November 28, 2012

Beauty and the Boys {Gift Guide}

beauty buys for the boys

beauty buys for the boys by beautyparler
Boys love beauty products just as much as girls! Boys do you disagree? Maybe not love but you surely like. How do I know? Well, I catch my husband trying out a few creams from the beauty closet. You all do it. The occasional, "Whats this new cream for?" and its all good because as women we love to offer advice in that department. Here are a few stocking stuffers for the boy in your life because we don't always like to share...
For added moisture add a serum to your moisturizer, Consonant Body HydrExtreme, is not only unisex friendly but this serum packs a hydrating punch and great for aftershave irritation.
For dry lips a lip balm that moisturizes but without the glossy look! Kiehl's Scented Lip Balm #1 in coconut is the perfect little balm that smells delicious and moisturizes those chapped Winter lips. Also, packaging doesn't look girly! Pucker-Up.
For dry cracked Winter hands a hand cream that's unscented & created by a guy called George is perfect for the man in your life. George's Cream can be used anywhere on the body but the 30g size is handy for your car or coat pocket.
This is one product that us girls might actually take from you (to use on our legs), LUSH Dirty Shaving Cream, a rich thick shaving cream that smells great. 
A great smelling masculine scent, Schwarzkopf Professional [3D]Mension Texturising Cream creates the perfect messy-do or use it to create a retro sleek side-part.

What is the one beauty product that the man in your life always takes?
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November 21, 2012

Lip Therapy: a Swarovski Vaseline Treatment {giveaway}


Good things come in small packages and in this case; sparkly and hydrated lips are a great combo! Vaseline and Swarovski have combined and created a limited-edition crystallized version of Vaseline mini-lip therapy. The limited-edition Swarovski Vaseline Lip Therapy mini is not available in stores (only the non blinged-out version). However, I am giving away ONE which is valued at $50. Now that is one great lip therapy product!
Details:
One lucky reader will win their own mini limited-edition Swarovski crystallized Vaseline Lip Therapy
Residents of Canada only
to enter use the Rafflecopter widget below...yup it's that easy!



a Rafflecopter giveaway
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November 20, 2012

Mo'sistas for Movember {Annabelle Cosmetics}

Ladies, can't grow a full on mustache? Hope not, well there's hair removal products for that. Anyhow, don't fret that's what makeup is for. Annabelle Cosmetics, draw a mustache for a cause using any Annabelle Cosmetics and pin your board to Pinterest with the hashtag #AnnabelleMovember. Annabelle Cosmetics will donate $1 for every picture. Proceeds will go towards the Movember movement in support of men's health issues; mostly focusing on prostate cancer, male cancer, and male mental issues.






Support the men in your life!
for more info visit:
Annabelle Cosmetics Blog

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November 19, 2012

Twilight: Breaking Dawn pt.2 {How-to Premiere hair}

The last installment of the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn part 2, is now showing in theaters. At the recent premiere in Los Angeles, Kristen Stewart, looked very retro-glam but with an edge. Wearing a nude, sheer, Zuhair Murad gown the young actress looked amazing. Kristen Stewart's retro-glam edgy hair that night was created by Fekkai hairstylist, Adir Abergel. For the latest on Kristen Stewart's hair and any tips I had the opportunity to ask Adir a few questions:

How far in advance (if any) did you plan Kristen's hair? Is she included in the process?
With this being the final Twilight movie, I was excited and had been thinking about different ideas for the hair. I knew I wanted it to be glamorous in an old Hollywood way. I think her hair was very glamorous but still very Kristen.

Kristen and I always collaborate and talk about my ideas and hers and then we mesh them together into the final look.

What type of hair does Kristen have & is this hairstyle suitable for all hair-types?
 Kristen has awesome natural texture to her hair and when I style it I try to make it look effortless, touchable, and voluminous with a minimal amount of product. 

Classic movie star waves like we saw on Kristen at the premiere have always been popular, they’re suitable for everyone. For girls with natural curls it might take less time to style but fine, straight hair can pull off this look too by using a curling iron and holding the waves with Fekkai’s Sheer Hold Hairspray.

Lastly, any hair tips for dry Winter hair?
 It’s no secret that cold temperatures dry out the hair so the most important tip is to lock in moisture. You can do this by using a hair mask once or twice a week – I love Fekkai’s PrX Reparatives Intense Fortifying Mask. It works from the base of the hair to strengthen the strands and prevent further damage. The secret to beautiful hair is healthy hair so make moisturizing part of your weekly routine especially in the winter!

twilight: breaking dawn pt 2

twilight: breaking dawn pt 2 by beautyparler
Recreate the look for a chic night out using all Fekkai products:
HOW TO: A Veronica Lake-inspired style with a modern, deconstructed twist
  1. Begin by applying Fekkai COIFF Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel from roots to ends to create texture and memory.
  2. Next, hand-dry the hair until it is completely dry to enhance your natural texture and create volume before making a deep side part. 
  3. After the part is created, take 1" sections of hair, spray them with Fekkai COIFF Sheer Hold Hairspray and curl them around a 1" barrel curling iron. Pin the curls in place and allow hair to cool. Continue this process around the entire head. 
  4. Once you’ve finished curling your hair, gently brush out the curls with the Fekkai Classic Brush and apply Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream to the ends to create separation and give hair a high-shine effect. 
  5. Add a modern twist and some edge to the style by slicking back one side of the hair and pinning it in place. Finish your style with Fekkai COIFF Sheer Hold Hairspray to ensure for touchable hold.
What do you think of Kristen Stewart's hair at the L.A Twilight: Breaking Down pt.2 premiere?

(first image & source DEVRIES PR)
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November 15, 2012

Show-Off your Croc {Lacoste Spring 2013}

Lacoste gets ready to celebrate its 80th anniversary! The little Croc has come along way, the Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear collection proves that colour is way more fun than boring.  Creative Director Felipe Oliveira Baptista is well on his way in establishing the legendary sportswear label into the contemporary scene. A few of my top choices for Spring 2013.
 
(all images photographed by: Alexandre Abate, used with permission)
Any favourites? What do you think of Lacoste's new look?
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November 14, 2012

Dry Lips? Lipbalm Favourites

Favourite Lip Balm

Dry and chapped lips aren't exclusive to the Winter months, they're a necessity in any makeup kit. Obviously the environment contributes to lips being more dehydrated than usual. However, its one item guaranteed to be in any of my purses or uniform pockets at work year round. Especially for work I can have up to five in my uniform pocket weighing me down. I've narrowed down a few favourite lipbalms that all have similar characteristics so no need to go into much detail individually. Why are they my favourite: as a whole these are basic, no-frills, hydrating, un-tinted lipbalms. None are tinted enough to change the colour of your lips. They moisturize, non-sticky, and condition. Exactly what lipbalms are meant to do. However, not all lipbalms are created equal. In the past I've used balms that actually dry my lips. Also, a few are scented therefore depending on your preference here are my favourites.

Say Yes to Carrots
Inexpensive and various flavours!


Maybelline Baby Lips lipbalm in Quenched
I liked the tinted Baby Lipbalms so much I had to have the clear version. 
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® Cream Limited Edition Lip Protectant Gloss
Adds a bit of shine! The limited edition version comes in an easy squeeze tube version. Multi-use product that can be used on dry spots elsewhere on body. Great to use on cuticles!


Scentuals Body Care Lip Conditioner from ScentualsBodyCare.com
100% Natural, made with organic shea butter and also available in unscented version. So natural that you can feel the natural fiber which melts, leaves a slight shine. Made in Canada!


Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
Can't get any more basic than vaseline! Great multi-use product, an oldie that works!


Smith's Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve
Although tinted in the tin no colour is deposited on lips. Great oldie for a reason! Leaves lips glossy!


Share your favourite lippies in the comment section!
(collage using polyvore.com)
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November 07, 2012

Arthur Mendonça Spring 2013: Backstage Beauty

Arthur Mendonça Spring 2013: backstage beauty

Canadian fashion designer Arthur Mendonça celebrated his 10 year anniversary this year at World Mastercard Fashion Week in Toronto.  Sharp structured menwear-inspired suits and Japanese-influenced designs in rich colour were showcased.  Fabrics lent the feminine touch with metallics and textures. Makeup was fresh with a bold red lip and loose tousled hair. Backstage Maybelline's lead makeup artist, Grace Lee used the following:
Fit Me Foundation
EyeStudio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner
Colour Sensational Lipcolour in shades: Vivid Rose mixed with Vibrant Mandarin (to be released Jan 2013)
Lee's beauty concoction: Baby Lips in Quenched mixed with Eye Studio Colour Tattoo 24H in shade Barely Branded and Too Cool on the inner eye area & brow bone
hair by Jorge Joao of Redken Canada

That wraps up my coverage of World Mastercard Fashion Week in Toronto.
Hope you enjoyed it as much as I have backstage!
Any favourite makeup looks from Spring 2013?
(photographer: Michelle Culligan of JC MC Photography)



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November 06, 2012

Eat a Nata in Lisbon! {Travel Tuesday}

As a Luso-Canadian one of my favourite sweet treats are Natas! Yummy custard tarts in a flaky crust that I've discovered in my travels are basically found world wide. My favourite are the Portuguese version, perhaps I am biased, the once secret recipe reserved only within the walls of the monastery in Lisbon is no longer a secret.
Monastery of Jerónimos (image: beautyparler.ca)
Many bakeries in Portugal claim to fame that theirs are a family secret recipe...my favourite are when they are warm from the oven and lightly powdered in cinnamon.
the legendary natas from Pastéis de Belém (image: beautyparler.ca)
There is a new NATA in town, in Lisbon that is, out to conquer your taste buds. This new bakery is out to deliver the best custard tart worldwide with opportunities to franchise. Eu gosto! Love the art deco feel of their logo...
While in Lisbon, take the best souvenir with you, the electric streetcar!
I could totally go for a Galão (the Portuguese version of a latte) and custard tart. So delicious on a cool, crisp, Fall afternoon! How I miss those months teaching English in Lisbon, strolling the streets aimlessly allowing myself to get lost and discovering little cafés along the way. 
Need a place to stay in Lisbon? My friend Carla will take care of that. Bairro Alto Houses offers affordable trendy chic vacation rentals in the most sought-after locations in Lisbon. 

Have you been to Lisbon, Portugal? Where would you like to travel next?
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November 05, 2012

Mo'Over Gents! {Movember accessories}

Mo'Over Gents I got my own Movember 'stache! Liel and Lentz is a Canadian jewelry company that created a wearable 'stache for the month of November in support of prostate cancer. Giving a little mo' for Movember! The Lil Mo' collection includes: Lil Mo' pin, Lil Mo' tie, and a Mo' pendant. All proceeds go to the Mo' cause.
For mo' info visit:

(images: Liel and Lentz, source castor reigns)
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November 04, 2012

Live Clean Spa Therapy: Giveaway


It's amazing what a little spa pampering does for us. Better yet when you can take a few minutes at home to treat yourself to a little quiet bath-time. I've raved about Live Clean products before and now the eco-friendly personal care line has a spa therapy collection made of 98% plant ingredients. The Live Clean Spa Therapy Collection consists of six eco-friendly products;  paraben-free, free of phosphates, cruelty-free, and free of many other harsh ingredients.
Spa Therapy Dead Sea Salts
Spa Therapy Body Butter
Spa Therapy Body Lotion
Spa Therapy Body Scrub
Spa Therapy Body Wash (seriously in love with this wash for the cleansing qualities and the scent which is the same for the whole line, green tea and aloe vera)
Spa Therapy Foam Bath

ONE lucky reader will receive the whole Live Clean Spa Therapy Collection worth $60.
Details:
Resident of Canada
Only one winner will be chosen
Deadline November 12, 2012 midnight
To enter answer: what is your ideal spa night-in at home?
Or/And like beauty parler on Facebook
The Live Clean Spa Therapy Collection is available across Canada at WalMart.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Soia & Kyo Spring 2013: backstage beauty

Soia & Kyo Spring 2013


The montreal based fashion brand Soia & Kyo, was back in Toronto for World Mastercard Fashion Week. Soia & Kyo is a casual wearable men's and women's fashion line, fun and practical pieces that are sure to add a Spring bounce. Speaking with Soia & Kyo designer Ilan Elefassy backstage, the vision for the collection was weekend getaway. A road trip infused with light airy pastel shades with punches of raspberry pink. The focus was coats!! 
with the designer
The casual feel began backstage with no frills high buns and fresh clean makeup. Maybelline's lead makeup artist, Grace Lee created a slightly dewy look using her secret concoction;
Baby Lips in shade Quenched (a clear shade) mixed with EyeStudio Colour Tattoo 24H in shade Barely Beige (limited-edition shade) and using your finger dabbing into the highbone of your cheeks to create a gorgeous sheen
Dream Fresh BB Cream 
Define-A-Brow Eye Brow pencil
Dream Bouncy Blush in shade Coffee Cake
Great Lash Macara
Expert Eyeshadow in shade Tastefully Taupe
Colour Sensational in shade OhLaLilac anchored with shade Pink Pop (to be released 2013)
Redken lead hairstylist Jorge Joao created a high bun but not "too ballerina"
& headband turbans were added later
(images above property of beautyparler.ca excluding collage, photographer Michelle Culligan of JC MC Photography)
(images below: photographer George Pimental, used with permission)
What do you think of Fashion Week Spring 2013 thus far? Wearable pieces? Maybe a daring turban....
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