Inhibitif has added a bunch of new products to their line to help in the fight against unwanted hair - including Natural Hair Free Body Serum - 120ml - $19.99 - with a more natural but slightly slower results; Advanced Hair-Free Body Mist - 150g - $23.99 - with an aerosol format; Hair-Free Intimate Care - 75ml - $14.99 - so you can fire your waxer; Hair-Free Body Hydrator - 100ml - $15.99 - moisturizes and hydrates skin while minimizing the need for hair removal and preventing ingrown hairs; and the one that interests me the most:

Inhibitif Advanced Hair-Free Face Serum - 30ml - $24.99 - brings its unique and effective hair inhibiting technology to a face friendly formula to reduce the prominence and density of facial hair. When used twice a day for 8 weeks density and thickness are visibly reduced and then you just need to apply every other day to maintain smooth results.

Knowing that I'm a total loser when it comes to testing products that depend on regular use for optimal results, I recruited a few ladies of varying ages and facial hair concerns for a broader idea of what this stuff will (or won't) do!

Angie - 23 - medium toned skin with noticeable facial hair - I have been using Inhibitif on my upper lip, chin and uni-brow and am very impressed that there is almost no hair growing back in the areas that I've been applying it to for the past 8 weeks.

Toni - 44 - olive skin with dark facial hair - along with my Italian heritage comes the stereotypical lady-stache. It's been the bane of my existence since I was 13 and it has not improved with age. I have been scared to get it lasered so Inhibitif sounded like a good alternative and while it hasn't gotten rid of it entirely, there is now a lot less hair and it's finer - will definitely keep using!

Meg - 30 - light skin with light but thick facial hair - I have a line of pretty thick hair that goes from my sideburns down to my chin, if I dyed it dark, it would look like one of those strange contour beards that alternative guys wear. Up to now I have either had it waxed or used a depilatory cream but both methods make me break out and/or get bad ingrown hairs so I was happy to discover that after using Inhibitif for 7 weeks twice a day that now it is just a light sprinkling of hairs instead of a full on beard!

Lisamarie - so very young - fair skin with light, but annoying peach fuzz on upper lip and jaw line - so my experience to share comes from being the idiot person who could never remember to apply it twice a day - mostly I just applied it once a day in the morning. The serum is super light and a little goes a long way - two drops covered the whole bottom half of my face - it also doesn't absorb super quickly so to give it a chance to sink in, I apply the serum and go and do something for a few minutes and then come back to apply moisturizer on top of it. Even though I have been lax in the suggested twice a day application I have noticed a definite thinning of hair - I figure once I have used it once a day for 16 weeks it will be the same as if I had used it twice a day for 8 weeks and I'll have my optimal results!

Available at select Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

Rene Furterer Lissea Thermal Protecting Smoothing Spray - 150ml - $25 - a smoothing and nourishing fluid with a thermal protecting complex that protects hair from the damage of heat styling and provides anti-humidity protection. Blow drying is easier, and hair is left smooth, shiny and full of movement and smelling amazing with the scent of Bergamot, Ginger, Cardamom, Jasmine, Tea, Rose, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Musk - yum!

Check out www.renefurterer.com to find a salon near you that carries the line.
Herbal Essences Set Me Up Heat Protection Spray - 160ml - $5.99 - helps you take the heat and protect against it, too with a heat protection spray that delivers a smooth look and silky shine so you can keep on loving your blow dryer, flat iron or curling iron as well as the lily bliss fragrance.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.
Pantene Pro-V Heat Potion Serum - 50ml - $8.99 - helps shield hair from heat damage - up to 450F heat protection - while instantly transforming heat-damaged hair into soft, silky manageable hair by leaving hair smooth, sleek, and shiny with weightless heat-activated oils that offer guilt-free styling.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Avon Stardust Nail Enamel - $6.99 - in 5 glittering shades: Cherry Dazzler, Crystallized Pink, Jewel Blue, Silver Crystals and Black Sequins - that contain various sizes of glitter for a unique D effect ad sparkling textured finish.

The pictures you see are with a topcoat, I thought it would bring out the shine and help smooth out the rough surface texture. Strangely it only works temporarily, the polish seems to drink up the topcoat and it disappears leaving a finish that is sparkly but matte and textured. I applied 2 more coats topcoat with the same magically disappearing results so let's just say that this polish neither requires nor desires a topcoat.

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

GOSH Crazy Volume Mascara - $15 - with a perfume and paraben free formula that adds dramatic volume and extreme length in one stroke.
With a unique oversize fibre brush that is very different from any that I've tried before - it's really big, really straight and it's flat on one side.
It offers volume, length and high definition that lasts for hours with no clumping of smudging.
As you can see the finish is fringy and not clumpy - because the brush is so big and straight you have to be mindful when applying or you end up with a face full of mascara mistakes but once you get the hang of it, it does a nice job!

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System - $150 - the only cleansing system with Advanced Dual Motion which combines sonic pulses and gentle rotations, making it as gentle as manual washing but also improves microcirculation for more radiant skin, exfoliates better for smoother skin and is 10X more effective at removing makeup. The water resistant brush offers multi-speed setting - gentle or deep cleansing and a skin zone timer alerts you to rotate to the three key areas of the face every 20 seconds making it a quick, easy and effective one minute facial treatment and prepares your skin better for your skin care product.

Includes a sleek charging stand that holds the product upright while charging, allowing the brush to air dry and allows for up to 30 cordless uses with one charge and a convenient travel pouch.

Available now at Personal Edge locations across Canada.

Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush - $95 - a gentle, re-chargable, compact cleansing system suitable for all skin types and ages. With an oval-shaped brush head specifically designed to allow targeted cleansing in the hard-to-reach, contoured areas of the face like around the nose, hairline and chin with two strengths of rounded bristles to deliver a gentle, custom cleansing experience: the pale green, angled tip consists of firmer, shorter bristles that allow for easier and more efficient cleansing of areas prone to more oil production and clogging, like the t-zone; and the white bristles on the body of the brush are softer and less firm, designed to target the larger more delicate areas of the face like the cheeks where there are less oil glands; while the sonic vibrations combined with the unique brush configuration gently massages the skin, loosening stubborn dirt and oil more effectively than hand washing


Designed to work in partnership with the Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System to gently deliver the cleanest, healthiest skin ever that looks instantly smoother and more radiant, with purified pores that can now breathe and is more receptive to the skin care treatments that follow, allowing them to better absorb into skin and perform better.

Available now at Hudson's Bay, Sephora, select Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques and online at www.clinique.com.

The downside to wearing nail polish all the time is that when you decide to give your nails a break and go bare, they tend to look dull and yellow - not a problem with these easy fixes:

Ecrinal Nail Brightener - $16.95 - with a paraben, formaldehyde, acetone and toluene free formula that contains bamboo stem extract to provide a durable and protective shield while fine pearlescent particles highlight the nail surface and give an iridescent, smoothing and luminous glow for nails that are bright, white and healthy looking with a flawless, impeccable finish.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

Revlon Nail Brightener - $6.50 - instantly brightens nails with a unique new formula that contains a mineral diamond treatment that increases luminosity and restores the nails natural brightness and evens out nail surface for a smooth finish and bright, youthful looking nails.

Available at drugstores and mass market retailers across Canada.

Quo by Orly BB Creme for Nails - 14ml - $10 - perfects the look of natural nails with a topical treatment that helps to smooth and brighten natural nails. It's great if you aren't a nail polish wearer but tend to have a yellow cast to your nails or if you are a regular polish wearer taking a break with that yellow problem - it brightens them right up!

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Dial Yogurt Vanilla Honey Nourishing Body Wash - 473ml - $4.99 - a sweet-smelling, honey-infused, nourishing body wash enriched with real yogurt proteins that leave skin feeling smooth and hydrated while the luxurious lather generated washes away dirt and impurities.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.
Nivea Creme Care Shower Cream - 500ml - $5.99 -  includes all the ingredients you love from Nivea face cream including pro-vitamin B5 - to help moisturize the skin which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; Hydra IQ - to support the skin's own water channels which enhances its natural moisturization. It keeps working for up to 24 hours which means skin is kept soft and smooth, non-stop, throughout the day and if you love the scent of original Nivea cream, it will be like taking it to your shower!

Available at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.
Caprina by Canus Fresh Goat's Milk Body Wash Original Formula - 350ml - $6.99 - contains fresh goat’s milk, a natural and highly effective skin moisturizer combined with subtle essential oils derived from natural ingredients. It won't compromise your own skin’s natural protective barrier, and will never dry your skin out. I personally love the clean fragrance of the original formula but if you like more scent there is also the choice of Orchid Oil or Lavender Oil.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Biologique Recherche Creme Masque Vernix - 50ml -$182 - a cream mask inspired by the first epidermal protection at birth that helps recondition the epidermis. Before we are born, nature protects our skin with a very fine protective layer The outer layer of a baby’s skin is much thinner than an adult’s and therefore more sensitive to water loss and loss of heat, in addition to dryness. Their skin is also not able to pH balance, so it is less protected against bacteria. This mask virtually reproduces the original composition of the vernix, thanks to a selection of active ingredients rich in lipids, proteins and antioxidant peptides. A revitalizing, repairing and protective treatment, it is ideal for deficient and/or stressed skin.

When I heard the whole baby thing I did question them closely to make sure that there were no actual babies in the jar - because that would just be gross - and you'll be happy to hear that it is indeed 100% baby free!

The mask optimizes skin hydration, smooths out dehydration wrinkles, restores and strengthens the protective barrier function and boosts the repair capacity of the epidermis and leave skin soft and glowing. You can use it in a couple of different ways depending on what your skin needs - you can apply a thin layer morning and/or night and massage it in until absorbed or apply a thick layer and leave on for 10 minutes - this is especially great after a day in extreme weather like sun, cold or wind to help soothe and repair. And don't worry if it tingles a bit, I figure that just means it's working!

Available now at One to One Studio in Toronto, Heritage Way Medical Spa in Oakville, Femme Fatale in Barrie, York Vein and Laser Clinic in Newmarket, Kolor Twist Hair Co in Calgary, Damara Day Spa in Saskatoon, Bren's Skin Care in Russell, Manitoba and La Chambre des Dames in Montreal - you can check out www.beautynext.com for more details.

Considering all the aging crap you have to put up with when it comes to aging and your skin you would think that the one thing that you wouldn't have to worry about aging is your hair - sadly not so. There are lots of things to look forward to (not) including diminished density, changes in hair texture, dullness and lack of shine, increased dryness and fragile, breaking hair.

Live Clean feels our pain and has developed a new line - Age Resist - to address these issues and bring some of your hair's youth back with four exceptional, paraben and sulfate-free products that are highly effective on their own or in combination and include:

Age Resist Shampoo - 350ml - $8.99 - with a 98% plant derived formula that gently cleanses without stripping, infusing hair with certified organic Rosehip Oil along with Pomegranate, Gogi and Blueberry extracts; Avocado Oil - to strengthen and moisturize; and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein - to thicken, add fullness and improve texture.

Age Resist Conditioner - 350ml - $8.99 - with a lightweight, 96% plant derived formula that restores hydration with the botanical silicone free alternative of Avocado and certified organic Rosehip Oils; is enriched with Pomegranate, Gogi and Blueberry extract; and thickens, enriches and protects with Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein.

Age Resist Multi 10 in 1 Treatment - 150ml - $8.99 - a 96% plant derived powerful multi-purpose, leave-in beauty balm that penetrates hair with rich Avocado Oil and the abundant omegas and vitamins of certified organic Rosehip Oil to moisturize, protect, repair, soften, increase sheen, strengthen, smooth, tame fly-aways, shield against UV rays and increase manageability. While hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Pomegranate, Gogi and Blueberry extracts treat damaged and frail hair ends.

Age Resist Miracle Nutrition Oil - 100ml - $11.99 - a 99% plant derived emergency rescue dual layer oil to be used as a pre-shampoo treatment. Combines oils and utilizes Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, attaching to the hair shaft, increasing sheen, lustre and density of each hair strand causing hair to appear thicker and fuller. Jojoba Oil smoothes unruly hair, imparting shine and manageability. Rosehip and Avocado Oil act as a natural alternative to silicone.

What makes the Age Resist products great is the Thick-Bond Protein that they all contain which optimizes the penetration of moisture into the hair’s cortex, conditioning hair from the inside out. The continuous protective film-forming properties of this protein fill in damaged gaps, shield and attach to the hair shaft, building volume and making the hair look young, healthy and fabulous!

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws Superstore and Walmart stores across Canada.

There's an easy new way to improve your mood that doesn't require a visit to your friendly neighborhood dealer:

 Escada Joyfull - 75ml EDP - $104, 50ml EDP - $77, 7.4ml EDP Portable Travel Spray - $31 - a bright floral scent with fruity top notes of black currant, melon and mandarin; heart notes of pink peony, magnolia, pink freesia, cyclamen and violet leaf; and  base notes of honey and sandalwood.

It's a delicate and feminine fragrance which seems to smell differently on everyone I asked to try it. On some the fruity notes are very prominent while on others it smells more floral - so this is one you should try before you buy to make sure you like the way is smells on you - of course you are also welcome to just buy it for the pretty pink bottle!

And to really get you in a good mood, Escada invites us all to share our joyful moments by posting them on Twitter using #JoyfulMoments so everyone can share in the joy!

Available now at Sephora and Escada boutiques.

There aren't a lot of things in life that will entice me to get out of bed early on a Saturday morning but a chance to meet with eyebrow expert to the stars and creator of the Anastasia Beverly Hills line, Anastasia Soare is one of them! As I explained to my husband when he questioned what the hell I was thinking - it's not often, if ever, that you get the opportunity to meet THE eyebrow guru and I wasn't going to miss it dammit!

The biggest complaint I hear as to why people don't do anything with their brows (and is also my excuse) is that they don't know what to do and it seems complicated. Not so. Anastasia is the creator of the eyebrow golden ratio which is only the easiest way to figure out the perfect size and shape for your brows - as shown in the picture.

Just use a pencil and hold it straight beside your nose and that's where your brow should start; angle it beside your nose to the outer corner of your eye and that's where it should end; and angled from the middle of your nose through the center of your eye is where it should arch. This formula creates the perfect brow no matter what the shape of your face is.
And here's the after - Anastasia combed my brows up, filled them in and accentuated the arch for a more polished look and an instant eye lift - see, I look just like Brooke Shields!

If you have sparse brows like me, Anastasia recommends using the Brow Enhancing Advanced Serum - $49 - which contains five peptides at 10% and encourages the growth of fuller, thicker-looking brows. From the rest of her line, I'm partial to the Brow Wiz - $27 - which creates precise lines for evenly defined brows and has a smear-proof formula that lasts all day - it comes in 9 shades including an Auburn one which is not a shade that is normally easy to find let me tell you so I am super pleased to have discovered it!

If you are just starting the brow perfecting process or are looking for the perfect kit to travel with then check out:
Anastasia Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes - $51 - includes everything you need for perfectly groomed brows on the go. The portable palette contains a Brow Powder Duo, Brow Wax Cream, 5 stencils, and an Angled Brow Brush with a mirror and instructions all in one convenient place.

Available at Sephora, sephora.ca and Murale.

Diet Coke and luxury online retailer Gilt.com have teamed up for the Get a Taste Style Bar featuring the exclusive Diet Coke Curated Fashion Collection.
Within the collection, there are 5 distinct sub-collections consisting of clothing, accessories and home decor that reflect the essence of Diet Coke, featuring metallics and bright reds with black and white accents, celebrating the light, crisp, effervescent, boosting and refreshing qualities of Diet Coke.
I am totally in love with this black and silver dress - I could totally be a carbonated bubble in this!
This white lacy number also speaks to me - it's saying something like "you'd better drink a whole lot more Diet Coke if you expect to fit into me you cow". Wow, these clothes are kind of mean...
The Style Bar is open for the next 5 weeks from 12-7pm until October 23rd so if you are in Toronto, be sure to stop by 363 King Street West for a Diet Coke and a chance to check out highlights from the beautiful collections! And of course you can find the full collection online at Gilt.com/DietCoke - happy shopping!

Avon Ultra Color Bold Lipstick - $10 - in 8 shades: Rose Punch, Hi-Def Plum, Bold Bordeaux, Magenta Flash, Fearless Fuchsia, Coral Burst, Ruby Shock and Power Plum - which offer 50% more pigment packed into every stick for intense, saturated, bold colour that stays-true and vivid for hours of long-last wear.

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

If you like to line the inner rim of your eye but you've never tried a kajal before, then you are missing out my friend! Kajals are truly the easiest, gentlest and most stay-put way of colouring the waterline and getting that inner-eye intensity we crave! Here are a few must-trys:

Maybelline Master Kajal - $11.99 - in 4 shades: Onyx Rush, Charcoal Skies, Midnight Brown and Navy Night - with a cone tip applicator, cream stick waterproof formula infused with luxurious oriental oils and intense kohl pigments to provide a bold smoldering line and all day wear.
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Trio New Nudes - $14.79 - in: Natural Nude - mocha, natural & black and Warm Nude - bronze, copper & black - custom trios to create the perfect glam nude look. With a 100% waterproof, hypoallergenic and paraben-free formula containing highly concentrated pigments for instant drama that makes eyes pop!
L'Oréal Color Riche Le Kajal - $10.99 - in 3 shades: Black, Brown and Purple - with ultra-concentrated pigments for intense colour, together with a conical shape and rich texture, result in a variety of possible looks. From a precise line at the root of lashes to a mysterious smokey effect around the lash line, your eyes will look deeper, darker and mesmerizing.


All are available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

The Body Shop introduces a new line of bath and body products enriched with handpicked Community Fair Trade wild argan oil from Morocco that aims to add radiance to your skin!

I don't find it has a strong scent, it's light with a sweet hint to it almost like honey, so if you aren't a "fragrancey" person then you probably won't find this overwhelming.

Body Butter - 200ml - $20 - with a buttery texture that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth for 24 hours.

The Radiant Oil - 125ml - $20 - a rich, dry oil with a satin touch that can be used on the body and hair

Bubbling Bath - 250ml - $12 - fills your tub with rich, plentiful fragrant bubbles to leave skin feeling softer and smoother.

Rough Scrub - 200ml - $20 - lifts away dead skin cells and helps stimulate the skin's surface to leave skin smooth and soft.

Body Lotion - 250ml - $12 - offers lightweight, easily absorbed moisture with a non-greasy finish.

Shower Gel - 250ml - $9 - for lather-rich cleansing that is soap free so won't dry out your skin.

Massage Soap - 150g - $6 - cleanse and massage all in one go.

Miracle Solid Oil - 50g - $14 - 70% solid oil with a rich texture for body and hair.

Solid Oil Lips - 20ml - $6

This is another line your can feel good about buying and using - The Community Fair Trade partner is the Targanine Cooperative from Morocco, a local cooperative created by women, for women to help find buyers for their argan oil and invests in social projects such as school rooms for children and adult learning, creches, doctor's visits and micro loan facilities.

Available now at The Body Shop stores across Canada and online at www.thebodyshop.ca.

You know the booth at the Ex where you pay $5 to have them guess your age or weight and if they can't guess correctly, you win a prize? I just recently found out one of the tricks they use to guess women's age - they look at the neck and hands - even women who are religious about the skincare routine on their face usually stop at the neck and never even think about their hands - so that's where your age will first start to show!

Since I don't want some carny guessing that I'm actually 24 and not 18 I have been slathering on:

Aveeno Positively Ageless Skin Strengthening Hand Cream - 76ml - $9.47 - has been clinically shown to moisturize for 24 hours with a formulation containing Active Naturals featuring southernwood extract, a natural antioxidant, which helps bind water to skin and works to help fortify the skin's moisture barrier, leaving it feeling stronger and more resilient. With regular use, the skin's moisture barrier can be improved, leaving skin healthier and younger looking.

Available now at food, drug and mass retailers across Canada.

My other hand trick, after I apply anti-aging serum to my face, I wipe the excess on the backs of my hands so that they can enjoy the same benefits - and of course I make sure I am using sunscreen on them too!

Just because it's almost time to shove your tootsies back into heavy winter boots for the foreseeable future is no reason not to take care of them while they're there - this way you'll have a fighting chance that they'll come out resembling something somewhat human next spring - my top pick for super-soft feet:

Avon Foot Works Toasted Macadamia Nut Collection - pamper your feet with moisture-rich macadamia nut oil and the delicious, sweet scent of macadamia, almond blossom and vanilla.

Available in the collection:

Relaxing Foot Soak - 100ml - $7.99 - relieves tired,a dry feet while softening and hydrating rough, dry skin.

Exfoliating Scrub - 100ml - $7.99 - with crushed macadamia shells that gently buff away dry skin, leaving feet feeling refreshed and smooth.

Moisturizing Cream - 100ml - $7.99 - offers 24 hour moisturization with a super-hydrating cream that smoothes and softens rough, dry skin.

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

Weleda Rosemary Hair Oil - 50ml - $17.99 - a deep-conditioning treatment that restores moisture, softens split ends and adds radiant shine as it penetrates. With organic rosemary leaf extract to help strengthen dry, damaged hair, while organic burdock root extract revitalizes and nourishes hair and scalp. Use daily or as needed for softer, smoother, more manageable hair from root to tip. For an immediate difference in hair’s appearance, use as an overnight replenishment treatment. Massage a small amount into scalp and brush through to ends. Wash out in the morning and style as usual.

Available at Whole Foods, Planet Organic and selected natural independent health foods stores as well as online at weleda.ca and well.ca.
Pantene Pro-V Expert Collection Advanced+ Keratin Repair KeraGloss Oil Mist - 100ml - $10.99 - designed to fight 5 facets of damage including: split ends, frizz, dullness, dryness and rough feel. Wraps your hair, which is made mostly of keratin, with a protective layer to help restore its surface to a healthy looking, smooth condition while it repairs hair to add brilliant shine for 48 hours of continuous shine.
OGX Renewing Argan Oil Of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil - 118ml - $ $9.99 - an ultra-light oil that infuses hair with a sheer veil of shine, giving a multifaceted glow. The heat of your blow dryer infuses it into the hair shaft and when used on dry hair it adds shine and controls frizz.

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart and Target stores across Canada.
Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Hairtherapy Oil Miracle Light Finishing Treatment - 100ml - $35 - with a lightweight, non-greasy formula that contains botanical marula oil to nourish the hair. Won't weigh down even fine hair while adding style, smooth control and extra shine.

Available at fine salons across Canada.

GOSH Stardust Nail Lacquer - $7 - in 3 shades: Stardust, Million Stars and Night Sky - with a pearly, shiny sparkly finish.

Yves Rocher Volume Elixir Mascara - $22 - available in black, blue and brown - combines a volumizing texture with Hibiscus peptides that reinforce and repair lashes.

Available at Yves Rocher stores and online at www.yvesrocher.ca.
With a formula that visibly thickens lashes without weighing them down and guarantees impeccable wear all day long. Its conical brush with double fibers allows for a very precise application of the mascara. The slightly more rigid fiber grabs the lashes from base to tip to better define them.
For lashes that are coated and perfectly separated in one sweep with immediate clump free volume and a precise application on the inner and outer corners of the eye as well as lower lashes.

The colour is nice and rich and I like the size of the brush but as you can see when my eyes are closed, the formula does clump a bit on the ends