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Raspberry Ketone – A Weight Loss Must-Have?

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:00:23 +0000

In today’s beauty news, we wanted to take a closer look at the growing demand for the dietary supplement raspberry ketone. Industry insiders have been buzzing about it for quite some time and this past Monday, The Dr.Oz Show did a segment on raspberry ketone, calling it a ‘miracle fat-burner in a bottle.’

According to Everyday Health, ketone supplements are concentrated doses of the chemical in raspberries that causes their distinct aroma. The substance has been approved by the FDA as “generally safe” since 1965, but ketones are experiencing a surge in popularity thanks to several recent studies analyzing their ability to burn stored fat. Research in both mice and humans have confirmed the all-natural supplement’s fat-burning powers, though many experts regard the data as preliminary, and suggest that people who want to lose weight should stick to diet and exercise.

On Dr. Oz, weight-loss expert Lisa Lynn confirmed that her clients used raspberry ketone to break through weight-loss plateaus. Her recommendation for those interested in taking the supplement was to take 100 or 200 mg of ketone with breakfast and lunch daily, which she says is the chemical equivalent of about 90 pounds of fresh raspberries. On Dr. Oz’s website, the product is recommended for those ‘that want to burn fat all over their body’.

With Dr. Oz’s ringing endorsement, sales of the already hard-to-find supplement are sure to boom. If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, be sure to speak to your doctor first.

Copy Jessica Stroup’s Hair & Makeup

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:30:49 +0000

90210 star Jessica Stroup has the kind of natural beauty we all aspire to. Whether she is playing her tormented bi-polar character or walking the red carpet, she always looks perfectly put together. At a recent CW party, we were in awe of Jessica bronzed beauty. See how to copy this look and bring her sunkissed glow into your life.

Get Jessica’s perfect complexion with a Rimmel’s Creme Foundation that will evenly cover to match your skin’s natural tone and texture. Conture and add natural glow with a combination of powders. Trish McEvoy’s Powder Duo has a bronzer and blush to get Jessica glow. Avoid going too pink for that perfectly tanned feel.

Highlight your eyes with a bronze shadow and Shiseido mascara that will add length to your lashes. Finish with a quick coat of sheer gloss.

For Jessica’s windswept hair, control your waves with this defining gel that will keep your curls and waves in order.

[Photo via Startraks]

Hello Kitty Releases Limited-Edition Beauty Collection

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:58:12 +0000

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the iconic Hello Kitty makeup brand is releasing the Hello Kitty Mon Amour Collection. Available at Sephora, this collection takes inspiration from the city of love; Paris. The macaroon-inspired pastels are all encased in charming, whimsical packaging featuring fanciful illustrations of Parisian landmarks.

Its a great Valentine’s Day gift option. We checked out the collection and our favourites include:

Hello Kitty Mon Amour Palette ($42) – You’ll get a lot of use out of this fun, quirky palette. It features eight eye shadows in shades like rose pink, butter cream, turquoise blue and pistachio. The makeup palette also features two blush colours in Strawberry Macaroon (peachy pink) and Rasberry Macaroon (hot pink).

Hello Kitty Mon Amour Nail File Set ($10) – A set of four Hello Kitty nail files decorated with colourful illustrations of Paris.

Hello Kitty Mon Amour Brush Set ($49) – A portable brush set housed in a collectable Hello Kitty container. The white, synthetic brush bristles with pale grey tips perfectly compliment the pretty, periwinkle handles. The set features 5 brushes including a face brush, blending brush, eye shadow brush, eyeliner brush and lip brush.

Beauty Review: The Body Shop Chocomania Collection

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:30:29 +0000

The Body Shop has released their new Chocomania collection just in time for a romantic Valentine’s Day affair. These sweet treats can be the perfect little gift to start an evening of romance. We tried out this scrumptious sounding collection to see if it got us in the mood for love.

THE HYPE: What could be better than the sweet, delicious smell of chocolate in the bath?

THE TEST: See if the Chocomania collection made us feel a little sweeter this time of year.

THE VERDICT: One whiff of these sweet smelling chocolate products and you will be in love. The chocolate aroma is rich and comforting in all of the products. For the bath, you have the shower gel and body scrub to give you a delicious smelling cream. The scrub is one of our favourite products from The Body Shop in some time. The thick brown scrub gives you a deep clean that you can feel, while filling the bathroom with the scent of brownie batter. Once you are out of the shower, stay soft with their tried and true body butter and body lotion. Those looking to add some romance should invest in these products for a sensual Valentine’s Day massage. Finally take some chocolate on the go with a lip balm. Forget the box of chocolates, we want this Body Shop collection for Valentine’s Day.

The 411 on Makeup Primers

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:41 +0000

Industry insiders have been buzzing about the importance of makeup primers for quite some time and top beauty companies offer a variety of skin and makeup primers. We decided to ask our makeup expert Lori Taylor of Smashbox Cosmetics for her thoughts on primers.

Q: We’ve been hearing a lot about makeup primers. Can you provide some insight into what they do and who they work best for?

A: Primers are a new makeup staple. There are several different types of primers on the market with several new technologies on the way. Basic Primers extend the wear of makeup, fill in fine lines and create a smooth surface to the skin, thus improving the skin prior to the lay down of foundation. Smashbox offers a selection of primers to prime, hydrate, correct and blend.

Lori Taylor is a Smashbox Cosmetics Pro Lead Artist and has been the Lead Makeup Artist on numerous events including fashion shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Los Angeles, Divine Design and the MTV Video Music Awards. She has also appeared on television shows such as How Do I Look, EXTRA! and Good Day LA. Lori has also worked with many celebrities including Sandra Bullock, Sienna Miller, Paris Hilton, Amy Smart, Rosario Dawson, Taraji Henson, Kerry Washington and Linda Hamilton.

How To Transform Your Makeup For A Romantic Valentine’s Look

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:43 +0000

This Valentine’s Day change up your regular makeup routine in favour of something with a romantic twist. We have gathered some of our favourite ways to take your makeup from everyday to ultra-romance. Use any of these makeup ideas to impress your beau:

Cat Eye – Get sexy this Valentine’s Day with a dramatic cat eye. This look can add glamour to your date night look and help your eyes pop. You can go as dramatic as you wish depending on how thick you make the liner.

Related: How To Do Winged Eyeliner

Red Lipstick – Nothing says hot like a rich red lipstick. With a simple coat of red, you can transform your face. Find the right shade lipstick for your skin tone and paint the town red.

Shiny, Natural Hair – While you may think you look more glamourous with an elaborate hairstyle, many men appreciate your long natural waves more. Deep condition your hair to make it silky smooth and let him run his fingers through it to up the romance factor.

Pale Pink Blush – Some women may shy away from blush in their everyday look, but add a touch of blush on Valentine’s Day for that girly glow.

Related: Top Blushes To Suit Your Needs

Loose Shimmer Shadow – If you want that romantic princess shine lightly apply a loose shimmer eye shadow. Skip the harsh tones of a glitter. Dust the shadow over your lids for a soft shimmer.

Essence Cosmetics Coming to Canada

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:40:32 +0000

In today’s beauty news, WWD is reporting that Canadian retailer Shoppers Drug Mart is set to introduce German-based Essence Cosmetics to beauty counters next month.

Essence offers a full range of high-quality beauty products in fun packaging at a great price point. Many of the items are around $5 each and shoppers have their pick of a large selection of lip, eye, face and nail products

Essence Cosmetics is already a huge hit in Europe and Beauty Inc. lists it as the third-fastest-growing beauty company in the world. Christina Oster-Daum, the founder and chief executive officer of Cosnova (which owns Essence), said, “We’re on the pulse of what is new and cool in the makeup world. We want to ensure our customers always have access to the latest makeup trends at a great price.”

Keep an eye out for Essence Cosmetics at your local Shoppers Drug Mart.

Natural Winter Beauty Cures

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:58 +0000

Winter can bring about some of the most frustrating beauty and skin care problems. Dry, itchy skin, frizzy hair and under-eye bags are just some of the challenges many women deal with in the harsh winter months.

Svetlana Feller, Celebrity Stylist and founder of Spray di Sole, recently shared with the Huffington Post some of her natural fixes for winter’s most troubling beauty problems. For the full article, click here.

Under-Eye Bags – One of the most popular treatments for under-eye bags is to cover the puffy area with frozen tea bags. Green tea bags may work particularly well because they contain a natural anti-inflammatory chemical known as EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate), which can reduce fluid buildup that contributes to puffiness. Place over the eyes for 15 minutes and you will feel invigorated, and under-eye bags will diminish.

Acne – In order to treat acne, you can use a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and rosewater. In addition, rose petals, from which rose water is made, may also have anti-inflammatory properties. It may help to mitigate the harsher, acidic qualities of lemon juice. Topical bronzers and tinted moisturizers are a great way to help hide acne and uneven skin tones. Go for those with ingredients such as organic aloe vera, which helps soothe and repair damaged skin, and vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that increases the moisture of the layer and thereby improves surface texture.

Dry, Dull Skin? – Find an “ointment” moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. Increase the amount of vitamin E and hyaluronic acid (which plumps skin and enhances the volume to create a firm yet soft and supple skin) that your skin gets.

Copy Madonna’s Super Bowl Hair And Makeup

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:00:14 +0000

Whether or not you were a fan of Madonna’s Superbowl half-time performance, there was no denying that the singer looked fantastic while she belted out her classic songs. The 53-year-old singer sparkled on stage with glitzy gold makeup which matched her dazzling Givenchy outfit.

Start your own Madonna look with her 70’s inspired full curls. Use a wide curling iron to get those big bouncing curls in your hair. Set them with a high performance hairspray, such as L’Oreal’s Elnett Hair Spray. You are ready to move onto makeup.

Copy Madonna’s dramatic eyes look by using a set of false eyelashes. Use Benefit Cosmetics’ Pin-Up Lashes for the long full lashes you need to make your eyes pop. Finish your eyes with gold eye shadow and felt tip eyeliner to give you a winged look. Keep your skin fresh and natural, but finish with a light coat of sheer apricot lipstick. Bare Escentuals’ Natural Lipcolor in Sweet Apricot also works to keep your lips hydrated using natural oils and waxes.

5 Great Valentine’s Day Gifts For Men

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:30:14 +0000

Spoil your man this Valentine’s Day and get him a little something to show you care. The beauty aisles are filled with products specially made to help him look and feel better. Pick up these little gifts to say “I love you.”

1. Clinique’s 3-Step Skin Care System For Men – We love Clinique’s skin care system for our guys because it is simple and foolproof. It’s three products for him to use every day to clean, exfoliate and moisturize. You can mix and match the products to suit your preferences and different skin types.

2. The Art Of Shaving Gift Sets – These are products made by men for men. They understand what your man needs to get the best shave. With different formulas made for skin and hair types, your man will rejoice when using shaving products that are more attune to his needs. You will love feeling how soft and smooth his face is.

3. Lancome Men Hydrix Collection – Made for men under 30 with normal to dry skin, this collection adds moisture to stop wrinkles before they start. It will keep his face soft, smooth and young looking, so you can be proud to have him on your arm.

4. Beckham Homme Eau De Toilette Spray – Get as close to David Beckham as most of us will ever be with this new cologne from the soccer superstar. This masculine and spicy scent will have you snuggling closer on Valentine’s Day.

5. Lush Massage Bar – There is no better way to tell him you love him than with a relaxing massage. The hard working man will appreciate a massage on Valentine’s Day with any one of these massage bars to moisturize and smooth his skin. Maybe if you are lucky, he will treat you to a massage too.