Cute Makeup Tips

Back in October of 2008, Makeup Junkie tested and reviewed 10 must-have mascaras and we had a blast doing it! We've gone and tested more mascaras just in time for the hot, sweaty, summer season. If you've been searching for the perfect mascara and don't want to dish out a lot of money to do it, read on because we've got you covered! (Results may vary and can perform differently on everyone.)

Mascara: Stila Convertible Mascara
Rating: 9.5 winks
Price: $22 USD
Special Feature: Innovative polymer formula encases each lash with smudge-proof, water-resistant tubes. Double-ended brush: large brush volumizes and defines while thinner brush defines the lower and harder-to-reach lashes.
Smudge-factor: none!!
Clump-factor: none
Lengthening: yes
Volume: Definitely
Wand: Medium and thin brush
For: Gals who want everything out of a mascara with extra definition.
Overall: I've never tried any mascaras from Stila and was pleasantly surprised that this mascara performed so amazingly! You get it all plus it's one of the few mascaras that didn't smudge or smear after a long day at work. I would have given it a perfect 10, but washing the "mascara tubes" can get a little messy. Expect to invest an extra 5 minutes cleaning the tubes off.

Mascara: Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
Rating: 6.5 winks
Price: $24 USD
Special Feature: Waterproof version of the cult classic, Dior Diorshow Mascara. Big fat wand for big fat lashes.
Smudge-factor: yes, very smudgy - boo!
Clump-factor: none
Lengthening: yes
Volume: extreme
Wand: Big fat brush
For: Gals who want big volume, dramatic lashes, and don't normally smudge.
Overall: I was sadly disappointed in this must-have cult fave. Big voluminous lashes - check. Smudgy-smeared mess - check! I figured the water-proof version would not smudge but I couldn't be anymore wrong. I really loved how dramatically long and full my lashes looked but hated the smeary mess it made throughout the day. I found the big fat brush quickly coated my lashes but it was hard not to get the mascara all over my lids. The icing on the cake - the high price tag. All in all, gals who don't have a problem with smearing will love the big faux lash effect but you can probably get the same effect for cheaper.

Mascara: Flirt! Lash-A-Delic in Groovy Blue
Rating: 8 winks
Price: $14 USD
Special Feature: Buildable colour and definition.
Smudge-factor: no
Clump-factor: none
Lengthening: yes
Volume: natural volume but buildable
Wand: medium wand
For: Gals who want electric colour and fun, bold lashes.
Overall: Love! Adding a bright colour on the lashes adds an element of surprise. It's unexpected and gives a fun twist on your everyday makeup. Groovy Blue is bold but really makes brown eyes pop! If wearing blue on its own is too bright for you, swipe this over your favourite black mascara to tone down the blue. You'll love the volume, lift, and definition this mascara gives you - and not to mention the hot pink packaging! Also available in Boogie Brown and Mod Black.

Mascara: Benefit BADgal Waterproof Mascara
Rating: 6.5 winks
Price: $19 USD
Special Feature: Waterproof version of the best-selling original, BADgal Mascara. Waterproof and smudge-proof formula that gives you the same voluminous effect as the original.
Smudge-factor: yes!
Clump-factor: none
Lengthening: yes
Volume: yes
Wand: medium wand not like the original fat brush
For: Gals who want lushes lashes while singin' in the rain. Good for those who don't have a problem with smudging.
Overall: Another mascara I had high hopes for. I definitely preferred this brush over the original one because it was easier to coat each lash without the mess. I also liked the lift and volume it gave. I did NOT like the smeary mess it made. It's not fun walking around thinking you look great only to discover hours later that you have mascara smeared all over your bottom lash line. I guess I'm just not one of the lucky ones who don't have smudging issues!


Mascara: CARGO blu_ray Mascara
Rating: 7 winks
Price: $20 USD
Special Feature: Comb-like brush allows for extra definition and a natural finish. Made for high-definition film.
Smudge-factor: a little
Clump-factor: none
Lengthening: yes
Volume: natural but buildable
Wand: comb-like wand
For: Gals who want extra definition and natural volume.
Overall: You can expect good lift and no clumping with this mascara. The comb-like brush also allows you to get right to the root and those hard-to-reach lashes. If you like a natural finish then this mascara is great, but if you want more volume you can add a few more coats. But if volume is what you want then just go with a volumizing mascara. The mascara smeared a little but surprisingly not as bad as the waterproof brands. While it gave good lift on first application, my lashes did start to droop throughout the day. Bottom line, for those who have naturally voluminous lashes and just want a natural finish and extra definition, then this mascara gets the job done.

Mascara: Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara
Rating: 7.5 winks
Price: $22 USD
Special Feature: A multi-effect volume mascara that is formulated with hard waxes and synthetic polymers. Creamy formula conditions lashes.
Smudge-factor: a little
Clump-factor: none
Lengthening: yes
Volume: yes
Wand: medium wand
For: Gals who love volume and want to reapply without the clumps.
Overall: I am a huge fan of Anastasia's brow line and was excited to try this mascara. The mascara gave instant volume and lift from the first swipe. I was able to reapply more mascara for extra volume without clumping. It smeared just a bit on the outer corner but nothing too noticeable. All in all, it's a good mascara but you can probably get the same results with a cheaper brand.


Mascara: CoverGirl LashBlast Luxe Mascara
Rating: 7 winks
Price: $8.99 CDN
Special Feature: Blackest-black formula, now tinted with luxe shimmers. Giant luxe brush helps blast lashes to their biggest, boldest and most beautifully shimmering.
Smudge-factor: a little
Clump-factor: none
Lengthening: yes
Volume: yes
Wand: fat wand
For: Gals who loved the original LashBlast mascara but want to give their eyes more attention with some shimma'.
Overall: I'm a huge fan of the original LashBlast waterproof formula, however, while it gives you the same big volume, I found the shimmer really subtle. What's the point of a shimmer mascara if you can barely see it? I applied a few more coats and was able to see it shimmer in the right light. It's kind of gimmicky but fun for perking up those lashes for a night time event.

Mascara: Maybelline Lash Stiletto
Rating: 6.5 winks
Price: $9.29 CDN
Special Feature: Elastic formula stretches lashes up to 70% visibly longer in one step. Pro Vitamin B-5 and silk protein strengthen and condition for hi-gloss black-patent shine.
Smudge-factor: a lot
Clump-factor: none
Lengthening: yes
Volume: yes
Wand: wand is tapered at the end
For: Gals who want sky-high length and glossy shine.
Overall: This mascara gave good lift and length but nothing extreme compared to other lengthening mascaras. I found the length of my lashes to look the exact same compared to that of a volumizing mascara. I did like the wet glossy finish it gave my lashes but hated how much it smeared and smudged. The tapered brush made coating each lash really easy but overall didn't win me over.

Mascara: Kiehl's Marvelous Mineral Mascara
Rating: 7.5 winks
Price: $16.50 USD
Special Feature: Mineral pigments add natura rich colour. Anacia Senegal thickens for length and volume.
Smudge-factor: none
Clump-factor: none
Lengthening: natural
Volume: natural
Wand: medium
For: Gals who are looking for something all natural for the lashes in every way - natural finish and natural ingredients.
Overall: I like the natural ingredient factor, however, the finish was too natural for my almost non-existent lashes. This is great for the "no-makeup-makeup-look" when going to the gym when you just want a little definition. The volume is buildable but it took several coats before I was satisfied with the volume. At least there are no clumps! Amazingly, it did not smudge. Not sure if that has anything to do with the mineral pigment possibly working like a stain on the lashes.

Mascara: Lise Watier 24 Hrs Glam Mascara
Rating: 4.5 winks
Price: $20 CDN
Special Feature: Elastic polymer formula and Flexi-QueenTM brush surrounds each lash with 3D waterproof film for 24 hour glamourous look. Waterproof and resists sweat, humidity and tears.
Smudge-factor: none but it did flake
Clump-factor: very clumpy
Lengthening: yes
Volume: yes
Wand: medium
For: Gals who want glamourous volume all day and all night.
Overall: Do not attempt a 2nd coat if you want to avoid a clumpy, spidery-mess. It's no joke when they say it's elastic. When I applied a 2nd coat the elastic fibers stuck to each other. It was like stringy cheese! It would also pull some of the first coat off which was very annoying. When I attempted to comb the clumps out, I ended up taking the mascara off instead and had to reapply in some areas. There was no smudging but the mascara did flake a lot. While the lift and volume lasted all day, my lashes looked like a mess.

To view previous mascara reviews click Round 1, Round 2, Round 3 and Round 4!

What's #1 on your mascara list? Have you tried any of these? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

Lip stains and lipsticks are everywhere this Spring but sexy, shiny gloss isn't going anywhere! Gloss junkies everywhere can relax, pull out your wands and apply and reapply! Pucker up for some of Spring's hottest glosses in shimmering berries to pearly pinks!

Stila Pearl Shimmer Gloss (Limited Edition, $22 USD): The pearly finish on these glosses are just fabulous and not to mention ultra-moisturizing! Created with genuine crushed pearl, the minerals and proteins in pearl nourish the skin and leave lips looking smooth and soft, while the subtle shimmer in pearl minimizes the appearance of fine lines.The one drawback is the shine and glossy finish aren't very long-lasting, but I found the pearly texture left a nice shimmery stain on the lips. I really love how moisturizing and non-sticky it feels on the lips. You'll love how pouty the shimmering pearl makes your lips look and the gorgeous colours. Pearlescent Pink (left, shimmering pale pink) is the perfect hue of soft pink for Spring! Looks amazing on its own or as a highlight over a deeper shade. Ocean Current (right, shimmering deep berry) will look amazing on any skin tone. The pearly finish makes it wearable for any time of the day. Also available in South Sea Coral (shimmering soft peach) and Stila's #1 selling eyeshadow in Pearl Kitten (shimmering warm pink champagne)!

Kiehl's Lip Gloss in Pink Rider ($14.50 USD): I am in love with practically all the shades from Kiehl's Lip Gloss line but one of my favourites for the season is Pink Rider. This medium shimmering pink is so pretty and sheer. These non-sticky glosses give your lips high shine which surprisingly lasts for more than a few hours. They also contain natural extracts like Mango, Grape Seed, Rose Hips, Apricot Kernal and antioxidants that hydrate and restore suppleness to the lips. These glosses feel like a balm and have a slanted tip applicator like a balm. Easy to throw in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day. Did I mention the sweet scent is addictive?

Prescriptives Tint Balm in Smoothie ($14.50 USD): Sometimes a gal just likes a little lip chap with a tint of colour and sweet flavour. Smoothie is a sheer soft pink but turned clear on me once it absorbed into my lips. The balm did keep my lips moisturized and while it wasn't tacky my hair did stick to my lips in the wind. The flavour smells like strawberries with an after-taste of waxiness which turned me off after a while. I do like the squeeze-tube packaging with slanted-tip applicator. You can swipe these babies on easily even on the bumpiest of car rides!

Bobbi Brown Lip Compact (Limited Edition, $25 CDN): Nothing looks more feminine than barely-there whisper pink lips. Blushed pink lips were Bobbi Brown's answer to this season's soft, sparkly eye. These compacts come with a clear protective cover and can be popped out out if its compact and inserted into the brand's Customizable Palettes. Baby Glitter Lip Gloss (left, soft pink with glitter) looks more clear than anything else with a pretty shimmery finish. Where on its own when you just want some fabulous shine or place over top of your fave lippie. Blush Pink Creamy Lip Colour (right, pale nude pink) is extremely creamy with a shiny gloss-like finish. It is THE nude pink and a perfect compliment to a smokey eye. The only drawback - the protective cover is great but interferes when you're trying to dab your finger in it. Oh, and you have to dab your finger in it - may or may not bother you.

Smashbox Muse Lip Paints in Artiste ($21 USD): Bring out the inner "artiste" in you with Muse Lip Paints. These creamy lip glosses were inspired by layering colours and creating your own custom colour. I get the concept, but isn't that what us gloss junkies do anyway? Sure, they come in pretty colours and provide sexy shine but I don't think the new packaging and name make these Lip Paints any different. Artiste, a creamy berry, gives the look of "just bitten" lips. The texture was a bit tacky, but the colour and shine lasted longer than a normal gloss.

M.A.C. Hello Kitty Lipglass in Nice to be Nice (Limited Edition, $16.50 CDN): Move over pink, orange is sizzling it up this season! M.A.C.'s latest Hello Kitty craze is causing quite a ruckus! I have to say, out of all the collections this is by far my favourite from M.A.C.! I grew up obsessed with Hello Kitty and I think M.A.C. has done a fabulous job recreating this iconic kitty. Nice to be Nice, an intense sheer bright orange with pearl, gives the lips a warm pop of colour. It's a nice change from the season's pinks and berries. The packaging is just adorable and definitely a collector's item. Prrrr, me likes!

Coach Signature Lip Gloss ($22 USD): We all know Coach makes great hand bags but who knew they would make amazing glosses! Packaged in their signature Coach logo, these glosses are chic and ready to impress. These glosses pack on the shine and colour. I love Peony, a pearly peachy-pink. This shade looks great paired with a smokey eye or against bronzey skin with peachy-pink cheeks. Freesia, a gorgeous cranberry with gold shimmer, looks amazing with a subtle gold eye and bronzey cheeks.

Have you tried any of these glosses? Love 'em? Hate 'em?

This Valentine's Day the perfect gift won't be hard to find because it's right under your nose - literally. Primp and prep those lips for some all night smooching! It's the best gift your special Valentine will ever get!

Step 1: Exfoliate and moisturize your lips to get rid of nasty dry, chapped skin. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 ($22.50 USD) contains real sugar and is great for smoothing out the lips while providing moisture and sun protection. The downside is that it runs out quickly if you use it on a daily basis as a balm. My tip is to use it as a lip treatment once in a while when your lips are at its most un-kissable!

Step 2: Keep those smackers soft and supple daily with a good ol' lip balm. I'm a huge fan of Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 and now in time for Valentine's, Scented Lip Balm Trio ($25.50 USD) in Coconut, Vanilla, and Mango (love all 3 scents)! A little goes a long way so one little tube should last you a while. Plus, you get sun protection and some shine for a glossy feel!

Step 3: Priming your lips will enhance the performance of your favourite lippy. Benefit Lip Plump ($22 USD) is such a great primer. Relaunched with a whole new look, this creamy neutral-toned primer fills in lines and builds up the contour of your lips while helping your lipstick or gloss stay on longer! Less is more with this product - place 2 dots on top and bottom lip and blend or pat with your finger. Wait a few seconds before it dries to apply your lip product. Women who who have naturally pink or red lips will love how well this neutralizes!

A gal can never have enough lip balm. I usually have a few hanging around - two in my main purse, one on my night table, one on my work desk and a couple just for my kit. The winter season is especially harsh on my lips when the dry air zaps all the moisture, leaving my kisser cracked and chapped. Thanks to a few lip savers this winter, my lips are feeling smooth and smelling yummy!

1. LUSH Honey Trap Lip Balm ($8.95 CDN): I'm really glad I got to try this balm out because now I'm forever a fan! Honey Trap is the line's best seller for good reason. Beeswax and shea butter lock in moisture while oatmeal infusion keeps your lips soft. I personally like the scent but my husband is not really a fan of anything honey. The sweet mixture of white chocolate, honey, wild orange and vanilla sound delicious, no? The balm is ultra rich and feels super duper fantastic on the lips! Be warned: may melt in hot climates or in your pocket!

2. Green by Nature Lip Butter ($2.99 US): Absolutely one of the best lip balms that have ever touched these lips! If you're not a fan of potted lip balms then this lip butter in a stick form will have you swooning. I tried Banana Shea which is absolutely addictive! The ultra rich formula leaves your lips moisturized for hours so you won't have to reapply as much, but you'll find it hard not to! It got two thumbs up from both the hubby and boy. My lil' one loved it so much he used to steal it and hide under his blanket slathering tons on and eating it (thank goodness it's all natural)! The only downside - it's so good you'll run out really fast and be needing a new one before you know it. Thank goodness this balm won't break the bank! Available in other yummy flavours. Buy online or at a Target store near you.

3. Kiehl's Scented Lip Balm #1 ($8.50 US): Kiehl's popular line of lip balms are perfect for those days when you want your lips to be moisturized with a glossy finish and sun protection. The fruity scent of Pear is just wonderful and lingers nicely in the air minutes after application. I thought the glossy finish would slick off quickly but my lips stayed moisturized for hours. Even with the squeeze-tube applicator, you still need to blend with your fingers. The shine formula can be slicked over your favourite lip colour for a more glossy finish. For those no-fuss days, swipe this on for some shine and you're out the door!

The other day I was waiting in line at the grocery store and was horribly embarrassed at how dry, and scaly my hands looked. I quickly paid and shoved my hands back into my coat pockets. Lesson learned: never leave home without your hand cream! For soft, youthful looking hands try out some of these hand and feet skin savers!

1. Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve ($12.50 US): Heavy duty creams usually mean greasy and sticky. Kiehl's version is anything but! You can expect all day care and protection with this hand cream. It absorbs quickly into the skin so you won't have to wipe the excess off onto your pants (yes, I've done that before!). It creates a "glove-like" protective barrier against moisture loss and can stand up to even the harshest conditions.

2. Green by Nature Hand Cream ($8.99 US): It just makes sense to go all natural. Green by Nature is an all natural bath and body care line, created with you and the environment in mind. All their products are over 95% natural, and free of parabens, sulfates, DEA, petroleum, propylene glycol, sacchrine, dioxin, and phthalate. I've fallen in love with this line and the price point! The hand cream in Almond Cocoa is just delicious and quickly soothes and moisturizes your skin. Enriched with vitamin e and and aloe with a luxurious blend of jojoba, almond and avocado oils your hands will be looking beautiful in no time!

3. Kiehl's Intensive Treatment and Moisturizer For Dry Or Callused Areas ($22.50 US): On the most driest and coldest days your hands and feet will need a little more TLC. During the holidays, I did a lot of dishwashing (darn large pots that don't fit into the dishwasher!) which as a result cracked and dried my hands to the core. As someone that doesn't frequent the spas for pedicures, you don't even want to know what state my feet were in! Kiehl's Intensive Treatment and Moisturizer is exactly the product you need for areas that require special attention, a.k.a crusty elbows or callused feet! On some nights I've slathered the cream on my hands and feet followed by gloves and some warm socks. My skin just soaked it up. The next morning I awoke to super soft skin! Do this for a few nights and you'll for sure see a difference. Works great as a cuticle cream too!

Christmas shopping for me is all about one-stop-shopping destinations. With so many to buy for, running around from store to store is not my idea of fun shopping (unless it's for me of course haha). If you're with me on this one, Makeup Junkie recommends shopping at Kiehl's, where you'll find the finest in quality skin and hair care. Select from ready-made gift boxes or personalize your gifting by creating a custom collection. You'll find gifts for everyone on your list - including your BFF's lil' pup!

The gift that keeps on giving, perfect for anyone on your list! "Aloe Vera" Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser ($20.50 CAD) was created in partnership with hunky humanitarian, Brad Pitt! It is the first 100% Biodegradable formula and fragrance for Kiehl's and the first product with Cradle to Cradle Certification (measures a product against specific criteria for environmental and human health). The result is a body cleanser that minimizes impact to the environment and readily biodegrades in 28 days. This gentle, refreshing cleanser is formulated without parabens, SLS, and Dyes. The bottle is also 100 % Post Consumer Recycled. 100 % of net proceeds from sales will benefit JPF Eco Systems, a charitable foundation created with Brad Pitt to support global environmental initiatives. What could be a greater gift than giving a gift that was created by Brad Pitt and gives back to the environment? It's a must-have for everyone on your list!

Kiehl's Liquid Hand Soaps Trio ($46.50 USD) are the perfect gift for the friend who loves to host. The set features three favourite Kiehl's scents: Grapefruit, Coriander, and my personal fave, "Pear Tree Corner". I absolutely love these hand soaps and I usually don't go crazy over hand soaps! This gentle, yet effective cleanser is fantastic for frequent hand washing. It is formulated with emollient humectants which absorb moisture to skin, keeping your hands oh-so-soft and lightly scented. Vitamin E and Aloe Vera help soothe and protect distressed skin, especially beneficial during colder months. The paraben-free formula uses a gentle cleansing agent with coconut-derived cleansers. Keep one in the powder room for guests, in the kitchen, and in your own bathroom!

Give the gift of perfectly smooth skin with Kiehl's Gently Exfoliating Body Scrubs ($30 CAD). Great as a gift on its own or paired with Kiehl's Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion with Aloe Vera and Oatmeal in a matching scent, customize for your mom or your best friend (and why not yourself?). Select from four lovely scents: Grapefruit, Coriander, Lavender, and "Pear Tree Corner". The gentle, yet effective scrub leaves my skin feeling soft each time. I never shower without it! All scents smell wonderful, but my fave is of course "Pear Tree Corner". It's a subtle, sweet pear scent that smells delicious!



Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection ($69.50 CAD) is the gift for the ultimate man in your life. With Kiehl's functional blue packaging, your man won't think twice about pulling these products out of his gym bag. The collection includes Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, White Eagle Shave Cream, Ultimate Man Scrub Soap, Facial Fuel No-Shine Lip Balm, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve Deluxe, and Facial Fuel Deluxe.

I know of a few new moms that could use some serious pampering this Holiday season! Kiehl's New Mother's set ($149 USD) is an excellent new mom and baby gift. For new moms, the set includes must-haves: Creme de Corps, "Lavender" Hand and Body Lotion, Body Massage Oil, Lip Balm #1, and Lavender Foaming Relaxing Bath with Sea Salts and Aloe. For baby's sensitive skin the set includes: Kiehl's Diaper Rash Ointment, Kiehl's Baby Lip Balm, Kiehl's Nurturing Cream For Face and Body, and Kiehl's Baby Gentle Foaming Hair and Body Wash. My son and I have become a fan of Kiehl's Nurturing Cream For Face and Body. Donna Paty, National Education Manager for Kiehl's, recommended this for my son's eczema problem. It doesn't get rid of the condition but calms his flare ups and relieves his itchy skin. Both baby and mom will love the scent of of vanilla, pears, apples and sweet berries. It may be a little pricey at $20 plus a pop, but when it comes to my son's delicate skin only the best will do!

For the lip balm junkie, Kiehl's Flavored Lip Balm Trio ($33 CAD) is a fabulous stocking stuffer. The set includes the classic Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 in Cranberry, Pear, and Mint. I was a little skeptical to try this lip balm because of the SPF 4 factor. Donna suggested I test the lip balm on the inside of my wrist for reactions before applying on my lips. I had never tried this method and usually tried SPF products at my own risk. My lips have been enjoying the supple smoothness and pear scent of Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. I love the convenient squeeze tube it comes in. You can take it anywhere and apply anytime with no mess. It gives the lips a nice shine and works great over your favourite lip colour. The balm doesn't feel sticky on the lips and will keep your pout in tip top shape for those mistletoe kisses!

Dogs need pampering too! Your pooch will give you some serious smooches when you primp them up with Kiehl's Pampered Pooch Collection ($52 CAD). Cleanse their coat with gentle Cuddly Coat Grooming Shampoo, condition with Cuddly Coat Conditioning Rinse and finish them off with Spray-and-Play Cleansing Spritz. Let your heart melt with those puppy dog eyes, as they look back at you with love, feeling fresh and clean after their pampering session!

To view more gift collections visit www.kiehls.com.
Stay tuned for our visit with National Education Manager for Kiehl's, Donna Paty!

There are many beauty products I can't live without and my face moisturizer is definitely at the top of the list. When your skin is dry and patchy, your makeup just won't look right no matter how much concealer you pile on. The key to less makeup on your skin is cleansing and moisturizing your face on a daily basis. Get healthy, radiant skin this winter with these skin-saving moisturizers!

Whether you're hitting the slopes or making snow angels this winter, protect your skin with Kiehl's super-hydrating Ultra Facial Cream ($31 CAD). This light-weight moisturizer gives your skin continous water replenishment all day long. With ingredients like Anarcticine, a Glycoprotein extracted from microorganisms sourced from sea glaciers, and Imperata Cylindrica, a plant found in the Australian desert that retains water in dry conditions, this skin saver is meant to protect your skin and keep you looking soft and supple in cold temperatures. With the light texture your skin will feel comfortable, never heavy or greasy. I expected the cream to go on thick, but even without the richness like other creams I've tried, my skin stayed beautifully moisturized and flake-free all day long! Ultra Facial Cream is a definite must-have this winter, perfect for both day and night!

Do dry, sensitive skin have you singing the winter blues? Your skin will feel heavenly with LUSH Celestial Moisturizer ($21.95 CAD). This totally vegan, all natural moisturizer has a mixed blend of vanilla, almond milk and dove orchid to calm and hydrate irritated skin from city pollution or harsh weather conditions. A little goes a long way with this rich cream so use sparingly to avoid feeling greasy on the skin. This works wonders on those days when my face is sensitive, dehydrated and red. I love applying Celestial Moisturizer before I go to bed so my skin can soak in all the moisture and repair itself overnight. I wake up with a soft, smooth complexion every morning! You'll love the subtle vanilla-almond scent as well! Indeed a special treat for the skin this winter!

Bulky skin care products can make packing for those winter getaways a challenge. All you need for cleansing and moisturizing is Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream, $25 USD). A cult classic among makeup artists everywhere, you will find this wonder cream in many makeup kits used backstage on models when washing and moisturizing the face isn't an option. I was excited to get my hands on this cream at the Canadian Makeup Show after having gone so many years without it! This rich moisturizer nourishes and repairs the skin without a heavy texture. It also leaves a soft, dewy finish and primes the skin perfectly for makeup application. You can even use it to calm irritated skin after shaving! Throw this cream in your travel bag and you're good-to-go!

The winter weather may be a special treat for oily skin types, but oily skin can get dry too. The Body Deli Flash Flood Light Facial Emulsion ($36 USD) is an oil-free light moisturizer excellent for acne/blemish treatment. It works double-time also hydrating parched skin. Salicylic acid and their proprietary blend of Silica, Sulphur, Maganezium and Copper act as a benzol peroxide alternative to help heal and clear up blemishes without drying out the skin. Your skin will be left feeling clean, fresh and blemish-free!

Have you tried these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em?

If your skin is like mine, then you've been battling flaky, sensitive, lack-luster skin. The cold winter months don't always bring out the best in me. Cursing the effects of the bitter cold wind on your skin won't do anything so why not invest in some great winter skin savers?

Makeup Junkie writer, Nicole, and I had the awesome pleasure of attending a one-on-one consultation at the Kiehl's store (North Yonge location) where Donna Paty, National Education Manager for Kiehl's, walked us through all the products appropriate for our skin. My skin has been super sensitive lately due to drier weather and harsh winds. I've started using the Ultra Facial Cleanser ($24.50 CAD) and my skin is loving it! I tend to get a bit sensitive around my nose and cheeks especially when I'm sick and blowing my nose all the time. The mild cleanser is specially formulated with a sugar-derived glycoside foaming agent that is so gentle on the skin yet thoroughly cleanses makeup and dirt without over-drying. Also contains effective emollients Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Vitamin E and Avocado Oil. It's a definite must this season for all skin types especially those who have sensitive skin.

Nothing ruins your look more than dry, flaky patches on the skin. There were times when I would come home from an event and I'd look in the mirror embarrassed by my flaky nose and chin. Scrub those dry patches away with Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub ($36.50 CAD)! Made with real fruit enzymes that gently exfoliate, your skin will be left feeling refreshed, clean and soft. I love how my skin looks after using this scrub. It looks brighter, more radiant, and my blackheads are scrubbed squeaky clean! The scrub also has a subtle pineapple-papaya scent. Suits most skin tones with the exception of acne-prone or easily-irritated skin. If you have sensitive skin, exfoliate 2-3 times a week or scrub only where needed. (Stay tuned for more on our Kiehl's visit!)

Drier skin will appreciate a cleanser that is creamier like the organic Gentle Cleansing Milk from Care by Stella McCartney ($35 USD). This gentle Cleansing Milk removes makeup and impurities without using water. I prefer using water with my cleanser but when my skin is totally dehydrated and zapped of moisture, using the Cleansing Milk sans water makes my skin baby soft. It contains organic Lemon Balm and Apricot, rich in carbohydrates and vitamins E and A essential to protect and revitalize the skin.

Stay tuned for beauty feature Winter Skin Savers - Moisturizers!

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Kiehl’s products are available in Canada at the Kiehl's store at 407 Queen Street West, 2518 Yonge Street and by mail order at 416.483.1335, in Vancouver at the Kiehl's store at 1025 Robson Street and by mail order at 604.408.4182, in Montreal at 760 Ste. Catherine West and by mail order 514.788.4226, and select Holt Renfrew stores across Canada.