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

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

Spring Wedding Trend

The sun is shining, the breeze is cool, and flowers are springing up all around you. What better time for a wedding?!

Spring is all about change and a fresh start to say the least. Let your wedding makeup and hair reflect that wondrous feeling.

Lets start with the palette of the season- pinks, corals, lavenders, and bright pastels. Don’t be afraid to use colour for this occasion, particularly during the reception. That is your time to have fun with your look while still maintaining that freshness we all love.

The trend for brides is fully saturated pink or coral lips and a light wash of a pastel shadow on your lids. Follow that up with peachy cheeks and healthy looking skin and you have a stunning bride!

Spring Wedding Makeup

Spring Wedding Looks

Now that your makeup looks amazing, lets talk hair. On days like this we all like to know that our hair is going to be beautiful from the church to the party without much worry or touch-ups. Lets take a cue from the latest bridal trends to make this look perfect.

In the past, most popular styles have been very structured and “flawless”. However, this season features something more natural and flowing. Go for tussled and pieced looks with big beautiful accessories.

Spring Wedding Hairstyles

For those of you looking to wear your hair down or half-up. Remember to keep your curls or waves soft and slightly tussled… Don’t forget the accessories!

Spring Wedding Hairstyles

The best thing about these looks is that they can move much easier from one style to the next. For those of you who want a different look for the church and reception, take advantage of these styles; they will work very well in you favor.

There is no day like your wedding day, so make it special. You deserve to look as perfect and as beautiful as you feel.

For more information or to book your consultation please contact Mika Makeup by phone or email

info@mikamakeup.ca

604-269-0408

Written By:

.:Lady Bella:.

www.artofbella.com

Lady Gaga for FACE Atelier

Alright ladies, its that time again. Get ready for an evening of sweets, art, makeup, jewelry and more; all accompanied by killer music and inspiring females from around Vancouver!

This very special night includes:

• Makeup applications
• Bang trims
• Manicures or hand massages
• Eyelash extensions
• False lash applications
  

** Each mini-service is specially priced at $10 for this event!

For those of you who are looking to shop the best products, our feature line-up will more than deliver the goods.

• FACE Atelier Makeup
• Butter Nail Polish
• DaVinci Makeup Brushes
  

After you’ve been primped and  pampered, step in to our Vancouver Photobooth with your gal pals for some fun photos!

For more info about the vendors and personalities for this event, please feel free to browse our site listing.

• Purple Studio Jewlery – http://www.purplestudio.eu/
• April Cakes- http://www.aprilcakes.com/
• Boz Jewelry- http://www.bozjewellery.com/
• Cici Art Factory- http://www.ciciartfactory.com/
• My Chocolate Tree- http://www.mychocolatetree.ca/
• Skoah- http://www.skoah.com/
• Photobooth Vancouver- http://www.photoboothvancouver.com/
• Dj Leanne- http://www.djleanne.com/

We will provide complimentary refreshments and nibblies.
First 25 through the door get a swag bag of loverly goodies!

April Cakes

The 3 W’s:

• When?  Friday March 12th, 2010- 5:30pm to 10:30pm
• Where?  Mika Makeup Studio- 248 East 10th Avenue, Vancouver
• Why?  Because girls just wanna have fun!

See you all there!=)

***Please remember to bring cash or cheques for your purchases***

Some lines offer a broad spectrum, while others are sticking to a specific palette. For example, OPI’s new Hong Kong Line.

OPI Spring 2010: Hong Kong

Its full of personality! From bright candy colours to soft pastels its anything but ordinary… And with names like ‘Dim Sum Plum’ and ‘Panda-monium Pink’, how can you not fall in love this line?!

As far as makeup goes, corals and amber tones are making their comeback. Alongside them are shades of pink and purple as far as the eye can see.

Nars: Spring 2010

For the adventurous ones, try a soft [or intense] smokey eye in a coral or jade shadow, teamed up with a bright blue shimmery pencil for liner. Try Bains Douches Glitter Pencil from Nars. Next, a sweet apricot or almond coloured blush and a bright pink or purple lip colour of your choice. Finish with big lashes, as always! ** Please remember that if you’re going to go for more than two colours of makeup [as in this case], don’t wear anything too busy or bright. It will take away from the beautiful makeup look you’ve created and can often be over stimulating for those around you. Pick muted shades, pastels or cremes to compliment your makeup.

Nars: Bains Douches Glitter Pencil

For those of you who like a more natural look, please don’t be intimidated by these colours. There are ways to wear the latest trend and not be too over the top. Start with your usual foundation and add highlights to your cheekbones, brow bone, and nose. I like Albatross Highlighting Blush Powder by Nars. Its a very versatile product you can use anywhere on the face for highlighting or adding some pop to your usual palette. A simple wash of the powder over eyeshadow or blush can have a dazzling effect. Now that you’ve got your skin looking tip-top, lets add some colour. For the most impact, pick a lipstick of the season and go for full saturation! Add well defined eyes and your look will be funky, yet sophisticated.

Alexis Bledel

Now that we’ve covered makeup, I think its important to bring you my skincare tip of the day… SUNSCREEN! The sun is starting to make appearances once again and we must be prepared. As warm and wonderful as the sun is, it is still harmful and causing premature aging of the skin. To combat this, I like Dermalogica Sheer Moisture. Its a lightweight lotion with 15 SPF built right in. For spring, I do one application and follow up with a bit of concealer. For those who would like more coverage, mix it [50/50] with your usual foundation for a tinted moisturizer. This product also oil free, so it can be used on any skin type and reapplied as often as needed.

Dermalogica: Sheer Moisture

**This product is also available in tints so it can be used as a lightweight foundation on its own

For more makeup tips and much more, join us for ‘Hello Spring!’ at the Mika Makeup Studio March 12th from 6pm-10pm.

Stay tuned for more details!!!

Written By:

.:Lady Bella:.

www.artofbella.com

Winter is almost over and the Spring fashions are starting to roll on in. Even though it may seem a little early for some of you, Resort is back and in full force! For those of you who are wondering what a resort collection is, this season’s theme is nautical and safari. Its sexy, its cheeky, its funky- its everything a girl could ask for in a ready-to-wear collection for Spring 2010.

Alexander Wang Ready-to-Wear spring 2010

Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring 2010

Even the classic Chanel tweed suit has been revised for all those who want to add a little polish to their safari getaway!

Now that we’ve covered two of the many fabulous looks for this season, I bet many of you are wondering how your makeup and hair look(s) will work with all of this. That is the beauty of this season! Spring is about a fresh start; so lets talk gorgeous skin. I’d have to say that our skin is one of the most neglected  areas of our face. In order to look your best, to be your most radiant and beautiful, your skin must be in tip-top shape. Over the course of this month I will be covering a different product to do with skincare and foundation each week, so stay tuned! On the docket for this week: Face Atelier Ultra Sheer Foundation.

FACE Atelier Ultra Sheer Foundation

This little number is oil-free, yet miraculously hydrating! It can act as illuminator for your whole face or as a highlight on cheekbones, noses, foreheads, etc. Its also suggested as an additive to your regular foundation to give your skin that young, healthy glow. Now that you have gorgeous skin, what about your makeup for your big Valentine’s Day date?!

Go dramatic with beautifully highlighted skin and intense eyes.

Lanvin Ready-to-Wear Spring 2010

You can achieve this with a creamy kohl pencil smudged around the lower and upper lashline of the eyes. The take your favourite metallic grey, black, or purple shadow and give yourself a sexy smokey eye. Remember to start at your lashline and feather the shadow upwards toward your crease. This way, you’ll achieve the intensity of the look without a harsh line ending at your crease. Lastly, finish with your favourite mascara, matte nude lipstick or gloss and you’re ready for your night out!

**FACE Atelier products now available at MikaOlivia! Send an email to info@mikaolivia.com for more information.

Written By:

.:Lady Bella:.  Wardrobe Stylist | Image consultant

www.artofbella.com