Canadian Beauty

Thoughts on Dry Shampoos and Pureology’s New Dry Conditioner!

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Henna

Washing my hair every day is just not a reality for me. My mornings are super rushed, and once the day is over, many times I’m just too tired to jump in the shower and afterwards hold up a blow-dryer for 20 minutes. So dry shampoo is my best friend.

There are so many new dry shampoos out there that it’s easy to find something that works for you. Some have clear starches so that they don’t appear white in your hair, and although those are my favourites, I have to admit that they don’t work as well as the typical white sprays that unfortunately can make an appearance on a head of dark hair.

Pureology now has a dry shampoo, and get this: they also now have a dry conditioner!

The Fresh Approach Dry Shampoo is pretty standard. It’s a white starch that absorbs oil at the roots of your hair, leaving it cleaner-looking. The best way to apply this is by flipping your hair over spraying in short bursts and then either rubbing it in with your fingers or combing through with a brush. I also like to use it at night time so that it can absorb oil while I sleep and so I don’t have to use it in the morning. This dry shampoo is formulated without any parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil, and like all Pureology products, it is color-safe. In fact, if you do have a problem with fading hair colour, it’s best not to wash it too much and that’s where dry shampoo can help a lot.

The Dry Conditioner is such a unique product. This ultra-fine mist of condtioners is best applied mid-length to the ends of the hair, and then brushed through. Free of parabens and mineral oils, it simply adds some moisture to hair and helps get rid of static, fly-aways, and frizziness. While the Dry Shampoo is best applied on the second or third day after washing your hair, I feel as if the dry conditoner can really be applied any time, and would work to help hydrate the hair. It adds a bit of shine to the hair as well and you can think of it as your finishing product.

My hair is super super dry, and so I actually find that the dry conditioner doesn’t add a whole lot of moisture to my hair. I use it in a pinch, but I’m definitely not using it sparingly because my hair needs a lot and seems to absorb product very easily. I do love it as a finishing touch, and it does seem to tame my hair and get rid of ends that might be looking a little worse for wear.

Like all Pureology products, these are veg

The Pureology Fresh Approach Dry Shampoo and Dry Conditioner are $23.35 each. Available only at salons.

Revlon Age Defying Firming + Lifting Foundation Review

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Henna

I haven’t reviewed very many drugstore foundations on this site – truth be told, I’m picky about foundations because I want them to match my skin exactly… and I want them to last a long time on my oily skin. I’ve found that it’s just too difficult to find a foundation at the drugstore, but when I saw that a squirt of Revlon’s Age Defying Firming + Lifting makeup foundation matched almost exactly to my Make Up For Ever HD foundation, I knew that I just had to try it because the colour was spot on.

SPF 15 means that this is a great choice for an everyday foundation but it won’t photograph well – not a problem if you’re just planning on wearing it to work and while you’re out and about.

This foundation is for all skin-types – it’s not overly moisturizing but it’s not matte either. Sometimes I like to wear it with its own satin finish, and other times I’ll use powder over it. No matter what, though, I’ve found that this foundation has serious lasting power. I can even work out with it and it lasts and lasts.

I’m not usually one to try “age defying” products, and I know that Revlon says that over time using this foundation makes skin more firm and less lined. I really can’t comment on that claim because I haven’t used the foundation on its own without other skin-smoothing products. I will say that its medium coverage makes skin look pretty flawless, and the hyaluronic acid in it makes skin look very smooth.

Also awesome: it comes in a glass bottle with a pump, so everything is nice and sanitary and you only dispense a small amount of foundation at a time. I find that one pump is enough for my entire face if I’m applying with my fingers, but if I use a sponge or a brush then I usually need two pumps. It’s quite a thick foundation but it warms up well with my fingertips and I dab it all over my face before smoothing it over with my fingertips. It’s a little tacky to the touch after applying, but does end up setting in a matter of minutes.

If you’re in the market for a new foundation and don’t want to spend a lot of money, check out this one. About $20 at drugstores.

Posted in Spring 2014 | Tagged Foundation, Revlon | Leave a comment

Thursday Threes: Best Drugstore Eyeshadows

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Henna

Revlon ColorStay Smoky Shadow Stick in Smolder

We love this shadow stick because it’s super easy to swipe on the colour and the formula lasts all day on our lids. One side of the shadow has a rounded tip for application to the entire eye area, and the other side is pointed for application to the crease. The color Smolder pairs a smoky grey with a dark teal to give you a unique take on the smoky eye.

$11

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Pure Pigments Loose Shadow in Potent Purple

This loose shadow is easy to use because it initially goes on sheer, and then builds to more colour. We like Potent Purple because it’s the perfect taupe purple which makes it very wearable. Use it with a touch of black eyeliner for a sleek smoky eye.

Vasanti Silky Eyeshadow Duo in Eiffel Tower

These are some of the silkiest eyeshadows available. They are so finely milled that blending is a snap. Matte eyeshadows are notoriously difficult to find at the drugstore, but Vasanti delivers. Check out our favourite matte neutrals in the Eiffel Tower which offers a matte vanilla shade paired with matte taupe.

$20

Posted in Spring 2014 | Tagged Eyeshadow, Maybelline, Revlon, Vasanti | Leave a comment

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Henna

…sooo every single makeup fan has been raving about this blush, and I’m here to tell you that it really is as amazing as people say it is.

Now, mineral/baked blushes aren’t new. Anyone remember Laura Gellar whose product used to be at Sephora? She basically had tons of these mineral-type products, and very year MAC comes out with a few Mineralize lines that are based on this concept: shimmery mineral powder running rivers through decently pigmented blush.

Hourglass’s Ambient Lighting Blush takes this to the next level, because my loves, there is no shimmer in these blushes! If you’ve checked out the Ambient Lighting Powder then you know that it’s a setting powder with a touch of velvety shine (not shimmer or glitter) that’s tinted to reflect light. The Ambient Lighting Powder runs through a very finely-milled blush in the Ambient Lighting Blush.

The end result is a blush that is pigmented but extremely easy to blend so that it looks natural on the skin. Actually, you can end up with a professional look without much work because these blushes blend so easily.

I’ve heard people say that because of the Ambient Lighting Powder, the blushes aren’t that pigmented, and I haven’t found that to be true. I have Luminous Flush in the blush, and it’s plenty pigmented. It shows up as a bright pink on my skin and I only dip my brush into the pan once. I think the pigmentation depends entirely on your skin-tone and what other makeup you’re wearing. If you do lots of contour or you enjoy wearing bronzer, then you might need to apply more product.

The colours available are:

Radiant Magenta
A golden fuchsia blush combined with Radiant Light for a summer glow.
Mood Exposure
A soft plum blush fused with Mood Light to brighten the complexion.
Diffused Heat
A vibrant poppy blush combined with Diffused Light for a subtle halo effect.
Ethereal Glow
A cool pink blush fused with Ethereal Light for a moonlit luminosity.
Dim Infusion
A subdued coral blush fused with Dim Light to add warmth.
Luminous Flush
A champagne rose blush fused with Luminous Light to evoke a candlelit glimmer.

You can find Hourglass cosmetics at Sephora stores. $41.

Posted in Spring 2014 | Tagged Blush, Hourglass Cosmetics | 1 Comment

John Masters Organics Honey and Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Henna

You’ll know by even just taking a look at the front page of this blog that I’m not really into organic products… not that I don’t like using them… but just that I’m not that discerning because it’s rare to find organic products that perform better than non-organic ones.

But lately I’ve been using this John Masters Organics Honey and Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor (available online at FreshFaced.ca) and I’m seriously impressed. I can’t stop touching my hair because it’s so soft, and I haven’t changed my styling products so I know this is what’s doing it.

The Honey and Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor has honey to nourish hair, vitamin b5, linolenic & hyaluronic acid which are found in young hair, as well as soy and wheat protein. When I first used this hair conditioner I found that it was slightly greasier than I was used to, and I felt as if it was weighting my hair down a little; so, instead of using it every single day I decided to use it just once a week. This has added just enough moisturizer into my hair and hasn’t weighed my hair down.

I think that one of the reasons this has worked so well in my hair is because in addition to having lots of hair-friendly ingredients, it’s also devoid of all silicones which have the tendency to build up on to hair and make it brittle. The break from silicones and other artificial ingredients, as well as the addition of some natural goodness for my hair has resulted in actually reconstructing my hair and making it healthier.

Because I was so impressed, I headed over to the John Masters Organics website and checked out some more about the brand. What I found on their philosophy page was this:

1. No sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, DEAs, MEAs, or TEAs

2. No GMOs (Genetically Modified Organism)

3. No petro-chemicals

4. No animal testing

5. No artificial colors, fragrances or fillers

6. Ingredients must be as organic as possible

7. All plant extracts and essential oils must be certified organic whenever possible

8. All essential oils used must be steam-distilled and not extracted with propylene glycol – which kills the effect of the oils

9. All plant oils must be cold pressed, not heat distilled – which kills the therapeutic properties of plant oils

10. All ingredients must be proven to be beneficial to the hair or skin

11. All ingredients must be harvested in an environmentally-friendly manner (wild-crafted)

12. All ingredients must be bio-degradable as possible

13. Fair-Trade ingredients must be used when possible

High standards for the ingredients is what makes this organic product different from others that I have tried. If you’re looking to help you repair damaged hair, then try this.

$33 from FreshFaced.ca.

Posted in Deep Conditioner | Tagged John Masters Organics | Leave a comment

Now On Counters: MAC Studio Sculpt Lash Mascara

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Henna

…which should also be known as the best mascara that MAC has ever come out with and maybe the best mascara launch of the year, yes, even though it’s only March.

Check out the wand:

Basically it’s two rows of combs that are further divided into a short comb and a long comb. What this means is that it feels as if every single lash is getting product.

Although the first application goes on light and almost watery, this mascara is fully buildable and as you layer it on, the lashes stay separated thanks to the combs and you just end up with an amazing fringe.

The best part is that the mascara is smear-proof, long-lasting, flake-free, and true black.

I love this mascara and I think that when it’s finished, I’ll probably hold on to the wand so that I can keep using it.

Pick it up at MAC counters for $19.

Posted in Search for the Perfect Mascara | Tagged holy grail, MAC, Mascara | Leave a comment

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lip Color

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Henna

We love Bobbi Brown lipstick because it’s moisturizing and comes in the most wearable colours. Now, the lippies are available in fresh new shades – it’s the perfect way to lighten up your lips for spring. These lipsticks are not at all frosty – forget about the frosty mauve lipstick you owned in the ’90s. Instead, there’s some tone on tone light reflection that’s easy to wear and flattering. The result is fuller lips and a glowy finish.

The new colours are:

Raspberry Shimmer
Berry Shimmer
Plum Shimmer
Ruby Shimmer
Malt Shimmer
Twilight Shimmer
Pink Gold Shimmer
Beige Gold Shimmer
Brown Shimmer
Calypso Shimmer
Pink Apricot Shimmer
Ballerina Shimmer

$29 each at Bobbi Brown counters in Murale, Sephora, and Holt Renfrew Stores.

Posted in Spring 2014 | Tagged Bobbi Brown, lipstick | Leave a comment

What Are CC Creams?

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Henna

If that’s the question on your mind when you go shopping for makeup, then you need to read the latest story that I wrote for the Calgary Herald. I break down the difference between CC and BB creams, and tell you how to find one that’s for you. I also pick some of my favourites!

Read the article.

Posted in Spring 2014 | Tagged Calgary, Calgary Herald, CC Creams | Leave a comment

Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Henna

@Fiascogelato’s image.

This is where I moonlight as a food blogger, and share with you all my love of something amazing. Actually, I am a foodie. I love to cook, I love to eat, and I actively learn about both offline.

If I had you at “Dark Chocolate” then you need to try the Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt gelato from Fiasco Gelato, made and sold in Calgary. Chocolate fans know that the best way to enhance chocolate’s flavour is through gelato. The beauty of gelato is that there isn’t much dairy in it, and so the bitterness of dark chocolate actually comes through. This gelato is accented by creamy caramel and just enough sea salt to make the sweetness interesting instead of banal.

You need to try this, and if you haven’t, head to Fiasco Gelato’s website and order yourself some – they hand deliver a 562 ml pint for $9. You can also buy Fiasco Gelato at local retailers or at Co-op stores.

Posted in More Than Beauty | Tagged Calgary, Fiasco Gelato, Food | Leave a comment

PARKSHOW Spring/Summer 2014

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Henna

Last night, (Saturday, March 15th) was PARKSHOW – Alberta’s epic ready-to-wear fashion show that is maybe the best fashion show around – at least for consumers – because you can get your hands on nearly every single item on the runway at a pop-up shop held directly after the show.

Put on by PARK (Promoting Artists | Redefining Kulture) PARKSHOW is one of a kind. PARK aims to promote and aid designers, and is a completely not-for-profit company. It is free to show at PARKSHOW, and this year, PARK chose 10 designers and one artist from Western Canada who they wanted to support.

“PARKSHOW is a great opportunity to increase brand awareness within the Calgary and Alberta market,” says Edmonton-based, Alisha Schick of SUKA Clothing. “The PARK team provides a professional platform for designers to present their collections to buyers and clients.”

The designers who showcased at PARK this season were: Calgary-based, EG Forge, Rebecca King, Bano eeMee, CAMP Brand Goods and MALIKA, CoutuKitsch along with Edmonton-based, SUKA Clothing, AMOR Jewelry, LUXX Ready to Wear and Regina-based, Kazz Clothing.

Of those, Rebecca King, Bano eeMee, CAMP Brand Goods, and Malika were definitely polished and unique enough that you wanted to own what they put out. Rebecca King, especially, seemed to appeal to the aesthetic of a lot of Albertans. Her collection featured heavy belted scarves, tunics made of earth-toned plaid, sweaters that could be worn as coats, and light toggle jackets. None of those things are what you would see on a typical spring/summer runway, but King seems to know her audience and her booth was over-run with customers following her show. Spring/Summer in Alberta means warm yet stylist clothing.

CAMP Brand Goods, the clothing company that makes clothes you want to have fun in, was also a huge hit – cottage-ready tanks, tees, and sweatshirts in ultra-soft lux fabrics were on everyone’s must-have list.

Finally, Bano eeMee and Malika, offered up tons of beautiful leather goods in styles that felt fresh and wearable and still spring-like.

100 per cent of the proceeds from PARKSHOW2014 (admission tickets, bar sales, sponsorship) enable the organization to continue raising awareness and exposure for aspiring artists.

You can purchase and check out items by most of the designers on their websites, and at independent retailers throughout Calgary. Stay tuned for more news on events by PARK.

Posted in Your City | Tagged Alberta, Calgary, Fashion, PARK, PARKSHOW 2014, Western Canada | Leave a comment