If you read foreign beauty and fashion magazines, you’d have probably read about Latisse, the eyelash serum from Allergan, the makers of Botox. What’s got everybody all excited is that Latisse is scientifically proven to work, and is the only eyelash-enhancement drug currently approved by the US FDA.

The bad news is, unlike Botox, Latisse isn’t available to us here (yet). But the great news is that we now have access to two equally buzz-worthy eyelash serums: Talika Lipocils Expert and L’Oréal Renewal Lash Serum.  

Lash serums are the latest beauty trend that has the industry buzzing – they’re suddenly everywhere! But before you rush out to grab your own little magic tube, there are two things you should remember:

One – don’t expect miracles – like your eyelashes growing so much you can forget falsies – but you can expect an improvement because these serums work to stimulate lash growth by improving circulation and relieving congestion around the roots of your lashes. They give your lashes a gentle “nudge” to grow longer, get curlier, be more … but they can only do so much because they are working with what you already have.

Two – you will only see a difference by being disciplined with your application. Most of these serums need to be applied twice a day, every day on clean lashes. And when you stop using them, your eyelashes will go back to their previous state.

Because you need at least 28 days to see results, I’ve only had the chance to try out Talika’s Lipocils Expert. But you have my promise, L’Oréal’s serum is next!

This plant-based gel is, according to its French maker Talika, scientifically proven to stimulate and replenish natural eyelash growth. And Talika knows what they’re talking about – the brand has been specialising eye-care products since 1948, and they’re also the only brand ever to be authorised by the French Advertising Claims Bureau to be able to say, hey – our product really work. And they do it with ingredients like Nettle Extract, Witch Hazel, Horse Chesnut and St. John’s Wart.

Lipocils Expert is supposed to lengthen, curl, and darken your lashes. 

 

Application is easy, use the sponge tip to get to your lash roots, and the brush to apply to your eyelashes. The light gel dries up pretty quickly, and doesn’t sting the eyes.

 

I’ve never had issues with my eyelashes (have my late father to thank for that), but I sometimes think that it would be nice if they curled up a bit more.

28 days later, my eyelashes weren’t that much curlier, they did get a bit longer, and thicker, especially my lower lashes. I’m sorry if it isn’t too obvious from the pictures, but ladies – I can assure you that I am a happy bunny!

As they say, the proof is in the proverbial pudding, so have a look.

Before

 

After

 

Before

 

After

 

For more proof, take a look at Paris B‘s lashes! 

Talika Lipocils Expert is available at at Parkson Pavilion, Parkson KLCC, Parkson 1 Utama and Parkson Gurney, Penang for RM185.

 

Every year, during Fashion Week, I look forward to the beauty looks that the world’s best make-up artists whip up – I have my favourites, the charming Tom Pecheux, Dick Page, who is also the Creative Director of Shiseido, Peter Phillips (Chanel’s new Creative Director), Charlotte Tilbury, Linda Cantello (she who created YSL’s cult Touche Eclat) and of course, the amazing Pat McGrath. Just looking at their work sends chills down my spine – the way they transform models’ faces into works of art - they all have magic fingers!

These are the creative individuals you pay attention to, but when it comes to driving beauty trends every season, you’ve just got to give it to M.A.C.

The brand works with almost 200 designers at Fashion Weeks around the world, and create look after cool-look that are cutting edge and simply stunning to look at.

This Autumn/Winter, the brand released four key trends we should all be trying out.

The first one’s Lid Vicious, a clever homage to Sid Vicious. The looks are inspired by rock and roll and glamorous biker girls, and feature heavily smoked eyes – I love the way it was done at DSquared². For the look, Greasepaint Stick was applied all over the eyelid for a basic black ‘smear’ then Blue Brown and Violet Pigments were layered over top for an eye look with more ‘messy dimension.’  

 

Who’s That Girl isn’t just the title of a Madonna song, but also a M.A.C trend. Think strong Eighties looks inspired by Debbie Harry, electronica, you get the drift … 

To create the two-toned lip seen at Emanuel Ungaro, fill in the top lip with Morange Lipstick and the bottom lip with Violetta Lipstick.

The last trend is called Sculpture Club (so clever!), and it’s all about shading the face and highlighting. “It’s recreating that feel of ‘80s album cover beauty,” declared make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury.

I was given the opportunity to speak to the M.A.C Cosmetics senior make-up artist here in Malaysia, the super-talented Yokoe Chan (she gave me black lips!) on how to work the looks.

These are her words of wisdom.

• For a modern, smoky eye, experiment with different textures of black. Complete the look by lining the inside of the eyes with a sheer, white eyeliner.
• This season, use lip pencil to create precise, defined lips. 
• The way to sculpt your face now is not with dark/light make-up, but with clever use of highlighters. Picking the right shade is easy, use a bronze-gold if you are tan, or a pale gold or something with pink-based pearls if you are fair. A great alternative is the Strobe Cream.
• When it comes to blending, you know you did right when you can’t see the colour anymore.
• Coral lips are hot, and everyone can carry it off! Start with your favourite red, and mix it to look more orange till you find a shade you like. Or start with a nude lipstick and add a light peach or apricot.
• When it comes to eyebrows, look for the colour closest to your hair colour. When you draw/fill in, the darkest point should be the arch, go medium at the tail and lightest at the thickest area of your brow.
• With blusher, you can and should change the colour of your blusher. Smile, and start at the highest point, using the tip of the brush to apply in circular motions. At the end of the day, focus on your overall look – if you’re going for a sweet look, intensify your blush colour. Going goth? Then tone it down. 
• Use the runway looks as a reference. Look at the images, pick what you want to try, and adapt … so that you’re still you – on trend!
• Finally, make-up should compliment, not match your clothes!

 

• 

  With Yokoe at M.A.C’s Style Black launch party

Is there anything prettier than a rosy flush?

While blush has never quite been given the same recognition as red lipstick or smoky eyeshadow, it is essential to any make-up look.

But first – to find the shade that flatters your skin tone, I got a little help from make-up mistress Bobbi Brown. This is what she said in her book, Living Beauty.

If your complexion is porcelain, try … pale pink or pastel apricot

If your complexion is fair, try … sandy pink

If your complexion is medium, try … tawny brownish pink

If your complexion is tan, try … deep brownish rose

If your complexion is olive, try … plum, golden brown or deep rose

If your complexion is dark, try … dark or deep bronze or deep red

Formulas

I tell friends to start with a cream blush, it goes on sheer and is easy to blend. But you also need to keep your make-up textures consistent, so use powder blush with powder foundation/loose powder.

Where to place the colour?

Focus on the apples if you want girly, or blend blush higher on the cheekbones if you want something a bit more sophisticated. Another trick is to put the most colour just outside the “fattest” part of the cheeks, and never under the eyes. And definitely not too close to the nose or the temples.

How much is too much?

The rule of thumb is this: the more layers of makeup, the lighter the blush. If I wear strong lips and nothing else, I can always go with more colour on the cheeks. But when I have smoky eyes and nude lips on, blush takes a back seat.

I also think that you should have more than one blush colour – something natural, and one that pops. By natural, I mean the colour you normally get after a workout session, and that pop of colour is something brighter. The ones featured here are colours I’ve used and loved.

NARS Blush in Orgasm: The perfect mix of peach/pink that seems to be universally flattering. I use this with strong lip colours.

Becca Cosmetics Creme Blush in Turkish Rose: The image above of Leighton Meester? I get that with this.

Revlon Matte Powder Blush in Rose Rapture: Great staying power.

Shiseido The Makeup Accentuating Color Stick in Rosy Flush: I like this with strong red lips – think Snow White’s rosy cheeks, and you get the idea.

Do you have any tips on blushing?

I know that Fashion Week for Spring 2010 have already begun, but in real time, it’s autumn in New York!

Anyway, I’ve compiled Part One of favourite looks from the shows M.A.C did during the Fall collections for your viewing pleasure.  The images are all courtesy of M.A.C cosmetics.

*A heads-up – this post is pix-heavy.

HOT LIPS

 

Pink can be polished, too! The trick is to keep it creamy and not glossy. And don’t forget the liner. Alberta Ferretti A/W 09

 

Such a fresh look. Giles A/W 09

 

For those times when you can’t decide between the pink and orange lipstick. Emanuel Ungaro A/W 09

 

The key is to line and shape lips before filling in colour. So retro and fabulous! Luca Luca A/W 09

 

HEAVY METAL

 

Try anchoring metallics with black eyeliner and brown shadow. Nanette Lepore A/W 09

 

To make eyes really pop, choose a bright and heavily pigmented gold. Ossie Clark A/W 09

 

 

Keep it in the family. Match copper eyes with gold nails. Baby Phat A/W 09

 

SWEET CHEEKS

Now how delicate is this? Rosy cheeks and pale pink lips – a winning combination anytime! Blugirl A/W 09

 

Use a cream blusher to help achieve dewy-looking skin. Add a dusting of gold powder just below the eye area for instant cheekbones. Carolina Herrera A/W 09

 

Bored of the usual rose-pink blush? Try coral cheeks! Peter Jensen A/W 09

 

NUDE AND NATURAL

 

Your best friend for this look? Lots and lots of concealer. Barbara Bui A/W 09

 

 

 

Sometimes, all you need is a hint of pink. Balmain A/W 09

 

Keep your colour palette light and easy, and stick to light brown or beige eyeshadow and toffee lips. Diane Von Fursternberg A/W 09

 

SMOKED! 

Go for shimmery chocolate shadows if black is too intimidating. Chloe A/W 09

 

 

Break all the rules and emphasise both lips and eyes! Diesel Black Gold A/W 09

The ultimate rocker chick – oiled and smoked! DSquared2 A/W 09

Who says smoky eyes need to be dark and dangerous? Keep it fun and modern with a matte blue. Nicole Miller A/W 09

So which one’s your favourite?

p/s: Watch out for Part Two in the next few days, as well as interview I did with Yokoe Chan, the brand’s senior make-up artist on the season’s hottest trends!

It’s a question echoed in magazines and beauty blogs around the world – where have all the eyebrows gone?

Whether by shaving, or bleaching, invisible eyebrows, it seems, is a Fall trend. The runways of Prada and Balenciaga had bare-browed models strutting up and down – and the mastermind behind it all is my favourite make-up artist, Pat McGrath. 

“No brows has been a beauty option since the beginning of time,” said McGrath in a New York Times interview. “Think of those looming images of Queen Elizabeth.”

Then there’s Givenchy’s latest campaign, with Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima posing as Marilyn Manson. I kid, but you have to admit, it really is a little disturbing to see sexy Adriana all androgynous and alien-like.

McGrath had a theory on why this look might pick up. “The economic troubles we are facing now open people up to be more daring and willing to don cutting-edge looks.”

What say you? I’ve been told that for the Chinese, it’s the ultimate insult to shave one’s eyebrows. I know I’m just too vain for this trend.

Here are two (invisible) brow-related editorials for your reading pleasure.

• Is the new trend to remove eyebrows a profound social statement – or just another daft fad from Planet Fashion? [The Daily Mail]
• Where Have All The Eyebrows Gone? [The NY Times]

More images of no-brows