Interpreting some of the runways best makeup trends for real life.

Trend 1: Thick brows
On the runway: Overemphasized brows were created with brown eyebrow powder and pencil liners.

How to make it wearable: Groom your brows to get the perfect shape.

How to:
• Use eyebrow stencils to draw the shape on with an eyeliner pencil before you start tweezing.
• Fill in holes in brows with eyebrow powder and a slanted brush, and/or an eyebrow pencil, in the 
right shade.
• To maintain a full shape and arch, limit tweezer action to strays only.
• Tame unruly or curly brows by trimming them and then brushing in a brow gel.

Trend 2: Raccoon eyes
On the runway: Heavy black eyeliner both below and above the lash line, with opaque liquid eye shadow on the lids.

How to make it wearable: Lighten up on the black and go for a smoky look that mixes grey, silver and black.

How to:
• Start with liquid or pencil eyeliner on the upper lash line, drawing the line thicker in the middle of the eye.
• Smudge a bit of pencil liner or eye shadow just below the lower lash line.
• Apply a lighter, base eye shadow in grey or silver over the lids to your brow bone.
• Blend in a darker grey or silver eye shadow below the eyelid crease, and use a slanted eye shadow brush to blend in colour, starting at your lash line and blending up. Make sure to blend colour into the lash line so the eye liner disappears.
• Finish with several coats of mascara.

Trend 3: Purple and blue eyeliner
On the runway: Electric blue and deep purple applied heavily on eyelids for an over-the-top effect.

How to make it wearable: Tone down the dosage and the heavy application, but stick with rich, saturated shades of purple or blue.

How to:
• Start by applying the eye shadow over lids.
• With a lighter hand and less product on your brush, apply a finer coating of colour from the upper lid to the brow bone and in a straight line below the eyes.
• Finish with two coats of coloured mascara.

Trend 4: Au naturale
On the runway: Totally bare faces, cheeks, eyes and lips.

How to make it wearable: Most of us need a little colour on our cheeks and lips so we don't look dreary.


How to:
• Prep your skin with a primer over the face and eye area.
• Apply a liquid or cream compact foundation evenly over the entire face and neck.
• Opt for light brown or taupe eye shadow shades.
• Give cheeks a rosy tint with a light dusting of blush.
• Use a matte nude lipstick with a hint of colour on lips.

Follow these simple steps to get beautiful, glowing skin in time for your wedding.

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day and for many women that means dress fittings and hair and makeup tests to ensure that everything looks just right. But all that preparation will go to waste if your skin isn't perfect.

"Good skin takes work," says Danielle Edwards, education manager at Dermalogica Canada. "You can't just start taking care of your skin the night before your wedding and have it looking fantastic on the wedding day – it's not going to work."

It takes a minimum of three months to get skin into tip-top shape, and Edwards suggests implementing skin care into your wedding planning to keep things on track: "Just like dress fittings, they need to include products and facials as part of their routine and budget for the big day."

Need help getting your skin ready for your wedding? Here are some easy tips to get you glowing.

Create a core skin-care routine
The key to beautiful skin is to follow these three easy steps: cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize.

"It all starts with cleansing, morning and night – and I emphasize the night," Edwards says. "Going to bed with your makeup on is just a sin, as far as professionals are concerned!" Cleansing skin removes dirt, oil and bacteria, which can help keep pores clear.

Once you have cleansed your face, it's time to exfoliate. Whether you exfoliate daily or weekly depends both on the product you're using and your skin type. If your skin gets irritated or feels raw, change to a gentler product or reduce the frequency you exfoliate. Regardless of how often you exfoliate, it’s a crucial step for beautiful skin: "You need to get rid of those dead skin cells," Edwards says.

The most important step is hydration. "Moisturizers get quite a bad rap, because a lot of them are too heavy for oily skin, but there are some great oil-free moisturizers out there," Edwards says. Every morning, use a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher – no excuses.

You might have to undergo some trial-and-error with your products, but once you find products that work for you, you’ll see a big difference in your skin.Getting professional help
Along with using a core skin-care regime, Edwards recommends getting professional facials once a month. "The beauty of a professional skin treatment is not just for the relaxation, but also so they can use more intensive, professional products, such as deeper forms of exfoliation, deeper masking," Edwards says. "They can also check your home skin-care routine and make sure that it's still doing what it's supposed to be doing. Skin changes so much, particularly for women with their hormones and in the Canadian climate."

"If you start [your routine] six months before the wedding, you're going to have great skin, because you're having facials regularly."

Treating problem spots
Whether it's unruly acne or unbecoming wrinkles, the important thing to remember when attempting to resolve your particular skin issue is to spot treat. "You want to have your core routine suited to your general skin type, your skin condition, and then specific products formulated to target the pimples, for example," Edwards says. If you only get wrinkles around your eyes, there's no point in putting wrinkle cream on your entire face.

Pre-wedding day dos and don’ts
For pre-wedding prep, Edwards recommends getting a facial two days before the big day and applying a facial mask the morning of, to add a healthy glow to your complexion. Be sure to mention you're getting married in a few days at your facial: "Most skin-care professionals tend to do things a little differently that day; we don't tend to do extractions, we just make sure the skin has a glow and add a lot of hydration to the skin," Edwards says.

The biggest pre-wedding no-no is trying any new products on your skin right before your wedding; many tales of wedding woe begin with "I tried a new product…."

On the big day
It's not uncommon for brides to be up at the crack of dawn, whether from nerves or to get ready, or a combination of both. Edwards recommends applying a tried-and-true facial mask to boost hydration and help reduce puffiness in your skin first thing. If you have bags under your eyes, puffiness can be reduced by cold compresses or gently massaging the eye area to help drain excess fluid.

Should you wake up the morning of your wedding with the biggest zit known to humanity, the best thing you can do is leave it alone. Picking at a zit will only make the inflammation worse, making your pimple more obvious. A good makeup artist will be able to make short work of that zit, and if you've followed your skin-care routine faithfully, a pimple or bags from a sleepless night will be a snap for your makeup artist to hide.

Taking it all off
Chances are, on your wedding day, you will likely be wearing the most makeup you have ever worn. It will be applied, reapplied and touched up all day, making removing all traces of makeup an essential part of your wedding night.

Edwards recommends using a cleansing oil, such as Dermalogica Precleanse, to pre-wash your face before you use your regular cleanser. The cleansing oil works on the principle that oil attracts oil, meaning all the dirt and sebum is removed from your face prior to washing, making it easier for your cleanser to effectively clean your face. Be sure to use a makeup remover to gently remove mascara and eye shadow (don't tug on the skin), and don't be afraid to cleanse again if there are still traces of makeup left on your face. If you can't find a cleansing oil, just wash your face twice: once to remove makeup, and once to cleanse your skin.

Cold laser treatment keeps you looking hot

Having trouble losing those last few pounds? This non-surgical laser treatment may just be your easier route to a svelte self.

‘No pain, no gain’ is how the old saying goes particularly when it comes to the relentless pursuit of a slimmer, toned self. Whether it is a body boot camp featuring muscle-defying exercises or a sweat pouring, jaw-clenching hot yoga class, you get out what you put in.

As enticing as get rich quick schemes, promises of losing weight without having to diet or exercise will always catch people’s attention…and drain their wallets.  After all, who hasn’t wished for an easier route to a svelte self?

A friend was recently approached by SpaMedica in Toronto to try Zerona®, a revolutionary product new to Canada promising to rid your body of those last few pounds (that are always the hardest to get rid of) without having to do much in terms of exercise or changing your diet drastically.  Needless to say, she was skeptical, not only as a beauty editor who receives tons of press releases for products like these, but as a consumer who has heard it all before.  But somehow this time I felt the need to bite and find out more.

What is Zerona?
Zerona® is a painless non-surgical treatment that promises to rid your entire body of fat and inches (as much as a dress size) with little effort and no discomfort.  To do this, Zerona uses a low-level (or cold) laser beam, that when passed over targeted areas of the body, penetrates fat cells literally causing them to form a temporary pore that opens and releases their fatty contents into the body’s interstitial spaces. From there the body’s normal elimination processes (including lymph and digestive systems) excrete the fat from the body.  As a result, millions of fat cells shrink resulting in inches lost.  Unlike surgical liposuction the fat cells themselves are not removed or damaged – merely deflated. 

While the science behind it seemed reasonable enough we jumped at the chance to deliver the real skinny on Zerona by sending in a very enthusiastic guinea pig. In the trusted hands of Dr. Stephen Mulholland and the SpaMedica staff in Toronto, our correspondent embarked on an adventure promising to help shed 3 to 9 inches from her waist, hips, and thighs.

Four weeks later, four pounds lighter and 4.5 inches smaller, here’s a recount of the Zerona treatment experience.

Week 1: The Prep
Like with any weight loss program, it’s important to remember the basics: moderate exercise (i.e. a daily brisk walk), drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and fatty foods.  All were highly recommended by the SpaMedica staff in order to guarantee the program’s success.  I’m already active so I didn’t have to make any changes to my physical exercise routine. In addition to drinking plenty of water (at least 10 glasses a day) I was given an oral dietary supplement, whose primary ingredient is niacin (which assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves). This marked the program’s first week in preparation for the actual laser treatments. Make sure to clear your schedule when starting the Zerona program as you’ll need to commit to six treatments, one every other day for forty minutes. It’s important to not exceed 72 hours between treatments. If more than 72 hours pass, some of the fat may be taken in by the fat cells again.

To start the treatment, the SpaMedica technician measures your body like an expert seamstress, marking the “largest” parts of your neck, arms, waist, hips and buttocks.  These markings become reference points ensuring the same areas are measured each time. All this takes place in the comfort of your bra and a pair of paper panties.

Each Zerona session lasts 40 minutes -- 20 minutes on your back and 20 on your stomach. Laser beams are positioned across your body and the machine is activated. Apart from the lights there is little else to indicate anything is happening – there is no heat, sensation or discomfort of any kind. The only thing you feel is a sort of indescribable energy floating through the targeted areas. You literally lie down, relax, and let the laser do all the work.

Your measurements are taken every other session so you can see results as soon as two appointments in. It’s wonderfully motivating and makes you want to adopt healthy habits since you see the program’s effects right away. Now if only I had avoided those few vodka sodas, I may have lost that extra half inch for a total of five.

After the treatment
She lost four pounds and 4.5 inches overall – from my arms (a definite problem area) and my hips and tummy area. Weeks later the inches are still off and when your best friend says “wow, you look skinnier than I’ve ever remembered” I’d say the treatment was a success.

What else can you expect?
Expect to pay approximately $2,000 for the treatment with a guaranteed minimum loss of 3 inches, otherwise the treatment is repeated free of charge. 

Prescription Acne Busters

Got serious skin problems? Fighting acne can be an emotionally draining (not to mention expensive) battle. If you've tried every over-the-counter acne cream in the book and still haven't made any headway, it may be time to go to the pros. Consider seeing your doc to get hooked up with a prescription that will actually clear up your complexion - we've rounded up some of the best options.

Accutane

What it is: Accutane (aka Isotretinoin) has been hailed as a miracle drug for people who suffer from severe acne. It actually works to reduce the amount of oil your skin produces, and even makes your sebum less "sticky," meaning it's less likely to clog up your pores. You may not even have to stay on it permanently - over 35 percent of people who take just one course of the drug (which takes about five months) are cured.

Just remember: Accutane can cause serious developmental problems in fetuses. It's such a serious risk that although you might not even be thinking about pregnancy, doctors still advise that you use two forms of contraception while on the drug.

Birth Control

What it is: Taking hormonal birth control doesn't just keep you baby-free, it also lowers your levels of testosterone, which will make your skin produce less pimple-causing oil. It's a great method if you would normally be taking the birth control pill anyway - just ask your doctor to recommend a pill that also improves your skin (common options include Diane and Alesse).

Just remember: Hormonal birth control comes with its own set of risks, so you'll still want to have a chat with your doctor to make sure it's the right option for you, especially if you smoke or suffer from high blood pressure or migraines.

Antibiotics

What it is: An antibiotic like Tetracycline or Doxycycline will prevent acne by fighting the bacteria that causes it. You could see your skin improving by up to 25 percent in the first month, with continued improvement after that.

Just remember: As with other antibiotics, there's a chance that your birth control pill may be slightly less effective while you're on one of these medications. If you decide to take both at the same time, remember to use a secondary form of contraceptive as a back-up. Many of these meds will also make you extra sensitive to the sun, so remember to keep slathering on that SPF.

Beauty investments

Much like the trend of pairing fast fashion with investment pieces in one’s wardrobe, mixing and matching drugstore finds with luxe beauty goods works just as well for your beauty routine. We checked in with makeup artists from around the country (they would know best, after all!) on where they recommend pinching a few pennies and what products are truly worth the splurge.

Spend the big bucks on:

Brushes
“You wouldn’t sent an athlete on the field without the proper equipment,” says Scotland-born makeup artist Laura Szucs who now calls Toronto home. “If you want beautiful makeup, you have to have beautiful brushes.” Her favourites are from MAC. “I love using them on clients and seeing their reaction – they think I have special powers.” Chantal Hubens, who’s worked with Canuck supermodel Jessica Stam, agrees that good brushes are essential, particularly a good foundation brush. “You want a synthetic one that won’t absorb oil or product – it’ll give you really natural, flawless looking skin.” Her Professional Platinum Foundation Brush from Sephora may have cost her $30, but it’s lasted her three years and counting.

Skincare
“Moisturizer is the most basic thing you can do for your skin and it’s going to change its overall appearance of your skin with or without makeup,” says Anita Cane. She likes to use Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream ($170) on clients with really dry skin and Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer ($42) for those with normal or oily skin. For Tamar Ouziel, spending more on moisturizer is also crucial, particularly when it comes to the skin around the eyes. “Your eyes are among the top three features noticed first by both sexes and the skin around your eyes need to be loved!” One of her favourites is Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($35). “It’s rich, which is great, but it can take a few minutes to soak in,” says the Vancouver-based makeup pro who has more than 10 years of experience in the industry.

Foundation and concealer
“Great makeup starts with great skin, and you want a foundation that isn’t cakey, that blends into the skin and looks flawless,” says Cane, who’s worked on major ad campaigns for clients including Sobe, Xbox and Timberland. Her ultimate favourite foundation is Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20 ($65). “Its coverage is amazing and it has SPF 20 in it.” Toronto-based artist Katie Scanlan also believes foundation is worth investing in and in her beauty arsenal you’ll find Face Atelier Ultra Foundation ($45). “Its silicone-based formula hydrates while obscuring fine lines and pores, and it’s cruelty-free and made in Canada – two things you’ve got to love!” 

Brighten your smile yourself

You're in the prime of your life, but your teeth have seen better days. Years of smoking or enjoying red wine, coffee, black tea and highly pigmented food such as curry have stained them a dingy yellowish-brown.

Thankfully, this sign of aging is easily reversed. The most effective and quickest way to brighten teeth is to have them professionally whitened at the dentist. However, it'll cost you several hundred to a couple thousand dollars. If your wallet can't handle the cost, opt for plan B – lightening them yourself. Keep reading for what products to use and for tips on how to maintain a sparking smile.   

At-home whiteners
There's a dizzying amount of brightening kits on the market. They're safe, according to Health Canada, but not all are created equal – some work wonders, others don't do much.

Over-the-counter: If you want to noticeably brighten up, then rinses, pastes and paint-on whiteners available in stores aren't your best bet. In part, that's because they contain low amounts of hydrogen peroxide (the whitening agent).  "As well, to get teeth white, the product has to stay on your enamel for a long time," says Dr. Dennis Marangos, a dentist in Toronto. "The rinses and toothpastes don't stay in contact with your teeth long enough to do anything." Strips, such as Crest White Strips, are the exception, as they hold on whitening gels. Their results are unpredictable, but Marangos says they may make your teeth up to two shades lighter.

Professional: The take-home kits that dentists offer, such as Opalescence and NiteWhite, can transform your teeth quickly. (At about $300 to $700, they're also more expensive than off-the-shelf products.) Marangos says they can go up to five shades brighter in just four to 10 days. They're exceptionally effective because they contain far more peroxide and come with custom-fitted trays – moulds are taken of your teeth – to ensure the gel stays on your teeth and off your gums (peroxide can burn gums).

Stay bright
To help keep your teeth whiter for longer – lightening doesn't stain-guard them – incorporate these tips into your oral hygiene routine. 

• Crunchy veggies. Eat crudités often, as their abrasiveness may help slough off stains before they settle in.

• Water. Drink a cup of water after every coffee or glass of red wine. It rinses away acidity and helps prevent stains from clinging to your enamel.

• Whitening toothpastes. Use them in place of regular toothpastes. However, Marangos has words of caution:  "They're more abrasive than natural toothpastes and they could wear down your enamel and cause increased sensitivity." If your teeth are sensitive, skip these products; instead, combine baking soda with a bit of mouthwash for a gentler and effective paste.

•Electric toothbrushes. They're more beneficial than manual ones. "Electric toothbrushes cover a greater area and get rid of more plaque and more stains," he explains.

Makeup Tips For Day and Evening: We`ve Got You Covered

There`s a right time and right place for certain products and the way we apply them, and some of us need to be more aware of just what they are. It may not be common knowledge that cosmetics have different rules for night and day, but we`ll tell you what you need to know about doing it right for day and evening and how to go gracefully from one to the other.

 

Tips For Daytime Makeup

Assuming your just as much pressed for time as the rest of us, your morning may not afford you much time for devoting to your face. The good news is that the natural look is back. Daytime makeup should be fresh, clean, and simple. For foundation, try one of the versions that combine both powder and foundation. These products give you the coverage of foundation with the benefits of a powder, in one easy step. Keep it even more simple with just a light brushing of translucent power.

 

Keep eyes fresh-looking with some shadow that has a little sparkle to it. This will add brightness and freshness to the eyes that will stay with you throughout the day and help to keep you looking wide awake and ready to go. A light dusting of a shimmery rouge also gives the face an neat and simple glow. Finish off the look with a quick layer of mascara and a layer of sheer and natural looking lip-gloss, and you`ve got a simple, natural looking cosmetic routine that`s appropriate for the workplace and great to wear anywhere during the day.

 

Big Plans Tonight?

If you`ve got some big plans for the evening, you`ll probably want to step it up a little and add some depth, drama, and color. Unlike daytime makeup, the goal here is to draw attention to yourself in a classy way - if you know how to do it right, you can add color and drama to your daytime look without looking too "made-up".

 

Starting with the eyes, you`ll want to add depth and definition. Don`t go with jet black, but choose a dark brown to line upper lids and add definition.  Blend with some medium or dark-toned browns or mahoganies and you`ve instantly got more depth. You`ll also want to step up the drama by adding a little to the brows - opt for a shade one shade darker if you`re a blonde or one shade lighter if you`re a brunette and fill in sparse areas with a pencil or powder. This does wonders for adding to color and drama.

 

Make sure you don`t get too much going on, if you`re adding drama to the eyes, you can go with neutral or matte colors for the lips. However, if you`re going with dramatic or dark shades with the lips, be careful not to get too colorfully complicated with the eyes. A matte color for the lips is a good way to add color without too much drama, but even for evening look, you can`t go wrong with shiny and sheer.

 

Dust cheekbones with a plum or rose-colored rouge and you`re ready to paint the town!

15 Big Benefits of Water

Whether you want shinier hair, younger skin, a healthier body or all three, pure, clear water is the world's best beauty elixir.

Add Shine
For years, hairdressers have been saying a cool-water rinse leaves hair glossier. Is it true? Yes! The chilly temp constricts the cuticle layer of your hair so it lies flatter; making strands smoother and more reflective.

Cleanse and Condition
Too much seawater can dry out your locks, but oceans are good for something -- their nutrient-rich waters support marine botanicals (like sea kelp) that can cleanse, repair and detangle strands. Try this nourishing combo:

Depth Refresh Daily Shampoo ($10; Drugstore.com) cleanses without drying, thanks to hydrating sea lettuce and red algae extract in a purified-water base.

Rusk Deepshine Sea Kelp Conditioner ($14; Ulta stores) is packed with marine extracts, such as sea kelp, that strengthen and add shine. Plus, UVB absorbers help shield your hair from the sun's damaging rays.

Tame Tresses
Soft shower water leaves hair more manageable because there are few mineral salts (pesky molecules that can make strands rough and prone to tangles).

If you have hard water (find out here), install a water-softening shower filter. It can stop your color from fading, too.

Prevent Damage
You probably know from firsthand experience that chlorinated or salty water can turn healthy hair into a frizzy mess.

But the fix is easier than you think. "Just rinse your hair in the shower or under a hose before swimming," says Laini Reeves, owner and creative director of Essensuals London, a salon in Los Angeles. "The strands will absorb their fill of clean water, so they won't be able to soak up as much of the damaging water." After your dip, coat hair with conditioner for extra protection from the sun.

Make Waves
Ever heard of setting lotions, those old-fashioned solutions that help hair hold a curl? Well, water is truly the most natural setting lotion available. Each of your strands is made up of hydrogen bonds that separate when hair is wet, according to Jeni Thomas, a Pantene senior scientist. If you manipulate hair's texture while wet, "the hydrogen bonds reform as it dries, holding the new shape."

Here's how to use that little bit of chemistry to your advantage: Mist hair with water, separate it into four sections, twist each into a small bun and secure with a pin. Blow-dry (or air-dry), then unravel for soft waves.

Create a Lasting Style
Conditioners contain ingredients like dimethicone and plant oils that smooth and detangle your strands. But that nice slippery feeling they leave behind can actually make your hair harder to style. Reeves says you can fix this problem by misting on a water-based primer, like Shu Uemura Art of Hair Depsea Moisture Foundation ($33; Shu Uemura Art of Hair), after detangling but before applying styling products. "It absorbs some of the oil and rebalances the moisture level of your hair so the style you create will hold longer," she explains.

Brighten Eyes
A cold compress helps reduce under-eye inflammation, but you can get a similar effect with H2O. "As water evaporates from skin, the surface becomes cooler," cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson explains, so a splash of water can depuff temporarily. For a long-term solution, try a cooling, water-rich eye gel like Vichy Aqualia Antiox Anti-Fatigue Eye Stick ($28; drugstores) with brightening citrus polyphenol.

Firm Your Skin
For centuries, people in Eastern Europe have gone to bathhouses for water therapy to detoxify and tighten their skin. The process, which involves a steam-room session to open pores, followed by a cold-pool plunge to shock skin, is easy to replicate at home, according to Eva Scrivo, a New York City-based beauty expert and host of Beauty Talk on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Just soak a washcloth in steaming hot (but bearable) water, then lay it over your face for a minute. Next, wash with your favorite cleanser and rinse with warm water. For your "plunge," splash with cold water about 15 times. "It may sound old-fashioned, but it really works to invigorate and tighten your skin," Scrivo says.

Smooth Lines
Wrinkles are less noticeable when skin cells are well hydrated, according to Dr. Howard Murad, author of "The Water Secret: the Cellular Breakthrough to Look and Feel 10 Years Younger." He suggests using a moisturizer with humectants, which help attract water to skin cells. Try Olay Total Effects Plus Cooling Hydration ($19; drugstores).

Add Radiance
Hydrating from the inside makes skin more luminous, nutritionist and author of "The O2 Diet" Keri Glassman says. To see results, drink eight glasses a day. It sounds like a lot, but many women need that much to see a difference in their skin, she notes.

Correct Your Complexion
No matter what your skin woe, there's a natural water source from around the world that can help -- and a closer-to-home product with the same effect!

Find out which products use mineral-rich H2O from around the globe here.

Tone Muscles
Water is about 12 times more resistant than air, so it takes more effort to move while submerged, according to Terry-Ann Gibson, associate professor of kinesiology at Boise State University. That means exercises you do in a pool are extra-effective muscle sculptors.

An easy one to try: Stand in water up to your neck, then move your arms and legs as if you're cross-country skiing for one minute.

Dedimple Legs
Losing weight improves the look of cellulite, but hydrating from the inside out is the No. 1 natural way to plump skin so underlying fat cells are less noticeable. You can hydrate and slim down by eating water-rich fruits and veggies.

One study in Japan showed women who got their H20 this way had smaller waists and lower BMls than those who sipped their fluids. Some of the most water-rich foods are now in season!

Here are a few ways to "eat" your water.

Reduce Anxiety
Zen Buddhist monks have incorporated water features in their meditative gardens for hundreds of years because of their soothing sounds. And studies show listening to nature -- particularly running water and waves -- helps reduce anxiety. Feeling stressed? Place a tabletop fountain at your desk or download the sounds of the surf at Nature Music Download.

Improve Your Sleep
Soaking in a hot bath before bed can help you transition into a deeper, more restful sleep, a study at Loughborough University found.

This bedtime ritual, inspired by the super-luxe Indochine Indulgence treatment from La Costa Resort and Spa in California, will help you get your z's.

Another Reason To Go Nude

Those paying close attention at the recent VPL Spring 2011 show in New York may have noticed that one model among the scantily clad masses was packing (see look 11). And her weapon, or rather weapons, of choice were Nude Skincare’s best-selling products—the cleansing facial oil, miracle mask, and hydrating water. The trio of must-haves was neatly tucked into specially crafted pockets of a cargo bikini (dubbed the Planet Nude Survival Twin Set) that Victoria Bartlett had designed in collaboration with the cult British skincare brand. Should another skincare-inspired swimsuit be in the works for next season, it will likely need a redesign with an extra pocket—Nude’s latest concoction is definitely worth keeping close at hand. The Advanced Cellular Renewal Serum takes a four-pronged approach to skin rejuvenation using an advanced blend of probiotics, bioactive peptides, vitamin-rich Japanese sea kelp, and a potent hyaluronic acid system to stimulate collagen production and repair DNA damage. With a featherweight, super-silky consistency and a ridiculously delicious white jasmine scent, it is actually a skincare product that you may not be able to survive without.

9 quick beauty fixes

You wake up and notice a bright red zit on your nose and bags under your eyes -- and you have a job interview in an hour. What do you do? We've asked the experts to solve your beauty 911s.

Bright pimple
Quick fix: Dab some apple cider vinegar on the spot to balance the pH of your skin, says makeup artist Jackie Shawn of Facial Arts/The Artist's Group. Then apply a yellow-based concealer with a lip brush, suggests Cheryl Gushue, a freelance makeup artist and teacher.
Long-term: Buy appropriate products for your skin type. If you tend to break out or have oily skin, Gushue recommends using a toner to get rid of trapped dirt and oil.

Smudged mascara
Quick fix: Take a Q-tip with a bit of water or makeup remover and clean it up, "like an eraser," says Gushue.
Long-term: Clean the mascara wand with a tissue, Shawn recommends. Gushue suggests using powder shadow on the lids first, applying waterproof mascara, then using a lash comb to remove clumps or excess. (Click here to find out how to thicken your lashes with cosmetic and non-cosmetic options.)

Bleeding lipstick
Quick fix: "Wrap a tissue around the nail of your finger, smile and gently wipe along your lipline to remove the messy edges," says Gushue.
Long-term: Prime lips with a touch of concealer or powder, adds Gushue. Line the lips with a matching lipliner, apply lipstick with the lip brush and blot with a tissue.

Creased eyeshadow
Quick fix: Use a fingertip or sponge-tip applicator, with or without a smidgen of Vaseline, and smudge the eyeshadow around.
Long-term: Stay away from creme shadows. Shawn says iridescent shadows also crease easily, so stick with matte. Gushue suggests applying concealer on the lid, patting the shadow on with an eye brush and then removing any excess.

Put on makeup in 7 minutes flat

A makeup-artist mom shares her secrets for getting ready to face the world in less than 10 minutes

On weekday mornings you'll find Toronto-based makeup
artist Alice Kilpatrick in her kitchen, rushing to get her kids dressed
and ready for school before she heads to work herself. As Hayley, 9, and
Mitchell, 4 "and three quarters!" enjoy poached eggs on English
muffins, Alice races to pull her clothes together and put on a quick
face. She works with models and celebrities, so she wants to look great,
despite the daily time crunch. "I never skip my skin-care ritual,
though, no matter what," says Alice, 44. Once she has cleansed, then
prepped her skin with moisturizer (with SPF) and eye cream, she zips
through her tried-and-true beauty routine, in under 10 minutes.

The upside to having to put on her makeup in the kitchen,
says Alice, is the bright natural light that streams in through the
large window. "The kids watch me and ask, 'Mommy, why are you putting on
makeup?'" she says. "I tell them, 'Because Mommy feels better when she
wears it.'"

Alice's morning makeup routine
1. Tap then blend cream concealer over dark under-eye circles, on the top inner corner of eyelids, around the base of the nose and over any other red areas.

2. Dust on loose powder with a large brush to set concealer and even out the rest of the complexion.

3. Curl eyelashes and apply two coats of black mascara.
"I never leave the house without curling my lashes," says Alice. "I've
been doing it since I was 16. It opens up the eyes and makes you look
awake."

4. Line the outer corners of the upper and lower lash lines with black, brown or burgundy eye pencil.
"This is a new step," says Alice. "As I get older, I find that I want
to wear a bit more makeup to define my features better."

5. Sweep powder blush onto the apples of the cheeks. "I like rosy tones that mimic a natural flush," she says.

6. Dab tinted balm on the lips. Alice advises finishing with sheer, neutral lip gloss or lipstick,
particularly on days when you're so tired that you think oversize
sunglasses and a baseball cap could be your best friends. "Your first
instinct might be to reach for a bright lip colour," she says. "But when
your skin is fighting your makeup, bold lips can look harsh." Opt
instead for a rosy or peachy shade.

Night moves
"If
I'm going out for the evening, I'll wear concealer, Lancôme Color ID
liquid foundation in II-30 and Cargo Loose Powder in 03," says Alice.
"I've tried some of the eye-makeup techniques that I use on models, but
I've discovered that on me, simpler is better." To give her eyes evening
impact, Alice uses an old Hollywood trick she picked up from actress
Gena Rowlands: "I apply a dark, smudgeproof eye pencil along the inner
rim under the top lashes," says Alice. "My eyes look bright, open and
defined without obvious eyeliner." She also adds lip liner to her
lineup, using it to fill in her lips before applying lipstick or gloss.
"As a base, it helps the colour stay on longer."

Gwen Stefani on her new collection, latest perfume, and how to look stylish at all times

Brian Bedder/Getty Images

For Fashion's Night Out last Friday night, Gwen Stefani held a pre-launch event for her new Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style fragrances, which she describes as "light, fun, happy, fruity, and sweet." 100 lucky customers who got there first had the opportunity to buy the scents months in advance and have them autographed by Gwen herself. But I was even luckier. I got to interview Gwen about her new perfumes, her fascination with Japanese culture, how she looks gorgeous on- and off-stage, and her upcoming L.A.M.B. clothing collection. Read on for our exclusive interview!

On how one goes about creating a fragrance
I’ll be on tour spraying everyone like, “which one do you like? Which one do you like?” It’s really difficult, especially when you start to mess with [the scents]. They send you something and you’re like, "well, maybe a little bit more orange." And then you really don’t know what you want and you’re like, “oh no, maybe I was wrong. Take the orange out. What was I thinking.” It’s such an abstract, weird kind of personal thing.

Brian Bedder/Getty Images

On her favorite scent
I used to be that kind of girl that wanted to have that one scent and that’s what I smell like. But now being able to have so many different fragrances I can change it up all the time, and I love that. I’ve matured.
I think "Gwen" is my favorite... I love to be able to wear the one that really is me.

On the one not-so-cool thing about having your own scent
I remember doing it when I was pregnant one time—that was hard, I was like, “I can’t smell! Everything smells bad!”

On why she’s completely obsessed with Harajuku
My dad actually worked for Yamaha motorcycles my whole life. He would come home [from Japan] with a doll, and the candy, and different little presents from there, so I had that connection real early. When I finally went there with No Doubt it was just like, wow, this is totally where I should be from! I very much related to the whole thing. It's just so creative, and everybody’s trying to be individual, and unique, and original. I just really loved it and always wanted to go back there.

Gwen Stefani signs autographs flanked by her Harajuku girls. Photo: Brian Bedder/Getty Images

On how she stays pretty
I take as good care of myself as I can. I eat really good. I work out a lot. Training and drinking water and all the things they say to do. I don’t have any answers or tricks where I can be like, “guess what? If you do this…” If I did I would probably like, I don’t know, sell it.

On her beauty routine as a kid
As soon as we got home from school I’d book it to the bathroom in my girl friend’s house and be like, Mary Kay—let’s do it! And we’d have all of our moms’ makeup, and I’d burn her neck with a curling iron.

Me and Gwen! Definitely a Fashion Week highlight. Photo: Brian Bedder/Getty Images

On why she looks stylish at all times
Since I was able to put any clothes on or make clothes I’ve always loved getting ready. So even if I didn’t have this life I would still get made up before I left the house. That’s just how I am. My husband always says, “we spend all this time getting ready, and then you just want to leave as soon as we get there!” And I do! I’m, like, in and out. I think it’s because I enjoy it. Maybe that’s what people see, it’s not like this forced thing. Of course there are days when I don’t want to put make up on. I just don’t leave house those day. But I do really enjoy the process of getting ready.

On her new Spring 2011 collection, showing later this week
This time it really took a turn, because I wanted to do a Kimono type print, and one of the girls who works with me brought this African print that was supposed to just be scrap. She just found it, it was like, a mistake. And we were like, “Oh my god, we love that!” So then everything kind of went African, and just went into that direction surprisingly last minute. It’s going to be a lot of prints, a lot of color—which is totally opposite of the last couple years.

Why we’re totally jealous of Gwen Stefani
I love my clothes, and I love making clothes. It’s just such a dream.

Top Anti-Aging Picks of 2010

We classify our picks for the most common skin concerns based on ingredients, results and value. All the products below will help smooth your skin, tighten and restore elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. No needles, injections, or that "fake" plastic look. Now you won't have to wonder if you're giving yourself the best product. You'll know it, so you can focus on enjoying your beauty-filled life.

DERMITàGE FACTS

82%  Saw fewer wrinkles**

83%  Noticed firmer skin**

84%  Saw more radiant skin**

Dermitàge^®  Anti-Aging System

Dermitàge is now offering trials of the product. You only pay shipping and processing. Click here to see if the free* trial promotion is still running.

About the Product:

We choose Dermitàge the #1 anti-aging product on the basis of
the ingredients, its results, and the value of offering a free* trial to prove to you it's the best.

Although it's a relatively new product introduced to the market, Dermitàge has created a cutting edge scientific formula to penetrate its ingredients to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Their formula contains 2 patented ingredients: Lifting spheres – which help plump up the skin for an instant lifting effect, and QuSomes – which encapsulate and deliver the ingredients to provide maximum efficacy. The ingredients have also been shown to help boost your own natural collagen production. The 2 products in the kit that last about 60 days are:

• Instant Lifting Crème (1 fl oz. / 30ml):
• Lifting Spheres firm skin & smooth out wrinkles from underneath
• Hyaluronic Acid restores moisture for soft & supple skin
• Inflacin calms redness and irritation for a beautiful glow

• Skin Renewal Complex (0.5 fl oz. / 15ml):
• Glucosamine Complex boosts collagen for less-visible fine lines
• Aloe Vera extract soothes skin for a smoother appearance
• Botanical Antioxidants protect skin from weather & sun exposure
  

#2

Kumaara FACTS

48%  Boost in cell renewal†

65%  Fewer visible wrinkles†

38%  Less moisture loss†

Kumaara^™  Antioxidant Skin Repair

Released in early 2009, Kumaara™ is one of the best new
skincare products of the year. Even better, the company is now offering the opportunity to try a full supply for free**, while supplies last. Click here to see if any free** trials are still available.

About the Product:

We rated Kumaara as the most exciting new skincare system available today, based on its balanced blend of high-quality, natural ingredients along with verified results and the tremendous value of getting to try it free**.

While Kumaara may be considered a newcomer to the anti-aging field, there is no doubt that it is a superior system of breathtaking natural ingredients combined with the latest in scientific delivery technology. Together, the harmony of Eastern and Western approaches helps to not only reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but Kumaara also actively works to smooth skin, enhance moisture retention and protect the skin against sun-caused aging.

Kumaara is fast becoming a top choice of celebrity clientele who want a non-injection method of looking and feeling younger. It features a remarkable blend of botanicals inspired by centuries of proven use in India, Asia and the Far East. Kumaara's unique blend of anti-aging ingredients includes:

• Indian Gooseberry –
  one of the most potent antioxidants on Earth
• Linefactor –
  based on Hibiscus extract, which boosts skin cell renewal
  and repair
• Oligogeline –
  seen as a natural alternative to silicon, which captures and
  holds in moisture
• Sepilift –
  created from palm leaf extract, which reduces visible wrinkles
  up to 70%

Clinically Tested Results:

Recently, researchers submitted the ingredients in Kumaara to a series of scientific studies, which produced the following results:

• 65% see wrinkles reduced†
• 48% boost in skin-cell renewal†
• 38% less moisture loss±

† After 42 days of continuous use. † After 24 hours of testing. ± After 2 hours of testing.

PREVAGE FACTS

Balance skin tone

Brighten the look of skin

Decrease wrinkle visibility

Elizabeth Arden Prevage^®

About the Product:

Prevage is one of the top selling brands in retail in the anti-aging category. It's similar to Dermitàge in how it claims to improve firmness and elasticity, photo-damaged skin, and fine lines and wrinkles. This product is also just one of many different products in the Prevage line.

Clinically Tested Results:

In clinical studies, Prevage has reported 63% of users see improvement in the skins firmness and elasticity. 47% also see an improvement in skin tone. 55% see an improvement in photo-damaged skin.

At the steep $125 price point for 1.7oz, we feel the previous products above offer much more and are a better value. However, we could not overlook the fact it's a top seller in retail stores like Sephora and Nordstroms, and the high quality of the patented ingredients and results.

Press and Reviews:

This product has been featured in a number of magazines, is endorsed multiple dermatologists.

TIFF's Best Red Carpet Beauty Looks

Like any festival event, the fashion and red carpet looks can be just as important as the films themselves, and with many setting the bar for future trends and inspiration, each look is a glimpse into what we can expect from winter’s award show season.  TIFF is no exception, and as some of Hollywood’s finest descended on our fair city to debut their most recent films (and all of them to critical acclaim, as an aside), we’ve assembled some of the hottest looks to come out of the festival so far.

Natalie Portman
One of the most highly-anticipated stars to walk the TIFF red carpet, Black Swan’s Natalie Portman boasted the classic dark eye and neutral lips combination that epitomizes the striking elegance of her film’s aesthetic.  Looking to Dior’s legacy of timelessness and sophistication, the actress used white, grey and silver to achieve the cat’s eye look, with a pronounced liner blended in to create sexy smokiness. Nude lips (Spectacular Mauve from Dior’s Fall 2010 collection) completed her modern take on vintage Hollywood, with soft waves playing down the drama of Portman’s striking eyes, which provided the perfect balance to keeping things polished yet natural.

Alexis Bledel
Seemingly ageless, Alexis Bledel has maintained the fresh-faced look of youth while conveying a maturity not often found in younger actresses – and her appearance in support of The Contender was no exception.  With striking blue eyes, the star looked to YSL for a water-colour effect, boasting a combination of grey shadow on the lid swept upward, blended with a light pink to offset the dark liner and mascara.
Maintaining her “all-natural” trademark, a light blush was applied to her cheekbones and temples, and a dark pink gloss kept her aesthetic neutral and rejuvenated.  Perhaps one of the most underrated looks of TIFF thus far, Ms. Bledel’s beauty was not lost on us.

Kat Dennings
Successfully capturing the essence of old Hollywood, Kat Dennings brought drama to a whole new level at the premiere of Daydream Nation, with her black dress working perfectly alongside her crimson lips and darkly defined eyes.  However, while a smoky look would normally complement a dark ensemble, the actress opted instead to bring attention to her lips, using only a dark liquid liner to create a 60s cat’s eye that still highlighted her bright blues.
With a neutral eyeshadow offsetting her black dress and brown hair, a subtle blush was used to prevent a gothic look, as was her naturally tousled hair, worn off to the side like the movie stars of the 1940s.

Emma Stone
With her hair in a modern beehive, Easy A’s Emma Stone brought the 60s into the 2010s, showcasing a fresh-faced yet polished look that showcased her peachy complexion and sparkling eyes.  Using a black liner on the top and bottom lash lines and a blue-grey shadow on the lid, the actress achieved a sweeping, smoky look, but instead of conveying drama, she balanced the darkness with a lighter shade of shadow that blended in perfectly with each tone, maintaining a dreamy vintage aesthetic that complemented her hair.

Topping it off with neutral pink lipstick and a dewy blush on her cheeks, Stone embodied the subtle glamour of mod-era beauty, working to highlight her natural features as opposed to smothering them with too much colour.

Looking gorgeous no matter waht skin type

Flaky? Slick? Sensitive? Irritable? What's your sign?

Dermal sign, that is. The skin has its own zodiac of sorts, but you hardly need to consult your horoscope for a good reading. We've gathered a few earthly experts to help each type look its most radiant. 
 

OILY SKIN
You Know the Type: Your face tends to get shiny two hours after washing it.
Special Care: "The natural tendency is to over-scrub to get rid of the oil, but ironically that just makes it worse," says New York City dermatologist and psychiatrist Amy Wechsler, MD. "You actually need to wash gently."  Follow with an alcohol toner and use blotting paper throughout the day. Also, avoid products that don't one of these phrases on the label: "oil free," "water based," or "noncomedogenic."
The Fab Factor: You can bring out your natural dewiness with a light dusting of matte powder foundation, says Hollywood makeup artist Kerry Herta. The good news? Despite its bad rep, "oily skin definitely ages more slowly than other types," notes West Palm Beach dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD.  "It's less susceptible to damage and you tend to have fewer wrinkles. So if you're having a tough go when you're young, know that it will work for you after age 50."


DRY SKIN
You know the type: You can't see your pores at the end of the day. The skin may feel tight after washing.
Special Care: Make sure to use a gentle cleanser and an alcohol-free toner, and stay away from gels, which tend to dry you out, says New York City dermatologist, Neal Schultz, MD. Also intensify the moisturizing. Wechsler suggests looking for products with glycerin, shea butter—"just be careful it doesn't make you break out"—and hyaluronic acid. Another good bet are night creams. "Yes, you can use them in the day," says Schultz. "It's all marketing."
The Fab Factor: This type of complexion can look dull, "so you need to create a little sheen and luster," says Herta. "I'm a fan of creamy foundation, blushes, and eye shadows with glossy lips." She often uses Koh Gen Do's light-illuminating primers and foundation on her dry-skin clients. 

NORMAL SKIN  
Your Know the Type: The texture is smooth; the tone, even. Your oil and water levels are in balance.
Special Care: "I hate to be a nag, but you really need to use sunscreen," says New York City-based makeup artist Tracy Murphy. "You've got to protect your greatest beauty asset. Also, don't forget to take off your makeup at night." Otherwise, just follow the basic regimen: Cleansing in warm water, and moisturizing with a cream or lotion that feels good without making the skin greasy. Schultz is also a big believer in starting regular exfoliation after your first pimple. 
The Fab Factor: A healthy complexion doesn't need foundation, in Herta's opinion. But if you want to even out your tone, try dusting your face with mineral powder. "It's so easy," she says. "Take a Kabuki brush (the kind with a short handle) and buff it around in little circles wherever you need it."

COMBINATION SKIN
You Know the Type: The T-zone (forehead, nose, chin, and above the mouth) is oily, but your cheeks are flaky and dry.
Special Care: You may need to use two different cleansers—a strong one for your T-zone and a gentle one for the cheeks (or don't even wash them). "It's also important to use a water-based moisturizer," says Schultz, "but you may find it's not enough for the dry areas, in which case, add one that has more oil."   
The Fab Factor:  Go with foundations for oily skin; then add something luminescent on the cheek, like a cream blush, says Herta. Or try patting a highlighter (Smashbox and Benefit have great ones) on the upper cheek area, right above where you would put the blush. "It will bounce the light and look really pretty."  

SENSITIVE SKIN
You Know the Type: Your face may sting or burn after cleansing. You often get a rash after using new products. 
Special Care: Number one, commit yourself to "fragrance free" products. Also look for "hypoallergenic" and "allergy-tested" on the label. "Before trying any new cream or makeup," says Wechsler, "first dab a little on the side of your ear for three nights in a row to see if you react."   
The Fab Factor:  A light brush of mineral powder may be the best coverage for you (so you don't have to rub and irritate the skin.) One line to try, Herta suggests, is Josie Maran. Created by a former Maybelline model, it's earth friendly and natural, and great for sensitive types. 


HYPERPIGMENTATION
You Know the Type: Irritation and inflammation can produce dark marks or discoloration in skin of color.
Special Care:  As with sensitive skin, stick to fragrance-free products, advises Philadelphia dermatologist Susan Taylor, MD, who is founding director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke's Hospital in New York. Red flag ingredients include propylene glycol, alcohol, and lanolin. Instead look for products with soy (it's calming and can help with pigmentation) and antioxidants like pomegranate, grapeseed extract, and vitamin C which decrease inflammation. You also need SPF, stresses Taylor. "Sun exposure makes those dark marks darker and more difficult to treat." 
The Fab Factor: Taylor recommends skin brightening creams that contain licorice and arbutin. "Some of these products help minimize the marks while others can give you a glow," she says. If the hyperpigmentation is dramatic, Dermablend and Cover FX offer serious camouflage. "Above and beyond that, just use a regular concealer, powder, and oil-free foundation. Discoloration can really affect your self esteem. This will make a huge difference."  
  
[Photo Credit: ThinkStock]

Keeping your Hands Young....

Top Tips For Looking After Your Hands and Nails

Your hands take a real beating throughout the day! They’re exposed to water, harsh soaps and detergents that can dry the skin out. Your hands can get chapped or cracked just from being out in the cold wind, from doing house work, or just day to day activities. On top of it all, your fingernails, which are made of keratin, naturally can get dry and brittle with age, and may even turn yellow. Luckily, there are a plethora of fantastic products to help you with your hand and nail care.

How to Keep Hands Healthy

Applying a hand cream or balm to the hand and nails on a regular basis will help keep them healthy and moist.  Just like with skin, it’s important to protect the moisture in their nails. Dermatologists recommend rubbing vitamin E, or specially formulated cuticle creams or oils into the cuticles at night. Circulation and proper nutrition are also important for good skin and nail health. Massaging your nails and fingertips every day will increase circulation to the skin around the nails to keep it healthy and prevent it from cracking. A healthy diet rich in calcium and omega 3 oils will also help keep your nails healthy.

5 Tips for Healthy Skin and Nails

1: The delicate skin on the hands needs to be protected from the sun to minimize the signs of sun damage and discolouration. Some creams combine advanced sun protection with moisturizing agents and are designed to be non-greasy and quick absorbing.
2: Your cuticles are an integral part of your nail care. Treat them gently! First use a cuticle remover to soften the cuticles then push them back delicately with Orange Stick but do not cut or trim them. Always moisturise them well.
3: If you do housework and your hands are in water often, wear gloves to help keep your nails from becoming dry and brittle. Your nails can absorb up to a quarter of their weight in water, which causes them to expand. However when they dry, they contract. This continuous expansion and contraction may weaken the nail and cause breakage.
4: Your nails also need to be treated gently to keep them from breaking. Excessive buffing and filing can weaken the nail. So treat them gently, buff them lightly and use tools that are kind to the nails such as glass nail files.
5: Avoid products such as nail polish removers that contain acetone or formaldehyde, which can dry out nails.

Top Products To Achieve Soft Healthy Hands
(Click on the Name of the Product for More Information)

Hand Wash

Miessence Refillable Foaming Hand Soap
Miessence Refillable Foaming Hand Soap provides a convenient, economical and luxurious hand washing experience. More than a thorough clean thanks to purifying ingredients, such as organic lemon myrtle essential oil.
150ml RRP: $17.55

Australian Native Rainforest Botanics Lemon Myrtle Hand Wash
[A’kin] Australian Native Rainforest Botanics Lemon Myrtle Hand Wash features Australian-grown Lemon Myrtle Oil, known for its anti-bacterial properties, in a synergistic blend of softening, skin-kind cleansers and stimulating aromatherapy oils for the ultimate in hand care.
240ml RRP: $13.50

Best Smelling Hand Creams

Max Brenner Madagascar Vanilla Hand Moisturiser
Hand Moisturiser is enriched with Ivory Coast Cocoa Butter: Upon contact with the body, the cocoa butter nourishes & enriches the skin, improves elasticity & serves as a source of antioxidants. Evening Primrose Oil: The oil contains essential fatty acids which are vital for the skin’s functions & for one’s entire body.
100ml RRP: $20.00

Jurlique Jasmine Hand Cream
Jasmine Hand Cream provides long-lasting moisturisation and hydration with a special blend of natural ingredients including Safflower & Macadamia Oils, Honey, Glycerin & Aloe Vera.  Calendula, Viola and Chamomile Extracts help to soothe and comfort skin whilst Carrot Root Extract and Marshmallow help to hydrate and soften skin, leaving skin feeling silky and supple.
40ml RRP: $27.00

Natural Hand Creams

Yuva Intensive Hand & Nail Cream
A highly effective, non greasy formula designed for hands and nails that need care. Macadamia Nut, Jojoba Seed and Olive Fruit oils help moisturise dry fragile skin. Rich in antioxidants Vitamin E and Green Tea extract to help prevent the signs of ageing. Black Cohosh extract helps increase the skins own hydration and production of collagen, while Panthenol speeds healing and binds moisture in the outer layers of the skin and nails for smoother, more youthful looking hands and nails.
75ml RRP: $43.00

[A’kin] Unscented, Intensive Hand, Nail & Cuticle Treatment
Treat your hands to some intensive pampering with the [A’kin] Unscented, Intensive Hand, Nail & Cuticle Treatment. The uniquely pure [A’kin] hand and nail cream formulations are non-greasy and rapidly absorbed, delivering natural healing ingredients deep into the hands.
75ml RRP $16.95

Anti – Aging Hand Creams

Guinot Multi-Action Vital Hand Care
Longue Vie Main is a hand and nail treatment, which restores the hands softness and suppleness.  The cream protects against daily aggressions and UV rays, whilst stimulating cellular renewal and minimising the appearance of pigmentation marks.
75ml RRP: $53.55

Alpha-H Age Delay Hand and Cuticle Care Cream
Alpha-H Age Delay Hand and Cuticle Care is a beautiful, rich, silky cream, designed to restore moisture, softness and youthfulness to hands that are dry and prematurely aged. It also strengthens and smoothes cuticles and is completely absorbed by the skin without leaving an oily residue.
100mL   RRP:  $37.95
8
8

Lendan Infinitime Age Delay Restoring Hand Cream
An easily absorbed age delay hand cream with a smoothing texture. It deeply moisturises, repairs and
nourishes the skin thanks to its formula that includes an effective concentrate of natural peptides that firms and regenerates the skin from the inside, preventing the formation of wrinkles.
75ml RRP: $77.00


Pelactiv Hand Cream
Unlike aggressive treatments such as glycolic acid that may deliver instant results but end up dehydrating the skin, lactic acid moisturises the skin so no dry patches appear over time, instead leaving the skin feeling super smooth and hydrated. The Pelactiv solutions use totally pure and natural organic AHA’s.
75ml RRP $32.00

Luxury Hand Creams

La Prairie Cellular Hand Cream
An intensely revitalising blend of marine-derived complex, rich in minerals, combined with exclusive Cellular Complex and an innovative Moisture Complex that creates an invisible barrier to maintain a comfortable level of hydration.  Effective anti-oxidant protection comes from Sprirulina, Vitamin E, Green Tea and Grape Seed Extracts.
100ml RRP: $155.00

Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Smoothing Hand Crème
Combines a luxuriant texture with extraordinary ingredients to instantly hydrate, smooth and comfort dry, delicate hands, including cuticles, while providing outstanding protection from the damaging effects of free radical assaults. Formulated with an exclusive anti-spot technology, this luscious though non-greasy hand crème helps even out visible skin tone for more youthful looking hands.  Plus, hands feel soft and supple for hours even after multiple hand washings.
100ml RRP: $100.00

Bronzed Beauty

Now that we are all back at work, under the fluorescent lights, in front of the computer screens and the days are no longer as long or hot as they were a few weeks ago, we may notice out slight tan slowly disappearing.
The ‘I’ve spent the weekend at the beach’ look is slowly being replaced by the ‘I’ve spent the rainy weekend in bed with a good book’ look!
However if you’re like me and want to prolong and hang on to the look and feel of lazy summer days spent in the great outdoors, there are plenty of products to help you out – without the island holiday price tag.

Here are 8 of our favourites selected from all price ranges to suit everyone.
(Click on Name of Product for More Information)

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

TROPIQUES MINÉRALE from Pure Ochres by Lancôme

Napoleon Perdis – Summer Sun Self Tanning Spray

TI COSMETICS The Bronzer Face and Body Products

Face Of Autralia Sun – Streak Free Tinted Tanning Spray

Napoleon Perdis Set Liquid Veil

Le Tan Original Tanning Cream

Australis Jumbo Mineral Bronzer