Smith's Rosebud Salve ... love!

All of us women love a product that can be used for more than just one thing. A multi-tasking product if you will. And Smith’s Rosebud Salve is exactly that. This must-have gem has been around for over a 100 years and is famous among Hollywood stars and makeup artists for many reasons! Rosebud Salve is a diverse, all purpose skin preparation that can be used for pretty much anything imaginable. It can be used to soothe chapped lips, it can be mixed with a lipstick for extra sheen, it will help relieve dry skin and/or burns, excellent eye shadow base, moisturizes dry cuticles, dry elbows and knees, great for diaper rash, blemishes … it can tame unruly eyebrow hairs and even calm frizzy hair. If that’s not multi-tasking I don’t know what is! Another great thing about Smith’s Rosebud Salve is, that a little dab will go a long way. I have had my 0.8 oz tin for over a year and still have plenty to go. Impressive! You can find Smith’s Rosebud Salve along with other products from their line at any Sephora for under $10.00 or if you live in the Vancouver area … one of my fav spots to shop, Beauty Mark in Yaletown (where by the way they also carry the NEW 15ml Rosebud tube) also for under $10.00. Check them out at www.beautymark.ca

Big, bad, beautiful brows!

Eyebrows are a very important and distinctive feature on one’s face that should not be forgotten. A perfectly shaped brow that is well groomed and polished, can accomplish so much. They can make the eyes appear more open & awake … they frame the eyes & face … and they can actually make one look older or younger than they really are. This season big is better!! The fuller the brow … the younger the look and the thinner the brow … well the older you will look. (put the tweezers down ladies). Consider this helpful hint… take a pencil or a slim makeup brush and hold it vertically from the side of your nose, to the inner corner of your eye. This is where your eyebrow should start. With the pencil/brush still at the side of your nose, shift it over so it is now in a straight line with your pupil. This is approximately where your arch should take place. And to know where your brow should end … keep the pencil at the side of your nose, but have it meet the outer corner of your eye. With these simple measurements, anyone can be off to a good start! Let’s take a look at some of the best brows in the biz shall we!!?

Mixing prints & patterns ... without a stylist

Mixing prints and patterns can seem a little scary and overwhelming at first, but with these few hints and tips to keep in mind … you shall succeed. After all, if the runway models can make it work … so can you!

-First you want to find pieces that have a common colour scheme or feel. (colour family)

-Second, keep in mind the type of prints and pattern you want to mix. Try and avoid mixing 2 or more BOLD patterns. You don’t want them to compete against each other … you want them to complement.

-Third … some patterns are considered neutrals. Leopard print and tweed are classics and fall in the neutral zone.

-Forth … mixing not only prints and patterns, but textures too. (Silk, cotton, wool, tweed, lace etc etc.)

And last but not least … distance can be good. Use accessories to break patterns up (ie. A solid belt on the waist, breaking up top and bottom)

Jewelry 101

Jewelry is an easy, inexpensive way to jazz up any “tired” wardrobe. The hard part sometimes is knowing what you should wear with what … and how much is too much. I always recommend choosing a couple … (bracelets & earrings or necklace & bracelets or big earrings & chunky ring … etc etc … ) bold, statement pieces that have the same sort of feel or vibe. For example … I’m probably not going to mix a Tiffany’s diamond necklace with a stack of boho, beaded friendship bracelets. Got it?


The term “less is more” doesn’t always apply when is comes to accessorizing either. An armful of chunky bracelets and big earrings can look super fab and chic, but know when to stop. You don't want to look too cluttered and appear as some sort of walking jewelry box. Also try mixing old with new … and silver with gold … you will be surprised at how stunning the results can be! See for yourself …

Best and Worst Dressed at the 2010 VMA's

MTV's 2010 Video Music Awards took place last night ... And I’d be lying if I said I watched only for the music. To be honest … I really only tuned in to see all the fashion and glamour. There were a few hits this year, but in my eyes more misses. Ouch … no good. First let’s take a peek at the ladies who got it right …

The HOT List:

Twillight star Ashley Greene looked gorgeous and timeless in a black and white, strapless mini from Giambattista Valli. With a touch of lace detailing, jeweled cuff and Jimmy Choo black pumps … her completed look was perfect!

Actress Emma Stone wore a sexy and edgy Pucci leather dress last night and looked amazing! She kept it simple and straightforward and let the dress do the talking. Her overall look was completed with Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and barely there jewelry from Kara Ackerman Designs and Dana Rebecca Designs. Stunning!

Looking absolutely fab in purple was Rosario Dawson. Her strapless dress had just the right amount of shine and I really liked how she wasn’t afraid to play with colour. She finished her look with a pair of beautiful dark teal pumps, diamond drop earrings/bracelet … and even pulled off the perfect red pout. Love it.

Now onto the …

NOT so hot List:

I love her and she is crazy talented and confident … but Lady Gaga’s “Meat Dress” was a definite miss. She is known for changing her outfits throughout the show numerous times … and although she never disappointed, this was my least favorite … sorry Gaga … you’re still amazing!

Jersey Shore star (if you would call her that) Snooki struck out big time. This one-piece, hip hugging … awful to look at dress shouldn’t even be used as a table cloth! Her over done orange tan and pale pink lipstick was not helping her out either. Yikes!

The always out there Katy Perry looked like she belonged on the ice rink doing figure 8’s. I love her soft pink makeup (points for her there) but the “costume” along with blue and pink streaks in her hair was not working. Maybe next time … ?

NYC Fashion's Night Out!

If there was ever a time to be in the always buzzing New York City, the time would be right now! This Friday September 10, 2010 FASHION’S NIGHT OUT is back and back for one night only. From 6pm to 11pm ... hundreds of stores will be open late allowing shoppers to “shop until they drop” ... and experience one-of-a-kind in store events all while rubbing shoulders with top designers, models, celebrities and fashion editors. FNO was created to celebrate everything fashion, help an industry that many of us are so fond of ... and simply put the fun back in shopping! Cities across the globe are also participating in this special day by hosting and coordinating their own events.
Retailers will also be selling FASHION’S NIGHT OUT short sleeved cotton t-shirts, long sleeved t-shirts, tanks and hoodies ... where 40% of proceeds raised will be donated to the New York City AIDS Fund in The New York Community Trust. For those of us who unfortunately won’t be at fashion’s biggest party (tear) ... all merchandise and more information can be found online at http://www.fashionsnightout.com/.
And don’t forget to tune in on September 14th at 10pm on CBS for all the behind the scenes footage of putting FNO together!

Kate's Amazing 8

Actress and style icon Kate Bosworth definitely has a look of her own. She keeps it super casual, yet funky through the day … but isn’t afraid to turn up the heat when the time is right! She always seems to be on point when it comes to knowing serious trends and how to pull them off. Here is a look at what I’m calling “Kate’s Amazing 8” … from day to night, she is always bang on!

How to wear Animal Print

For ages now this iconic pattern has made its way into our closets. It can be considered a number of things from timeless, chic, sophisticated and sexy … to sleazy, trashy and cheap looking. “It” is Animal Print … and “It” is bigger than ever. Because Animal Print is one of those patterns that must be worn “right” (to avoid any of those nasty words above) … it can be tricky to always know how to do so. Here are some helpful tips and hints to keep in mind when pondering the wild side.

First you want to really think about your personal style. For example … if you’re not part of a rock and roll band from the 80’s … you probably want to avoid sporting animal print from head-to-toe. Really think about whom you are, and what it is you want to achieve. If your look is more classic and simple … try the pattern on accessories first so it doesn’t seem too overwhelming (ie. Bag/purse, shoes, bangles, belt, scarves, gloves etc). Remember … a little will go a long way, so keep the rest of your attire easy and clean.

Or maybe your look is more adventurous and bold. Try wearing one article of clothing in the eye-catching print and mixing it with a solid colour piece to keep it stylish … not tacky. I suggest trying the colours black, camel/beige, grey, navy, red and brown. Any one of these solids will help “tone down” the intensity of the pattern, leaving you looking your best. (Animal print skirts and jackets are always hot!!)
Now that you’re dressed … don’t forget your makeup. Again, less is going to be more. Try adding a pop of colour to complete your look by doing a classic Red Lip and keeping the rest of your makeup to a minimum. Hot hot hot!

Smart Shade & Anti-Aging ... yes please

I don't know what it is about makeup and product overall, but I am an absolute junkie! I always HAVE to hit up the cosmetic isle regardless of time, place and what I’m REALLY at the store for. Whether I "need" something or want … it never seems to faze me. I am always on the hunt for the best! So last night I’m grocery shopping, and instead of fruits and veggies I wound up purchasing Almay’s Smart-Shade Anti-Aging makeup. What?! I couldn’t resist. I have seen all the ads on TV for Almay before, talking about their “Smart Shade line” that eliminates the hassle of choosing a colour for your skin type … but I was always skeptical. And today … I am not even lying when I say this … I love it! It’s super easy to apply and use and has so many benefits to top it off. All of their products are 100% fragrance-free, use only hypoallergenic ingredients and includes SPF 20. This particular product also helps minimize the appearance of fine lines (not that I many, but never too young to start!) and wrinkles. It’s light weight … so you barely feel like you’re even wearing makeup … and it leaves your skin silky smooth and flawless. I love the fact that the consistency is like a tinted moisturizer, which makes it very easy to blend in and match your skin. The packaging is simple and very easy to carry around in your purse. I definitely recommend this product to anyone who wants an easy quick match and a light natural coverage. Almay products can be found pretty much anywhere (I found mine at Save On Foods) including any Shoppers Drug Mart.

Blush Rush

In a previous post of mine I talked about a few of my favorite “Smashbox must-have items” and it’s no surprise I have another one to add to the bunch. Smashbox’s blush line Blush Rush (in particular for me, the colour Flush) is a new keeper! It’s a long-wearing silky powder blush that comes in 8 fantastic colours and is perfect for any skin tone. It’s the perfect size for any makeup bag and it also includes an attached swivel mirror for those ladies on-the-go.

To pump up those cheekbones … try contouring and highlighting by sweeping a darker shade of Blush Rush in the hallow part of your cheeks and a light, shimmery one on top. And if you’re torn on which colour would suit you best, check out Smashbox’s Personalized Makeup Artist Picks. Just enter your colour profile (hair colour, eye colour and skin tone) and submit. The answers are instant! www.smashbox.com