Airbrushing on your makeup sounds a bit extreme, I know. It’s used on celebrities on movie sets to give them flawless complexions and by professionals to get that natural HD worthy glow. So why do you need it?
Because I tried and tested it myself and I think it’s pretty awesome for the average woman as well.
Let me explain. My first thought when I heard about this makeup products was the Simpson’s episode where Homer invents a makeup gun. “Dad, women won’t like being shot in the face,” says Lisa. Correct, but this is more of a light misting. Also, please watch the clip linked above – it’s one of my favourites.
So once I got beyond my initial fears of makeup gun-like application, I figured I’d give it a go and got the chance at Sephora’s fall preview in the fabulous new Thompson Hotel in Toronto. In a lot of very bright natural light on their fabulous rooftop I let a Temptu pro mist my face with this newest in foundation technology.
The results were super natural and our online editor who tried it out also had similarly amazing results. The kit is easy to use – you can apply it as a light dusting like a tinted moisturizer for minimal coverage or apply it precisely on spots in a concentrated misting to cover up any redness. Stick with just your foundation or try a highlighter and a blush. You buy the formulas in little pods and then just attach the correct pod to the gun, plug it in and go.
My only qualm about this technology is the fear that the man I’m dating will catch a glimpse and think, “That’s how she applies her makeup?”. Scary thought. But the results are fab enough that who cares! But regardless, I plan to keep this puppy in a cupboard for special occasions.
Find more info on their site here and buy it exclusively at Sephora or on Sephora.com! (It’s a best-seller just so you know.)
– Kate Daley
Fighting frizz day and night? Sick of having hair that’s all over the map? I hear ya sisters. So when I heard the news that Living Proof products would now be not only at Sephora but on the Shopping Channel I was thrilled.
I first met with a rep from the company over a year ago and when she explained the technology behind their products I was definitely intrigued. She told me about all the research behind it – that actual MIT scientists formulated the products with something called a PolyfluoroEster that creates a thin barrier on the hair eliminating all frizz. An invention of a new material just for taming frizzy locks? Amazing.
And guess what? I gave it to a friend who was constantly fighting her natural curl and frizzy thick hair. She LOVED it. Her hair looked sleek and smooth and she was a convert. You’ve got to trust a good test drive – it’s not often that you find a product that you and your friends can all rave about. She’ll be excited to stock up again.
So behold the brand’s launch on the Shopping Channel for summer hair solutions. Try one of their newest products, the Living Proof Hold Flexible Hairspray for $28. Spritz it on after you’ve styled to keep hair in control as the humidity rises.
– Kate Daley
Who isn’t a little obsessed with nail appliqués these days? Whether you’re prepared to rock them or not, stick-on nails are the latest trend. From Minx to nail gels, women want their nails to have the latest technology, patterns and longevity. Enter Sephora by OPI Chic Prints for Nails.
These were developed in collaboration with Minx – which is only available in salons – and these are a great alternative to spending time getting your nails did.
These precut strips available in eight different designs and last about two days – so they are perfect for the weekend and you can go back to a demure pink or grey on Monday.
How do you use them? Here are the tips from Sephora:
- Clean bare nails with rubbing alcohol to remove oils.
- Select your favorite pattern and choose the best size for each nail. If a strip is too wide, trim with small scissors.
- Rub the strip for a few seconds to warm. Peel off strip and apply to nail, with the rounded end close to the cuticle. Rub strip over entire nail starting from the center working out toward the sides. Smooth down completely.
- Press strip over edge of nail and use an ultra fine crystal file to file off excess. File in a vertical motion. Rub strip again to ensure adhesion and to remove any bubbles.
- To remove from nails, rub to warm. Slowly peel from side to side, not front to back.
- For toes, follow the above instructions and use a nail clipper to trim.
They are available in June at Sephora. I’m pretty pumped to try them out!
– Kate daley
May
03
EDUN, the company founded by Ali Hewson with Irish rockstar Bono, is launching limited-edition palettes this summer exclusively at Sephora to support sustainable trade for developing countries. It combines my major loves – Africa and makeup. This beautiful continent, of which I’ve only seen a minute portion, is filled with rich inspirations that surely played a part in creating the vibrant colours and earth tones in these palettes.
Try one or both of the two different shade palettes. One is made up of warm neutrals, the other cool brights. They also both come with an organic cotton drawstring pouches and include six eyeshadows and one powder blush.
They’re so pretty I have no doubt you’ll make good use of all these portable colours.
EDUN, founded on the premise of trade not aid (love that idea) is a for profit business that aims to raise awareness of the possibilities in Africa. EDUN and Sephora are donating all proceeds from the palettes to the Wildlife Conservation Society, that supports the “Conservation Cotton Initiative” program . This helps African farmers develop organic cotton in a way that supports their community. EDUN also has clothing – their mainstay so check out their site and spend your money on something with a mission.
EDUN for Sephora Palettes, $47, available at Sephora now.
– Kate Daley
I have a little obsession with all things Dermalogica. It’s slightly unhealthy only because my nighttime routine (as my boyfriend and roommate can attest to) takes me about an hour. I slather myself in all of their creams and serums and of course use their daily microfoliant and my newest favourite, their Clean Start line. Formulated for teens, this line has low levels of salicylic acid and is gentle on young skin. I’m definitely no teenager – far from it – but I was really interested in trying the products out and they have really worked for my active lifestyle. Plus the packaging is really cute and their core products all comes in a starter pack that is easy and convenient.
So what’s my favourite product? I cannot live without their Wash Off Foaming Wash. It easily removes makeup and helps clear up any breakouts. Also perfect for the summer is the All Over Clear Purifying Toner. Spritz it on your face, chest and back and it has a small amount of salicylic acid that is ideal in preventing breakouts for those who are working out a lot in the heat.
Buy this product for your teens or try it out for yourself (though Dermalogica has Medi-Bac an adult acne line that rocks!). The products are also key for teaching your teen to establish a healthy skin routine that will take them into adulthood – it includes a moisturizer with SPF 15, face wash, toner and spot specific treatments all in one lovely kit. Oh and don’t forget the mask and exfoliator combo – you can use it to exfoliate alone or leave it on and it acts as a mask. Genius!
Clean Start is available at Sephora and the starter kit is $45. Trust me, its’ worth the investment!
– Kate Daley
