Glamour Frugaliste Fall 2011, Look #2: Femme Fatale

Tom Ford Fall 2011

If it's drama you're after, then look no further. There is nothing quite as dramatic - or fabulously over the top - as heavy black liner paired with brilliant scarlet lips. This look not only stalked the fall runways, but continued their dominance in the September magazine issues. The best examples can be found on the models featured in the fall campaign offerings from Tom Ford and Kate Spade. To quote The Spice Girls: The lady is a Vamp; she's a vixen, not a Tramp. In other words,  a woman after my own heart. 

Bryce Dallas Howard for Kate Spade

 I think it goes without saying that this is not your average daytime look for the office, and might be better saved for a cocktail party or gala event. However, there is something to be said for taking a risk... 

Anyway, here's the breakdown, regardless of how or where you intend on wearing it.

For the Eyes: Start with Black Velvet (matte black) applied with a damp smudger brush across the top lashline beyond outer corner of the eye, adding a slight wing at the end. Smudge the colour further up lid to just below the crease, whilst maintaining that sharp line at the lashes. Tip: the benefits of using a powder shadow damp as opposed to a liquid or pencil liner are that you have more control over the intensity of the colour result, and it lasts longer on the face - pencils are made of waxes that melt in heat and liquid liner will run if you tend toward watery eyes (which I do).

Wash Buttercup (buttery yellow with shimmer) liberally over entire lid beginning from base of browbone, using a fluffy shadown brush, building colour till the desired amount of shimmer is reached. Finish with LOTS of black mascara.

For the Cheeks: Dust Go Go Boots (plummy peach-pink) lightly on the apples of cheek working back into hairline using the cheekbone as a guide.

For Lips: Apply Seriously (a true glossy red) with a brush, blot with tissue then dust with Invisible Blotting Powder before applying a second coat, for added staying power.

Random sidenote: When I finished this look and started taking the pictures, I was struck by the oddest sense of deja vu. I know that this is a very retro, Moulin Rouge type look, but it's exact inspiration remained elusive. Until I realized what song had been running through my head the entire time...

 What's new, Buenos Aires...

What do you think? Is there a resemblance, be it ever so slight, or is it just me? 

Beauty Icon Wednesday: Who's That (Birthday) Girl?

Name: Madonna Louise Ciccone, born August 16th, 1958

Known for: blonde hair and dark eyebrows, underwear into outerwear and singlehandedly transforming your Nonna's lace doilies and  crucifixes into iconic moments in fashion.






I would be remiss in my Beauty Icon Wednesday duties if I neglected to honour Madonna in this, the week of her birth. I'm fairly certain there are those out there celebrating it as if it were the Holy Week. And why not? Madge deserves it. The woman is fifty three, a trend-maker and taboo-breaker with thirty years of music under her Dolce & Gabbana belt. And while I'm well-aware that it is largely the work of Photoshop and soft focus lensing, you've gotta admit that she looks better than some women half her age.

So with that, I wish you a very happy birthday, Madonna. And I can only hope that I can look as good when I'm your age.