Professional makeup artist Claudio Riaz has a message for makeup lovers: Flawless does not have to be complicated. Set aside the heavily airbrushed pictures in any given magazine and look in the mirror. What you see is, and Riaz believes he’s got just what you need to put your best face forward. After launching a collection of some of the most unusual brushes on the market, Riaz released a makeup line to match it.

‘Tis the season for holiday parties both formal and playful. And although it’s a novel concept to be dressed top to tail for every single shindig, let’s face it: you don’t really have the time. The good news is, you can put on your best face in the car between picking up drinks for the party and knocking on the front door.

Autumn/Winter 2013 conjured up every combination of “neutral” that the mind could imagine. From neutral “glitter lips” at Armani, to what looked more like a tribute to Kim Kardashian’s “neutral” look at Versace, models featured every shade of beige, brown, and nude . . . enhanced with a shot of “smoke” to set the look. The name of Armani’s collection was simply called “Nude”—and the makeup was designed to be exactly that. Models featured a “no makeup makeup” against a textile palette of beiges, browns, […]

Just ‘cause I can put together a ready-to-wear outfit in 3.5 seconds does not mean that I have the same ability with makeup. For many women, fashion and beauty are naturally linked elements of their DNA . . . like identical twins. For me, fashion and beauty are cousins. Really close cousins, mind you, but the kind that didn’t grow up together.

In a world of slick packaging and so-called miracle makeup, Rouge Bunny Rouge has set out to remind us of the reason we all started playing with makeup in the first place. The whimsical packaging and fairytale presentation transports us back to a time of innocence.

In the world of makeup, there is nothing better—or worse—than the smoky eye. It all depends on your perspective. Done right, the smoky eye can be polished, glamorous, and sophisticated. Done wrong, the smoky eye can be interpreted as cheap or tawdry.

It’s always a treat to discover a company that makes great products. It’s an even bigger treat to find a company that also raises social awareness and empowers women. You’ll find such a rare combination in Haughty Cosmetics. The company produces a collection of lip glosses that are fast approaching cult status, while emphasizing the beauty of confidence and control.