BEAUTY REVIEWS FROM DAY 2 AT TORONTO WMCFW

The first show of the night for me was David Dixon. 

Love this shot because it showcases the different ingredients that go into creating a shimmery dimensional skin. Here we see cream concealer, liquid foundation, and a wonderful semi liquid highlighter that was used on the high points of the face.

Makeup artist's palette backstage at David Dixon.

Backstage beauty close up featuring that statement lip, and gorgeous neutral metallic nails.

The Makeup: Gorgeous shimmery skin, silvery lilac eyes featuring inner eye color placement, and statement making semi gloss red lips. 
Verdict? We love that its not the typical "matte skin, black liner, red lip" - because really, who hasn't done that a million times before? Next time you go out with a red lip, skip the eyeliner and add some highlighter!

The Hair: Simple but effective, the hair was a tightly coiled high bun. But not just any bun (and not last season's topknot, either), this coif featured surface texture for added interest.
Verdict? The perfect complement to the makeup. Beauty is about balance. When your face is so beautifully made up, please forgo fussy hair. It's akin to that old cleavage or legs rule: best to only showcase one thing at a time. 

The Nails: Natural nails (so refreshing after all the acrylics/gels I see everywhere these days) with a square shape, polished a silvery lilac metallic shade that somehow reads as a neutral. Understated, classic, yet not boring.
Verdict? Beautiful! I've yet to see a manicure by Essie Canada Lead Nail Artist Rita Remark that I didn't love, and this one doesn't disappoint. 


The next show on my schedule was the Mercedes-Benz Start Up Winner, DUY.

Soft smoky eyes at DUY.

The Makeup: Warm smoky brown eyes with a slightly exaggerated outer V, soft peachy cheeks, and Maybelline Baby Lip on the lips. 
Verdict? Subtly beautiful. Sometimes it's best to whisper when you really want to be heard.

The Hair: I thought this slicked back upswept 'do with peekaboo coil detail in the back was lovely!

Upswept but surprisingly unfussy hair at DUY.

HOW TO! Section off the crown and clip forward. Slick your remaining hair back into a ponytail and twist tightly, until hair begins to coil onto itself. Fasten coils to the head securely, ensuring that you cover the base of ponytail. Then, take the crown section and slick back and over the coils. Secure ends of hair by hiding them under the coils.
Verdict? This hair would be amazing for going somewhere special.

The Nails: Glossy nude polish on a softly rounded shape. 
Verdict? Paint on Essie's "Mademoiselle" and you'll feel elegant in no time. 


The third show on the docket this evening was Line Knitwear. Knits make me think of cool days, and cozy snuggles in comfortable clothes. I was curious to see how this would translate into beauty looks, and how the ubiquitous metallics would their appearance.

Concept drawing from backstage.

The Makeup: Bronze lids with a soft metallic finish were complemented by peach cheeks that looked lit from within. The natural looking lips had an almost velvety looking finish.
Verdict? Soft and pretty. I love how key artist Grace Lee played with textures, reflecting the textured knits.

Radiant model Dauphine/Elmer Olsen showcases the Line Knitwear look.

The Hair: Faux bob was the look of the evening, and I have to say that I love it. Play up your cowl necks by tucking your hair in. Bonus: No hair flying in your face when you hit the windy streets.
Verdict? Casual but cool - and very easy to do at home!

The nail board backstage at Line Knitwear.

Rita models her nail design backstage. Does anyone else think she looks like Blake Lively?

The Nails: Essie Canada Lead Nail Artist Rita Remark described the nails as "a metallic/matte silhouette effect". Colors used were Essie's 'Armed & Ready' for the silhouette and 'Penny Talk' for the main color.
Verdict? Love the silhouette look. Leave this look to the professionals unless you have the steady hand of a surgeon and the painting skills of a fine artist. Someone tell me where Rita works!!


The last show of the night was Sid Neigum. I love that this talented designer wasn't afraid to make a statement with his beauty look. A video at the beginning of the presentation showed Neigum discussing how he enjoyed clothes that made a statement that transcended fashion. I would be interested in finding out if there were any deeper meanings that inspired this look.

See how the artist is steadying her hand on the model's nose? Steady your hand by resting your elbow on your vanity table while working!

The Makeup: Strong angular eyeliner in matte black dominated the otherwise nude face.
Verdict? Makeup that is this statement making takes brass balls. Try it for evening, if you're feeling especially brave.

The hair was bound by leather and double sided tape. Bondage?

The Hair: My guest at the show said that the hair looked very phallic. I don't disagree with him. A ponytail sitting on top of the head was wrapped with a thick leather band and secured in place with double sided tape. 
Verdict? Avant-garde and interesting.

The Nails: To be completely honest, I was too busy staring at the makeup and hair to notice the nails. Sorry Rita!

Hope you're all having a beautiful morning!
-Erin