Beauty: Holiday Gift Guide

Hope everyone is enjoying this Holiday Season! Monica here from Beauty Parler. If you're like me I tend to wait last minute to buy gifts. But, I seriously need to change that habit as most beauty gifts sell out quick. For any beauty aficionado this is the season to do some serious shopping and I mean for yourself too. Stock up on your favourite makeup products because it's the best time to find deals and kits that aren't normally offered throughout the year.

For example, the Charlotte Tilbury 'The Bombshell' Set is almost a complete full-face set minus a foundation at an exceptional value versus buying the items separately. Items like makeup brushes are another great add to your wish-list. Sigma Brushes (as pictured) are a great gift for a teen or young adult who is looking to start a makeup kit without breaking the bank.

Can't forget those work parties and Secret Santa exchange. Co-workers love hand creams and lipbalms. Kiehl's is my go-to source in that department. Love the Kiehl's #1 Lip Balm, perfect for dry cracked Winter lips. For the lipstick lovers at the office or a great hostess gift, the Clinique 'Days of the Week' Matte lipstick set if a fabulous gift.

Am I the only one that likes to stock up on beauty products this time of year? Do tell. Happy Shopping!

-post by Monica

BEAUTY: RED LIPS FOR FALL

Is it too early to think about Fall? Hi, Monica here from Beauty Parler.

My favourite season is around the corner and although many of you might not want to think about Fall it is coming. Fall brings us gorgeous hues of browns, oranges, and reds. The crispness of a cool night, stomping on leaves and drinking lattes. But, my favorite is the look of a red lip. I find that many either love a red lip or hate it. Primarily due to the fact that finding the right shade of red can be difficult. Honestly, I embraced the red lip in my early 30's.

I'd be jealous of my friends that wore a red lip because they always seemed; sophisticated, confident, and sexy. Of which I didn't have the confidence to wear in my 20's. Although I loved shades of deep pinks I couldn't find the right shade of red. I've narrowed down a few of my favorites. Admittedly, hands down my ultimate red lipstick is MAC Dubonnet.  A true classic that has been around since the 1990's.  Have a great weekend!

01 MAC Dubonnet //02 Maybelline Color Sensational Red Revival //03 NARS Fire Down Below //04 Mary Kay Red (Satin)

Do you love a Red Lip? Which are your favorite shades?

-post by monica darosa

BEAUTY: 2015 Lipstick Trends!

Please excuse the absence - Jen is away for a couple weeks there will be a few sporadic posts. So today, we are discussing the 2015 lipstick trend...

Hi everyone! Sami from The Unexpected Type here today to talk about lipstick trends for the upcoming season! With Spring just around the corner, I need an instant beauty refresher to wake me up from using Winter neutrals and I always reach for a new lip color to do the trick. Lipstick is one of the easiest ways to transform any look from head to toe! A quick red lip can add mega drama and impact to a power outfit, rather than opting for your run-of-the-mill nude lipstick, am I right ladies

Some amazing colors hit the S/S 2015 catwalk this year and I've picked the top three trends that you can work into your style as the snow starts to melt and Spring pops into play. This year, prepare for a fiery statement lip of orange-red hues, a luscious, just-bitten look, and a perfectly plump pout. These hues will add an instant touch of Spring as you transition into the bright, sunny season.

1. NYX Cosmetics / Target
2. Nars Cosmetics / Sephora
3. Givenchy / Sephora

There's a designated statement lip for each season and this year it's a fiery, orange-red. Kiss fuchsia goodbye this year and say "Hello" to the power orange! For bright colors, you'll need a great lip liner as your base. I also recommend using a tapered lip brush to apply the color to make sure it's completely saturated and looks crisp. The rest of your face to should have minimal makeup with this look, since Spring is all about keeping it fresh and clean.

1. CoverGirl Cosmetics / Covergirl
2. Bite Beauty / Sephora
3. Rouge Dior / Sephora

The nude lip is getting an update, too! If you aren't quite ready to jump head-first into fiery hues, the 'Just-Bitten' look is perfect for you. Mauve pinks just a shade darker than your natural lip color give your lips a plump, voluminous look and is a great choice for someone just venturing into trying out lipstick trends. Compliment your lips with highlighted, bronzed cheeks and tones of brown eye shadow for a natural, but gorgeous, look.

1. Make Up Forever / Sephora
2. Yves Saint Laurent
3. MAC Cosmetics / MAC Cosmetics

If you're all about the dark lip, plum is the perfect shade for you! Instead of poppy pinks, romantic purple hues are all over the radar and complimenting a bunch of collections hitting stores soon. Complete this look with dewy skin, top-lined eyes, and a fresh coat of mascara.

Whether you're ready to make the jump to a daring statement look or ease into an update of your natural look, these trends are a fun way to get inspired and spark your creativity. Whatever your new look is, remember that trends are just guidelines and true style shines through with what you do with them!

- post by Sami