Smokey Eyes, A la Alba

Jessica Alba wore one of my favourite versions of the smokey eye to the people's choice awards this past wednesday. This is a look I often find myself doing on clients (though usually with a softer lip), as it is super flattering and very sexy. If you want to recreate the look for yourself, read on for a quick tutorial on how to do so.

Think Pink

For an instantly uplifting and ultra feminizing effect, pink is the ultimate shade this season and moving into spring. Milky, baby doll pink, and bright fuschia are the hottest shades around. Pink has the ability to really brighten and add life to the complexion, in a bold but still approachable way. Just make sure you don't wear more than two pieces of pink at a time! The most flattering way to wear this trend- try coordinating cheeks and lips in similar tones of pink and finish the look with a coat of black mascara. From left: Smashbox lip enhancing lipgloss in pout$22.00, Micheal Kors for Estee Lauder blush in sunset pink,Guerlain Divonora bubble blush in rose bubble gum, $41.80, O.P.I nail lacquer in thats hot! pink

Don't Let Shimmer Ruin Your Fun

A question was just posed to me recently " how do I keep shimmer from ending up all over my face, not just my eyes?". A common problem, rest assured here are three simple solutions:

1.Use an eyelid primer before applying shadow

2.Apply your eye makeup first, if using high shimmer/glitter shadow. your foundation will clean up any mess you happen to make.

3.Use a pigmentless, loose powder like Makeup Forever's HD microfinish powder, with a large fluffy brush to remove any stray particles. It will absorb excess oil, but won't add a visible layer of makeup to your face.

Glittery Eyes And Personality

The Makeup Geek shares a fun, flirty, glittery eye thats perfect for a night out. Isn't she just too adorable to watch, like in a Nigella Lawson kind of way?

Grab Your Glitter Girls, This New Years Eve

There is no such thing as "less is more" this new years eve, that being true, one must still look attractive when all is said and done. To get a wearable version of this new year's ultra reflective glitter trend, diffuse a matte shadow like M.A.C.'s shadowy lady matte eyeshadow from lash line up slightly past your crease. Then top with a generous dusting of M.A.C.'s glitter in reflects gold. Finish with black eyeliner, 2 coats of mascara and shimmering pink lipgloss.

Dior Show

Dior has recently added to their website a series of videos designed to teach a comprehensive array of makeup application technique. The features are divided into three categories: foundation, eyes, and lips, with piles of tips and techniques in each category.

Link: Dior makeup techniques

The Bronze Effect

Here once again is makeup artist Beau Nelson to show us how to properly apply bronzer. This basic technique can be used for all textures of product, cream, liquid or powder.

My Fair Lady

Bronzing correctly can be tricky for most. However, for those with fair, porcelain, or downright transparent complexions, bronzing can be absolutely anxiety causing. The goal with fair skin isnt really to "bronze" at all. The real objective is to warm the complexion, and also to add dimension to the face.

Contouring & Highlighting 101

Here is smashbox national makeup artist Hank Hoffman, to teach us the basics of contouring and highlighting. Remember, practice makes perfect, and once you master these techniques you really have the power to alter your's or anyone elses' face shape!

Victoria's Secret Revealed

Just in time for the weekend, Charlotte Tilbury, one of fashion's leading makeup artists, demonstrates how to achieve an ultra glamorous, sexy, Victoria's Secret face. This is definitely for the girls who want to go out there and make a statement, go at it girls!

Liner Notes

As a makeup artist, one of the most difficult looks to master is the classic winged liquid eyeliner. The product used to achieve this look has itself gone through major metamorphosis over the course of its life. And clients often ask me, which is the best version to use, classic inky black liquid in a tube coupled with a hard brush, a gel or cream version in a pot, or a self dispensing pen? All three have their own strengths and challenges:

Complexion Perfection

Here is a great tutorial on how to achieve a flawless natural looking complexion courtesy of smashbox lead makeup artist Lori Taylor. Beautiful skin is the most important part of any makeup regimen. I love smashbox photofinish primer, of all the primers Ive tried it really does outperform, the color correcting primers are absolutely divine and contain the perfect amount of pigment to help correct redness, sallowness, dullness or add bronzing.

Holiday Lips: Classic vs Modern

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than to break out your classic red lipstick? The absolute classic pinkish vibrant rouge being Chanel's coco red of course! however, for those a little more daring why not try something slightly more gothic and very mode indeed, like MAC's ultra matte deep plum lipstick in night violet. Both of course pair well with a generous amount of mascara and a clean fresh complexion.

Eye-Tea Support

Not only does this stuff taste amazing, is certified organic, aids in digestion, it also makes an amazing depuffer and refresher for your eyes. Dip a cotton pad into Aveda Comforting Tea then place on eyes, and be amazed at the instant results!

Perfect Smokey Eye

The ultimate smokey eye: Sexy, diffused, multi dimensional, and thanks to Beau Nelson's expert direction, easy as 1, 2, 3. This is my absolute favourite technique to creating that coveted oh so sultry look, infinitely adaptable to all eye colors and skin tones, have fun and experiment with color and texture.

The Tao Of Brow

Lets begin with the basics. The cornerstone of all beauty, the alpha and the omega, the all mighty brow. Our idea of what constitutes a "beautiful" brow has evolved over centuries, its shape has been drawn and redrawn as perceptions of beauty have changed, and as hierarchical structures in society have changed. However, as true as this may be, trendy eyebrows are rarely flattering. The best shape is the one that looks effortless in its perfection, provides strength, stability, and lift to the entire eye area. This is the essence of a truly modern brow: that it was created for you and only you. Thick or thin (though fuller is better) porportion is always key. Book yourself an appointment with a trained makeup artist, and let them perfect what nature gave you.