What My Mom Has Taught Me About Beauty...

To all of you who are moms and have moms, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! If you're a mom, I hope you get all the pampering you deserve.

This was my mom back in the 70s/80s when she was still a performer by occupation. She was pretty fierce, huh? She still is, actually. By the way, the outfit she's wearing in the first photo is actually just a piece of fabric she fashioned into a jumpsuit of sorts. She's a clever one!

Like most women, my mom has influenced me in the way of beauty and I've learned a lot from her along the way. The most important thing I've learned is that there's always something about you that's beautiful, even if you're not feeling particularly beautiful. I have a few insecure moments... All right, I have more than a few, but I'm sure I'm not the only one. And when I'm busy throwing myself a pity party (I wish I was more this, I wish I looked more like her, et cetera, et cetera. Let me play my tiny violin), she's always quick to point out my "pretty parts." I've learned to see myself a bit differently because of her. So no, I won't ever look like a model, but I know I don't have to be one to be beautiful. This is what my mom has taught me.

What has your mom taught you about beauty?

Collection Spotlight: Badgley Mischka - Spring 2011

(photos from style.com)

If I can sum up, in one word, what this collection makes me think of, it's definitely "Mediterranean."

The coral shades look so gorgeous against white, it's a perfect marriage between crisp and fresh. The first dress in the last set on model Tao Okamoto is especially lovely. The fabric just flows so beautifully, it reminds me of water.

I also really love the full length dresses, but my favourites are dress #2 in set 1 and dress #1 in set 2. These dresses are so light and airy, it seems to have been poured over them to float over the body. They are such simple, but stunning dresses!

Enjoy your weekend, lovelies!

All About Eyes - Peacock Green

Products Used:

The Body Shop Eye Colour - Peacock Green

MAC Eyeshadow - Patina & Naked Lunch

Clinique Brush-On Cream Eyeliner - True Black

Revlon Beyond Natural Eyelashes - 91155

I purchased Peacock Green a few weeks ago because I fell in love with the colour. For this look, I decided to let it take center stage and keep everything else simple. First, I applied the shadow all over the lid with a brush that has short, dense bristles so I could really pack on the colour. Although, I didn't really need to work with it too much because it's nicely pigmented. I also applied this shade along the lower lash line with a pencil brush. Then, I applied Patina along the crease and blended it with the green to diffuse any harsh lines. Next, I used a fluffy brush to sweep some Naked Lunch along the brow bone for a pretty highlight. 

To finish off the look, I lined my upper lash line and lower line with a black gel eyeliner from Clinique, brushed through my brows with a groomer, and applied false eyelashes from Revlon. 

Hope you all like this simple, but colourful look! :)

Collection Spotlight: Paul & Joe - Spring 2011

(photos from style.com)

Goodness, where do I start? 

First of all: ORANGE! I've been a little obsessed with orange shades at the moment so the first set is right up my street!

Secondly: belts! From metallic belts with rope accents to ultra thin belts to the brown belts with the rustic feel, I'm loving this detail and I think they accentuate the outfits perfectly.

Third: maxi skirts/dresses! I love full length pieces, though I often think they look too bohemian for me. However, the lovely floral prints in the last set and the punchy bright shade of the first dress in the second set are bit more my style. 

Fourth: Pantsuits! The bright colours, the halter neck, the belted waist, these pantsuits are so modern and so sexy.

My absolute favourite? Definitely the first photo in the last set. I love the use of print and bright colour on the skirt juxtaposed with a sheer tank and leather bomber. 

Which piece is your favourite?

Call It Beauty's Favourites From The 2011 Met Gala!

Last night was the annual Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year's theme? Alexander : Savage Beauty. Check out Call It Beauty's picks!

BEAUTY HITS

(photos from LIFE)

left to right:

Jennifer Lopez - Long fluttery lashes, a nice bronze glow, and two tone red lips. Très glam!

Elizabeth Banks - I'm so big on orange right now, so her orange-toned lips are a big hit for me!

Dianna Agron - She will never not be a beauty hit for me, I think. Natural makeup is nothing new for her, but I'm really loving the sleek ponytail.

(photo from LIFE)

left to right:
Emma Stone - Simple black liner with minor flick and a bright pink lip. Simple, but beautiful.
Mary-Kate Olsen - Don't think red eye shadow is wearable? Well, take a look at Mary-Kate and be proven wrong. The neutrality of the rest of her makeup settles the look to make it less theatrical. It's a risk, to be sure; but if there's anyone who can pull it off, it's Mary-Kate.
Ginnifer Goodwin - Another risk-taker. Bright blue eyeshadow and gorgeous, lush, black lashes. This look, as Charlie Sheen would say, is WINNING.

FASHION HITS

(photos from LIFE)

left to right:

Ashley Greene in custom Donna Karan - The stripes of silver sequins is incredible!

Naomi Watts in Stella McCartney - Love the sheer neckline/sleeves and the gold beadwork is amazing.

Florence Welch in Yves Saint Laurent - It's your typical vintage look from Florence Welch, but those gorgeous, voluminous sleeves are sitting really well with me.

Dakota Fanning in Valentino - The lightness of the tulle grounded by those lovely flowers... It's an age appropriate, but still glamorous look for the 17 year old Fanning.

(photo from LIFE)

left to right:

Tory Burch - I'm assuming she's wearing one of her own designs. I'm love the use of two different but similar (black over nude) fabrics and her earrings are divine!

Elizabeth Banks in Tommy Hilfiger - Sequins galore! I'm such a sucker for this kind of dress. Gorgeous all around!

Jessica Stam in Tommy Hilfiger - Jessica's tulle gown, understated but glamorous jewellery, and girl-next-door curls are just utterly romantic.

Kerry Washington in Escada - The colour, the cutouts, the evening purse with the long strap... So pretty!

(photo from LIFE)

left to right:

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci - I admit, I'm not down with the floral along the shoulders. But the rest of the dress is just stunning. Love how the fabric ties all around the neck.

Emma Stone in Lanvin - Lanvin definitely agrees with her. The floral print is just beyond gorgeous!

Brooklyn Decker in Michael Kors - A simple silhouette jazzed up by a stunning hot pink shade.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Stella McCartney - How amazing does she look? Love the navy blue sequins the cowl neck, and the teeny tiny belt. Stunning.

FASHION FAVOURITES

(photos from LIFE)

left to right:
Dianna Agron in custom Michael Kors - Sleek and sexy. I love the colour and I love the Y-halter neckline. Can this woman do no wrong?
Isla Fisher in Tory Burch - Another sequined, navy dress. I really love the sheen this dress gives.
Michelle Williams in Miu Miu - Love the ribbons on the shoulders and waist, and I especially love the "micro-sequin gold swallow embroidery."
Amy Poehler in J. Mendel - I don't think I've ever seen Amy Poehler looking this glamorous! Love the draping, the sheer neckline, and that stunning statement necklace.

(photo from LIFE)

left to right:
Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein Collection - Another simple, minimalistic dress but the bright yellow colour definitely punches it up; especially against her gorgeous skin.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen - Paying tribute to the man of the hour and did she ever deliver. This beaded champagne stunner is beyond beautiful!
Diane Kruger in Jason Wu - How is she so gorgeous? Diane Kruge is one of my absolute red carpet faves and does anyone wonder why with this look? The sheer embellished top, the high waisted skirt, the thigh-high slit. Very va-va-voom and she wears it well.
Ginnifer Goodwin in Unique by Topshop - Yes, you read that right. Topshop! Stunning colour, love the deep plunge & cutouts, and love the statement necklace.
Liv Tyler in Givenchy Couture - The white to yellow ombré effect, the feathers... I am seriously in love with this dress, it's a work of art.






Who are your best dressed picks of the night?

Monthly Favourites - April 2011

Goodbye, April! Thank you for some pretty amazing weather and general good times. For some of you, you're looking forward to the warmer weather. Can't say I am since I'm a bit sensitive to heat, but I'm ready for the feeling of summer. You know, driving around with the music turned up high, summer sunsets, barbeques, et cetera.

Anyway, enough chit chat. Here are Call It Beauty's favourites for the month of April:

1. The Body Shop - Earth Lovers Shower Gel in Watermelon & Eucalyptus

A lovely scent, a great lather, and 100% biodegradable; I have used this shower gel the most this past April. It's sulphate, paraben, and colorant-free as well, so not only will you be helping the environment, but you'll smell good while doing it, too!

This shower gel comes in 5 other scent combinations if they are more to your liking. Or, you can purchase an unfragranced bottle and concoct your own blend. 

2. Revlon - Nail Polish in Tangerine & L'oréal - Nail Polish in Waters Edge

These nail polishes are gorgeous on their own but in April, I really took to combining them with other colours that are already in my arsenal (as you can see above). 

Unfortunately, the constant use of nail polish that month put my nails in rough shape, but I can't wait til I can don these colours again!

3. Sigma - F40 Large Angled Contour Brush

Whether applying contour or blush, this brush will do it perfectly for you. I love how soft it is and how wonderfully it blends whatever cheek product I may use. Since I've been really into blushes lately, the F40 has been my most reached for tool this month.

4. Cargo Cosmetics - Blush in Tonga

This blush is probably my favourite April purchase. It's such a gorgeous colour, the texture is amazing, and it blends so well into the skin. Because of it's neutral tones, it somehow acts as a contour as well which comes in handy when you want a bit more definition but don't really want to reach for another product. 

This blush really is amazing and since I've purchased it, I've been wearing it every time I wear makeup.

5. Clinique - Brush On Cream Liner in True Black

I purchased this product because Sam of Pixiwoo stated in one of her videos that the product doesn't dry out (unlike MAC Fluidlines). I've been using MAC Fluidline for some years and would continue to use it even though the products had dried out quite a bit because I hate wasting product. I figured if I bought this, I would eliminate that problem.

I have to say I really like the formula! It's applies smoothly and doesn't take much product to get an opaque line. Also, unlike my Fluidline, it doesn't migrate south as much throughout the day, which is always a bonus. I still get a bit of product down there, but nothing too obvious. It also applies and stays on the waterline better.

It comes with a brush, which is handy for traveling and touch ups, but the handle is so short, I find myself having a hard time controlling my application. But all in all, this is an amazing product by Clinique.

What are your favourites for the month of April?

Collection Spotlight: Valentino - Spring 2011

(photos from style.com)

As lovely as the silhouettes of these gorgeous dresses are, they simply would not look good on someone like me who isn't... Well, slight. 

No, the reason I love this collection so much is for the divine fabrics! I love how floaty and airy they are and the patterns are so beautiful. I personally love the polka dots (set 1) and the black on nude patterns in sets 4 and 5. 

Also, how gorgeous is that coral dress in set 6? It's simple and classic, but the colour really brings it to life.

Any favourites?