March 31, 2010 in Skincare by Denise Wild

Hit two very important skincare birds with one stone. The L’Oréal Skin Genesis Skin Perfecting Toner contains hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturizer present in the skin that promotes smoothness. It also contains Tourmaline and vitamin C, both of which promote natural cell renewal, so skin doesn’t just look younger, it’s actually replenished.

GS Approved: This line is designed for women over 30 and allows you to indulge in a toner that targets your specific skin concerns.

Inspiration: L’Oréal spokesperson Eva Longoria Parker’s skin looks smooth and refined, whether she’s on Wysteria Lane or on the red carpet. Get her look and take care of your skin by using a purifying and conditioning toner after you cleanse.

Beauty Editor: Jemima Codrington

March 30, 2010 in Makeup by Denise Wild

Getting A-list skin doesn’t require an A-list budget with the Lancôme Oscillation Powerfoundation. The vibrating applicator averages 7000 vibrations per minute, so in addition to applying the mineral formula in a smooth way, it buffs skin as it goes for a refined, airbrushed look. The makeup is also free of talc, oil, and fragrances, and the purifying minerals make it a great choice for any skin type.

GS Approved: Who needs a make-up artist when you have a vibrating applicator? Simply brush the applicator across your skin in long, sweeping strokes for effortlessly even distribution of foundation.

Inspiration: Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga had a flawless complexion at this year’s Academy Awards—hey, what else would you expect from George Clooney’s leading lady on the big screen? Replicate her skin-tastic look with a mineral foundation for superstar skin on-the-fly.

Beauty Editor: Jemima Codrington

March 29, 2010 in Makeup by Denise Wild

Benefit has brightened up the season for us with a limited edition collection of velvet eye shadows in a selection of pretty pastels that promise to make your lids pop! Benefit Velvet Eye Shadow in Fancy Pansy, a delicate violet hue, looks great on all skin tones and is a fresh way to lighten up your makeup look. It’s also great blended with deeper shades for a smokey eye. Either way, this look blossoms!

GS Approved: A dash of colour for spring is modern and fun! Not only is this eye shadow pretty, it’s easy to apply.

Inspiration: Dior shows us how it’s done on their spring 2010 runway. Look at those gorgeous lids!

Editor’s Note: Years ago, when my beauty obsession was in its early stages, I held in my possession Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty by makeup pro Bobbi Brown and author Annemarie Iverson. One classic look Bobbi Brown says looks great on everyone is a light wash of lilac shadow. But boy oh boy, did I take that to heart! The lavender wash became a regular part of my look. I think we’re all glad I ran out of purple shadow before I hit my 20’s. But now it’s back in style, and I’ve got my shadow under control. This time I’m going lightly into spring and mixing it with charcoal for a sweet yet sultry smokey eye. Like my mother used to say, “Every fault is a fashion”.

Beauty Editor: Andrea Victory

March 26, 2010 in Hands & Feet by Denise Wild

Manicures are your hand’s best friend. Nothing makes you feel a little more ladylike than professionally polished tips. Well, what if there were a quick way to get great varnish at home? Sally Hansen has upped the ante for us DIY girls with Sally Hansen Quick Care Clean-Up for Manicures. As easy to use as a pen, simply stroke away polish imperfections and slips on your skin and around your cuticles. No more messy, fuzzy, Q-tip clean-up attempts! It’s like having a professional tool at home; simply wipe the tip clean for re-use. Replacement tips are kept in a cap at the opposite end. Genius!

GS Approved: Sally Hansen lends a helping hand with a simple solution that cleans up manis and pedis. We give this product two superbly polished thumbs up!

Inspiration: People will always notice your nails when you’re piling on bangles. Marc Jacobs has us coveting this colourful stack of arm candy. Make your nails shine as bright as your great style!

Editor’s Note: A beauty school lesson: For a salon-like at-home manicure, try to cover the nail in just three strokes. At first you might wonder how in the world it’s done, but keep practicing. Once you get the hang of it you’ll agree—a pro-look mani is done in three!

Beauty Editor: Andrea Victory

March 25, 2010 in Hair by Denise Wild

Warmer weather and longer days mean…lighter hair! Lighten your colour with subtle (or stand-out) highlighted strands courtesy of L’Oréal Touch-On Highlights. This affordable, easy-to-use alternative to the salon gives you control over your colour without icky caps or complicated foils. Choose from four different shades to either complement your natural hue or create a dramatic contrast.

GS Approved: The Control-Touch FingerTIP comb-like applicator slips onto your finger and distributes dye evenly and smoothly for hassle-free colour.

Inspiration: Actress Bella Thorne has subtle highlights that brighten up her mane. Highlight thin strands of your hair with a shade that’s close to your natural color to get this beautiful, sun-kissed look.

Beauty Editor: Jemima Codrington

March 24, 2010 in Makeup by Denise Wild

The perfect nude lip is light, clean, and natural. Benefit Lip Gloss in Zone Out is a golden nude gloss that’s sheer with a bit of shimmer and a sweet apricot and lychee scent. It’s the perfect blend of everything lovely to make your nude-lip dreams come true.

GS Approved: This nude lip will make you feel dressed up and sultry, not bare or self-conscious. Benefit’s figured it out!

Inspiration: The elegance of Benefit Lip Gloss in Zone Out is reminiscent of Old Hollywood. Marilyn Monroe knew how to work the nude look and once said, “The body is meant to be seen, not all covered up.” Give an ode to the original blonde bombshell with a slick of nude lipgloss.

Beauty Editor: Andrea Victory

March 23, 2010 in Skincare by Denise Wild

Safe for all skin types, and known for it’s detoxifying qualities, mud has normally been reserved for beauty baths and face masks. Olay has taken an age-old ingredient and modernized it in a clean-scented, lathering cleanser. Olay Purifying Mud Lathering Cleanser lathers and rinses like your regular daily face wash. Refresh and purify in a hurry with this quick, smooth-on rinse-off deep cleanser. Your pores will thank you!

GS Approved: A cleanser with the purifying power of a mask. Quick, easy, and clean!

Inspiration: Mud’s a beauty secret of ancient kings and queens, who are known for having indulged in mud spas frequently. Perhaps Cleopatra, the Egyptian Pharaoh, made it part of her regime? Watch Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra in the classic 1963 film.

Beauty Editor: Andrea Victory

March 22, 2010 in Hair by Denise Wild

The days of heavy mousses and gels are gone! Plump up your tresses and get natural-looking volume with LaCoupe Hair Plumper Leave-in Cream. Even damaged and fine hair will get a boost from this lightweight cream ripe with body-building agents that make hair look thicker, healthier, and stronger.

GS Approved: Soya, wheat protein, and vitamin E condition hair so your locks look shiny and color looks vibrant.

Inspiration: Sixties beauty icon Brigitte Bardot has full, lush locks that don’t look over-processed or weighed down.

Editor’s Note: After washing your hair, apply this product sparingly to prevent your hair from looking a little greasy. Work it through from roots to tip, and for extra oomph, blow-dry your hair upside-down before styling. Flip your hair back and dry your hair with the dryer nozzle facing downward to get a silky finish! Bombshell hair doesn’t have to be hard.

Beauty Editor: Jemima Codrington

March 19, 2010 in Hands & Feet by Denise Wild

Tapping on your BlackBerry 24/7 and filing through papers 9 to 5 can leave your nails mani-ruined. Manicure them anytime with Nic’s Sticks On-the-Go from Nicole by OPI. The pen-like design allows you to pump and paint for easy application, and the quick-drying formula is both vibrant and long-lasting. The convenient packaging is also great for touch ups on-the-go, perfect for the jet-setting beauty diva.

GS Approved: These nail polishes come in every colour from grey to green to gold, so every skin tone and personality can colour between the lines!

Inspiration: Precious star Paula Patton rocked dark nails at the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Replicate her style with Nic’s Sticks in Plum & Get It to rock deep hues on nails of any length.

Beauty Editor: Jemima Codrington

March 18, 2010 in Hair by Denise Wild

Bumble and Bumble Mending Masque combines hair-repairing ingredients (including strengthening Pro-Vitamin B5) to rebuild your hair’s lipids, cuticles, and even pores. As hair’s protein bonds are strengthened, the result is renewed moisture, and hair’s long-lasting health restoration. If you blow-dry, straighten, curl, or color your hair, treat it from root to tip to save it from damage and dryness.

GS Approved: In addition to making your hair stronger from the inside, silicone smoothes the outside cuticles to keep hair shiny and soft-to-the-touch.

Inspiration: Dancing With The Stars beauty Brooke Burke’s tresses always look healthy and radiant. Use a weekly hair masque to repair your mane and get similarly lush locks!  

Editor’s Note: I’ve done everything imaginable to my hair including numerous dyes and heating tools. I’ve been using this masque religiously on the ends of my hair (a particularly problem area) and the results are incredible. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to breathe life back into their hair!

Beauty Editor: Jemima Codrington