The first day of Fall is upon us, the air is crisp, the moon full and the leaves are starting to fall. There's something about this time of year that has me yearning to buy sweaters and new stationary. Since I really don't need another sweater and I'm working on curbing my growing stationary habit, I thought I'd explore one of the trends I noticed while in the UK.

Brown smoky eyes and the statement red lips, where else to go but to see Belinda and her team at the Shoppers Beauty Boutique. I have to admit the idea of pulling off the red lip was a bit out there for me. "No really," I said, "I don't think red will look good on me." Red lips have never really been ‘out' of fashion, with starlets like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Kate Winslet carrying the classic style it is no wonder that over 65 per cent of this year's top fashion designers featured red lips on the catwalk for their Fall 2010 shows.

Each trend setter has their own interpretation of what a red lip is. Lipstick verses gloss, liner on the inside or the outside. For those that remember Robert Palmer's Simply Irresistible video you'llknow that the smoky eye and dramatic red lip looked perfect on the dozen or so women, even those in the goggles in his 1980's classic. Most recently, the red lip and smoky eye has been influenced by the vampire trend and Hollywood's Twilight story.

I settled in with Sarah from the Beauty Boutique, for her to take me through a smoky brown eye. It really wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be and was a very wearable work-to-play look. Sarah prefers to create the smoky eye with shadow in a ‘v' shape combining Lancôme's Golden Shimmer as the base and creating the ‘v' with matte shadows in Faux Pas and Latte. Keeping the liner simple, Sarah used Deep Coffee and finished my eyes off with basic black mascara. I loved the look; it is easy to wear for all skin types and eye colours and is softer than the black smoky eye which is a more dramatic evening option.

Belinda walked me through the basics of a great red lip. There are 100's of shades of red, different textures and tones. Once a colour was selected, the steps were fairly simple to getting the classic look. Use a liner and a lip brush and paint with patience. Line on the inside of your lip for a less dramatic look and on the outside of the lip for a more dramatic profile. Feather on your liner, and then using your lip brush patiently fill in your lips, finish by using the old school technique of blotting the center with a tissue.

When I took in my finished look, the red lips took some getting used to; it is very different from my usual. I attended an event later that evening and was brave and went out with my new lips on. Acquaintances' of mine at the party commented on everything from the colour of my eyes to how ‘fresh and bright' I looked. It took some getting used to, but if you own it, I guarantee you'll love it and people will notice you not your lips.

by Kristine Carrick
KCarrick Marketing & Public Relations
twitter:  @KristineCarrick

As I'm writing this edition of my much overdue column, I'm sitting a short half block from my Aunt's at the local pub in Doncaster, England. The publicans wife is tending the bar and the place is quiet, short of a few regular blokes who are gathered near the bar. As the country prepares to head into the bank holiday weekend, I am taking an hour to myself after a whirlwind few days.

I have arrived in England as the Canadian representative for my cousin's wedding and all would seem fairly normal as I write this, except that at my 30-something years of age, I am only just meeting my dad's very large family for the first time. I thought it might be a bit strange, that I might feel like an outsider - but it is funny how the ties of family bind. While I'm the 'Missing Canadian Cousin' my aunts, uncles and cousins have rolled along, all-be-it with some fascination that I look like my Nana who passed some twenty years ago. It is a bit odd for me to hear this sort of observation due to the fact that at home in Canada, family and friends often remark how much I look like my mom and her family. I would have to suggest that I am truly a blend of both my parents.

The weekend of wedding festivities and meeting more new family still lies ahead, but I am already feeling sad about having to head for home at the end of it all. You see, I've never known siblings as I'm an only child. Nor have I ever known multiple aunts, uncles and cousins who in-turn have grown up practically next door to each other. My cousin's husband teased me today asking if I was going to loose my Canadian accent. Seems when my Dad comes to town he arrives sounding Canadian but quickly rolls back to his Yorkshire lilt. No, I don't think my accent is going anywhere soon, but I know that I will be back to stay a little longer and learn a little more about a family a whole ocean away.

As I settle in to enjoy my pint at the pub, I feel very welcomed by the regulars who are happily giving me a hard time about not eating my mushy peas and trying to draw me into an animated conversation about the war in Afghanistan. I'm enjoying this brief stay and don't feel at all like a visitor even though I sound just like one.

by Kristine Carrick
email: kcarrick@shaw.ca
twitter: @kcarrick

There is nothing like a mid-week gathering of great girlfriends, pizza and some wine to help the week roll-by a bit faster.  Last week was one of those weeks as we got together on a friend’s patio to chat about all that is right or wrong with the world. 

As the conversation flowed through the BP oil crisis, the missing couple in Alberta, the weather, kids and babies (including a debate on whether to circumcise or not to circumcise, how did that happen?) it settled in on a general discussion about beauty stuff as we got talking about my latest adventure to investigate lash extensions.  Talk about the talk of the party!  I love the idea of having amazing lashes and can count myself as one of the lucky ones because my natural lashes are pretty good with some mascara.  BUT, I can go from pretty good to VaVaVoom, with strip lashes or lash extensions.

When I had my summer makeover with the fantastic Belinda, Manager of the Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique, one of the things she said to consider for summer was false lashes, which to me, seemed more evening then beachside. I was quickly converted as we took my simple summer makeup and turned up the volume with some basic Quo strip lashes.  Even my own mother couldn’t tell I was wearing fake lashes when I had dinner with her later that day. 

I highly recommend the strip lash and love the selection (and price, under $10) that is available through the Quo brand.  I suggest you try out your lashes when you don’t have to go anywhere in a hurry so you can practice without pressure.  The other option, stop in at the Beauty Boutique and Belinda or another one of her team will help you select and apply your lashes before you head out.

I loved the look and got to thinking about lash extensions….maybe that would be a less fussy way to go? Casbah Evolution in South Surrey offers lash extensions in a variety of packages that start from $39 for their ‘Flirt’ look.  Linda, the boutique manager was happy to take me through the world of lash extensions and the look they give you.  I have to admit, the thought of gluing a mink or sable hair to my own eye lash was a bit scary.  I spent about an hour lying very still while Linda adhered individual lashes to my natural lash line.  It looks a bit like a surgical procedure, but I assure you it’s pain-free. 

I loved the look of my lash extensions and even ventured back to have my lashes reapplied.  What I will say is that they aren’t ‘less fuss’ than strip lashes as you need to take care when you have your extensions. No rubbing your eyes, no oil-based products, no sleeping on your face and only special mascara, if you choose to use mascara which I did for my remaining top and bottom lashes.

The lashes took some getting used to, but once I figured out how to manage my extensions I really enjoyed the look and would certainly consider a full set of top lashes (which run about $150) before I head out on my next tropical holiday.

Given the reaction from the girls when I started talking about eye lashes, they are a HOT topic regardless of how sparse, thick or thin yours might be. Remember with lash extensions, they only as good as what you have to adhere them to.  They are for lengthening the lashes you already have, where strip lashes will allow you to have a lusher look to your lash line.

We thought if I love great lashes so much…maybe some of you will too, so we took video so you could see for yourself.

For those that know me, they will tell you two things; I adore shoes and I am all about celebrating birthdays. I've always been a firm believer that a birthday - no matter the milestone - is a fantastic reason to celebrate you, your accomplishments and a true reason to gather the people in your life that matter most to you.

This year's birthday was a difficult one. Not for any particular reason. It didn't represent a significant milestone, it wasn't the big "_0", it was just tough. For a girl that would use any excuse to gather friends around and share a glass of wine and the banter that comes with it, I found myself looking to spend the day with just me.

The day didn't start out the best, I was running late (as always, my dad said I was born late and nothing's changed since!) to get to a hair appointment. Meagan from Rain Boutique was awesome as always and I asked her to take the amazing cut she gave me only weeks ago - just a little bit shorter. Meagan worked her magic and as I left the salon, looking in the mirror I realized that aside from bangs, my hair was basically what it was at my 16th birthday.

Spending the day with only me to dictate the schedule wouldn't be complete if it didn't involve shoes. This shoe adventure was going to be much different. One of my most adored possessions is a pair of John Fluevog pointy toe flats that I got about the same time as my memorable hair cut. It seemed fitting to take in the Fox, Fluevog and Friends, The story behind the shoes exhibit that is currently running until September 26th at the Museum of Vancouver.

I spent the better part of two hours poring over the memorabilia that makes up the story of Peter Fox, John Fluevog and Ken Rice. I learned that for a period of time Ken Rice was designing shoes for Fluevog out of his garage in Langley.

John's style certainly isn't for everyone and that is what makes his shoes so fantastic. At 15 years old, I had no idea I was purchasing a shoe that was iconic with Vancouver. Not only is the story of Peter Fox and John Fluevog one that spans the globe, but their unique approach, sketches and shoes are pieces of art that capture the vision of two unique Vancouverites who challenged the typical and created a following that included Hollywood celebs like Warren Beatty, Fay Dunaway and Julie Christie. For those who care to remember Madonna in Truth or Dare - she clumps about in a pair of hot pink platforms and asks the camera - "Ya like ‘em?" Yup, they were Fluevog Munster's.

As I face my birthday I find comfort that my favourite pair of shoes are captured as some small part of Vancouver history. In some of my most significant memories I am wearing my Fluevogs and I relate the shoes to one feeling - confidence.

I've moved my favourite shoes out of the box they were in. I'm taking them to be re-soled as it is time to make more memories in my most loved shoes.

An additional note about the exhibit; admission is $12 and parking is $2 per hour. Also, Curator-led talks and tours of the exhibit are held on the first Thursday of the month at 7pm from May through September.

Submitted by Kristine Carrick
Founder of Kristine Carrick Public Relations and Marketing
kcarrick@shaw.ca

Do you ever stop to wonder where you got your style from? Or how you learned to put on your makeup without looking like Mimi from the Drew Carey Show? I hadn't given it much thought until my mom commented on my makeup. She wondered out-loud how I ever learnt to put makeup on given that she wears very little and really hasn't ever worn much makeup, even through her teenage years.

For those of us who haven't quite mastered bronzers, liquid eye liner or eyelash enhancements, this week's column might be for you.

As the sun was shining last week and the temperature flirted with 20 degrees, I really didn't feel like putting on my regular foundation. I've never been one for loads of makeup or been the type to wear it to the gym, but I do enjoy taking some time to look put together; something my mother taught me without ever realizing it.

This week's adventure took me to the Walnut Grove Shoppers Drug Mart which boasts the only "Beauty Boutique" this side of the bridge. As I wandered about peering at brands I thought only available at department store cosmetic counters, I met Beauty Boutique Manager, Belinda. Bubbly and genuine I immediately felt comfortable chatting with Belinda about my makeup concerns. Belinda is a self-proclaimed lover of all things makeup and readily agreed to help me plan my summertime makeup routine.

Seeking something light and fresh, I came back later that week with my blank canvas and let Belinda set to taking me through various options that would have me feeling fun, fresh and boat ready!

Belinda started with a great tinted moisturizer from Clinque called Almost Makeup.  It also contains an SPF, a sure necessity for anyone's summer skin routine. I was very curious about blusher and bronzers - what was the right choice for my skin type and style? For the first time I tried a cream blush which during the summer months will provide better wear-ability and was a beautiful way to add a bit of colour to the apples of my cheeks. We added a little basic eye shadow and mascara and were sure to include a lovely coral colour lip gloss to finish things off.
One of my favourite products was the Clarins Fix Mascara Waterproof.  It is an invisible raincoat for your lashes that comes in a mascara tube which can be applied over your mascara and eyebrow pencil/powder and acts as a waterproof coat. I totally love this product; it can be worn over product or on its own to hold crazy eyebrows in place and prevent your mascara from running when you're down at the beach. While we wait for summer to arrive, I'm sure the Clarins Double Fix and the Clinque Almost Make-Up will be my new summertime secret weapons.

As I sat, listened and learned, Belinda provided me with a great reminder - there are NO rules in makeup! I am certainly no stranger to makeup, but I'm also no model and her reminder made me smile as we finished up my fun, fresh face.

Belinda taught me a few new tricks, I left with some new products and the realization that my style is about confidence and is constantly evolving with every new experience. While Mimi's style might not work for me, she owned it and it was uniquely hers. No matter who or where you get your influence from, remember to have a bit of fun with your make up this summer.

Belinda had loads of amazing tips from how to choose the right mascara for your needs to selecting the right bronzer colour and many others. Luckily we shot some video to go with this column so you can see the process from the ground up. View the video here.

Submitted by Kristine Carrick.  Kristine is a PR and Marketing Consultant and was born and raised in the Fraser Valley.  You can email Kristine at kcarrick@shaw.ca