Goody has a hairbrush for all your hair issues!

It's been a really long time since I bought a hairbrush.  I have a hairstyle that is more finger styled then anything else so I don't tend to use one a lot.  But when you get to the point where all the little rubber tips fall off the bristle ends you know it is time for something new!  I've always used Goody brushes and it's fascinating to see how many new styles there are from the last time I bought one!

Ouchless for fine to normal hair - $14.99 - Comfort Gel - Snagless styling for comfortable detangling  - this one was my pick!  Of course it's pink which is important but it also has this cool gel handle that is so easy to hold and doesn't go flying out of my hand when I am trying to use a hairdryer and hairbrush at the same time.  And since I do have fine hair which does get tangled, this seemed like the perfect choice.

Ouchless comfortable volumizing - $13.99 - Release Button - for short hair - what a clever idea!  It's a round styling brush that has a button on the end so you can style your hair and push the button to release your hair if it gets tangled.  I don't know how many times I've walked around with a round brush caught in my hair after a styling mishap!

Styling Therapy - Reduce Dandruff  - $14.99 - brush away flakes with Copper Oxide which  kills 88% of the fungus that causes dandruff - heat safe - here's a great idea if you are flake prone!  I would love to hear if anyone has used this one and how you liked it!

- Lisamarie -

Make Up For Ever wants to help you look and party like The Runaways!

I think Joan Jett is one of the coolest chicks ever and I am really looking forward to seeing The Runaways movie when it releases March 19th.  Really, I like her because she shared my 80s philosophy that you just can't wear too much black eyeliner!  MUFE had a great time putting together the rock 'n' roll make up look for the movie and have been kind enough to share their tricks with us so you can channel your own inner-Joan Jett!

Not only that, to celebrate the films upcoming release, MUFE has partnered with "The Runaways" to host a sweepstakes where one lucky winner and a guest will be invited to party like a true rock star at the New York City premiere of the film on March 17th.  For official rules and more information on how to enter, visit http://www.makeupforeverusa.com/runaways/, and fan them at www.facebook.com/MAKEUPFOREVERUSA to see their favourite rocker looks.  With the help of Robin Mathews, MUFE also created two unique tutorials which you can find on their website here.  Each video showcases Robin's step-by-step breakdown detailing how to recreate her favourite Kristen Stewart/Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning/Cherie Currie make up looks from the film.  Additionaly, MUFE's favourite smokey eye colour combinations are featured in Sephora stores across Canada and the US, allowing shoppers to customize their look for spring.

- Lisamarie -

Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic - your secret concealing and brightening kit!

 

People never realize just how important concealer is until you catch sight of yourself in the mirror one day when you were too lazy/tired to put it on that morning.  This was me the other day and I solemnly swear that I will never be that lazy again!  It's not that I don't own concealer, I have tons of it, probably too much which is why this kit is such a great idea - instead of having to dig through a whole bunch you have everything you need for concealing and brightening all together in one place!

Confessions of a Concealaholic - $44 - For starters, it comes in the cutest little diary inspired case with a mirror on the inside of the front cover.  Inside is a booklet telling you what all the products are and what you should do with them.  It also includes two double sided brushes and the brilliant part - the handles are marked with what product the brush is intended for - no more cross contamination of your products!

Here's what you get:

"that gal" - brightening face primer - a pink coloured primer to perk up a tired complexion, can be used alone or under/over makeup.  I really like this on my no-foundation days as it gives me a touch of extra colour.

erase paste - brightening camouflage - a dark circle super hider - the one in the kit is a bit too dark for me but I tried a lighter one at the store and it really does have impressive coverage!

boi-ing - industrial strength concealer - for hiding your scary imperfection - the kit contains two shades 01 & 02 - 01 was a perfect colour for me and did an impressive job of hiding a nasty red mark I had on my face.

lemon aid - colour correcting eyelid primer - a yellow toned primer which is totally awesome.  I had never tried it before and I was impressed at how just a little bit totally hid the redness on my eyelids and made me look awake!

eye bright - instant eye brightener - I have long used a powder as an eyebrightener but I far prefer this cream for the job.  It blends in much easier and is less noticeable.

This kit is a winner but I hope that in the future, Benefit might come out with a "light" version for the fair skinned crowd as there are a couple of products that I just wouldn't be able to use in this one.  You can go here to find the Benefit location closest to you.

- Lisamarie -

Dove Beauty Bars Commercial: You Can Try This at Home!

Do you know why many TV shows  have warnings like "don't try this at home"? Because of people like me. After watching the latest Dove commercial, I suddenly decided to wash my mirrors with beauty bars, to see if there would be some residues. Just because I can. Well, I'm happy to report that my mirrors are clean! So that's one TV commercial that doesn't need any warning, I guess. In the meantime, I went back to using the Dove bars in the shower, where they belong: it  has actually been my family's favorite for a few years!

Next experiment? I need a black light to test the Dove commercial below...hey the bars cost only $2.99: I can do as many experiments as I want, and I can even shower...eventually.

-Christelle-

Vasanti Cosmetics brings us pretty and wearable for Spring 2010

 

What better way to celebrate spring then with some new makeup?!  Vasanti Cosmetics brings us a spring collection that is neutral enough to go to work but also with some colours to jazz things up for an evening out.

The Hamptons Eye Palette - $40 - inspired by the celebrated New York countryside, it feels like a weekend vacation.  Colours include:  soft beige, peachy-pink, deep brown, periwinkle grey and intense rich navy.  A lovely bunch of neutrals with a truly pretty blue to give it all some pop!  I love it as a liner!

Swiss Alps Blush - $15 -  I love this blush!  It's the perfect pink flush with just a touch of shimmer.  It gives me that just-spent-a-couple-of-hours-in-the-fresh-air healthy glow that comes so in handy when I actually spend all day in an office!  Total win!

Denmark Lipstick - $15 - cranberry magenta and quite bright.  Makes a great stain - I apply it and then blot most of it off and finish with a matte lip balm.

Sweden Lipstick - $15 - a really pretty nude pink which I especially like when I wear the blue eyeshadow in The Hamptons palette.

 Vasanti Cosmetics are available at selected Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall Pharma Plus locations.  You can visit their website here to view availability in Canada and the US.

- Lisamarie -

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion - Contest!

Before trying Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion I will admit that I had never even heard the term "shielding lotion" before.  What I found out is that shielding lotions are a new type of skin care product based on years of research into how skin heals.  They form a protective shield with the outer layer of skin and help keep out irritants.  They allow the natural oils and moisture to remain in the skin so it can heal better and they're light in texture so they go on without a greasy mess.  Sounds good to me, no reason not to give it a try!

What I found especially interesting about this product is that it is meant to be used everywhere on your body - face, hands, body and feet.  Not a lot of lotions multitask to that extreme!  It's not a huge bottle - 120ml - so I figured if I was using it all over it would be gone in a couple of weeks but you actually use such a small amount that after a couple of weeks I had still barely made a dent in it. I ended up concentrating it on my drier bits - so feet, knees, elbows and hands.  I will admit that the lotion seemed so thin that I had a hard time believing that it would be of any moisturizing use but boy was I wrong!  It goes on like nothing, it feels like nothing but its moisturizing abilities are something else! I will admit, although it did a fine moisturizing job on it's own, I ended up using it over my regular moisturizer because it lacks an important element to me - smell!  It has no particular smell which I know to many of you is a good thing, but I do love my fruity body lotion smells!

But don't take my word for it - I want you to have some to try for yourself! So here's all you have to do:

To be eligible for the draw, be in Canada or the US, you must join Beauty Crazed as a follower if you aren't one already.  You can either do it through Google or through Networked Blogs on Facebook - you can find both signups on the right hand side of the Beauty Crazed site.  Once you belong to our crazy family just visit the Skin MD Natural website here and leave a reply to this post letting us know you want in and tell us one of the ingredients mentioned on the top of the Skin MD homepage (here's a hint, the first one is aloe vera).   Including an e-mail address would be extra helpful and you can write it like this - info(at)beautycrazed(dot)ca - so the bots can't find you but we can!  Or if you prefer not to leave a public post, it's also fine to e-mail us - info@beautycrazed.ca, please put "Skin MD Contest" in the subject line.  Winner to be decided by random drawing and you have until March 11th to enter.

Ready to start shielding?

- Lisamarie -

Beyoncé brings the Heat to Shoppers Drug Mart with her first fragrance!

The girl has done everything else, so you knew it was only a matter of time before she put out her own smell  - what self respecting celebrity doesn't have their own fragrance line these days?!  Beyoncé Heat - 50ml - $59 or 100ml - $79 has arrived exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.  The antique inspired glass bottle is meant to symbolize embers of a fire and the frangrance breaks down thusly: the first notes of Heat are dazzling red vanilla-orchid, magnolia, neroli and peach. Moving into the heart of the fragrance, senses will experience honeysuckle, almond and musky cream. Finally, notes of sequoia wood, Tonka and amber complete this luscious fragrance.  They have had a tester bottle out on the counter of my Shoppers for the past week or so and I did try it last time I was there and I like it - warm and sweet!  And I so appreciate that they haven't airbrushed her thigh into a tiny twig in this advertising picture!

Spring seems awfully far away, couldn't we all use some Heat?!

- Lisamarie -

Something to Make You Feel Better, Courtesy of Mariah Carey and Leona Lewis

 

Last night in LA, Mariah's gown had enough fabric to make about 500 pop tart's dresses. If you think that's bad...the shorter version is even worse! Maybe someone can help me answer a few questions? Is she pregnant? Did she eat the bottom of her dress? Where is her personal Photoshop airbrush specialist?

A charity ball in London also unleashed a few interesting outfits yesterday.
Leona Lewis (left) probably chose one of the most revolting color in the UNIVERSE. The shimmer is horrid, the shape is horrid. I have one word for this new "edgy" image: Putrid! Shame, because she's so beautiful! The Armani dress on the right isn't bad, but could it be shorter? And could the cleavage be lower?

-Christelle-

Palmer's Contest! Win a gift basket to soothe your skin - and your wallet - !

I've been using Palmer's Cocoa Butter  Formula on and off for a few years, especially in the heart of the winter, to soothe my dry skin. While some of my girlfriends love the cocoa scent, the truth is I simply don't. I use it because it does a really good job with my skin. So when Palmer's came out with a fragrance free body lotion, I had to try it!

Actually, I like this body lotion more than the butter, because it's rich and creamy and not greasy at all. It gets absorbed rather quickly too. There is still a very light cocoa scent from...well the cocoa content, I guess, but it's so light it doesn't bother me at all.

This product is definitely good value for your money, and can de used by the whole family (whenever I visit my parents, my dad steals my Palmer's Cocoa Butter, please don't ask...! So he might just steal my new lotion too!).

I'm so confident you'll like these body lotions that I'd like you to try! So guess what? One of our readers will receive a Palmer's gift basket !

The gift basket includes:
- Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion
- Palmer’s Cocoa Butter jar
- Palmer's Fragrance Free Lotion
- Moisturizing Body Oil
- Lip Butter and Shea Butter Formula Lotion
- Foot massager
- Eye Mask
Retail Value: $50

The rules? This contest is open to Canada only. To be eligible for the draw, you must join Beauty Crazed as a follower if you aren't one already. You can either do it through Google or through Networked Blogs on Facebook - you can find both signups on the right hand side of the Beauty Crazed site. Once you belong to our crazy family just leave a comment letting us know why you want in (1 or 2 lines would suffice).
Including an e-mail address would be extra helpful and you can write it like this - info(at)beautycrazed(dot)ca - so the bots can't find you but we can! Or if you prefer not to leave a public post, it's also fine to e-mail us - info@beautycrazed.ca, please put "Palmer's Contest" in the subject line. Winner to be decided by random drawing. You have until March 11th to enter.

-Christelle-

Marcelle Mademoiselle spring 2010 colour collection

 

Marcelle never disappoints us with their colour collections and their spring collection is no exception.  If you love Dior spring but don't have that kind of cash you will be thrilled with this one!  And of course Marcelle colours always have great pigmentation and excellent staying power - I haven't seen this collection in person yet but I am keeping an eye out and looking forward to getting my hands on it, especially the blue eye trio!

 

Lace Eye Shadow Trio - Azure Blue - $11.95 - also comes in Fancy Pink

Lace Duo Face Powder - Mademoiselle Blush-Bronze - $14.95

Lux Gloss - Ginger - $11.95 - also comes in Pearl

 

- Lisamarie -

Shower your way to younger looking skin with Olay Total Effects Body Wash!

I spend a lot of time thinking about the signs of aging on my face and almost never about what the skin on my body is doing.  Aparantly it's aging and if I don't get this in check I'm going to have a young looking face and a wrinkley old body - this just won't do!  Enter Olay Total Effects Body Wash - 250ml, $8.99 or 450ml, $9.99 - with seven anti-aging skin benefits.  Starting with the first signs of aging dryness and loss of elasticity, the breakthrough formula helps fight the other five signs of body aging by:  deeply conditioning your skin, brightening dull skin, evening your skin tone, smoothing to reduce roughness on elbows and skin and minimizing the appearance of fine lines - sign me up for some of that!

It comes in two formulas:  Deep Penetrating Moisture which cleans and moisturizes and Exfoliate & Replenish which cleans and exfoliates.  The smell for both is fresh and not too strong, the texture is thick and creamy and it lathers nicely.  I wasn't sure I would like the Exfoliate & Replenish formula as exfoliating washes can sometimes be too gritty, but the exfoliating beads were smooth and not gritty at all, it almost didn't feel like it was exfoliating anything but my skin did feel smoother afterwards so I'm going to assume it was doing something!  

To see how moisturizing the wash really was I even skipped using a body lotion after my shower one day.  By midafternoon my legs were feeling a little dry so I think I could use this wash without lotion in the summer and it would be fine, but in the winter a body lotion is still in order.

If you are looking for a younger looking body and moisturizing body wash you should definitely give one or both of these Olay products a try!

- Lisamarie -

Lise Watier does glamour, grace and femininity in their Vintage Moderne Spring 2010 collection!

I am loving Lise Watier's spring collection, inspired by the classic, iconic beauties of the 1950s such as Hayworth, Lake and Deneuve-  it is so soft and pretty!  Palette Vintage Moderne Eyes & Cheeks - $38 - Limited Edition - features four eyeshadows and a blush in an elegant shiny white Art Deco inspired compact.  The palette includes eyeshadows in watercolour green, deep brown, pink-tinged peach and cloud white and a powder blush in Libertine - an apricot peach shade that is flattering to all skin tones.  I like using all of the colours together with just a bit of the deep brown for liner for a very romantic look!

Eye Duo Vintage Moderne - Modern Twist - $25 - Limited Edition duo is composed of a sparkling plum and an anise green with golden highlights in an Art Deco compact. This is a great set if you like a little more punch to your eyeshadow colours.

Eye Duo Vintage Moderne - New Nude - $25 - Limited Edition duo pairs a light beige and a melon pink in an Art Deco compact.

Vintage Moderne Illuminating Face Powder - $32 - Limited Edition - Refresh your dull winter complexion with a subtle golden-beige glow - great for face and cleavage.  The powder is sheer and faintly shimmery but not at all glittery.  These illuminating powders tend to be hit or miss on me because I'm pale and if there is too much bronze pigment I just end up looking dirty - but this one gave me a nice healthy glow so it's a winner!  In the same Art Deco compact as the others.

Vintage Moderne Lip Duo - $18 - Limited Edition - pink with a violet undertone on one side, orangey-hued coral on the other side.  Two shades, two finishes.  Wear each alone or layer the two together for a striking multidimensional look.  Think how much room it will save in your purse by having two lipstick colours in one tube!

Duo Yeux Ombre et Lumiére Eyeshadow & Liner - $20 - a new edition to the regular line.  Thin on one side for lining and thick on the other for shadow application - an ingenious 2-in-1 tool!  The eyeliner side is waterproof and has an easy-glide texture.  The eyeshadow side has a creamy, smooth texture.  Reflective pigments add shine to the colour and the resistant formula helps the colour stay put.  It's available in three colour combos:  Retro Rose - pink shadow and mahogany liner, Glamour Peach - peach shadow and charcoal liner, Timeless Gold - white gold shadow and black-brown liner.

Métal Liner Bronze - $19 - Limited Edition - ultra-metallic formula enriched with coppery micro-glitter.  I love using this liner with the first palette.  It gave it a vintage yet edgy feel.  I especially like the glitter in this one, it's there, but barely noticable so it's fine for day wear if you work someplace more corporate.

Lise Watier is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Shopping Channel, The Bay as well as other locations in Canada and various online locations in the US and Europe.  Go here to find out where to buy.

- Lisamarie -

MAC Spring Colour Forecast Eaton Centre Event!

 

Now that you've been confused and overwhelmed by the vast array of choices in the Spring Forecasts, MAC wants to show you what to do with it all. Starting this Thursday and running through Saturday (February 25-27) on Level 2 Centre Court (directly above the fountain) of the Toronto Eaton Centre a MAC makeup artist will guide you through the colour trends that MAC created backstage at the most fabulous runway shows of the season.  Have your makeup applied and then take your "Spring Colour Forecast" photo at the iMAC station and download to your Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or site of your choice.  

You are encouraged to wear white!  Makeup appointments are available, call 416-595-9576 - $50 redeemable in product.

- Lisamarie -

Lippmann Collection polishes the runway at Badgley Mischka and Lela Rose!

 

Sometimes it's the smallest details that are the coolest - as proved by the model's nails at the Badgley Mischka show during fashion week.  Deborah Lippmann used Marquee Moon - a futuristic sequined silver glitter polish from the Lippmann collection to add a cool vibe to the runway.

Over at the Lela Rose show, Deborah debuted a colour launching this fall called Across the Universe - described as a navy base with different shades of blue and green sequins that resembles both the sky and the water to compliment the girly frocks at that show.  I can't wait to see this one in person!  The Lippmann collection can be found at Holt Renfrew, Murale and various other stores in Canada.  US and Canada can go here to find your closest location.

- Lisamarie -

Jasper Conran presents a fall collection between classic and futuristic

It's funny how I never paid attention to the British designer Jasper Conran. In my mind he was just Sir Terence Conran's heir, the creator of one my favorites stores: The Conran Shop. Until today, when I looked at his Fall 2010 collection. It's very architectural, graphic, modern and feminine...everything I love! Conran plays with textures, and make matte and shiny fabrics work together. He plays with contrasts with bright colors against grey and black. It's tailored and wearable, yet some pieces definitely have an edge. I understand it's probably not everybody's cup of tea, but personally, I could definitely wear most of his designs.

 

 

-Christelle-