Nars satin lip pencils.

The kind folks at NARS sent us a whole slew of their new satin lip pencils ($30, available at narscosmetics.ca, Sephora and other department stores), so we spread the word and some very obliging editors agreed to review them. Here’s what went down:

Jenny

Before and after: Jenny wears Nars satin lip pencil in Yu. (Jenny Yuen/QMI Agency)

Name: Yu

Application: Easy-peasy! The pencil allowed for precise application, but what I love most is that it goes on smoothly, and dare I say, like satin?

Of note: This lip pencil was able to provide several looks. I could go for a subtle look by quickly swiping the pencil across my lips and smudging it with my finger (making it similar to a lip stain), or I could go bold by filling my entire lips with the pencil.

Will you wear it again? I don’t usually wear lip colour, but NARS may have converted me!

Rosalyn

Name: Majella

Application: I applied without any lipbalm or primer and found it went on smoothly and easily.

Scent: There was no smell (yay!).

Of note: Before trying the NARS lip pencil, I used Quo’s Jumbo Lipgloss stick (in Ginger twist) it’s a much more natural shade and I love it – it’s practically a stub now. I find the Quo stick provides a little more moisture, but less durability in comparison to the Nars pencil.

Will you wear it again? I am definitely going to wear this again when I head out on a night on the town – or just feel like getting glammed up.

Ling

Before and after: Ling Hui wears Nars satin lip pencil in Isola Bella. (Ling Hui/QMI Agency)

Name: Isola Bella

Application: It’s easier to apply than an ordinary lipstick. The finer tip of the lip pencil made it easier for me to fill in the peaks of my upper lip.

Durability: Because of its dryness, I couldn’t help but reapply after two hours. I also had to re-apply after drinking or eating since the colour would fade.

Of note: While the crayon-like packaging is cute, sharpening it wasted a bit product and I had to clean my sharpener afterwards.

Will you wear it again? Yes, but only on days when I don’t have chapped lips.

Nicole

Before and after: Nicole Feenstra wears Nars satin lip pencil in Biscayne Park (bottom, with lip gloss). (Nicole Feenstra/QMI Agency)

Name: Biscayne Park

Texture: The lipstick pencil left a super smooth line when used as a lip liner and the texture was just as smooth when used to fill in the whole lip. It had a matte finish, but I found a layer of gloss really amped up the shine and texture of the look.

Durability: I’m not sure how long the lipstick pencil would truly last, because it came off on everything, from my drinking glass to my boyfriend’s cheek. Touch-ups were frequent!

Will you wear it again? I’m definitely looking forward to wearing this lipstick pencil again. It was a lovely neutral colour that really amped up my look without being too heavy, especially when worn with a layer of lip gloss.

Samie

Name: Luxembourg

Texture: I love the feel of this lip pencil. It’s really shiny and moist at first, however as you wear it, it does go matte and a bit dry. I actually liked it as it went more matte, it felt more natural. Some gloss helps though later on when you feel your lips getting dry.

Colour: The red was perfect for a night out and despite being tan-less, I didn’t find I looked pale in photos – which has been an issue with other red lipstick.

Anything else of note: It wipes off skin super easy (if you give someone a kiss on the cheek), and it comes off glassware easy as well which is nice.

Will you wear it again?  Yes! I loved it.

Victoria

Name: Rigukien

Texture: The texture was very creamy and smooth, it stayed on fairly long, but needed re-application throughout the day.

Durability: It was the longest lasting glossy liner I’ve ever tried, it stained the lips well  even after my usual three cups of morning coffee. I also liked the fact that it wasn’t sticky and messy.

The colour: The colour is a dusty rose hue and applies evenly all over. It had the perfect amount of light reflecting parts in it to make any blond’s complexion pop.

Will you wear it again? Definitely would and do wear it – all the time.

Kate

Before and after: Kate Kennedy wears Nars satin lip pencil in Palais Royal. (Kate Kennedy/QMI Agency)

Name: Palais Royal

Application: It glided on easily and felt like lip balm – the shape made it easy to apply to my cupid’s bow.

Texture: Smooth as silk, it dried up about 20 mins after application and became more stain-like.

Will you wear it again? Sure will. (Next time I want to try Ling’s pale peach colour.)

Rihanna departs heads to the launch of her River Island collection in London, March 4, 2013. (Will Alexander/WENN.com)

A sneak peak video posted on the line’s website proves the singer-turned-”designer” was in the brand’s offices at least once – and isn’t terribly tactful. Surprise!

“I just wanted stuff that I would want to wear because at the end of the day that’s what got me into designing…I wanted to make clothes for fat days; I just wanted to make stuff that I want to wear. I was being selfish. Hopefully, my friends and the River Island customers will like have the same taste.”

When fashion execs decided to pay Ri-Ri for her name, invest in textiles, production and shipping – and then splash out on advertising – something tells me they weren’t sitting in their London offices musing “Gee, I hope Rihanna thinks it’s for fat days.”

In Pictures: Rihanna’s first collection for River Island

Why they chose to include her dumbass line – or any of her other simpleton remarks – in the video is beyond me.

Perhaps they hoped it would appeal to those of us who just assumed the collection is based around the mesh sundress. One can only imagine the footage that ended up on the cutting room floor.

In Pictures: Rihanna’s crimes of fashion

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Antonio Berardi dress at the “Iron Man 3″ premiere in Los Angeles, April 24, 2013. (WENN.com)

Rihanna’s remark reminds me of Gwyneth Paltrow referring to her side-bum baring “Iron Man 3″ premiere look as a “disaster” or when Anne Hathaway was a little too forthcoming about her last-minute Prada choice for the Oscars.

Ladies, biting the hand that styles you is poor form.

Rihanna’s admission differs greatly from a statement she made earlier in the video:

“I made a piece for everybody in my crew. We all have different body types, different tastes, and some are braver than others…that’s how all the women in the world are.”

Ummmm, true.

Rihanna  also talks with actual designer Adam Sulman about her choice of prints.

“Floral I think is very timeless. Usually it’s very chic, very flirty and very fun and that’s what I wanted but I don’t want it to be typical floral – bright colours – I wanted it to be gangsta.”

Her collection with River Island hits stores May 25.

What do you think of Rihanna’s style?
Follow @SunMediaLife

Angelina Jolie attends The 2013 American Society of Cinematographers Awards in Los Angeles, Feb. 10, 2013. (Nikki Nelson/WENN.com)

“I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer,” she said in her New York Times op-ed piece. Jolie has spoken many times about how hard the death of her mother, Marcheline Bertrand = who died at just 57 of ovarian cancer – was on her, and how much it changed her life.

Going through the life-changing surgery and dealing with the aftermath must be incredibly challenging, and her choice to talk openly about it and encourage women to get tested should be applauded.

Women who’ve had mastectomies and lumpectomies find they have new requirements for clothing post-operation. Shape, comfort and sensitivity is key for healing bodies and spirits.

Here are some options created specifically for women who’ve had mastectomies and lumpectomies:

Alloro Collection – A former American Express exec and breast cancer survivor, Laurel Kamen created her line of post-op undergarments after she found it difficult to find comfortable options, “I didn’t want to have to step out of the world of fashion just because I had breast cancer,” she told ABC News.  The line focuses on comfort, necklines and colour, and donates 25% of profits to cancer research and “underserved women”.

Mastectomy Lingerie & More – Based out of Hamilton, Ont., the retailer ships a wide variety of items internationally (with some at flat rate shipping), including bras, swimwear, protheses, tops, arm sleeves, and post-surgery camisoles and recovery pillows that women can cushion between their ribs and arms.

Nu Me Mastectomy Boutique – Serving six cities in southern Ontario, the store specializes in mastectomy bras and swimwear, prostheses, lymphedema and compression garments.

Janac’s Spirit and Heart Been-A-Boob protheses ($70 each, Janac.com)

Janac – Specializes in sports bras and Been-A-Boob breast prostheses in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Because We Care – Offers mobile mastectomy fittings to several cities in B.C. The company also sells post-operation clothing and accessories out of Langley, including skin creams and breast form cleansers.

Kelly’s Mastectomy Boutique – Women can visit the Ottawa store for a prosthesis fitting and purchase foundation and compression garments (for clients with lymphedema), as well as bras, swimwear and head scarves.

Mastectomy Designs - An online store with a location in Toronto, it offers clothing, bras, nightshirts, books and pillows.

Has surgery or an illness affected how you dress?

Suri Cruise. (WENN.com)

“This is a nice hobby for her, it’s certainly not going to take over her life. Most girls dream of being able to make their own clothes, this just means her drawings will now become a reality,” an unnamed source told the paper.”

Katie Holmes, Suri’s best friend, and her stylist Jeanne Yang, whose upscale line Holmes & Yang is sold in Holt Renfrew in Toronto, are said to be on board to make the gal’s dream a reality. Originally, “the plan” was for Suri to have a fashion blog “but the concept was extended after she started to talk about special designs for her clothes,” says rumours.

Photos: Katie Holmes’ street style

Katie Holmes and daughter Suri Cruise in New York, Jan. 2, 2013. (Mr. Blue/WENN.com)

At age seven, kids are usually learning how to properly use simple punctuation and read commonly used words. Suri is apparently drawing dress sketches in Crayolas for America’s more discerning grade schoolers (of whom I’m sure she knows many).

Photos: Most fashionable celebrity kids

A rep for Katie has, of course, denied the rumours to Vogue UK, but you can bet Suri’s venture will be a reality sooner or later.

If and when the little fashionista launches her line, here’s what you can expect:

• Colourful Mary Jane and T-strap 1-inch heels.
• Teddy bear-shaped handbags.
• Orange circle skirts.
• Decorated headbands.
• Butterfly sunglasses.
• “Team Katie” graphic T’s.
• A lot of pink.

Photos: Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise on the red carpet

Jennifer Lopez at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Feb. 10, 2013. (Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com)

We recently tried two lash sets from Ardell’s extensive range. Here’s what when down:

On the right, Rosalyn has on eyeliner and mascara, on left she’s wearing Ardell Edgy Lashes in #406 Black and eyeliner.

Product: Ardell Edgy Lashes in #406 Black

• Application time: Around 10-15 minutes. I found that I had to apply and re-apply to find just the right spot and make the lashes look even.
• How they felt: Weird. This being my first time wearing fake lashes, they almost felt heavy on my eyelids.
• How long they lasted: I wore them for about three hours.
• Removal: They peeled off quite easily and painlessly.
• After effects: None.
• Tips: I have short, straight lashes, so to help blend with the fake lashes, I recommend using an eyelash curler on your natural ones first. Also be careful to watch the glue, I applied a little too much at first and it was a bit of a pain to wash it off and re-apply.
• Long story short: Considering I have pitiful natural lashes, it was nice to see the volume and length the fake ones gave me. Though uncomfortable, I know many women use them daily and notice them less after use, so I would give them another shot for a special occasion.

- Rosalyn Solomon

See photo gallery

Product: Ardell LashLites in #311 Black

• Application time: About 15 minutes. This includes the extra time I spent re-applying my left lashes after sticking them too high on my lid.
• How they felt: I have quite sensitive skin. My eyes were irritated for about a half hour after application (see picture #5), and I felt aware I had something on my eyelids on-and-off for most of the evening.
• How long they lasted: I had them on for six hours.
• Removal: They came off easily with water, I used a little eye makeup remover to be sure the glue was off.
• After effects: My lash line was pink and my eyelids were a little puffy and slightly irritated the next day.
• Tips: Use your finger to take excess glue off the fake lashes – you do not want the glue sticking your real ones to the fakes. Also, eyeliner is pretty much required to unite the lash lines.
• Long story short: While the fake eyelashes did make a noticeable difference, I would rather reach for a volumizing mascara (like Bourjois Paris Volume Clubbing Mascara) than lash glue. The irritation I felt after application and the following day made the lashes not quite worth the boost.

- Kate Kennedy

Have you tried fake lashes? How was your experience?

Shoppers’ Drug Mart’s in-house makeup line – Quo – has released a line of colourful makeup kits just in time to give this Mother’s Day, from a deluxe beauty box priced at $50 to a $20, 10-shade lip gloss collection.

Quo Colour Play Artist Palette, $30 at Shoppers Drug Mart.

I tried the $30 Quo Colour Play Artist Palette. I loved how it was travel-sized, making it easy to tuck into carry-on luggage or bring to work for quick makeup touch-ups. It’s easy to take your look from morning errands to the office to a night on the town with just this one set.

The kit also comes with sponge wand makeup applicators, two lip/eye liner brushes and a blush brush. I should stop here and say I never use the applicators that come with drugstore makeup. I find the sponge wands irritate my eyelids and do a poor job blending eyeshadow colours together. I tried using the applicators that came with the Quo kit, but found it easier to apply and blend the makeup with my own, good quality brush set.

Quo Colour Play Artist Palette, $30 at Shoppers Drug Mart.

The Method: After applying a tinted moisturizer all over my face, I used my own eyeshadow brush to gently blend the makeup onto my clean, dry eyelids. I didn’t use a primer, but would recommend using one if you’re going to be applying the lighter shades in the palatte. I found these colours faded within five hours of application, though the darker hues retained their colour longer.

I applied three eyeshadow colours for each look: a base over the whole eyelid, a darker pop of colour in the corner to brighten and define my eyes and a lighter colour over my brow bone as a highlighter. I didn’t have any problems with loose eyeshadow falling on my cheeks while applying and found that the eyeshadows all created smooth, well-blended looks.

I applied the lip gloss with the small lip liner brushes provided in the kit, but found my fingers worked just as well, especially when blending two colours of gloss together. It wasn’t too sticky and didn’t have any detectable taste or smell.

I used my own small brush to apply the cream eye liner, which certainly lived up to the “creamy” part of its name. It went on super smooth and lasted long after the eyeshadow had faded. I also appreciated there being an array of cream liner colours, including brown and blue, available in the box set in addition to the standard black liner.

I used the cheek colour for just one of my looks. Again, I used my own large blush brush to apply the cheek colour as I found it easier to blend with than the small blush brush provided in the kit. I can take or leave blush in general, but it’s nice to know the option is available with this handy kit for those days when you can just use a little colour.

All the colours in this kit really compliment eachother, meaning it’s possible to create limitless day-to-night looks with the shadows and glosses.

Look 1: Nicole used a light pink shadow all over her eyelids, a darker lilac colour in the corners of her eyes and a light cream over her brow bone as a highlighter. (Nicole Feenstra/QMI Agency)

Look 1: I thought this light look would be great for running errands or for a day of shopping. I used the light pink shadow all over my lids, then applied a darker lilac colour in the corner of my eye for a subtle pop of colour. I used a light cream over my brow bone as a highlighter and kept things light by using the brown cream liner. I used the lightest pink gloss in the kit on my lips.

Look 2: Nicole tries out a neutral look with a bronze base and gold highlight, with a touch of golden-green. She used peach blush on the cheeks and an ‘apple’ red gloss. (Nicole Feenstra/QMI Agency)

Look 2: I thought this look would be great for work. I kept it neutral with a bronze base and gold highlight, but added a slight burst of colour in the corner of my eyes in the form of a really pretty golden-green colour. I used a peach blush on my cheeks and an ‘apple’ red gloss on my lips.

Look 3: Nicole used a lilac shadow, a bright purple and a silver shadow for a night-time look. (Nicole Feenstra/QMI Agency)

Look 3:  I really wanted to try the uber bright purple eyeshadow and thought this night-time look would be the perfect way to use it. I applied the lilac shadow I used in look one all over my lid, then used the bright purple in the corner of my eye. I used a silver shadow as the highlighter on my brow bone. I used a purple lip gloss and applied another layer of light pink gloss over top for extra shine and dimension.

At $30, this kit is worth picking up, especially if you already have your own brushes at home. The adorable packaging makes it gift ready for Mother’s Day and the large selection of makeup in the small kit make it great for travel. The Quo Mother’s Day 2013 collection is only available at Shoppers’ Drug Mart for a limited time.

Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary in Downton Abbey. (Vision TV )

The producers of the show; NBC Universal and Carnival films announced this week that a ‘Downton Abbey’ clothing line along with beauty products, furniture and even stationary will be launched later this year.

“We’ll be working across an entire range of products coming out this year. From fashion, apparel and homeware and furniture to wallpapers, beauty products and stationary,” Executive producer Gareth Nearne told Vogue UK.

For those who aren’t familiar with the period drama, it’s set in the early 20th century focusing on the aristocratic Crawley family and the people who serve them.

The third season is currently on air in Canada on Vision TV, but it’s already wrapped up in the US with the season finale drawing in more than 8 million viewers.

Lady Mary played by Michelle Dockery. (Vision TV )

The show first aired in the UK in 2010 and despite its popularity across the pond, Nearne said they wanted to wait and see how the show would fare in North America before committing to launching the collection.

Now wannabe Lady Marys in the UK, North America, and China (where the show will begin airing this year) will all be able to get their hands on a piece of aristocracy, for their closets and their homes.

The announcement also couldn’t have come at a better time, with all the hype surrounding the period style seen in “The Great Gatsby”, the drop waists, pearl necklaces and cloche hats are coming back for the dames of today.

Kristen Stewart was named UK Glamour Magazine’s best dress woman. (WENN)

Kristen Stewart took a bite out of the red carpet competition when UK Glamour named her best dressed woman this week.

The “Twilight” star beat out Emma Watson, Victoria Beckham and Kate Middleton, who all made it to the top 10. The magazine, which listed 50 women in total, praised Stewart for sticking to her “personal rock-chick style” – whatever that is.

Did we mention this was her second win in a row on this list?

While it’s true that Stewart – the current face of Balenciaga – has truly stepped up her fashion game over the last year (wowing us with looks like her red Reem Acra gown at Cannes Film Festival), she still doesn’t deserve to be called a red carpet queen.

We’re not sure exactly how Stewart won Glamour over: Is it the greasy, unkempt looking hair that seems to be her staple ‘do? The questionable couture gowns? The backwards caps and sheer t-shirts?  Maybe it’s some of that – or maybe it’s all of that. Sorry Glamour UK, KStew just isn’t our number 1.

Consistent fashion A-listers such as Jennifer Lawrence and Diane Kruger ranked 48 and 32, respectively, and they deserve at least top 20. Emma Stone who dominated last year with sweet and sexy looks, was even behind Stewart at number 4.

Others in the top 10 include Taylor Swift, Cheryl Cole, Blake Lively, Katy Perry and Beyonce.

She’s not our top pick, but kudos to KStew for being the Bella of this best dressed ball – even if our favourites were treated like the horrid stepsisters.

See photo gallery

The 57-year-old designer sat down for a Q&A at the Vogue Festival this weekend and shed light on her personal style and fitness regime.

“My style is not that big, I wear heels, tights pants and I wear diamonds,” Versace told Vogue contributing editor Lisa Armstrong.

Donatella Versace attends the Costume Institute Benefit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art May 7, 2012. (AFP PHOTO/TIMOTHY A. CLARY)

The fashion icon admitted she can’t remember the last time she wore flat shoes and pretty much wears tight pants everywhere – even while watching TV – because that’s that doesn’t sound like “big” style at all.

You have to appreciate her honesty though, during the Q&A Versace also admitted she dropped her personal trainer because “he wouldn’t let me smoke.”

Donatella Versace appears at the end of her Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2012 fashion show for Atelier Versace in Paris January 23, 2012. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)

When it comes to beauty, the designer says she takes extra care to protect her famous blonde locks and skin, but with a lot of help.

“I’m not like this genetically, I use tonnes of cream and take care of my hair and skin.”

Ah, it seems Donatella is just like us after all.

“It was brutal; it’s not for everyone,” she told Net-A-Porter. “It was sweaty, but worth it.”

Jessica Alba. (Owen Beiny/WENN.com)

Because regular workouts, a diet of lean protein and vegetables, and her special “filling” green drink (which she shares with readers in her new book The Honest Life) wasn’t enough.

As Jezebel pointed out, Alba’s girls were born in June 2008 and August 2011, so girlfriend was wearing her corsets in L.A.’s sweltering summer heat. (Aren’t you losing weight just thinking about it?)

What an insane amount of pressure Alba must have felt to get down to a size nil and stay that way. She went back to work filming “A.C.O.D” about eight months after giving birth to Honor.

The actress/author/entrepreneur appears to have started prepping for her role as a stripper in the upcoming “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” in August 2012 and filmed in early 2013. It was probably understood, if not written in ink, that body fat would not appear on camera unless within the confines of a push-up bra. (Alba also told Net-a-Porter it’s the best film she’s ever done.)

I’m starting to warm to Alba because she’s basically the poor woman’s Gwyneth Paltrow (which she kind of admitted). Her ostentatious counterpart was named Hollywood’s most hated, most beautiful, and most eye-catching within two weeks.

Jessica Alba signs copies of her book “The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You” in Huntington, NY, March 12, 2013. (Dan Jackman/WENN.com)

Combine that with back-to-back press tours for her diet-cookbook “It’s All Good” and “Iron Man 3” and Paltrow’s exposure is nearing global saturation.*

*At which point, Tracy Anderson will lead a jazzersize coup and GOOP will become the new world manifesto.

No wonder Alba revealed her painstaking weight loss trick this week.

Have you ever tried a weight loss gimmick?