Hello, my name is Meredith, also known as Lauren. I might be writing some reviews for my mom Airdrie Miller. Today at around three o’clock a Fedex package arrived at the door when my mom came upstairs and opened the package, she came to me and said, “These are those stick on nails that you like!” I put them on while I was watching television. So if your nails need an update you should try these nails.
These nails are sold for under eleven dollars. Nail Dress from Kiss can spice up your nails without even setting foot in the salon. These nails are used for hands and feet! These nails are truly fashion that sticks. Available in eighteen patterns and textures. Each kit includes, 28 Nail Dress strips in 14 sizes to fit your nails, a 2 sided nail file and a handy booklet that shows you how to put it on and also shows all of the different styles. In this it does say that there is no mess and no drying needed but I think that these do cause a little bit of a mess because these nails are very long and you need to trim them to fit it to your nail. Before you put the nails on you should prep your nails with nail polish remover or with alcohol. Apply as close as you can to the cuticle for best look and enjoy! The suggested retail price in Canada is $10.99. It has been available since February 1st and it is selling in drugstores and mass retailers across Canada.

This is great news for beauty lovers in the beautiful interior of British Columbia.

ABOUT SEPHORA CANADA
Sephora is a visionary beauty-retail concept founded in France in 1970 and acquired from Dominique Mandonnaud (founder of Shop Huit) by Paris-based LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury products group, in 1997.

Sephora is a name that is synonymous with beauty. Zipporah is a biblical name; she was the wife of Moses and the daughter of a nomadic chief. She was renowned for her exceptional beauty. Sephos is the Greek term attributed to beauty and vanity. The combination of the two words became Sephora.

Sephora’s unique, open-sell environment features over 140 classic and emerging brands across a broad range of product categories including skincare, color, fragrance, nail care, smile care, bath & body and haircare, in addition to Sephora’s own private collection.

To build the most knowledgeable and professional team of product consultants in the beauty industry, Sephora developed “Science of Sephora.” This program ensures that our team is skilled to identify skin types, have knowledge of skin physiology, the history of makeup, application techniques, the science of creating fragrances, and most importantly, how to interact with Sephora’s diverse clientele. To further enhance the education program, Sephora opened the doors to an expanded training facility – Sephora University – in San Francisco in October 2007.

Sephora’s highly trained beauty experts are available to assist clients wherever they shop – in stores, online, or via 1-877-SEPHORA.

Stores – Sephora operates approximately 1000 stores in 24 countries worldwide, with an expanding base of over 280 stores across North America. Sephora opened its first US store in New York in 1998, and its first Canadian store in Toronto in 2004. Sephora currently has 25 store in Canada.

Sephora.com – Launched in the US in 1999 and Canada in 2003, the foremost beauty site on the Internet is also Sephora’s largest North American store in terms of sales and selection of products and brands.

Sephora inside JCPenney – In June 2006, Sephora opened its first “store-within-store” concept inside JCPenney. In 2011, there will be more than 300 Sephora inside JCPenney locations across America.

1-877-SEPHORA/Catalogs – Issued three times a year, Sephora’s catalogs offer trends, beauty must-haves, artistry tips and showcase a variety of brands and products.

Beauty Insider – In July 2007, Sephora launched the Beauty Insider program as a way of thanking it most loyal clients with an all-access pass to personalized beauty. In 2009, Sephora introduced a new program tier, VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider), to reward our best clients with specialized events, exclusive products and rewards. The program is available at Sephora stores nationwide and at www.sephora.com.

I have not been thinking about beauty much this month, but I have been having success with a few good products along the way. I’d love to write detailed reviews, but I’m simply too sad and tired. Becoming a young widow is complicated. And I’m a single mother now, too. So I’ll just list here what I am LOVING, and you may want to leave your two cents in the comments, or perhaps try these products yourself:

1. skoah face skotion SPF 30. I am committed to wear SPF every day. Smells like cucumbers. Not too greasy.
2. Clarins One-Step Facial Cleanser. Removes makeup and makes my life easier. Orange Extract.
3. New Benefit Refined Finish Facial Polish. Apply to your dry face. Removes dead skin gently. Cool blue bottle.
4. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel. No more sun for me! Self tanners save skin and reduce risk of cancer. Best result I’ve ever had with a self-tanner. No streaks, nice golden brown. Not too dark.

WHAT: Lancôme celebrates women by donating $7 to Look Good Feel Better for every bottle of Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate sold across Canada. In addition, Lancôme will also donate $1 for every new fan of Lancôme Canada’s Facebook page to help women “Look Good and Feel Better”. Look Good Feel Better is Canada’s only cancer charity dedicated to empower women to manage the effects that cancer and its treatment have on their appearance. Lancôme, the world’s largest luxury beauty brand, has pledged to donate a minimum of $10,000 to this charity to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Launched in March 2009, Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate helps even skin tone, refine texture and boost luminosity within just 7 days. Today, more than 3 million bottles of Lancôme’s Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate have been sold.

The $7 donation will be made for every Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate sold at Lancôme counters in Canada or at lancome.ca between March 1st and 14th. The suggested retail prices for Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate are $95 for 30 ML and $125 for 50 ML.

Moreover, Lancôme extends this initiative with social media by donating $1 to Look Good Feel Better for every new fan of the Lancôme Canada Facebook page between March 1st and 14th.

Lancôme is the global leader in luxury cosmetics. Perfume, skincare and make-up which complement each other, innovation and research for the highest quality have all made Lancôme the leading luxury brand, and the ultimate image of French femininity in 135 countries. Created by a pioneering visionary in 1935 to spread French essence and taste throughout the world, Lancôme has always embodied what a fashion beauty brand is. It is synonymous with accomplished and fulfilled femininity, responding perfectly to the needs and expectations of all women, on every continent, regardless of age.

Lancôme Canada is a division of L’Oréal Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of L’Oréal Group, the largest cosmetics company in the world. Headquartered in Montreal, L’Oréal Canada had sales of $858 million in 2010 and employs 1,200 people. The company’s prestigious brand portfolio of over 25 brands encompasses all aspects of beauty.

About Look Good Feel Better Supported by the member companies of the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association and external sponsors, Look Good Feel Better was launched in 1992 to help women manage the appearancerelated effects of cancer and its treatment. Look Good Feel Better offers free, two-hour cosmetics and hair
alternatives workshops at 111 hospitals and cancer-care facilities across Canada. For more information,
visit lookgoodfeelbetter.ca.

The first thing that struck me about Daisy Eau So Fresh is its staying power.  Most scents do not last the whole day on me.  But Eau So Fresh not only stays, but develops from fresh and crisp into a sexy soft fragrance as the day goes on.  It has so many subtle layers.  I look forward to smelling it all day.

The second thing I love about it is the powdery layer.  It is just powdery enough, without being cloying.

Notes:

Top:  Ruby Red Grapefruit, Raspberry, Green Leaves, Pear

Middle:  Violet, Wild Rose, Apple blossom, Lychee, Jasmine Petals

Base:  Musks, Plum, Cedarwood.

The Collection:

Eau De Toilette Spray, 75mL $85, 150mL $110
Body Lotion, 150mL $45

Available now nationwide at The Bay, Shoppers Drugmart, Sephora, London Drugs and Jean Coutu. DaisyMarcJacobs.com

Did I mention it’s pink?

What better way to get back to blogging than to introduce a new online Canadian beauty resource: GlowingBeauty.com.

Based in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Glowing Beauty is owned and operated by Stephen Taddei and Nicole Glasier. The online store sells such popular brands as Gehwol, Clarisonic, Skeyndor, Tend Skin, Revitalash and OPI. To ensure stellar service they focus exclusively on the Canadian market . YES!

Free shipping anywhere in Canada on orders over $50! Check them out on Facebook!

Contest: Lip Gloss and Laptops is giving away to one lucky reader the choice of any two Essie polishes (including free shipping) from GlowingBeauty.com! OR if you don’t like polish, you can get a $25 gift certificate for anything on the website.

To enter, leave a comment below and let me know that you are still reading Lip Gloss and Laptops! One lucky winner will be notified by email after March 1, 2011.

Tell your friends! CANADIANS ONLY! Sorry American friends!

The acquisition will enhance Coty’s color cosmetic portfolio, through the addition of over 200 fashion forward colors of OPI Nail Lacquer’s chip-resistant formula, which has been an international success.  

“We view the acquisition of OPI as complementary to Coty and a natural extension of our strategy to offer a unique portfolio of brands that produce some of the best known consumer products around the world,” said Bernd Beetz, CEO, Coty Inc. “OPI is both dynamic and high quality and has earned its place as a leading provider to professional nail care salons. This acquisition will allow Coty to expand our presence in the nail care category via an important new channel of distribution: professional salons, and importantly will offer an even greater selection of products and choice to consumers.”

“We are very excited about having OPI join the Coty family. OPI has gained a place in consumer’s minds in the US and internationally,” said Renato Semerari, President, Coty Beauty. “It is one of THE fashion brands in Nail Color for salons and that is a very unique position to be in. OPI’s success is the result of a very focused and high quality effort by the OPI team over the past decades. We are very excited to join forces with such a talented team to strengthen OPI even further in the future.”

“It’s time for a new era at OPI, and together with Coty we can begin this new journey,” said George Schaeffer, President and CEO of OPI Products Inc. “For almost 30 years, we have built a solid foundation of innovation and excellence. We are confident that by joining Coty, this legacy will continue and be strengthened. We are all excited about the next phase of opportunity for OPI.  Our management team will continue on with the company and OPI’s business strategy will remain focused on the salon professional.”   

“OPI has a reputation for creating fashion-forward products that make women feel beautiful and Coty is a well-established trend setter in the beauty industry,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, the Executive VP & Artistic Director of OPI Products, Inc. “Together we will continue to push the envelope in beauty, color and trends.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is also subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Moelis & Company served as financial advisor to Coty in connection with the transaction. Lazard Freres & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor to OPI. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal advisor to Coty in the transaction. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as legal advisor to OPI.

About Coty Inc.

Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by François Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry.

Today, Coty Inc. is a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of nearly $4 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of notable brands and delivers its innovative products to consumers in 90 markets worldwide.

The Coty Prestige brand portfolio is distributed in prestige and ultra-prestige stores and includes Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chloé, Chopard, Davidoff, Jennifer Lopez, Jil Sander, JOOP!, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Cole, L.A.M.B. fragrance by Gwen Stefani, La Voce by Renée Fleming, Lancaster, Marc Jacobs, Nikos, Sarah Jessica Parker, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood and Wolfgang Joop.

The Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes adidas, Astor, Baby Phat, Beyoncé Knowles, Celine Dion, Chupa Chups, David and Victoria Beckham, Esprit, Exclamation, Faith Hill, GUESS?, Halle Berry, Jovan, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, La Cross, Miss Sixty, Miss Sporty, Nautica, N.Y.C. New York Color, Pierre Cardin(1), Playboy, Rimmel, Sally Hansen, Shania Twain, Stetson, Tim McGraw, and Tonino Lamborghini.

Coty and Puig Fashion and Beauty S.A. have a strategic partnership for the distribution of the perfume lines of Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera, Prada, Paco Rabanne, and Antonio Banderas in the United States and Canada.

For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit http://www.coty.com/.

 About OPI Products Inc.

OPI Products Inc., one of the world’s leaders in professional nail care since 1981, has revolutionized the beauty industry by combining leading-edge innovation with trendsetting, fashion-forward colors. Under the leadership of OPI President & CEO George Schaeffer and Executive VP & Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, beautifully manicured nails are now seen as the essential fashion accessory.

Preferred by salon professionals and favored by red-carpet celebrities, OPI Nail Lacquer is currently available in 200+ shades. OPI Nail Lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature a patented Lacquer bottle, ergonomic cap, and ProWide^® Brush designed for flawless application.

In addition to Nail Lacquer, OPI also offers an entire range of state-of-the-art quality products for hands, feet, and nails – with more than 30 Patents for the company’s innovative product ideas.

OPI has had a number of successful partnerships, including CW Network, DELL, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Kristi Yamaguchi, Serena Williams, Sony Pictures Screen Gems, Susan G. Komen for the Cure^®, Walt Disney Pictures, and Warner Home Video.

Jeffery Wagstaff, President and General Manager of Coty Canada, shares his thoughts on this exciting acquisition and how he feels it will impact the Coty brand within the Canadian market. Please see below quote.
 
“We are thrilled to have OPI join the Coty family. This acquisition is a natural extension of our strategy to showcase the breadth of our portfolio including a mixture of mass and prestige brands especially with a brand such as OPI that has an existing cult-like following amongst Canadian media and consumers, “Jeffery Wagstaff, President and General Manager for Coty Canada.

Toronto, ON (October 2010) – Canadian women say that dry skin can have a widespread emotional and social impact on their lives, affecting everything from their self-confidence and mood to their intimacy with loved ones, according to the Vaseline Good Skin Day Survey.

The survey of 1,000 women, with dry or very dry skin, found that dry skin is much more than a passing concern. Three-in-five women surveyed (60%) claim to think about their dry skin at least once a week and one-in-five (20%) claim to think about it at least once a day. Dry skin is negatively affecting how women approach routine activities, how they interact with others and even how they feel about themselves.

“The survey findings reflect the challenges women face trying to manage the impact of our environment and daily activities on our skin, including keeping it moisturized,” says Toronto-based dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll. “It’s tough to ignore the effects of dry skin when we can see and feel them every day.“

More than a ‘Routine’ Problem
Three quarters of women surveyed (76%) say that their dry skin can make them feel physically uncomfortable at least some of the time, including itchiness, tightness and cracking. Women say that the physical effects of dry skin can interfere with a range of every day activities including sleeping, getting dressed and working:
• More than one-in-five women interviewed (22%) say dry skin has gotten in the way of a good night’s sleep
• A quarter of women (26%) say dry skin has gotten in the way of them getting dressed (because it snags on their clothing)
• Half of women (50%) admit to wearing clothing to deliberately cover up dry skin (including wearing sweaters, long pants) at least some of the time
• One-in-ten women (11%) say dry skin has gotten in the way of work

The effects of dry skin can also pose a barrier to physical contact with others both privately and socially:
• More than one-in-five women (22%) say dry skin has interfered with them being intimate with a loved one
• More than one-in-five women (22%) say dry skin can cause them to avoid physical contact with others at least some of the time
• More than one-in-five women (22%) say dry skin has gotten in the way of shaking hands

A Mood Killer
Beyond its physical effects, the survey found that dry skin can even put a damper on how Canadian women feel emotionally, by affecting a number of things that impact their overall outlook on life:
• Two-in-five women (40%) say dry skin makes them feel less attractive
• Two-in-five (43%) of women say dry skin affects their self-confidence
• One-in-ten women (13%) say having dry skin puts them in a bad mood

Desperately Seeking a Solution
The overall impact of dry skin has led women to seek a number of solutions to address the problem:
• On average, women claim to have tried more than eight (8.6) different types of lotions or treatments in an effort to manage the effects of dry skin. Nearly one-in-ten women (9%) have tried at least 20 different types of lotions or treatments to deal with the problem

Beyond the more obvious solutions, women say they would even give up some of their most basic pleasures to make ‘every day a good skin day’:
• More than a third (35%) of women would give up their favourite dessert and nearly a quarter (22%) would give up their morning coffee just to make ‘every day a good skin day’

A Mission to Rescue Dry Skin:

While the survey revealed a number of issues related to dry skin it also found that more than eight-in-ten women (85%) agree that their quality of life improves when their skin looks and feels healthy. The good news is that women can get immediate help for their dry skin from dermatologist-tested Vaseline® Intensive Rescue® products, which contain a unique balance of key ingredients that instantly boost skin’s moisture levels and lock in moisture to accelerate healing with a non-greasy feel.
The line includes Extra Strength Lotion, in fragranced and unfragranced, plus Clinical Therapy Lotion, which helps to restore extremely dry skin in five days.
Vaseline® Intensive Rescue® also offers women additional support for their skincare needs, including insights from a dermatologist, skincare tips and a short survey that lets women see how their skincare challenges compare to those of other women at this Facebook page.

About the survey:
The Vaseline Good Skin Day Survey was commissioned by Vaseline and conducted by Vision Critical (Angus Reid) between August 12 and August 16, 2010. The sample for the study included 1,000 Canadian women, aged 18-55, who claim to have dry or very dry skin. Results are accurate to +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About Vaseline:
Vaseline products are manufactured by Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer products companies. With a 138-year heritage as North America’s most trusted skin expert and more than 30 years as a leading hand and body lotion, the Vaseline brand delivers products that meet the specific needs of consumers, no matter their life stage or lifestyle. All Vaseline products can be purchased at drug stores and mass retailers nationwide.

In April of this year, I stopped biting my nails after having done so for at least 20 years. I got a manicure on my pathetic nails the day before a job interview, and quickly found out that having the nail polish on and my cuticles all pretty-fied would make me not want to ruin it.

Why I hadn’t tried this before, I will never know. Either way, I’m way happy with the result, and since then, I’ve been collecting nail polishes and am changing the colors at least twice a week. I’ve also been having lots of fun with sparkly polishes.

This is why I am currently obsessed with this shade from OPI, called Catch Me In Your Net.

Catch Me In Your Net is from the OPI Summer Flutter Collection. The polishes in this collection
contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each features the exclusive OPI
ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

This polish is not only amazing (and my bottle is a bit greener than what the image portrays), but it is great for application. I do like the wide brush, but mostly, the consistency of the polish is super smooth and easy to apply, which is great for those of who are not too good at applying polish with our non-dominant hand. It dries quickly, and hello, the sparkle helps to cover up any flaws in application. I’ve also been able to successfully touch up chipped polish really well, without having a big obvious fixed
spot on the nail.

This polish is still available on Amazon but seems to have disappeared from the OPI site. If you like a fun sparkly polish, I seriously recommend finding one! I think I will be attempting to stock up on this one before it disappears for good.

Buy one for yourself. Buy one for any woman you care about.

Order HERE.

I can vouch personally for the efforts of Beauty Night. I am friends with Caroline MacGillivray, Beauty Night’s Founder and Executive Director.

Caroline MacGillivray is the National Executive Director and founder of Beauty Night Society. MacGillivray, a Gastown Actor’s Studio Graduate, believes that healthy self-esteem can be fostered through entertaining and interactive educational programming. Now in its tenth year, Beauty Night has given over 11,000 life-makeovers to women who live in poverty. By guiding and inspiring others to embrace the concept that education can be enjoyable, Caroline has affected the lives of thousands. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed: she is honoured to be a Flare Volunteer Award recipient, Spirit of the Crane Gold Community Award recipient, and a five-time YWCA Woman of Distinction Nominee. Caroline is also known as the host and producer of Sexy in Vancity Radio on 101.9FM CITR (Wednesday Nights at 10pm).

Together we can make a difference.

La Vie en Rose’s philanthropic organization The Rose of Hope Foundation has been passionately involved in raising breast cancer awareness and supporting research.

La Vie en Rose is proud to offer post-mastectomy women a chance to regain their confidence by feeling beautiful and looking great. We believe in beauty for all women.

The project commenced with one of our clients who, after undergoing a double mastectomy, approached us about designing an empowering and desirable lingerie line for post-mastecomy women. Since her passing, we have reached out and continued to work with the ladies of Two Abreast, Montreal’s Survivor Dragon Boat Team, who volunteered their time to help us fit the entire collection.

The La Vie en Rose Muse corrective bras exude femininity, fashion and functionality.

As one of the most innovative figure corrective bras out there, the La Vie en Rose Muse line provides optimal comfort and functionality without compromising the beauty and femininity of a truly fabulous bra. A fashionable alternative for breast cancer survivors, but also for women looking to rebalance their bust.

Seeking excellence in this new adventure, we sought the professional advice of surgeons.
Certain insurance companies provide coverage for post-surgical bras.

The La Vie en Rose Muse corrective bras come in beautiful French-inspired lace and microfiber, available with or without an underwire – the choice is yours.

These specially designed bras can be paired with any of our coordinating lingerie collection, so you can always find a feminine and fashionable ensemble.

Available sizes: 34B, 34C, 34D, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36DD, 38B, 38C, 38D, 38DD
Available colors: White, black, crystal blue and floral print
Retail price: $59.95

Official nationwide launch of the La Vie en Rose Muse figure corrective bras collection mid-September 2010 in over thirty boutiques and online at lavieenrose.com.

I have been buying products like mad and have lots to review over the coming months.

Kerry Anne is busy working on her Master’s degree in counselling psychology. I am so proud of her!

Keep reading! Thanks.

A few months ago I came across a coupon for a new Marcelle skincare product. So I did just what they hope you’ll do – I rushed out and bought it.

It was a good move! Essentials 1st WRINKLES Eye Contour Cream is lovely. It’s light, has an easy-to-use pump and goes on like silk.

I believe I am a bit older than the target market for this cream, (“The secret to beautiful skin is: early care is always better … smooths out wrinkles from their first appearance…”) but I’ve used and liked Marcelle eye creams before so went for it. Its hypo-allergenic feature attracted me too.

At $27.50 US it’s not cheap, but I find eye cream is a product where you really get what you pay for.

Good for Marcelle for providing a straight-ahead Tips and Solutions page It’s not all about looking young forever, but offers some practical, wise advice. Like this:

“Don’t worry about those fine lines and crow’s feet. Beauty is ageless and even if you are a few years older, you are just as remarkable and just as beautiful…with wisdom to boot!”

There’s a philosophy I can get behind!

While I was completing my undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, my parents helped me decide which cologne would be my “trademark” fragrance, the one aroma that everyone would associate with me. I remember clearly that as I transitioned from the core courses in chemistry, physics, and math that everyone doing a B.Sc. would need as a basis for their individual undergraduate degrees.

I started taking more chemical engineering–specific courses. These would include Separation Processes I, which was taught by a female professor who (like me) loved perfumes. That semester, I transitioned as well to the next in a series of colognes created by Calvin Klein. I had already tested CK and Obsession for Men, and so it was the turn for Eternity for Men. I fell in love with it.

I’ve continued to use Eternity for Men (Eau de Toilette) after graduating, on select occasions. And now that Calvin Klein has released Eternity for Men Summer, I decided to try it out. In contrast to the other CK fragrance I tried, the scent in Eternity for Men Summer does not fix as well on my skin as CK One Summer does.

This is kind of sad, as the top notes of ginger and grapefruit (as well as a bit of passionfruit and a slight hint of melon) are easily detectable, but the lower notes of driftwood, amber and musks (creamy) tend to fade after a few hours (which wouldn’t happen with CK One Summer).

I have consistently tried Eternity for Men Summer every day I’ve been teaching, and the fragrance seems to be a hit. It’s a fresh, breezy, sweet and summery cologne and one I can easily recommend, hands down. I just wish it didn’t fade as much after 4-5 hours! Retails for around $75.00 CDN plus tax.

It is unusual for me to like a scent for sale at a lingerie store. That is why I was so surprised when I sampled Rose Elixir at the la Vie en Rose store in Metrotown mall on the weekend. After a few hours of enjoying the scent on my wrist I went back to purchase the bottle ($35) and the body creme ($20, but I only paid $10 as they have a BOGO on all body products in store).

Rose Elixir is described on the website as having:

a mesmerizing, elegant blend of glowing grapefruit and red currants mixed with blooming centifolia roses, white cedar, clear amber and sensual woody notes.

I really love the mixture of rose with a woody musc undertone. The scent is soft, almost powdery. I have even been applying it before bedtime because it makes me relaxed and warm inside.

June 1st, 2010—-Yves Rocher, The Creator of Botanical Beauty opened its first North American franchise in the West Edmonton Mall today.
The 648 square foot store called The Atelier of Botanical Beauty, is located on floor one of the mall near the 44 door entrance. “We are incredibly excited for both the Brand and our franchisee because this represents a real milestone for Yves Rocher globally and a real opportunity for Oksana Pachine and her partner Anna Stsibaylo,” says René Desmarais, CEO of Yves Rocher North America Inc. The Yves Rocher Group is a global beauty leader, ranked in the top 15 beauty brands in sales and volume, with 3.2 billion dollars in sales and one of the few large, family-owned, beauty-businesses in the world. “We were saddened to lose the founder, Mr. Yves Rocher, right before the start of the new year but pleased that the Brand is continuing on the path of global expansion laid-out by Mr. Rocher,” he adds. The opening coincides with the Brand’s 50th anniversary which is being celebrated this year.

Yves Rocher has been operating in North America since the mid-eighties running a direct mail business in Canada and the United States and a store business in Canada. Later, in 2005, it launched an Internet sales site as well. While both the direct mail and Internet business service both Canada and the United States, the store business remained regional, operating close to 70 stores in Eastern Canada with locations in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. Last year, with the global launch of the new Atelier store concept, the company announced that it would be offering franchises across Canada to help with its on-going expansion. The company’s goal is to introduce franchising in the U.S. in the next few years.

The Canadian store business was somewhat of an anomaly as globally close to 75% of the 1,800 store chain is franchised. “We wanted to keep our stores corporate until we had the right formula for the North American market,” says René Desmarais. “With The Atelier of Botanical Beauty we know we have the right concept.” Launched in May of last year, the Atelier is delivering an average +15% sales increase versus the previous store concept.

The Atelier is a physical representation of the Brand. The main display table is a copy of the one
Mr. Yves Rocher used in his attic laboratory in La Gacilly, France when he first started the company. A large visual of one of Yves Rocher’s organic fields is front and centre at the cash. The company organically cultivates about 33% of the raw plant material it needs for its global production. The rest is ethically sourced around the world, depending on the actives needed in a product. Finally emblematic visuals of women and plants recall the Brand’s proximity to women and the fact that all its products are botanically-based.

“I am so happy to be the first franchisee in Canada,” says Oksana Pachine. “I’ve known Yves Rocher for many years because it is a very popular brand in Russia. What I like is its plant-based products and its focus on the environment and sustainable development. As franchisees we also receive very targeted marketing and communications support,” she adds. Yves Rocher is known world-wide as a highly specialized direct marketing company, which contributes to its success in all of its sales channels. “When you purchase an Yves Rocher franchise you always benefit from tremendous corporate support such as marketing and communications tools, training and data sharing, says Stéphane Duval, Director, Stores, Yves Rocher North America Inc. “Customers who sign up to our rewards program receive between 12 to15 special offers a year with additional discounts, free products, gifts and of course our expert beauty advice. On average between 18%-30% of customers come back with their offer,” says Duval. “That’s on top of walk-in customers,” he adds. In Canada, more than 90% of Yves Rocher store customers have signed up to the rewards program.

Yves Rocher plans to franchise more than ten locations before the end of the year and has interested parties for franchises from Halifax to Vancouver.

Take the Dove ‘bar exam’ and test your knowledge of the Dove difference — and why Dove isn’t soap.
__________________________________________

1. True or False: soap can leave soap scum on your skin?
TRUE!

Who knew? Washing with soap in hard water can leave soap scum on your skin. You may not see it, but it’s there, even after rinsing. Soap reacts with calcium in hard water to produce soap scum. Washing with soap can also leave skin feeling dry and tight.

2. True or False: most soap adds essential oils to the skin?
NOT TRUE!

Most soaps strip the skin’s surface of essential oils, and can dry the skin, leaving it feeling tight.

Dove isn’t soap. It’s a gentle cleanser made with 1/4 moisturizing cream to leave the skin feeling soft. The skin-essential fatty acids in Dove (which are also naturally present in the skin) are the essence of the 1/4 moisturizing cream. These deposit and penetrate into the skin during washing and because they are identical to natural skin lipids, are easily absorbed by skin and aid in the replenishment of the skin’s moisture barrier from within.

3. True or False: soap can lead to skin sensitivity problems?
TRUE!

Soap can worsen dry skin and aggravate skin conditions like acne and eczema. The Dove bar formulation is unique to Dove and has been shown to be compatible for use by acne, rosacea and atopic dermatitis patients.

4. True or False: washing your face with soap and water can’t damage your skin.

FALSE!

Washing your face with harsh soap can remove some of the protective oils, which can lead to dryness, rash and even aggravate symptoms of acne. Dove is gentler on the skin compared to soap and helps replenish essential oils that may be lost.
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Looking to purchase a new bar of soap this week? Bar none, Dove stands the test of superior care.

A few more facts about the Dove Beauty Bar:

• Dove Bar was introduced to the United States in 1957 and to Canada in 1964.
• Dove is milder than soap for all skin types, including children with sensitive skin.
• Dove cleans skin effectively, leaving skin looking healthy and radiant.
• Dove leaves skin softer and smoother than soap, after only seven days (sooner in many cases).
• Dove replenishes the skin as it cleans, actually depositing essential moisturizing lipids (fatty acids naturally found in the skin).
• Dove has been positioned throughout its history as a ‘beauty bar’, and not soap, because of the contrast of some ingredients in Dove vs traditional soap.
• Dove White, Unscented and Sensitive Skin Beauty Bars are dermatologically tested, and shown to be hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. 57% of dermatologists use Dove at home.
• With every purchase of Dove, a portion of the proceeds is allocated towards the work of the Dove Self-Esteem Fund.

I have been using Dove since childhood, and always come back to this old favourite when I get tired of other soaps.

These people worked really hard on the packaging, and the products aren’t bad either. I was really pleased to see a full size tube of Buxom lips in Dolly, a fleshy shade that works for everyone, and actually does plump and shine. I wanted to try out the insider liner, buxom lash mascara and the 3-in-1 lip liner, plumper and stick, and it was really handy to try them all for the low price of $32. The full size of the lip gloss is $19, so overall this set is a great buy.

I think my hopes were too high for the lipstick. The creamy formula is actually quite drying and the shade “Amsterdam” was paler than I was expecting, but I guess it’s more of a universal neutral. It does work quite well as a liner, and I like the built in sharpener. The (full-size!) eyeliner (Onyx) also has a built-in sharpener, which is such a joy, because the act of sharpening eye liner pencils makes me really sad because I think of all that wasted product and all the mess. It is easy to smoke out the color
over the lid with a dome fluff brush, or do any thickness of line. The mascara does thicken lashes, but I’m not sure if I want to invest in the full-size for $18. Maybe once I get a proper job with my multiple degrees….

Anyway, it’s a good way to try the famous Buxom brand of lip gloss/plumper, liner/stick, eyeliner, and mascara. I’m really excited to see this brand expand with exciting colors in the future, and their stuff isn’t as expensive as some other brands, particularly for the sassy self-sharpening dramatic eyeliner.

This set is available only at Sephora stores.

Guest blogger: My name is Sruti and I really like playing with makeup. I’m particularly obsessed with nail polish and eyeliner. I live in Pittsburgh and teach chemistry to support my cosmetics habit.

Established in 1998, Matter of Trust has created the Hair Mat Oil Spill Program whereby salons send their hair clippings which are weaved into recycled nylon mats and sausage shaped hair “booms”. These mats and ‘booms” are then used to encircle and contain oil spills to keep oil from spreading and causing further environmental damage.

The current oil spill in the Gulf Coast poses significant environmental consequences that threaten not only to decimate the local wildlife but also threaten local beaches as well. Ego Aveda Salon, as leaders in environmental leadership and responsibility, believe it is their duty to get involved in the clean up efforts. Ego currently collects hair clippings from every single haircut guest to send to Matter of Trust. The salon plans continue to collect clippings for as long as Matter of Trust will accept donations at their temporary warehouse facilities which are strategically placed along the Gulf Coast. “This is a great cause and we’re excited to make a difference with every haircut,” says Daisy Colina, Ego Aveda Salon.

For more information on how to get involved, please consult the organization’s website.

For more information about Ego Aveda Salon

This eye cream is not greasy, and really stays where you put it. It is soothing and calming on my skin, and contains Aloe Vera. The best thing about this cream is that it has a subtle tint to it, so it provides the look of an instant lift. Dark circles disappear. On days when I am in a rush, I will chose this product, paired with mascara and blot powder, and I’m out the door. Easy!

A little goes a long way. One jar (~$23CDN) will last you at least six months.

A must have product for any woman on the go!

Harmful sun rays (both UVA and UVB) can cause irregularities which could lead to skin cancer. Once fall hits and our tan slowly fade, we notice newborn moles that never existed before!
The good news is that such moles are easily removed, and easily detected. A few pointers to avoid potentially harmful irregularities are to use sunscreen on a daily basis (even on a rainy day) and to check your body on a monthly basis to monitor changes. Taking these simple precautionary measures may reap significant benefits.
If you’re curious as to how to monitor changes on your skin, follow the ABCD rule to determine which moles may need to be evaluated by an expert.
Asymmetry
Border Irregularity
Color Changes
Diameters Bigger than 5 Millimeters
If you notice changes or are skeptical about an irregular mole, it’s best to seek a dermatologist for an expert opinion. If a harmful mole is discovered, it can be removed on the spot. (source: Dr. Kenneth Beer, MD, dermatology)

1. it is multi-purpose: use on hand, face, body
2. it comes in tins! same cream, many designs, all environmental and re-usable!
3. it is portable! the screw-on lid will not spill in your handbag.
4. the smell is amazing!
5. it is vegan, for those who care about that sort of thing.
6. Make in the UK
7. Available in Canada at Murale (I purchased it with my Shopper’s Optimum Points!)
8. for $20 CDN, you get a high quality product.

Why “STEAM?”

Steam has been recognised for its benefits to skincare for centuries. Which is why we put pure, unrefined steam directly into our cream.

The result is a soft, luxuriant and glossy cream. STEAMCREAM breaks down immediately on contact with the skin to disperse each ingredient directly to the areas they’re designed to benefit.

How the steam process works.
The power and energy produced by bubbling steam melts and fuses the ingredients together at a speed that defies most traditional cream-making methods.

The force and intensity allow the ingredients to emulsify instantly, producing this beautifully textured light and glossy cream.

The emulsion is held together very loosely and gently, allowing the cream to break down immediately on contact with the skin for maximum benefit.

STEAMCREAM refreshes areas of the skin that other creams find hard to reach.
In most creams, the emulsifying process is what holds the ingredients tightly together. It can also stop creams breaking down.

Because of this, each ingredient struggles to enter the skin individually. It stays as a blend, moisturising the skin’s surface yet preventing its real benefits from reaching deep into the skin’s molecular structure.

STEAMCREAM creates a cream that forms a gentle and loose emulsion. This looseness allows each ingredient to break back down to its purest form, penetrating the skin where needed.

The orange flower water, oatmeal infusion and glycerine hydrate and moisturise deep into the skin. The almond and organic jojoba oils combine with cocoa butter to seal in their goodness, softening the skin’s surface.

The process is topped off with a fragrance created from a natural blend of pure essential oils selected for their toning, soothing and healing qualities.

Love it!

When I think of Mark’s, I usually think of functional t-shirts, jeans, and steel-toe boots. The words trendy or sexy do not come to mind.

Today, however, I was impressed with some of the new offerings they have in store for spring. The company is clearly putting a lot of thought into their lines, and are now offering more modern stylish clothes, all at the same high quality we have come to expect from Mark’s products.

I got a chance to try on a bunch of clothes with my friend, Raul. We had a blast!

Highlights include the CURVTECH tanks with built-in adjustable bras, Quad Comfort shoes in stylish and comfortable styles for everyone, and my favourite item was the Womens MODERN FIT boyfriend jeans.

I am looking forward to getting myself some white dress shirts for work this fall. They come in a variety of cuts and best of all are designed in a Never Iron “Perfectly Pressed” fabric:

KEY FEATURES
A crisp look straight from the dryer that resists wrinkling all day long
No ironing required and no seam puckering
Patented wrinkle free technology using a post cure process—this process allows the garment to retain sharp creases for the life of the garment
Bonding tape is inserted to fabric panels that make up the seam—the result is a strong, permanent bond along the seam that eliminates differential shrinkages between the thread and fabric

Oh, and did I mention I got a great spring trench coat?

If you have not been into a Mark’s store recently, now is a great time to go back and see if there is anything for you. Grab a bunch of clothes and just try them on. Mix and match! It is so much fun. The prices are all reasonable, and the clothes offer a full money-back guarantee if anything goes wrong (shrinkage etc).

“Educating women is one the fastest, most effective ways of promoting economic development and the key to ending poverty and injustice in underdeveloped countries,” says Lotte Davis, AG’s CEO and Co-Founder. “As the co-founder of a business in a female-dominated industry, I’ve always known the difference women can make, but it wasn’t until I met these women and heard their stories that I fully understood the enormous change women are capable of.”

Motivated by this very powerful fact, last year AG partnered with salons and distributors to raise $250,000 and as such, dramatically improved the learning and living conditions for 250 girls at the Atanga Girls School in Uganda.
This year, under the AG Foundation Women Leading Change, the company will renovate its third school for girls, the Ganze Girls School in Kenya. Through the sale of its 2nd annual School:girls pack, AG will again donate $6 of every pack sold to facilitating improvements in the school in the form of four new classrooms, three new science labs, a dormitory, library, two washing facilities and a dining hall. Currently, the school has just three dilapidated classrooms and two latrines for over 300 girls.

The pack, featuring AG’s tech two protein-enriched shampoo and condi- tioner light protein-enriched conditioner will be available in salons across North America on May 1, 2010 for $19.99.

Use. Love. Repeat. It’s a philosophy AG Hair Cosmetics’ customers have been following since 1989, and for good reason. Founded by Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year John and Lotte Davis, AG is one of the leading manufacturers of salon hair care products in Canada and is sold in more than 11,000 salons internationally. You can find AG’s more than 45 products in salons by visiting aghaircosmetics.com.

This April, Burt’s Bees celebrates Earth Day with a nod to none other than their namesake and co-founder, Burt Shavitz. Burt is no newcomer to the green movement. The beard and spirit behind the earth-friendly company participated in the first Earth Day celebration four decades ago and has been living lightly on the planet ever since. Burt has brought his love and respect for the natural world into the everyday practices of Burt’s Bees for 25 years, and now he’s encouraging everyone to “Find Their Burt” by discovering the earth-friendly potential in each of us.

At FindYourBurt.com, guests are invited into Burt’s world and asked to discover for themselves pieces of Burt’s simple, nature-loving persona and practices through an augmented reality experience. An uploaded picture or webcam view of yourself is transformed or “Burtified” according to your eco-motives. Whether it’s recycling the newspaper, refilling a water bottle, or using solar power, the Burt possibilities are endless and so are the ways to love the Earth. Check it out!

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I recently discovered a source for online bee body products called Beecology! My favourite product is the Totally Hip Hemp Soap.

Each Beecology product has a code on it, and customers are invited to go to Sweet Year: Charitable Giving to donate an amount equal to 10% of the purchase price to the charity of their choice. This is such a cool idea!

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Facts about bees:

• The honey bee is the only insect that produces food eaten by humans.
• Bees air-condition the hive in summer by bringing in water and then fanning their wings.
• Male bees (drones) have no stingers. They also don’t do any work except for helping the queen make eggs (go figure!)

I was recently send the new Sally Hansen Chrome Nail Colour Pens, and have been reluctant to try them. Most pen nail polish is crap, in my opinion. I’ve never had a good experience. This product, however, surprised me! The polish goes on very smoothly, dries VERY FAST, and is easy-peasy to use. It is perfect for kids, and people who are less coordinated, like myself. There were no messy drips. It dried in seconds. My only complaint is that all the colours in this formulation are “chrome.” I think chrome nails look a little silly on a woman over 40. Good thing it’s Friday tomorrow!
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I’m going to a big trade show this weekend: IMATS Vancouver! I hope to have lots of cool tips about make-up for make-up artists next week.

Are you following me on Twitter? I’ve got my feed locked-down ( I am a highschool teacher and need to be private on such a public forum) Request to follow me on Twitter: @airdrie

And on an unrelated note, here is a picture of my puppy, Lucy, who is growing like a weed! I love Lucy!

I have to admit I’ve been always wary of anything “summer”, particularly when it comes to colognes. For me summer was usually the period of my life when I would work like crazy (in my chosen field during undergraduate, chemical engineering). Of course, I would work outside of school in my extra-curricular activities but I didn’t think I had enough time to go out and enjoy the summer, let alone try out a new cologne. This summer, I’m trying two. Actually, this spring as a matter of fact. I have recently tested CK One Summer and Eternity Summer for Men, thanks to my good friend Airdrie, whom as you know is the host of Lip Gloss and Laptops. I have done a few cologne reviews here, including my most recent one – Kenzo Power

I am, without a doubt, a CK boy. If you ask my Mom which fragrance did she remember me by, before I settled on Herrera for Men, she would definitely name one of the CK fragrances. I clearly remember I was finishing my 5th semester of chemical engineering when I decided I’d start using Eternity for Men. I’ve gone through all the CK fragrances – CK, Eternity, Euphoria, Obsession, Truth. All. Of. Them.

Before heading out to UBC this past Monday, I tried CK One Summer on my skin. The fragrance itself is definitely summery, light, fresh and entirely free-flowing. As soon as I tried it on, I could feel the top notes (watermelon, lime, pear). The middle notes include verbena and water lily, but it was harder for me to smell them. The base note has patchouli, akin musk and vetiver as well as cedarwood (both of which gives it the ‘masculine’ touch – wooden notes).

I definitely think that CK One Summer is going to be one of my two fragrances of choice this Summer of 2010. They both had a good ability to attach to my skin. It’s a cologne you can wear in the outdoors, to a social function or even to your office. I would feel confident to wear this cologne to UBC, as I am sure my students will enjoy the smell of this cologne these last few days of the term.

I was super excited to learn about the L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara and it’s super fun brush, as I had seen the similar Givenchy Phenomon’eyes mascara but was a little put off by the price. I purchased the L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara at Target and was super excited to try it.

I LOVE IT.

I was a previous fan of the Maybelline Lash Discovery Mascara, as the tiny little brush really got to all of the small lashes on the inner parts of my eye. However, that product didn’t provide the great length I get from the L’Oreal product. My lashes are separated, long and gorgeous, AND I get all of the little lashes coated as well. I also love putting some additional mascara on the outside lashes on each eye to make my eyes look a bit bigger, and the wand here is wonderful for that.

I have been loving this product. I highly recommend trying it out.

Hi everybody! I am back. Yes TWO months later and I am back with good news. Remember my post about RapidLash? I believe when I wrote my first review I had only been using the product for two days. It’s been two months now and you wouldn’t believe the kind of results I have had. Where do I start?

Yes my lashes are LONGER, FULLER, THICKER AND THEY SOMEWHAT CURL. Generally, it takes about 4-6 weeks for people to see a real difference in their lashes and yes… that time has been worth it. All of my lashes have shown significant growth but some individual ones have actually grown OUT OF CONTROL. And I mean this… seriously. I’ve got some lashes that are so much longer than the rest that it kind of looks funny. When I put on mascara, these seriously long ones really stick out. I have even thought about cutting them… sounds crazy right? Yes but I have actually had to cut the eyelashes on the “inner” corner of my eye because they were getting so long that they were poking me in the eye. I can’t say much except that I am so happy with the results. I don’t think my pictures will do it justice either. Everybody who knows I’ve been using the product has been CONVINCED and I’ve been recommending this product to absolutely everyone… even strangers.

So what am I going to do now? Well, my first tube of RapidLash has not run out yet and I’ve been using it for a little bit over 2 months. I am going to keep using it until the product runs out. Am I going to repurchase? YESSSSSS!!!! and when I get my new tube I think I will start using it every other night… I was also told that I can stop and then start using it again after a 3 month break after all my lashes have shed

The downfalls of this product are that 1) you really have to be on top of using this product during your nightly routine (I didn’t miss a single night!) 2) my eyes were quite sensitive and sore at the beginning of treatment 3) my eyelids are a tad discolored. The two last things sound nasty but it’s not as bad as you think…. it depends what you feel is a fair trade-off with having longer lashes.

I have also thought about purchasing LASH FUSION – another lash growth stimulant by Fusion Beauty – the makers of the lovely lip plumpers “Lip Fusion” – this one is about $96 – 1.5x more expensive than RapidLash.

REALLY EVERYBODY… I am so happy with the results from RapidLash. And I hope that everybody who tries it will see the same results as I did.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

AFTER with MASCARA:

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Natasha is your friendly neighbourhood London Drugs beauty advisor that believes in giving (and getting) honest, no non-sense advice on cosmetics. Her guilty pleasures include collecting nail polish and shoppers optimum points (shhh!)

The scent: chic. vibrant. bold.

Top notes: Italian mandarin, white osmanthus, wild red strawberries
Mid notes: gardenia, honeysuckle, mimosa, red rose damascenia
Base notes: sandalwood, vanilla absolute, rum flavor, creamy musks.

What I really appreciate about this scent is the packaging! The lid to the case snaps shut, so it won’t come off in your purse or suit case. The glass bottle is generic, and can be removed from the colourful plastic case when finished. The case can then be re-used to store other stuff. They put some real thought into this. I like it.

At first I was worried that this would be another generic fruity floral, there seem to be so many of them these days. But the dry down is quite nice. I’ve been wearing the scent for a couple of weeks, and have received more than one compliment.

As with every scent, be sure to try it on yourself and leave it “overnight” before you buy. I like to actually sleep in a scent before I buy it. Impulse buying is not recommended when it comes to buying perfume.

SJP NYC will be available in Canada at department and drug stores April 2010.
(30ml $45, 60ml $59, body lotion $30)

It is *not* a tube mascara, rather is formulated to remove with less tugging and lash-loss than other brands.

I’ve given it the college try, and I have to say that I am impressed. It stayed on well at the swimming pool, and through a Vancouver rain-storm the other night. There was a little bit of flaking, but nothing disappointing. It comes off very easily with regular make-up remover. I currently use Lancome Bi-facil, a small sample I got in a beauty GWP.

The price is higher than some might like: $18. The product, however, is sound. It gives good coverage and is nice and black (one shade only.)

If you are looking for a waterproof mascara that is not tricky to get-off, try this!

What bliss! Recently I got to cruise through Sephora with a shopping list – and a gift card.

Concealer was one thing on my list and I was looking for a Clinique product when a Sephora associate led me to Make Up Forever. She recommended their High Definition Invisible Cover Concealer.

I was intrigued when she put some on me while explaining it is not meant to sink in to the skin around your eyes, but sit on top. Don’t try to blend it, she advised, but use more of a tapping motion when applying.

It’s been about three weeks now, and I have to say I’m impressed. It did go on smoothly, is oil-free and lasts all day. As the Sephora associate explained, it remains on the surface of the skin but not in a cakey way. I also like the soft silicone applicator – once I determined how much to use.

Extra test: I skied for 6 days – all of them long days and several in wet weather, meaning my goggles were on and off lots my face got wet. My concealer was intact at the end of each day.
Apparently it is also invisible to high-definition television cameras. How about that?

As always the staff at Sephora are helpful in picking the right shade – there are 14 to choose from. Price is a manageable $28 US for .05 fl oz.

Make Up Forever been around since 1984 and is described on its website as “the go-to brand for industry insiders and beauty buffs the world over.” I’m intrigued to try more.

rosemary extract: smoothes and hydrates skin
sugar cane extract: helps to improve skin’s texture
apple, lemon & orange extracts: a tri-fecta of natural fruit antioxidants
camellia oleifera leaf: plant extract with skin healing benefits
ginseng root: plant extract with stress relieving and antioxidant benefits
ginkgo Biloba: plant extract that reduces skin irritation with antioxidant properties
vitamin A: prevents against free radical damage
vitamin C: inhibits melanin oxidation which improves skin’s brightness and clarity
vitamin E: deemed one of the most effective antioxidants to prevent premature signs of aging
mineral pigments: colors and dyes derived from natural minerals have been known to soothe and soften skin

The product is wonderful. I suggest you try it at the store first and get a colour that matches your complexion.

Pair with provocateur powder for a flawless finish. I have used this product for over a year and usually use it alone, but combined with ‘smooth operator’ I get a professional look. These products are also ‘goof proof’; you can’t really go wrong.

Available at Sephora.

The Good

As a beauty editor I get sent a LOT of face creams. I do not review them here unless they are something that I am very impressed with. Recently I started using some products from the Olay PROx line. I was sent the “three step anti-aging starter kit” and began using the products a few weeks ago. Within a few days I stopped using the eye restoration complex (I don’t have time for this step) and the SPF 30 Age Repair Lotion (it is winter, and I don’t wear SPF in February). What I did not want to stop using, and the product that I am recommending here today is the PROx Wrinkle Smoothing Cream. This is a great moisturizer for bed time, and my skin feels much softer with each day I use it. There is no tingling or burning, but each morning after I shower I can feel the product being washed away leaving soft supple skin. The key ingredient is Vitamin B3, Niacinamide.

Niacinamide is Vitamin B3, and it strengthens the stratum corneum by increasing surface skin renewal and improving the moisture barrier to help reverse the appearance of past skin damage. Niacinamide is a key ingredient in every Pro-X product (Wrinkle Smoothing Cream, Deep Wrinkle Treatment, Age Repair Lotion SPF 30, Hydra Firming Cream, Eye Restoration Complex, and Discoloration Fighting Concentrate).

Prices vary, but I did find a good discount on Amazon, $33.59. ( Any Amazon purchases made through the link below will benefit Lip Gloss and Laptops by providing products for review and prizes.)

I know that times are tough and spending $35-50 dollars of a face cream seems like a lot. It is. That is why you can trust my review. This product is worth the money. If you disagree, please leave a comment!

The Bad

As I’ve told you before I’m a sucker for new-fangled cosmetics. When I saw the Lancôme BB Kiss Firestick Wet & Dry Color Liptoy at Sears last month I was fascinated. It was “bonus time” and so I picked up this $35 little toy along with a lip gloss. From the website:

Aaron De Mey reinvents the lipstick, with an arty pastel-toned wand in an adorable coral shade. More than a lipstick, the BB Kiss Firestick creates a real beauty ritual: open the small black laquered box and unpack the liptoy from its precious silk paper. A true innovation, with a texture gliding perfectly over the lips and a color with pearl pigment concentrate. Application: the BB Kiss Firestick can be used dry or wet. Dry: the result is light and sheer, for a touch of springtime coral. Wet: the BB Kiss Firestick is activated to deliver intense, deep, and potent color on lips. One shade: Coral

The woman at the counter tried the product on me and told me it would be long lasting and non-drying. Sadly I have discovered that the product is really quite drying, and not long lasting at all. I am very disappointed. I can’t believe I spent $35 bucks on this little piece of crap. It is very chalky, even wet. I think I’ll pass it along to Kerry Anne and see what she has to say about it. It is a limited edition, so we may never see it again. And that would be a good thing.
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Do you have a strong opinion, positive or negative, about a product you have tried recently? Leave a comment or become a guest blogger!

I’ve had the pleasure of using some amazing new products from Juliet’s Room: Organic skin and body care line made with rich butters, natural essential oils, pure botanicals. Spa-quality, alcohol and paraben-free, no animal testing…

Picking just one product was difficult because everything smells and feels so good.

I really like high quality skin care products that are packed full of great ingredients for my skin. Less is more and this line does it all!

The Organic Body Butters are delicious both in the scent and in the texture of the product; your skin will thank you for this much needed nourishment and protection. Not to mention they leave your skin perfectly soft and smooth.

I love applying a thick layer after a bath (I like to soak with one of the Organic Milk Baths). It’s a guaranteed luxurious treat.

The Shea Body Butter in Vanilla Lavender is the most popular pick, however, if you want to be more daring I would suggest the Chocolat: Mint Chocolate Body Butter—oh yummy!

Some other must try products….Get your hands on the Organic Skin Care Line—Love this!

I have been using the Forgive My Sins: Organic Antioxidant Rich Cream for a couple of weeks now and I can’t say enough good things about this moisturizer. It’s so good that my boyfriend uses it every morning as well!

This is one hard working cream enriched with antioxidants that will help produce healthier skin cells with the use of high quality rich oils. It will leave your skin deeply nourished and hydrated with a non-greasy feel. And it’s especially effective when applied to damp skin right after your shower or bath and remember to use daily.

If you would like to stop by Juliet’s Room do so at 3630 West 4th Ave Vancouver (4th & Alma) or you can order any of the products online at www.julietsroom.com You will receive free shipping on all orders over $75!

Daniela is an esthetician with a holistic approach who lives and works in Kitsilano. Her customers say she gives some of the best organic facials in Vancouver.

This ring is over sized, but the scent is very subtle, in my opinion. Subtle in a good way: creamy, powdery, sexy and inviting. Lola arrived on the market in August 2009.

Notes include pink pepper, pear, ruby red grapefruit, peony, rose, geranium, vanilla, creamy musk and tonka.

The ring itself comes in a little indigo faux leather pouch. The ring can be worn on the finger, or linked to a handbag with the gold chain, included. Available at Sephora and at Department and Drug Stores across Canada ($49CDN)

The scent can also be found this month in a limited edition 30ml spray ($54 CDN).

Just in time for Valentine’s Day: visit www.lolamarcjacobs.com and send a flirty e-Valentine to your not-so-secret admirer!

I am most impressed by how effective, yet light, this product is. It holds my waves all day, and they do not get frizzy. At the same time, my hair does not get greasy, which is a real problem for me. I need to wash my hair every day to keep it clean.

After doing a little research, I discovered that this product contains an ingredient called PolyfluoroEster, instead of the silicone in most anti-frizz products.

How It Works:

PolyfluoroEster is a breakthrough ingredient that allows for control over hair’s surface energy and roughness. PolyfluoroEster, because if its small size, creates a weightless shield on the hair to prevent moisture flux in and out, and coats the cuticles to reduce the friction between fibers. Living Proof has taken PolyfluoroEster and formulated a collection consisting of six styling treatments and three hair care products that work to virtually eliminate frizz.

No Frizz even had some benefits Living Proof didn’t anticipate. Repeated use actually improves the hair’s own ability to resist humidity changes, so No Frizz works even better the longer you use it. And due to its low surface energy, the technology repels most other materials like water and oils, translating into a non-greasy coating that doesn’t attract dirt and other particulates. No Frizz is actually more repellent to dirt and particles than natural hair; as a result, you can actually go longer between shampoos.

Best of all, you can get a sample made-up at Sephora for free and try it before you buy it. I recommend you do. I LOVE it!

There are multiple other “frizz” styling products in the line, including products specifically for “course hair.”

Notes:
Pomegranate, Persimmon, Green Notes, Black Orchid, Lotus Blossom, Champaca Flower, Liquid Amber, Mahogany Wood, Black Violet, Cream Accord.
Style:
Confident. Sexy. Chic.

One entry per email! Good Luck!

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Recently a friend, who is a little older than me and has lovely skin, described her skin care regime to me. One of the elements is Escents Facial Serum. I was intrigued, so we visited an Escents store together for an education and shopping trip.

Escents Aromatherapy is a Canadian company that specializes in sourcing pure, therapeutic grade essential oils from around the world and pairing them to create unique blends. Their network of stores sell aromatherapy, bath and body products.

After some sniffing, label reading and discussion I decided on Facial Serum Vital: Rose Geranium.  I’ve been using it for the last two weeks and have to say, I am surprised and delighted. This oil works!

Developed for dry mature skin, the formula suits me perfectly right now. I put a couple of gentle pumps into my palm, rub my hands together and smooth it over my face. It has an oily feel as it goes on (well, ya), which I found alarming at first. If I have time I let it sink in before layering another Escents product on top – the rose geranium hydrating cream — then my sun screen.

My skin feels great all day. Though the vial describes the serum as a night treatment, I have been using it morning and evening and really enjoying the results.

The serum is $21.95 for 30 ml (1 fl. oz.) which I think is good value. Bonus – the Escents line is made from pure ingredients, without artificial colours or animal testing.

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Bio:  Anita runs a PR business, and loves Iyengar yoga, cats and being outside.

I was recently introduced to a line of cosmetics called VAPOUR Organic Beauty. They sent me some samples of their top-sellers, and I was immediately impressed with one of the products: Atmosphere Luminous Foundation.

The solid foundation comes in a (recycled) plastic tube, like an old-style Pan Stick. Unlike greasy pan sticks, however, this foundation is soft and light. Application is easy: rub all over your face directly, then blend with fingers as needed. I love the simplicity and portability. The product easily covered my redness and masked my dilated pores, without causing a chalky build-up that often accompanies solid foundations. The product gave me a luminous look, without being too greasy. I, however, prefer a matte look so I finished off my look with a dusting of Bare Minerals Mineral Veil.

Vapour Organic beauty has many products in a “tube.” Check out their website. The company also boasts a high percentage of food-grade certified organic ingredients, recycled packaging, wind power offsets and mineral pigments. Highly sustainable beauty! I like that.

$38 – Available only online or on the Shopping Channel (Canadian Debut: Jan. 31, 2010)

2. The Bad: L’Oréal True Match Roller Foundation

I’m a sucker for a gimmick, especially when it is a new and funky make-up application gizmo. When I saw L’Oréal True Match Roller I had to get my hands on it. The solid foundation is applied with a small painter-style roller brush. What a neat idea! Sadly the product failed on many levels.

Firstly, the applicator leaves lines on your face that need to be blended by hand. I guess excess product builds-up at the ends of the roller brush and are applied like thicker lines of foundation on the face. It is messy.

Secondly, the roller brush that was just on your face contaminates the product itself leaving visible dirt and hairs on the surface of the solid foundation — icky! It is not easy to clean the roller because it is so small. A disposable make-up sponge would make a better partner for this product.

I doubt we’ll see this product on shelves this time next year. Crazy bad.

Comes in 12 Shades. Retails for under $20 at drugstores.

3. The ugly: me without my make-up on!

Just kidding! In fact, I have been making a move towards wearing less and less make-up recently.

It seems that I am so busy keeping up with work and family commitments that my make-up routine is becoming streamlined of late. Wearing less make-up also makes me feel cleaner. I think that it gives my skin a break from all the “product.” I still stay true to my cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine. This is important because it keeps my pores clean!! I think I’m a little obsessed with my pores, but whatever. We all have our beauty “fixations”, right?

Kosmea is an Australian company. They produce a line of natural skin care products using rose hip oil.

I’ve been looking for something natural to use on my face and hands for some time, winters in northern BC are very dry, so, when I saw the rose hip oil at my local health food store I was intrigued, after trying the sample, I bought home a vial. I used it as sparingly as I could on my face and hands. It had a lovely fresh rose scent but I wasn’t really satisfied with it.

Then one day, while I was in the shop, the sales lady showed me the Kosmea replenishing moisture cream.

It is wonderful. I use a very small amount, about the size of half a pea, on my face every morning. It
sinks into my skin almost instantly leaving it feeling soft and silky, and like the oil, it has a lovely pure, fresh rose scent.

It cost $54.99 for a 50 ml tube. That sounds expensive but one tube last me a whole year.

You can use the stockist
finder, on the kosmea site, to find a store near you that sells it.

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When Melanie isn’t running, skiing, hiking or snowshoeing she can be found in her garden weeding or lying on the couch reading a good book. She writes about her adventures on her blogs, Caffinara and Northern Gardeners Almanac.

Look: A mix of warm and cool tones inspired by nature.

* Complexion: “I love Vera’s porcelain complexion, so I wanted to keep it simple with a sheer foundation and lightweight mineral powder.”
o tarte’s smooth operator tinted moisturizer SPF 20 in façade
o tarte’s provocateur mineral pressed powder SPF 8 in fair
* Cheeks: “Just a pop of pink made for a healthy blush.”
o Tina Turnbow for tarte’s flower child natural cheek stain (new for spring 2010)
o Tina Turnbow for tarte’s flower child eyeshadow palette: pink peony shadow used as a highlighter on top of cheekbones
* Eyes: “I used warm coppery-bronze tones to enhance Vera’s beautiful blue eyes.”
o Tina Turnbow for tarte’s flower child eyeshadow palette (new for spring 2010)
+ Shadows: for her crease and lid blend shimmering firewheel, matte buttercup, shimmering ecru hibiscus; using the double-ended brush apply pink peony on browbone
+ Eyeliner: rim eyes with matte brown natural liner
o tarte’s multiplEYE™ natural lash enhancing mascara (new for spring 2010)
* Lips: “I felt a sweet pink pout really complimented her look.”
o a combination of: tarte’s natural gel lip stain in charmed and vitamin infused lipstick in bikram

Tina set the look with Arcona’s Lavender Hydrasol for a natural glow.

**Gorgeous**

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I’ve always wanted longer lashes. Being Asian has yet again brought me misfortune in the eyelash realm just as I blame everything else about myself on “being Asian” – small-ish eyes, flat-ish nose, small-ish boobs… I am left with these short, stick-straight things not even worth being called eyelashes. I see more of these “eyelashes” either stuck inside my eye or left on my cotton pad after furiously wiping off my mascara. I am counting on you, RAPIDLASH.

I haven’t tried other products for lash growth – mostly because I am so skeptical about these things. Why did I choose to try RapidLash? Well, I was seriously considering ordering the generic version of Latisse (you know.. that one with Brooke Shields in the commercial) but I decided to try RapidLash first. Firstly, RapidLash has been readily available around town – London Drugs, Shoppers – those two I know for sure carry it. Secondly, it is a fraction of the price of Latisse but about the same price as the generic. Thirdly, I was just so damn curious about this stuff that I had to try it for myself.

I’ve posted a picture of how my lashes looked on the 2nd day of using RapidLash. This is basically how my lashes look – short and stick straight. I am *hoping* for some natural curl!! Please please curl!! I don’t see a difference. I’m not supposed to anyways – apparently it takes 4-6 weeks for you to notice a difference.

After a couple days of using it, I have noticed a redness and darkness around my eyes. The picture doesn’t do this justice. Right now, I look and feel like like I’ve been crying for hours straight or I haven’t had one decent moment of sleep for the past week. The redness kind of sucks because it drags my whole look down. My eyes also feel more tired and dry. My lids are dry too as you can see in the picture. All of these symptoms have been reported on makeupalley and I knew that it would happen from the beginning. Didn’t stop me from wanting those long lashes!!

The only thing that concerns me about using RapidLash is obviously the fact that it is something that one must put relatively close to their eyes and that is a big risk. I am being careful with it… I’ve heard somethings about this product like – changing lighter eye colours to a brown colour, blindness, continued irritation, continued dry eyes, even brittle lashes that fall out – but I am taking the risk… at least I already have brown eyes so that one can’t go wrong.

RapidLash is sold for $59.99 regularly – available at London Drugs (on sale right now for $39.99), Shoppers Drug Mart, Costco and RapidLash.com
It is a 3ml tube that comes with an eyeliner brush-like thing for applying it to your lashline (on the lid, NOT in the eye or on the waterline).

I hope everybody is as excited to see my lashes grow as I am!

Natasha is your friendly neighbourhood London Drugs beauty advisor that believes in giving (and getting) honest, no non-sense advice on cosmetics. Her guilty pleasures include collecting nail polish and shoppers optimum points (shhh!)

I have been using the Mach 3 and Mach 3 Turbo razors for years. My husband uses them and so I joined in as well so that we’d only have to buy one kind of refill. It was fine, but I go through them much faster than he does, so I decided to try some new razors to see if I would switch.
I have tried a few others that I won’t mention, they were mediocre and would do the job in a pinch, but not something I would buy again.

This changed when I tried out the Gillette Venus Spa Breeze.

I had not tried the Schick Intuition, the surrounding lathering agent looked like a big bar of soap and it just seemed like it would be disgusting after only one use. When I saw the Spa Breeze in the store, it looked intriguing and so I picked up a pack.

I tried it and loved it! I had wonderful results with this product, probably because most of my shaving experiences are rushed and I just shave my legs in the shower without shaving cream/gel (yes I know this is terrible). This razor gave me a beautifullly smooth shave with smooth results, and after about 5 uses of the razor, it is coming to the end of its life but the shave gel around the razor looks like it is shrinking in a normal way, and more importantly, doesn’t look gross to me.

I think I have found my new razor, at least for now.

What it does:
DiorShow Extase provides built-in treatment benefits and high-impact lashes in a single stroke! The spherical-shaped Black Pearl Pigments create a 3D volume effect and the exclusive Metamorphosis Powders expand in size by up to 50% after application. Also, SR38 Patented Ceramid brings additional care, reconstructing damaged lashes and promoting stronger and fuller lashes.

What else you need to know:
The Extase mascara features a “Tiered Brush” that is inspired by the “tiered” couture dresses created by the House of Dior. The brush is designed for performance and contains an Exclusive Duo of Fibers: The Black Elastomer Fibers brush out and define the lashes for panoramic fringe and the Gold Nylon Fibers hold and deposit formula, generously coating each lash for outstanding volume.

Reviews online have been positive, but I have to say I was disappointed. The brush did not provide for an even application of the product. I like my lashes to appear like a “wall of lashes”, but this brush makes some hair clump together giving a more “pixie doll” look. This may not be a bad thing for you. I’ve tried to show the main difference here in the photo below, DiorShow on your left (my right eye), DiorShow Extase on your right (my left eye). The difference is quite noticeable on this photo:

I’ll be sticking with the original holy grail DiorShow at this price point, and won’t be shy to go back to Cover Girl or L’Oréal when the tax man comes calling.

From everything I’ve heard, Revlon’s PhotoReady foundation is the first HD (or “high definition”) range to hit the drugstore shelves. A new trend at a reasonable price point? I must try it, I thought, and so try it I did. First, the good: The packaging is wonderful, a glass bottle with a pump that allows you to dispense as much (or as little) of the product as you need. The formula is fragrance free, oil free, and boasts an spf of 20. To me, the texture feels light and silky, and it’s easy to blend when using the fingers to apply. It does indeed manage to make my less-than-perfect skin look even, luminous, and dare I say it, yes, camera ready. But nothing this good can last forever, and alas, this brings us to the bad…

Almost immediately upon application, I notice a distinct tingling feeling. My skin is not sensitive, so such a reaction is unusual for me. The tingling does subside eventually, and that’s when I notice them: The sparkles. They’re teeny tiny – miniscule, even – but they are decidedly there. This is not shimmer. This is microglitter. Now, I like a little glitter every now and again, but as a grown woman, I’d rather keep it reserved to my eyeshadows, or perhaps a liquid glitter liner if I’m feeling particularly wacky. Glitter of this magnitude does not belong anywhere near a bottle of foundation.

It’s unfortunate that the drawbacks of this foundation are as big as they are, because this product does an exceptionally good job of keeping my oily skin looking fresh all day. Normally I blot and re-powder my skin multiple times throughout the day, but whenever I wear PhotoReady, I only require a single mid-day t-zone touch up. Unfortunately, the fact that my skin reacts to it is just too disconcerting, and the sparkly finish too reminiscent of the body glitter I wore in grade 8. It’s simply not the right foundation for me.

Photo ready does not go into mass distribution until March 2010, or so says the grapevine. So if it is not in your area yet, be patient.

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Today’s review was written by guest blogger,”Beeks.”

Bio: Beeks is a lifelong cosmetics connoisseur and general free spirit still trying to find her way in the post-undergrad world. She blogs
about whatever tickles her fancy at kissesaredelicious.wordpress.com.

I went to see a movie by myself on the afternoon of Jan. 31st, the last day of 2009. I decided to see “A Single Man” with Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. I had no idea what the movie was about, and was very pleasantly surprised by how good it was. It was a moving account of a man mourning the loss of his lover, set in 1960′s Los Angeles. I won’t give away the story, as I think it is wrong to spoil movies for others in that way. I will say, however, that Tom Ford did a wonderful job with the colour effects of the film. Fading between almost black and white, to vibrant colour, the film gives an accurate portrayal of what it feels like to be living on the border between depression and happiness.

I, myself, once experienced a similar kind of colour change in my own life. I remember one day when I was in my recovery from major depression — I had been crying then took myself outside to get some fresh air. I blew my nose, looked up, and I could see the pink cherry blossoms and blue sky appear more vibrantly than I can ever remember seeing them before. Bright pink, deep blue…it was at that moment I knew that I was on the path to recovery. Tom Ford actually captured this “sense” experience on film.

This is Ford’s directorial debut, and I look forward to seeing more from him in the future. And in case your were wondering, this is the same Tom Ford who’s fragrance line sports sexy controversial advertisements.

My favourite Tom Ford scent is “White Patchouli.”

I see Oscar nominations in the future for “A Single Man.” My hopes are Tom Ford for Director and Colin Firth for Best actor.

Go see this film while it is still on the big screen. Not appropriate for children. Theatrical trailer:
watch?v=eafJ4jvf-sY

Try all of Tom Ford’s scents in his Fragrance Collection Gift Set ($90)

This book is a must-have if you are interested in spreading your word or works via social media and the internet. The information is up to date and trustworthy. The book would also make a good gift for anyone who is wanting to learn more about social media (maybe your parents?).

Chapter Breakdown:

Chapter 1: What is Social Media?
Chapter 2: Getting Social Media Ready
Chapter 3: Flagging a Ride: Finding the Right Bloggers and Communities
Chapter 4: Netiquette: Miss Manners for the Web
Chapter 5: Stick Out Your Thumb: Devising Your Pitch
Chapter 6: Measuring Success: How to Monitor the Web
Chapter 7: Is Social Media Marketing Risky Business?
Chapter 8: Damage Control in the Digital Age
Chapter 9: Does MySpace Still Matter?
Chapter 10: Understanding Facebook
Chapter 11: Video Marketing with YouTube and Other Video Sharing Sites
Chapter 12: The Twitter Revolution
Chapter 13: A Social Media Grab-Bag: Social News, Social Bookmarking, Wikipedia, Virtual Worlds, and Private Social Networks
Chapter 14: A Look Ahead

If you buy this book through the Amazon.com link below, you will be supporting Lip Gloss and Laptops as well as supporting Darren and Julie!

“This proposed tax is a master stroke, akin to the sin tax on cigarettes; both tanning and smoking are activities scientifically proven to cause harm to the human body,” said Bruce E. Katz,MD, educational spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation. “The tax will hopefully serve a double purpose, not only raising billions for health care, but giving people one more excellent reason to protect their health by staying away from tanning salons.”

(photo credit Robert Huffstutter on Flickr)
On an average day, more than one million Americans use tanning salons. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a working group of the World Health Organization, published a landmark report this year based on exhaustive research placing the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) produced by tanning beds among the most dangerous forms of radiation for humans, alongside other forms including radon and plutonium as well as solar UVR.

Seventy one percent of tanning salon patrons are girls and women aged 16-29. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old. The research cited by the IARC included studies showing that first exposure to tanning beds in youth increases melanoma risk by 75 percent.

(photo credit Michael L. Avery on Flickr)

In addition, people who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. More than 250,000 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer, are diagnosed each year,resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, are rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring.

“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer,” said Perry Robins, MD, President The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Reducing UVR exposure is simply the easiest and most important prevention measure one can take.”

(photo credit Barbara Doduk on Flickr)

The Skin Cancer Foundation is committed to educating the public and medical professionals about sun safety. As leaders in the fight against skin cancer, the Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of the world’s most common cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. To learn more about the Foundation and its programs, visit SkinCancer.org .

Related articles:
Salon owners are angry, The Guardian.
Tax the Botox? Botax! Godforbid! Senate leaders have withdrawn the 5% tax on cosmetic medical procedures from the health care reform bill now being considered on the Senate floor.

I wonder if Canada will ever introduce such a tax? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!

Gold Fascination is inspired by Canada’s best female athletes as they pursue their quest for gold at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.

The package art is designed specifically for this collection by Canadian artists Raphael and Lisa-Marie Mazzucco, both former athletes themselves. Raphael played professional soccer on the Vancouver Whitecaps until 1984, and is now a well-known fashion photographer. Lisa-Marie won a gold medal in figure skating at the Commonwealth Games in 1980 and now makes her living as a make-up artist.

Like mini art canvasses, the limited edition boxes are unique pieces of art specifically created for Canadian women.

The collection includes four pieces:

• Showstopper Color Design Quad Eye Shadow Palette in “Showstopper Style” $48
• L’Absolu Rouge lipstick in “Absoute Rouge”, “Cherrywood Luxe” and “Sienna Ultime” $38
• La Base Pro, a foundation primer $42
• Color Design Blush in “Pret A Plum Sheer” and “Model Mocha” $38

Watch a short movie about artist Raphael Mazzucco here on YouTube.

Enter our current draw.

Thanks also to our sponsor, GoToMyPC: As secure as online banking. Try it FREE for 30 days.

Airdrie’s Reviews

1. Dior Show Brow Styler – I was expecting perfection but I am disappointed. Dior Show Mascara is my current favourite, but I found this brow pencil to be too hard. It did not apply easily; I had to press too hard. Also, it only comes in one shade, which to me seems ridonkulous (my new favourite word.)

2. Aveda Light Elements Texturizing Creme – so new it’s not on the Aveda website yet! This is a truly “light” creme. Use it in place of hairspray for short hair. It thickens and holds style lightly. Great scent:

A fresh-yet-spicy citrus aroma with certified organic essential oils of grapefruit, mandarin, ginger, cinnamon, and woodsy notes of sustainably sourced Australian sandalwood. As partners with Aveda, the Aboriginal Peoples receive fair payment for their responsibly harvested sandalwood—creating a business where all parties benefit.

Launch: January 2010 ($30)

3. Avène Retinal O.1% I purchased this directly from the Vancouver Laser and Skincare Centre. This creme contains a 0.1% retinaldehyde. Available over the counter only via physicians, this creme is more gentle than the prescription Renin A that I tried last spring. After a week of use, I’m thrilled with the results. My face feels wonderful. So far no reduction in pore size, but the jury is still out. I have had no irritation, so I can keep using the product. Fingers crossed it will help my blackhead situation.

4. Scentsy This popular at-home direct selling business now comes to Canada.

Scentsy Warmers use a low-watt bulb to melt specially formulated wax slowly, maximizing the fragrance time of the Scentsy Bar or Scentsy Brick.

With no flame, soot, smoke or lead to worry about, the Scentsy system is a safe way to enjoy more than 80 delightful Scentsy fragrances.

Kerry Anne’s Reviews

1. Natural Oils

Kerry Anne has been using Oil of Oregano on budding cold sores to minimize inflammation and shorten the duration of the coldsore. It burns, but it works. I would NOT recommend using the oil on an open sore. Only at the onset.
Acne remedy – putting lavender essential oil and honey on pimples has been helping them dry out, and heal a little faster. I am not slathering all over my face, just using it as a spot treatment.

2. Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid

This is a light fluid styling formula that adds shine and detangles hair when applied to damp hair before blow drying. It is wonderful for fine hair, because it does not weigh it down, yet it is so effective that I can skip the conditioner. $24 for 3.4 fl oz.

3. Remington Emi Airwave: Dryer with Wave Attachment

It’s also known as the “SpinCurl”. I picked this up for $19.99 at Winners, although it retails for $29.99 online. I like to call it the “hair tornado” because you insert a lock of hair into the attachment, and it swirls it around like a tornado until it is a ringlet. It might not work on all hair types, but it gave my bone straight hair some definite wave. It also works as a standard dryer as the wave attachment is removable.

4.
Onesta Hair Care Line

For a shampoo with no sodium laurel sulfate, Onesta lathers up wonderfully, and has a delicious mild citrus smell. Onesta contains no harmful chemicals, parabens, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, synthetic colours or dyes, and some proceeds of sales are used to support cancer research. Onesta was developed by Thomas Redmond, of Aussie Hair Care fame, which is now owned by Procter and Gamble. The five harmful chemicals Onesta will never use are in many of the Aussie products. So does he consider his original line unsafe?

Links

Jersey Shore. Sometimes it’s hard to look away.


VH1′s Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew
She to Shic Vancouver’s first eco-friendly beauty lounge
Shoo-Foo organic bamboo towels

Music:

• “Pour elles qui sont belles” by 3 of cups (used by permission as our theme song since the very beginning of the podcast—thanks!)
• “Hello” by The Cat Empire (used by permission of Indica Records)

She to Shic has a strong commitment to the environment, and was constructed with eco-friendly and sustainable materials. The towels they use are made from organic bamboo, made by Shoo-foo. They are soft, super-absorbent, naturally anti-bacterial, and I am in love with them.

Airdrie and I have discussed the lack of health regulations and requirements in the spa industry, and we’re sometimes leery of safety and hygiene practices. She to Shic is committed to offering a safe, clean environment for their customers. They use an autoclave (these should be standard!) to sterilize all of the equipment between clients, and when you leave, you can take your orangewood stick and nail file with you. In many salons, paraffin hand treatments are done by dipping your hand into the “communal wax pot”, but at She to Shic, paraffin is poured into plastic bags which you put your hands into before they are wrapped in Shoo-Foo towels. Overall, it was a lovely experience, and I think they have carved themselves out a great little niche in the Vancouver spa community.

She to Shic Beauty Lounge loves hosting events. They offer private parties for wedding and baby showers, bachelorette parties, or birthday parties for adults and children alike (they have movie and game consoles to keep them occupied too!).

She to Shic Beauty Lounge
2315 W 41st Avenue
Vancouver, BC
604.269.3003
info@shetoshic.com
HOURS OF OPERATION
Daily 10am – 7pm
other times by appointment

The gift includes:

SOTHYS Aroma-Sothys Energizing Shower Gel softly cleans and tones the skin. It contains essential oils of eucalyptus, cardamom, nutmeg, and neroli for an energizing fragrance while leaving your body feeling refreshed. Price: $24

SOTHYS Aroma-Sothys Energizing Bath Essences Tablets – Effervescent, playful and revitalizing bath pebbles which enrich the bath with their tonic and energizing fragrance… a particular moment of pleasure and wellness. Price: $26

SOTHYS Aroma-Sothys Energizing Essential Oils Elixir – Magical, this very concentrated dry oil is an invitation to happiness: when massaged, it restores tonus and felicity… the skin is divinely satiny and full of energizing active ingredients. Price: $29

Good Luck!

In previous episodes of the Lip Gloss and Laptops podcast when I’ve been a guest host, I have reviewed a couple of colognes alongside Kerry-Anne and Airdrie. This time, I am reviewing Kenzo Power, again another cologne from the Kenzo family that is not the one I normally use (L’Eau de Kenzo Pour Homme) – this cologne is Kenzo Power. The first time I tried it I went out in the evening. As soon as I sprayed a little bit, I was reminded of two other fragrances I have used before: Farenheit 451 and Tuscany (by Aramis). The high notes, same as Tuscany, include bergamot, coriander and cardamom. These aromas alone are enough to overpower any sensitive nose. I’m not someone who is easily swayed away, or overpowered. But I definitely did feel that Kenzo Power was a tad too strong. When I first used Tuscany by Aramis (which shares the bergamot high note and a coriander middle note with Kenzo Power) I remember I thought of myself as someone powerful and strong. This vivid sensation was re-ignited when I tried Kenzo Power. I tried it a second time for an afternoon gathering, and tried a little bit less of the fragrance. While still a tad overpowering, Kenzo Power was better this time, and I had a chance to smell more in-depth the base notes (which include cedar wood). This cedar-y aroma makes Kenzo Power a great fragrance for outdoors gatherings, as well as quiet evenings at a local modern lounge. Overall, I probably won’t be using Kenzo Power for my day-to-day, consulting and teaching activities. But I’d be more than happy to use it for an outdoorsy evening, or a night at a club.

Today I would like to suggest TWO easy ways to keep your term papers, or other documents, backed-up.

1. USB Memory Sticks. The price of USB Memory Sticks have really come down recently. I found some 2Gig sticks at Circuit City for seven dollars each. I’m sure I could even find them cheaper online. Keep a stick in your purse, on your key chain, and place them around your home. General rule: if it takes you more than 20 minutes to create a document, be sure to make an extra copy of it on your USB memory stick.

USB sticks also make great stocking stuffers and come in fun shapes and sizes. My favourite is USB sushi.

Make.com blog has instructions on how to turn an old lipstick into a USB Lipstick. Check out the Make Flickr Pool for more cool science!

2. Email it to your online email account. I love GMail, and have come to trust it to hold backups for me online. I simply attach the document to an email, and email it to myself at GMail. If I need to find the document at a future date, I can find it easily using the GMail “search” feature.

Keep reading Lip Gloss and Laptops blog for beauty and technology reviews.

Listen to the entire show to hear Airdrie give a full report on the Botox and Juvederm treatments that she had done at the Vancouver Laser and Skin Care Centre. Read last post for more details on Dr. Braun and the Centre and follow them on Twitter.

Next show will be our Christmas special, and we will welcome back Kerry Anne for a year-end celebration.

The next show will also be our LAST podcast! I am putting the show on hiatus while my husband fights his cancer. I will still be beauty-blogging, just not podcasting. I hope you will all keep reading the blog and remain supportive of Lip Gloss and Laptops. If you want to read Derek’s blog and follow his brave fight, here is the link: penmachine

Song: Dream On by The Adam Woodall Band

So imagine my happiness when Dr. Braun at the Vancouver Laser and Skin Care Centre reached out to local bloggers and offered me a tour of his facility and a complimentary procedure! There are very few perks of being a citizen journalist, but I’m not above accepting a free lip gloss or tickets to a show, so why should this be any different!? So in the spirit of full disclosure, I received the treatments I describe below free of charge.

The Vancouver Laser and Skin Care Centre

Located near Vancouver General Hospital, this clinic has been operating since 1996. Doctors Martin and Susan Braun are a husband and wife team who started by opening Canada’s first Laser Hair Removal Clinic, but have now branched out to offer a myriad of aesthetic medicine and skin care procedures. See their website for a full list of services.

The Consult

All patients are treated like VIP’s when they come to the clinic. After filling out some medical forms, I was taken into a room by one of the clinical consultants, Kylie. Here she took some “before” shots of my face, and also performed a “Visia Complexion Analysis Report.” The report is a series of eight photos taken by a special camera. Each photo shows something different about my complexion. For example, I learned that part of my skin is dehydrated. I also saw UV damage, which is greatest on the left side of my face (driver’s side!)

Kylie then took me to the consultation room where she talked to me about Botox and its many uses. Medical Botox is used to treat excessive sweating, headaches, and even jaw pain (TMJ). Cosmetic uses for Botox are mainly for relaxing facial muscles, thereby preventing the growth of new wrinkles. My main concern is the deep and growing vertical wrinkles between my eyes. They call these wrinkles “the number eleven”. I want my number eleven to stop growing, and certainly not multiply. I also loved the “brow lift” that I got from Botox the last time. By relaxing the muscles that pull the brow down, the brow is more easily lifted by other muscles that are not injected by the Botox.

Reality check: There is nothing wrong with wrinkles or flat brows. However, after much soul searching (and experimentation) I have come to learn that small cosmetic “fixes” can go a long way to improving my self esteem. Case in point, I knocked out all my front teeth as a child, and needed extensive dental work done. My adult teeth grew in damaged, and I needed even more work as an adult. Recently, I chose to have cosmetic veneers put on some of my healthy teeth to help mask the damage on my false teeth. I’ve never regretted it. I love my smile now, whereas before I always tried to smile with my mouth closed. You get what I’m saying right? I’m not trying to look like Donald Trump’s next wife (#godforbid). I’m just trying to look more like the natural “me.”

(me with Lucy — see my “number eleven?”)

Back to the consult. Kylie also went through a standard four-step skin care routine designed by Dr. Braun. Products are available from the clinic at very reasonable prices (most under $30). I will save my review of these products for a future post as they deserve a full run-through and testing before I can report if this routine is better than my current “Clinique” routine. Kylie gave me some samples, and I’m going to buy some full size products when I go back for my 2-week check-up next month.

After Kylie answered all my questions, Dr. Martin Braun joined us in the consult room. I liked him immediately –- he is very approachable and easy to talk to. I was already “sold” on the idea of getting more Botox, but he went through all the standard information with me anyway. He also said that he could most likely reduce the look of my permanent wrinkled “number eleven” with a small injection of the cosmetic filler “Juvederm.”

(sample photo, not me!)

The Treatment

We then moved to the treatment room where I said good-bye to Kylie and was joined by a medical assistant.

Dr. Braun first applied 40 units of Botox to my brow. He does this with a very fine needle, but you can’t see it because it’s above your eyes. He freezes the area first with ice, so you hardly feel it at all. He makes a series of injections in a few different spots. Compared to a bikini wax, this pain is nothing.

The cost of this treatment would be approximately $400 (similar to the price I paid for my previous treatment). The price per unit of Botox depends on how much you get: the more you get, the less Dr. Braun charges. The range is between $13 to $8 per unit.

It takes seven to ten days for the full effect of the Botox to be visible.

Dr. Braun then proceeded to inject me with the Juvederm. Juvederm is most often used below the eyes to puff out the cheeks and plump up the lips. It can also be used to hide deep wrinkles, like the ones between my eyes. Some people even use Juvederm to hide deep acne scars, or any facial scars.

This procedure hurt a little bit more. As Dr. Braun injected the filler (a naturally occurring carbohydrate, hyaluronic acid) he used the needle to gently lift the skin. Wrinkles are formed when the skin is pulled down by small fibres. By breaking these ties, and filling under the skin with filler, the wrinkle is immediately lifted. There is some slight bruising and tenderness that I expect will last a few days.

I will be posting some photos in a couple of weeks in a follow-up post. I know I’m going to like it! I can already start to see the brow begin to lift.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at podcast {at} lipglossandlaptops {dot} com. You can also contact the clinic yourself directly. Listen to our next podcast for more about my Botox and Juvederm experiences!

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1. Best Drug Store Brand

In my opinion, the best drugstore brand of shampoo and conditioner is Clairol Herbal Essences “Hello Hydration” (blue bottle). This product works just as well as any high-priced shampoo/conditioner system I’ve ever used. The price is low, and this product can also be found in larger bulk sizing at stores like Costco. The coconut milk/orchid scent is dreamy, and leaves hair smelling fabulous all day. It also comes in a 2-in-1 formula, but I have not tried it.

2. Best Salon Brand – “Mid Priced”

My favourite mid-priced salon brand is A|G. This award-winning local Vancouver company sells its products all over North America (salon locator).
I have tried many of their products, but my favourite is called “Sterling Silver” Toning Shampoo and Conditioner. This “blue shampoo” and conditioner have a cobalt blue colour to them which acts to cancel out the brassy yellow that can arise in highlights and gray hair. Use this product on blonde, highlighted, or silver hair only. It leaves my hair feeling clean, soft, and gives a little bit of added volume without leaving a volumizing residue. Don’t have blonde hair or highlights? A|G has many other lines to cater to all hair-care needs. They also have excellent finishing products.

3. Best Salon Brand – “High Priced”

My favourite high-priced salon brand is PureOlogy Super Smooth System (copper bottle). This high-priced shampoo goes a long way as you only need a dime-sized amount to make a thick rich foaming head of product. The conditioner does not go as far as the shampoo does, which is my only complaint. The scents of Geranium and Camellia Oil make this my favourite PureOlogy product. Reality check: this stuff is EXPENSIVE and to be honest I could not afford to buy it year-round. It is nice for a treat. Look for bundle packs as they are priced lower than individual bottles.

Reality Check

Many women are turning to aestheticians and laser clinics to help them with acne and unwanted body hair. But could there be an underlying medical condition that is causing these side-effects? Polycyctic Ovarian Syndrome affects 5% of women and is the major cause of infertility. Symptoms include facial hair and acne. Treatments are available. Consider seeing your doctor before you spend hundreds of dollars at the spa trying to deal with acne or facial hair. Now, talk amongst yourselves.

Song of the Week

“Odd Bird” by The Lascivious Biddies, via the Podsafe Music Network.

Venus Embrace has been reviewed here on the show before, and many of our listeners swear by this product.

Recently the Embrace was named one of Allure magazine’s 2009 “Best of Beauty” products. These annual awards are Allure’s highest distinction and are the result of months of testing by beauty experts and editors.

Each of the five winners will receive: One Venus Embrace Razor starter kit, One Venus Embrace Replacement Blade Pack, and One can of Satin Care Lavender Kiss Shave Gel (total value ~$30)

This award-winning razor has five blades that get virtually every hair to help women experience touchable, smooth skin. Embrace also has several key features:

· Five curve-hugging blades positioned closely together and spring mounted to create a shaving surface that adjusts to the natural contours and curves of a woman’s body.

· A Protective Ribbon of Moisture that surrounds the shaving surface for smooth glide.

· A Soft Grip handle that improves control, even when wet.

· A ShowerPod® with suction cup attachments for convenient in-shower storage.

Tell your friends to enter. We will select five random winners on Dec. 1, 2009!

As Shopper’s slowly phases-out it’s “Life” brand, more and more Baléa products will be arriving on store shelves. So far I have only tried the Exfoliating Facial Cleansing Cloths, and I must say they are FABULOUS! (listen to my full review in episode #146)

The line has seven sub-brands: Baléa Kids, Baléa Hair, Baléa Face, Baléa Hand, Baléa Body, Baléa Bath and Baléa Shave. Here are some highlights:

Baléa Hair

Baléa Deep Moisture Hair Mask $3.99 150 mL
Damaged hair, be gone! A luxurious weekly treatment that moisturizes the scalp and promotes a healthy, smooth texture, this deep conditioning mask also protects from damage cause by sun exposure.

Baléa Moisturizing Shampoo $4.99 710 mL (Vanilla and Coconut Milk)
In addition to smelling delicious, this shampoo is infused with vanilla and coconut milk to replenish your hair with essential moisturizers, leaving it silky and manageable.

Baléa Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner $4.99 710 mL (White Nectarine & Coral Flower)
Infused with the beautiful scents of white nectarine and coral flower, this shampoo will give your hair an ultra boost in volume. Follow with the Volumizing Conditioner for an extra sensory experience.

Baléa Heat Protection Thermal Styling Serum $4.99 150 mL
Specially formulated for all types of hair, this styling serum will protect hair from intense heat damage from thermal styling tools. Spray on towel dried hair before applying heat or for maximum heat protection spray lightly onto sections of dry hair before using a thermal styling tool.

Baléa Body

Baléa Goat’s Milk Soap $4.99 150 g (Fresh Meadow or Fragrance Free)
For centuries, people have been using milk as a cleansing agent. Unlike cow’s milk, goat’s milk is naturally homogenized, offering the full moisturizing effect of everything nature puts into the milk. Therefore goat’s milk is extraordinarily gentle and tender even to the driest of skin. Baléa’s Goat’s Milk Soap will absorb natural enzymes, proteins, vitamins and minerals into the skin and increase moisture levels for healthy, beautiful skin.

Baléa Exfoliating Body Wash $4.99 400 mL (Mandarin)
With natural based moisturizers, this exfoliating body wash is the ultimate body wash for healthy, younger looking skin. Gently exfoliates dull, dry skin. While you lather, the micro encapsulated vitamin technology releases Vitamin E to your skin to help improve skin’s elasticity. For superior emollient and moisturizing benefits, this body wash is enriched with Aloe Vera and Mandarin extracts.

Baléa Invisible Antiperspirant Stick $3.79 45g (White Ginger & Nectarine, Moisturizing or Unscented)
Balea antiperspirant goes on clear and stays that way, so you don’t have to worry about visible marks on your clothing. Choose from the refreshing fragrance of White Ginger & Nectarine, Moisturizing, or Unscented (designed for sensitive skin).

Baléa Clinical Care Antiperspirant $8.99 75 mL
This clinical strength liquid antiperspirant can be used daily for extra effective protection from underarm perspiration. It is both hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.

Baléa Kids

Baléa 2-in-1 Tear Free Shampoo $3.99 300 mL (Rainbow Sherbert)
Specifically formulated to provide improved conditioning for children’s hair, this 2-in-1 shampoo cleanses and conditions dry hair and split ends, leaving hair extra soft and manageable while being gentle on the eyes. Also great for detangling, this ph-balanced kid-friendly shampoo helps to prevent knots and fly-aways. And kids will love the fruity fragrance!

Baléa Shave

Baléa Moisturizing Shave Cream $5.49 150 mL
Designed for women, these sumptuous and moisturizing shave creams promote smooth and touchable skin all year long. Three dermatologist-tested formulas include Nectarine & Yogurt, enriched with nectarine and yogurt extracts, as well as Vitamin A & E and Sensitive (unscented) options.

Baléa Solara Triple Blade Razors $6.49 (Package of 4)
Smooth legs all year long! Pivoting triple-blade disposable razors feature built-in aloe and shea butter for a smooth and close shave every time

Baléa Face

Baléa Facial Cleansing Cloths $8.99 (Package of 30)
Oil and alcohol free, these gentle dual use cleansing cloths are equipped with exfoliating microbeads on one side, while the other side is super soft and perfect for removing make-up.

Baléa 3-in-1 Cleansing Cloths $8.49 (Package of 60)
Suitable for all skin types, these convenient 3-in-1 facial cleansing cloths are both dermatologist tested and ophthalmologist tested. Easy to use, require no rinsing and provide the skin with cleansing toning and moisturizing actions, these cloths can be used in the morning and evening to cleanse the face and remove all impurities.

Baléa Wax Strips for Face & Bikini $5.99 (Regular and Sensitive)
Designed for the delicate skin around the face and bikini area and dermatologist tested, these quick and easy wax strips ensure your skin stays smooth, soft and hair-free for up to four weeks. Post depilatory wipes moisturize the skin while removing any wax residue.

Baléa Lip Balm $2.99 (Marionberry & Honey, Cara Cara & Guava or Acai & Mango)
Soothe, protect and soften dry lips with this moisture-rich lip balm containing shea butter, cocoa butter and Vitamin E to moisturize and condition. Choose from three delicious flavours: Marionberry & Honey, Cara Cara & Guava or Acai & Mango.

Baléa Lip Balm SPF 30 $2.99 (Aloe & Vitamin E)
Moisturize and reinvigorate your dry chapped lips with this moisturizing lip balm that contains Aloe and Vitamin E and helps to protect against exposure to the sun, wind and cold. This lush PABA-free balm provides UVA & UVB broad spectrum SPF 30 protection.

There are hundreds of products to check-out! Kudos to Shopper’s for bringing-in this fabulous, affordable line.

(in photo: Airdrie and Karen at the “Best Of 604″ Awards in 2008)

Thanks also to our new sponsor, GoToMyPC: As secure as online banking. Try it FREE for 30 days.

In addition, in this show, Airdrie reviews:

1. KENZOKI: Marshmallow Mask – available exclusively at KenzoUsa.com

A rich, mellow texture envelops the skin while ingredients cocoa butter, cameline oil and cotton butter go to work to hydrate and repair. The Marshmallow Mask is gentle and lightly scented with rice steam. Inspired by nature, KenzoKi skincare pairs advanced research with four natural elements from Asia to create the ideal balance of performance and pleasure. Four plants, four fragrances, four collections that delight the senses while enhancing the natural beauty of skin.

2. Sebastian Mousse Forte – Strong Hold Mousse for hair.

3. Oscar Blandi Proteine di Jasmine Protein mist for re-styling hair.

Created for restyle, Proteine di Jasmine is a protein mist for refreshing your look the next day. Infused with soy and wheat proteins, this styling aid seals the cuticle. This allows hair to withstand the heat and abuse we subject our hair when using a flat/curling iron or blow dryer so that we can achieve the same look from the initial style.

To use: Spray on dry hair to restyle when using your favorite hot tool or spray on damp hair to detangle and fortify.

Online Shopping Links:

Google Product Search (Froogle) – Find the lowest price online for an item

Red Flag Deals – Great for finding Canadian deals

Retail Me Not – Coupons for all kinds of online shopping sites

TSB Shipping – Company in Point Roberts that can accept packages on your behalf

Overstock – Deals on high-end clothing, cosmetics, etc.

Sears – Major Canadian department store that also does online and catalogue

http://www.sears.ca

Zappos – US site, and a special Canadian site

Well.ca – Canadian online drugstore with free shipping in Canada right now

Song of the Week: “Gray is for Waiting” by Feet of Clay, from the Podsafe Music Network.

The store is located in Oakridge Centre, one of Vancouver’s higher-end malls.

I had the pleasure of attending the media release party this morning, and had a chance to explore all the special features that Murale has to offer.

1. A Benefit Brow Bar – Step up to the Benefit Brow Bar, where a licensed aesthetician will wax, pluck and fill your brows as needed. She will even wax off other facial hair. A fee applies to all these services.

I had a chance to get my brows done, and I was thrilled with the outcome.

2. Beauty Masters – these beauty consultants represent all the brands, and do not play favourites, so you will get what you want in a brand and at a price that works for you. The “beauty masters” all have years of experience in the beauty industry.

3. Skin Analysis – free computerized skin analysis in a private dermatological area. The Beauty Metrix computer will test the skin and recommend products at different price levels. It even recommends vitamins! Come back a month after, and see if your computer readings have changed since using a specific product — love the science!

4. Pharmacist on staff - Murale stores have a pharmacist on staff. Please consult this person to talk about your special needs, pregnancy, drug interactions, or any other cosmetic/pharmaceutical questions.

5. Loads of high-end brands to choose from:

Bare Escentuals, Benefit, Bobbi Brown, CARGO, Chanel, Clinique, Clarins, Cover FX, Estée Lauder, GOSH, Guerlain, Lancôme, L’Oréal Paris, NARS, Smashbox, Shiseido, Stila *NEW, Yves Saint Laurent *NEW, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Balmshell, Fusion Beauty, Lippmann Collection, Darphin, Issey Miyake, Natura Bissé, Caudalie, June Jacobs, Nuxe, qiora, Dr. Hauschka, Kibio, Avène, B.Kamins, Dr. Brandt, Dermaglow, La Roche-Posay, MD Skincare, Murad, NeoStrata, RoC, Vichy, Tanda, Zeno, Rodial. Men’s Skincare: Biotherm Homme, Clarins Men, Clinique Men Lab Series, *NEW Lancôme Men, Shisiedo Men. Plus so much more….including some Murale brands.

We no longer have to go to Holt Renfrew to find Bobbi Brown!

So many beautiful lotions and potions!

6. Shopper’s Optimum Points are accepted and earned at Murale. It almost seems too good to be true. Can you tell I’m excited??

“Murale is a truly unique experience that promises to delight, surprise and inspire everyone to find their own beautiful,” says Shelley Rozenwald, President, Murale. “We’ve travelled the globe to create the finest assortment and we’re thrilled to bring these beauty discoveries and treasures to the Vancouver market.”

In photo: Shelley Rozenwald, President, Murale

The new Canada Line SkyTrain stops right at Oakridge Centre, so people who work downtown can head out there on their lunch hour if they want! There is also plenty of free covered parking if you are driving.

View using QuickTime for your computer, iPod, Zune, iPhone, Apple TV, or other player, or on YouTube if you prefer.

This Week’s Reviews:

1. MAC Greasepaint Stick – great for Halloween, or all year ’round.

A smooth and creamy black eye crayon with an opalescent sparkle finish specially formulated for maximum drama. Easily provides ultra-high-level coverage. Versatile. Use as a soft but intense liner or blend out to create a smoke-like shadow. Long-wearing. Transfer and water-resistant. Limited edition.
1.0 g/0.03 US OZ
CA$21.00

2. MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

A highly effective, dual-purpose, foaming and exfoliating scrub blending natural Volcanic Ash with fine sugar crystals from the islands of Vanuatu. Adds moisture: leaves skin feeling soft and comfortably clean. Mineral-rich. Good for absorbing skin’s natural oils. May be used on any part of face or body. Rinses off with warm water.
100 ML/3.4 US FL
CA$23.50

3. MAC Dazzleglass Creme

Flashing flecks of lustrous glimmer give lips a new kind of high-beam shine, while the balm-effect of the pillow-top comfort creme keeps the supple going and going. For dazzle with absolute comfort, it’s better than brilliant! M∙A∙C cult favourite Dazzleglass with a creamier, smoother, but no less shiny or dazzling effect. For those who are drawn to the luxe of cream lips, but still want the dazzling allure of its inspiration, this is it.

4. Baléa Exfoliating Facial Cleansing Cloths Slowly replacing the “Life Brand” products at Shoppers Drug Mart comes, Baléa, a European inspired line. Their disposable face cloths have a smooth side for eye make-up, and a rough side for the rest of the face. They remove make-up really well, are nice and wet, and do not sting my eyes. These cloths are larger than your average disposable cosmetic removing cloth, and leave my face ready for bed, a final rinse is optional. Available only at Shopper’s Drugmart in Canada.

The new Baléa line is available exclusively at more than 1,160 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores across Canada. The line will boast more than 130 items by the end of 2009, with hundreds more to follow in 2010.

The Balea line includes products for the whole body, including hair care, facial wipes, lip balms, body lotion and foot creams.

Unique ingredient and scent combinations include white ginger and nectarine (deodorant), vanilla and coconut (shampoo), and nectarine and yogurt (shave cream). Balea also aims to add value to everyday items like razors, by offering a triple blade for more effective results and built-in aloe and shea butter for moisturizing, and multi-purpose 3-in-1 cleansing cloths. (source)

5. ChapStick Fresh Effects – This new addition to the trusted ChapStick line is really smooth. I was sent a sample (not available in Canada, yet!) and really like it. Next time you are in the market for a new lip balm, check this out. It leaves a slight shimmer to the lips, and is not at all waxy like traditional ChapStick. ($2.99)

Creamy formulation delivers a cooling, tingling sensation Nourishes for soft, smooth and comfortable lips Contains 13 moisturizing ingredients to keep your lips hydrated Available now in Refreshing Mandarin and Invigorating Green Tea Mint

Links:
Microdermabrasion
Spa Utopia
Jog Tunes Podcast and other resources

Song of the Week:
“Vancouver” by The Hush Now, via Music Alley.

Podcast Awards Nominations

Nominate Lip Gloss and Laptops for a Podcast Award (Health/Fitness and People’s Choice categories). Nominations close Oct. 18, 2009.
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We also have a “silver-fox” Shag Marry Kill, and a great give-away: a one year supply of Always Infinity!

Simply enter your email into the widget below, and enter to win a ONE YEAR SUPPLY of Always Infinity pads (24 boxes, 8 boxes of each absorbency -regular flow, heavy flow and overnight- with 14 pads in each box) Hold on to your hat!

Airdrie’s reviews:

1. Organic Surge Lavender and Geranium Hand Wash and Shower Gel.

Organic Surge loves your skin and feeds it what it craves; naturally-derived, skin-loving ingredients and organic essential oils, certified by the Soil Association. Always looking out for you, it contains no obscure or harsh chemicals for your precious skin to absorb. And just smell their delicious natural fragrances!

We formulate with passion and care to develop products that are better for you and the world around you. Through our charity work, Organic Surge is committed to making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable African orphans.

Organic Surge products are available in Canada exclusively at Shopper’s Drugmart.

2. NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Comfortable Face Cream. Priced at $49, this face cream is an affordable luxury. It’s scent is heavenly, and it is suitable for sensitive skin and children over 36 months! But I wouldn’t let my kids get their hands on this luxurious treat. Try it at Shopper’s Drugmart, or wherever NUXE Paris products are sold.

Jodi’s Reviews:

1. Olay Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention

2. TIGI Catwalk Headshot Heavenly Hydrating Shampoo and Headshot Reconstructive Intense Conditioner.Great for curly hair.

3. L’ANZA Leave-in Color Preserving Trauma Treatment

4. Redken Ringlet 07 Curl Perfector

5. Benefit Honey… Snap Out of It face scrub.

__________________________________________________
This week we honour the gray haired men we love with a special “silver fox” Shag, Marry, Kill:
Eric Dane (“Dr. Mark Sloan” on Grey’s Anatomy), Anderson Cooper (CNN) and John Slattery (“Roger Sterling” on Mad Men)

__________________________________________________
Reality Check: Mark Fast creates more debate about the place Plus Sized models have on the runway!

Song of the Week

“Even Though” by Jodie, courtesy of Music Alley.

GOING. GOING. GONE
Five sensational prizes at launch and an additional 5 revealed throughout the auction.

CHÉRIE DIVA
Live a day in the life of Miss Dior Chérie just like the commercial! Prize includes business class airfare, two nights at a luxurious Parisian hotel, a bike tour of Paris, lunch at a famous patisserie, a chauffeured tour of the sites and much more!
PROFESSIONAL DIVA
Give your beauty career a boost with a one-month marketing internship at Dior Beauty!
ESCAPE DIVA
Escape to the picturesque countryside with a tour of the award- winning Unionville Winery, an 8-course dinner prepared by a local chef, and a night at the quaint Inn at Lambertville Station.
PREVIEW DIVA
Receive previews of our fabulous makeup, skincare and fragrance launches each season for an entire year!
RED CARPET DIVA
Experience the ultimate night out at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards! We’ll fly you and a guest to LA for the big event and make sure you look your best with a makeover by a professional Dior Artist!

100% OF THE PROCEEDS BENEFIT LOOK GOOD…FEEL BETTER
An organization that empowers women to deal succesfully with the appearance related effects of cancer and its treatment. Look Good…Feel Better is celebrating their 20th Anniversary so help us raise more than ever before! Learn more about this terrific organization at www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org and www.lgfb.ca.

THE BIDDING IS EASY AND FUN AND THE AUCTION SUPPORTS A GREAT CAUSE!
Effective now, visit www.diorauction.com for a sneak peek of the prizes and the auction details. Only Dior Divas can bid so make sure to sign up while you are there. When the auction goes live on 10/1, all Divas will receive an email inviting them to register for the auction and create their own login and password so they can view full prize information and bid!

ABOUT THE DIOR DIVA VIP CLUB
Trendy. Sophisticated. Savvy. Always in the know. That’s the Dior Diva. The Dior Diva VIP Club rewards the super-devoted Dior Beauty customer by taking her shopping experience to the next level. Divas receive the latest insider beauty buzz via members-only emails, special offers, and the best perk of all: shopping reward points! To date, there are 90,000 members in the US and Canada.

We will be announcing the additional prizes on Facebook and Twitter so be sure to join our social media networks!
www.facebook.com/Dior
www.twitter.com/TheDiorDiva

This week’s guest host is Jamie Sanford (twitter @jamiesanford), one of L&L’s original listeners. Jamie talks about her love of eyeliner, Nine Inch Nails, and Bare Minerals make-up. Jamie lives in New Jersey, and we recorded this podcast using Skype.

This week we review the following products:

Tarte “green siren” limited-edition natural cheek stain

With the purchase of every tarte green siren natural cheek stain, you’ll be supporting Sambazon’s Sustainable Acai Project (SAP), a member of the Fair Trade Federation, which helps to preserve the Amazon Rainforest through conservation, improved living conditions and educational opportunities for communities in Brazil.

The tarte t5 super fruit complex™ is a proprietary blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, acai, maracuja, acerola and pomegranate. The first blend of its kind, the t5 super fruit complex™ is loaded with naturally occurring, antioxidant rich nutrients and vitamins that have been known to deliver refining, anti-aging and skin-restorative benefits with each application.

Benefit CORALista Blush, for a tropical flush

Wet ‘n Wild MegaEyes Creme Eyeliner

BareMinerals line of mineral makeup – Jamie’s pic for best foundation.

Links:

Mario Badescu skin care line.
Mario Badescu in Canada.
Couch to 5K resources, including links to the iPhone app. and podcast.
University of Pheonix.
Spark People.
Weight Watcher’s Online.

Congratulations Amy L, from California, for winning the MAC Fall Colours Draw! Enjoy your new look!
In our next episode I will be announcing our October draw for a year’s supply of Always Infinity pads.

Song of the Week

Melou
“The Wrong Way” (mp3)
from “Battery Park”
(Whatabout Music)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks
Buy at mTraks
More On This Album

This week we review the following:

Yes to Cucumbers- facial hydrating lotion

Sephora brand NAILS nail polish remover Acetone free, contains vitamin E and Macadamia Nut oil. This stuff is FABULOUS!

Revlon Double Twist mascara Clumpy and difficult to use, but the end result is good. Available in “Blackest Black,” my choice. A mixed review.

MAC cosmetics fall offerings, including a High Definition line, dramatic new false lashes, and nail polish colours inspired for fashion week ’09.

Beauty Apps for your iPhone:
1. Lookz (free version is “Lookz Lite”) teaches you how to make trendy eye make-up looks with simple step by step video instructions.

2. Hairstyle Lite — the free version of this cool application gives you six different hairstyles that you can put right onto a picture of your own face. This application was developed by the makers of the website The Hairstyler.com.

Reality Check: 180lb “Plus Size” model poses nude for Glamour Magazine, shows a little tummy, creates some controversy. Talk amongst yourselves. link

Song of the Week:

“Farewell” by Amelia, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network

Q&A with Lana Horochowski
Mad Men, Makeup Department Head

Q: You’re the new department head at Mad Men for Season 3, will you be making any changes to any characters makeup?

A: Since we are moving a little forward into the future, we have changed up the color palette for each character to go along with the time period.

Q: When you were preparing for this season, did you do any research for inspiration? If so, what most inspired you?

A: Weeks and weeks of meetings and research. I love looking through the old magazines. They are a great reference and a huge source of inspiration; however, we do try to keep the characters looking like real people that do their own makeup and not like movie stars with a makeup artist standing by. Magazines and old movies are a great guideline for a basic look and color selection.

Q: How would you describe the looks of each one of the characters? How do they differ?

A: Joan Holloway- always put together, very sassy and sexy

Betty Draper- although she is a housewife she is an ex model, so her makeup is clean but very current for the period

Peggy Olson- Peggy is a young and fresh faced business woman of that period, she is a very clean natural makeup

Q: What are your key products for creating the makeup looks for the main female characters?

A: Joan Holloway- We do a heavier eye on Christina, so the key products would be eyeliner and strip lashes.

Betty Draper- Betty has 2 distinct looks, her at home look and her going out/evening look. For home she is very natural, basically a sheer foundation, think black eyeliner and mascara. Evening Betty goes a little thicker on the liner and a brighter lipstick, but aalways coordinated with her clothing.

Peggy Olson- Since the key to Peggy’s look is to appear as though she is wearing no makeup, a great foundation is super important. Also, a natural cheek and lip stain is applied to give her a little color.

Q: What are your favorite M·A·C products for each character?

A: Joan Holloway- Cream Colour Base in Virgin Isle, Fluidline in Blacktrack and Rich Ground, brown and black, and Eye Shadow in Soft Brown.

Betty Draper- Cream Colour Base in Virgin Isle, Blushcreme in Posey, and Lipsticks in Vegas Volt, Lip Pencil in Redd and Cherry

Peggy Olson- Eye Shadow in Orb, Vanilla, and Soft Brown and Blot Powder

Q: Everyone always notices the lips on the show, but brows seem to play a very important part to the look. Can you talk about the brows on the show?

A: Women of the 60′s had a stricter code of style and etiquette, so people tended to follow the trends closer to the book. Nowadays, women have a variety of different brow styles so we are constantly tweezing, shaping, and filling the brows to recreate the look of the period.

Q: Each character has the most perfect lashes framing her eyes. What are your favorite lashes to use to get that perfectly plump line of lashes?

A: We love the M·A·C individual lashes as well as the traditional strip lashes.

Q: Do you collaborate with the hair and costume departments when coming up with a look?

A: Absolutely! We have at least 3 meetings per episode to create the look as a unit. I could not do this show without Lucia Mace (hair), Janie Bryant (costumes), and my fabulous key Ron Pipes!

Q: There seems to be a lot of making out on the show, how many times do you have to redo those red lips? Does it get messy?

A: We do what we can to seal the lip color, but we still have to go in every take to perform a minor clean up.

Q: What can real women take away from the show’s look and incorporate into their everyday look?

A: Well, a great start would be lining the top lash line only with a gel liner like M·A·C Fluidline. We love this product for recreating the perfect 60′s eye. Also, replacing gloss and sheer or shimmer lipsticks with matte reds, bright pinks, and corals help create a more retro look. Lastly, instead of a powder blush try using creme in pinks and corals to create a flushed looking cheek. For evening, strip lashes are always a bonus.

ENTER our Fall Give-Away! Simply enter your name and email in the widget below. The contest will run for two weeks and is open to Canadian and American residents. We are giving away eight full size MAC cosmetic products, all in earthy fall colours ($172CDN value)

Reviews:

Poo Pourri

Poo-pourri is made from all natrual essential oils. When used before a bowel movement by simply spritzing into the toilet, poo-pourri creates a boundary on the top layer of the toilet water. This boundary prevents odors from ever leaving the toilet creating a much more pleasant bathroom experience for you and anyone around.

ecoTOOLS has branched-out from simply making beauty brushes and tools. Their new line for Bath and Body is now available at Walgreen’s stores in the USA. My favourite is the Blooming Planet Body Mist ($7.99 US.) The entire collection is 98% from nature, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and cruelty-free.

Olay Complete Ageless: Eye Brightening Cream and Skin Renewing UV lotion

Links:
Gnomedex Conference
Blame Drew’s Cancer
Air’s blog
Derek’s blog
_____________________________________________________________________
Discomind
“Disco vs Rock” (mp3)
from “The Fresh Turnout”
(Motema Music)

Buy at Rhapsody
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at appliedSB (Groupietunes)
More On This Album

Airdrie and Gnomedex founder Chris Pirillo (photo: penmachine)

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Gloss Stick

Clinique Airbrush Concealer

We review two scents by Kenzo: Kenzo Amour Eau de Toilette Florale(pictured below left) and Flower By Kenzo (pictured below right). Both are beautiful fragrances. To hear what Kenzo and Mr. Bubble has in common, you have to listen to the podcast!

(photo credit: Derek K. Miller)

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Conditioner

Aveda Energizing Body Cleanser

Certain-Dri Anti-Perspirant

Links

Sam Roberts Band
Benton Brothers Fine Cheese
Goat’s Pride Dairy Abbotsford
Salt Tasting Room, Blood Alley, Vancouver
Vinocamp/Cheese Camp Vancouver

Song of the Week

“Gut Bucket” by James Brown (yes, that James Brown), courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network.

HAIR
Readers’ Picks:
Best Shampoo: Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Shampoo, $4
Best Conditioner: Pantene Pro-V Ice Shine Conditioner, $4
Best At-Home Hair Color: L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Haircolour, $10
Best Styling Product: Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother, $24
Experts’ Picks:
Best Curl Enhancing/Shaping Product: Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Crème, $27
Best Straightening Product: Phyto Phytodefrisant, $26
Best Combination Product: Nexxus Dualiste Color Protection + Volume Shampoo and Conditioner, $12 and $16
Editors’ Picks:
Best Mineral Shampoo and Conditioner: L’Oreal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner, $7 each
Best Heat Styling Product: Dove Heat Defense Therapy Mist, $4
Best Frizz Fighter: TRESemme Simply No Frizz Spray Gell, $5

BODY
Readers’ Picks:
Best Body Lotion: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $6
Best Body Scrub/Shower Gel: Dove Boyd Washes with Nutrium Moisture, $4
Best Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30, $9
Best Fragrance: Ralph Lauren Romance, $55
Best Men’s Fragrance: Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio, $52.50 for 1.7 fl oz
Experts’ Pick:
Best Self-Tanner for Body: Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream. $42
Editors’ Picks:
Best Deoderant: Secret Smooth Effects, $4
Sexiest New Fragrance: Estee Lauder Sensuous Parfum, $95 for o.25 oz

MAKEUP

Readers’ Picks:
Best Eyeliner: CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Pencil, $6
Best Eye Shadow: MAC Eye Shadow in Shroom, $15
Best Mascara: Maybelline New York Great Lash in Blackest Black, $6
Best Lipstick: Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $14
Best Lip Balm: Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm, $3
Best Lip Gloss: MAC Lipgloss in Viva Glam VI, $14
Best Nail Polish: OPI nail lacquer in Lincoln Park After Dark, $9
Best Blush: NARS Orgasm Blush, $25
Best Foundation: Clinique Almost Makeup SPF 15, $20.50
Best Concealer: CoverGirl Invisible Concealer, $5
Experts’ Picks:
Best Makeup Remover: Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil, $65
Best Lip-Liner: Nars Lip Liner Pencils, $20
Best Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder, $50
Best Pressed Powder: Chantecaille Compact Makeup Powder Foundation, $58
Best Shadow Palette: Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palette, $56
Editors’ Picks:
Best Nail Care Collection: Sally Hansen Quick Care Nail Treatment Pens, $10 each
Best Volumizing Mascara: Max Factor 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper, $10
Best Brow-Grooming Aid: Revlon Pre/Post Tweezing Cream, $6

Check out the full article, which includes WH’s FACE category.

1. Scent Review: “Pure Grace” by Philosophy

A lighter, softer, crisper interpretation of the original Amazing Grace fragrance, Pure Grace is a clean, transparent blend of fresh blossoms and cool greens, laced with sensual, frosty musk.

Notes:
Bergamot, Water Lily, Lavender, Jasmine, Cool Greens, Musk.

Find this fabulous “soap and water” scent wherever Philosophy products are sold. Sephora has some great custom sizes available, like the $20 CDN 0.5oz spray bottle that Airdrie picked-up at the new Sephora Coquitlam Centre.

2. Lush: Sympathy for the Skin

“Vanilla-almond custard soothes thirsty, angry skin”
At first glance, Sympathy for the Skin lotion looks like vanilla bean custard. Slather it on and your body heat reacts with the vanilla to release delicate wafts of sandalwood and subtle undertones of almond. Substantial but not greasy, Sympathy replenishes parched, weathered skin to a state of glorious touch-ability with almost edible ease.

3. Bumble and Bumble: Creme de Coco Shampoo and Conditioner (craptacular!), Styling Creme, and the best product I’ve ever tried for my wavy hair: Grooming Creme (Fantastic!). If you buy this product at Amazon.com, you will be supporting our programming here at Lip Gloss and Laptops! In fact, if you click the link below (or above header) and buy anything on Amazon.com, we receive up to 15% of the purchase price. There are often some great deals to be found on Amazon.com. We never recommend a product without first testing it. You can trust our reviews…. any money we make goes directly towards helping us pay for bandwidth and prizes for you!

4. Sebastian Professional Products

Sebastian Trilliant Thermal Protection and Shimmer Complex

5. ChapStick True Shimmer

6. MAC Colour Craft

7. MAC Love That Look

8. Beverage review: NEW Tetley Infusions liquid tea mix.

“Tetley Infusions is an exciting new format that makes it more convenient for Canadians to rehydrate and enjoy naturally sweetened green, white and classic teas whenever and wherever they like,” says Ms. Faris of the brand that introduced Canada’s first and only, all-natural, ready-to-drink, real-brewed iced teas in 2008. “Ideal for savouring at home, on-the-go, at the office or as a splash of flavour in your favourite recipe, new Tetley Infusions are light weight and portable.”

Tetley Infusions comes in a box of six 30 ml sachets, for $3.99 MSRP, and will be found next to the flavoured crystals at most grocery stores across Canada.

Links

The Actor’s Diet
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA+++

Music

• Theme: “Pour elles qui sont belles” by 3 of cups (used by permission)
• Feature song: “Hello” by The Cat Empire (used by permission of Indica Records)

The BC Cancer Agency is the hospital that has been treating Derek for the last two and a half years as he battles stage 4 colo-rectal cancer. I am happy to report that Derek is now responding to treatment! A trial drug called “Cediranib” has stopped the growth of his lung metastases. This is a huge deal! If it were not for the cutting edge research taking place at the BC Cancer Agency, he would not have had a chance to try this medication. Patients from all over BC are coming to the BC Cancer Agency for life-saving medications, free of charge, as always. The findings of the research can be applied to patients all over Canada, and the world. It’s a good place.

Pictured: Raul Pacheco, Derek and Airdrie Miller (photo credit: Raul P.)

The NEW Sephora store in Pacific Centre, Vancouver (see full post)

We preview the soon to be released AVEDA Green Science Perfecting Cleanser($44.50 CDN) and Replenishing Toner($50 CDN) (in stores August 30, 2009)

AG Sterling Silver Toning Shampoo and Conditioner

Sephora Matifying Compact Foundation ($24 CDN)

Christian Dior DiorShow Mascara

Olay Daily Facials Deep Cleansing Cloths for Oily/Combination Skin

Ion Crystal Clarifying Treatment

Perfumes

Marc Jacobs Daisy
Kenzo Amour

Links

Moon (movie)

Song of the Week

“5th of July” by Hotspur, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network.

Kerry Anne and I had a chance to visit the new store for a sneak peek tonight. The Champagne was flowing (Luis Vuitton Moet Hennessey “LVMH” Corporation owns Sephora) and the lip gloss was flying off the racks as we were all treated to a $50 shopping card. Sephora PRO Beauty Team experts were flown in from Toronto and Calgary to give make-overs. The Vancouver Sephora Team was also present in full uniform, ready to help us. Here are a selection of photos from the evening.
Finally, we get to have Sephora Brand products available locally.
Sephora Canada VP Marie-Christine Marchives being interviewed by eTalk Daily.
Zabrina models the Sephora Vancouver uniform.
Local celebrity Fiona Forbes, co-host of Urban Rush, celebrates the Sephora Vancouver store opening.
Carly Rae Jepsen, of Canadian Idol fame, performed her hit Tug of War (“Don’t Go Out With The Boys Tonight“).

Sephora also opens in Coquitlam Centre tomorrow, July 10, and the Metrotown location in Burnaby opens in October.

Gillette has a cute video on YouTube to demonstrate proper male grooming. I think it’s kind of cute.

Men are free to get their nether-regions waxed as well. Be sure to request a skilled “brazilian” waxer when you call the salon. Not all salons will cater to the male privates.

Summer is here, so be sure to load-up on razors. My go-to product is the Gillette Venus Embrace 5-Blade.

I’ve had a great run doing that show for the past two and a half years from the little basement studio, my living room, the road, hotel rooms, Vegas, Lynnwood, (heh heh) the list goes on. As Air says, it’s a great body of work that I should feel proud of, and I do. I’m also proud to have shared the mic with such a wonderful co-host, and made so many amazing and wonderful connections from our listeners all over the world, and right here in our backyard. Many of you I will continue to keep in touch with via email and these lovely little social networking sites. I’m sorry if my departure disappoints you guys.

Airdrie and I will continue to record this summer, bringing some kick ass shows to ya’ll, and the blog will go on…providing our readers with product reviews and all the other interesting things Air can cook up. I am hoping that Airdrie continues the podcast in some shape or form, even though one of the greatest things about it was our collaboration on it. I know she’ll have people lining up to be on the show with her, and there is so much wonderful west coast talent here. Maybe I can do the odd guest spot, like the Christmas Special, wearing a special Christmas sweater, but for now, I need to concentrate on some life balance and getting my ass into grad school.

As we discussed on the podcast this week, we’d love to hear any feedback from our listeners as to how you’d like to see the show go if Air does continue. I know how much she enjoys doing the show and values our community of listeners. Brainstorming welcome. When a door closes, a window opens, and there is much potential for L&L. I just don’t have the time to give it the attention it deserves.

Thank you so much to all of you who have supported our show. It’s been a slice.

EOS Organic Lip Balm Sphere and Tube

MAC Style Warrior

Aveda Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener

Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

Links

Shag, Marry, Kill from The Hangover movie
Canadian Beauty – Check out this great Canadian Beauty Blog!

Reality Check: Retinol VS Retin-A, buyer beware!

Song of the Week
Fugato
“I’m Sorry You Feel That Way” (mp3)
from “The Stash”
(Sandbar Music)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks
Buy at Amazon MP3
Buy at appliedSB / Groupietunes
Buy at mTraks
More On This Album

Listen to our Podcast here, or subscribe in iTunes and load us on your MP3 player.

Airdrie’s Reviews:

Dr. Denese Glow Younger Clear Self Tanner for Face & Body

(watch for Dr. Denese on QVC in the USA)

MAC Naked Honey Skin Salve: A must have! Go buy it before it disappears.

Formulated from organic beeswax, sunflower oil and other natural ingredients, this rich honey-scented and flavoured salve instantly moisturizes and helps recondition dry skin. Multi-purpose. Use everywhere. Limited edition.($22.50 CDN)

Avène Trixéra+ Sélectiose® Emollient Cream: Daily skin care cream for very dry, atopic skin conditions that nourishes, restores the skin barrier, soothes irritation and reduces skin hypersensitivity.

Maybelline Define-A-Lash® Washable Lengthening Mascara (Green Tube!) – A great day-wear drugstore mascara. Airdrie loves it.

This zero clump mascara creates stunning length with clean definition.

* Ophthalmologist tested, Contact lens safe
* Washable; also available in waterproof formula

Tassimo: The Art of the Perfect Cup Derek and I love our Tassimo Coffee Machine. Consider this as a great purchase for your dad or husband this Father’s Day!

Kerry Anne’s Reviews:

Vichy Lumineuse Sheer Tinted Moisturizer

bliss fatgirlslim

Links:

ShopSmart Magazine
Cuchini

Music:

• Theme music: “Pour elles qui sont belles” by 3 of cups (used by permission)
• Song of the week: “The Car Song” by The Cat Empire (used by permission of Indica Records)
  

Here are some photos, taken in chronological order.

Angry Face: before

Angry Face: one week after botox

Angry Face: is gone at 3 weeks after botox

Eyebrow lift: achieved with botox

One last shot: I’m in love with my eye-brows

If you have any questions about my Botox treatment, please leave a comment or send me an email.

Please note that I did not receive any payment for this review. I had to cough-up the whole $370 myself, and my motivations for getting Botox are purely personal. I just wanted to share the experience with my Lip Gloss and Laptops community because we talk about cosmetic procedures so often in our Reality Check segment of the show.

Listen to our Podcast here, or subscribe in iTunes and load us on your MP3 player.

Kerry Anne’s Reviews

bliss super minty soap n’ scrub is amazing!

Smashbox

KA has been testing a few products from Sephora’s Smashbox Master’s Class Vol. 4 Rescue Beauty, including the Illuminating Serum, Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light (oil-free), Photo Op Undereye Brightener and the O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color. The Illuminating Serum is really the standout in this collection for me, and it is only available in this kit. Here’s hoping that Smashbox eventually offers this product for individual sale.

Airdrie Reviews:

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy Truly Translucent Loose Powder

L’Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Technology Mascara

Coppertone NutraShield Sunscreen Lotion with Dual Defense

Lise Watier SUN SMART Universal UV Shield with “Sensational Touch”, SPF 30.

Other Links:

Olympus Spa
Ulta
Dr. Denese

Reality Check

Confused by SPFs? Take a Number via NYT

Song of the Week

Derek Miller
(No, not Airdrie’s husband—this is a different Derek Miller, but he’s also Canadian.)
“Stormy Eyes” (mp3)
from “The Dirty Looks”
(Arbor Records Ltd.)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks
Buy at Amazon MP3
Buy at appliedSB / Groupietunes
Buy at mTraks
More On This Album

If you like the fresh scent of Tea Rose, you will love this scent! Go try it before you buy it. See how it lingers on your body. Everyone’s body chemistry is different, and that is why it is crucial that you wear a scent for a few hours before you buy it. “A Rose Romance” is a fresh morning scent, and would be a great addition to any scent wardrobe. It would also make a great gift for a teenage girl.

It is one week after my Botox cosmetic treatment. I received 31 units of botox between my eye brows, and three on either side of my outer brow. As you can see, the furrows in my brow are slightly improved. I am making an “angry face” in both pictures… I look less angry in the “after” photo.

Was this worth $370? I’m not sure yet. I will go back in two weeks for a follow-up. I may need a few extra units to help further ease the tough muscles. Time will tell. I’ll keep you posted.

Daisy Fuentes Style Pro Voluminous Curls & Waves Shampoo and Conditioner – Available in the USA at drugstores.

Flora by Gucci

Crazylibellule and the Poppies Shanghaijava Musc & Patchouli – Solid Perfume, exclusively at Sephora

Airdrie incorporated Botox into her mid-life crisis this week. Don’t tell anyone! Just kidding. Listen to the show for all the details about her experience with botox. Next show she’ll have an update, too. Botox takes a few weeks to have full effect…. Vancouver Anti-Aging Clinic

Kerry Anne reviews:

Sephora Professionnel Platinum Air Brush #55. I love it. It’s great for applying liquid foundation.

Sephora FACE 30 Waterproof Eye Makeup Removing Pads

Josie Maran Cosmetics Mascara

Our guest host, Raul Pacheco, Social Media Enthusiast and Chief Content Creator of hummingbird604.com, reviews 3 colognes and a concealer by Billie cosmetics.

Raul reviews:

La Nuit de L’Homme by Yves St. Laurent – find his excellent review here

Kenzo Power

Kenzo Tokyo

Book Recommendation: A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Blog of note: Monique Trottier “So Misguided”

Song of the Week

“Badman” by Homespun, from the Podsafe Music Network.

1. MAC Cosmetics “A Rose Romance” collection. Pictured is one of our favourites from their new Summer line, See Thru Lip Colour, a sheer, lightweight gel lipstain.

2. Nude Skin Care

• Miracle Mask
• Replenishing Night Oil

3. Ole Henriksen Micro Mini Peel System (about Ole)

4. Aveda Sun Care Line reviewed by Casual Lavish

5. La Mer Body Refiner

6. Biosculpture Gel Nails

7. Halle Berry scent by Coty Prestige – we preview this new scent and talk about the notes.

8. Products from Urban Decay – Kerry Anne especially likes the 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil, 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, and the Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Other Links:

Spa at the Madison – Day Spa in Burnaby, BC.
Movies: State of Play
I Love You, Man
Beauty Night

Song of the Week

Coltrane Motion
“They Can’t Mic The Deep End” (mp3)
from “Songs About Music”
(Datawaslost)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks
Buy at Amazon MP3
Buy at appliedSB / Groupietunes
Buy at mTraks
More On This Album

Thanks to everyone for entering!

Our friend Henna over at the Canadian Beauty blog is hosting her very own AVEDA draw this week. She will be taking entries for the next week, so go on over there and enter her contest, too!

Thanks so much to our friends at AVEDA for providing us with such great prizes for Earth Day.

Each prize contains the following full-sized products:

Aveda Limited Edition Light the Way Earth Month Candle
Aveda Calming Body Cleanser 250 ml
Aveda Replenishing Body Moisturizer 250 ml
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque 125 ml
Aveda Pure Abundance™ Volumizing Shampoo 500 ml
Aveda Pure Abundance™ Volumizing Clay Conditioner 200 ml
Packaged in the new Aveda Tote Bag (made from 80% recycled cotton/20% recycled PET)

This contest is for CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY.

Enter before MIDNIGHT on Earth Day (Pacific Time)
Tell your friends!

Keep your eyes open for the limited edition Aveda soy wax candle sold during the month of April in honor of Earth Month to raise funds and awareness for clean water rights across the globe. This year’s candle, timed for Aveda’s 30th anniversary, features a new, French-inspired stress-relieving aroma exclusively comprised of EcoCert certified organic ingredients, including lavender, lavandin and clary sage. The candle provides a meaningful way to support clean water rights for only $12.

• 100% of proceeds support Aveda’s Earth Month partner, Global Greengrants Fund, who provides grants for community-based water projects around the world
• By purchasing a Light the Way™ candle, consumers will help Aveda donate a total of $1,000,000 for clean water projects around the globe
• All aroma ingredients are EcoCert certified organic.
• Burn time: up to 30 hours.

Today I had the pleasure of meeting the vice-president of Sephora Canada, Marie-Christine Marchives. She and her team have flown-in from Montreal to set-up three Sephora stores in Metro Vancouver. We learned all about it at an intimate media-only event: a four course lunch in the Velvet Room at Elixir, located in the Opus Hotel in Yaletown.

I had a chance to make some great connections with other Vancouver beauty editors, and the loot bags were full of great products that will be available at Sephora! We will be reviewing them in the months to come.

It will be like Christmas in July when the first stores open in Pacific Centre and Coquitlam Centre simultaneously on July 10, 2009. The third location will open in October, 2009, at Metropolis at Metrotown Centre. Hello!

I’m just a little excited. Can you tell?

Our reviews:

New Always Infinity Pads — hold up to 10X their weight, and that’s a good thing. Check them out online, and sign up to get a free sample!

Airdrie’s favourite eye shadow quad from MAC was sold under the name “Smoking Eyes 4″ and is now discontinued, but you can build your own collection using similar colours to match your skin tone. Smoking Eyes 4 contained these four colours, some of which are still available — ask your MAC salesperson:

Next To Nothing (Frost) – apply with MAC brush #239 all over and use to high-lite under brow

Satin Taupe (Frost) – apply with MAC brush # 219 to eyelid **still available online

Smoking (Velvet) – dark black to add for a night time look

Showstopper (Matte) – apply with MAC brush # 266 (angled eyeliner)

Shadows in above list appear clockwise from top left corner in image here:

New** Clean and Clear Soothing Eye Make-up Remover, Make-up Dissolving Foaming Cleanser, and Make-up Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes. Airdrie will be taking the wipes on her trip to Virginia next month — they are great for traveling as you can pack them in your carry-on bag without a hassle from security.

The Body Shop Wild Cherry Line

Staying Alive Campaign, “Yes Yes Yes to Safe Sex” Berry Lip Butter from the Body Shop ($5 of each $8 purchase price goes to support the Staying Alive Campaign.

Links:

Our friend Raul – hummingbird604

Song of the Week

Bob Marley & The Wailers
“Soul Shakedown Party” (mp3)
from “Roots, Rock, Remixed”
(rockr / Quango / Tuff Gong)

Buy at Quango
Buy at Amazon.com
More On This Album

That’s a lot of hair! In fact, it’s enough to:

Stretch beyond the height of 66 Empire State Buildings!

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge nearly 10 times!

And most importantly…it’s enough to help thousands of women get back something that cancer has taken from them and help them fight this devastating illness.

Pantene would like to thank the survivors, communities, families, schools and you for supporting this wonderful cause.