Dress Right for Your Body Type Play up your best assets with these figure-flattering tips

Dress Right for Your Body Type
Play up your best assets with these figure-flattering tips

No matter how much money you have, if you don’t buy clothes that flatter your shape, you’ll end up looking like you don’t care about your appearance. It’s fine to splurge on a $300 pair of jeans, but if they make your rear end look like you’ve been spending too many nights alone with the Häagen-Dazs, why bother?

Our advice: put away that credit card, give yourself a long, honest look in the mirror to determine your true body type, and then follow these tips to flaunt—not fight—your shape.

If you’re… pear-shaped or bottom-heavy

The goal: You’ve got luscious hips but a smaller chest, so you need clothes that will flatter your breasts and draw attention away from your bottom half. Think Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.

Do: Go for boot cut or fuller leg pants to even out your look. Flared skirts will look fantastic on you. Try the old trick of a darker bottom and lighter top for balance – it really does work. Wrap dresses will be very flattering for you, too.

Don’t: Wear tapered pants or clothes with side pockets – these will only make you look wider. Strapless dresses are also a bad idea: they’ll give you an unflattering triangular shape. No empire waists, either - go for a defined waist to draw attention to your breasts. And never, ever wear pleats.

If you’re… Top-heavy

The goal: When you have large breasts but no hips, you want to wear clothes that skim, not hug, your figure. It’s fine to draw attention to your girls, but you also want to balance out your shape so you don’t look like you’re about to tip over. Think Scarlett Johansson or Salma Hayek.

Do: Wear a structured jacket (just make sure you can button it without the fabric straining over your breasts). Tulip skirts will look great on you, and these work well for balancing your figure. Accessorize with great earrings rather than a necklace, since you already have enough attention going on there, if you know what we mean.

Don’t: Wear tops with delicate features, such as tiny ruffles or spaghetti straps. The same goes for tops with a high neckline. Also try to avoid anything with a high or empire waist – you’ll look even more top-heavy.

If you’re… Round or apple-shaped

The goal: If your body is very rounded, with small shoulders and more girth through your breasts, hips and stomach, you want clothes that aren’t too tight, but aren’t in the tent category either. The secret is not to camouflage your body, but compliment it! Think Jennifer Hudson or Kelly Osbourne.

Do: Try out v-neck cardigans to flatter your breasts, and pencil skirts to show off your legs. Tulip skirts will be very flattering on you. Single button jackets will show off your waist, and empire tops and dresses will skim your curves. Also go for fitted coats.

Don’t: Wear tight or wide cut pants, which will only make you look wider than you actually are. Forget the pleats, and don’t bother with high-waisted garments either.

If you’re… Straight up and down

The goal: If you are very thin or very athletic you want to wear clothes that will give you a little curve and femininity. Look to Keira Knightley and Hilary Duff.

Do: Go for chiffon dresses, which will give you a softer shape. Pair them with delicate heels to highlight your slim ankles. Waist-defining belts will work wonders for you, giving you a nice curve. Wear jackets with lots of feminine detail (beading, beautiful buttons) that nip in at the waist.

Don’t: Go braless, even if you don’t really need one. A well-fitting bra will give you a more flattering, feminine shape. Be careful of heavy, chunky accessories that might overwhelm your shape. Skinny jeans, leggings or jeggings are great (and you can pull them off), but don’t forget to add a top with a little shape – look for small shoulder pads or a jacket with structure and detail. You don’t want to look like a stick.

If you’re… Very curvy

The goal: Are you shaped like an hourglass? Work those curves – just look at Beyoncé or Jessica Simpson. Learn to make the most of your great body.

Do: Draw attention to your fabulous curves with belts – don’t be afraid to cinch in that waist and accentuate your figure. The wrap dress will look fantastic on you, and so will strapless dresses. Single-button jackets will also play up your curves.

Don’t: Accentuating one body part too much and throw off your perfect balance. Since you are curvy, the danger is that you can lean in one direction too much and end up giving yourself a bottom-heavy or top-heavy look. Balance color, fit and style while choosing your outfits. Wear clothes that are fitted but not too tight.

The Most Flattering Ways to Dress Your Body Type

The Most Flattering Ways to Dress Your Body Type

Tips for the curvy girls
by Jennifer Jenka
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Though everyone wishes they could be the model in the magazine, most of us have more to our bodies than that. Despite what most think, shapely and thicker women can be just as sexy. Ask any man what attracts them to a woman, and they will say it is how they hold themselves, and how they dress. Here are some tips for the non-models, or, as Tyra says, the fiercely real girls.

1) Over-Sizing: Don’t Do It. Figure Out your Size
Whether it’s going to a dress fitter, or asking your most blunt friend, just find your true size. Most of your friends will tell you that you look good if they get the feeling you think you look good. You could be a size 14 squeezing into a 6, and if you’re giving the right attitude, they’ll agree with you. Where confidence will get you a lot of places, it can also really hold you back. Find your true size by taking pictures from all angles, and if it’s less than an inch tight or more than an inch big, just avoid it. Or, ask 3 friends before purchasing. It will be worth it in the end.

2) Get a Great Bra...Or Ten
If you’re fuller figured, buying a bra can be a pain in the ass. They’re usually expensive, and there is a ten to one chance the salesperson selling it to you is just trying to make a sale. Either get a professional fitting, or check out websites for a good start on how to find what size fits you the best. Make sure you have a real cup to the bra, adjustable straps, and don’t settle for ugly things. You can find sexy bra’s up to a 52 H.

3) Avoid Muffins
Not the food, but the dreaded muffin top. Here is where a blunt friend is best. A smaller girl can be made to look up to 8 times her size by her top alone. You don’t need to oversize or tighten a shirt to be sexy. A great tip for any figure, though greatly beneficial for the full-figured, is finding a top that separates your breasts from your belly. A simple line half way around the torso can do that. While baby doll style shirts can make you look pregnant, finding the right material that only flows (no poufs) out from your breasts will add to your shape.

4) Avoid Anything too Tight!
Though skinny jeans may be in fashion, there is a higher chance that they will make you look short and squat. Wearing them with high boots will sectionalize your body, and it’s more often than not, an unflattering appearance. It’s the same with tight shirts. If it clings to your softer parts, it only ends up highlighting them. Just try to remember what looks good on others, doesn’t look great on everyone else.

5) The List
Here is a list of typical fashion fails curvier girls make all the time:

Horizontal stripes
Monochrome colours
Fringes
Tights/spandex (even with a full top, it’s rarely flattering)
Wide banned hems on short dresses

Things that look flattering:

Varying patterns
Clothing that is loose around the paunch
Jagged edges on tops
Empire waists,
Multi layers (don’t go overboard.. a tank with a sports jacket is flattering...not three or more layers)

Green Beauty: Organic Beauty Products that Love You and the Earth

Green Beauty: Organic Beauty Products that Love You and the Earth

How to add a some green to your beauty regimen
by Ashley Ingrid Greene

There is no denying the friendly obsession people have with everything that is environmentally friendly to our Mother Earth. Organic food, reusable bags and sustainable clothing are just some of the things we now use in our day-to-day lives. But it doesn’t have to stop there– adopting the environmentally friendly movement can also apply to our everyday beauty products. Here are just some of the green beauty products that you will love, and so will the environment!

Body Shop Carrot Moisture Cream, $5.99
With carrot in its title, you know this product can’t be bad. The Body Shop– a top contender in the bath and beauty empire– has successfully created this moisturizer that soothes the skin with nurturing ingredients like sweet almond oil, carrot oil and real organic beeswax. And when you purchase this item you help support The Body Shop’s Support for Community Trade initiative– a trade labor program that helps to make sure your product is sourced through fair community trade and through environmentally friendly standards.

St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub, price varies at local department stores

St. Ives knows the advantages of green tea and has produced a scrub that helps to treat blemishes and breakouts with 100% natural green tea extracts. What’s even better about this product is that the entire St. Ives line has a complete list of what they call their ‘natural commitments’, which they apply to most of their products. This includes not testing on animals, using recycling packaging and more (yes, there is more goodness).

Aveda’s Nourish-mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze, $18.00
There is nothing better than applying a lip gloss and feeling a cooling and soothing sensation on your lips. This is exactly what you get with this lip gloss that comes in over 12 vibrant - yet nature inspired shades. Aveda shows us that their mission to use nature friendly ingredients also applies to their make-up and with a 100% newsprint shell tube and certified organic ingredients like Brazil nut oil infused, this gloss will put you on the right track to adding some green to your beauty regime.

Aveda’s Nourish-mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze

Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Nourishing Moisture Shampoo, price varies at local department stores
Trying to find a shampoo that gives you silky hair, locks in moisture and cleanses your scalp is every woman’s dream and luckily Aveeno has created it – with a green twist. With their new shampoo that uses their own personal mixture of Active Naturals, natural ingredients that include wheat and oat protein, this shampoo is gentle enough for any hair type. The product also fuses nature methods with science methods to create a product that is technically advanced in a green world.

Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Nourshing Moisture Shampoo

e.l.f Mineral Foundation, only available for purchase on their website
This emerging make-up line is affordable and makes sure not to use any preservatives or chemical dyes in their mineral foundations. The foundation also acts as a sunscreen and contains a fair amount of Vitamin E making this foundation a duo combination that protects your skin from the unfortunately harsh environment.

Give Yourself an At-Home Spa Day

Give Yourself an At-Home Spa Day

Give Yourself an At-Home Spa Day
How to indulge in some budget-friendly pampering
by Lija Kresowaty


A spa day gets your cuticles in order and your pores into shape, sure. But it’s also a fantastic way to relax – possibly because it’s one of the few times in our lives that we’re actually meant to just sit there. When you can’t splash out the big bucks on a swanky spa, recreate some of the experience at home (eerily calm receptionists not included).

First, set the scene to help you get into the mood. Stock a clutter-free zone with fresh white towels, candles, and magazines. Turn off your phone, press play on your favourite relaxing music, and prepare a pitcher of ice-cold water with lemon. Then try any (or all) of these easy spa-worthy treatments:

The "My Shoes are Too High / My Bag is Too Heavy / My Posture is Terrible" Bath
A bath with epsom salts can work wonders on sore, overworked muscles. Unlike most scented bath salts, epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate, which soothes muscles, relaxes the nervous system and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Just pour some into a running bath and add a couple of drops of a calming essential oil such as lavender, rose, or ylang ylang. Once you’re in, grab an extra handful of salts to use as a smoothing scrub on your feet or other rough patches.

The Pore-Shrinking, Super-Relaxing Facial
Start with a mild cleanser to remove your makeup and then use an exfoliator (look for one with alpha hydroxy acids or fruit enzymes to help digest dead skin cells). Then take a page from the “real” spas and use a hot towel to help open up your pores. Run a hand towel under hot water and squeeze it out.

Once you’ve taken a comfy seat, place the towel right on your face. Follow up with a mask and your favourite moisturizer. For extra spa-points, use cucumber slices on your eyes while you let your mask sit.

The "Your Hands Look Like a Million Bucks" Moisturizing Hand Treatment
Usually, we don’t condone using food when actual beauty products do just fine (I’m all for a bargain, but mayonnaise is for bread, not hair). However, soaking your digits in olive oil will make your hands amazingly soft (and no, you don’t need to use your super-expensive extra-virgin stuff for this, either).

Rub the oil into your nails and cuticles and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse off with hand soap mixed with an exfoliating scrub or some salt, and finish with your usual hand cream.

Give Your Underarms Some Summer TLC Have a stubble-free summer

Give Your Underarms Some Summer TLC
Have a stubble-free summer

Sponsored Post: Brought to you by Dove Ultimate VisiblySmooth™

Summer’s just around the corner – the official season of sunny days, balmy nights, and a social calendar that keeps you hopping from BBQ to pool party to family wedding (and did we mention weddings?). But with the steamy temperatures always comes a host of warm-weather beauty woes, like flip-flop-blistered tootsies, frizzy hair and the need to have smooth underarms 24-7. Feet have pedicures and stressed out tresses get serums, but how do you show your armpits some summer love?

We all get a bit lax with the razor during the winter, when we can hide behind wool sweaters and turtlenecks, but when it’s 30 degrees, you need to bare some skin. The last thing you want in the middle of a heat wave is to feel too embarrassed to toss off your cardigan – you’d either end up with a serious case of heat stroke or a serious case of pit stains – or both. Problem is, constant shaving can result in irritating razor burn, and if you don’t get a smooth shave, you end up with instant stubble anyway – not exactly the look you’re going for when you’re stuck in a strapless bridesmaid dress and trying to land that cute groomsman. And just try dancing with your arms stuck at your sides – dancing queen you’re not.

Like it or not, your underams will play a starring role in this season’s wardrobe. So think of Dove Ultimate VisiblySmooth™ Anti-Perspirant as your new summer lifesaver – it not only keeps you subble–free and smelling sweet, but it also helps reduce perspiration. It contains a Pro-Epil Complex® made of naturally-sourced extracts which gradually minimizes the appearance of underarm hair so that you can go longer between shaves (and when hair does start to grow back, it’s not quite as noticeable). If you’re a waxer, Ultimate VisiblySmooth™ will also help to stretch out time between salon visits. Like other Dove® anti-perspirants, this formula is made of moisturizers, which will help keep your underarms comfortable and bump-free. And these ingredients are translucent, so they are less likely to leave any white marks on your favorite black top.

Most women start to notice results within about four weeks – so start now and you’ll be waving your arms around like you just don’t care at your ex-boyfriend’s late June wedding and flaunting your bikini body by July-long.

Fashion: This Season's Best Boots Styles

Fashion: This Season's Best Boots Styles


How to wear fall's hottest looks
by Anne T Donahue

Sure, summer may give you an excuse to wear flip-flops or justify going barefoot in the grass, but in addition to sweaters and lattes, fall means something else: boots. And not just any kind, but exciting new looks that will go with everything from your daintiest dress to vintage 90s plaid. Here’s our guide to the season’s best boots and how to wear them.

Ankle Boots

Think Pattie Boyd in the 60s or Metric’s Emily Haines today, because last season’s ankle boots haven’t gone anywhere. Perfect for formal evenings or to add edge to an otherwise standard ensemble, this tried-and-true style has the staying power of your favourite skinny jeans, making any look modern, put-together and ahead of the curve.

Since there are so many types, you never have to commit to just one: rock a pair with heels with printed tights and a mini-dress for that classic mod aesthetic, or slouchy flats with metal embellishments to add edge to an otherwise standard ensemble (like jeggings and oversize plaid). You could also try your hand at thrifting – many button-up gothic styles (like Doc Marten’s or desert boots) will give nearly any outfit major rock ‘n roll credibility.

Thigh-Highs

Like Anne Hathaway’s wardrobe in The Devil Wears Prada defines “timeless”, same goes for her boots – particularly the thigh-high favourites that always serve to make you go shoe shopping. The beauty of over-the-knee boots is that just like their ankle counterparts, you can mix and match them with dressy and casual, making them a go-to for those instances when you’re rushing out the door.

Pair a chunkier, lower heel with jeggings, a tank and leather bomber to rock a downtown vibe, or take a page out of the book of high fashion with a more substantial heel height and a sleek mini-dress. Of course, low-key options also apply: for flat styles, take your favourite pair of skinnies, a simple v-neck and a blazer, and cement yourself as a connoisseur of casual fashion.

Mid-Calf

We’ve come a long way from the pointy-toed zip-ups from the early 2000s, and nothing’s a bigger testimony to that than this season’s mid-calf styles. Like the saddle boots of the later 2000s, the rounder toe and chunky heel are still present, but unlike their clean cuts and simplicity, embellishment is the name of the game.

Whether with metallic accents for a Midwestern vibe or an ornate flat lace-up from the early 1990s, grunge has made a full-blown comeback, using footwear to take away from the blatant femininity of most runway styles. Pair slouchy slip-ons with jeggings, a t-shirt and oversize vintage blazer to keep things cool, or opt for tights and an above-the-knee print dress to match your laced-up look. Despite their first impressions, these styles are the most diverse, so while you think you’re pigeon-holed into a harder image, they can easily work with some of your most delicate pieces.

Wedges

Far from the cork-heels of previous seasons’ espadrilles, wedge heels in boot form are more modern, sleek and complementary to fashion’s affair with extremes. Borrowing from the many styles already dominating this season, wedge heels work with everything from ankle boots, mid calf-to knee-highs to even above, abiding by the same rules as most, but with one simple exception.

Since a defined heel can work to make an outfit a little more dressy or substantial, a wedge heel will work to dress-down an ensemble, meaning that while you can still pair them with a skirt or dress, they’ll look their best alongside jeans, jeggings, tights or anything else a little more relaxed.

Sponsored: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum Reader Reviews

Sponsored: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum Reader Reviews

Sponsored: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum Reader Reviews
We had 29secrets readers and staff test out the latest serum from Olay
by 29Secrets
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The results are in! 29secrets.com partnered with Olay Regenerist to have 10 readers review the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum. It boosts skin's firmness & moisture with peptides and vitamin B3 and Olay claims that after just five days of using this serum, skin will be firmer, more supple and smoother.

Each candidate chosen applied the serum for five days, every morning and night. The verdicts are in!

REVIEWS:
"Serums are my favourite skincare product and while many on the market treat lack of moisture or wrinkles, there are very few that address sagging/skin's firmness. I liked how this one was targeted to lift around the jawline and brows, where you often see the first droopy bits starting to happen (hello, gravity!). The texture was note-worthy because it's more lotion-like, compared to other serums that are silicone or oil-based. Overall, after five days my skin looked super smooth and felt firmer." - Jill, 29Secrets.com Editor.


"When I applied the serum, my skin instantly felt silky smooth. It remained soft after applying the product in the morning and at night. I found the serum was easy to use, and overall, the directions were pretty straightforward. I also found the texture and scent of the serum to be very nice, and it never felt greasy on my skin. After the recommended 5-day usage, I have yet to notice a huge difference, but think it just needs more time to see the full benefits." - Colleen, Edmonton, AB

"The serum was very smooth and it absorbed well into my skin! The application directions were easy to understand, but I didn’t follow them as directly as I could have. If I was to follow the skin care regimen for a bit longer, perhaps the process would have become easier. I loved the scent of the product because it wasn’t too strong, and I barely noticed the serum was on my skin throughout the day! Overall, after using the serum for 5 days, I really noticed that my face was softer. A small dab of serum certainly went a long way." - Debbie, Hamilton, ON

The serum is cooler and thicker than standard lotion, so it felt weird at first. After the first application (morning and night), however, my skin adapted and felt clean, refreshed and soft. After you get used to the directions, the serum is very easy to use. The scent was wonderful and the serum was very light on my skin. After 5-days of use, my very fine crows feet are barely visible and my laugh lines look natural and cute. My daughter said my skin looked happy, and a co-worker said I was glowing! All in all, my skin feels better than it has in years. - Karry, Barrie, ON

"When applying the serum, it was so soft, like liquid silk. I loved the mother-of-pearl shimmer. After applying both in the morning and at night, my skin was much softer and more even. Not shiny, like I would have expected. I loved that the directions were so specific, and after reading them over a couple of times, they weren't hard to follow. Throughout the day, I was pleased to notice that my makeup didn't need touching up or a complete re-application after work. Despite a stressful month, people comment that I look relaxed, and that my skin looks great!" - Kim, Dartmouth, NS

"While applying the serum on my face and neck, it felt silky to the touch. In the morning my skin felt refreshed and my makeup went on smoothly. The serum's texture was creamy and silky-smooth, and I really enjoyed its light scent. Throughout the day, my face felt youthful and refreshed. After the prescribed 5-day usage, my skin was noticeably firmer and my lines were not as visible as before. I had people come up and ask me if I had lost weight, because they could tell from my face!" - Kitsa, Scarborough, ON

"When I applied the serum morning and night, I felt like it revived my skin. When it came to the application instructions, my sweeping motion was probably not completely accurate, but I just did what felt right. The serum's texture and consistency wasn't gritty and it felt great on my skin! I used to think I looked tired, but after 5 days of using this product, I believe it helped to rejuvenate my skin. I think I'm going to continue using this product too, because it was great to actually see a difference in my overall appearance!" - Nicole, Ottawa, ON

"When first applying the serum onto my skin, it was very smooth and not greasy at all. My skin felt more toned and refreshed after applying both morning and night. The product instructions were easy to follow and remember, so it was nice not having to constantly refer back to them. The scent also isn't very strong, which is what I prefer! Throughout the day, I forgot the serum was even on my skin. I have yet to notice any differences within my skin, but I definitely love the way my skin feels!" - Melanie, Mississauga, ON

"Right away, I noticed the serum absorbed into my skin very quickly, and after applying morning and night, it felt lighter and rehydrated. Throughout the day, the serum felt good on my face, unlike most other "serums" which feel as if you are wearing a mask. I noticed a huge difference in the texture of my skin, as the fine lines around my eyes were less defined! My skin colour and texture also improved– and became supple and clear." - Linda, Surrey, BC

"I loved the texture of the serum. Not only did it add moisture to my skin, but after the 5-day usage, I noticed my fine lines were beginning to diminish! Coming from a woman who has entered her 30s, this was vital. Overall, my skin is much smoother, and I love that I don't have to rely on my usual moisturizer anymore." - Margarete, Thunder Bay, On

Best Jackets to Buy For Fall

Best Jackets to Buy For Fall

Your must-have jacket guide for fall 2010
by Fatima Syed
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With brisk winds and crunchy leaves everywhere you turn, the beginning of October signals one thing, it's time to start shopping for a great jacket. Here's a list of the most practical and trendy choices for this season:

The cape

Warm, comfortable, and easy to slip into and out of, the cape-style coat holds great potential for fall 2010 as well as winter. Originally spotted on runways last season, the cape is quickly turning into a fashion staple which can be worn for years to come.

Camel

The colour promises to be fall's most popular neutral so far. Camel-coloured wool coats and jackets are fashionable as well as practical, and the warm, rich colour is perfectly at home on double-breasted pea coats. The classic shade flatters a variety of skin tones and is ideal for any occasion, whether it's dinner out with friends or a casual walk downtown.

The trench

The belted three-quarter trench coat is coming back and better than ever before. Trench coats, with their air of mystery and sophistication, look fabulous in basic beige or in wilder styles such as bold zebra prints. The waist-cinching belt offers a slimming silhouette, the bold buttons are eye-catching, and the coat's large pockets can hold everything from a cell phone to coin purse. To combine great style with a popular hue, try shopping for a camel-coloured trench..

The aviator jacket

Cropped and form-fitting in contrast to the longer coats seen at fashion shows for 2010, the aviator features a leather exterior with a shearling lining and details. Large collars and asymmetric zippers were popular as part of the Burberry collection, adding a modern twist to an old favourite.

Military chic

Featuring delicate round metallic buttons and a sharply tailored design, the military trend is evident in this fall's outerwear. Navy blue, camouflage green, and dark grey are all the rage this season.

The princess seam coat

With feminine touches such as a nipped-in waist, skirt-like hem, high ladylike collar, or ruffles, the princess coat is determined to make you look like royalty. Great for a formal evening out, they are available in gorgeous jewel tones or neutrals, and add an elegant vibe to your fall wardrobe.

5 Must-Have Jackets That Every Girl Needs

5 Must-Have Jackets That Every Girl Needs

5 Must-Have Jackets That Every Girl Needs
Add these stylish coats to your wardrobe to diversify your look
by Katharine Watts
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In any weather and for all occasions, the right jacket tops off an outfit while keeping you stylishly snug.

Add these timeless toppers to your closet to put the finishing touch on any outfit.

1. The Trench

The trench coat is iconic. It can be buttoned up and preppy à la Holly Golightly in the final scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, or casually tied at the waist for a sexy, undone look (à la Kate Moss for Burberry).

Equally great paired with a party dress or jeans, you absolutely can’t go wrong when you wear this sleek and sophisticated topper.


2. The Blazer

Having a nothing-looks-good-on-me day? Whittle your waist and polish off your look by adding a blazer. This is a necessity in any wardrobe because of its versatility.

Button it up to look pulled-together and professional, or roll up the sleeves and leave it unbuttoned for a more casual look

3. The Leather or Pleather Jacket

Whether you pair it with a tight white tee like Danny Zuko from Grease or rock it with jeans like The Ramones, leather jackets are as prevalent in pop culture as they should be in your closet.

The perfect cool jacket to grab when you’re feeling a little rebellious, a leather or pleather coat will add edge to even the girliest outfits.

4. The Pea Coat

Jackie O turned the pea coat into not only a classy coat, but also a classic one. Equal parts stylish and practical, a pea coat will keep you comfortable, warm and chic.

Perfect fall or winter wear that’s not too bulky, wool peacoats will never go out of style.

5. The Denim Jacket

Denim done right adds a casual, laidback feel to an outfit. It’s perfect for a Sunday brunch or a day of shopping because it’s lightweight, comfortable and cool. Just don’t channel the ‘90s by doubling up your denim.

Make sure your bottom and top halves are in different shades of denim, or pair your jean jacket with black pants a printed A-line skirt.

Beauty Review: Cover Girl Lip Perfection Lipstick

Beauty Review: Cover Girl Lip Perfection Lipstick

The worlds of moisture and colour finally meet
by Anne T Donahue
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After my brown lipstick incident in 1999 (I wore the muddy shade religiously, although it didn't look so hot), I was ready to write off anything but sheer lipgloss, and remained true to that till 2010. However, since lipstick has come back in such a tempting way (with tons of awesome formulas and shades), that I’ve become a lipstick hoarder. That's why, any chance to avoid doubling up on chapstick and colour has been a blessing, so I was excited to try a product that seemed to straddle the best of both worlds – and yes, I even returned to brown.

What it is:
Cover Girl Lip Perfection Lipstick is enriched with a trademark Silk Therapy Complex formula that works to create softer and smoother lips in a week (vs. bare lips).

Colour:
With over 40 shades to choose from, Cover Girl Lip Perfection Lipstick has lived up to its name by providing every possible colour from cotton candy pink to corals to (yes, even) brown. And not only have they been designed by makeup superstar Pat McGrath (a bona fide shade connoisseur), the Cover Girl website boasts ColorMatched: a handy tool for determining which tones flatter your skin best based on hair colour, eye colour and shades you normally wear. (If only 14-year-old Anne knew about this.)

The Performance:
Because lipsticks usually have the tendency to dry out lips and offer nothing of moisture after the first five minutes of putting them on, I was happy to realize that not only did my lipstick go on smoothly, it stayed feeling that way until I needed to re-apply.

That being said, I didn’t need to re-apply too often. Staying true to “Perfection” aspect, the lipstick didn’t disappear after sipping a drink or essentially living my life – sure, it needed to be touched up every so often, but it faded subtly like a gloss as opposed to smearing like Courtney Love’s makeup after . . . well, being Courtney Love. No, Lip Perfection Lipstick isn’t “all-day wear”, but who really wants that? I’d rather take moisture than the feeling I’m wearing a thin coat of paint.

The Verdict:
Finally: I no longer need to continue my lipstick off, balm on, lipstick off hourly regimen. Sure, I need to reapply it every so often, but considering it feels like a moisture balm, I’m essentially grateful to apply it after being outside for anything more than 15 minutes.

And of course, the colour is great. Channeling my circa 1999-year-old self, I may have dipped back into the matte lipstick aesthetic, but instead of using a product that dried out my lips and looked cakey, I found a shade that channeled my favourite decade, but looked smooth and modern. The days of smeared, uneven lip tones are over, friends: moisture and grease-free lipstick have become one.

Beauty Review: Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Blow Dry Perfection Smoothing Kit

Beauty Review: Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Blow Dry Perfection Smoothing Kit

We test out the latest way to make your blow-out last.

What it is:
Garnier’s Sleek and Shine Blow Dry Perfection Smoothing Kit, $12.99, is a two step kit that maximizes lasting results from your blow-dry. According to Garnier, your hair will be resistant to the frizzies for up to seven shampoos. The kit comes with two tubes (a wash-out smoothing serum and a leave-in sealing cream) as well as plastic gloves and easy to follow instructions.

How it works:
The first step, the Smooth-It Serum, is a chemical liquid formula that relaxes the kink or wave in your hair. The second step (ie, the Perfect-It Cream) is a leave-in conditioning formula made of rice oil and polymers to coat your hair so it resists frizz. The ingredients are heat-activated with a blow-dryer, so air-drying is not an option.

How to use it:
Once you shampoo, skip out on your regular conditioner and instead apply the Smooth-it Serum to your hair with the gloves provided. Comb it in for even distribution, then leave in for 20 minutes. Rinse out with warm water and towel dry your hair. Then apply a generous amount of the Perfect-It Cream based on your hair’s length; short-haired girls may not need the whole tube. (FYI, the serum has a distinct pungent smell, so if you have a sensitivity to scent, you might want to skip it. But the Perfect-It Cream smells fresh and citrus-like).

Begin blow drying sections of the hair with a round brush until hair is completely dry. For optimal results, after the first blow dry, use a flat iron for extra sleek hair. I found it easier to stretch out my hair with my brush and found it took less time to flat iron my troublesome, curlier layers that usually kink up unless I run the flat iron over them half a dozen times.

And the verdict is:
"I used Garnier’s Smooth-it Kit the Thursday before I flew out to a humid weekend in New York (temperatures soared 39 degrees celsius with the humidex!). Usually, my hair becomes a hot mess in extreme heat, but my hair was less frizzy and remained smooth considering the long days of sightseeing in the sun. As well, my straight style easily transformed when I used my large barrel curling iron for a night out with the girls. Although, I was due for a wash after Saturday’s wavy-affair (only a day longer than my usual shampoo schedule), on my next blow dry it still felt easier to smooth out my strands, so the kit does what it says."

Is it worth the hype:
"Yes, I’d use the kit again, although I wish it took less time. I have long, thick, curly hair, so it took about 90 minutes from start to finish of the entire process. But, the results are worth the time."

Wintertime Skirts and Dresses

Wintertime Skirts and Dresses

Your guide to keeping warm and staying stylish
by Anne T Donahue
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Just because it’s January doesn’t mean you need to replace skirts and dresses with the likes of long johns and snow pants. Sure, trousers and skinny jeans are bona fide staples, but nothing beats the combination of a dress, tights and boots – especially paired with a classic bomber or a vintage-inspired (faux) fur coat. So instead of waiting for springtime to embrace your ultra-feminine side, here’s our guide to the winter-friendly alternatives that will keep your tight collection in rotation.

Denim
Not just a wardrobe stable, denim offers a sturdier alternative to the flouncy floral print dresses that don’t hold up so well to windchill and plunging temperatures. Paired with thick tights, an oversize cardigan, work socks and boots, a denim skirt or a denim mini-dress will ensure you’re boasting both substance and style – especially since denim’s been carried over from its re-introduction in 2010. Of course, a beach-appropriate low-rise denim mini isn’t the answer: if you’re vying for something actually winter-friendly, opt for a high-rise pencil skirt you can wear with several layers without looking disproportioned.

Wool
A far cry from its days as a sweater ingredient serving only to irritate, wool skirts and dresses are the perfect answer to the lucrative combination of warmth and style. Whether a solid-toned, A-line cut you can pair with a button-up and classic cardigan, or a kilt to channel an alternative aesthetic (worn with a sweater or long-sleeve t-shirt), wool skirts have come a long way from their stint as primary school uniforms, channeling the 90s vibe that promises to linger throughout 2011. But if you're not yet sold, rest assured: just because it's wool, doesn't mean you're subjected to something stiff or unflattering. A cotton-wool blend will make sure you're rocking substance, but will also offer a polished look that conceals the "sensible" fabric well.

Corduroy
Like the bear from the childhood books, corduroy has stayed tried and true regardless of season, year, style or trend. Sturdy, substantial and a fabric that won’t blow up regardless of wind strength, the likes of corduroy pull-overs or high-waisted skirts channel a distinctive retro vibe that works best throughout fall and winter. Of course, if you’re going to embrace this generational-friendly fabric beware: to avoid looking dated, play up corduroy’s retro qualities, vying for a kitschy vintage accessory (like a headband or necklace) and printed tights to make it fun and not matronly.

Velvet
Taking a page out of the gothic bible, velvet’s no longer just Christmas-appropriate, but can offer a warmer alternative to mini-dresses that might otherwise leave you feeling chilled. Paired with ankle boots and an oversize c, a long dress can help form a sleek, stylish silhouette, while a dress or skirt cut above the knee – paired with knee-socks, tights and unbuttoned oversize dress shirt, is an errand-friendly outfit that will help tide you over until springtime
florals.

The Best Summer Dresses for Under $100

The Best Summer Dresses for Under $100

During the summer season it’s pretty natural to want to wear a light pretty dress every day of the week. It’s nice to embrace the beautiful weather while it lasts. But who has enough dresses to be able to wear a different one every day? Ok so that might not be realistic, but there are some pretty good deals out there on cute dresses that are totally on trend. Here are five dresses all under $100; you’ll break hearts without breaking the bank this summer.

1) Joe Fresh Floral Dress, $39.

Joe Fresh is quickly becoming one of the hottest Canadian brands. With new stores popping up all over the country, it’s easy to take advantage of their stylish ensembles at truly unbeatable prices. This sundress is perfect for a day at the beach, a BBQ with friends, or meeting the boyfriend’s parents. It’s stylish, yet modest. The shade of yellow would look perfect on sun kissed skin, and the pattern is subtle but it adds a unique quality to the dress.

2) Urban Outfitters Cut Out Dress, $69.

If you are looking to spice things up a bit, and go for a less modest look for a summer night out on the town, then this is the dress for you! It’s right on trend with the colour blocking and the side cut outs. Definitely a more sexy look, but you can get away with showing a bit of skin on the side because a) it’s summer! And b) it’s not too low cut at the front. Just maybe don’t wear this one to meet the boyfriend’s parents.

3) Urban Outfitters Maxi, $69.

I know what you are thinking; a long black dress in the summer? Yes. Long dresses are back in style and a simple black one is just the right amount of chic. It’s made of a light cotton material and it’s a racer back, so it’s still perfect for casual summer wear. This would be a great dress to pair with a jean jacket and wear to a dinner party or for a day of shopping.

4) Urban Outfitters Aztec Dress, $69.

Bustier style tops are very in this season. A cropped one, paired with a high waisted skirt is a great look, but why not make things a little easier and just buy a dress in that style? The Aztec pattern featured on the top of the dress is extraordinary, and looks beautiful paired with the simple bottom. Can’t you just see yourself wearing this dress while playing Frisbee in the park, or watching an outdoor concert?

5) Zara Striped Dress, $99.

If you are keeping up with summer trends, then you might already be aware that stripes are back. This is a fun dress for embracing stripes this summer. The cut of the dress is oh-so-flattering; tight on the top with a little bit of volume on the bottom (it will make your waist look teeny-tiny). It’s on the higher end of the lower priced dresses, but totally worth it if you are looking for a great party dress.

Fall Fashion: What to Splurge and Save On A wardrobe update doesn't have to cost a fortune

Fall Fashion: What to Splurge and Save On
A wardrobe update doesn't have to cost a fortune

Every Canadian woman knows it's exciting to slip on fall's first pair of tights, bundle up in a scarf or pull-on buttery leather boots. But for the average fall fashion-seeker, not every designer coat or lambskin bag is attainable. While it seems savvy to buy everything at a discount, sometimes splurging is the smartest choice to make when shopping (ie, key pieces that you can wear from season to season hold more value than a closet full of cheap, trendy clothes).

Discover which fall items should be based on quality (and come with the price tag) and which items can save you some cash.

SPEND ON:

A leather satchel: Pack away the canvas and embroidered bags of summer and get ready for something more business oriented. Bring your leather satchel on a plane, to work, to school, shopping or out for dinner. In order to keep up with this multi-purpose bag, you will need to buy good quality leather in a versatile color with pretty details: See Michael Kors Fall 2010. Bonus: you can use this bag for years to come, so really, your pretty penny spent can be amortized over the next 5 years.

A shearling coat: Literally this season’s must have coat as seen on stars like Claire Danes, Rachel Bilson and Alexa Chung. A shearling coat will have you named the IT girl of the season but also keep you toasty in the bitter winter. And hey, that brisk winter is inevitable so your coat will not go to waste when the trend runs out.

Leather Boots: “These boots were made for walkin’” – yes, this is a famous song but don’t you often find yourself wondering, “were they really made for walking?” Fake leather, a barely-there sole and lack of warmth are the sad truths about cheap boots. Why not invest in a pair that will last you throughout the season and give you that extra spring to your step all winter long. Look to Steve Madden, Farryl Robin and Frye for the best in trends, comfort and price range.

SAVE ON:

An Army Jacket: Trendy and cute but has no warmth or versatility. Military jackets are a stylish fad but in the end they are for the “in between weather” days. The best way to solve your craving for the newest must have jacket is at a vintage store. Be a soldier and search through the racks and perhaps you’ll uncover the Marc Jacobs runway look alike for $10.99.

Leopard Accessories: The best way to jazz up a modest outfit is with some wild accessories, literally. But, animal print trends come and go so it is pointless to spend the big bucks on these trendy add-ons. Follow the trend by grabbing a leopard print scarf or bag at discount stores like Winners or TJ Maxx.

Bold Bling: Costume jewellery is once again all the rage for a night out on the town or with a white t and your vintage military jacket. But stay true to the name and buy real costume jewellery, in other words, the cheap stuff. There is no sense in buying a statement making, diamond and jewel encrusted necklace for a night out with the girls… unless you are the Queen of course.

Beauty Tips that Save a Buck

Beauty Tips that Save a Buck

Help stretch your money by using these simple and fresh beauty tips
by Bethaney Wallace
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In this economy it's more important than ever to be aware of how much your beauty routine is actually costing you. That designer eyeshadow, although in just the perfect shade of plum, might not be worth it once you figure out how many loaves of bread it could have purchased. So in this recession, how does one save money without sacrificing too much?

The first thing on the agenda is to decide how much is needed to be saved. Ten dollars, 20, 50, and how often. Once there is a concrete plan, it will be much easier to follow. Then once that is straightened out, use these simple beauty tips to help save a buck.

1) First and foremost, less is more
While this might be painstakingly obvious, using less product will help it last longer. However, in the summer months, this is much easier to actually follow through with. A sun-kissed face won't need a bronzer, and help summer-fy your look by wearing less eye makeup. And because the natural look is in, you'll be up on trends as well as saving money.

2) Double up on products
Ever wondered why a foundation primer is needed after moisturizer? Skip it! Two-in-one moisturizers can be purchased, however, many moisturizers do a good enough job all on their own. Another product that can be eliminated is liquid liner. Find a good angle brush and dip it in leftover mascara goop (that stuff at the top of the tube and never gets used anyway) to use as a liner. Not only does it save by eliminating the need for liner, but this thrify trick helps use ALL of the mascara. And finally, dig out those old eye shadow cases and get creative. Use the reds as a blush substitute. Mix various colors to create something new. (If it doesn't work out, no expensive product was wasted since you already owned it). Even try the obnoxious hues (sparingly); it might look great!

3) Lastly, always be on the look out for coupons and sales
New products often offer a deal, or come with a free sample. And website are always giving away free trials to new customers. Sign up for Twitter feeds, email lists, and Facebook alerts to be aware of the next big give-away. And for more regular sales, just check the local drug store aisle. The next time foundation is 30% off, even if it's not on the grocery list, buy it. Some deals (especailly those that help your beauty routine) are just too good to pass up.

High Calorie Coffees to Avoid

High Calorie Coffees to Avoid
Many are loaded with sugar and fat
by Sally Murphy

Most people start their day with a little caffeine, whether it’s from a cup of coffee brewed at home or one picked up on the way to work. And while regular coffee can give you the caffeine you’re looking for, one with a little flavor can help the day start off even better. But what you may not realize is that your Café Mocha, Espresso, Cappuccino or Latte may be adding more than caffeine to your daily diet – in fact, some coffees can add 500 calories or more! Have a second cup and you better be ready to put in a few extra miles on that treadmill. Curious about which coffees are the most high-calorie, and how you can cut back on the calorie count while still enjoying a tasty caffeinated beverage? Read on.


Starbucks Iced Peppermint Mocha.
This coffee is a tasty treat around the holiday times, giving a caffeine kick that gets ratcheted up a notch by the peppermint. But at 400 calories, you may want to rethink that coffee choice. Equally as delicious and high-calorie is another holiday favorite, the Eggnog Latte, which has 470 calories and 21 grams of fat! (At least the Peppermint Mocha only has six grams of fat.) Have a Skinny Vanilla Latte for only 90 instead.

McDonald’s Mocha.
Delicious, yes, but for 330 calories there has to be a better way to get some caffeine. A Caramel Latte will net you the same (330). You’re better off eating a cheeseburger than sipping this coffee on your way to work. Their Cappuccino brings it down a little, coming in at only 130 calories, but when you consider a black coffee has only about five calories in it, that’s still a lot for one drink! Try a large, Nonfat Cappuccino instead, with a meager 90 calories in the entire cup. Their Nonfat Latte with sugar free vanilla syrup is tasty, too, and only 90 calories.

Second Cup's Candy Cane Latte. This lovely caffeinated beverage has a refreshing hint of candy cane flavour, perfect for the holiday season. Not so refreshing though is the 260 calories in it, coming in far below the Starbucks beauties above but still a little high for a cup of coffee. Their Eggnog Latte weighs in at 320 calories! Instead, try a regular Cafe Latte for 140 calories or a delicious Cappuccino for only 110 calories and lose the guilt.

Other tips.
Try ordering different sugar-free coffee syrups to see if you can find one you like – caramel, vanilla, hazelnut and raspberry are just a few of the flavors out there. These can give your coffee some flavor without adding any calories. Also try artificial sweeteners instead of sugar, or switch from cream to 2% milk. And skip the whipped cream. It is possible to enjoy a tasty cup of coffee without taking in 200, 300, 400 calories or more!

How to Avoid Summer Bumps

How to Avoid Summer Bumps

And ways to treat 'em if you get 'em
by Sarah Robinson

Waiting for a balmy summer day to wear your favourite sundress is like waiting for Snooki to change her hair: sometimes it seems like it’ll never happen. So when it finally comes, the last thing you want is for your look to be ruined by unsightly skin blemishes. Here’s how to prevent and treat them to keep your summer spot-free:

Burn, Baby, Burn
Having your smooth skin ruined by razor burn can be a big "ouch" in the summer. Here's how to avoid it:

1. Avoid dull razor blades.
2. It’s tempting to shave as close as possible, but don’t use too much pressure.
3. Use a shave gel and apply an unscented lotion on dry patches after you’ve finished.

To treat it:
Use a soothing lotion with aloe vera and avoid using fragrances or alcohol-based products on your burn.

Spot Check

All that extra summer sweat makes you prone to pimples, especially in areas like your back and chest. These steps can also help prevent heat rash:

1. Exfoliate and wash acne-prone areas with body cleansers that have salicylic acid to keep pores clear.
2. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing – this will help skin breathe.
3. Avoid exercising outdoors between 12 and 4 p.m.

To treat them:
Take the same steps you would for a pimple on your face. Avoid squeezing and apply a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid treatment to dry out the blemish.

(Don’t) Bite Me

The size and regularity of bugs that bite can make it hard to catch the creepy crawlies before they strike. Here’s how to help:

1. Cover up with light-coloured clothing, since some bugs are attracted to dark colours. Plus, it makes them easier to spot.
2. Use a lavender candle to repel mosquitoes if you don’t like the smell of citronella – it works just as well. Also rub lavender oil on pressure points to help repel bugs and attract compliments.
3. Use an insect repellent in an aerosol can (it goes on more evenly) that can spray upside-down.

To treat them:
Use ice or antihistamines to help reduce itchiness, and don’t scratch! It not only makes them itchier, but it also increases your risk of infection.

Blistering Heat

Those strappy sandals are on sale for a reason. Three blocks away your blistered stems will be cursing every step:

1. Use band-aids or moleskin to cover-up danger zones like your heels and sides of your feet for the first few wears. Sometimes you just need to break in your shoes.
2. Use powder or antiperspirant on your feet if you sweat a lot. You could be blistering from excessive moisture.
3. Add insoles or supports to areas you blister most in to help prevent rubbing.

To treat them:
Avoid draining the blister as it’ll be at risk for infection and can take more time to heal. Leave it alone and exposed and it should turn into hard skin within a few days. Chuck any shoes that consistently give you blisters, they’re never worth it.

Cottage-Bound Beauty Tips

Cottage-Bound Beauty Tips

Take just the essentials for a weekend getaway

Unless you're heading to the famous Hamptons, chances are you don't need to pack a lot for a relaxing vacation at the cottage. A bathing suit, some shorts and a sweater will work fine. But what about your beauty routine? You really don't want to haul your entire collection of creams and eye shadows out to the middle of nowhere. This weekend is all about looking natural and taking it easy. With that in mind we've created a list of the only beauty essentials you'll need for your next camping trip. Roughing it doesn't have to mean ugly!

Bath and Shower:
Whether there is plumbing or not at the place you're staying, consider brining only a few essentials for shower time. A razor, a bar of soap, a few facecloths and towels, and a natural 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner (in case you have to bathe in a lake!) should serve you well. Bring in a tiny carrying case and try to avoid anything that is scented. It will only attract bugs and make for an annoying weekend. You can also consider heading to the travel section of your drug store to find these items in a size that's perfect for a quick trip.

Beauty:
Stick with one simple, unscented moisturizer that's good to use on your whole body so you can cut back on carrying a number of bottles. If it contains SPF, even better!

It's also important to protect your lips so a balm with SPF in it is very important. Leave the lipstick and glosses at home this weekend.

When deciding which make up to bring, think about the few things you can't live without. If you can't live without mascara and eyeliner, by all means bring it, but try to find items that can do double duty so you don't have to pack a lot. One creamy eye shadow can also work as lip gloss or blush. Eye brow corrector can double as a liner. If you just bring concealer do you really need primer? Maybe just bring one product to cover up any imperfections and let your skin breathe for a bit. Also, if you're getting sun, do you really need bronzer and blush? Pack wisely.

Other Things to Consider:
Don't forget to pack deodorant, a small first aid kit, and sunscreen. In terms of hair care styling tools probably won't be an option due to a lack of power outlets. Your best bet is to go au natural or bring a curl enhancing hair product to help define some beach waves. Bring a few hair clips and ties to keep it casual and to work with bad hair days. Packing these few items should allow you to focus on getting some R&R!

The Best Summer Updos

The Best Summer Updos

Keeping hair up and away this season

Let's face it: regardless of the products, techniques or hats we're given, there are certain summer conditions that require the abandonment of wearing your hair down. And while humidity and dampness can wreak havoc on curls, waves or the straight style you spent all morning perfecting, updos tend to remain immune. So on days boasting rain or a humidex of 40, here's our guide to the hottest summer updos and why you should try them.

Braids

Since Diane Kruger donned a loose French braid with a well-placed fedora last summer, braids have become the timeless seasonal go-to in terms of updos and "up and away" hair options. Luckily, 2011 continues the trend of plaited styles thanks to the likes of Blake Lively sporting a fishtail braid alongside a loosely tied ponytail, evoking the breezy summer feel we've come to equate with the season. The best part? If you're not willing to tie your hair back completely, you can infuse braids into a hairstyle of any kind, with stars like Nicole Richie maintaining a boho vibe thanks small French braids at the crown.

Smooth and Sleek

Minimalistic doesn't have to mean boring, and if the runway looks of SS 2011 are any inclination, the more sleek, slick and smooth the better. Dramatic side parts and low chignons are essential to the dramatic summer aesthetic (androgynous fashion hasn't gone anywhere), and on days of heat, humidity and harsh winds, boasting a sprayed and secure sleek style will not only keep hair out of your way, but help you maintain a bold look that suits the likes of bright lips and stained cheeks perfectly.

Gentleman Chic

We told you that androgyny is in, and because of stars like Janelle Monae, the pompadour style can keep you looking fresh and fashion-forward. Considering some of the season's wardrobe favourites range from bowties to pleated shorts to well-tailored blazers, to use a pompadour style to keep bangs up and away is a logical choice - especially since you'll be embracing both the tailored look of summer 2011 and the vintage throwbacks the year's become so familiar with.

Side Style

If the Oscars didn't convince you, the thousand other red carpets should, with everyone from Natalie Portman to Selena Gomez (it's not every day we give kudos to a teen star, but believe us) boasting updos worn to one side, channeling the retro vibes honed by everyone from 1920s darlings to Kelly Kapowski en route to prom. Whether its a braid, a bun or a loose-styled ponytail, the off-balanced look takes the formal vibedown a peg, making it the perfect summer style for afternoons spent lounging in the park.

Short and sweet: Short hair tips and tricks

Short and sweet: Short hair tips and tricks

Pixie cuts, bobs, shags and anything above the shoulders -- short hair styles are hot and we have the tips for great cuts, styles and care.

Victoria Beckham has rocked the pixie, the blunt bob, the shaggy bob and everything in between. Gwyneth chopped her locks into a sleek above-the-shoulder look and new It girl Carey Mulligan proves that a close crop can be feminine and ultra-sexy. It seems that long locks are on their way out and shorter 'dos are in. With the help of two top hair gurus, Sally Hershberger (sallyhershberger.com) and Nhi Tran from Vidal Sassoon (sassoon.com), we get the deets on short hair style tricks, trends and care.

Short hair inspiration

Carey Mulligan -- Blonde or brunette, Mulligan is super cute, flirty and comfortable in a pixie crop.

Victoria Beckham -- We love her smooth structured bobs that are just as polished (and unreal looking) as the rest of her body is.

Michelle Williams -- Her soft waves in a shorter cut look effortless and chic.

Gwyneth Paltrow -- She's famous for her long blonde hair with nary a split end, but we loved her straight, blunt bob she showed off recently.

Mia Wasikowska -- Alice in Wonderland's star is one of Hershberger's faves with her boyish cut and loads of texture.


Safest bet or more daring?
If you're thinking of chopping off the inches from your long hair you have a choice to make -- a subtle change, or a more extreme look. A softly layered bob that grazes the shoulders is a great way to ease into a shorter 'do. "Short, choppy bobs are great for nearly all face shapes," says Hershberger. But if you're adventurous, think above the ears. Tran always suggests a consultation before making any drastic changes to your hair. "Face shape is generally too broad to identify a specific cut – their eyes, lips, height fall into the equation as well."

Bangs -- do or don’t?
"I'm not a fan of a heavy bangs, but short pieces on a choppy pixie cut can be moved around in different ways and can look adorable," says Hershberger. To keep the bangs looking pliable and give them life, use a lightweight styling cream, gel or wax to shape and place your bangs.

You've made the cut … now what?
The secret to keeping your short hair looking fresh and healthy is regular trims -- every 3-4 weeks, suggests Hershberger, if you want to keep your current look. You can also play up your look with products -- creams, liquid gels, and waxes are high on Tran's and Hershberger's must-haves list for short hair. "One of the major mistakes people make with short hair is to over-apply products that are stiff and heavy. You still want the hair to be pliable and to move," explains Hershberger. "My Shagg Liquid Gel and Genius Spray Wax are perfect to give both sleek and edgy looks so that there is diversity in how to style short hair." Tran suggests Sebastian Craft Clay, Davines Matt Putty and Davines Mat Pliable Stucco to keep your short 'do looking polished and perfect.

Short and sweet: Short hair tips and tricks : Hair - Elle Canada

Short and sweet: Short hair tips and tricks : Hair - Elle Canada

Summer hair SOS

Summer hair SOS

Easy ways to protect your hair from summer's worst offender: sun, wind, water and humidity.

We’ve asked three industry experts for their tried, tested and true tips to gorgeous summer hair (even with all that wind, heat and oh-so-hated humidity).

Sabrina Michals, Director of Styling Education at Bumble and bumble:
Tip 1:
To protect hair against the drying effects of chlorine and salt water, wet hair with fresh water before entering the pool or ocean then apply a leave-in conditioner. Think of hair as a sponge – if it is already wet, it won’t be able to absorb as much water once you dive in. The leave-in conditioner locks in moisture and provides an extra layer of protection. Bumble and bumble Mending Complex is a great option, as it not only protects hair but repairs damage from chemical treatments and color processes.

Tip 2:
Using a silicone product when styling hair will help fight frizz brought on by humid summers and will also seal the hair shaft to protect against the drying effects of wind. Apply a few drops of Bumble and bumble Defrizz to damp hair then style as you normally would.

Tip 3:
Hair tends to get oilier faster in the summer due to the warm weather, which leads many people to shampoo more frequently. However, this can strip hair of its natural moisture. To absorb excess oil without having to wash, try a dry shampoo like Bumble and bumble Hair Powder.

Roch Lemay, Education Director MATRIX Canada:
Keep it clean and pure:
After swimming in the pool or the ocean it is crucial to remove minerals, salts and chemical from your hair, in order to clarify your hair and restore its purity. Use MATRIX Total Results Pro Solutionist Alternative Action. Its chelating agent helps remove chlorine and mineral deposits, purifying and refreshing the hair to renew body and shine!

Control frizz and protect against damage:
Nothing says summer like frizzy hair! Curly haired ladies, can control that frizz with MATRIX Total Results Curl Super Defrizzer Gel while straight haired women can protect their hair from the humidity with MATRIX Total Results Sleek Silk Wonder Smoothing Oil. The Curl Super Defrizzer Gel defines and controls curls, providing maximum frizz protection and the Sleek Smoothing Wonder Oil smoothes and controls frizz for 24-hour humidity resistance.

Stay hydrated!
Staying hydrated in the summer is extremely important- even for your hair! To really nourish your hair use MATRIX Total Results Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner, followed by MATRIX Total Results Moisture Cure 2-Phase Treatment. The Moisture Cure 2-Phase Treatment transforms dry, lifeless hair into shiny and smooth salon touchable locks.

Eric Gabriel, celebrity hairstylist (discovered by hair guru Oribe) and expert for heidiklum.aol.com:
Protect against sun:
KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum is a great to use on your ends and apply through your hair. Throw it up in a bun for a day (go to the beach!), your hair will look and feel amazing at the end of the day.

Protect against water:
Rene Furterer Huile Nutritive is a waterproof, spray on serum that is amazing. It protects your hair from getting damaged from the sun while you’re in the water.

Protect against wind:
Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray is great for the east coast summer and for the wind, this stuff really works! Just spray it on slightly damp hair and blow dry. It keeps it from expanding and from getting frizzy!

Easy summer hair fixes

Easy summer hair fixes

Easy ways to protect your hair from summer's worst offender: sun, wind, water and humidity.

Related Content
- 3 easy summer hair solutions
- Easy summer updos
- Celebrity beauty: Straight hair


This summer take a new approach to your hair. Work with your natural texture instead of against it. Here’s how to do it:

Jorge Joao, Redken Artist and stylist at KOI Hair Studio is a huge fan of this hair movement. “It’s huge right now to embrace your natural texture,” he insists. “Use very minimal product and it means less maintenance. The humidity can be our biggest enemy, so take advantage your own texture and use what you have. The less work and artificial tools you use, the better your hair will look.”

Here’s an example of a fun and simple you can still do to your hair, while embracing your natural texture straight from the Charlotte Ronson runway (pictured above): Seriously, it’s only two steps!

Step 1. In morning, embrace your texture by just hitting your hair with blow dryer and paddle brush after shampooing. Use Redken’s Fabricate 03 as a texture spray both before and after blow-drying to create texture. It will help position your hair into place, and give it a gritty feeling.

Step 2. Rub a bit of Redken’s Structure Wax 17 in your fingers and grab random pieces of hair to create little braids throughout the hair. You can put them around the face, or where ever you’d like. You don’t even need a rubber band because the wax and texture spray will help hold it in place.

“The effect we’re looking for is a ‘halo’ of hair around in the head. Got that hazy feel, lived-in hair look,” explains Jorge.

From day to night
You can put in more braids, or create one big braid in the back and twirl the braid into a bun. You’ll keep that natural texture, but you have the detail and texture of the braid. A super easy and chic updo!

How to choose the right probiotics

How to choose the right probiotics
Probiotics have been called the "friendly bacteria," due to their wide range of health benefits. Here's how to choose the right probiotics for your needs

So you’re back from Mexico with Montezuma’s revenge, or maybe that stomach flu has left your insides discombobulated for weeks now. Can probiotics help?

Most definitely, say health experts. But where to start? With numerous probiotic strains out there, what works best for diarrhea? For treatment after a round of powerful antibiotics? And do they all work the same? Here’s what you need to know about buying and using probiotics.
What are probiotics?

There’s a reason probiotics are dubbed the "friendly bacteria." Because in fact, they are live microorganisms that provide many benefits, such as hindering the growth of bad bacteria—the kind that causes diseases such as food poisoning, flus, irritable bowel syndrome and infections—in your intestines. You can take them as a nutritional supplement daily, or acutely to help recover from diseases such as flus or stomach poisonings. They can also be delivered in the form of yogurts, fermented milk, soy drinks and even juices.

However, only a few supplements and foods actually have clinical trials backing their efficacy, warns Dr. Gregor Reid, the past president of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, and director of the London, Ont.-based Canadian Research & Development Centre for Probiotics. "There’s a difference between what the consumers see and what is real," he notes. "There are a lot of products in Canada called probiotics, but there are not many that actually are probiotic."

So how can you know what will work? Here’s a guideline to probiotics—with clinical evidence backing how well they work—taken from a 2008 review in The Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology.
During and post-antibiotic use

• Lacidofil (Institut Rosell): This probiotic combining two Lactobacillus strains may help relieve antibiotic-triggered diarrhea.

• Bio-K+ CL1285 (Bio-K+ International Inc.): Not included on this original list, but since then, its benefits in helping prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C.difficile-associated diarrhea have been published in peer-reviewed journals. These fermented milk/rice/soy products and capsules contain L. acidophilus and L. casei.
Gastroenteritis (Including diarrhea/traveller's diarrhea)

• Florastor (Medical Futures Inc.): Comprised of Saccharomyces boulardii lyo, this short-term probiotic (meaning it only temporarily resides in the human body) can lessen diarrhea symptoms and also prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Pouchitis/Ulcerative Colitis/Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Natural home remedies: Irritable bowel syndrome

• VSL#3 (VSL Pharmaceuticals, Inc.): This capsule combines eight strains of Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria and Streptococcus.
General health

• Activia yogurt (Danone): Containing Bifidobacterium lactis, you can eat this yogurt daily to help your digestive comfort.
Shopping tips

When perusing the shelves for probiotics, note where your probiotics are stored, suggests Anne Marie Ford, a pharmacist and co-owner of Ford’s Apothecary in Moncton, N.B. "Some of the probiotics you’re going to find are in the refrigerator to keep the microorganisms active," says Ford. "There are a few that aren’t refrigerated, but it should state that clearly on the bottle." While some experts disagree on how many active cells should be taken daily, Ford recommends that people try to take one dose with each meal. "We try to get between 18-25 billion cells in a day," says Ford.

Reid cautions that not all probiotics offer the same benefits. "If you take a product that is called probiotic but has not been clinically tested, are you getting beneficial bacteria into your system? Probably, but such products should go by a different name," he says. "Only clinically-proven products should be called probiotic. It’s like when you take an Aspirin, you expect relief from a headache. So, when you take a probiotic, there should be an expectation that it has provided benefits."

5 myths and truths about moisturizers

5 myths and truths about moisturizers
Are all moisturizers created equal? Can you become addicted to lip balm? Read on for the answers to these and other myths and truths about moisturizers

Moisturizing lotion and lip balm are staples in many women’s beauty regimens. Many of us just slap them on without much thought—after all, skin cream is skin cream, right? We talked to Dr. Mark Lupin, a dermatologist and director of the Cosmedica dermatology centre in Victoria, B.C., about common misconceptions related to skin lotions and lip balms. Read this before your next trip to the drugstore or cosmetic counter.
1. Myth: All moisturizers are the same.

Truth: There are several types of moisturizers you can choose from, according to your skin's needs. Humectants, such as glycerin and lactic acid, attract water and help skin retain moisture. Emollients, such as fatty acids and ceramides, soften and soothe. Occlusives (known as “barrier creams”), such as petrolatum, dimethicone or lanolin, leave a film on the surface of the skin and seal in moisture.

Most products contain a combination of humectants, emollients and occlusives, so it’s easiest to choose a moisturizer based on your skin type—there are formulas for oily or acne-prone skin (look for “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” on the label); sensitive skin; and dry or mature skin.

You’ll also notice that moisturizers have different textures. (Occlusives tend to be the heaviest of the bunch.) “Lotions are light, and creams are a little more substantial,” explains Lupin. “For anyone with dry or extra-dry skin, you want something that has more substance—it’s better to use a cream, which tends to protect skin better than lotion.”

Skin tends to be drier in colder months, so use a cream in fall and winter, and switch to a lotion for warmer weather.
2. Myth: You need different moisturizers for different body parts.

Fact: Actually, this one is true. Lupin explains that while many moisturizers can be used on most of your body, you should invest in a couple of specialty creams, including a facial product. “The face is more prone to acne than the body, it’s going to have more sun damage, and eventually it could be an extra-dry area.”

He adds that your eyelids need a separate product. “Moisturizers for skin are not intended to be in the eye, and it’s easy to get it accidentally in the eye.”

And don’t forget about your extremities. “For people who have dry, cracked hands and feet, sometimes it’s worth having a special cream for those areas,” says Lupin.
3. Myth: Your skin can become too dependent on moisturizer.

Truth: Some people believe that using lots of moisturizer can increase your skin’s need for the product. “Not at all,” says Lupin. “Our skin cannot become dependent on a moisturizer. If you think your skin is dry, moisturizer is the best thing you can do for it.”

Wind, cold temperatures and heated houses in the winter can all dehydrate the skin, which can cause eczema to flare up and make the skin itchy and dry. “Prevention of this dryness by moisturizing is the single most important factor in protecting the skin from the elements,” says Lupin.
4. Myth: You can get addicted to lip balm.

Truth: It's been reported that some people claim to be addicted to lip balm, applying the stuff dozens of times a day. Can it happen? “My short answer is no,” says Lupin, explaining that, as with skin lotions, using a lip balm won’t make your skin need more moisture.

If you find that applying lip balm actually makes your lips drier, the problem might be the formula you’re using. When choosing a product, “bland is better,” Lupin advises, as some ingredients, such as menthol and eucalyptus, can be irritating. “It is not possible to become addicted to a lip balm, but if you are finding that your lips are stinging, burning or extra dry, or it seems the lip balm is only lasting a few minutes rather than an hour or longer, then consider switching to an alternate brand as you may be having a reaction to the one you are using,” he suggests. “Generally, I avoid the ‘medicated’ balms as they are not necessary.”

Parched lips may also be the result of sun damage. In the summertime, people may think their cracked lips are chapped, but really, they’re sun burnt, says Lupin. The same thing may happen in the winter when you’re skiing at a high elevation, he adds. Guard against UV rays by choosing a lip balm with sunscreen in it.
5. Myth: If your moisturizer or makeup contains sunscreen, you don’t need any other protection.

10 fast skin fixes: get the gorgeous, glowing skin you want!

10 fast skin fixes: get the gorgeous, glowing skin you want!

Hey, you! Want clear, glowing, gorgeous skin? We thought so. That's why GL teamed with skin care experts Renee Rouleau, of the Renee Rouleau Skin Spa, and Annet King, educator at The International Dermal Institute, for a crash course in the secrets to great skin....

1 Wash your face way before you go to bed. If you wait until you're ready to hit the sack, you'll be too tired to wash up, and research shows skin repairs itself best around 10 p.m. So let skin breathe easy long before you start snoozing.

2 Wear sunscreen every day, year-round. Botox bites. So use a moisturizer that has an SPF 15 or higher (try Eucerin Skin Renewal SPF 15 Day Lotion, $10, drugstores). UV rays can do their damage while you're sitting in class, riding in the car or walking the dog.

3 Be nice to your face. Picking, poking and squeezing force bacteria deeper into the skin, resulting in scarring and further breakouts. Yuck.

4 Stop thinking that if your skin feels tight it must be clean. Tight skin isn't clean skin--it's dry skin. If you're rushing to dab on moisturizer after you wash, time to find a cleanser that won't leave you high and dry. Normal and combination skin will benefit most from a gel formula (we love Nivea Visage Refreshing Cleansing Gel, $6, drugstores). Got dry or sensitive skin? Go for a creamy cleanser. Either way, choose a low foaming formula. More lather=more drying. Less lather=less drying.

5 Banish breakouts. If you've got major acne, an acne face wash is for you (we like Clearesil Total Control 5-in-1 Acne Cleanser and Moisturizer, $9, drugstores). If you just get spot breakouts, avoid acne washes. They worsen skin by drying out the clear parts and allowing dead skin-cell buildup. The buildup traps oil under skin, leading to more clogged pores and breakouts. So use spot treatments (Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment, $6.50, drugstores).

6 Keep shine at bay midday. The ugly truth? You can't stop or slow down oil production. The beautiful solution? Blotting papers! They instantly pull oil off your skin. We like Sephora's Roll-Up Blotting Papers, $8, sephora.com.

7 Wash your face after you do your 'do. Almost all conditioners, hair sprays and mousses contain ingredients that can clog pores. So (carefully) wash your face after using hair products.

8 Clean your makeup brushes weekly. Bacteria and oil can build up which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Use a mild soap (Nature's Gate Organics liquid soaps, $6, drugstores) and cold water to carefully wash out brushes, and rinse thoroughly. Toss cosmetics sponges after a few uses to prevent the spread of bacteria.

9 Change pillowcases often. As you sleep, bacteria and oil collect on your pillowcase and are reintroduced to your skin the following night. So invest in a stack of nice pillowcases, and wash them with a dye- and fragrance-free laundry detergent, like Tide Free.

10 Get your beauty rest! Eight hours should do the trick. Sleep not only keeps undereye circles away but, at night, your body most actively rids itself of toxins that might otherwise wreak havoc with your skin. Z's also reduce stress, the top ache aggravator!

Q&A

Should I exfoliate my face? I've heard that pads and scrubs are really hard on your skin.

You're smart to steer clear of buffing pads and exfoliants that contain crushed oatmeal, almond or apricot pieces. These are natural ingredients, but the grains have sharp edges that can harm skin, forcing bacteria deeper into your face and causing irritation and breakouts. Instead, get rid of dead skin by using a gentle scrub with perfectly round grains. Try Aveeno's Skin Brightening Daily Scrub ($7, drugstores).

tips for glowing skin ( naturally)

tips for glowing skin ( naturally)

hi , i would like to share some of the tips for glowing skin i had skin problems since my skin is comination i had racked heels and rough hands now reduced and face with pimples.. so read a lot about it and following certain things to have better skin and to be healthy...

1. after getting up drink lots of water abut a bottle full( to detoxify)

2. take some time and do jogging for 10 min initially or brisk walking for 1/2 hr initially then increase alternatively with some basic yogic exercise including breathing exercises this is because when you workout you sweat and sweat throws out the toxins which cleanes your skin and the blood circulates well , making your skin glow... do not forget to sip water while exercising ... on the whole exercise and water makes wonder for skin in turn helps in healthy body too...

3. eat fruits everyday oranges, papaya, sweet lime are real good , include tomatoes in your food they are very good for skin.. eat curds everyday..

4. do not take hot bath everyday only when you feel tired or sick else take cold or warm water bath..

5.carry an umbrella in the hot sun .. after a sun tan apply tomato pulp and take a cold bath.. and wear warm clothes in the chill especially socks ( even at home) else you get a cracked feet

6. do pranayama regularly atleast for 1/2 hr ... this will surly help you get good oxygen needed for the cells in turn helping in good skin, and good health..

7.apply avacado oil which is natural for dry skin its real good non sticky better than creams and lotion .. apply it in the night even to your lips.. in winters it makes wonders ..you get many brands , biotic is real good..

8. avoid creams as much as possible they damage the skin rather helping.. use natural oil which suits your skin..they are in the amrket to make bussiness fooling us and adds completely fool us .. dont be carried away use your sense and be natural...

9. avoid make up .. be natural... if needed apply but dont keep it for long ... in unavoidable situations use the best one do not go for the cheap saying its economical .. make good research before buying products .. since you get many fake ones in market..

10 for the cracked heels dip legs in warm water with milk cream for 10 min.. scrub it with honey and sugar for 5-10 min then rub with hot water towel..then apply oil... and wear a socks...

11. for oily face wash your face with cold water many times a day.. use the chick pea flour instead of soaps and face washes all time.. keep lime water ( lime squeezed in water ) in the fridge and apply it on the face in the evening after all the work outside is done ...then wash .. apply ice all over the face ... this not only removes oil but also prevents acne..

12. for the acne.. the best is not to apply any cosmetic creame... or make up over it .. follow the above , and exercises and drink lots of water to remove toxins... in addition drink bitter gourd , cucumber,juice tomato carrot juices often... also use freshly ground neem leaves on the face as a pack often... i had a pimply face believe me i followed a strict routine to remove the acne and now its gone !!! there are few though but even that will go with a healthy routine...

13.with all this you need to control the food habbits .. for oily skin- do not eat buttery, oil, heavy non veg ( veg is best you can get protiens from milk ,soya , grains) fried , junk food ..

14 for dry skin do not eat pungent sour food like use of tamarind , lime should be reduced very much ...

15. on the whole have a good diet full of fruits , vegetables, green leafy ones, fruit and vegetable juices with very less sugar or without sugar use jaggery instead..use less oil , cut down coffee , tea,choclates ,chips , soda keep lots of gap eating them drink milk , buttermilk, curds , lots of water ... keep the mind cool do yoga , pranayama, and stretching exercises with walk or jog on alternate days .. sweat it out... and have a good sleep... and have a good routine...

the above has really helped me .. i hope it will benefit you'll as well but to get the best results always have continuity and committment..