Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Mist

Danish skincare line Ole Henriksen has countless amazing products (their Invigorating Nighttime Gel is a personal favourite), but its African Red Tea Mist is particularly spectacular.  Not only does it refresh and hydrate, but it also delivers anti-aging ingredients and a heaping dose of antioxidants.  Priced at $35, the mist is available at both Vancouver’s very own Beauty Mark and Sephora.

AmorePacific Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System

AmorePacific’s Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System may be quite a mouthful, but it is a must for any hot climate or travel.  An incredibly refreshing botanical mist, it is perfect as a primer, as a post-makeup setter, or as a pick-me-up at any point of the day.  You can find it at Sephora in store or online and it is priced at $35.

Caudalie Grape Water

Because of my sensitive skin, I particularly love Caudalie’s Grape Water.  French skincare line Caudalie exclusively uses the moisturizing polysaccharides found in wine grapes and many (myself included) can personally attest to its capacity to truly change your skin.  Like all sprays, it’s wonderful as a pre-makeup base, but Caudalie’s formula is especially amazing on a hot day.  It is priced at $13 (a total steal) and can be found at Sephora.

By: Alexandra Grant, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @ToVogueOrBust

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

The term “packing light” may be missing from my vocabulary, but I do know a thing or two about looking sharp with a suitcase. Gone are the days of the black (or tacky patterned) travel bag. Modern luggage is highly versatile, functional and most importantly, stylish. The key is to invest in quality luggage and travel bags in order to properly protect your valued items. Just be sure to give the Beckhams a run for their money by sporting some killer shades at the airport.

1. Victoria Beckham is the ultimate airport style inspiration. Photo courtesy of Steal Their Style Blog.

2. Why not graduate from your Caboodles and try a sleek and chic cosmetics case? Dooney & Bourke Ostrich Cosmetics Case ($95), available online.

3. Pack up your toiletries in style with Sephora’s Resealable Makeup Bags ($9).

4. A medium size bag is perfect for weekend getaways or carry-on luggage. Try a classic shape with clean lines, like this duffel bag from Rag & Bone ($198), available at Shopbop.

5. Introducing the perfect solution for shoe fanatics: a shoe case to keep your footwear fresh. Jimmy Choo Shoe Case ($2295), at Net-A-Porter.

6, 7. Invest in quality luggage to protect your wardrobe and look stylish. Elena Ghisellini Trolley Luggage ($1472), at Luisa Via Roma and Mulberry Medium Trolley ($1325) at SSense.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

About two hours. This is approximately the amount of time it takes for me to get ready in the morning. But in my defense, us women have some serious decisions to make before we step out in public. Factoring in a wash, wardrobe and primping can lead to a time crunch. Luckily, my new obsession with dry shampoo and hair powders has helped me cut back on grooming time (I am now down to 1.5 hours – my roommates couldn’t be happier!). Dry shampoos can keep your hair looking fresh and easy to style. The best thing about new formulas is that most are specialized for every hair type and colour. Not mention, they smell great – making it perfect for days that you skip a wash. Check out a few of my favourites:

1. Bumble and Bumble’s hair powder (approximately $35) can be used to dry cleanse hair, enhance colour, boost volume and make it easy to style hair by adding some grip. What’s not to love? Available online and at various salons nation wide.
2. Some of the latest products spray on clear, so you don’t need to brush out any residue. Try the Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray ($23) from Sephora. I also love that it’s paraben and sulphate free!
3, 4. Need a to spruce up between events? Try a hair and body powder with a yummy scent. Principesspa Bianco Breeze Body Powder & Dry Shampoo ($24) from Beautymark and Cake Beauty Satin Sugar Refreshing Body & Hair Powder ($18), available online.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

You should follow me on Twitter @valerietiu.

Want to work in fashion? Visit fashion career website for Canada Style Nine to Five.

Pay homage to the memory of iconic star Elizabeth Taylor by emulating her classic, glamorous fashion sense. Whether you’re dressed to the nines or relaxing poolside, think 1950s-inspired nipped-waist silhouettes that show off an hourglass shape, with ample décolletage as your best accessory. Add some drama to your makeup routine with bold liquid liner: a nod to her title role in the cinematic spectacle Cleopatra. Turn a bad hair day into a chance to channel Taylor’s 60s signature turban with a turban-inspired headband. If there’s one type of accessory Elizabeth Taylor was known for, it’s diamonds. Whether they’re real or faux, a girl’s got to sparkle.

1. Stretch mesh knee-length sheath, $268, available at Betsey Johnson
2. Strapless dress, $385, available at RebeccaTaylor.com

3. Diamanta necklace, $410, available at Swarovksi boutiques
4. Classic sheath swimsuit, $89.99, available at modcloth.com
5. Turban headband, $25, available at etsy.com
6. Bobbi Brown long-wear gel eyeliner, $21, available at Sephora

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle.

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.

There are few occasions where glitter is appropriate after the age of 12. The key to keeping it classy is to add just a touch of shine to your ensemble and avoid all over sparkle. Luckily, New Years is the perfect time to bust out a little glitz. Check out some of my favourite ways to glam it up:

1, 2. Count down the New Year with some serious glitter accessories. Senso “Wilma” Booties (Approx. $160), at Solestruck. Anya Hindmarch Glitter Clutch (Approx. $316), available at Diani.
3. Add a touch of shimmer to your makeup for that ultra glam look. Make Up For Ever Glitters ($13) at Sephora.

4. Glitter nails are hot for the holidays, not to mention, it’s Xtina approved! OPI Burlesque Collection in “Glow Up Already!” (Approx. $10) at various salons across Canada.

5. Sparkle headbands are a great way to shine at a party, a la Blair Waldorf. Jennifer Behr Crystal Head Wrap (Approx. $ 260), available at Sophie’s Closet.

6. Bling it on, baby! Channel your inner JLO with some serious jewelry. CC Skye Million Dollar Pave Chain Bracelet (Approx. $370) at Sophie’s Closet.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

For me, the idea of “going up to the cabin” has always been a little nerve-wracking. Call me high-maintenance, but a weekend getaway that lacks running water or a shower is just unbearable. While some people see camping as the perfect vacation from a proper wardrobe (hello, sweatpants!), I see it as prime time to sport my stylin’ summer duds. Can’t we all just live in a world where glamping is the weekend norm?
My glamping essentials:

1. Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe with super-glam high-waisted swimwear by Vancouver’s own Cuché Bikinis ($175), available in Vancouver at Oliver & Lilly’s and Dream and in Toronto at Almost Naked. Also buy online.
2. Rompers are super comfy and so easy to wear – it’s the perfect camp basic. American Apparel Romper ($28).
3. A nylon track jacket is a great throw on piece for warming up by the campfire. Joe Fresh Nylon Jacket ($39), available at Superstore.
4. Jelly flip-flops are fun and functional. Melissa flat sandals ($45), available at Gravity Pope.
5. Regardless of where I am, I always make sure to take care of my skin. The Consonant Body Jet Set Kit ($40) comes in a super convenient package. Available at Beautymark and The Bay stores across Canada.
6. Mini beauty kits are great for when you’re on the go. Check out Sephora’s selection of Beauty Minis. My fave is the  Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation with SPF 15 ($25).

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

No matter what designer dress or killer heels you have on, if your skin and makeup aren’t looking just as good, neither will your clothes, no matter how fabulous! I can count far too often the times I’ve seen beautiful sandals ruined by unsightly feet, or a gorgeous dress turned catastrophe by a botched self-tanner job. Summertime can be dangerous territory for those non-beauty buffs out there. Self-tanners, bronzers, shimmery powders and lotions- great if done right, disaster if not. The key to most of these products is the less-is-more rule. You should be aiming for a light Summer glow, not aspiring to score a Jersey Shore audition. Super tanned skin, especially in combination with over-processed hair and too much makeup has long been considered gauche in the fashion world, and by the stylish population in general. So save your skin and your style this Summer and get a healthy, subtle glow with these Summer beauty favourites.

The Must Have:
Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, $42. I have used this product for years, and year-round for that matter! It’s especially great for Summer though because of its lightweight, sheer coverage and SPF 20, keeping your skin moisturized and protected from the sun and heat. The new illuminating formula has a hint of shimmer for a dewy, radiant finish. One tube lasts me almost a year!

The Newcomers:
Laura Mercier Lotus Pink Second Skin Cheek Colour, $24.
Sephora makeup artist Stephanie Amenta says that customers have been going gaga for this new blush. The peachy-pink colour has gold highlights to give your cheeks a natural, warm glow.

Nars Orgasm Illuminator, $29.
The line’s Orgasm blush and lipgloss have been longstanding favourites with makeup artists and beauty junkies alike. Now that golden peachy glow is available in a shimmery gel-based complexion enhancer. Dab some on cheekbones, mix in with foundation or apply to your shoulders and collar bone for Summertime radiance!

The It-Lipstick:
Bright fuchsia and tangerine shades are Summer’s answer to the bold red lip. Apply shades like NARS Schiap ($24) or Chanel limited addition Rouge Allure Lip Colour in Genial ($30) for a fresh, modern look. Much like wearing a red lip, go light on eye makeup with these statement colours.

Bronzers:
The key to choosing a good bronzer is to stay away from anything with orange undertones or too much shimmer, and make sure to not pick a shade that’s too dark for your skin tone. I love NARS Bronzing Powder ($32) in Laguna for light- medium skin tones and Casino for medium- dark skin tones. Both have a subtle golden shimmer for a natural, sun-kissed look. Try Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder ($28) for a more matte effect. Remember, only apply bronzer where the sun naturally hits your face- forehead, nose, temples and cheekbones.

Self-Tanners:
Both of my favourite tried and true self-tanners are not only natural looking and streak-free, but economical! I’m a big fan of Clinique’s Quick Bronze Tinted Self Tanner ($18.50) for the face. For the body I love Jergens Natural Glow Express Moisturizer ($8.99). Applied like a regular moisturizer, it’s streak proof, and the new Express formula not only gives results in a day or two but is also free of that funky smell that comes with so many self-tanners.

Shopping:

Laura Mercier and NARS products available at Sephora and Holt Renfrew stores across Canada.
Chanel lipstick available at Holt Renfrew and Sears stores across Canada.
Benefit Bronzing Powder available at Sephora, The Bay and Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.
Clinique available at Sephora, Holt Renfrew and Bay stores across Canada.
Jergens available at London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

By: Chloe Berge, Vancouver

Coco Chanel was once quoted as saying, “a woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future” and Elizabeth Taylor stated that a woman’s perfume collection should rival that of her jewellery. My love of fragrance started young when I used to sit at my grandmother’s vanity as a little girl, doing my best imitation and dabbing some of her Chanel No.5 on my wrists. She still wears it to this day. For me, an ensemble is never truly complete until I spritz on my favourite fragrance as I hurry out the door. Whether you choose to dab perfume on your wrists and neck, or walk through a fine fragrant mist, that final touch often acts as a woman’s best accessory. The perfume a woman wears is deeply personal and sensual. It can be just as alluring and seductive as the knockout dress and heels you pair it with, and nothing can evoke the memory of a faraway place or romantic evening like a perfume. There will always be that classic fragrance that you wear for a lifetime, for my grandmother, Chanel No.5. However, the latest crop of Summer scents is definitely giving those classics a run for their money.

Feminine:
Chloe
I was hesitant to even pick this bottle up at first. I though it would be much too much to wear a perfume by my own name. One spritz of the new Chloe though, and all that went out the window: I was hooked. Iris, Freesia and Rose make this soft, feminine fragrance the perfect daytime go-to.
Spicy:
Beyonce Heat
The woody, fruity mix in Beyonce’s eponymous scent is just as fierce as the diva herself. This sexy, alluring fragrance will definitely bring some heat. It’s a must for date night.
Fresh:
Clean Summer Linen
This simple, unpretentious limited edition fragrance evokes a sunny Summer afternoon at the park or the beach with top notes of sun-drenched citrus fruits like bergamot and Italian limoncello.
Bold:
Alien Sunessence
Thierry Mugler’s new limited edition Summer fragrance exudes the line’s signature sensual and exotic blend adding a new twist with energizing pink grapefruit, monoi flower and warm white amber. The bottle itself mirrors the multifaceted rays of a tropical sunset. Just add your best sundress or bikini: this one is a little piece of Summer in a bottle.

Chloe, Summer Linen and Sunessence available at Sephora. Beyonce Heat available at Shoppers Drugmart.

By: Chloe Berge, Vancouver