a Bath & Body Works is coming to a Canadian mall near you!

The American chain-store Bath and Body Works, are finally coming to Canada! I guess I won't have to run for the border anymore.



Six stores are expected to open in the Fall'08;

Erin Mills Town Centre (Mississauga)
Fairview Mall (Toronto)
Stone Road Mall (Guelph)
West Edmonton Mall (Edmonton)
White Oaks Mall (London)
and Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Toronto)

The first Bath and Body Works store opened in the fall of 1990 in Albany, Ohio. There are now more than 1,600 stores throughout the U.S. They pride themselves on being the "ultimate personal care destination."

In other words, a 21st century apothecary integrating health, beauty and well-being. Combining the introduction of spa products that are easily used at home with the incorporation of simple rituals into daily life, Bath & Body Works is committed to helping consumers improve their emotional and physical being. We have accomplished this by combining traditional spa treatments with botanical and natural ingredients, then developing an extensive collection of advanced, easy-to-use personal care products with proven effectiveness. (Bath and Body Works, About us)

A few of my favourite items that they carry are:
the Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology skincare line,
C.O Bigelow,
Murad,
and their Signature Collection has great smelling products that any nose will love!

Patricia Field does Coke

Diet Coke gets a makeover! And the stylist behind the new look is no other than New York stylist, Patricia Field. Most known for her work on the series & movie Sex in the City. Unfortunately, these bottles are only available at Selfridges.

Patricia Field explains: “The ‘diet Coke’ City Collection captures today's modern women, confidant, glamorous, sexy and more in charge of their own lives, and represents the areas of life that are most important to them such as: ‘career’, ‘passion’, ‘love’ and ‘fashion’. In addition the designs represent ‘diet Coke’ as a sexy, sassy brand perfectly compatible with today's woman. (as stated on Selfridges.com)

Each bottle represents today's modern women;

Career=Gold

Passion=Red

Love=Pink

Fashion=Turquoise

not just a "Beautiful Mind"

Jennifer Connelly has been chosen to be the next Revlon spokesperson/model. The 37 year old joins an already long list of other actresses such as Jessica Alba & Halle Berry. I'm loving the direction that major cosmetic companies are going, using actresses that are older than typical models. So, I guess this is the decade of "celebritism" (as mentioned in my other blog posts). I do think that Connelly is a terrific choice for Revlon. I find that Revlon tends to lean towards more "natural" looking women, and Connelly is definitely that.

"Revlon is one of the great iconic brands of today and I am thrilled to be part of a company that has done so much for women around the world" said by Jennifer Connelly. (as reported on eonline.com)

Cannot wait to see the ads coming later this year!

I'm back!

After being absence for a couple weeks, I'm back! Finally, I got back from overseas & have been really busy ever since. However, hopefully I'm back on track. As promised here is my latest haul from Japan!
Whenever I get a chance to go to either Japan or Hong Kong I always pick up cloth masks. (The item in the blue box) these are called Puresa, they're cloth masks that are pre-moistened & these are for moisture & collagen.
Next up is NudeBonBon lipgloss in shade #3. I love this natural looking lipgloss! No fragrance, comes with a brush applicator & its the perfect shine!
I'm a big fan of FANCL, their products are preservative & fragrance free. I use the Cleansing Liquid, which is a fantastic cleanser (one of my HG=holy grails), washes off makeup & does not strip my skin. This time I purchased a travel size skincare kit (that came in a little green makeup bag...not pictured) in it there were:

Mild Cleansing Oil, a little more watery than other cleansing oils. This is quickly becoming a fave!
Cleansing Powder, haven't had a chance to try this yet! (I try to use the products seperately the first time around so that I can fairly try them out)
Blue Puff ball, not even going to bother to put that on my skin. Feels itchy & would be to harsh!
Also, in the kit were two samples of Cleartune SkinClear Lotion (medicated) & Cleartune AcneCare Essence (medicated). I don't suffer from acne so I have not been using either. I'm assuming that they are BHA based products.

Sana Pore Vacuumer, I admit the name & packaging attracted me to this product. Therefore, I was not expecting much from this product. However, will admit that its actually really good at cleaning your pores (I only use it on my nose). I apply it on dry skin, add water & voila it instantly turns warm! Leaves your nose smooth & soft.

Shiseido Tsubaki Hair Conditioner Treatment, I love the Shiseido Tsubaki line. I use the shampoo & conditioner & decided to try the treament. In the summer my hair gets a bit drier due to the sun & swimming, this treament is the perfect way to end all that dryness.

As for skincare & beauty this was my Japan roundup. I also bought a great pair of gladiator sandals!
Oh! As for the badly taken haul pic...I'm looking to get a better camera. Any suggestions would be appreciated!:)

Dear ladies & gents,

Ok so I still owe you pics from my Japan haul. However, I will be M.I.A again until next week as I am off to Portugal (no this time not for work but pleasure, yipee). Therefore, probably no posts till next week unless of course I find access to a computer & am able to post. With that being said I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Bijoux! xoxo (or as they say in Portuguese Beijinhos)

move over Barrymore, Danes is in the house

Claire Danes has replaced Drew Barrymore as the new face of Gucci (the jewellery campaign). It seems that this is the decade of "celebritism". Celebrities are quickly replacing professional models in everything from fashion to alcohol. What's the obsession with celebrities anyways? Maybe on a later date I'll attempt to answer that:) (as that would take up my whole blog page. What are your thoughts on the subject?)

The 29 year old Danes was chosen by Gucci for these reasons, "Claire Danes is a modern icon. For me she is one of the most interesting young actresses on the international scene. She is very natural, fresh and has a carefree attitude that is reflected in the roles she has chosen" as said by Gucci creative director Frida Giannini.

I can't wait to see the ads for this campaign. I will add that Barrymore looked amazing in the Gucci 2007-2008 campaign. She's also one of the faces of CoverGirl, promoting their new LashBlast mascara and TruBlend foundation. On CoverGirl's part I think she was a great choice. She's in her 30's and looks better than ever.

And for you Gucci lovers:



(Above Claire Danes photo by Venturelli/WireImage)

finally a facial

After a 13 hour flight from Japan I realized I have not had a facial in two years. Hey, when your on a plane for 13 hours you have alot of time to think! Although, I have a little ritual for my flights sometimes you need that extra something. Upon arrival, I booked myself a facial at the Elmwood Spa in Toronto. I had never had any services done at the Elmwood Spa, however, have read much about them. I am glad I decided to go! First, the building is gorgeous, it's an historic building in Toronto that has had a major facelift. There are four floors that offer numerous services. I had the Elmwood Essential Facial and the facialist (which I have to add was so nice & professional....& great hands!) used Guinot products. I loved the fact that she didn't push me to buy the products but did suggest two items if I was interested (just in case)! I will admit that at the moment I am happy with my skincare regime (in the very near future I will be posting my favourite skincare products) so I did leave empty handed, except for the samples.

All Guinot products were used for my facial:

Refreshing Cleansing Milk
Skin Defense Spf15
Refreshing Toning Lotion
Gentle Exfoliating Cream*
Instant Radiance Mask*
Vital Eye Lifting

*items that were highly recommended (received lots of samples)

I know that there are a few people that don't find having facials are beneficial. However, for me I don't know why I waited so long! Not only for the benefit of my skin but just for the relaxing atmosphere.

Elmwood Spa
18 Elm Street (East of Bay St. & west of Yonge St)
Toronto, ON
Toll Free: 1-877-284-6348

where am I?

Where have I gone? Sorry ladies & gents, have not posted in a bit because I've been away in Japan (for work). However, have purchased a few things that I will be posting soon.
Bijoux

Mascara on Trial

What's the one makeup item I cannot leave the house without...mascara! If I don't wear any I feel like my face is not "done". I have tried most mascaras on the market, from high-end (department store brands) to low-end (drug-store/mass market stores) and always go back to low-end. Why? Because for me I have never been able to justify paying more than $25 for a mascara that basically achieves the same results as a lower priced one. However, in order to find that "perfect" mascara (at any price) trial & error is in order. Not everyone wants the same results & with that in mind for me I want full, lush, & thick lashes. As for length I'm fortunate enough to be blessed with length. Here are my latest low-end price mascara reviews:


Cover Girl LashExact
Product claim: "Get no clump, no glob, beautifully-defined lashes. The LashExact brush is a patented technology with bristles that are aligned and clean, so you get the Exact look you want."
Shade: Very Black
One of the best! Defines my lashes & make them look full. Doesn't flake or smudge.
Repurchase: YES
Rating (out of 5):



Maybelline Define-a-Lash
Product claim:
"• Zero-clump mascara creates stunning length and clean definition
• Flexible brush is shaped to the lash to elongate and define lashes, one by one
• Built-in wiper contours brush to remove excess formula, ensuring clean deposit on lashes
• Smooth and lightweight formula feels comfortable on lashes
• No smudging, smearing or flaking"
Shade: Very Black
This is a good mascara. Does define & adds fullness (although it is meant for lengthening which it does). The only thing I'm not liking is that the brush is flexible thus at first was awkward, I prefer a stiff brush because I find it easier to apply.
Repurchase: Maybe (if its on sale)
Rating (out of 5):



Maybelline Great Lash
Product claim:
"• Conditions as it thickens lashes
• Lash-doubling formula glides on smoothly to build great-looking lashes
• Lash-building brush makes it easy to get a full lash look without clumps"
Shade: blackest black
The "famous" great lash that always rates the best in all the beauty magazines. OK I'm not sure where these magazines are getting their reviews but I'm sure its not from "real"reviewers. This mascara is perfect if you want to look like a football player in the NFL. It smudges and flakes. And I will admit when I was younger this was the only mascara I would buy because I truely believed it was the best, until I realized there were better ones out there. However, I will add that the shade blackest black is the best mascara shade I have ever worn. So a bonus point there!
Repurcase: No (unless they change the formula)
Rating (out of 5): (that's for the shade)





CoverGirl LashBlast
Product claim: "Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast's patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look."
Shade: Very Black
This mascara is one of the best! Gives me the fullness & thickness I want. The fat wand feels awkward at first but you get used to it. And the orange packaging makes it easy to dig out of your make-up bag.
Repurchase: yes
Rating (out of 5):


*For reference: for shade selection most of these mascaras do have other shades available however I love black so its the only shade I buy.