R.I.P.

A couple of weeks ago, I took a weekend trip to Montreal. Between leaving on a Friday morning and returning on a Sunday evening my favourite flat iron died. I don’t travel with this flat iron for fear it might get lost or stolen so it stays home on my bathroom counter where I know it’ll be safe. The last time I used it was on Friday morning and it worked perfectly and I had perfectly straight hair for a perfectly planned weekend. When I arrived home Sunday evening and was getting ready to go out, I turned the flat iron on and waited for it to heat up. To my dismay, it never got hot. Not even warm. It was arctic cold. It just stopped working. So I may seem a bit dramatic but if you’re like me and you use your flat iron everyday sometimes more than once a day you understand that this is tragic.

Now, I have about four different flat irons. The first one is super old that I received as a Christmas present from my cousins in high school. I dropped this one in University and as a result it has a nail bolted in one of the plates to keep it from falling out. The second flat iron is the Conair Instant Heat 1-1/2” Curling Iron/Straightener which I purchased after using the one my friend Michelle owns. (This is the one I travel with.) The third flat iron is the Andis Gold 1” Multi-Heat Ceramic Flat Iron and my friend Charlene gave it to me for curling hair. And the fourth used to be the BabylissPro ceramic flat iron which I purchased about three years ago for approximately $200.

So there you have it, a list of the flat irons I own. Now, I must confess that with having numerous flat irons, I definitely play favourites. And since my BabylissPRO has died, I’ve taken to using my Andis flat iron as my everyday straightener. However, it doesn't really compare and I’m looking to change it up a bit and try some new flat irons that can replace my beloved favourite so if you have any suggestions let me know!

Bumpit Up!

Last night, I returned home from celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a few friends. (A celebration not complete without drinking green beer of course!) Anyways, I turned on my TV to one of my favourite channels - TLC.

Luckily, I tuned in at just the right time to catch an infomercial for one of the greatest hair inventions EVER!

Everyone, say hello to Bumpits!

These plastic, self-gripping hair accessories promise to create perfect volume for your hair that will comfortably stay in place and last all day long. They come in four colours: light blonde, dark blonde, brunette and black so that they are camouflaged under your hair.

I know a ton of girls who are always looking for ways they can add volume to their hair without it falling flat by the end of the night. I have read some reviews about Bumpits and a lot of women, like myself, seem eager to try it. The only con I have read is that the accessory doesn’t stay in place but I’m sure with enough bobby pins and hairspray you could make that thing last through a tornado.

For more information about this product, visit https://www.bumpits.com/?mid=544268.

Come Celebrate Barbie's Birthday at Sephora!

Mark your calendars! On March 21st, Sephora at Fairview will be celebrating Barbie’s birthday. Enjoy cake and party refreshments while you experience the Sephora exclusive NEW! Barbie by Cake Collection. And while quantities last, pick up your free limited edition Barbie goodie bag. Reserve your spot by calling Fairview at (416)492-5500.

Details:

Date: March 21, 2009
Time: 8a.m. – 10a.m.

Location: Sephora at Fairview
Who’s invited: Everyone!

Joe Fresh Beauty!

Loblaws customers will not only be able to shop for clothes, wardrobes and accessories from Joe Fresh, they will now be able to complete their looks with a line of beauty products!

Launching this month, Joe Fresh Beauty presents over 200 shades of eyeshadows, eyeliners, brow pencils and powders, lipsticks, foundations and cream tints. Not only is this a complete beauty line, but it is also affordable. Prices range from $4 to $8 for makeup and up to $16 for brushes and accessories.

The beauty line was created with the help of Canadian makeup artist, Simone Otis and tested with professional makeup artists before hitting the market.

I can’t wait to sample products from Joe Fresh Beauty. It almost seems too good to be true!

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!