True-to-Dame-Edna form, the eye-catching and mauve-packaged limited edition collection hit MAC stores late December. Inspired by the beauty routine of the Great Dame, the collection is for the glamour girl that likes to make a bold statement with her look. In Dame Edna's own words: "We all need a MAC-over, possum." I couldn't have put it better myself - read up on my review of Gladiola Matte Lipstick and Possum Nose Pink Lipglass from the Dame Edna collection!

Dame Edna MAC Collection - Gladiola Matte Lipstick
The inspiration behind this bright and bold lipstick was clearly Dame Edna's coif (all natural, by the way!). The matte mid-tone blue pink is a super trendy look when paired with cat-eyed liner and false lashes . Dare to wear this colour only if you know how to rock it like the Great Dame (i.e. this colour is not for the subtle)! Pair it with the collection's Hot Frost lipgloss for some added dimension and shine.


Dame Edna MAC Collection - Possum Nose Pink Lipglass
Possum Nose Pink Lipglass is a gorgeous coral gloss that is more of a universally wearable colour than Gladiola above. The sheer bright colour gloss has multidimensional sparkle built-in. I love wearing this gloss for daytime, but find it very similar to a colour already in my kit (as in my earlier review here). You can never have too much of a good thing though and since this colour works for me, it's a welcome addition to my personal touch-up kit!

Photography and Make-up by Rhia Amio

Related posts:
PRODUCT PREVIEW | Dame Edna for MAC

For the next few posts, we’ll be focusing on festive looks to get you dolled up for your holiday parties. So while you’re focusing on prepping for the parties you’ll be hosting and shopping for the people on your list, we’ve got your make-up tips covered here:

GET THE HOLIDAY LOOK | Red Lips
If you’re donning that little black dress for your holiday party, a pair of red lips is the perfect make-up match to complete the look. Red lips make a bold statement and can be an intimidating colour to buy (and wear!). But rest assured, there is a red out there for everyone!

How to apply:
Trace the desired shape of your lips with a matching red lipliner. Lipliner will help prevent lipstick from feathering into the fine lines around the mouth. Fill the lip in completely with lipliner to act as a base for the lipstick. Blot. For a sharp finish, use a lipbrush with your red lipstick and trace around the edges of the mouth. Then apply the lipstick directly to the mouth from the tube, swiping back and forth a couple of times on the top and bottom lip.

How to make it go the distance:
Once lipstick has been applied, blot with a one-ply tissue and reapply one more coat of lipstick. You can also take a large clean powder brush and while holding a tissue to cover your mouth, dust some translucent powder atop the mouth area using a brush. These methods will help stain the lips with some colour so if you end up caught under the mistletoe, you’ll still have some colour on the lips post-kiss!

Complete the look:
Keep the look balanced by going light on the eye make-up – a stroke of black liquid liner and neutral eyeshadow on the lids looks gorgeous with red lips. Red lips also have the tendency to make the face look washed out. Add blush/bronzer for colour and definition after applying lipstick, but use just a small amount so that the lips remain the strongest element of the make-up look.

Artist tips:
If red is still too bold, blot the colour slightly and apply a clear gloss atop to soften the look. If you're not a lipstick kind of girl, there are plenty of red lip stains or cherry coloured glosses to help you achieve that festive red look!

To avoid the dreaded lipstick-on-the-teeth look, take your index finger, place it in your mouth and pull it straight out. This technique will help remove any excess lipstick and keep your pearly whites in check!

It's best to first try on a red you plan on buying and looking at it outside of department store lighting. Use this as a guideline to narrow in on reds that will work best for you:
For pale skin tones, try a cool and bright cherry red. (Think Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera).
For medium yellow and olive skin tones, give a warm-toned fire-engine red a go.
For dark skin tones, try a berry colour or crimson red.

How do I make my lipstick last longer?

This is one of the most frequent questions (or complaints) that I hear from women that I work with. Most of the lip products that claim to have staying power tend to be more of a matte formula and dry out the lips. The result is that you have to touch up your lips anyway to keep them looking fresh. Try a couple of the tips below to help colour stay put (and stay great!) throughout the day:

(Pre-prep for the lips: Keep your lips soft and supple by moisturizing at least twice per day - once in the morning after you wash your face but before you apply your make-up, then again at night before bedtime. Try Kiehl's No. 1 Lip Balm.)

1. Prep the lips by using excess cream concealer/foundation and lightly pat it onto the lips. This gives the lipstick colour a base to hold onto.


2. Using a sharpened lip pencil, line the lips following the natural shape of the lips, lining only slightly inside or slightly outside the natural lip line. Now, blend the lipliner inward, using a brush. This will again act as a reinforcement for the lip colour being applied atop of it and prevent feathering/bleeding of the lip colour. Use a lipliner that either closely matches the lip colour you will be applying, or opt for a neutral toned lipliner to keep your colour in check.

3. Apply lipstick. I prefer to use a lip brush, as I find applying the lipstick tube directly on the lips leaves an excessive amount. A lip brush will give you greater control with the amount of product that gets applied. Remember, less is more and you can always start off lightly and then apply another layer as you desire! Take a one ply tissue and blot with the tissue in between the lips. Reapply the lip colour with a brush.

What type of lipstick do I choose?
Choose lipsticks that are 'satin' or 'creme' finishes to give lips a kissable look. You likely will have to touch it up at least once throughout the day, but at least it will not leave your lips raw when you try to remove it, as matte and other long-lasting lip products tend to do.

4. For some added glam, punch up the lips with a layer of gloss atop the lip colour. Choose glosses that have a bit of stick to them for some added staying power. Avoid glosses that are too sticky, as they tend to be a nuisance when your hair blows in the wind (and when you go to kiss that special someone).

Now, pucker up and you're set to go!

Here are some brands to try:
Lipstick
Make-up Forever - Try the Lacquered Lips collection. It lives up to its name.
MAC - An industry staple with undeniable colour and texture selection.
Clinique Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick - Just like the name...it's like butta, baby!

Lip Gloss
Lancome Juicy Tubes - A fan favourite with every colour of the rainbow (and flavour of a candy store!).
NARS - Orgasm. A follow-up to the popular blush of the same name - need I say more?