Ever bought an eyeshadow palette? Then you know exactly the colour I'm talking about - the bright, vivid one that's oh-so-pretty and vivid but you're just too afraid to use? Well, with the grey days of winter (possibly... dare we hope?) coming to a close and spring on the horizon, I’m daring you to go bold. From pretty pinks and corals to vibrant greens and blues bold colours feature big in this spring’s makeup looks. But while it’s a look we may admire on the runway or red carpet, some of us (and by “some of us” I mean me) lack the balls to try out those bold colours ourselves.

Enter Maybelline New York’s global makeup artist, Charlotte Willer, with some tips for getting over being timid.

I'm fresh home from an event for Maybelline New York (more to come... lots of great tips for actually wearing the season's bold colours for cheeks, lips and eyes), but I have on tip that's too good to wait.

As you've likely noticed, one of the big makeup trends heading into Spring is the bold red lip (it continues into Fall too). The problem is finding the "right" red. Well, makeup artist Charlotte Willer, has a foolproof tip for finding the right red (or any lipstick colour).

Last week I showed you Murale makeup artist, Emily Benson’s, method for creating the ultimate smoky eye, but in all honesty, it was a rather involved process. Thank goodness that two of my favourite cosmetic companies have come up with pretty and perfect packages that provide us with everything we need—including step-by-step instructions—to master the look on our own. Check out my picks for the best kits after the jump.

Creating a smoky eye is likely one of the most intimidating makeup missions a girl can tackle. The results of a successfully accomplishing the look, however, are undeniably sexy and well worth a bit of extra effort. According to Murale makeup artist, Emily Benson, the smoky look may seem daunting, but can easily be achieved with her simple tips and tricks. I recently visited Benson at one of Murale’s Calgary locations for a tutorial in smoky sex appeal. Check out the results and get a how-to lesson after the jump.

Yes, technically speaking, we have had three days to recover from our NYE antics. However, if your celebration was anything like mine (continued on January 2nd and 3rd) you are probably still feeling and, therefore, looking slightly worse for wear. Now it is back to work Monday and after all the lighthearted libations (and enough refined sugar to induce a coma) you are not exactly looking your professional best—or maybe you are, thanks to a handy collection of tips and tricks for hiding even the most epic of hangovers?

Alright ladies, it’s crunch time. Sure you’ve tried a few different looks at your earlier holiday parties, but this week and next are the main events that call for the beauty big guns. If you’re still not quite sure what face you want to put forward under the mistletoe or ringing in the New Year, I’ve put together winter’s hottest looks after the jump. Forget about decking the halls my friends, it is time to deck ourselves out!

Being called an ice princess is not exactly a compliment, but looking like one is a whole other story. This winter (and especially for the holidays) I’m all about a silvery glimmer on the eyes and a frosty quality to the lips—there’s something a little bit Scandinavian to the whole look. I caught up with Sephora Pro Expert, Nathalie Bechard, to find out how to recreate Camilla Belle’s gorgeous frosted face. Keep this one in mind for New Year’s girls… 

I’m not one of those women who gets caught up in every little fashion trend. If it suits my body or my look, I’ll adapt it into my wardrobe. I don’t flip through fashion magazines wishing I looked like the cover model or wanting that figure or that hair. I will admit though, when I see all those mascara commercials, I really covet those lashes.  I’ve tried every kind of mascara, every brand, cheap and not-so-cheap. I still end up with lash envy.

As the holiday season approached, I kept thinking to myself that I’d make the leap. I’d try wearing fake eyelashes. How hard could it be? Find out after the jump.

Deciding what to wear for a big event can be trying at the best of times. Add the general hustle and bustle of the holidays and a dash of extra pressure to look your best and you've got the recipe for a dressing disaster. While red and green make an alright colour scheme for festive décor, when it comes to holiday fashions red seems a little predictable, no?

With just two weeks left until Christmas the holiday party circuit is in full swing. And with the packed schedules that lay ahead for all of us in the coming weeks, a flawless makeup look that can take you from office party to New Year’s Eve without a worry is in order. Lucky for us, Natalie Portman was recently sporting a twist on a classic look that fits the bill to perfection—this look is so pretty! Find out how to get her bold pink lips and soft smoky eyes after the jump.