For the ladies that can’t get enough of the makeup artists’ eye kit, the Maybelline Eye Studio is where you need to be turning your attentions.

Maybelline has created an eye set that covers morning to after dark looks; makeup that stands up to time and is more affordable than ‘high street’ cosmetic brands.  For what you get in the Maybelline Eye Studio, it’s worth picking up the set rather than splurging hundreds of dollars at the Sephora or MAC.

Favorite products included the Color Plush™ eyeshadow in Sapphire Siren (blues/violets), Silver Starlet Color Pearls™ marbleized eyeshadow (netural), the Lasting Drama™ gel eyeliner in charcoal and the XXL Pro™ Volume Washable mascara in Very Black.

Even if you invest in only these four products, you’re going to have a variance of incredible looks at under $50 (approx), which is worth it when you compare pricing at over $100 for similar products*at MAC.

MAC Products: 5 Cool Eyes shadow kit ($44.50), Mineralize shadow duo ($23.50), Fluidline gel eyeliner ($18) and Zoom Fast Lash mascara ($15.50)

To go with the new collection of nail polish colors just released, AMAP has also created a clear base and topcoat after they received a wave of blogger requests!

The new topcoat is $6, just like the other colors.  Topcoats create a longer lasting nail color, which means you don’t have to spend more on buying new bottles of nail color or keep re-applying.  For the busy female (or metro), you definitely don’t want to keep wasting time re-applying so the topcoat is a best bet.

demiCouture’s favorite AA nail color is California Trooper, which is actually a perfect shade of greige, which is the ‘it’ nail color of summer 2010! You can spy this color on the nails of models, celebrities and everyone that’s ahead of the trend curve – you’re doing yourself a favor if you jump on it now!

Sun skincare is non negotiable (it’s true – doctors and the summertime beach essential countdown says so!), so it’s best to get an all around protection kit before you go and get yourself exposed and [potentially] burned.

Sephora has a sun skin safety kit for only $25 (a $95 value) filled with 14 products.  Check out the hit list of what’s included below, and grab your pack before they run out!

- 0.14 oz Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15
- 0.23 oz DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew UV Moisturizer SPF 15
- 0.10 oz Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 in Lemon and Chamomile
- 0.25 oz Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Lotion SPF 30
- 0.16 oz Kate Somerville Protect SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen
- 0.27 oz Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse SPF 15
- 0.16 oz Cover FX BritePrep FX Brightening Foundation Primer & Photo-Aging Defense SPF 50
- 0.34 oz Bliss Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
- 0.23 oz Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 60 PA+++
- 0.25 oz Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Cream SPF 15
- 0.25 oz Smashbox Photo Finish UVA/UVB SPF 15
- 0.02 oz Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Multi-tasking Face SPF 20 in Summer Bisque
- 2 x single-use UVSunSense UV monitoring bracelets

There’s nothing like a rogue nail polish going and shock naming their newest color, and BLEACHBLACKs Jizz nail color is no exception.

The online fashion conscious world has been, uh, messing their pants over this nail color ever since it was caught by the first few finders.  Each bottle is going to run you $12.95, though apparently you can’t ship it internationally.. perhaps it has something to do with shipping organic materials (kidding!)

Regardless of the kitsch surrounding Jizz, it’s the color of right now.  One has to wonder what BLEACHBLACK will come up with next… perhaps black tar heroin.

In just a few short days, we can rely on Topshop for not only incredibly fast high street clothing design, accessories and footwear but for cosmetics as well.

Topshop does not appear to have named their new range; it only bears a new, crayon-esque logo typeface, or the price point for that matter.  Makeup artists will be in touring around Topshop locations to push the new range, so if you’re near one that’s the best bet for testing.

Bald is the edgy camp’s definition of beautiful these days, and the trend varies from partial head shaves to the full scalp monty.

We’ve seen partial shaves on Cassie, model Alice Dellal, Rhianna and half a million hipsters, but it’s one thing to do only a portion of the dance. Most recently, Brit model Agyness Deyn was spotted at Coachella sporting a completely shaved head – now that takes cojones.

As with pixie cuts, it takes a very feminine face to pull off a bald look.  It’s interesting that this trend is emerging, though; it’s as if a backwards feminine renaissance is taking place.  So many women are imprisoned by having long hair, and it would be interesting to see if the mainstream somehow adopted bald, or even partial baldness.

Relastin is one of the most kick arse anti aging products out there, and right now they’re running their Express Yourself contest via Facebook.

One prize of a Relastin Trio (worth $168 US) will be awarded monthly to an entrant who uploads a photo featuring their puckers, laugh lines or eye scrunchies – all the things we love and hate.

When Relastin says ‘express yourself’ they mean it – no Nicole Kidman faces to be seen here.

Check out the Facebook page, become a fan and send in your entry… you’ve got nothing to lose but a few lines.

Lash enhancement is all the rage right now, and neuLash is a serum that you add to the base of your lashes to have them grow thicker and longer.  It’s  like a lash fertilizer; it gives your lashes the nutrients your body may not be naturally providing, to give you ba-da-BOOM lash action.

Saks 5th Avenue is currently offering an exclusive neuLash gift set only available in store for $150 ($200 value).   This set (pictured below) includes the neuLash serum, a dual ended brow bender with a soft powder finish and a brush tip that blends and shapes for full, with perfectly-spaced gold plated teeth.

neuLash has been lauded for its benefits in InStyleand Elle; if you’re still skeptical check out their before and after photos.

Print out the coup below and you’ll get 15% off your entire purchase at Sephora during April 12 – 19.

That’s a pretty bitchin’ discount, since Sephora sells the Temptu airbrushing kit and some pretty awesome gift sets.

There is no excuse for gross color fade (or home treatments) and a lackluster hair style this summer, because Toni & Guy‘s Kitsilano salon is offering a cut and color for $90. Valid for new clients only.

That’s right.  With tip, you’re still not reaching over an el bruno (as my grandfather says).

There really isn’t any excuse for looking a slob this summer.

One can’t deny that neat shoes can be found at Payless, but would you trust your skin to the budget brand that built their empire on footwear?

Payless has reportedly hooked up with France-based Maesa Group, who will be supplying Payless with items labeled under their house brands “Zoe & Zac” and “Unforgettable Moments”.  Products will price out at $2.99.

Now this is an excellent way for Unkie Karl to get his gloved digits into the pockets of those Chanel would otherwise leave out!

It’s official – Chanel’s much loved temporary tattoos will be available for purchase on Chanel.com during the SS10 season.  For $75 you will receive  five sheets of tatts, which equals to about 55 designs in total.

For historically commitment-phoebes such as myself, this is an excellent way to get a little temporary ink and an unexpected accessory for the coming season.

According to Wikipedia, temp tatts can last up to three weeks – I wonder what the average life of the Chanel rub ons will be.

Zinc Salon in Vancouver is holding an open house event.

If you’ve ever wondered what salon works magic with my hair every month, this is the place. Come and meet the stylists, chat about new trends, discuss styling options and have a bit of wine on January 13th, from 6 – 8PM.

Zinc has close relationships with European salons, and has stylists regularly examine the latest trends from across the Ocean. Clients benefit from having cutting edge style; it’s worth it to stop by and have a chat.

In order to have enough refreshments for all, please RSVP with Dawn at 604-874-2800. View Googlemap

It worked for Costco, and Sephora wants this supersizing mentality to work for them, too.

Now we can get jumbo sized versions of the products we use, including Clinique moisturizers, Smashbox primer, Living Proof de frizzer, Ralph Lauren Polo cologne and a whole slew more.

If these are products that you would be using on a daily (or multi daily) basis, this would be a deal to take into account.  Don’t get all rosy over these mega sizes if you don’t intend to get hyper usage on these products – beauty products do expire, and what may seem like a super deal will turn into a waste in your local landfill.

If you’re near a Holt Renfrew in the quite near future, check out their skincare boutique and request a sample of Kiehl’s Açai Damage Repairing Moisturizer.

If you don’t make it into HR in time to grab a sample, check out Kiehl’s official site.  They are supplying three complimentary samples with any purchase off their website – this means you could purchase the most affordable açai product (the cleanser) for $24.50, and you’ll get to try three other products as well.

Kiehl’s claims the berry extract within these products stimulates skin renewal, reduces damage due to oxidation, sun exposure and other external stressors.

All açai products are 100% natural origin, so those with sensitive epidermis can check this product out without fear.

If you’re looking for last minute makeup looks for Halloween, check out M.A.C.’s Halloween lookbook.  They have professionally designed faces to disguise your normal self and get into super terror mode for the last day of October.

They have 20 new designs this year that were the most popular by their M.A.C. artist peers, so these will be intense to be sure. Check out all the design details, but don’t if you’re at the office as this link takes you to Facebook.

My favorites are below; the Mexican skeleton face, cartoon face and the frozen demon chick.

It’s finally available – the Dsquared collection for M.A.C.

There are some excellent bits available here – check out the lip erase ($19), clear gloss ($22), violet and blue greasepaint sticks ($21 each) and the sculpt/shape powder ($25).

Remember, all these items were used on their FW09 runway!

Do you want to smell like this idiot who can’t even discern which genre her music fits within?

Didn’t think so.

Regardless of whether we want to have Avril’s stank bottled, it’s going to be forced upon retailers.  Her fragrance will be dubbed ‘black star’, but I’m pretty sure they would have been more true to form by calling it ‘brown eye’.

Great job, pop princess. Great job.

Temptu’s at home airbrushing kit has officially hit Sephora, and it is indeed $225 as originally promised.

The coverage can be adjusted to sheer, medium and full depending on skin types and replacement cartridges of foundation sell for $35 (a single cartridge of highlighter) to $55 (two cartridges of foundation).

Each pod apparently contains up to two months’ of makeup, so replacement pieces for this beautification machine wouldn’t really cost more than your average foundation upkeep. There are 12 pigment ranges for all skin variations, so there’s a shade for everyone.

Will you be buying the Temptu?

When I first heard about matte nail polish as a trend for the fall, I was intrigued. There have been many variations of nail polish over the years (glitter, confetti, diamond dust), though matte versions are largely unexplored lacquer territory. As all major polish brands have released at least one collection of matte shades for FW09, it’s hard to pick which polishes to invest in – this is where matte topcoats swoop in and save the day.

Instead of buying multiple shades of matte nail polish at $10 a pop, buy one bottle of matte topcoat instead! This provides endless possibilities for changing any of your current nail polish colors into a gorgeous and on trend matte shade while keeping you on trend and within your budget.

My matte topcoat of choice is Essie’s Matte About You. It provides smooth coverage with a beautiful, even matte finish. The formula glides on easily and dries quickly, leaving little room for smudges and nicks that constantly spoil a manicure.

Matte topcoat is that it leaves you endless options for creative nail decoration. My personal favorite is a black matte nail with a shiny black tip; it’s a FW09 update twist on the traditional manicure.

Essie Matte About You is one of a few matte topcoats released this season, along with OPI and China Glaze versions. Matte about you retails for $12 a bottle and can be found in Vancouver at Shifeon on Robson or at Beauty Mark in Yaletown.