Archive for the ‘Beauty’ Category

March 17th, 2011 | Author: christie

The average woman spends hundreds of hours washing, drying and styling her hair each year in hopes of a silky smooth coif, yet we seem to be eternally unhappy with the lackluster results. Next time you find yourself desperately clutching a handful of styling products at the beauty store, keep these professional tips from Schwarzkopf Professional artist Rasa Jurenas (www.rasajurenas.com) in mind. The shiny hair you’ve been dreaming of is just a few steps away.

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Wash the right way

Rasa says the key to shiny hair is using the proper shampoo, conditioner and treatment for your hair type. Your natural shine will show through when the cuticle is closed and smooth, hence the importance of the right products. Try: BC Smooth Shine collection ($14.50-17.75) to banish frizz and make your strands glisten.

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A better blow out

Your blow-drying technique could be a deal-breaker in your quest for brilliantly shiny hair. Many of us dry our hair up and all over, which causes the hair cuticle to stay rough and open, and robs us of luster. Rasa suggests blow-drying hair down in small sections from front to back and keeping the dryer aimed at the brush. Blast your locks with cold air afterwards to set the style. Try: Rowenta Infini Pro Sensor Dryer, $219.99 Moroccanoil Large Roundbrush, $24.00.

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Tried and tested products

Using the right products before and after drying will seal the deal on your shiny ‘do. Rasa likes to mist wet hair with a shiny magnifying spray to bring out the most shine while blow-drying. Finish with a light serum or flexible hold hairspray and you got yourself a glistening, lust-worthy style. Try: BLONDME Shine Magnifying Spray ($19.95), OSiS Sparkler Finish Shine Spray ($19.00), OSiS Magic Shine Serum ($23.50).

Available at professional salons and spas across canada or online at www.moroccanoil.com, www.rowentabeauty.ca, www.schwarzkopf-professional.com.

By: Daniela DiStefano, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @ddeestefano.

February 25th, 2011 | Author: christie

OPI

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OPI is launching two great new collections just in time for Spring – Femme de Cirque SoftShades available in April and BRIGHTS, inspired by the latest installation of the Pirates of the Caribbean series, available in May. I have got to say that I’m pretty excited about the Silver Shatter shade, transforming your plain OPI nail colour with a two-toned, crackled finish. Available in a wide variety of fun and flirty colours like So Many Clowns, So Little Time (a gorgeous nude pink) and Stranger Tides (a bright sage), it’ll be hard for you to just pick one.

By: Shareen Sandhu, Toronto

February 24th, 2011 | Author: christie

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Zoe Kravitz shooting Vera Wang’s Preppy Princess ad campaign.

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What better way to celebrate an engagement than with a party, especially when the wedding is a royal one. Last week I attended an engagement party for the world’s favourite couple: Will and Kate. Hosted by Vera Wang’s Preppy Princess, guests were treated to high tea and cupcakes at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel. In addition to toasting the tony twosome, we spritzed and sampled the latest limited edition scent in Vera’s Princess line. The designer describes the fragrance as “girly and feminine. Preppy Princess combines elements of legacy and tradition with confidence and modernity.” Sounds a lot like a certain couple I know.

From $49.99 at department and drugstores across Canada.

By: Caitlin Agnew, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @caitlin_la.

February 8th, 2011 | Author: christie

moisturizers

Though Christmas has since come and gone, the winter weather certainly hasn’t. If you’re anything like me, you know that once the temperature dips below zero, the average drug store moisturizer just isn’t going to cut it. Hibernating isn’t an option this winter season, so avoid unsightly crocodile skin and keep your pores hydrated with these great products.

1. Philosophy Hope in a Jar (my personal favourite), US $60, available at Sephora
2. Ultra Facial Moisturizer, US $16-$35, available at Holt Renfrew stores
3. C.O. Bigelow All-In-One Protective Day Cream SPF 25, US $19.50, available at Bath & Body Works
4. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, $42-$57.50, available at Clinique

By: Shareen Sandhu, Toronto

Follow me on Twitter @ShareenSandhu.


February 7th, 2011 | Author: christie

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Call it a crusade for the single ladies – this year, I am banishing my woeful single Valentine’s Days of the past in lieu of a celebratory holiday for none other than myself. I am even going to insist upon calling it “V for VALERIE Day.” And how do I intend on marking such a commemorative occasion, you may ask? By indulging in the finer things in life, of course. This includes serious retail therapy, decadent treats and some R & R. No boys and no drama allowed!

1, 2. Paint the town red with some girly accessories. Aldo “Cyphert” Handbag ($45) and Jeffrey Campbell “Meeker” Booties (Approx. $160), at Solestruck.

3, 4. You don’t need a man to buy you jewellery – it’s all about you, baby! CC Skye “Femme Fatale” Earrings (Approx. $220) and Rachel Leigh “Fitz” Bangle (Approx. $200), available at Sophie’s Closet.

5. Indulge in a soothing bath with Booty Parlor’s Bath Kitten Kit ($59). This package even comes with a massaging mitt – the perfect way to relax. Available at Beautymark.

6. Unwind with a scented candle. My current favourite is the Library Collection by Paddywax ($25).

7. The only man you need on V-Day is Thomas Haas. Check out the Thomas Haas Patisserie-Chocolate and Cafes in Vancouver or shop online for delectable treats.

8. Girly lit and chick flicks are my guilty pleasures – minus the boy drama. I like my entertainment full of inspiring women and great fashion. Trade your copy of He’s Just Not That Into You for Jeanne Beker’s new book, Strutting It!, from Amazon.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.