GetStunning.com — beauty is an understatement

May 16, 2012 in Hair, Skincare by Denise Wild

There are the rare mornings that I awake from my slumber, head to the shower and after my initial glance in the mirror, decide that my hair looks pretty good. It’s slightly tousled, with a few flirty flicks in front and seems to have that illusive body that I can never attain on purpose. This is where the debate begins. To wash or not to wash?

Lately, Lulu Organics has been letting me drop the gavel on the ‘not to wash’ option. A few sprinkles of the all natural, organic hair powder at the roots and no one is the wiser that I skipped the ‘poo and blowdry routine. Saving me time and an early morning internal debate.

GS Approved: The obvious con to a day of unwashed hair is not only the potential of that initial morning bounce to turn on you and flatten out by mid-morning, but that not-so-fresh hair smell. Lulu Organics Lavender and Clary Sage Hair Powder trades musty for mmm… marvelous.

Inspiration: Dry Shampoo has been around for ages. Well, since the 18th century, at least. Members of the high court of Versailles sported elaborate poufs made of real hair, which were powdered to give them a violet, blue, pink or yellow tint. It seems the look may never meet the same end as Marie Antoinette, as pastel poufs were spotted on the Spring 2012 runways, like this one from Thakoon.

Beauty Editor: Andrea Victory

May 15, 2012 in Hair by Denise Wild

With warmer weather just around the corner we look to lightening up our routines. Whether it’s eating less, wearing sheer makeup or throwing hair off my face this is the time of year when routines get an overhaul. This season hair is fresher and effortless like a loose messy pony tail or lived in waves you can achieve this look without a lot of heavy products. Try Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Weightless Conditioning Shake for a laid back and natural look. This dual phase formula contains lightweight conditioning ingredients and polymers to enhance hair’s manageability.

GS Approved: Sam McKnight the Pantene Pro-V Global Brand Ambassador created standout hair looks for Blumarine and DSQAURED2. The looks he created started with the Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light collection.

Inspiration: This rock and roll chic look from the DSQUARED2 Spring 2012 runway show is full of texture but has that “lived-in” look that is so effortless and cool.

Editor’s Note: This product provides optimum nourishment for your tresses and also protects them from heat so you can still use your blow dryer – effortless doesn’t mean messy! Use on damp hair to protect and detangle and get it ready for styling.

Beauty Editor: Elaine Atkins

May 14, 2012 in Fragrance by Denise Wild

I’m not one for adding unnecessary steps to my morning routine, I choose my products based on how many things they can accomplish in a short moment. I will consider something new if it not only lives up to it’s claims, but surpasses my expectations and delights me in some way. It’s a tough game to get onto my daily roster.
Lately, I’ve been drawn to the buzz surrounding facial mists; it seems that everyone is spritzing and spraying to ‘set’ makeup. As curious as I am, I want my face mist to surpass setting, I want it to change my day. Lotus Wei had this in mind when they created Joy Juice. Joy Juice is an aromatherapy facial mist that blends natural fruit essences of sweet orange, blood orange, rosewood, lime and lotus. The result is a bright, delicious burst of scent not unlike inhaling a chilled pink lemonade. More than keeping my makeup in place, the fresh scent and gentle misting sensation actually brightens my mood.

GS Approved: Used five times a day, the aromatherapy properties of Lotus Wei Joy Juice enhance your state of mind and promote contentment and happiness. You can feel the difference immediately. Joy Juice will have you feeling like you just had a joy smoothie!

Inspiration: Speaking of smoothies, Zac Effron is back in a Notebook-style tale of two young lovers. The Lucky One launches April 2012. Here’s hoping for a joyful ending.

Beauty Editor: Andrea Victory

May 11, 2012 in Makeup by Denise Wild

Most gals I know have a wardrobe of lip options: balm, gloss, stick, stain. My day-to-day option usually consists of a balm layered with lipstick on top, or a stain with balm reapplied throughout the day. When I’m taking it easy, I’m taking my Hurraw! Black Cherry Tinted Lip Balm with me. An easy, non-committal way for me to keep lips hydrated and at the least look like I’ve tried a little. Slightly glossy and tinted rouge, with flavour reminiscent of cherry pie, it’s the perfect balm for everyone.

GS Approved: Raw and vegan, Hurraw! knows how to make a balm that’s sleek and smooth, not chalky or waxy. A host of natural and good-for-you ingredients makes it literally good enough to eat!

Inspiration: The classic hard-rock album “Cherry Pie” by the big-hair band, Warrant, is a summer road trip classic. Hurraw! Black Cherry Lip Balm’s subtle cherry pie pout will become your classic summer go-to.

Beauty Editor: Andrea Victory

May 10, 2012 in Hands & Feet by Denise Wild

I’m a sucker for neon. I also have a thing for slap bracelets and anything that resembles a baby tee, but I digress. Neon is everywhere this summer: bags and dresses, belts and bracelets, shoes and hats. As with any trend, staying power is always a concern. If classic is your style, save your coins for investment pieces and have fun with makeup, specifically, nail polish. Scotch Naturals, a non-toxic water-based line from the US has the perfect fix. Lemon Highlander is a vivid yellow with a subtle hint of shimmer perfect for trending up toes and tips.

GS Approved: Not only does Scotch Naturals provide consistent application, no clumping and quick drying time, it has staying power as well – more than we can say for neon. The best part? Stink-free and non-toxic means it’s safe for little ones, people with sensitivities and mothers-to-be.

Inspiration: When hitting the beach this season, an age-old tip from Madame Genevieve Antoine Dariaux in her 1964 book Elegance, recommends wearing swimwear in bright primary colours such as yellow, red, blue and white. “Brights are fresher-looking in the sunlight” she says. According to this summer’s neon trend, it would appear her wisdom has stood the test of time.

Beauty Editor: Andrea Victory

May 9, 2012 in Body by Denise Wild

Mother’s day is just around the corner and what do you get for the woman that gave you life? I guess there isn’t much you can do to repay her for such a generous gift but I think that all moms like to be pampered in one way or another. Hammam Spa in Toronto is a great place to treat your mom offering everything from manicures and pedicures to massages in private Jacuzzi rooms! Featuring the popular steam room this holistic day spa is the perfect oasis right in the middle of one of Toronto’s trendiest neighborhoods.

GS Approved: The manicure and pedicure area at the Hammam Spa is an interesting mix of modern and earthy elements making you feel relaxed and serene with all the modern day comforts.

Inspiration: New mom Beyonce Knowles will be celebrating her first mother’s day this year. No doubt she will be pampered from head to toe by her doting husband Jay-Z.

Beauty Editor: Elaine Atkins

May 2, 2012 in Makeup by Denise Wild

A few weeks ago, enjoying an evening out with friends, I met up with an old acquaintance. Hoping I still had that youthful luminosity of when we were both a little younger, I was over the moon when he exclaimed, “you’re just glowing – you still look great!” As long as you swear not to tell, I’ll let you in on my fountain of youth: it’s RMS Living Luminizer, a 100% Organic, all natural makeup line. With only six ingredients, this coconut oil-based cream highlighter offers a subtle shimmer without running the risk of looking like a disco queen.

GS Approved: There’s a difference between shine, sparkle and shimmer. When choosing a highlighter, you want to choose one that has a small, microscopic particle size – no chunky glitter or greasy shine allowed! RMS Living Luminizer is a perfect example of a DO in the highlighter category.

Inspiration: The models at Oscar de la Renta Spring/Summer 2012 show had skin that looked healthy and effervescent. Get the look with highlighter applied on the top of cheekbones. Youthful radiance is only one quick step away!

Beauty Editor: Andrea Victory

May 1, 2012 in Fragrance by Denise Wild

I guess you could say I’m a foodie – a fragrance foodie that is. Anything that resembles vanilla, orange, coconut or caramel – count me in. Gourmand scents are always on my top shelf. That’s why I regularly stock up on Tallulah Jane 333.

This natural handcrafted scent made from wildflowers reminds me of the refreshing smell and taste of a margarita. Three types of lavender blend with three types of chamomile and three types of citrus for a light, refreshing scent perfect for the warmer months.

GS Approved: Ethically created without synthetics or additives, all fragrances are vegan and use only sustainably harvested ingredients. Tallulah Jane is light on your senses and on the environment.

Inspiration: Legend has it that the Margarita was invented in 1941, in Ensenada, Mexico, after Margarita Henkel, the daughter of a German ambassador. Equal parts tequila, orange liqueur and lime, served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass, try yours with the special limited edition José Cuervo Platino Reserva de la Familia Tequila. A coveted 100% de Agave plata Tequila from the Cuervo family’s private reserve.

Beauty Editor: Andrea Victory