Cult Status: Lipstick Edition

Nothing finishes a look off better than a cool swipe of lipstick. From bold reds to vibrant pastels, you can change your look from professional office-wear to happy-hour drinks after work with just one portable tool. The lipstick has been the must-have weapon for ladies to carry in their makeup bags since the beginning of time. There a so many lip products out there, though, that it can be dizzying trying to navigate shelves among shelves of creamy lipbutters and glossy stains. Luckily, a select few have risen from the sea of glossy pinks and reds to deem elite cult status.

Chanel Rouge Allure 

Luminous Intense Lip Color in Incandescente, $35- www.chanel.com 

Like the name suggests, this lipstick literally lights up your face. The luminous shine paired with the vibrant red color add instant moisture and glam. If you are to have only one lipstick ever, choose this one.

Estée Lauder 

All Day Lipstick in Frosted Apricot, $23 www.thebay.com

This lipstick has been around for generations - and for good reasons. They have not and will not discontinue this shade in fear of creating a worldwide freak-out. I don't know how, but it goes with literally everything and works on every skin tone.

Clinique

Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $19 www.thebay.com

My personal favorite. The name can seem a bit scary (I mean, black lips are only meant for Halloween, right?) but the tint is sheer enough that it simply intensifies your natural lip color. Thus meaning this also looks perfect on any and every skin tone. Want to go bolder? Simply swipe on a few more layers, or fill your lips with a lip liner beforehand. The possibilities are endless.

Revlon

Colorburst Lip Butter in Sorbet, $7, drugstores

You really can't go wrong with this price. I have this in almost every color. I especially love the sorbet for a nice pop of color in the spring and summer seasons. It goes on smooth like a lip gloss but adds vibrant color like a lipstick. It really is the best of both worlds, and my bank account does not complain. Total win!

Dior

Rouge Dior in 999, $36, www.sephora.com

This is luxury at its finest. Dior's best seller goes on super smooth and satiny, adding quite a punchy hue. 999 was actually the first color ever released by Dior. They have issued about 1500 since (most probably come and gone), but this one is still around and for good reason. 

In for Spring - Makeup Edition

Now that spring weather is finally here in Ottawa (hallelujah), I can finally stow away my dull winter hues and dust off some fresh new colors for Spring. Being the makeup junkie that I am, I've perused the S/S2014 catwalks for some inspiring new trends to rock this season. Consistent theme here - brights and pastels done in such a way as to not look like Mimi from the Drew Carey Show.

Bright Lips

The bright orange lip trend has resurfaced and I couldn't be more excited! The bold hue brings a much needed pop to the in-trend sporty look that everybody will be rocking. I find that Yves Saint Laurent makes the best lipstick for bold colors like this. Their Rouge Volupté line comes on sheer, so you can control how bold you want to be. On the lower end of the spectrum, Rimmel just came out with a line of lipsticks by Kate Moss which includes an awesome orange hue.

Graphic Eyeliner

Sharpen your pencils, ladies. This is a trend I've already started to see people rocking. It is such a fun way to add some je ne sais quoi to your look. It will take some practice (for me at least) but you can really play up your eyes here with the addition of some strategic lines. I would recommend a felt tip liner for the most precise application. Try the one from Marc Jacobs' new line, the Magic Marc'er Precision Pen. It is my new favorite thing in the world.

Blue Eyes

The Spring/Summer catwalk definitely had the blues - models for almost every designer rocked a blue hue on their lids. This is great news for us brown-eyed girls. Blue naturally brings out brown tones, making your peepers really pop. The key to avoiding the dreaded Mimi look is to keep the rest of the face rather subdued, and to really blend the shadow properly. The cult favorite Naked Palette from Urban Decay features a set of lovely blues that works with virtually any skin tone.

Bold Brows

Probably the most important of them all - bold brows are an absolute MUST this season. Thicker, more defined brows really work wonders by framing your eyes and lifting your cheekbones. Gone are the days of the pencil-thin brows that MTV started in the early '00s. I love the Brow Zings kit from Benefit. It comes with all the tools needed for perfectly groomed strong brows, and the right hues to avoid looking like you have a couple caterpillars sleeping on your forehead.

Tune in later for a recap on the hot hairstyles featured on the runways for spring. What I'm most excited about are the low-key, loose styles that are going to be on-trend. I am not very skilled in the hair department so the simpler the better for me!

guest blogger le closet || updated beauty shelf

The cool weather is here and just like your wardrobe, your beauty routine should be updated. The wind, cold and lack of sunshine can leave skin looking dull but adding more exfoliates, oils and hydrating products into your every day beauty routine will do just the trick. Here's 19 products that will keep your skin looking it's best, even when the weather is not.


1. Diorshow new look mascara in black
This mascara is my go-to for big dramatic lashes. Perfect for a night out.

2. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
Switch up your shimmery bronzer for a lighter mat one. Swipe a little product on temples, cheekbones and the outer parts of your nose.

3. essie nail color in Stylenomics
Just picked up this colour. A deep green with dark grayish tones. Gives you that dark fall look without it being completely black.

4. Butter London nail lacquar 
Have fun by having one sparkly nail, especially great for the holidays.

5. Marc Jacobs beauty lip gel in 131 Saboteur - deep marroon
Ditch your bubble gum pinks for deep hues like purples, maroons and reds. Keep the rest of your makeup light while focusing on a dramatic lip.

6. Lancôme Artliner 24h bold color precision eyeliner
Finally overcome your fear for a cat eye as these liners make it super easy to apply (it's like a pen!). Do a subtle cat eye for day and go bolder for night.

7. Make up forever HD invisible cover foundation
Try this foundation which has a little more coverage but leaves you with a natural look. Especially great for in front of the camera.

8. Fresh sugar lip polish
My lips get super dry this time of year so the best thing is to keep exfoliating.

9. First Aid beauty ultra lip therapy
Keep a lip treatment handy and apply after exfoliating, under lipsticks and at bedtime.

10. Caudalie Vinosource SOS morning eye rescue
Keep eyes fresh and awake with extra hydrating products.

11. Lush Buffy body butter
Scrub away dead skin cells with this natural body scrub bar. It leaves skin looking and feeling super smooth.

12. Nature's Bounty extra strength Vitamin D
Since we lack sunshine in the fall and winter it's important to get it elsewhere, which is as easy as taking a vitamin every morning.

13. Nuxe Crème fraîche de beauté
This formula is super hydrating and feels luxurious. Keeps face from feeling and looking dry and will give you that extra little glow.

14. Living Proof no frizz shampoo & conditioner
Fight static season by switching to a no frizz shampoo and conditioner.

15. Caudalie divine oil
This stuff is amazing and should be on your beauty shelf year round. Apply after a shower or bath for ultra soft skin that looks and smells incredible. Also use whatever is left on your hands and run through the ends of your hair to avoid frizz.

16. Josie Maran argan cleansing oil 
If you get dry skin like moi this is a great formula to remove make up and cleanse face without stripping away any extra oils.

17. Tan Towel to go classic
Feeling pale? Just swipe these little towelettes all over and reveal a natural sun kissed glow. Keep them handy for those "escape winter vacations".

18. Bliss two-day detox
Detox from the "overeating" holidays also known as Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas.

19. Estée Lauder advance night repair
Apply this "miracle in a jar" every night before bed and you will surely notice a difference. Another trick? Apply a drop to your foundation for that "dewy" look.