Beauty: Lancôme Show by Alber Elbaz

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Guys, I am so excited…and I don’t want to hide it! Tomorrow’s the big day!!! On June 15th, 2013, Lancôme Show by Alber Elbaz will finally be hitting the stores, which means we can all get a fill of great Lancôme products prettified by the incomparable (and adorable) whimsy of Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz. As a huge fan of Alber’s doodles, I simply can’t wait to get my hands on as many Lancôme Show goodies as I can! Those mascaras? Yes, please! The eyeshadow palettes?! A hundred times yes! And the first-ever Lancôme false eyelashes? Don’t mind if I do.

And while the products themselves are Lancôme mainstays, the collab (and the lovely designer packaging) are very limited edition, so if you are as enamoured with Alber Elbaz’ creations, run, don’t walk to your nearest Lancôme counter! Happy shopping!

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Photo Credits: Lancôme

Beauty: Lorinda Zimmerman’s W SkinCare is Coming to Toronto This Fall!

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You see that photo above? Those grey stripes…That’s the dirt extracted from my skin. Pretty gross, huh? Back in March, one of my favouritest bloggers ever – Lainey Lui Gossip invited me to try Lorinda Zimmerman’s grounbreaking “double-dose” skin treatments – cold light and microdermabrasion. Beloved by Hollywood starlets and regular folks alike, Lorinda’s near-magical technique not only promises to help skin look more youthful and radiant, but it’s also non-invasive. No injections/surgeries required!

After reading about Lainey’s positive results (her pores are basically non-existent!), I was stoked to see what the hype is all about. My treatment began with a round of microdermabrasion – an intense exfoliation process, which felt a little unpleasant, but not at all painful nor super uncomfortable. The treatment is most effective in treating “sun damage, age spots, superficial pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged or oily pores, blackheads, whiteheads and acne scars”. As someone with a ton of freckles…aka sun damage on my cheeks, I was curious to see if this treatment could help me lighten those pesky under-eye spots. And while my spots didn’t go away completely after my first microdermabrasion (that would’ve been a miracle!), they were a little less noticeable.

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More after the jump!

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Giveaways: 3 Ways to Win and Discover shu uemura Online!

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Sponsored Post

As promised, I have a really awesome shu uemura giveaway to share with you! But because I like you so much…there are three amazing prizes to be won. That’s right…THREE AWESOME PRIZES worth $3000 all-together!

How would you like to win a $2000 beauty and style makeover at an award-winning salon in Canada? Sounds dreamy, right? But wait…there are also two prizes of $500 worth of shu uemura products (each) up for grabs. If this sounds like a cool deal, then I have great news for you…it is incredibly easy to enter! Just follow the steps below and may the odds be ever in your favour! (Yes, I can’t wait to see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire!)

WIN A $2000 MAKEOVER!

- shu uemura is giving away a $2000 makeover experience at an award-winning salon in Montreal, and all you need to do is CLICK HERE and enter your email addy to be entered. It doesn’t get easier than that!

WIN $500 Worth of shu uemura Goodies on Style Blog!

- One of my readers will win $500 worth of legendary shu uemura beauty products by simply commenting on this post! I told you it was easy; just follow the steps below to enter:

1. Comment below and tell me which shu uemura product you are most excited to try. Please include a link from www.shuuemura.ca, and leave your name and email addy so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner. One comment per reader, please and thank you.

Example: Nelia (styleblog.ca@gmail.com): I am most excited to try Essence Absolue Nourishing Hair Oil http://bit.ly/YySgoo 

2. To double your chances of winning $500 worth of products, please tweet the following: “Hey @styleblogca, I want to win $500 worth of @shuuemura goodies! Gimme! http://wp.me/p1WxbY-5iQ #shustyleblog”

3. To qualify, please LIKE shu uemura and Style Blog on Facebook.

WIN $500 Worth of shu uemura Goodies on www.shuuemura.ca!

- If two prizes aren’t enough for you, you can also enter to win the third shu uemura prize by registering on www.shuuemura.ca, and creating your own personal wishlist. Steps are below:

1. Login or register on www.shuuemura.ca

2. Find your favourite products

3. Add them to your wishlist

4. Share your list with your friends

ALL THREE CONTESTS WILL CLOSE ON APRIL 30th 2013, so make sure to get your entries in before the deadline! Good luck!!!

Beauty: Shu Uemura Launches Online Shopping in Canada

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On the heels of a few thrilling e-commerce announcements, I am very excited to share that shu uemura online shop has finally launched in Canada!

“From now on, the pioneering, high-quality shu uemura and Shu Uemura Art of Hair products are available online to Canadian consumers. Blending nature, science and art together with the founder’s pioneer spirit, the shu uemura and Shu Uemura Art of Hair brands encompass cutting-edge make-up, high-performing hairstyling and skin care products, and a range of elegant and effective professional quality tools. With their entire range now available online at www.shuuemura.ca, these brands, beloved by professionals and consumers alike, now provide all Canadians a portal to the world of the legendary Japanese make-up artist and beauty pioneer, and a gateway to revealing every woman’s unique beauty.”

As a special perk, I received a few of shu uemura’s amazing signature products like Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolueshu uemura Cleansing OilShu Uemura Art of Hair Volume MakerShu Uemura Art of Hair Cleansing Oil Shampooshu uemura Eyelash Curler, and shu uemura False Eyelashes.

The products couldn’t have arrived at a better time! Since fashion week craziness began on Monday, I am happy to share that some of these goodies have already saved me from looking like a hot mess. With all that slushy snow we got on Monday, Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue helped me keep frizz at bay, and left my hair looking hydrated, feeling soft, and smelling delicious. If you saw me creepily smell my own hair, you now know why. I also adored using my new shu uemura Eyelash Curler! No other curler before did as good of a job as this one did. It didn’t pinch my eyelids, and made my lashes look nice and curled, without making them all bendy.

But enough about me! Since I loved my shu uemura goodies, I wanted to share the love. For a limited time, you will receive a $10 gift card with your first purchase of $50 or more, and an exclusive gift that includes a deluxe make-up travel palette and a sample of Moisture Velvet shampoo and conditioner on orders of $75 or more. All you have to do is use promo code SHUSTYLEBLOG on www.shuuemura.ca. And shipping is free for orders over $75! Easy, peasy!

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But that’s not all. A couple of fun giveaways are coming very soon, and I can’t wait to share them with you. Please stay tuned, and enjoy perusing shu uemura’s magical goodies on the brand’s brand spanking new website in the meantime!

Photo Credits: shu uemura

Beauty: Garnier Olia Haircolour Experience

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Sponsored Post

After chopping my locks last September, I’ve been itching for another change. My hair was looking dull, lifeless, and in the words of le boyfriend – wiry. Yikes! So when I was offered to try Garnier’s new Olia haircolour, I jumped at the chance as it couldn’t have come at a better time!

I arrived at the L’Oreal Academy in Toronto ready to update my look for spring and learn about Olia. And though my colour experience wasn’t very traditional (every step of the way was filmed), after dying it, I am a total at-home haircolour convert!

Since I haven’t had much at-home colouring experience, Garnier’s Nina Farrauto kindly answered all of my pressing questions and calmed my nerves. Is my haircolour going to look like the picture on the box? Yup. What’s so different about Olia? It’s an ammonia-free and powered by oil, “which visibly improves the quality of hair to reverse roughness and dullness for more brilliant, dimensional colour and softer, shinier hair with bounce”. Will it make my hair look shinier and healthier? Yes and yes!

After my consultation, I picked my favourite shade (light ash brown) and began colouring. Mixing the colour was super easy: twist, squeeze, mix, shake…kind of like a cocktail…and it smelled great too! And the pretty (ergonomic) bottle made it quick and easy and added to the fancy factor of the kit. I also loved Olia’s no-drip formula — it was nice not having to constantly wipe my face and neck. Oh, and did I mention that it smelled fantastic?! The usual chemical odour was replaced with a fruity fragrance instead.

Thirty minutes later, with my hair rinsed and conditioned, I peeked at the mirror for the final reveal — and squealed with joy! My new hair was vibrant, shiny and healthy. And boy, was it soft! Someone even told me that it feels like a bunny! And weeks later, it’s just as soft.

Thanks to Garnier Olia, I went from dull and blah to shiny and vibrant in 30 minutes and for under $13! I’ve since recommended it to a few friends and family and have only heard great responses! So if you want to get rid of dullness, greys or just update your look, Olia won’t let you down.

So tell me, have you tried the new Garnier Olia haircolour yet? Share your hair stories in the comments!

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Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Garnier via Glam Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Garnier.

Valentine’s Day: The Men Behind The Bloggers

Happy Valentine’s Day, lovelies! To celebrate, I have a very special post featuring some of my favourite Toronto bloggers…and their men! To say that this blog wouldn’t be the same without le bf and his encouragement is an understatement. He truly is my #1 fan, my tech support, my photographer, my rock. And such is the case for many other bloggers out there, whose boyfriends/fiancés/husbands become an integral part of their girlfriends’/wives’ blogs. And even if they remain largely unseen, their impact certainly isn’t. They take our photos, offer emotional and tech support, provide an arm to grab on to when the heels we wear become impossible to walk in, they carry our heavy cameras, get excited about fun collabs we partake in, and read only one blog – the one that matters.  So let’s get to know a few men behind the bloggers, shall we?

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Blog: Beckerman Bite Plate
Blogger: Chloe Beckerman
Other Half: Justin ‘J-Dawg’ Hardt
Together For: Spiritually – forever.
Status: Engaged

The Beckerman sisters have long been my dream blogging trio. Their style is crazy fun, their photoshoots are equal parts inspirational and silly, their family seems close-knit and bananas-up-for-anything…even their dogs are stylish! And while Sam and Caillianne are both in Toronto and have each other to rely on, Chloe, who resides in LA, has her fiancé to help her with her photoshoots. So what’s it like to be a man behind one third of Beckerman Bite Plate? Here’s what J-Dawg had to say.

What were your thoughts when she first started her blog? Did you think it would become a big deal? I thought, what’s a fashion blog?! When I found out I was very excited for her. Of course, I thought it would be a big deal.

What are your blog duties? To get the fucking shot, come hell or high water!

What’s the most challenging part about being in a relationship with a blogger? Every outing can turn into an impromptu photo session even getting coffee the morning after a night of heavy drinking (I’m the one usually ‘choking down on grandpa’s cough syrup’.)

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Are there perks of being with a blogger? Chloe constantly looks hot and owns an expensive camera.

What was your proudest blog moment? There are 2 proud moments. Moment 1 – when I was asked to photograph her the 2nd time – I was shocked. Moment 2 – when I got Chloe to pose in front of the Berlin Wall exhibit outside the Variety Building near LACMA.

Do you feel that her blog is successful in part because of your support? I think Chloe is able to have more posts because I can help out. But it’s the style and creative direction of the blog that makes it successful.

Do you have an all-time-favorite blog post? Yes and it’s the background of my cell phone.

Do you read other fashion blogs? No, the only time I see other blogs is when I am wrestling the computer away from Chloe.

Words of advice for other blog husbands/boyfriends out there? Its about her, let her Diva out.

And what did Chloe have to say about Justin’s support?

Is your fiancé supportive of your blog? 110%

How does he help? He makes all these funny jokes while taking my pictures and half of the photos are of me laughing my ass off!

Does he have strong opinions about your blog/blog posts? He has a great eye for detail and is always trying new artsy photos! He keeps it real!

Do you usually listen to his opinions, or do as you please? If Justin says go cray cray in front of the camera, I go cray cray! And those photos are always the BEST!

MORE after the jump!

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NYFW Fall 2013: Street Style Looks Part 1

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NYFW is passing by in a whirlwind of appointments, shows, and snowy sidewalks. But apart from seeing some beautiful designs up close and personal, my favourite part of this experience has definitely been street style. Watching people come out of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week tents, in sometimes immaculately styled, sometimes batshit crazy outfits is never boring, and has kept me entertained all week long. So here are a few of my favourite street style looks that I spotted in New York this season. From the Smurfette-worthy clothes and hair, to fun pops of neon, these street stylers might just inspire you to try something new this winter.

Are you liking any of these outfits? Share your favourites in the comments.

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More after the jump!

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Beauty: 5-Minute Manicure with imPress Press-On Manicure by Broadway

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Today’s post is a DIY of sorts, but not really. What I mean is, I’ll show you how you can take your nails from janky to shiny in 5 minutes – no nail polish or manicure skills required.

First of all, I’d like to admit that I suck at manicures. My real nails are short, stubby, and brittle (see below). If my nails grow past that finger threshold, they are guaranteed to break, which is why for the most part, I don’t even try. Last year, I got some free samples of imPress Press-On Manicure kits, and my first reaction was: “Pfft, sticker nails? AS IF!” But then…I tried them!

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More after the jump!

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You Are Invited: Powder Puff Event at Holt Renfrew with Special Guest Emily Weiss

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Powder Puff Beauty Party
January 22, 2013 
7:30pm – 10pm
Holt Renfrew Bloor Street and Holt Renfrew Vancouver

All of you beauty junkies out there, this one is for you! Holt Renfrew will be hosting a Powder Puff Beauty Party at their Toronto and Vancouver stores, previewing new spring goodies, and offering complimentary beauty services such as mini-manicures and facials, hand massages, brow services, and more! And, if you happen to live in Toronto, you’ll also get a chance to hang out with Emily Weiss of Into The Gloss! Sounds good? Click HERE to buy tickets. See you there?

Beauty: Winter Skin Rescue

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After le bf and I returned from our Caribbean Christmas getaway, I was relaxed, refreshed, and…BURNED! Even though I tried to protect my face from the sun, apparently, I didn’t do enough, and was punished with peeling skin, deepened wrinkles, and freckles (aka sun damage) galore. That’s the thing about the holidays, even without the excessive sunbathing, all of those parties, complete with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails wreck havoc on your skin. So if you are making New Year’s resolutions this year, taking care of your skin should definitely make the list.

5 products that will be saving my skin this winter after the jump!

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