ThePrettyPost

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Fashion Week Pt.2 // UNTTLD. VAWK|VAWKKIN. EXPRESS.

The first show of my day was for UNTTLD.  A clothing line that consistently errs on the unique and unusual side of beautiful, I was excited to speak with designers José Manuel St -Jacques and Simon Bélanger to see what they had in mind.  In one of the funnest collaborations of the week, I had a great conversation with Simon about how he viewed their latest collection.  Inspired by post-war Japan and the arts and culture that emerged from the era, the clothing and show drew from such works of Japanese performance art as Butoh dance and Kabuki theatre.  In these forms of art, it was common for Japanese women to wear nail protectors, specifically on their last two fingers.

This bit of history was all I needed to get my excitement stirring.  Mimicking this fierce element of tradition, I gave all of the models a set of nails to be feared.  The running joke backstage was "Do NOT mess with the UNTTLD models" and I'm sure you can see why.

The team from Pinky's Nails was able to order in nails straight from the source (Japan) to outfit the hands for this show.  With the strongest design element being the elongated ring and pinky fingers, I kept the colour simple, yet effective.  Welded with two coats of Essie's "No Place Like Chrome", the nails gleamed under the catwalk lights and caused a stir of opinions from the audience.  After all, who could ignore them?  

The second show of the day was a two-for-one.  VAWK and VAWKKIN are the sister fashion lines of designer Sunny Fong.  VAWK, being the older and more glamourous of the two, had a Madonna and Spanish inspired collection.  Paired with rich gold accessories and bold red accents, the nail had to reflect a woman both passionate and strong.  VAWKKIN, his ready-to-wear collection, was catered to every woman, both old and young, who wanted to fashionably rock the business world.  It appeared the collections emulated two sides of a fierce woman, so I decided to have the nails do the same.  The VAWK|VAWKKIN nails are a great example of how colour changes everything.

  The VAWKKIN nail featured a flesh-toned polish, courtesy of an Essie blend featuring "Blanc" & "Mamba", with a thin black stripe of "Licorice".  Atop of an almond shaped nail, the design was simple, yet made a statement.  It is everyday appropriate and gives a basic nail look some edge.  It was important to myself and Sunny that the flesh tone polish matched the model's skin exactly.  Therefore, we provided another few sets featuring a darker hue.  This is was made simple by adding Essie's "Mink Muffs" to our original blend.

The VAWK nail needed more glamour and a stronger statement; after all, it was inspired by Madonna.  Using the same design, I added a strong metallic element by laying Essie polishes "Good as Gold" and "Buy me a Cameo" to make a metallic nude atop of the long oval nails.  Using a thicker stroke than VAWKKIN, I finished the nail with a line of bold red, "Russian Roulette".  The nail sets for both shows were the perfect "finishing touch", however, someone else may have taken the cake in the accessory department.  That somebody was accessory designers Niki & Lola who brought Madonna to WMC Fashion week.  See the whole show here.

The last set of the day, and the grand finale for World Mastercard Fashion Week, was EXPRESS.  For this particular show, it was insisted that the models wear no press-on nails; the polish had to be applied on the spot.  Good thing they chose one of my favourites, "Chinchilly".  Like all Essie shades, this chic granite grey applied beautifully with two thin coats and dried-like-a-dream with "Good to Go" topcoat.  Featuring the music of Calvin Harris, The Black Keys, Foster the People and Rihanna, the EXPRESS show had the best runway soundtrack of the week.

Nothing felt more satisfying than watching the last model walk the runway.  Success!  I was so proud to play a role in the event.  It was an honour to represent Essie, to work with the Pinky's Nails team and to meet and work alongside all of the ridiculously talented designers and creative teams behind some of the most beautiful collections I've had the honour of gawking at.  Next year I'll just have to trade, nail designs for clothing.  What do you say VAWK?...Ashtiani?...

I leave you with some of my favourite Instagram photos of the week.  Enjoy!

This stunning beauty was a showstopper at the VAWKKIN show and walked the length of the runway to full applause.  Sorry girls, she wore this set the best. A great compliment was seeing the models leave the venue still wearing my nails.   Behind the curtain before a show, you need to be ready to replace any missing nails before the model is shoved onto the runway...anyone need an extra few for the VAWK|VAWKKIN show?  wink*Working the dream job, you don't expect absolutely EVERYTHING to be amazing...and then this happens: running into a long lost BFF.  Lucky is a magician make-up artist and one of the funniest babes I know.  See her work hereThe EXPRESS show carried the weight of a certain Canadian supermodel.  This "Doll face" was "Chinchilly"d with the rest of 'em and closed Fashion Week with style.  See a familiar face in the line-up? 

aaand I'm done.  Curtsey*

images courtesy of Essie Canada/ Wade Hudson & Greg Pimentel 

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Fashion Week pt. 1 // Ashtiani. Evan Biddell. Mackage.

Before the models graced the runway, before they raised a zipper or shut a clasp.  Before the final coat of mascara was brushed, before the last press-on nail applied.  Before the calm chaos of backstage erupted, before the hoards of fashion gods and victims poured into the venue.  Before the nails were arranged in perfect rows of ten, before the polish was blended and painted.  

 As the Lead Nail Artist for Essie Canada for Fashion Week, it was my role to design nail sets that would perfectly co-ordinate with the clothing on the runway.  Meeting and discussing this with the designers who created them was a personal highlight.  So much emotion, time and love goes into a collection that, at the end of the day, it becomes so personal.  For me, it was an honour to feel as though I could play a role in adding that "finishing touch" to their show.  

My first show of the week was Ashtiani.  To prepare, I spoke with designer, Golnaz Ashtiani, over the phone to discuss her vision for the collection as well as the nails that would compliment.  She first sent me an inspiration image of long, tapered nails.  They were pure fantasy, over-the-top and be-jeweled...I knew we were going to get along right away.  Her spring/summer collection, she described, was catered to a young woman living in 1960's France; romantic, mod and fashion forward.  Her colour palette featured pale pinks, muted violets, greys and whites.  Along with the pastels, she paired stunning oxblood leather shoes and handbags for contrast.  So with Golnaz's idea of a long, extravagant nail and her collection filled with soft hues, I pulled together a look worthy of the Champs-Élysées.  

I began with a long and straight press-on nail, that I filed to a soft point.  From my brilliant Essie polish palette, I selected a soft grey, "Master Plan", a pastel pink, "Fiji", and a wicked oxblood red (aptly named) "Wicked", to match the handbags.  The "Moon" manicure was a huge trend in the 60's so, utilizing that, I affixed a prisim shaped moon to the base.  Three pastel lines to either side of the prism completed the look and pushed the nail towards mod.  The finished product is straight out of the 60's, and yet uniquely "Ashtiani".  Seeing the nail strut alongside the clothing on the runway gave me butterflies.  The clothing had a consistent translucency and air-light feeling that made me envy the summer months.  See for yourself.

Think you can handle 1-and-a-half-inch nails?  Luckily, someone has already test-drived this beauties for the real world.  It was my pleasure to create and apply a special set of these nails to the dainty fingers of FASHION magazine's Paige Dzenis.  For her experience flaunting talons, check this out.

My second show was polished for Evan Biddell.  He described his SS 2013 show as the "Muse" collection.  Each garment was catered and designed in mind for a specific friend or acquaintance of his.  He imagined the show to be one big Oscar after-party with all of these fabulous women invited.  With such variation of inspiration, we needed to have a nail that matched each woman and each drastically different garment perfectly - Not an easy task.  

Enter "Penny Talk", a stunning reflective copper by Essie.  Flattering to every skin tone under the sun, not only did it look gorgeous atop of the long almond shaped nails, but it shone so bright under the catwalk lights that it lit the stage and set the tone for the party.  P.S. want to be privy to a nail secret? The underside of the nails were polished pitch black (courtesy of Essie "Licorice").  With one flip of the hand, the model transformed from glam to vamp.  To see the nails in action, check this out.

My second day backstage at Fashion Week consisted of one show: Mackage.  Designers Eran and Elisa described the SS 2013 Mackage girl to be effortlessly fashionable, ultra feminine, but tough; a true lady in the city.  For the nails, however, they had one mandate: they simply HAD to match the leather tone-for-tone perfectly.  Though intimidating at first, they were kind enough to mail me swatches of the leather used in the collection.  To my excitement, I discovered they were using a luxurious leather in a muted mint hue.  It's nail polish twin? Essie's "Da Bush".  To compliment the mint, I faded the colour into "Sand Tropez" mid-nail.  I even matched the texture of the leather by finishing the look with "Matte about you" topcoat.  When I finally got to see the nails beside the clothing, the resemblance was bang-on!

Now, I understand the Ombre trend has been around for some time.  Nails fading from black at the pinky to white at the thumb?  But! Have you seen a nail fade from the base to the tip and then onto the clothing? Now THAT is a Mackage nail and this was the show.

Stay tuned for Fashion Week Pt. 2 featuring the nails of UNTTLD, VAWK/VAWKKIN and EXPRESS.

images courtesy of Essie Canada / Jalani Morgan

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How to Represent. // Tales of a Fashion Week Lead Nail Artist

Getting this job, to me, was the equivalent of Publishers Clearing House knocking on my front door with a massive cheque and a handful of balloons.  But when the celebration was over, the confetti swept, it was time to get to work.

First, I received a package in the mail containing my polish palette.  When I opened the box, I felt like a bright light shone from within.  Inside, the entire Essie polish collection sat nestled and ready for me to play with.  

As a Nail Technician, I can attest for the amazing-ness that is Essie polish.  If I can geek out here: they're always the first to release the hottest colours, always brilliantly pigmented, apply like butter, last like cement and have consistently aligned themselves with fashion as well as beauty.  President and Founder Essie Weingarten sees nail polish as the finishing touch of a complete outfit.  This is why Essie is the nail authority for Fashion Week.  Nails extend the garment to the fingertips and draw the elements of fashion and beauty together.  It's a perfectly polished fit.

As a Lead Nail Artist, I worked alongside fantastic Canadian and International designers to create and execute nail looks that fit their vision for Spring/Summer 2013.  I had the pleasure of working with the designers and creative minds behind: 

Ashtiani

Evan Biddell

Mackage

UNTTLD

VAWK / VAWKKIN

EXPRESS

After several revisions, I would hand over the final nail designs to the Essie team.  This year, the nail artists working for Essie were the talented hands at Pinky's Nails Toronto.  Every long hour, every ruler-straight line, perfectly shaped nail and photo-ready polish application was their handiwork and the work speaks for itself.

Being a Fashion Week Nail Artist means you have the responsibility to ensure every model that walks the runway has perfect nails and you are given only one hour, pre-show, to provide this for 14+ models.  Polishing the looks on press-on nails beforehand provided me with the ability to be intricate, precise and creative.  When the designer approved the look, Pinky's got the nails into production.  When they were complete, the nails were arranged in strips, posted on a nail board and wrapped to be ready for the night of the show.  

One week and seven runway shows later, we are proud to say we polished over 1,000 individual press-on nails and spent roughly 30 hours of work on each individual show.  Work well worth it.  

...Stay tuned for more designs, stories and (of course) photos of the Fashion Week experience.

images courtesy of Essie Canada & Jalani Morgan

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The silhouette mani // how-to

Suspense.  That, of course was my reason behind keeping you waiting so long.  It's honestly the best.  Ask anyone who has seen a horror film.  The best part is never the moment after the blonde is slain in the shower or after the girl jumps out of the TV screen. It's in those nail-biting (dont-you-dare!) moments before, when all goes quiet and you know something awesome is going to happen.  I hope this is worth it...

For your nails' sake, I really hope you weren't biting them this week in anticipation.  If so, you won't have much to work with for this how-to.  The best part about this nail art look is that it is the EASIEST one to master.  Do you know how I know?  I'll answer that with another question: Do you know how to polish your nails?  If you answered "yes" then my answer is: That's why!  

Allow me to break it into steps for you: 1) clean the nail plate with a dab of acetone on paper towel (I prefer paper towel as it has no lint and will not leave threads of cotton in your polish).  2) apply a thin layer of base coat. 3) Apply two coats of any nail polish over the entire nail. 4) Time for the magic.  When applying the second coat of polish, pretend that you are polishing a smaller nail on top of your own.  One stroke of polish, a few steps down from your cuticle, brushed directly down the nail plate will give the effect of an outlined nail (or silhouette).  4) After a second coat of polish on the "inner nail", apply a top coat on the entire nail and let it dry (watch an episode of Arrested Development, it should be dry by the end).

Once you master the method, have fun with it!

My pointer finger features the "Crescent Moon" silhouette which was developed for the Ruffian FW 2010 fashion show.  For this look, when applying the second colour, stay far from the cuticle, but allow for it to touch the sidewalls.  This creates the crescent shape on the cuticle area.  My middle finger features a highly exaggerated silhouette.  By starting the second colour halfway down the nail, it appears almost cartoony.  I'd imagine Minnie mouse would rock this look elegantly in black and red.  My ring finger features a look I call the "gobstopper" - a colour in a colour in a colour.  Achieving this simply requires layering the technique with one more shade of polish.  My pinky finger is exactly the same as the gobstopper, only I used the original shade of nail polish again to create the illusion of a perfectly curved chartreuse line.  My thumb is what I'd refer to as the "sweetheart" and is only for silhouette-mani pros.  This involves creating a two side-by side silhouettes on top of the original shade.  

If you are a visual learner, like myself, please help yourself to the link below.  Because it's not right to mess with perfection, I'll provide you with the Silhouette how-to video as made by the FASHION Magazine team and featuring Revlon beauty expert & manicure guru Leeanne Colley and the lucky hands of Lesa Hannah, Beauty Director of FASHION Magazine.

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Polished // the silhouette

CND created nails for the Ruffian fall/winter 2010 fashion show.  They described the look as a "crescent" moon.  At the time, the "half-moon" manicure was all the rage and this metallic version showed a edgier, galactic moon - I was in love.  It was achieved by layering 2 shades of polish; the second shade, slightly lower on the nail bed.  

Last year, manicurist Jin Soon, for Sally Hansen, polished nails for Prabal Gurung's Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show.  She coined the look "the slim silhouette".  Her version extended the base colour further up the sides of the nail bed.  The lilac polish wasn't just a "crescent" moon anymore; it literally hugged the deep violet, giving the nails a slimmer, sexier silhouette.

Fast forward to July 2012 at the Chanel Fall/Winter couture fashion show.  As you can see, there are some similarities to previous runway looks.  They did, however, add they're own touches.  Unlike before, the base colour (in this case, a metallic silver) extends the length of the nail plate.  The accompanying polish (Chanel nail lacquer in "May") also stood out as it was painted in a square shape.  True to form, Chanel took something classic and turned it into something current, chic and oh-so-covetable.

  Last week I became the proud owner of my own silhouette manicure.  The look was expertly polished by the fabulously talented AND newly-crowned Canadian spokesperson for Sally Hansen Beauty(!), Melissa Forrest.  I opted for a UV cured manicure (2 weeks, no chips!) and Melissa chose two perfectly co-ordinating shades: CND Shellac in "Midnight Swim" hugging Entity Colour Couture's "Military Look".  I can't stop admiring them and the compliments keep rolling in.

Do you have a favourite version of the silhouette? Ruffian, Prabal Gurung, Chanel or my Melissa mani?

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Beauty as a second language.

Here are a few tips for you:  The most effective moisturizer for your hands and body is Butyrospernum Parkii.  Theobroma Cacao is a great aswell.  For dry cuticles, slather Simmondsia Chinensis oil with a touch of Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis oil. Adding a bit of Tocopherol on scars and stretch marks speeds healing and a light dab of Melaleuca Alternifolia leaf oil can kick blemishes in the butt.

Reading the ingredients of cosmetic products can feel like deciphering hieroglyphics.  For years I couldn’t understand why water had to be Aqua, why Aloe had to be Aloe Barbadensis or why honey had to be Mel.  Unfortunately, clever marketing latched onto my questioning and released campaigns suggesting, “If you can’t read it, why should you use it?”  How many times have we, as consumers, read the ingredients of an “all-natural” product only to discover that we don’t understand a single word?  You ask: how can this be natural when I can’t pronounce it?  Well, the next time you see “Butyrospernum Parkii”, try to read “shea butter”.  Then you ask: if the ingredients are all wonderful and easy to understand, why do they hide behind impossible scientific terms?  Well, there is a law for that. 

Allow me to introduce you to the INCI (the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients).  Under the Food and Drug Association guidelines for cosmetics, ALL personal care products must use names as given by the INCI.  The reason behind the naming is to assure customer safety.  Using the Latin-derived ICNI names for ingredients on all cosmetic products places everyone on the same page and allows us to compare ingredients of products regardless of whether they come from different countries or regions.  It is a way of generalizing the language we speak when discussing cosmetics.   Unfortunately, the terminology makes it difficult for consumers to make informed purchases.  We must educate ourselves.  Get in the habit of Googling ingredients.  Familiarize yourself with certain terms.  The more you understand, the better your decisions will be on beauty and skincare purchases.  My favourite resource is called Skin Deep.  Type any ingredient into their search engine and they provide answers to the questions “what is it?”, “what is it’s purpose?” and “is it safe?”

So, I suppose my real beauty tip is: speak the language.

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An apple a day // not a post on the new iPhone

Autumn has officially arrived.  Thankfully, there are many factors that make for a smooth transition into cooler weather.  1) The September issues. 2) Scarves: the easiest way to effortlessly accessorize. 3) Apple picking season!  Anyone who knows me well can tell you that I bear a not-so-secret obsession with apples.  They are my favourite fruit and, odds are, if anything is apple flavoured or fragranced…it’s probably my favourite too.  I’ve amassed quite a collection of the juicy variety, everything from dish soap to body butter.  I suppose if one were to go apple picking in my apartment, they may leave with a bushel filled with these...

Fruits & Passion Apple Illusion Quenching Body Butter – This smooth operator wafts a sparkling fragrance featuring notes of red apple and apple blossom while it moisturizes with shea butter and grape seed oil.  Available at Fruits & Passion. 

Josie Maran Argan Lip Treatment – The clever pot contains my favourite non-sticky lip treatment that packs the anti-ageing and conditioning punch of naturally derived argan oil.  Adding jojoba oil for deep down moisture and beeswax to seal it in, this is the perfect pout defense for cold autumn weather.  Did I mention that it also contains a juicy green apple fragrance AND flavor?  Available at Sephora

Philosophy Caramel Apple Bubble Bath – Because no one wants his or her bubble bath to be invigorating or refreshing (leave that for shower time), caramel was added to this apple for a more decadent and indulgent escape.  Available at Sephora (seasonally).

Green Apple Mentos – Don’t be fooled.  These are not mints.  They are perfect appley morsels performing a “freshmaker” charade.  So, unlike their minty counterparts, I’ll devour the whole roll in less than an hour.  Available at the convenience store across the street from wherever you live; maybe at the grocery store.  But don’t ask me for one…I don’t share.

Yankee Candle in “Macintosh” – My Dad’s family once owned an apple orchard in the small town I grew up in (maybe this has something to do with the root of my obsession).  The first time I smelled this candle, I was suddenly taken back to the heavenly rows of apple trees and the giant cooler where they used to store the fresh picked apples in big wooden boxes.  It’s a crisp, not too sweet fragrance that I light in my kitchen to remind me of home.  Available at all Yankee Candle stores, online and wherever Yankee Candles are sold.

Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine – It is almost too appropriate that one of my favourite musicians shares the name of my favourite fruit.  Though not particularly as sweet as her name may suggest, Fiona’s music is a pure force, undeniable and completely addictive. “Extraordinary Machine” is her third and, in my opinion, best album.  If you don’t have it, buy it.  If you don’t believe me, listen to this.  Available on iTunes.

Dawn Apple Blossom dish soap – I’ll do pretty much anything to make washing dishes a more tolerable chore.  *Sigh*, most of my efforts are in vain.   However, this sunny fragrance does make my kitchen, and hands, smell wonderful in the process. 

DKNY Be Delicious eau de parfum – I am constantly playing with my fragrance wardrobe.  My love of one perfume lasts the length of one bottle, and then I am off on a smelling spree to find the next signature “eau de moi”.  It should come as no surprise, however, that this one remains my casual go-to.  The original in a large family of apple fragrances by DKNY, this spritz boasts refreshing top notes of American apple and grapefruit with a sophisticated base of sandalwood and light amber.  It is, as the name would suggest, delicious and perfectly feminine.  Available at Sephora and most department stores.

Any other apple-scented/flavored/ shaped objects I should add to my collection?

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Shaping up // hand flattering 101

Recently, while conducting some research (beauty stalking), I came across a clever guide courtesy of Nicole by O.P.I.  Similar to finding the right "fit" while jean shopping, there is a right nail "shape" for you.

Like jeans, nail shapes come in and out of style.  The 90's were all about an edgy "square" and recently the "oval" has made a comeback from it's popularity in the 60's.  However, depending on the length of your fingers and nails, there is ONE shape that will, most likely, flatter your hand the most.  Being someone who worked at a job looking at and flattering hands all day, I can attest to this.  Thanks to the crafty folks at Nicole by O.P.I, finding the right shape for you has just become so easy (and cute!).  They have added a "Know Your Nails" chart to their website that I'm excited to share:

  I have assessed all of their choices and agree with them.  For example, if you have long fingers and long, narrow nail beds, do not file them almond.  You will look like you have talons for hands.  It's creepy.  A square tip will bring your hand and nail shape back to size.  

I'd also like to note that nowhere on this chart does it recommend stiletto shaped nails. This is because, like acid wash jeans, they flatter absolutely no one.  However, they are trendy and I have been known to like a set of stilettos from time to time.  Just be prepared to look like a disney villain (or Fergie) when you wear them.

Would you wear your nails shaped by Nicole?

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Halo // A love Story.

The first time I laid eyes on Halo, I knew it was the “real thing”.  Yes, I call it Halo.  I’m on a nickname basis with this product; we’ve been together long enough.  Our “meet-cute” happened on a whim two years ago.  In a rush, I ran to pick up my usual finishing powder du jour when I saw it.  It's design was unique and the first of its kind (many would copy it later).  Halo uses a shaver to release its densely packed powder.  I know I’m not alone in my dislike of loose powder products; rationing product on the brush, making a powdery mess in my kit.  Halo is clever and locks the minerals in, dispensing only what we need.  Enough about the design; the proof is in the powder and it’s potent. 

Halo was named after the camera lighting effect that provides a soft focus.  In turn, the light captures maturing actors and models in a good (youthful) light.  Created with an anti-aging mandate, Smashbox's unique powder achieves the same result.   The perfecting mineral product behind the shaver contains all of the strong skincare properties of your favourite night cream.  Packed with 48 minerals, 11 amino acids (collagen builders), anti-oxidants (skin protectors), a powerful peptide (cell rejuvenator) and pure gold, this is one lover I’ll never turn my back on.  If that wasn’t good enough, it also boasts a patented hydration formula that encapsulates water to refresh the skin on contact.  Even if you’re not using Halo for it’s anti-aging benefits, the product is luxurious and provides an enviable, radiant complexion that you can grow old with.  If you're accustomed to spending within the $20-35 range on your powders, then Halo’s $72.00 price tag may seem steep.  However, in the 30-month relationship that we’ve had, I’ve only replenished ONCE!  You get a whole lot of beautiful bang for your hard earned buck.

I know I can’t keep a babe like Halo all to myself; I’m willing to share. Have you got a product love story?

Smashbox Halo Perfecting Powder comes with it's own kabuki brush for application and is available in 5 skin flattering shades (including one bronzer and one color correcting formula) at Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart. $72.00.

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Polished // Birthday Cake

Recently, while perusing the isles of Sephora, I came across a tempting confection: sprinkle nail polish.  Taking glitter to a sugary level, Nails Inc. has released a collection of four polishes guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

(Left to Right) "Pudding Lane", Sweets Away", "Topping Lane", "Sugar House Lane". Available at Sephora. $11.50

Start with a pale cream polish in a colour of your choice.  I have painted each of my nails a different shade to showcase a few options.

Next, apply a multi-coloured glitter polish. 

I used "Rainbow Connection" by O.P.I, but another great option is Deborah Lippmann's "Happy Birthday".

   To "matte-ify" the metallic sparkles, apply a thin coat of a sheer white nail polish.  I used Deborah Lippman's "Like a Virgin".  Another great option is "Funny Bunny" by O.P.I. (Those two names have really cornered the glitter and sheer white category for this post haven't they?)

The great thing about this step is that, while deflecting the metallic glitter, it softens the colour underneath.  This makes the finished product look like the top of a cupcake.  Just add a candle and make a wish.

Are you mature enough to handle "Birthday Cake" nails?

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TIFF // Beauty Round-up

Another year, another week of Toronto Film Festival pandemonium come and gone.  Blocked roads, line-ups outside of The Ritz and, oh yeah, film premieres.  Being a resident of Toronto (and not a driver), I love TIFF.  The buzzing excitement, keeping my eyes peeled for actors walking out of Starbucks and, of course, the red carpet.  This year in TIFF beauty, the ladies came prepared and I have a couple favourites.

In the beauty department, there were two all-round winners.  First, Diane Kruger.  With lightly glossed lips, a Pretty Post Approved glow, expertly arched brows and lashes that twinkle, she defined natural glamour.  I also give a round of applause to her perfect ballerina top-knot that was paired with, the not-seen-since-the-90's, tendrils!  Tendrils! They're back and I approve...so long as you don't curl them like you've just walked out of a Jane Austen novel.

My next all-round winner is Kristen Stewart.  Her look was so fierce and confident, perfectly balancing her feminine embroidered dress by Zuhair Murad (I want!).  Her Metallic eye shadow was complimented with bold fuchsia lipstick and best part?  The make-up used to create her look is affordable and by mark. by Avon.  Click here for a geeky* breakdown.  Finally, her hair.  I'm honestly obsessed with this half up, half down style.  It's a version of the look I've never seen and she pulls it off effortlessly.

Now that I have declared the winners, I have honourable mentions.  Eva Mendes wins best hair piece with her silk, navy head wrap.  I love how perfectly it tidies her messy bun and adds an exotic element to her ensemble.  Almost makes you forgive her for stealing our boyfriend...almost.  Emily Blunt deserves a trophy for her electric lipstick.  With her necklace bearing bronze and rusted elements, you would assume that a red lip would be the natural choice.  Somehow, her pop-pink lips work and I commend her.  Emily's sophisticated baby ponytail also deserves two-thumbs up.  Jennifer Lawrence, freshly re-Katniss'ed, used her chestnut locks to her advantage by pulling off a fantastic "Vamp" look.  Dismissing her usual bombshell blonde waves, she straight-ironed her dark hair; keeping it smooth with two neat bobby pins.  She earns points for committing to her role and bringing the look together with black nail polish.  

This year, nails did not play a supporting role on the red carpet.  Vanessa Hudgens (left) sported almond-tipped nails with a different bedazzled design on each tip.  Zhang Ziyi (right) brought it home with nails designed by nail artist extraordinaire, Leeanne Colley.  They were embellished with pearls and dozens of Swarovski crystals.  

I don't know about you, but I've found enough inspiration on the TIFF red carpet to last me through the coming weeks.  I'm ready to tackle Kristen Stewart's hair and muster my courage for Emily Blunt's lipstick.  Any looks you'd be willing to adopt?  

[theprettypost-blog]

How-to // Graffiti Nails

As seen on the runway of Cascata Blu's 2013 Resort Collection fashion show

For this look, you will definitely need one white and one black nail polish.  The coloured accents can be of your choice.  For the Cascata Blu show, I went with colours of the rainbow in both neon and pastel.   Also, It should go without saying: base and top coat.  You want it to last right? 

For the spray paint effect, you will need a craft sponge.  They're available at all art stores, as well as most dollar stores.  Any sponge will do so long as it's soft and full of air bubbles; those are what make nail polish look like paint splatter.

For this demo, I am going to show you the look on three fingers because no two tips should look alike.  First, like any good manicure, you must prep the nail plate: file the tips, clean your cuticles, wipe with nail polish remover to eradicate any surface oils and finish with a thin layer of base coat.  Follow this with two coats of white nail polish.

On a piece on tin foil (to prevent the polish from sinking through), pour your nail polishes into neat puddles.  This will be the palette to dip your sponge in.  

Softly dab your sponge into the first colour and, in random placement, press it lightly onto your nails.  You may have to blot your sponge on the foil before the nail to remove some product.   

When you have completed both hands with one colour, move onto the next and repeat this step.  When you have completed both hands with all colours, toss your foil and grab your black nail polish.

This is one step that you may over-think.  Try not to.  As I mentioned before, it is supposed to look absentminded and uneven.  When applying the black brush strokes, use very little polish.  When you remove the brush from the mouth of the polish bottle, wipe most of it off on the side.  Polishes are meant to be applied smoothly, but if you remove most of the polish from the brush, you get those great streaky lines that are both artistic and edgy.  With a light hand, brush the polish onto the nail in all directions.  

When the black brushes are complete, it's time to clean up the side walls.  Using a sponge and a messy technique makes it impossible to avoid your skin.  To remedy this, dip an angled make-up brush in nail polish remover and gently wipe to erase.  Use this method for all of your manicure mistakes.  It's my favourite "no-sweat" tip.

To finish it off, apply an even layer of top coat and don't forget the most important step: Patience!  After all of that work and artistry DO NOT tend to your garden, or cook a meal.  Relax.  Let your nails dry for 25 min or the length of one episode of "Modern Family".  You do have the time and your nails are worth it.  Enjoy!

Would you give graffiti nails a try?    

[theprettypost-blog]

Cascata Blu + Graffiti inspired Nail Art

Inspired by the collection, I set out to polish a design that was both girly and tough.  The nail look was created using five shades of nail polish and one plastic craft sponge.  (Tutorial to come...) 

The hair for the event was styled by the team from Kevin Murphy.  Beachy waves were created with the use of their signature Mermaid Kit.  Make-up for the event was pin-up sexy, with a hit of street-style swagger.  Lips were painted with matte lipstick in neon orange and pink and eyes were enhanced with an exaggerated "cat-eye" liner reminiscent of Amy Winehouse.  

Models in waiting.

Some of the fabulous suits and beachwear featured in the show.  I covet the neon green cover (seen left).  

The event was held on the rooftop of The Spoke Club.  Models strutted down a crisp blue catwalk and the light rain only proved further that the suits were fabulous, dry or wet. *wink.

Now, I just need a vacation to co-ordinate my suit with...  

View and purchase pieces from the collection at cascatablu.com

[theprettypost-blog]

Goody Spin Pins & The easiest Day-to-Night hair

Goody Spin Pins come in Blonde or Brunette.  available at Wal-Mart

What I love most about these two spirals is that they do not require a hair elastic.  Previously, when I took my hair out of a bun, I would be left with that awkward indentation.  The hair on the top of my head would be smooth and then *BUMP* followed by perfect beachy curls.  I remember thinking "If only that bump weren't there, this would be a great hairstyle".  Enter Spin Pins.  They hold hair without the elastic and therefore provide you with THE PERFECT effortless waves when you're ready to remove them.  Allow me to demonstrate:

Part your hair on the side and twist one section away from your face and down the side of your head.  As you do, continue to grab more hair into the twist until it reaches the nape of your neck.  Grab the rest of your hair and, twirling it in the same direction, roll it into a bun.  Secure this by screwing the pins through it in an X shape.  You can do this as tight or as loose as you feel comfortable.  I like to keep it slightly loose and romantic by pulling out pieces around my face.  I wear my hair to work in this style 90% of the time.  It's easy and, at the end of my work day, nothing feels better than to release the pins and know that all I need is a bit of hairspray and I'm ready for the evening:

Keeping the bun lower to my neck did decrease volume so, if you would like more body, bring the bun to the crown of your head.  

Have you screwed your hair recently?

[theprettypost-blog]

BB Creams: The "All-in-One" ...minus one?

    A BB cream (the BB stands for Beauty Balm) is, by definition, the “all-in-one” product.  It is marketed as a lightweight foundation that encompasses all of your skincare needs while providing a delicate and even coverage…in other words, a fancy tinted moisturizer.  When I think of my skin’s daily wants, I list a few things: moisturizer, sun protection, primer and light coverage.  Though most accomplish just that, unfortunately, some BB creams miss one vital ingredient: sun protection! I have come across a few BB’s that don’t boast SPF and, of course, I could always add sunscreen to the mix, but it defeats the purpose of the “all-in-one”.  Imagine a swiss army knife with scissors, a nail file, a screwdriver, a magnifying glass, a toothpick, but no knife.  Seems pretty silly no?  I feel as though there should be a defined list of ingredient requirements.  So, maybe SPF isn’t a requirement for a BB…but shouldn’t it be?

Here are some Pretty Post approved BB’s:

Smashbox Camera Ready BB 5 in 1 Beauty Balm SPF 35.  This formula is a tint, moisturizer, primer, sunscreen and shine controller; great for oily skin types.  Available at Drugstores and Sephora

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream. SPF 30.  This little "skin perfector" contains a natural mineral sunscreen (titanium dioxide) that is great for sensitive skin types.  Available at Drugstores.

Estée Lauder Day Wear B.B. Multi-Perfecting Beauty Benefit Creme SPF 35.  (say that ten times fast).  I love the anti-oxidant properties.  It’s great for all skin types, especially mature and sun-damaged.  Available at The Bay

Stay tuned for my two-cents on the pending “CC” Creams.  Yes, it’s true.  They’re coming and I bet I’ll have something to say about it…

Are you with me on the SPF necessity?     

[theprettypost-blog]

Glow Anatomy

Oh Mila.  Sometimes when I watch (critique) the red carpet, I can’t help but wince.  In an honest effort to provide the irresistible look of naturally glowing skin, some make-up artists will overdose on shimmer (see above).  The idea behind radiant skin is to make it look natural.  When a shimmer is applied to every inch of the face, it translates as fembot or plastic.  I am not talking about highlighting and contouring here.  “Glowing” does not always re-shape the face, it does, however, enhance it.  Therefore, we must be strategic with its placement.  Allow me to provide a map.  Please note:  not all of the areas highlighted are necessary i.e. the teal smudges are for everyday wear and the violet smudges for special occasions and the evening.

Brow bone – An instant eyelift.  Need I say more?

Inner-eye – After a long night out, this trick is your best friend.  It opens your eyes wide and gives the appearance of a 12 hr sleep.

Upper cheekbone – When applied just above your blush, it subtly enhances your cheekbones and is especially pretty when you smile.

Cupids bow – I love this lip-defining trick as it enhances your pout whether you’re wearing bright red lipstick or minty balm.

Middle of lower lip – Dabbing light here adds volume.  Pucker up Angelina.

Chin / Bridge of nose / Middle of forehead – Apply here (sparingly!) to pull all of the glowing elements together for a dewy, natural finish.

Clavicles – When you’re sporting a low neckline, a touch of light to these delicate bones couldn’t be sexier.  Try it!

Now this is more like it:

Glowing products come in many shades and consistencies.  Make sure you choose the right one for you i.e. oily skin types may fare better with a powder formulation.  It is also important that you choose a product that is shimmery, NOT glittery.  The idea is to look radiant, not like a vampire in the sun a la Twilight.  Here are some of my favourite complexion enhancers:

TOPSHOP Glow in Polished (available at TOPSHOP in The Bay). Benefit High Beam (available at drug stores and Sephora). M.A.C shadow in Naked Lunch (available at all M.A.C stores)

What is your go-to highlighter?  Any secret glow spots I missed?

[theprettypost-blog]

The Book Case

     For a long time I have fantasized about owning my own library.  No, I’m not talking about owning the public library.  The library I speak of will be in my own home.  I want a room solely dedicated to displaying my vast book collection.  I have a sneaking suspicion the desire had something to do with this.  I can see it now.  Along with rows upon rows of books, it will have one leather chair in the corner, where I’ll sit, and one small table to set down my glass of scotch in between thoughtful sips.  There will be a ladder to help me reach the top shelf and a grand fireplace for ambiance.  Who knows? Once I am the proud owner of said library, I may take up pipe smoking and saying things like “I do say…” or “allow me to quote Kafka…”.  I’ll start an elite society of library owners and once a month we’ll all raise our monocles and tweet words of wisdom to one another #LibrariansDoItBetter.  …But I digress.  Currently, my puny book collection resides on a 15”x79” Ikea Billy bookshelf, my closet apartment has two rooms and pipe smoking?  Not so much.

    Recently, while browsing home décor websites for inspiration, I came across a trend I needed to follow: colour coordinating your bookshelf.   Working at Tips Nail Bar, I was fanatical about arranging the rows of nail polish.  Having the red polishes gracefully blend into the blues made me happier than I’m willing to admit (nerd!).  Being crafty with your bookshelf not only looks clever, but also adds art to a small space (and small budget).  Try separating the book spines into different colour families:

Or arranging them in one long gradient:

While I may never amass a collection like Karl Lagerfeld’s (See top photo), for the time being, at least mine can stay pretty.  Here is my humble version:

Could you follow the reading rainbow?