Tighten Your Wallet and/or Your Belt

Hey folks! So, you know how it's all hot and sunny out? And you know how the need for caffeine strikes grad-student-bloggers who stay up way too late drinking way too much beer while watching their hockey team (who hasn't won the Stanley Cup in way too many years) let in waaayyyyy too many goals to lose yet another series ... um, where was I? Right: Coffee. Need it. And when the temperatures are on the rise, the desire for something cold, delicious, and Starbucks kicks in.

Yeah, but that lush-lookin' frap has over 300 calories, and that's WITHOUT the whip. And not that I'm one to obsess over these kinds of things, but the idea of consuming a meal's worth of calories* in one drink on a regular basis is a bit disconcerting (Grande ain't just a drink size, people). Besides, these babies are like $4-something a pop, and at my typical rate of coffee consumption, I'd go broke in no time.

So today, while standing in line at Starbucks, I pondered: I want coffee. Just like my regular brewed coffee, but... cold. How does one make hot coffee cold? With ice, you say? And what's this on the menu... "Brewed Iced Coffee"?? And it only costs a bit more than the regular coffee? How have I never thought to order this before?!?!



Even if you are a sugar freak like me, and put in 2 shots of flavoured syrup PLUS sweetener, with a dash of skim, it still all comes to just about 150 calories for the Grande size. At $2.68 for all that, I am a happy camper. A happy, caffeinated, cool-as-a-cucumber camper. Sugar-free syrup would put you at 110 calories, and if you're feeling especially frugal, you can skip the syrup and just use sweetener -- it dissolves better than sugar, and you don't really taste the "fake-sugar" aftertaste much due to the coffee-ness and cold-ness of it all.

Yes, okay, so it doesn't look as sexy as the Vanilla Frap. But pour some milk into that baby, watch it billow out in silky clouds, and tell me that it doesn't make you feel like a coffee artiste.


And since this is a beauty blog and all... in beauty-related wallet-friendly news, my favourite go-to conditioner, Thermasilk, is long gone. It's been replaced by ThermaShine in the Sunsilk line. While it's not 100% the same, it's pretty darn close (even the scent!). I just don't get excited about it in the same way though... I think the blue/lilac colour is throwing me off. I did pick up another bottle the other day when I ran out, so obviously it's good enough. And it's cheap and easily available, which is always good. (That's what she said.)




*To be honest, I can never finish one of those anyway. It's just too much -- makes me too full. Plus, they're either too cold to start, or too warm and gross and separated by the time it's liquid enough to really drink. I am a sucker for their whipped cream though!

Product Review: The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Scrub & Africa Spa Body Balm

Hey guys and dolls! Not to be harping on a Body Shop theme or anything, but talking about that Q&A yesterday reminded me that I wanted to review their Brazil Nut Body Scrub. Apparently, in some parts of the world, Spring has been sprung for weeks, and you lovely ladies out there have been frolicking in the sunshine and whatnot. But for those of us in Canada (ok, non-BC Canada) and the Eastern parts of the US, the sun has only recently been peeking out from grey skies, and those chilly winds have just begun to calm down.

And so, all of a sudden, I must deal with the dilemma of scaley elbows paired with short-sleeved shirts. My skirts are a-begging to be worn, but my legs are all "Hell no lady, not 'til you get some heavy-duty moisture on us!" What to do when faced with such dermatological unpleasantries and... um, limbs that yell at you?

Scrub and Moisturize!



Let me be the first to say that I hated the Body Shop scrubs of yore. The ones that were in the scent of the Body Butters? They were greasy and oily and sloppy and leaky and just plain not good. But things have changed, my friends! The Brazil Nut Body Scrub, once a sugary hot mess, is now full of creamy, scrubby goodness.

Replacing the sugar granules with crushed walnut shells gives you greater exfoliating power, while the luscious creamy base feels silky and soft. A thin layer of moisture is left on the skin after you rinse off, helping you achieve that healthy, supple glow. And the scent! It's not exactly the same as the Brazil Nut Butter itself, but it is very close, and it's leaps and bounds better than the old one, which had this burnt-sugar and plasticky scent.




To really indulge, I like to slather on some Africa Spa Rich Body Balm after I hop out of the shower. It's fairly light for such a moisturizing product, so it's good for use in the summer (although it does feel a wee bit sticky sometimes). I love this soothing scent (always have), and the $25 price tag doesn't seem so bad now that the regular butters are $22 a pop. (Not that I'm bitter or anything.)








If you have super dry skin and don't mind splurging even more, the thicker Hand and Foot Honey Butter is amazing as an all-over moisturizer. Cute-Helpful-Salesgirl also suggested the Africa Spa Salt Scrub, but I was already sold on the Brazil Nut Butter Scrub. Next time and next paycheque, Salesgirl!


Diligently using these products will banish that scaley, itchy, leftover-Winter skin, leaving you and your gorgeous epidermis to burst forth like... um, some terribly cute animal into some terribly cute springtime scene. And if you've been turned off by some of TBS' products in the past, hop on over there and take another look. Some great classics are still lovely as ever, and some former-losers have been transformed into all-around winners!

Ask the Body Shop!

Hey y'all! Some of you may know that I used to work at The Body Shop back in the day. I loved the job... learned a lot, and made some lifelong friends. It was a blast! One thing I remember especially was watching the training videos for the then-newly released makeup line. I loved The Body Shop's head makeup artist, Chase Aston, both for his helpful tips ("bend the mascar wand when applying to another person's lashes") and for his lurrrvely accent. So when I got the opportunity to ask Chase some of my most burning beauty questions, I jumped at the chance. Here are my questions, and his answers, for your viewing pleasure!



Glitterati: Wedding season is upon us, and with it brings a whole lot of photo ops. Do you have any tips on how to look your best in photographs? (For brides and guests!)

Chase: Here's the secret to looking amazing in your wedding photos: add some special touches that you would not normally wear everyday. Visit your nearest The Body Shop store wearing your normal everyday make-up, and speak to a consultant about trying a new look for a special occasion. Ask her to demonstrate The Body Shop Spring Bloom collection on you and/or any other products to create a look for that special day.



Glitterati: Over the past few seasons, we've seen a lot of striking looks on the runways: from the return of lipstick, to all-over-neutrals, to bold 'n bright eyeliner. What beauty trends have inspired you the most? What trends or looks do you forecast being influential in the upcoming seasons?

Chase: When working on creating color trend collections, I work closely with The Body Shop product development team. The inspiration comes from art, color trends, fashion and the environment. The team liases with trend forecasters, then we discuss new formulations, textures and innovative trends and products. Once we have assimilated all this information, myself and the team then start laying down shades and formulations, that are trend led, innovative and also suit most our global customers. The Body Shop sells in over 52 countries, so it is a very tall order, but very exciting, always.

A trend that I believe will be influential in the upcoming seasons are a near-nude mouth. It catches light for an instant plumping effect and appears ethereal when part of a dewy, monochromatic face. It can be paired with creamy neutrals on eyes and liquid foundation on skin.



My fave Body Shop products for achieving these looks? For a flawless photo-ready complexion, consider applying your liquid foundation with a foundation brush. Yes, it takes more time, but you get a smooth, perfect finish, and you actually end up using less foundation. It's also very easy to stipple on extra product on problem areas, so you get coverage without masky-ness. The Body Shop's foundation brush is nicely weighted, with soft-yet-firm bristles, and at only $20.50, it costs less than other brushes of similar quality.





Since weddings are all about chatting and laughing and drinking and eating, I find that a lip stain lets me do all that without worrying about how my lips look. The Body Shop makes a lightweight gel version in a slightly-cool red. It goes on sheerly for a boost of healthy-looking colour, perfect for Spring. Double-duties as a cheek stain too!






As for the perfect nude mouth... I truly don't believe that there is one nude lipstick that is flattering for all. You simply have to get out there and try on a bunch of colours to see what works best for you. But to acheive an innocent, ethereal look, I cannot wait to try on the new Blushing Daisies Powder. Aside from the adorable compact, the shimmering shades (in Light Pink, for my skintone) look like it would be perfect for creating a multi-faceted, angelic glow. The Marula oil in the formulation keeps it silky soft and non-drying, and the different shades in the compact can be used in varying intensities all over the face for that chic monochromatic look that Chase describes (check out the link above for tips).


Many thanks to the Beauty Blog Network and Chase Aston for making this Q&A possible! Be sure to check back in the next couple of days to see what other beauty bloggers had to ask Chase!



Photos courtesy of The Body Shop and Metropolis Japan

Product Review: Eco Tools

As the Glitterati comes crawling back... Sorry guys, I know it's been ages. I hate when life gets in the way of blogging! If you're still here, thanks for your patience and understanding!

Everyone's going Green these days. From grocery stores to cosmetic companies, CEOs are getting the hint: caring about Mother Earth is cool, and it'll also get you a cool chunk of change if you cash in on the trend.

Not to be overly cynical... there are many excellent companies out there who truly wish to minimize their ecological footprint. And if they make dependable, affordable products that are friendlier to the environment, why not buy from them?




Introducing: EcoTools. Launched just a couple of months ago, this company produces bath and beauty accessories made out of renewable & sustainable materials like bamboo, ramie, and recycled plastic. But concerns of the conscience aside, does using these nature-friendly materials result in a better product?

Well, I suppose it depends what you're looking for. I had the chance recently to try the EcoTools line, and I must say that I'm pretty impressed*. The brushes are much softer than any other that I've tried in the drugs-store price range (and softer than some that are much pricier!). The large powder brush is especially lovely -- it's like sweeping your face with a kitten wearing feathers (minus the claws and the allergies). The "floppier" bristles leave just a perfect whisper of loose powder, invisibly setting your makeup. Great for applying all-over shimmer too.

Since the brush handles are made of light-weight bamboo, you might find that the balance / feel is a bit different than what you're used to. But if you're like me and schlepp your brushes (alll your brushes) everywhere with you, then the lighter load will be heartily welcomed.




Another clever product from the line is the Bamboo and Loofa Facial Buffs. Just dampen it and squirt your favourite cleanser on there... one side gently exfoliates your skin (it feels like a rougher face towel), and the other side is covered in terry cloth for cleansing. I leave one in my office drawer; it's great to brighten those post all-nighter complexions. Much more convenient and much less waste than the disposable buffing pads.




And speaking of refreshing, but gentle exfoliation, I really like EcoTools' Ramie Bath & Shower Mitt. Unlike its plasticky brethren, this bath mitt won't rub you raw. It's perfect for those... ahem, more delicate areas that you normally wouldn't go near with an abrasive scrub or loofah.


So if you're looking for brushes and accessories that are environmentally-friendly and wallet-friendly, do give Eco Tools a try. If you're in the US, you can find the line at select Walgreens, K-Mart, and Ulta. Or, you check out their other goodies and place orders from the EcoTools website.




* Even before knowing the impossibly low prices... the largest powder brush is only $8!

Product Review: Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener

Hey guys and dolls! Sorry I've been so MIA recently... it's been an unholy convergence of marking, course work, and a whole lot of birthdays (What happened 9 months ago? Gotta love that festive season baby-makin' spirit!)

If you've been similarly busy and the activity of sleeping has become "optional" in your ever growing list of priorities, you might be tempted to try Smashbox's new Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.




Smashbox make up artists have apparently raved about this... saying that it's a photoshoot staple, and that it almost eliminates the need for concealer. And given Smashbox's primo status as the Reigning Producer Of All Things Primer, I couldn't resist buying the little tube.

Sadly, my sleep-deprived friends, Photo Op was a total bust. If this eliminates the need for concealer for you, then you probably didn't need much concealing in the first place.

This slightly shimmery apricot-tinged liquid is far too thin and non-pigmented to do any good. It does add a slight gleam or reflectiveness to the under-eye area, but it doesn't really aid in the concealing. I've used this both under and over concealer, and still... nada.


The only thing Photo Op does well is make the undereye area feel nice and smooth. So, if you have a great concealer that just doesn't blend well enough, you might find this product helpful. But if you're looking to actually conceal/brighten, just go pick up Maybelline's Age Rewind from the drugstore. It's got both a concealing end and a highlighting end. And while Age Rewind doesn't feel quite as nice, it at least does something. Oh, and it's also less than half the price!

If, like me, you are now stuck with this stuff, one thing I have found that helps it go on more potently is to use the slightly dried product that collects in the threads of the screw-on top.(Helpfully, the tube gets a bit messy/leaky over time.) The drier product gives a bit more coverage. Still not anywhere near sufficient to conceal circles, but it helps a bit. You can also dot it on your undereye area and let it sit for a bit before you start blending for a similar effect.

Or you could just use it as a nice highlighter. A nice, tiny, $20 tube of highlighter.

Brief Review: Every Man Jack Gift Set

Uh-oh. Valentine's is less than 12 hours away. Were you lost in a fog of chocolate-induced romance, forgetting to snag your guy a great gift? Or maybe you've just run out of time and/or ideas?

Well lucky for you, Every Man Jack has assembled a manly gift pack just in time for the big event. Even luckier, it's available at Target, which is open late tonight and early tomorrow!





Perfectly straddling the line between macho and metro, this kit has all the essentials to get your man lookin' fine. It comes with a Hydrating Shave Gel, Post-Shave Lotion, and Cedarwood-scented body wash and body-bars. The shave gel and post-shave lotion are both fragrance free, and everything in the line is paraben-free. Plus, it's all packaged in a classy looking faux-wood grain box. Definitely a step up from Old Spice!

I've got my own guy testing out some of Every Man Jack's offerings, and his tentative verdict is that everything seems great, but he won't commit to a full review until he's tried it a few more times. (Are we a match made in heaven? Or has he just been overly influenced by my blog-talk? Let's go with the former.) He's been using the shave gel and lotion for a couple of days, and I can at least verify that his skin feels much smoother and more moisturized.

But since I can't keep my hands off fun new products, even if they're not meant for the fairer sex, I nabbed some of the Citrus Scrub that he got. The salt scrub is of a light-to-medium scrubbiness, and the fact that it's mixed in with a shower gel means you cleanse and exfoliate in one zippy step. The scent is very invigorating: it's a lot like the Body Shop's Satsuma scent, but slightly less sweet. A bit deeper, and more unisex. If the Cedarwood line smells as good as the Citrus Scrub, then it'll be a surefire hit.

Look out for a guest post soon by the male guinea pig. And if you are looking to get this for a lucky man in your life, rest assured that the entire kit will only set you back $16 USD!

Product Review: French Kiss Gum & MAC Rougette Mattene Lipstick

Hello lovelies! Hope you're all doing well? I'm feeling a bit feverish over here... I'd like to say that it's "love's light burning upon my brow" or something equally poetic. Or that I'm all frenzied with excitement over my upcoming super duper awesome Boston trip. I LOVE Boston! (Any Bostonian readers? Would love your rec's about what to do/see/eat/drink while I'm there!)

Alas, I think it's just the normal kind of fever.


Anyway, enough about being sick... today's post is all about stuff that might get you a little action on Valentine's Day.

I was watching this ridiculous show on TV last night. It's called Keys to the VIP, and the premise is that 2 or 3 guys are tossed in a random nightclub and given insane "assignments", through which they prove how they are the ultimate playa.

It is completely preposterous. For example, one assignment demanded that the guys pick up a girl after insulting her by offering a piece of gum for her bad breath. No joke. One guy was stupidly good-looking, and the other had a hot Aussie accent, so they actually managed to pull it off. Mere mortal men might have more trouble though, and thus might need to rely on a prop like this:



French Kiss Gum. Created by Dr. Harold Katz, breath guru to the stars (who knew?) and the man behind Therabreath, just pulling this little packet out of your pocket is bound to create a stir.

This sugar-free gum promises to fight bad breath better and for longer than regular gum. I put it to the test one day by eating a big hot dog loaded up with mustard and onions immediately before a meeting with my supervisor. He didn't faint or start crying or demand that I leave his office, so I must assume the gum worked.

Seriously, while I don't know that this works that much better than traditional gum, I do enjoy the flavour. It's a sweet berry with a tiny bit of spice to it (think Christmas rather than Cayenne). I like that there's no tell-tale "I'm-trying-to-hide-my-coffee-breath-with-mint-gum" scent, although I would have liked the taste to last a bit longer. (Note: according to the website, the gum's bad-breath fighting abilities continue even after the flavour's gone) Plus, it's a heck of a lot cuter than pack of Juicy Fruit.

I did propose to a male friend that he try to pick up girls at bars by offering them a little French Kiss, and he promptly went into a very exaggerated and gay impression of how (badly) that would go. Right. So if butch gum is more your thing, don't worry, Dr. Katz has got you covered too. GUY GUM, I kid you not. ("Now with chain-link fencing in every package!")





As for the action-getting lipstick? One night, when I was mad at my usually-wonderful boyfriend over some silly thing, he walked in, stopped in his tracks and said "I know you're mad and you probably don't want to hear this right now... but that lipstick is really f-ing hot."*

The culprit? MAC's Mattene lipstick in Rougette. I've already raved a little bit about it, even calling it the "PS Kiss of pinks". But a lippie this good deserves a full review.





The swatch from the MAC site is close, but not 100% accurate... it's bit less purpley and bright than that. Rougette is a medium-dark, rich, cool raspberry pink. This semi-matte formula is really lovely... smooth and velvety with that trademark vanilla MAC scent. It's comfortable on, but I like to prep with a good lipbalm since I have dry lips.

Wear it with minimal makeup, a white shirt and blue jeans for a celeb-style casual look. Or wink at the 80's and do it up with big full lashes and a little black dress for a night on the town (easy on the smokey eye though... the look is fun, not trampy). You could even pair this with work clothes if you work in a not-too-conservative office, and if you keep the rest of your look restrained.


The Mattenes are limited edition, but Rougette and some other shades are still available on the MAC website.

Despite this Valentine's themed review though, I would not recommend kissing while wearing this, unless you love the smeary-faced look (hello Lucy Liu in Cashmere Mafia!). But ain't it nice to know that a little lipstick could help get you there?


* Men, if you're reading this, that is wrong. We ALWAYS want to hear it! ;)