Embryolisse Secret De Maquilleurs Lashes & Brows Booster - 6.5ml - $45 - a daily care ritual to make the lashes stronger, longer, thicker and help to densify the eyebrows.

The colourless formula contains castor oil and arginine to strengthen and help to grow eyelashes and eyebrows - for stronger, longer, thicker lashes, and denser, fuller brows.

Apply daily in the morning and/or evening on clean, dry lashes and brows before applying makeup - it makes a great lash primer!

Available at select Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

BeautyLash Tinting Kit For Brows & Lashes - $34.99 - in 4 shades: Black, Dark Brown - for medium to dark brown hair, Medium Brown - for dark blonde to light brown hair, Light Brown - for light hair - a simple and safe, 2-step process that tints eyelashes - to make them more visible and look longer and eyebrows - to enhance and define - in just 3 minutes. The tint also covers up those pesky greys, addes shine, lasts up to 6 weeks and is smudge and water resistant!

The kit is enough for 8 applications and includes:

1 tube Colour Gel - 3.5ml
1 tube Developer Gel - 3.5ml
1 Application Stick
1 Tinting Brush
16 Eye Protection Papers

Available at Trade Secrets stores across Canada and online at tradesecrets.ca.

neuLASH Lash Enhancing Serum - 3ml - $122, 6ml - $190 - with a nutrient-rich complex containing amino acids and bioengineered polypeptides - to strengthen and protect, essential proteins, biotin - an essential B vitamin - fortifies lashes, pumpkin seed extract - for volume conditioning ingredients and fortified with Active Eyelash Technology - to help short, brittle, thin or sparse eyelashes achieve visible results for a luxurious, longer look.

With an ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested fragrance-free formula that is clinically proven safe, gentle and effective and can even be used by contact lens wearers.

It's simple to use, just apply with the brush along the upper lash line before going to bed and sleep your way to luxurious lashes in just 30 days!

Having brow issues? They also have a brow formula - neuBROW Brow Enhancing Serum - 6ml - $125 - that delivers fuller-looking, more defined eyebrows in three to four weeks.

Both available now at Hudson's Bay and online at thebay.com.

Fusion Beauty LashFusion Armour Enhancing + Conditioning Lash Primer - $30 - with a deep black tint that makes it the ultimate base for mascara that is also great for lashes thanks to an ultra-light, creamy, long wear formula containing: Pro-Vitamin B5 - nourishes and hydrates the lashes for a perfectly smooth base layer; and antioxidants and peptides - strengthen the lashes for ultimate breakage protection, and provide longer, thicker lashes over time.

The high-performance contoured brush separates lashes and gets to the root while evenly coating each lash - it can be used with mascara:
For lengthening results, follow with LashFusion Xtension Dramatically Lengthening Fiber Mascara
or for dramatic results, follow with LashFusion XXL Dramatically Volumizing Mascara

or use alone for a natural look. Available in waterproof and non-waterproof formulas.

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lash Primer - $25 - conditions and lifts lashes to new heights with a non-flaking or smudging formula that boosts lashes and makes mascara last longer - want a bolder look - just layer. Featuring Smashbox’s dual-sided Two-Timer brush, it has an ultra-thin comb for clean, clump-free separation and molded bristles that enrobe each lash.

Available at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and smashbox.com.
Quo Prep My Lash Primer - $12 - a white primer that is applied under mascara to lengthen and make  lashes look fuller.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Mary Kay Lash Primer - $21 - with a clear formula that primes to instantly intensify lash volume and create longer-looking lashes.

Available now through your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant - if you don't have one you can locate one at - www.marykay.ca or 1-866-455-5454.

Everyone probably already knows how obsessed I am with my eyelash comb - I wouldn't even contemplate putting on mascara without one close at hand. I've been using the same type for years and it never even occurred to me that my regular comb could be improved upon until I found:

Sephora Long Lashing Contoured Eyelash Comb - $18 - an ergonomically shaped curved comb that fits perfectly around the contours of the eye and features metal teeth perfect for gliding evenly through lashes to brush product through the eyelashes or to dry brush before or after curling the lashes. The sleek and easy-to-hold handle provides ultimate comfort, while the design allows you to simply brush upwards, rather than twisting your hand to brush through lashes and is collapsible making for easy storage and travel.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes - $4.97 - soft and light as a feather lifelike lashes that blend seamlessly with your own and with tapered end lash technology that makes them so luxuriously weightless and comfortable, you'll forget you're wearing them. In three styles:


They're very easy to apply and remove:

- check fit by laying lash band on lash line - trim in needed.
- apply lash adhesive to lash band, wait 30 seconds for adhesive to become tacky.
- apply lashes along the natural lash line - hold lashes, allowing adhesive to dry completely.
- to remove, gently peel off lash strip, starting at the outer corner of lash line.
- use an oil-based makeup remover to remove excess adhesive from eyelid.

Treat them gently and you can use the same pair of lashes half a dozen times!
Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe - $3.97 - a safe, long-lasting glue with the refreshing scent of aloe, so you can enjoy wearing false lashes without the irritation. Tinted black to look like a liquid liner and help hide the lash band.

Available now at Walmart stores across Canada.

Regular false lash users are going to appreciate the super value of the new Kiss Ever EZ Lashes Double and Multi Packs!
Available are:

Kiss Ever EZ Lash Double Pack - $6.47 - Available in 3 styles: two natural and one glam
Kiss Ever EZ Lash Multi Pack - $12.94 - with 5 pairs of lashes in either glam or natural

Made with premium quality, 100% human hair, are lightweight, reusable, quick and easy to apply and come with a convenient Lash Applicator.

Available now exclusively at Walmart.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo - $39.99 - the first eye cream and lash serum product with a dual applicator designed to provide a 360 degree eye care solution to treat lids, lines and lashes for a total eye transformation.

The cream side helps regenerate skin's youthful look with an Advanced Amino-peptide Complex + hydra firming complex for reducing fine lines and wrinkles as well as firming around the eyes firm eye along with smoothing and brightening.

While the serum side contains a glycerin formula that hydrates and nourishes lashes from base to tip.

Look forward to younger and brighter looking eyes in just one week!

Available at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

If you're already clever enough to be a fan of Vichy's Liftactiv Serum 10 (that's right, I just called myself clever) then you will be pleased to hear that there is now a companion product for the eyes:

Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes - 15ml - $45 - with a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula that contains: rhamnose - a firming and powerful anti-wrinkle active ingredient suitable even for sensitive skin and eyes; high-tolerance brighteners - to illuminate and brighten the eye area; and ceramindes - to condition and strengthen the lashes - for instant illumination and eyes that are less tired looking, lifting of the eye area and visibly younger eyelashes for eyes that are transformed in just one month.

There is even a handy, dandy way to apply it for optimal results that is simple, quick and non-irritating:

Step 1: place one drop on the middle finger of one hand and rub against the middle finger of your other hand.

Step 2: close your eyes and pat the serum lightly over the whole eye area.

Step 3: with your eyes closed, finish by smoothing over the entire eye area, from the inner to the outer corner, including the eyelashes.

Step 4; when the product starts being absorbed into the skin, finish by cover the eyelashes: place the index finger below the lashes and raise it gently in a lifting movement, for an "eyelash curler" effect.

If you're short on time you can also finish by just smoothing along the length of the eyelashes and if you're more of a visual learner, you can check out the video demonstrating the application technique at the product page at vichy.ca.

I especially appreciate that it comes in a pump bottle so that you don't have to mess around with a dropper or be sticking your fingers into a jar and the super-light texture that just melts right into the skin without feeling thick or sticky!

Available now at pharmacies and drugstores across Canada.

LASHEM Measurable Difference Lash Gel - $69.99 - with a 97% natural formula that helps enhance eyelashes and eyebrows without irritation or side effects - so no blurriness, redness or puffiness.

If you've been looking for a lash enhancer that you don't need a prescription for, is paraben and fragrance free that helps promote lash flexibility and durability as well as improving elasticity and adding moisture and shine to lashes then you've found what you're looking for and it can even be used with lash extensions!
I have pretty long lashes to begin with so my before and after was not that noticeable so here's one from someone less blessed in the natural lash department. And while I didn't notice a lot of growth I did notice that my lashes felt better - more supple and soft - like your hair does after a really good conditioner!

Available online at www.lashem.com and they do ship to Canada for a very reasonable fee!

Prevage Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum - $115 - protects your lashes and brows from breakage, brittleness and loss due to aging, lack of nutrients and environmental threats and works to boost every stage of your brows and lashes’ natural growth cycle, creating longer, fuller lashes and brows.
Results before, at two weeks and at four weeks from the clinical trial.

It's easy to use, just use the applicator brush to apply a line along the base of the upper eyelashes once a day at bedtime and you're done. If you want you can also use it on your lower lashes as well as your brows.
Here are my lashes before...
and again at four weeks - as you can see, improvements to both length and thickness are visibly noticeable.

I did try taking pictures without mascara but my lashes are so light that you couldn't see anything at all. I used the same defining mascara both times which doesn't lengthen or thicken so the improvements you see are from the serum, not the mascara. Ignore the picture colour, I messed up the camera setting, my skin isn't really orange!

Available now at Elizabeth Arden counters.

It's a tough life being a star, I mean really, all kinds of  people pampering and primping you to make you look your most fabulous all the time?! Horrendous!

I had a chance to experience the hardships of celebrity first hand last week at the Murale/Sally Hershberger TIFF Suite and what a whirlwind of activity it was!

First up was hair - Sally wasn't around yet that day so I was put into the capable hands of Sally Hershberger Stylist, Leland Ferrell, who with something akin to magic, turned my flat, blah hair into a body-full wonderland! Okay maybe not so much magic and more like Plump Up Thickening Mist - truly a miracle worker!
Murale Beauty Master, Shannon Burnstun was in charge of my face and with a little help from Stila and Chanel had my complexion looking flawless, my eyes smouldering and had chosen the prettiest berry colour for my lips!
DUO Professional Eyelashes technician, Mariana Georghiou was giving everyone the glamour look, I hadn't planned on having my lashes done but Shannon talked me into it. I've had extensions and a few individual lashes before but never a full strip so I was a little worried that it would look super fake but they have styles that come in every thickness and length you can think of so it was easy to get something more natural.
I went with D14 Short and Spiked - $12.99 - I apologize for the tired looking eyes, I didn't have a chance to take this picture until I came home late that night!
Deborah Lippmann polish changes where also in the offing from Chiara Williamsonwith and with so many amazing sparkly shades it was hard to choose! After much deliberation I went with:
I checked out the Express accessories and fell in love with the cutest little octopus ring - it's the first ring on the right there, squint and look really close and you'll see it!
And then learned a new way to get the all-important Vitamin D that my body is probably deficient of considering how much I avoid the sun!

Skin Authority VitaD Fortified Topical Elixir - 30ml - $79 - with a multi action, lightweight and oil and paraben-free formula that provides a topical done of Vitamin D as well as essential nutrients to nourish the skin for firm, bright luminosity. Available at Murale. Check out www.skinauthority.com for more info.

I can only assume that famous people sleep a lot to recover from the constant pampering because man, I'm still exhausted!

I've had lots of different treatments in the name of beauty but before Pretty In The City, I'd never even heard of a lash lift before - I mean there are a lot of things that I expect I will have lifted in the future - my boobs, my butt, my face, even my spirits but I never even considered lifting my lashes!

You aren't totally out of it if you haven't heard of this treatment either - it's popular in the UK but a new thing in Canada and I don't expect it will remain a secret for long!

Since I'm always game to try something new I headed to Pretty In The City last week to have my lashes lifted by the lovely Ana.

The Lash Lift isn't like traditional eyelash perms which use sponge rods and curl the lashes backwards and have the downside of possibly creating inconsistent curls or can make your lashes look short and stubby, instead lashes are lifted upwards creating illusion of longer lashes which opens up the eyes dramatically giving you a wide-eye look.

Here's their promo before/after shot:

The treatment itself wasn't the least bit uncomfortable - a silicone pad was used to lift each lash individually. The solution used is similar to a traditional perm solution so it doesn't smell the greatest but they give you a mask to block out most of the smell so the whole procedure is very tolerable, takes about an hour and will set you back $65.

One thing to note if you have blonde tipped lashes like me - I was told at first  that I wouldn't have good results with the lift because my lashes are too short - of course they aren't short just really light so I made her take a second look - this would have been a good reason to have the tint first!
They recommend that along with the lift you have your lashes tinted which can be done 2 days before or after the lift (the lift and tint are $80 or $25 for just the tint). If I had been smart I would have gotten the tint first so you would be able to see my lashes in the before pic and have gotten the full lift effect in the after - but I'm not that smart so I pulled a before pic from one of my Mascara Monday posts.

 And below is after the lift and the tint:
Pretty awesome right? For the next 4-6 weeks I can look forward to extra time in the morning because unless I want a more dramatic look, I can totally skip mascara!

Pretty In The City also offer lots of other services including Eyelash Extensions, Brows, Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures and Makeup Applications. Find more info at www.prettyinthecity.ca or book an appointment at 416-482-8688. You'll find them at 2369 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor in Toronto.

If you've been wanting to try a lash enhancer but have been put off by the high price tags or already use one but are tired for paying so much then will you ever be happy to hear about:

Peptalash - $24.99 - contains a combination of clinically proven peptides that work together to promote lashes that appear longer (as much as 43 per cent) and fuller (up to almost three times the volume). As well, one of the peptides naturally boost the pigmentation process of the skin on the lash line, stimulating the melanin production in the skin which leads to a more intense and dark lash line.

It's easy to use, just apply morning and evening to the base of the upper and lover eyelashes with the applicator brush - although I've been skipping the lower lashes because I don't want them any longer!

I've been using it for a month now and I can definitely see the difference my lashes are much longer and a bit thicker - it's taken me a month to get results because I keep forgetting to put in on twice a day, once is all I seem to be able to handle - you still get results, it just takes twice as long! When trying to take a picture to show you the difference I realized that my damn lashes are so blonde on the tips that you couldn't see a difference at all so here are a couple of Mascara Monday pictures - they are both L'Oreal Voluminous False Fibre (just different colours) so I figure it's a pretty fair comparison!
 Here's a pic from 6 months ago.
And here's after using Peptalash - nice right?!

Available now exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum - $59.95 - if you've ever wanted to improve the overall appearance and condition of your lashes and brows you'll be happy to know that 30 days to better brows and lashes is totally possible, not just lip service with this product!

With: potent polypeptides - octa/cooper/oligo - to help amplify the quality and volume of lashes and brows as well as provide effective protection against breakage and naturally support stronger, more voluminous lashes; vital proteins and vitamins - panthenol and hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans join forces to help replenish and rejuvenate lashes and brows as well as provide strength, shine and enhance the overall appearance; and moisturizing and rejuvenating agents - allantoin, pumpkin seed extract and licorice extract - help add shine and flexibility as well as provide extreme hydration to lashes by locking in moisture while improving elasticity and durability.

I've tried a lot of lash serums over the past couple of years and this is one I keep coming back to for a very simple reason that it works. Being easy to apply and affordable is the cherry on the eyelash sundae - not that an eyelash sundae sounds good at all...

For more info visit - www.facebook.com/RapidLash and to purchase check out your local Shoppers Drug Mar, Pharma Plus, London Drugs, Jean Coutu or Lawton's.

I think many people really underestimate the impact a curled lash can add to opening up your eyes and making them look big, bright and awake!

I admit that I don't always do it out of sheer laziness but I can also see how the uninitiated might find the curler a little intimidating looking or not even know quite what to do with it - you'll be happy to know that it's super easy, check out our quick primer and get curling!

Remember to use on clean lashes before applying your mascara - then:

1- Position lashes at the opening of the eyelash
curler by placing it at the base of the lashes.
2- Press lightly on the handles and hold for
several seconds.
3- Gently release.
4- Apply mascara as usual.

Here are a few choices in you hunt for the perfect curl:

shu uemura Eyelash Curler - $24 - what can I say about what is to many, the pinnacle of eyelash curlers!

Available at Holt Renfrew, Sephora and sephora.com

Recourbe Cils de Chanel Precision Eyelash Curler - $36 -perfectly defines the shape of the lashes and offers them dream curves. Adapted to every eye shape, its rounded structure embraces the lashes and its silicone protective pads curl them with no risk of damage.

Available at all Chanel counters.
If the two above are priced a little dear, here's an excellent budget choice:

mark. Make Me Lash Eyelash Curler - $9.00 - has coated handles for an easy grip

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca

I'm a bit obsessed with lashes lately I know but I keep coming across things to make my lashes better and better!

After getting lash extensions a few weeks ago, I was totally game to try out individual lashes from Ardell. I was told it was fine to apply them even though I had extension and that they would last ab out a week. She didn't add many, maybe 5 or 6 per eye but you will see in the pictures below what a difference they made! Having had them in for over a week now, a few of them have fallen out and fortunately none of them shed anywhere embarrassing!

Ardell Duralash Starter Kit - $10.49 - comes with everything you need to become a lash goddess!


Before with just my extensions - looks pretty damn good already!


Extensions and a few individual lashes - awesome! And here's easy application instructions:
1. Pour a few drops of LashTite adhesive on a piece of foil.
2. Gently lift a DuraLash from tray with tweezers.
3. Dip end into adhesive.
4. Starting at the center of the eyelid, apply lashes one at a time by placing the lash cluster on top of one of your own natural lashes with the end close to, but not touching, your eyelid.
Go to www.ardelllashes.com for an easy to follow instruction video.
Here's something new if you're tired of messing around with glue - Ardell Brush-On Lash Adhesive - 5ml - $5.19 - latex and formaldehyde free, it can be used on strip and individual lashes - goes on and dries clear for invisible hold.

Curious about the big lash extension trend? I was too and luckily had Laura from BeFabulous Spa Studio as my guide to this wonderful new world!

Lash extensions have more variety than I knew - they come in all kinds of lengths, shapes and colours - so Laura had a good look at my lashes and asked me things like what colour mascara I use and whether I curl them or not so that she could give me extensions that would be the same as my results from mascara!


Here we are in progress, those are collagen pads under my eyes - she has applied just a few lashes but most of these are mine which gives you a good idea of the length difference between my lashes and the extensions - as you can see, they aren't a lot longer but certainly enough for a dramatic result! The extensions she used are synthetic mink, made of polyester. Laura let me know that most spas advertise synthetic mink as "Mink", but very few places use authentic mink, which is just as well, I don't want to smell like a wet animal after showering!
Strangely, the aftercare for lash extensions have much the same rules as Gremlins:

Don't get them wet (for the first 24 hours); don't touch, pull or sleep on them in bright sunlight (or anywhere); and don't feed them oil based makeup or removers after midnight (or anytime)