always have bright red satin lips, but for those of you who prefer the darker route, go with a deep purple [Try: MAC Lipstick in Cyber with Nightmoth Lip Pencil underneath]

**Try adding things like crazy contact lenses, fake blood, and false fangs to complete your look.

Have a SAFE and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

For the best Halloween makeover you will ever receive, book a session with MikaOlivia. An industry professional will help you turn an ordinary Halloween in to and extraordinary one! Rates starting as low as $50 per person. For more info and booking please email us at info@mikaolivia.com or call 604.269.0408

Written by:

.:Lady Bella:.   Makeup Artist | Wardrobe Stylist

With beaded bows of all shapes and sizes, head scarves, headbands, leather and satin hats, lace, sequins, feathers, and more- this fall, hair is anything but boring.

There are endless ways to use these accessories in your everyday style. Choose one of your favourite pieces and add it to sleek hair, a messy fishtail braid, or long ringlet curls. For a more classic look pick an accessory with minimal embellishment. A small satin bow is a perfect way to update a sleek ponytail or a bun. For a more natural look, add a small to medium sized piece with a bit of embellishment to your usual hairstyle to bring your look together. For the adventurous ladies, choose medium to larger pieces with beads, jewels, feathers, and leather [for example]. You can add them to simpler styles to act as a focal point or go all out with a large piece and a funky updo.

This season, go for a full look. This means hair, makeup, wardrobe, and [of course] great hair  pieces. In addition, choose other accessories such as jewelry, handbags, or shoes that have the same type of embellishment as your hair accessory.

Another option is to match your accessories to your fall makeup. Fall 2009 is all about dramatic eyes. Try a beautiful smokey eye in a deep purple, black liner, and the blackest black mascara.

Style Tip: Elaborate hair accessories are also a great way to update any grad, prom, or bridal ensemble from simple to trendy.

Written by:

.:Lady Bella:.     Makeup Artist | Wardrobe Stylist