FASHION Magazine

Lacquer hoarders, unite! Starting next week, you’ll have 31 more reasons to head to your nearest M.A.C Cosmetics counter: the global beauty brand is introducing its first permanent nail polish collection. Up until now their polishes were only on counter for a limited time, so this new collection will put an end to disappointed searches for certain shades and thwarted purchases. While dedicated nail polish fans will likely scoop up all 31 colours right away (you know who you are…) the average at-home manicurist will set her eyes on a few key colours. However, with metallics, glitters, cremes and iridescent shades to choose from, choosing just a few can be hard to do. As such, here are five of our favourites as well as the reasons why each is worth adding to your own permanent nail polish collection.

See the entire collection and our top 5 picks! »

The best thing about an obsession with nail polish is that you barely have to wait for your manicure to dry before there’s a new trend to try. The second best thing is, of course, just how many other people are creating incredible nail art designs and sharing them—making the online world an amazing hub (or in some cases, a rabbit hole you can get lost for hours in) of inspiration. One of the latest designs to trend online is the “outline” or “framed” manicure: a single colour mani is given retro appeal by painting a a thin line of a darker polish around the edge of the entire nail. (Like a full circle version of the slim silhouette technique!) However, given that the dexterity required for such a design is quite advanced, I created a modified version that skips the need for a skinny brush. One makeup sponge and three shades of polish are all you need for this one—and best of all, you can do it in under an hour.

Find out how to do the oval ombré outline manicure! »

Sunday was certainly a big night for Carly Rae Jepsen—the Canadian pop singer won three of the four MMVA awards she was nominated for, performed on stage twice (opening the show with “Call Me Maybe” and later singing “Wild One” with Flo Rida) and did we mention she hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week? Needless to say, there’s no one who better deserved her multiple wardrobe and makeup changes throughout the show. To get to the bottom of the singer’s style, we spoke to Veronica Chu, who was Jepsen’s hairstylist and makeup artist at the award show.

Want to try Carly’s MMVA hair and makeup at home? Read on! »

When Phillip Lim created his Spring 2012 collection, fond memories of his childhood hobby of constructing and flying kites translated into a feeling of lightness and fun in his predominantly pastel collection. Models breezed down the runway wearing icy cool silver stripes of eyeshadow that perfectly complemented the fluttering fabric

The beauty look is really fresh and easy, so there isn’t much adjusting required to rock it in real life. You can recreate the eyes almost exactly—but add your own twist with a flush of pink on your cheeks and a creamy sheen to your lips. It’s a look that will breathe fresh air into your summer makeup routine.

Ready to try a swoosh of silver on your eyes? Read on! »

Daisy, daisy… doesn’t this manicure make you want a bicycle built for two? Or at the very least, a pair of Red Valentino shoes? The pretty floral pattern, which is rather neutral except for a burst of bright yellow, served as inspiration for this week’s Nail Corner. The result is a modified moon manicure, with added dimension thanks to the pearlescent background which contrasts—yet also camouflages–the taupe petals. Ready to daisy up your own fingers? Read on!

Check out the daisy petal moon manicure! »

While awards season has wound down, film festivals and TV upfronts are underway—meaning once again we’re inundated with amazing red carpet looks from our favourite stars. So, ’tis the season to try a new trick with your makeup or figure out how to achieve a look that’s trending in celebrity circles—and we’ll help you along the way! This week we’re talking about Diane Kruger‘s dewy complexion, Lauren Conrad‘s perfect ponytails and other polished summer looks you’ll surely be inspired to try.

Read on for all the answers! »

In need of a beauty fix? Email us at beautyfix@fashionmagazine.com.

We’re still in a state of pre-summer bliss after a wonderful long weekend of almost unseasonably warm weather—and it’s safe to say that Beauty Fix readers are as well! This week we’re taking on questions that have everything to do with pre-summer prep: what the season’s best hairstyles are, a new eyeliner trick for summer, and how to pack for your vacation while still leaving lots of room for souvenirs.

Read on and get all the answers! »

Marni’s Spring 2012 collection was suspended between girlish youth and confident womanhood. Although the ‘60s chic looks were structured and clean, little hints of whimsy appeared throughout. It was the collection’s playful accessories—two-toned oxfords and clutches—that inspired makeup artist Tom Pecheux to create the orange and white beauty look. By using shadows instead of liners, and by perking up the cheeks and lips with sheer products, you can make this work for real life. The bright, light colours are what make this look youthful and fun, so don’t be shy about using these creamsicle hues.

Try your hand at colour blocking! »

Find out how to get this look! »

Smart Italian women—scientists and mathematicians, to be exact—were Fendi’s Spring 2012 muses. Models appeared with bouffant, slightly disheveled faux bobs meant to remind us of eccentric scientists. (Einstein, hello!) Their eyes were slightly obscured by frameless shades resembling lab glasses. Behind the shades, the models’ eyes were gilded with gold or silver leaf, which makeup artist Peter Phillips had applied generously to create a raw texture while echoing the shape of the glasses.

Inspired by Spain’s rich cultural traditions and mythologies, Moschino’s Spring 2012 collection definitely brought the drama. Models sashayed with toreador swagger, wearing ruffled dresses, jingling gold bells and even donning bullfighter hats. Makeup artist Tom Pecheux dreamed up a look that was a tribute to Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, anchored by a strong brow, dramatic smoky eyes and contoured cheeks. The smudginess of the eyes had a painterly quality that was a perfect accompaniment to the vivid collection.

Since the classic black smoky eye is essentially the makeup equivalent of a little black dress, this is a great and wearable look for any special event. We’ll share some tips and tricks for creating a Moschino-worthy version that will stay put all night long.

Learn how to do the smoky eye! »

Find out how to get this look! »

The ultra-girly “modern doll” look in Viktor & Rolf’s Spring 2012 collection was an unabashed celebration of sweetness and fun. Even better, the bright hues used throughout the collection were echoed in the beauty with fluttering fuchsia lashes and berry-stained lips. To make this look more appropriate for a day not spent on the runway, I created a slightly subdued but equally adorable and fanciful face. The eyes, cheeks and lips all used the same palette of bright, confectionary-appropriate pinks but without the theatrical embellishments of paper cateye cutouts and almost-neon lashes. That being said, it was impossible to resist the allure of a pair of bright pink falsies—which I added as a bonus at the end. Consider this: start the night off with the more subdued look, then pop on some pink lashes as you head out the door to a fabulous party.

It’s going to be quite a busy season for Carine Roitfeld come September. Not only is the former French Vogue editor launching her upcoming mag, CR Fashion Book, it was just announced that she’s doing a makeup collection in collaboration with M.A.C Cosmetics.