Tag: sephora

DIY Facials with Greek Yogurt Face Masks

I love finding natural beauty treatments and remedies that work just as well (if not better!) than store bought cosmetics. Earlier this year I experimented with the effects of Raw Honey Face Masks and was blown away by the results! It made me think about other simple, natural products and I remembered my experience with Greek Yogurt.

I learned about the skin healing and beauty benefits of yogurt years ago in Greece. Back then, a local brand called Korres was being sold in pharmacies and specializing in natural and holistic remedies, creams and cosmetics.

The first Korres product I tried was their Yogurt Face Cream. It was supposed to soothe the skin, help minimize breakouts, and have anti-aging effects. Lucky for me, the cream delivered on everything it promised.

(More than a decade later, Korres is now available all over the world and they are still using unique ingredients and plants in their lines. Check them out on Amazon.)

Korres was definitely on to something, but you do not need to visit a cosmetics counter to benefit from the effects of yogurt – instead, shop your refrigerator for some plain Greek yogurt.

Yogurt is full of proteins and enzymes that help soothe, heal and treat your skin.

Gently apply a thin layer of plain Greek yogurt to clean skin for 10 to 30 minutes 2 to 3 times per week. On its own, it will moisturize, exfoliate, minimize acne, soothe sunburns and brighten your skin. For more intense all natural masks, try the following:

  1. Intense Moisture
  2. Exfoliator and Acne Healer
    • 2 tsp Greek Yogurt + 1 tsp Organic Raw Honey + 1/2 tsp Organic Coconut Oil
      • Yogurt is Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal which helps destroy acne-causing bacteria.
      • The Alpha-Hydroxy Acid gently exfoliates by dissolving dead skin cells to give you a youthful, glowing appearance.
  3. Sunburn Soother
    • 1 tbsp Greek Yogurt + 1 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel
      • The Zinc in Yogurt helps heal the skin and removes the sting.
  4. Skin Brightener
    • 1 tbsp Greek Yogurt + 1/2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Which is your favourite Greek Yogurt Mask? Do you have any special concoctions of your own for other skin concerns?

Bold for the Holidays

Keep your holiday makeup simple with big brows and bold lips.

Keep your holiday makeup simple with big brows and bold lips.

My favourite Holiday makeup style is simple and fuss-free, but makes a bold statement. Focus on Bold Brows and Lips for a simple Holiday look that will take you from morning to night.

Get the Look:

  • Bold brows
  • Bright lipstick
  • Natural Face: Concealer, Powder, Mascara, Blush
  1. FACE The focal points are larger than life brows and bright, bold lips. The look is quite dramatic, so keep the rest of your face neutral. Hide dark circles and blemishes with an easily blendable concealer, setting with translucent powder for extra staying power. Apply black mascara and a nude blush to for a “no makeup makeup look.”
    • My all-time favourite concealer is NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer. A small dab goes a long way with this product.
    • PRO TIP: pat the colour onto your skin using your fourth finger. The warmth will help distribute the product and your finger can cover hard to reach spots.
    • Try using a matte blush without shimmer. Matted out skin looks very modern, especially when paired with a matte lip. Try Lancome Blush Subtil for a natural, sheer wash of matte colour.
    •  

      Lancome Blush Subtil provides sheer, buildable, natural looking colour.

      Lancome Blush Subtil provides sheer, buildable, natural looking colour.

  2. BROWS When building your makeup colour collection, start with products with multiple uses. Use neutral, matte eyeshadows that can be used for eye brows, crease shadow, eye liner, and even contouring.
    • I prefer to use shadows instead of pencils to fill in brows. It gives a more natural feathered look that mimics hair more than pencil, which can sometimes look harsh. Use an angled brush for precise application.
    • Similar to “overdrawing” lips for a more full effect, follow along with the natural size and shape of your brows. Again, this is to maintain a more natural look. If you are in the process of growing out your brows, lightly filling in sparse areas with shadow can ease the transition.
    • Choosing a colour for your brows depends on the type of look you prefer, and how much space you are trying to fill in. I use a charcoal brown shade that lightly fills spaces which, for my already dense brows, looks more natural. If I use a chestnut shade that is closer to my hair colour, I find my brows look too dark and dramatic.
    • I typically use a slightly darker shade for blondes and fair haired clients to help define their brows, and a slightly lighter shade for people with dark brown or chestnut brows. If I am building out their brows, however, the colour should more closely match their brows. It is important to play with your brows to find a look that suits you. The colour and shape of your eyebrows will frame your face, so practice and take your time.
    • One of the best palette’s for experimenting is Becca’s Ombre Nudes Eye Palette. There is also a separate palette with red undertones. These shadows allow you to play with different looks and stay in place all day.
    • PRO TIP: after filling in brows with shadow, pencil, or wax, always brush hair in the direction of hair growth (up, and to the side). This will give brows a more natural appearance. If you do not have an eyebrow comb, use a clean, dry toothbrush.
    • Becca's Ombre Nudes Eye Palette is the perfect start to any colour collection.

      Becca’s Ombre Nudes Eye Palette is the perfect start to any colour collection.

       

       

  3. LIPS Preparing your lips is the most important part of bold lip colours. Always remember to exfoliate + moisturize, and prime for the perfect pout.
    • Exfoliating + moisturizing should be done regularly – at least 3 to 4 times per week – especially in cooler temperatures. Incorporate lip care into something you already do for grooming or personal hygiene. For instance, every time I brush my teeth, I take a few seconds at the end to lightly brush my lips with my toothbrush. Afterwards, I apply a thick coat of Rosebud Salve. By caring for my lips a little bit everyday, I no longer have problems with extremely dry lips from the changing seasons.
    •  Priming your lips is important for the longevity of the lipstick and will keep colour in place.
      • A lip pencil is one way to prime lips: Using a nude colour, or for more vivid colours, a lip pencil that closely matches your lipstick, carefully line and fill lips before applying a coat of lipstick.

        Sephora Collection Universal Lip Liner is a clear pencil applied outside the lips. It creates a barrier that keeps lipstick in place without feathering or migrating.

        Sephora Collection Universal Lip Liner is a clear pencil applied outside the lips. It creates a barrier that keeps lipstick in place without feathering or migrating.

      • My preferred lip liner is a multipurpose clear liner that can be worn with any colour of lipstick. The Sephora Collection Universal Lip Liner is applied just outside the natural contour of the lips and prevents the colour from migrating. It maintain a sharp line around lips, even with the darkest shades of lipstick.
    • Be precise when applying bright lipstick colours. Use a lip brush to achieve clean, sharp lines with your bold lip colours. Apply thin coats of lipstick until the colour becomes just opaque.
    • PRO TIP: use your finger nail or a cotton swab to clean lipstick smudges. A clean lip brush with concealer can help clean up messy edges.
    • PRO TIP: bright, matte lips is a great modern look. Skip the gloss, and find a matte or satin finished lipstick. Using less product will also help keep lipstick in place, without smudging.

Keep your makeup simple this holiday. Bold Brows and Lips can take you from morning to night with nothing more than powder and lipstick touch ups in between.

What look will you be sporting this Holiday season?

 

Review: Drybar Hair Dryer

I launched my YouTube channel a few weeks ago with an “unwrapping” video of Drybar’s “Peace on Earth Good Hair to All!” hair dryer kit. The kit was definitely a splurge, but I was hoping it would perform better than my ancient Conair dryer.

I have a lot of fine, long hair, and if I do not blow dry it completely  during the colder months, it either looks flat immediately or gives me a headache (neither of which is a good option).

Unfortunately, the Drybar Buttercup Hair Dryer did not seem much better than my ancient dryer. Although the dryer was light, had a good grip in hand, and was a little quieter than what I am used to, it did not seem to make much difference with drying time.

The kit included two products – Hot Toddy heat protectant and Triple Sec styling spray. Hot Toddy seemed fine – like any other heat protectant, and I did not notice a difference with the Triple Sec. If anything, it made my hair stick together in sections – giving a messier second day look to freshly blow dried hair – and made my blow out look slightly unkempt.

The large hair clips included with the set had many pieces on them that caught on my long, straight hair, and required extra time to untangle.

I actually liked the Drybar Round Brush more than expected. I remember buying a wooden round brush more than a decade ago to replicate a voluminous salon blow out. In real life, however, there is rarely time to do a full blow out and using a round brush on hair that is longer than shoulder length takes too much time and effort. It has sat in my drawer ever since.

The quality of the plastic bristles on the Drybar Round Brush seemed quite cheap, but it actually pulled through the hair nicely. Like the dryer, it had a good grip and felt lightweight in hand. The bristles held the hair well, in my opinion, and seemed to allow good tension for drying. The difficulty, however, is blow drying longer hair with a round brush. I have always had this problem, so perhaps it is an issue with technique, but it was not practical for me. I usually prefer to blow dry my hair upside down, starting at the roots, and then dry it with a large paddle brush – flattening pieces between the brush and the dryer.

In the end, the kit had some good things – the feeling and weight of the dryer, the length of the cord, the large barrel round brush for those who know how to use one, and the Hot Toddy heat protectant cream. Those benefits were not enough to justify the price of the kit, especially since drying time was roughly the same as my older hair dryer.

I sadly returned the Drybar kit and am still on the lookout for a better hair dryer. Do you have any recommendations for me?

 

Join Me on YouTube

After years of wanting to start a YouTube channel, I finally found the confidence to do so.

The channel will showcase everything to make your days a little more glamorous. Look forward to product reviews, tips and tricks, and expert makeup applications.

Is there a look that you want to learn or a product that you would like to see on the channel?

Holiday Cheer and Festive Deals

Red cups are out, which means that the Holidays – and Sephora’s infamous promotions – are right around the corner.

Every year, Sephora offers limited edition goodies with special holiday packaging, value bundles,   collaborations, and even custom colours just for the holidays. For those obsessed with beauty  products, narrowing down your wish list to a reasonable amount can be nearly impossible.

Fortunately/Unfortunately, Sephora sends holiday promotions to BI’s (normal shoppers), VIB’s (spending $350 in a calendar year – a little crazy about cosmetics), and VIB Rouge members (spending $1000 in a calendar year – those beyond obsessed and virtually pore-less).

VIB Rouge members have a head start on their holiday shopping with 20% off from November 6 – 9, and have already scooped up some amazing products.

The Drybar Tress Press Digital Styling Iron ($189) has sold out, as has the Bite Beauty Discovery Set ($60 for three full sized lip products, three minis, five makeup wipes, and a mirror…what?!).

 

Drybar Tress Press available at Sephora ($189).

Drybar Tress Press available at Sephora ($189).

Bite Beauty Discovery Set exclusively available at Sephora ($59).

Bite Beauty Discovery Set exclusively available at Sephora ($59).

There are still plenty of beautiful gifts and indulgences available. Among my favourites are the drink-inspired limited edition, online only lipstick shades by Bite Beauty. Bite quickly became one of my favourite brands with their commitment to natural ingredients, unapologetically rich pigments, and moisturizing formulas.

Bite Luminous Creme Lipsticks in Limited Edition Shades: Kir Royale, Mimosa and Bellini on Sephora.com ($28 each).

Bite Luminous Creme Lipsticks in Limited Edition Shades: Kir Royale, Mimosa and Bellini on Sephora.com ($28 each).

Nothing gets you into the Holiday spirit more than holding a red cup while shopping…even if you are shopping for yourself…online…in your pyjamas.

What is on your wish list?

C’est L’Halloween

Halloween is around the corner! Your costume is ready, your plans are made, but what about your makeup? Makeup is the finishing touch to transform you into a gruesome ghoul or the prettiest princess.

Book your Halloween makeup now!

Below is a little nostalgic tune to get you into the spirit… Hey!

C’est L’Halloween

C'est L'Halloween - time to party like it's 1995

C’est L’Halloween – time to party like it’s 1995

Blurred Lines

YSL has – yet again – succeeded in transforming normal skin into the perfect silk canvas. The newest additions to their infamous Touche Eclat collection are the Blur Primer and Blur Perfector.

A little goes a long way with these products – especially the Primer – and depending on where you are going, you can probably skip the foundation.

YSL Blur Primer is the first step toward smooth, dewy skin.

YSL Blur Primer is the first step toward smooth, dewy skin.

The Primer was my go-to skin product for hot summer nights. After applying a light moisturizer, I blended a small amount of product onto my face for the perfect dewy glow. There was no need to carry pressed powder around since it minimized shine.

The Blur Perfector comes in a universally flattering rosey hue that evens out skin tone. It is an ultra lightweight buildable product that can be used to touch up and remove oil throughout the day.

Worn alone or under foundation, YSL Blur Perfector provides sheer coverage and creates silky smooth skin.

Worn alone or under foundation, YSL Blur Perfector provides sheer coverage and creates silky smooth skin.

Both products fill in fine lines, hide pores, and create the illusion of perfect skin. If you are looking for a product to replace foundation in your daily routine, or if need to prep your skin pre-foundation, these products are definitely a great beauty investment.

New Season, New Skin Care

As we move into a new season, it is always good to make changes to your skin care routine (Note: changing seasons are also a good reminder to swap your shampoo and conditioner).

As the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors blasting the heat, you may find that you need a richer, more intense moisturizer than what you use during the warmer months. Hydration and exfoliating masks also become your best friend when combatting dryness.

I recently went through all the beauty samples that I had accumulated in the last year and was pleasantly surprised by some of my finds. Even though I never want summer to end, these masks, moisturizers and cleansers will hopefully make the transition into fall more bearable.

Budget Balancing Mask: Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Anti Stress Mask  (freemanbeauty.com)

The Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Stress Mask by Freeman is one of the best masks I have used, budget or otherwise. It has a pleasant sweet/salty/lavender smell, the smooth texture of clay, and leaves your skin soft, radiant, and refreshed. I have fairly sensitive skin and have never had any problems with any Freeman masks. I also highly recommend their Cucumber Peel-Off Mask. If not for the cool, refreshing feeling, than just to pretend that you are Patrick Bateman for ten minutes.

Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Stress Mask

Freeman Cucumber Peel-Off Mask

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Break the Bank Mask: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask (sephora.com)

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

 

More than anything, this mask is fun. It looks like pure tar and peels off in one sheet if applied correctly (be sure to keep it away from your eyebrows and hairline as it is quite sticky and will rip out the hair). It is great on sensitive skin and always leaves my skin feeling clean and looking bright. Apply a face oil after using this, and your skin will feel like pure silk.

 

Oil-Based Cleanser: Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil (sephora.com)

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil

I tend to stick to Murad for use with my Clarisonic and the Aveeno Moisturizing Bar to remove eye makeup. Recently, however, I have been using the ultra-rich Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil. It removes makeup well (I still prefer removing eye makeup with my Aveeno bar) and leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

To use, shake cleanser and apply to dry skin with dry hands. Gently massage face to remove dirt and oil. Wash with warm water – notice how the previously oily/sticky cleanser becomes almost milky.

 

Sensitive Skin Cleanser: First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser (sephora.com)

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

For those with sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty’s Face Cleanser is a great transitional product. Formulated for sensitive skin, this product will not irritate and even moisturizes as it gently cleans.

To use, dampen face with warm water and massage a small amount of cleanser onto face. The formula will foam and become milky as you work with the product. Gently rinse off with warm water.

 

Face Oil 2.0: Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil (sephora.com)

Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil

During the warmer months, I swear by Josie Maran’s 100% pure Argan Oil or Light Argan Oil. When your skin starts feeling tight and chapped with the cold weather, however, I find the Seaberry Face Oil is a little more intensive. This oil is still fast absorbing and light enough that you can wear it underneath another cream or SPF.

 

 

 

My First “Anti-Aging” Cream: Lancome Reenergize Lift Multi-Action SPF 15 (sephora.com)

Lancome Renergie Lift Multi-Action SPF 15

I am now at the age where preventative beauty treatments are necessary. My first dip into the “anti-aging” pool is with Lancome’s Renergie Lift Multi-Action SPF 15. Not knowing what to expect, I quickly fell in love with this cream. It is a thicker moisturizer that absorbs quickly and leaves your face feeling quenched.  Your skin also has a refreshed appearance and refined texture immediately.

 

 

I am pleasantly surprised by some of the beauty finds in my “sample” drawer. Let me know if you have tried any of these products and how they have worked for you!

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day, everyone! I will be celebrating July 14th when #BiteBeauty releases their exclusive Canadian-inspired lipsticks!

Canada Wins with Bite Beauty's exclusive Maple Collection.
Canada Wins with Bite Beauty’s exclusive Maple Collection.

Bite has created five Canadian Maple Matte Creme Lipstick shades ($28, Sephora.com) and a Maple Agave Lip Mask ($30), all with a delicious maple scent.

The Maple Collection from left to right: Maple Agave Lip Mask, Warmed Maple, Candied Maple, Braised Maple, Sugared Maple, Mulled Maple.

The Maple Collection from left to right: Maple Agave Lip Mask, Warmed Maple, Candied Maple, Braised Maple, Sugared Maple, Mulled Maple.

Earlier this year I fell in love with Bite. Their highly pigmented hues and wearable reds guarantee a smooth application and are flattering on everyone. How will I choose one or two shades from this collection?  It is like deciding between a St. Lawrence market Canadian bacon sandwich, or maple syrup pancakes for breakfast – the choice is nearly impossible!

The Best Travel Accessory: My Clarisonic

The stress of travelling always takes a toll on my skin. Between all the sunscreen, sweat, and environmental pollution, even if I feel completely relaxed, my skin would look tired and rough. I have been using the Clarisonic Aria for more than one year, and my skin has showed  huge improvements as a result (especially when travelling!) Since using the device, moisturizer and sunscreen glides on with ease, and foundation application is especially smooth. The Clarisonic is definitely an investment, but it has improved my skins’ texture and help minimize noticeable breakouts.

What is a Clarisonic?

The Clarisonic device will give you the most effective and gentle one minute face wash. It combines sonic pulses with unique brush heads to cleanse pores and remove impurities without damaging your skin. Their standard brushes are designed for all types of skin including delicate, sensitive, normal, deep pore, acne prone, and radiance. The company also makes specialty brushes for the face, body, and feet. Play around with the brushes and device speeds to find the perfect combination for your skin.

How I use it:

All Clarisonic models feature a one minute timer with three mini beeps to help time cleaning your face. It is important not to use your Clarisonic more than one time per day so you do not strip the natural oils from your skin. I use mine every evening to remove makeup build up, but use it less often if your skin is too sensitive.

I start by washing off any eye make up since you should not use the Clarisonic too close to your eye area. Try using an Aveeno moisturizing bar – it is gentle and removes all traces of eye makeup.

Dampen your face and the brush head with warm water, and then spread a quarter-sized amount of cleanser on your face. Find a cleanser that works for your skin, and that the texture works with your device. I use Murad Acne Cleanser with 1.5% salicylic acid and the deep pore brush head.

With a thin layer of cleanser on your face, start the Clarisonic and make small, slow circles on the different segments of your face. I divide my face up into 4 different segments to work on between beeps: left cheek, right cheek, nose and chin, and forehead.

When your minute timer is finished, you Clarisonic will automatically shut off. Rinse it well and store standing up to allow the brush to completely dry. The device is completely waterproof and can be fully submerged in water, so you can even use it in the shower.

Once your skin is fresh and clean, it is time to apply your moisturizer. Since you removed most of the impurities from your skin, it will absorb your products better and give you a fresh, youthful glow. Try using Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil – it will leave your skin feeling like silk.

Brush Care:

Like your toothbrush, your Clarisonic brush will eventually wear down and start to gather bacteria. The company recommends changing them every three months, but I have found, with good care, brush life can be extended to about four months. After that, the bristles lose their tension and there is too much bacteria gathering.

Happy Long Weekend!

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter, Happy Passover, or a Happy Spring Long Weekend!

Take a moment to relax, reflect, and take a stroll outside… Just remember to bring your Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment.

Enjoy!

Take a moment to relax with some jasmine tea and Fresh Sugar Rose lip treatment.

Take a moment to relax with some jasmine tea and Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment.

Bite Beauty: Good Enough to Eat

I recently became a VIB Rouge member at Sephora (meaning I spent way too much money there throughout 2014). When my new card arrived, it was accompanied by a delightful deluxe sample of Bite Beauty’s Luminous Creme Lipstick in a custom brick red VIB Rouge shade.

Bite Beauty's exclusive lipstick for Sephora VIP Rouge customers. Luminous Creme Lipstick in the perfect shade of brick red.

Bite Beauty’s exclusive lipstick for Sephora VIP Rouge customers. Luminous Creme Lipstick in the perfect shade of brick red.

The lipstick was made in Canada, has a fruity yet non-overpowering aroma, and a wonderful smooth application. The creamy consistency moisturizes, has the perfect matte finish, and great staying-power.

Bite uses all food grade, non-GMO ingredients, no synthetic fragrances (great for those with sensitive skin), and no synthetic dyes. This lipstick also contains trans-resveratrol – the antioxidant-rich ingredient in red wine that helps reduce the appearance of lines.

Bite Beauty's Smashed Agave Lip Mask is a new favourite: hydrating and has sheer, buildable colour. A must-have.

Bite Beauty’s Smashed Agave Lip Mask is a new favourite: hydrating and has sheer, buildable colour. A must-have.

I was so impressed by the lipstick that I had to try another Bite product. During the day, I am very minimal with my make up and like using tinted lip balms. They are also especially useful at the gym where I do not wear any make up. I saw that Bite’s Agave Lip Mask had great reviews and decided to try the newest colour, Smashed Agave.

The balm, also made in Canada, smells like real vanilla bean and has a slightly sticky texture. On a cold day in Toronto, it may take a little warming it between your hands to get it to squeeze out of the tube easily, but that just means there are no synthetic stabilizers to maintain the texture (think about the difference of butter vs. margarine when they are kept in the refrigerator. Synthetic margarine is easily spreadable, whereas natural butter has to come to room temperature).

Demonstrating the buildable colour of Bite Smashed Agave Lip Mask: One, two, and three sheer coats lets you determine the colour intensity while always delivering incredible hydration.

Demonstrating the buildable colour of Bite Smashed Agave Lip Mask: One, two, and three sheer coats lets you determine the colour intensity while always delivering incredible hydration.

A little goes a long way with this mask. It is incredibly hydrating and long-wearing, and has a sheer wash of natural pink colour. For more colour, layer on one or two more sheer coats, or use your favourite lipstick on top. It is a great product for year-round, daily use. I am excited to try more products from Bite.

Oscar 2015 Beauty: On the Carpet and at Home

Below are some of my favourite beauty looks from the 2015 Oscars. You can easily re-create the looks at home with my tips and product recommendations.

“No Make Up” Make Up

One of my favourite beauty looks for every day is the “no make up” trend. It has been all over the NYFW runways, so it was no surprise that many starlets, including Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Lopez, opted for the trend.

Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Lopez let their natural beauty shine through with a natural make up look.

Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Lopez let their natural beauty shine through with a natural make up look.

Showstopping Lips

For evenings, I love bold lips and sultry eyes. This look is a classic for the Red Carpet and a definite nod to Old Hollywood. Margot Robbie, Lupita Nyong’o, and Jena Dewan all looked confident and beautiful with their statement make up.

Margot Robbie, Lupita Nyong'o, and Jena Dewan exuded confidence and glamour with their sultry eyes and bold lips.

Margot Robbie, Lupita Nyong’o, and Jena Dewan exuded confidence and glamour with their sultry eyes and bold lips.

Get the Look

Every look you see on the red carpet has one thing in common: a foundation of healthy, glowing skin.

When prepping your skin for a flawless face, what you put into your body is just as important as what you put on. A healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise (sweating out the toxins!), SPF, and proper nutrition is the best place to start.

1.   When Life Gives you Lemons, Make Lemon Water: Cleaning from the Inside Out

Having suffered from acne as a teenager and still having my occasional struggles, I now have the healthiest skin I have ever had in my life. I start each morning by drinking a glass of warm water and lemon juice. Among its many benefits, lemon water helps to cleanse your system of toxins, and maintain skin’s radiance with its antioxidant benefits. Start your day with lemon water, and then eat your greens (if you prefer, have them as a juice or shake) half an hour after drinking your lemon water. Your body will be prepped for digesting and metabolizing all the healthy vitamins they have to offer.

Make sure you are getting all the necessary vitamins. Vitamin E helps maintain healthy skin, eyes and immune system. I always make sure to take my Vitamin E supplement with my Vitamin D (to promote a healthy immune system, bones and teeth). Unless you live in a sunny climate, chances are you are not getting enough Vitamin D from moderate sun exposure.

Vitamin supplements are the second best way of making sure you are getting all your necessary daily vitamins. It is always best to consume the natural vitamin source by enjoying a balanced and colourful diet. The more colour, the more natural vitamins. Kale, spinach, broccoli, beets, red bell peppers, nuts and lean proteins are staples to my daily diet and include a wide range of necessary vitamins.

Please note, the above diet and supplement regimen has helped my skin, but may not be for everyone. Please consult a physician prior to taking supplements or making dietary changes.

2.   Water, Water Everywhere

Staying hydrated is incredibly important to maintain a healthy body, immune system, and flushing out toxins (toxins that can inevitably cause acne). Wherever you are, no matter what time of day, you should always be drinking water. While you should be drinking your 2 Litres throughout the day, I start each morning with 1 L, including my lemon water, so I do not forget. It is easier to drink 1 L than you might think, especially if you prepare a full teapot for personal consumption. Coconut water can also substitute some of your water intake for the day.

3.   Start with a Blank Canvas

Now that you have thoroughly cleansed and purified your body, your skin is surely looking radiant. To create the perfect canvas for your make up, wash your face with a gentle cleanser (or if you have very dry skin, plain water). Pat your face dry with a soft towel making sure not to scrub. You do not want to irritate your skin or spread oils if acne is a concern.

Once skin is cleansed, it is time to moisturize. I start by lightly patting an eye cream onto the eye lid, around the orbital bone, and under the eye.

Use your fourth finger to apply in soft taps so you do not pull the gentle skin around the eye. Next apply your moisturizer and SPF in that order. If using multiple moisturizers, apply them from lightest, to richest formulas.

My preferred moisturizer is Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light, followed by an oil-free SPF. If you are going out at night, skip the SPF so you do not feel the product build-up.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light, available at Sephora.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light, available at Sephora.

To perfect your already glowing complexion, use your fingers to apply a thin layer of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. Conceal any blemishes and underage dark circles with NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer, gently tapping with your fourth finger. I also blend a small amount of concealer on the upper eye lid to provide a smooth base for eyeshadow, or just to provide a flawless appearance. When you are happy with your blending, use a fluffy brush to dust a sheer translucent powder, like NARS Pressed Powder, over the entire face. This will set your make up base. Keep the pressed powder with you throughout the night for touch ups.

Three steps to a perfect complexion: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer for sheer coverage, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, and NARS Pressed Powder.

Three steps to a perfect complexion: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer for sheer coverage, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, and NARS Pressed Powder.

4.   Building the Look

Once your skin and base is complete, the rest of the look is easy. Choose either your eyes, your lips, or your cheeks to emphasize, unless you are going monochromatic for the “No Make Up” trend.

Among the Red Carpet trendsetters, there are subtle differences between each of the women.

 

Make Up Nudists

Jennifer Aniston – Greek Goddess

Jennifer Aniston has perfected the California-Surfer-Greek-Goddess look like no one else. Growing up Greek, myself, she has been a pinnacle of beauty and elegance that I used to shape my own look. To replicate subtle healthy glow, use to products with a bronze hue keeping the skin matte, lips glossy, and eyes bold. Use a matte bronzer, like NARS Bronzing Powder, and apply highlighter under the brow bone and above cheeks for a glowing look. Use a subtle brown gloss with some shimmer, like Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Bare Beige, and load lashes with a curling mascara like Dior Overcurl.

Reese Witherspoon – Pale Perfection

Reese has perfected the “No Make Up” trend, with the only noticeable colour being on the eyes. The subtle orange-brown showcases her blue eyes, and her muted creamy pink lipstick is meant to look like she is not wearing anything. Using a peachy brown eye shadow hue like MAC Eye Shadow in Texture, sweep the colour onto the upper lid and lightly as a liner on the lower lid. Her cheeks are dusted with an ultra-sheer wash of colour, like Clinique Blushing Blush in Aglow, and the lips have just enough colour and sheen to look healthy. Try Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick in Salut.

Jennifer Lopez – Glamour Barbie

Jennifer Lopez’s make up is all about big lashes and a luscious, healthy looking Barbie-pink smile. To get the look, prep the eye by applying a thin line of dark eyeliner like Lancome Le Crayon Eye Kohl in Black Coffee  to help false lashes blend in. Next, glue your band of false lashes as close to the lash base as possible. For a dramatic look, choose a dense set like 156 Genevieve by Make Up For Ever. Complete the look with a light pink lipstick with a blue undertone like Buxom Full Bodied Lipstick in Mistress.

 

Bold Bombshells

Margot Robbie – Understated in your Face

For going out, Margot Robbie’s look is a personal favourite of mine, and is incredibly easy to pull off. Start with defining your brows with a matte shadow and lightly pulling the colour through the hairs with an angled brush. Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow in Vintage works well for my dark chestnut brows. Load upper lashes up with a black volumizing mascara like Dior Diorshow, and lower lashes with MAC Extended Play. Finish the look with a matte, orangey-poppy red lipstick, like my personal favourite NARS Heat Wave.

Lupita Nyong’o – Dewy Perfection

When applied with a light touch, luminizers can be your best friend and will take your look to new heights. For Lupita’s dewy skin, mix a little bit of luminizer into your foundation or tinted moisturizer (before applying your setting powder). Her make up artist has used it all over, but you can also control the product and just apply under the brow bone, above the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, and lightly on the chin. Try BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal. Next, create a smokey eye look with a cool icy shade like Make Up For Ever Eye Shadow in ME 116 Silver. Polish your pout with a beautiful glossy and glitter bronze like Buxom Full On Lip Polish in Ava.

Jenna Dewan – Magic Mink

Jenna Dewan’s look is all about lush, soft, mink lashes. Similar to Jennifer Lopez’s lash-ious look, apply a thin line of black eye liner to the upper lash line so the lashes blend seamlessly. Try the Too Faced 3-Way Lash Lining Tool to wiggle colour as close to the lash roots as possible. Apply a band of dense lashes like Make Up Forever Lash Band 30 Zoe. Finish the look with an electric orange-red lip stick like MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger.

By following my easy make up and skin care tips, you can replicate your very own red carpet beauty look at home. The most important thing with make up is to have fun! If you do not like the look, just wash it off and start again.