Easy Makeup 1, 2, 3: How to Look Refreshed on Long Days!

Happy weekend everyone! I recently came across a few interesting makeup tips and thought I would share them for those of you who work long hours or attend multiple events a day. If you are having your photo taken or in the public eye, it is always important to look put together and if possible, refreshed! I'm not a big makeup or product person, so can appreciate simple tips that are easy and give a youthful, clean faced look. 

Yesterday, I had my makeup done by the lovely Melani (Instagram / Twitter). When I showed her the makeup I currently use, she was impressed that I use YSL foundation as she considers it one of the best. She also said she always finds it entertaining when women pull out the top foundations, blushes, bronzers and then Cover Girl or Rimmel mascaras, because they really are the best! She used a YSL base for my foundation and then applied simple black eyeliner and a fabulous red lip by Benefit called Flirt Alert, which I think I am going to have to buy!

Anthea's Makeup Tips 1, 2 , 3 ! 

• Spend more on foundation - it's worth it!
• I recently discovered the YSL - Touche Eclat touch up stick. Apply to under eyes mid-day for a refreshed under eye look. Also, use it as an eyeliner and lipstick primer.
• Don't reapply foundation near the end of the day, it will only give you a look of caked on makeup. Use a touch up stick or simply reapply lipstick, eyeliner and a bit of blush!
• I recently started using Miracle 10's evening mask - apply twice a week for 15 minutes and voila - amazingly soft and clear looking skin!
• As Melani informed me - Don't feel awful about putting on foundation every day. As long as you wash it all off at the end of the day and moisturize your skin, it's not as bad as you think! I've especially found this of the YSL foundation - my skin feels hydrated and smooth when I apply it.
• Facials! I try and get one at the start of every new season. More often if I had the time! 
• Keep it simple, spend on quality, find a few things that work and go with it!
• Now - get out and enjoy!!! :)

Left to right

YSL Foundation 

Nars Bronzer and Blush

YSL Touche Eclat touch up stick

Loreal Black Eyeliner

Cover Girl Mascara

YSL Lipstick

Makeup by Melani 

After getting my makeup done at Miracle 10

Soya Skin Care Launch at the King Edward Hotel

Model extraordinaire Melani Chong has launched a new line of skin care called Soyaskin.  Last week she hosted a preview party at the King Edward Hotel Nouvelle Spa where her products are being carried. We received a mini hand massage and scrub and learned about the new products. Melani also gave us each a mini sample kit to try some of the new "natural" products.  I have been using the Vitamin C Soy Serum,Tear-Free Foaming Cleanser and the Body Scrub and have been really impressed with the results.  My skin is looking noticeably refreshed and smooth! Natural is clearly the way to go! The Nouvelle Spa is currently using Soyaskin products for their treatments - I am going to book an appointment to try it. Stay tuned for a review of my facial!

About the Soya Boutique

The Soya Boutique is a Canadian skin care company that believes in healthy longevity through natural skin care products. Melani Chong has been a professional in the Beauty and Fashion industry for over 20 years and is an experienced cosmetic scientist who is bringing expertise to the development of new skin care products. Visit www.soyaboutique.com for more information.

Melani and the products!  Anne and I with social media expert Elena!

Review: SIMONE FRANCE - Total Body Skin Care System

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

I have been fortunate to sample many products in this line and recently, have been shining my skin up for the holiday season!  If you use SIMONE FRANCE products, you will have developed morning and evening routines that bring a healthy all over glow.  As they say, "It's all about the way you clean your skin."  You use a moisturizer first, then a light but effective scrub, massage, and rinse, rinse, rinse - 15 splashes of cold and 15 of warm.  Remoisturize.  Keeping the skin hydrated is so important, especially in this dry weather.  Since using these products, I have not had any dry patches or red, peeling hands.  I love the rich, thick but non-greasy BODY GLOW, which I apply after showering and buffing up with BODY BUFF.  The BODY BUFF, in itself is gentle and leaves a light layer of moisturizer if  you choose not to stay in the shower forever.  If you do enjoy a long soak, you just remoisturize with BODY GLOW.

The white bottles with blue labels are simple and signify water and soap - clean and fresh.  I feel that more is spent on the product, rather than on expensive packaging and advertising.  In summary, this is a complete skin care line; you can buy specific products and get wonderful results or buy the whole line for everything you might ever need.  Your skin will love the extra attention and moisture.  Your glow will come from natural ingredients, attention to routines and perfume free, luxurious yet light scrubs, moisturizers, night creams, make up removers, toners and line minimizers - lines? what lines?  To get your glow on go to simonefrance.com.  You'll shine for sure!

Loft Launches First Location in Canada - Yorkdale!

Loft has arrived in Canada! After seeing their holiday preview fashion show, I took a trip up to their Yorkdale store to pick out a few things from their latest collection.  The pieces are similar to Anne Taylor, but a bit more casual.  My favorite thing about the collection was that almost every piece had holiday sequins! Who doesn't need a few sequins this season?!  

I ended up leaving with a chunky cream colored sweater, a thick scarf with fur embellishment of some sort and an accessory which I cannot mention as it is a gift for Treasure Seeker Colleen!  I am not a huge sweats/casual wear person, so a chunky sweater enables me to still feel great on a "comfortable" day and not like I am sacrificing style too much.

All in all, the clothes are great quality and super comfortable.  They also have a Petite section, which worked well for me! Other bloggers were in attendance as well!  Check out blogger Tiffany's post on Yorkdale's expansion here as well as Cynthia's from Delectably Chic!

Fitting room fun!

Comfy sweater. Didn't end up buying, but was cute!

The scarf! So cozy!

The store was beautifully decorated for the holidays!

I should have bought this blouse!

Scarves and sweaters galore!

The sweater!

Lovely Loft Ladies!

Helene, Rebecca and Katie

These two girls were so helpful!

Nancy and Kyra

With Manager Rebecca!

New style! Lazy Sundays :)

Playing Dress Up at Ann Taylor - Eaton Centre

Currently loving Ann Taylor's latest Fall/Winter collection available now at Toronto Eaton Centre!  Two weeks ago I attended the store opening where I had a chance to preview the collection and meet the fantastic staff.  Last week I visited the store to pick up a few fall pieces to share with you! 

No matter how busy or focused you are at work, it's so important to take those few extra minutes to look your best.  Dressing professionally doesn't always mean wearing a suit; feel free to mix it up with blazers, skirts and pants.  Ann Taylor is is truly focused on ensuring women look fabulous both at work and outside of work.  

The highlight of the store for me was Ann's winter wear.  I found the pieces quite easy to mix and match.  One of my favorite pieces was the fur collar (seen below).  It can be worn multiple ways, including with a cape (seen below) or with a beautiful bright blouse.  

Anthea's Style Tips for outer wear this fall!

• Leather, leather, leather!  Wear it for a night out or with a long dressy sweater at the office
• Fur - Wear over beige or camel outwear and be sure to wear it with a bold lip
• Fur - Wear with a bright blouse for a statement on a chilly day
• Outerwear - Choose pieces with elegant lines and unique cuts

For those of you out there who are looking for styling advice, look no further!  Ann Taylor offers free style consultations.  All you have to do is book an appointment and someone will work with you to help you pick out your perfect looks.  When I visited the store, I had plenty of help putting my looks together and finding the right sizes.  The customer service is simply phenomenal at this store.  Be sure to stop by and take a look!  

Cape, Pants, Wrap

Having a blast in the store!

Everyone was friendly and helpful!

Special thanks also to Chelsea Beasley and the store managers!

Already received so many compliments on this cape!

Can be worn multiple ways.

Ready for the office!

Sweater and leather leggings

Fur and silk emerald blouse

Keep the bottom simple when wearing color and statement fur!

Review: Simone France - My Skin Says "Thanks!"

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

A big thank you to Simone France skin care products and routines!  My skin is soft, glowing and healthier looking after three weeks of daily applications.  I received a carefully and fully packed box of soap, six ounces bottles of Refreshing Toner and Rich Milk, disposable cleansing cloths, and two fluid ounce jars of Lovely Glow and Refining Scrub.  This is a lovely collection of white containers with soft grey and white labels.  Definitely not over packaged or hard to store conveniently.  Love the clean and efficient appearance as well as the perfume free products.  I have been using the "Normal to Slightly Dry Skin Sandwich" so every morning I apply the moisturizer, Lovely Glow, and then the Refining Scrub and give my skin a gentle massage.  After washing my hands first, I lather up my bar of soap and add that to my face.  Everything gets removed, then with a warm, wet Disposable Cleansing Cloth.  Repeat until skin is clean.  Rinse with 15 splashes of  warm and then 15 of cold water and pat dry.  I really feel that the cloths and washed hands ensure cleanliness.  The moisturizer, scrub and soap mix are also keys to a fresh start each morning.  The massage and careful observation of skin cleansing and prep help skin breathe and also be a great make-up base.  Every night, my skin gets a second massage with rich milk, which is then removed with a cleansing cloth.  Even the eye make up comes off easily and immediately.  The toner is then applied on a wet cleansing cloth.  Because I know I need a night moisturizer, I use the Lovely Glow again.  It is strongly recommended that once a week, you use Instant Radiance exfoliating mask too.  Each product has its own distinct feel, and its purpose is evident.  Nothing is harsh or greasy or too astringent.  From the first day, I noticed a difference.  Simone France: "It's all about the way you clean your skin."  It's all about attractive and effective skin care products.  You can find out much more at information@simonefrance.com and visit the website at www.simonefrance.com . I and my skin thank you!

EVOLUTIONMAN Cosmetics Review

Written by Bryce Workman

I asked Bryce to try some of the fabulous new products from EVOLUTIONMAN. Here are a few of his favorites and his thoughts on them. Would you like to see more men's product reviews? Leave a comment with thoughts and suggestions! Thanks Bryce :)


Moisture Protect SPF20

This was a great product. I think most guys generally don’t think about moisturizing, and if they do I think the importance of sunscreen is often forgotten. EVOLUTIONMAN’s Moisture Protect SPF20 goes on very lightly, is quickly absorbed into the skin, and leaves no oily or greasy feeling unlike other moisturizers that include a sunscreen. A little bit definitely goes a long way, making it an easy product to utilize on the go.


Bronzing Moisture Protect SPF20

Like the basic Moisture Perfect moisturizing cream, the bronzing version is also an excellent product. To the guys who might be weary of using a product that includes an instant bronzer, I say think twice before refusing EVOLUTIONMAN’s version. This was my first time using a product like this so I was cautious at first, too. But a little bit goes a long way for this product as well, especially due to its dual moisturizing-bronzing ability. A very light application provides just a hint of colour without the dreaded orange effect– great for the transition months into spring and summer. I was even asked by someone if I'd gotten some sun over the weekend, so there you go!


Wash & Buff Facial Scrub

EVOLUTIONMAN’s Wash & Buff is far superior to any face wash that I have used in the past. Tiny exfoliating beads provide just the right amount of scrub and cleansing while still being gentle enough for sensitive skin. When using this product you can really feel it working, thanks to the refreshing tingle provided by a hint of tea tree oil extract.