Skin is a self-regenerating organism with new cells constantly replacing the old dull ones on the surface. However, as you age this cycle slows down and you might need to give your skin a helping hand to maintain a youthful-looking glow. Exfoliating is a great first step to get rid of cell buildup. A face cloth is gentle enough for everyday use, but for more powerful results, try an at-home microdermabrasion kit. Try NeoStrata At-Home Microdermabrasion System, $60 – it's quick and easy to use. The four-step treatment includes a crystalline scrub that resurfaces the top layer of the skin, plus a glycolic acid-based cream for optimal exfoliating benefits. Perform this ritual up to three times a week before bed and you will wake up with a smoother, more even-toned complexion.
NeoStrata is available at major drugstores across Canada.
Knowing how to use eye shadow as eyeliner is a great makeup trick. It makes your eye makeup last longer, and some women find it easier to apply than the traditional pencil or liquid version. The key tool is the brush; look for one with a slim head and stiff compact bristles. Whether you choose a slanted or flat tip is up to you – M.A.C #263, $19, or #212, $24, are two good options. I prefer a slanted brush because I find it easier to blend with, but the flat tip is also good because it allows you to literally press the powder along your lash line just by using the width of the brush. Applying the powder wet will give it more staying power and definition. Simply dampen the brush, swipe it across the powder and make a line following the natural shape of your eye, staying as close to the lash line as possible. Use short brush strokes and play connect the dots if you find drawing one continuous line too tricky. TIP: Using both eyeliner and eye shadow creates the longest lasting effect. First, apply the eyeliner and then follow with a swipe of powder in the same colour.
Extreme temperatures, such as those created by steam, can do wonders for your skin in small, infrequent doses. If you're breaking out regularly after using a facial sauna, then it's a sign you may be using it too frequently for too long. Stop using it altogether, then once your skin has fully recovered, you can slowly reintroduce the facial sauna, starting with once a week for up to three minutes. You'll also benefit from making sure your skin is squeaky clean before and after you steam. Remove all traces of makeup beforehand, and wash off all traces of sweat afterwards. TIP: Sometimes cleanser isn't enough. If you still feel as though there is makeup on your skin after cleansing, follow up with a toner. This liquid product, applied with a cotton ball, removes any remaining grime and rebalances the skin after cleansing. Look for Olay Daily Facials Clarity Purifying Toner, 200 mL, $10, for combination and oily skin, or Kiss My Face Obsessively Organic Balancing Act Facial Toner, 156 mL, $18, for normal and dry skin.
Eye contact is always sexy and eyeliner is the quickest way to define your eyes without all the fuss of blending shadow and contouring creases. For an instantly sexy and alluring gaze, nothing beats an elongated cat's-eye effect: it's neat, easy and stands out thanks to the flirty little tail. For a modern-day Cleopatra approach, keep the line to the width of the pencil and extend up only slightly at the outer corner just past your natural lash line (no more than half a centimetre). As for colour, basic black is always a good choice, but if it seems too harsh, dark brown or grey can also look dramatic. If you're feeling more adventurous, try a jewel-toned colour such as Yves Saint Laurent Long-lasting Eye Pencil #12 Paradise Blue, $24. It's a rich metallic turquoise guaranteed to keep all eyes on you.
Yves Saint Laurent is available at cosmetics counters in major department stores across Canada; the Long-lasting Eye Pencil is exclusive to Holt Renfrew.
Eye contact is always sexy and eyeliner is the quickest way to define your eyes without all the fuss of blending shadow and contouring creases. For an instantly sexy and alluring gaze, nothing beats an elongated cat's-eye effect: it's neat, easy and stands out thanks to the flirty little tail. For a modern-day Cleopatra approach, keep the line to the width of the pencil and extend up only slightly at the outer corner just past your natural lash line (no more than half a centimetre). As for colour, basic black is always a good choice, but if it seems too harsh, dark brown or grey can also look dramatic. If you're feeling more adventurous, try a jewel-toned colour such as Yves Saint Laurent Long-lasting Eye Pencil #12 Paradise Blue, $24. It's a rich metallic turquoise guaranteed to keep all eyes on you.
Yves Saint Laurent is available at cosmetics counters in major department stores across Canada; the Long-lasting Eye Pencil is exclusive to Holt Renfrew.
Eye contact is always sexy and eyeliner is the quickest way to define your eyes without all the fuss of blending shadow and contouring creases. For an instantly sexy and alluring gaze, nothing beats an elongated cat's-eye effect: it's neat, easy and stands out thanks to the flirty little tail. For a modern-day Cleopatra approach, keep the line to the width of the pencil and extend up only slightly at the outer corner just past your natural lash line (no more than half a centimetre). As for colour, basic black is always a good choice, but if it seems too harsh, dark brown or grey can also look dramatic. If you're feeling more adventurous, try a jewel-toned colour such as Yves Saint Laurent Long-lasting Eye Pencil #12 Paradise Blue, $24. It's a rich metallic turquoise guaranteed to keep all eyes on you.
Yves Saint Laurent is available at cosmetics counters in major department stores across Canada; the Long-lasting Eye Pencil is exclusive to Holt Renfrew.
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