Winter Weather Woe

For those who know me personally, they know that I figure skate, I snowboard and I generally enjoy the winter weather. Unfortunately, my skin does not.

This brutal winter weather has left my skin looking and feeling dry, itchy and flaky. Acting like a sponge, my skin would soak up the moisturizer I lathered on three times a day. Luckily, Pure + Simple came to my rescue! Just when I needed to replenish my line up of skin care products, Pure + Simple emailed their devoted customers a promotion where if you purchase $200 or more worth of products, you could book an appointment for a Super Hydrating Facial for FREE! (FYI - promotion has ended)

Thus, on Tuesday, I made my way down to Pure + Simple’s Yonge and Eglinton location where I spent one hour in sweet bliss. Senior Esthetician Georgetta, (whom I’ve been receiving facials from since I was 17) totally replenished and restored my dry skin. The Super Hydrating Facial focuses on facial and décolletage work and includes a skin restorative collagen treatment.

For those interested, Pure + Simple is now offering the Super Hydrating Facial for $75 (regularly $99) for the month of March. I know it’s a splurge, but everyone needs a little self-indulgence once in a while.

It’s Just Pure + Simple!

Pure + Simple has expanded again with now four locations across Toronto. Based on Holistic Health Principals, this spa offers professional makeup, skincare products with no petroleum or chemical fragrances, colours or preservatives for men and women.

Personally, I started using the Just Pure line from Pure + Simple six years ago and it has been my saving grace ever since. As a teenager, I suffered from acne that caused many facial pimples and mild scarring. Now, I cannot live without the Sage Mint cleanser, toner and cream to help keep my face from breaking out. Although on the pricey side, these products probably last for a year or more. And when it comes to obtaining and maintaining healthy and beautiful skin, these products are definitely worth breaking the piggy bank for.

Visit http://www.pureandsimple.ca/2005/ to find a Pure + Simple spa near you.

Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist!

For those of you who don’t have cable, get it NOW! If you love drama, makeup and more drama, catch Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist on Star TV. (Saturdays @ 9pm)

The six-part reality show is hosted by Vanessa Marcil and features nine makeup artists who compete in weekly challenges that range from doing a Las Vegas showgirl’s makeup to working in teams of two to complete a bridal party’s makeup.

The last artist standing will receive a contract with Max Factor Cosmetics, the opportunity to be the makeup artist for an In Style magazine photo shoot and a cash prize of $100,000.

I’m totally rooting for Nolan Makaawaawa, the 33 year-old makeup artist from California. He’s adorable, sweet and oh-so-talented.

P.S. The reality series premiered in November 2008, so Star TV is playing reruns….but don’t tell me who wins!

Dolce & Gabbana Makeup Line!

Luxury brand duo Dolce & Gabbana is launching a makeup line! Working with renown makeup artist Pat McGrath, the makeup line will feature deep blues and golds, which will also be the main packaging colour. Interestingly, the lipsticks will be scented with rose. The duo is quoted as saying that, “when women open makeup, they smell it first.” (I totally agree. Especially when it comes to lipstick, I instinctively smell it first because I hate it when they smell like crayon.)

Dolce & Gabbana’s makeup line is set to debut in Spring 2009 with beauty Scarlett Johansson as the face of their new collection. Prices range from $20 US to $59 US.

Loveee these Palettes!

Back in November, I attended the Canadian Makeup Show where I purchased two 88 eyeshadow palettes (One matte and one shimmer) from Crown Brushes. Let me tell you, these are some of the best eyeshadows I have ever used! These palettes are highly-pigmented, soft and have every colour imaginable. With its slim and sleek design, they are now a staple in my makeup kit.

Although I purchased these palettes from the Crown Brushes booth, they are actually available on www.coastalscents.com and they are very reasonably priced. Hurry now and order your palettes as they often sell out very quickly.

Below is a picture from a photoshoot where I used the 88 Ultra Shimmer Palette.

Photographer: Matthew Lyn

Model: Sheila Hui

Stylist: Tricia Campbell

Makeup Artist: Me! :)

Eyelash Transplant Surgery?

We all know that some woman go to extreme measures for beauty. We’ve all heard of procedures that include but are not limited to tucking, implanting and suctioning…so here’s another one to add to the list.

Originally intended for people who have lost their eyelashes due to burns, accidents, genetic disorders or cancer treatments, lash transplant surgery is becoming ever more popular. For approximately $3,000 per eye, you too can have long, permanent lashes. The procedure includes light sedation, local anesthetics and transplanting 30-40 follicles from the back of your scalp and implanting them into your lash line. Since the transplanted hair is scalp hair, your new lashes will grow as scalp hair. Regular trimming and curling of the lashes is necessary. Think of it as giving your lashes a haircut.

I do think this a great procedure for those who do not have eyelashes. I understand that many people who suffer from Trichotillomania (An impulse control disorder which creates the urge to constantly pull out one’s hair) find relief with this procedure as being without eyelashes can create insecurities. I guess it’s hard for those of who do have lashes to understand. My only concern is that 80 per cent of these surgeries are now done for cosmetic reasons.

What do you think? Yay or nay to this procedure?

M.A.C List!

As promised, here’s a partial list of what I purchased at the M.A.C Cosmetics/Estee Lauder Warehouse Sale back in December.


M.A.C Paint in Untitled - $7
M.A.C Paint in Graphito - $7







M.A.C Shadestick in Overcast - $9







Estee Lauder Platinum Illuminator - $12






Numerous pairs of M.A.C Lashes (20 Lash) - $3 each
I LOVEEE these lashes!







M.A.C Warm Eyes x 5 - $20






M.A.C Lip Dress Set (Including Bountiful, Wonderstruck, Spring Bean, Florabundance and Instant Gold) - $20







M.A.C Upstarts/Prepare kit (Includes Cleanse Off Oil, Fix + and Strobe Cream) - $20