If You Suffer from Acne, This Video Will Inspire You

There’s Hope if You Have Severe Acne

For many years, Cassandra Bankson was bullied because of her acne.

Life in high school was so bad for Cassandra, that she once had slices of pizza thrown at her by kids who taunted her with the name “Pizza Face.”

Then the teen made a life-changing decision. She made a video called “Acne Foundation Routine For Flawless Skin,” showing how she covers her blemishes.

Originally, she posted the video hoping that it would help “just one person.” The video has since gained over 18 million views.

Cassandra’s step-by-step video on covering blemishes has given hope to even those with cystic acne. In the video, she shows how to get picture-perfect skin using primer (such as Hourglass Mineral Veil), concealer, and foundation.

Tame Your Sweet Tooth With These Tasty Cupcakes Lip Balms

Cupcakes Lip Balm Collection

Are you a cupcake fan?

If you don’t live in Vancouver, you may not know that we have some of the best cupcakes in the world.

My favorite cupcake hangout is the retro Cupcakes bakery.

Last time I visited, I noticed that they now carry four delicious lip balms based on some of their all time favorite cupcakes.

Of course, I couldn’t resist trying out a cupcake (or two), but I also picked up their Red Velvet Buttercream lip balm which smells like a delicious mix of cream cheese frosting and cocoa cake.

Not only can you wrangle your sugar fix with this lip balm, you can also hydrate your lips with healing ingredients like Grape Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil.

You Too Can Be a Bond Girl

Celebrate 50 Years of James Bond Style

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a potential Bond Girl, you now have a chance to try on some glamor that the role is famous for.

The OPI Bond Girls collection contains six sophisticated Liquid Sand nail lacquers. These lacquers feature a textured, matte finish with just the right reflecting sparkle.

The nail lacquers are meant to be worn without a top coat so they keep their 007 sparkle.

If You’re a Busy Mom, These Tips Will Help You Streamline Your Morning Beauty Routine

How to Simplify Your A.M. Beauty Routine

Since Mother’s Day is around the corner, it’s a good time to acknowledge how busy mothers juggle their time between work, family, and personal obligations.

If you’re a time-challenged Mom or know someone who’s burning the candle on both ends, here are some tips from the founder of Skinn Cosmetics, Dimitri James, to simplify your morning beauty routine.

Skin Care Tips

• Stick to the “essentials”. Find one gentle yet effective cleanser that removes dirt, oil, makeup, and mascara and leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed. You’ll also want to use a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15.
• Use a cleansing brush or soft washcloth to eliminate the need for eye makeup removers, toners, and scrubs. To brighten your complexion, exfoliate, and extract blackheads, try is the Skinnsonic High Frequency Cleansing System. Get more details about the system here.

Get Ready for Rihanna’s New Lipstick: RiRi Woo

RiRi ♥ MAC Lipstick

It’s no secret that Rihanna loves MAC.

So, it’s no surprise that MAC has come up with a cult classic shade for the global superstar with style-blazing looks.

The lipstick, which is called RiRi Woo, is a matte cool red (retro matte).

When news first broke of her collaboration with MAC Cosmetics, Rihanna explained: “I’ve been using MAC on tour for such a long time it was a natural fit for me. I have always loved make-up, and I always said that if I do it, I want to do it with a credible brand.”

Joannie Rochette Teams Up with Bioré for Acne Clearing Scrub Launch and 2 Step Program

Boost Your Confidence With Clear Skin

If you struggle with confidence because of skin issues, you’re not alone.

A recent study by skin care company, Bioré, found that over 80 per cent of young Canadian women say clear skin has the largest impact on their self-confidence.

As a professional athlete and Olympic bronze medalist, Joannie Rochette knows how confidence plays a part in your professional and personal life: “When you compete on the ice it’s important to look your best and feel confident in your performance. This often means wearing heavy makeup that can be seen by the crowd and cameras–which can be problematic for my skin.”

Bioré skin care experts recognize that clear skin begins with clean pores. The Bioré Skin Care 2 Step Program, which Joannie Rochette follows, unclogs pores at the source and addresses problems before they start.

The two-part program involves the daily use of  a Bioré complexion clearing product, like the new Acne Clearing Scrub, to fight all forms of acne and help prevent them from returning. It also includes weekly use of a Bioré Deep Cleaning Pore Strip to instantly pull away a week’s worth of dirt and oil.

Celebrate Earth Day with Limited Edition Ultra Facial Cream

Protects Without the Grease

In honor of Earth Day, why not make a difference in the way your skin and the world looks?

Kiehl’s has teamed up with Alanis Morissette to create a unique limited edition cover for the brand’s Ultra Facial Cream.

The 24-hour, lightly textured daily hydrator is made with Antarcticine–a Glycoprotein extracted from microorganisms sourced from sea glaciers notable for its ability to protect skin from cold temperatures. It also contains Imperata Cylindrica, a plant indigenous to the Australian desert with water retention qualities in dry conditions.

NARS Teams Up with Shoe Designer Pierre Hardy for Summer 2013 Collection

NARS Pierre Hardy Provocative Pairs

If you’re a fan of NARS and shoes (who isn’t?), get ready to try out their summer 2013 collection of nail polishes and blush palettes in collaboration with shoe designer Pierre Hardy.

The polishes come in 6 high-fashion color pairings that are inspired by the designer’s latest collection. The blush palettes have a gold overspray that shows off Hardy’s iconic cubic print.

Here are the colors in the NARS x Pierre Hardy Collection.

Nail Polish Duo ($29)

* Ethno Run: Orange and navy
* Sharplines: Peach and burgundy
* Vertebra: Coral and dusty rose
* Easy Walking: Rose Gold and camel
* Sharks: Yellow and lavender
* Venomous: Gunmetal and black

Real Housewives of Vancouver Mary Zilba Launches Buff Beauty

All Natural Colours for a Sheer Dewy Look

This season, The Real Housewives of Vancouver is all about taking sides.

Whether you’re Team Jody or Team Mary, if you love an all-Canadian beauty line, you’ve got to pull for Mary Zilba’s latest venture into the world of cosmetics.

Coming to the Shopping Channel on Friday, April 12th, Buff Beauty is all about enhancing beauty instead of covering it up. The line is designed for everyone, but especially for women on-the-go.

Is it OK for a President to Compliment a Fellow Politician on Her Appearance?

U.S. President Obama Likes the Look of California’s Attorney General

President Barack Obama recently caused a stir by praising fellow politician Kamala Harris as America’s “best-looking” attorney general.

The president did add that Attorney General Harris is also “brilliant, dedicated, and tough”, but some think that the damage may already be done.

How to Get Justin Timberlake’s Retro Hair Look

The 1960′s Style Behind JT’s Latest Look

Justin Timberlake is definitely bringing retro back with the classic hairstyle he’s sporting in his chart-busting video, “Suit & Tie“.

The hair gurus at Hanz de Fuko explained how to get the look at home using these tools:

* Fine toothed comb
* Bow dryer
* Wax (try HdF Hybridized Wax and HdF Sponge Wax)
* Optional: Gel (try HdF Triq)

To get the look, follow these easy steps:

Why French Women Age More Gracefully

Do You Look Younger Than Your Age?

First, we find out that French women are better at managing their weight than most of us. Now, we hear that women in France don’t seem to age as fast as the rest of us.

According to a British study by Escentual.com, French women look around seven years younger than their British counterparts. Over 80 per cent of the participants also agreed that French women age more gracefully.

One of the reasons that may account for their youthful appearance is that most French women start using anti-aging products at an early age. In France, a girl will start to use anti-aging cream as young as age 15 (by the ripe old age of 20, nearly two-thirds of French women are using specialist anti-aging French pharmacy brands like La Roche-Posay).

Charlize Theron Teams Up with TOMS Shoes

Limited Edition Slip-ons Designed by Oscar Winner

Actress Charlize Theron was definitely one of the best dressed at the Oscars, so she must have a good fashion sense when it comes to shoes.

To benefit African youth, Charlize has partnered with TOMS to design a pair of limited edition orange slip-ons.

Proceeds from the sales will go to the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project and its “Look Within. Think Beyond. Reach Out” program.

Mila Kunis’ Emeralds are Impressive

Mila Kunis is Gemfields Jewelry Brand Ambassador

When she’s not cozying up with Ashton Kutcher or starring in hot films like Oz: The Great and Powerful, actress Mila Kutcher is acting as global ambassador for Gemfields jewelry.

Gemfields jewelry is the world’s leading colored gemstone producer and is committed to ethics, transparency, and the sustainable development of the communities in which the company operates.

For her new duties with Gemfields, Kunis travelled to Africa to explore the journey that each Gemfields gemstone takes. Mila believes the company’s mission is in line with her own:  “I truly believe in Gemfields’ mission of ethical mining, and I absolutely have fallen in love with the rarity, beauty, and history of emeralds.”

Zooey Deschanel’s High Shine Lip Color at the Golden Globes

New Girl Star on the Red Carpet

Zooey Deschanel had a fun, easy look at this year’s Golden Globes compared to some of the more elaborate makeup and fashion other attendees showed off.

Deschanel wore a red Oscar De la Renta gown with a ’60s style ponytail that definitely wasn’t overdone.

Her makeup artist, Jorjee Douglas, commented on her ’60s style: “We always love to go very ’60s with Zooey’s makeup, so we looked to Brigitte Bardot and Twiggy for inspiration.”

Jennifer Aniston’s Hair and Makeup Stole the Show at the People’s Choice Awards

39th People’s Choice Awards: Red Carpet Style

Love it or hate it, Jennifer Aniston’s Christian Dior leather dress created a lot of buzz at the People’s Choice Awards.

However, this year’s favorite comedic actress’ makeup and hair were really the standout at the PCA.

Here are the products Aniston used to put her red carpet look together.

To achieve straight, glossy hair (no frizz allowed) that brought out her highlights and lowlights, Jennifer’s stylist celebrity hair stylist, Chris McMillan, applied a combo of Living Proof styling products: Full Thickening Mousse and No Frizz Weightless Styling Spray.

Aniston’s makeup was definitely a Chanel home run. On her eyes, Chanel makeup artist, Angela Levin, applied shimmering shadows in neutral and plum from the Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow palette in Vanities. The slightly smoky shades were the perfect choice for her edgy look.

Beauty Trends for 2013

Keep Your Eyes on These New Beauty Trends

Thanks for stopping by The Blush Stops Here. Happy new year to all my fabulous readers!

Here are some beauty trends can look forward to for 2013.

Bangs are the Latest Hair Accessory

Kate Middleton took the plunge and so did mama-to-be Kim K. towards the end of the year.

Making even more of an impact in 2013, you’ll see a lot of runway and celebrity looks with blunt (sheepdog) bangs. The good thing about long bangs is that you can do double duty and angle them to the side for a softer look.

Nourishing Oils for the Hair and Face

Have you tried any of the latest oils on your hair yet? Argan oil from Morocco has been around for a few years in products like MoroccanOil shampoo and Josie Maran’s Argan Cleansing Oil.

You’ll see exotic oils in other products as well this year, even foundation like Giorgio Armani’s Maestro Skin Perfector which is currently getting raves.

Drew Barrymore’s New Affordable Colour Cosmetics Line

Prestige Makeup at Walmart

Drew Barrymore is partnering with manufacturing firm Maesa Group and launching a colour cosmetics line called Flower.

The line will be available exclusively at Walmart in January 2013.

The line of 181 products will be priced from $4.98 to $13.98. It includes 70 items for the face, 44 for eyes, 51 for lips, and 16 for nails. The face products will feature a proprietary botanical  “soft focus complex” to enhance your skin’s glow.

Mariah Carey for OPI to Debut in January 2013

Limited Edition Shades Featuring New Liquid Sand Nail Lacquers

Nicky Minaj has an OPI collection so it only makes sense that her co-judge rival on American Idol, Mariah Carey, has partnered with OPI for a collection of nail polishes to be released in January 2013.

The Mariah Carey by OPI collection includes a wide range of colors with Mariah’s signature look all over them from pale pink in the Studio Shades to matte black with red flicks of sparkle in the Stage Shades.

Four of the shades in the collection also use OPI’s latest nail polish innovation, Liquid Sand. This new technology gives your nails a textured matte finish with reflective sparkles.

You’ll Be Dreaming about the Debbie Harry Eye And Cheek Palette

Pop Star Meets Pop Artist

Limited edition personality-based makeup palettes are steaming hot this fall.

If you didn’t get in on the MAC Marilyn Monroe collection (I was hoping to score the Beauty Powder but it’s sold out), you may want to check out the limited edition NARS Debbie Harry Eye and Cheek Palette.

For those who grew up in the 80s, this collection will have even more meaning as you probably love the 80s rock star look.

The eye and cheek palette features four bold eye shadow shades and two every day blush shades. The eye shades are on the shimmery side which makes sense since it’s evoking the glamor and grit of Debbie Harry’s downtown scene.

Smart Specs Are the Latest Must-Haves

It’s Hip to Be Square

The last time specs were all the rage was when Alaska’s favorite former governor, Sarah Palin, hit the election circuit.

Now making a coming, nerdy glasses can be seen on everyone from headline news reader Anderson Cooper to actress Christina Hendricks.

The Mad Men siren is currently representing Specsavers Australia and admits that her husband loves her geek chic look: “He thinks I look super sexy when I put my glasses on – he always encourages it.”

According to the Daily Mail, pulling off the nerd look for eye glasses has its benefits (frames are great to cover up undereye bags or dark circles) and isn’t too difficult.

Smoky Eyes in a Flash

New Techniques to Enhance Smoky Eyes

Even though smoky eyes have been around for a couple of years, you may still be struggling to get just the right look.

You can create an updated smoky eye look in a snap using Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour.

For a casual look, use the colour stick as a thicker eyeliner (then smudge with a brush or your finger, if you like).

For a mono lid look, swipe your favorite shade across your lid then blend out the creamy consistency into the crease.

According to Instyle, Sarah Jessica Parker used the Jungle shade (a deep olive green) to create a subtle rock-and-roll look for her recent appearance on Glee.

Be a Babe and Help Fight Breast Cancer

Perform on Stage with the Babes4Breasts Group 

If you can carry a tune and live in the Ottawa area, you can join the fight against breast cancer.

The Be a Babe contest offers budding musicians (12 years of age and older) an opportunity to perform on stage with the Babes4Breasts group as they continue to raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

If you’re a potential “Babe,” all you need to do is upload your best acoustic/acapella video to the St. Laurent Facebook Page at www.beababe.ca by September 30, 2012. You then have between October 1 and October 7, 2012 to encourage everyone you know to vote for your page. The best part: every online vote triggers a $5 donation by the St. Laurent Centre to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

A GLEEful New Face for L’Oréal Paris

The Latest Spokesperson for L’Oréal 

Glee fans should be very happy with the latest face L’Oréal selected to represent their makeup brand.

According to People Stylewatch, Lea Michelle has just been named to represent L’Oréal Paris in print and television ads in early 2013.

“I’m overjoyed and beyond honored to be a part of the L’Oréal Paris family,” the 26-year-old actress told People. “I’m such a fan of L’Oréal Paris not just for all of their amazing products, but for what they stand for.

The actress, who plays aspiring Broadway star Rachel Berry on Glee, is also thankful to be a part of a television show that promotes inner beauty and self-worth. “Now to be a part of this amazing family that expresses the same amazing message is such an honor,” she added.

Burt’s Bees Teams Up with Jenny Bird to Help Save the Bees

Raise Awareness for Canada’s Depleting Bee’s Population

If you haven’t seen too many bees lately, it could be a result of Canada’s declining bee population.

In fact, 43 types of Canada’s bumblebees are currently threatened due in part to pesticide use, disease, pollution, and loss of habitat.

To help raise awareness and funds to save Canada’s depleting bee population, Burt’s Bees has teamed up with accessories designer, Jenny Bird, to create a custom, limited edition friendship bracelet.

All of the proceeds from the sale of this bracelet will go to the Pollinator Partnership, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to protect and restore populations of pollinator species, especially bees.

There are two versions of the For the Bees bracelet:

• Gold Bee Black Thread 18 karat gold-plated brass
• Silver Bee Tan Thread sterling silver-plated brass

You can find the bracelet at The Bay locations or online at www.burtsbees.ca and http://jenny-bird.com.

Celebrate the Queen’s 60 Years in Style

Best British Beauty Buys

Here are a couple of beauty products to help celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne.

Rimmel Glam’Eyes

Rimmel introduced Glam’Eyes HD, its first creamy powder eyeshadow with Velvet‑HD technology, in a Union Jack design awhile back but this is the perfect look for a royal occasion.

The palette contains four shades designed to work in sequence for a complementary effect in any light. 

The quad is available in several combinations including the aptly named True Union Jack and Royal Blue.

Double Duty Pantyhose

Sunless Tanning Tights

Most of us gave up on wearing pantyhose a long time ago.

However, there may be a good reason to slip on a pair of tights again.

Skin Kiss, a UK company, has introduced the world’s first hosiery that gives your legs a faux glow.

Fake Tan Tights contain patented technology that deliver perfectly bronzed legs in under 2 hours.

Ingredients like DHA, Aloe, and Erythrulose in the proprietary formula combine to create a smooth and even tan.

All you have to do is wear the tights for 10 minutes, then use the included rubber gloves to massage your legs and release tiny microfibres containing the tanning solution.

Totally Mod Makeup for the Spring

Mod-Inspired Makeup Using Pastels

Fans of Mad Men, who caught the Season 5 premiere, may have noticed that the lady-like fashion of the earlier seasons has now moved on to the brash Mod look of the Swinging Sixties.

Style icons of the era, like model Twiggy, also incorporated the Mod look into their makeup.

You can create a Mod look using this season’s pastels to highlight your eyes, lips, or nails.

Nail Polish Collection by Obama

Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue

Are you a fan of Barack Obama and love to wear nail polish?

If so, you may want to help the cause by picking up the Runway To Win nail set including red, white, and blue nail lacquer.

The nail polish line, which cost the campaign $10,000 to put together, was designed by Richard Blanch of Le Métier de Beauté for the campaign’s Runway to Win collection.

Chanel Does Las Vegas

Luck Me Chanel Makeup Tonight

To celebrate the opening of a new Las Vegas boutique, Chanel recently launched a limited edition beauty collection named after Sin City.

The Las Vegas de Chanel collection includes four glitchy pieces, which you can wear in your home city (if you don’t get to Las Vegas too often).

The Lucky Stripes Iridescent Powder for eyes and cheeks is the focal point of the collection and it looks like a winner! The powder is a blend of sand and bronze shades embossed with stars that have been inspired by the desert of Nevada.

Oscars 2012: Red Carpet Beauty Looks

Beauty Risk Takers

The Artist may have sweeped the Oscars last night, but there were still a number of winning beauty looks on this year’s hottest red carpet.

Iconic Red

If you could get past Angelina Jolie’s thigh high slit in an Atelia Versace gown, you may have noticed her coral‑red lips with an updated sheen (there is a lot of critique regarding the infamous slit; check out Joan Rivers’ comments here).

In contrast, Rooney Mara in a white Givenchy lace gown wore matte red lips (with her signature blunt bangs and a looped bun) as did Mila Jovovich who matched her lip color with rosy pink blush.

Which Beauty Trends are Hot for 2012?

Easy Beauty Trends for 2012

If you like to keep your finger on the beauty pulse, here are some manageable beauty trends for 2012 that may have some staying power for the rest of the year.

Beauty Balm Creams
Beauty balm (BB) creams are already a hit in Asia, where women are already loving the combination of tinted moisturizer, sunscreen, and blemish healer all in one product.

Clinique, MAC, and Garnier have already launched BB creams in the US and UK, and are headed for Canada in the next few months. In Vancouver, you can already find a Korean BB cream at the Shifeon store at Oakridge Centre.

Some of Jennifer Aniston’s Favorite Things

Beauty Must Haves

Jennifer Aniston recently revealed some of her favorite beauty products to InStyle magazine.

Aniston’s beauty philosophy is to “stop using makeup as a mask and feel comfortable in my own skin.”

If you love Aniston’s sleek look, here are three of the beauty products the actress swears by (check out the other beauty products that Jennifer Aniston prefers here.)

Benefit Hello Flawless Custom Powder
Cover-Up

If you haven’t used Benefit’s multi-tasking blendable powder before, you’ll definitely want to check it out. Aniston uses it as a pressed powder, cover-up, and spot concealer. She also applies the powder to finish off her look.

Neutral Makeup Theme Stands Out at the Golden Globes

Classic Red Carpet Beauty

Some stars, like Emma Stone, opted for classic smoky eyes at this year’s Golden Globes, but a neutral makeup theme showed off the natural beauty of many of this year’s red carpet crowd.

Lea Michele

Leaving her Glee look behind, Lea wore an antique embroidered dress from Marchesa. Her striking eyes were luminous in layered colors (Lancome 5 Color Palette in Gris Fatale). In contrast, Lea wore a subtle neutral on her lips in a matte finish (Lancome L’Absolu Rouge in Rich Cashmere).

Katy Perry is Launching a Line of False Eyelashes

New Collection of Bold Lashes

She may be going through a hard time in her personal life, but that isn’t stopping Katy Perry from adding her name to a new beauty product: false eyelashes.

Katy Perry has already been involved with an OPI nail polish collection and two scents, Purr and Meow.

Next month, the pop singer will be launching her own line of false eyelashes with British lash manufacturer, Eylure (the company that designed Twiggy’s iconic false lashes in the 60s).