This summer why not try a twist on the traditional red lip, and go with an orange lip.  No need to shy away from the colour of the season, makeup artist Raychel Wade shows us an easy way to wear the colour that will look great on anyone.

Text: Jillian Ross

After being in a legal battle over the name Khroma Makeup, the Kardashian sisters were forced to rename their beauty line. And in a totally not surprising, not creative move, Kim, Khloe and Kourtney decided to name their makeup line Kardashian Beauty. (The Cut)

OPI has created 10,000 bottles of green nail polish that will benefit the families of the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. The bottles are not for sale but are free with a $10 donation to Sandy Hook Promise. Two mothers whose children survived the attack came up with the idea after painting their nails green as a way to cope with their grief. (CBS New York)

Get a sneak peek at the rest of the Rihanna for MAC Cosmetics collaboration. (Magimania)

Text: Kate Murphy

She’s a beauty editor, Marilyn Denis expert, professor and best-selling author–is there anything this style insider can’t do? It’s all in a day’s work for The Kit’s Chantel Guertin. Here she spills the secrets to looking gorgeous through it all.

What’s a regular day like for you? 

No two days are the same — which is what I really love about my job. I’m a beauty expert on the Marilyn Denis show, that means doing a live beauty segment about once a week, showcasing new trends, testing products and arranging giveaways for the live studio audience. I’m also editor-at-large at The Kit, and an author — my latest novel, The Rule of Thirds, is the first in a new teen series and comes out in October. I’m also an instructor in the Book & Magazine publishing program at Centennial College – so some days are spent in the classroom teaching, or other marking my students’ assigments. And then I freelance for several outlets – mostly home decor and travel articles, my two pastimes of the moment.

Best part about the job?

After being a beauty editor for 12 years you’d think I’d get tired of seeing another lipgloss. Not true. I love trying out every shampoo, eye cream and mascara that comes across my desk. But the best part about juggling the various jobs I do now is that I’m never bored. If I’m tired of focusing on one task, I’ll switch gears and work on something else. And I love working from home. I miss working with other girls who love style and beauty as much as me, but I definitely don’t miss sitting in a cubicle. I’m much more creative now, and way more productive.

Why the obsession with beauty?

It’s fun to look and feel pretty — and it’s something you can do for yourself, on any budget, to feel better, no matter if you just broke up with your boyfriend, you screwed up at work, or your baby was crying all night. There are few things that are guaranteed to cheer me up no matter what: on the list with hugs and a note in the mail from a friend is a manicure. It works every time.

Beauty icon?

Julianne Moore — seriously, how is she 52? For me, because i have such fair, freckled skin, looking at someone I think is gorgeous like Emma Stone is rather heartbreaking because I’m never going to have that flawless, creamy-coloured complexion. But Julianne Moore inspires me because she looks so fantastic, and is something, possibly (probably not, wishful thinking), I could strive for.

Person who has most influenced your approach to style?

My mom. She was always really busy and never splurged on going to the spa, but she got her hair cut religiously every six weeks, maintained the colour so her roots never showed at home, gave herself manis and pedis every week, and always wore sun hats in the summer. She died in her 40s, but I bet if she were still alive today she’d have the flawless, glowing, wrinkle-free skin I aspire to have.

What’s your beauty routine?

I have dull, dry skin and little breakouts – seriously, are my teen years not behind met yet? I try to keep it under control with regular exfoliation and AHA creams.

In the morning, I use Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant in the shower, then apply a serum (right now, Boots No. 7 Serum), Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster and whatever new day cream I’m testing out — which always contains SPF. At night I use Boots No 7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion, followed by Paula’s Choice RESIST Anti-Aging 5% Daily Smoothing Treatment and Marcelle Revival Gold Eye Illuminator.

I also love Clarisonic Mia — it works 10 times better than your fingertips at cleansing skin — and the Tata Harper Resurfacing and Decleor Flash Radiance masks. I’ve been trying to spend more time on my skin, which means exfoliating daily and doing a mask once a week.

I’ve been on a whole “your hands and feet show your age!” focus, so nightly I use the Elizabeth Grant Salt Hand Peel on my hands — it’s the ultimate luxury — then apply Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream and CND Solar Oil to my cuticles. On my feet I use the Emjoi Micro-Pedi, which is seriously the best foot file i’ve ever tried. You use it on dry feet and it’s battery-operated so it sloughs off all the dead skin, leaving a very satisfying pile of skin-dust on the floor and my feet have never felt smoother.

I get my nails done weekly (or bi-weekly if I’m getting Shellac) at Ritual Spa. They also do my waxing. And weekly blowdrys at Blo Blow Dry Bar. I’ll get a facial every six weeks — I love the ones at The Dermalogica Institute, though I tend to try out a lot of different types of facials, peels and other treatments at spas and medispas. And I’m a massage junkie, but I like to spread the love by trying out the latest spas in the city — especially if it’s in a new hotel (preferably with a pool and steam room).

What about hair?

I suffer from frizz and fuzz because I have such thick, wavy hair. The key is to take time on the day you actually wash your hair. If you don’t have time to blow-dry and style it the way they would at the salon, just throw it in a ponytail or top knot for the day and wait a day. Doing your hair on a day you don’t have time is a waste of time — because it doesn’t look good the first day, or the second, or third. But if you take the time you need on Day 1, it’ll pay off for several days. I can get 4 days out of a hairstyle no problem. That, and following a few rules: no towel-drying, putting serum in your hair while you’re in the shower, and sectioning hair to dry it properly with a round brush.

Paul Pereira does my hair at Solo Bace. I like Paul, and he has the best balance between giving me what I want and what he thinks will look good. He also gets that I want to be able to maintain my roots at home — because my hair grows so fast I’d otherwise need a root touchup every two weeks, and he makes that possible for me.

My go to root saver is Revlon Root Touch-Up. I love the new Stylize line of elastics – they have great tension. I know — a hair elastic’s a hair elastic right? But when you have as much hair as I do, that’s not the case. And I’ve been using John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Thermal Protection for years. I try other serums but I always come back to this one.

Best beauty advice?

Keep your beauty products readily accessible — you’ll be way more likely to put on moisturizer if it’s sitting by the sink and not tucked away in a drawer. And do your bathroom routine at 8 pm. If you wait until you’re ready to go to sleep, you’ll likely brush your teeth and maybe splash some water on your face (or is that just me?). But if you head to the bathroom earlier, you’ll actually have the energy to use all the products you’ve probably bought — and actually enjoy the ritual!

When it comes to hair, before bed, flip your hair over, twist it into a bun on the top of your head and secure with a loose elastic. In the morning your hair will look even better than it did the day before! And wow, your boyfriend/husband will hardly be able to keep his hands off you.

She’s well known for a minimalist makeup approach, but even Kate Bosworth can admit that she needs a little help to achieve that perfect “no-makeup” makeup look. So what is her secret to that healthy glow?

The answer: cult favourite YSL Crème de Blush No. 4 – Audacious Orange.

Don’t let this colour scare you– it may look like a bright neon shade but it actually blends into a peachy flesh tone. The creamy texture turns into a light powder once it comes in contact with your skin, making it light and weightless. You can also use it as an eyeshadow, or even on lips, like Kate.

“I use it on my lips too,” Kate told InStyle, when raving about her favourite beauty buy’s versatility. “It’s great for summer.” We’ve already told you that orange lips are a big trend this summer, so this blush will have you covered on two makeup trends.

To apply, smile so you can apply the blush directly to the apples of your cheeks. The formula has a strong pigmentation so a little goes a long way. Blend it with your fingers by patting it in a circular motion. It’s buildable so you can use a little during the day and stash it in your clutch to add a few few more coats for an extra pop of colour at night.

The blush sculpts and highlights your cheekbones to create an “ultra-natural” look. And who is more of a natural beauty than Kate Bosworth?

YSL Creme de Blush in six shades, $38; available at Sephora

What is your favourite blush to wear for summer? Leave us a comment below and share your summer must-have!

Text: Kate Murphy

It seems as though no matter the runway show or season, one trend you can always count on is perfect skin making its way down the runways. This season was no different, as we saw models with beautiful glowing skin glide down the catwalk at DKNY, Calla and Ralph Lauren. Genetics may be at play, but there’s also a few makeup tricks that can help anyone get the look.

Fake it: Start with a fresh clean face–try using a cleanser like Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple to prep the skin for makeup.  To achieve the look of barely there makeup, apply liquid foundation with a foundation brush in a circular motion. Add concealer under eyes or to cover any redness. Use a blush with a golden undertone like Benefit’s Dallas blush to bring out cheeks and add a sun kissed glow to skin. Follow up with a highlighter placed on high points of the face like cheek bones, forehead, chin and tip of the nose. Finish with your favourite mascara and lip colour.

Text: Jillian Ross

Floral prints are one of the hottest trends this spring. TotallyCoolNails on YouTube shows us how to recreate this fun look on our nails. And the best part? It’s super easy–anyone can do it!

Text: Jillian Ross

She may be a Brit, but Kate Moss spends about one-third of the year working on her tan in the south of France in beautiful St. Tropez. This is fitting because the other St. Tropez has just tapped the mega model to become the face and body of their first ever global advertising campaign for their self-tanning products. If you can’t make it, fake it. (Marie Claire UK)

Who Runs The World? Girls, according to Beyonce and now celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann. With nail art becoming a money maker, Deborah Lippmann decided to design a line of neon shades inspired by some of music’s biggest celebrities, including Katy Perry and Gwen Stefani. (Vibe Vixen)

Want a new anti-aging trick that won’t cost you a thing and is easy to tackle? Freckles. Freckles signify youth but you won’t need to bake in the sun causing sun damage to achieve this look. Take some eyeshadow, draw some dots, and you’ll look ten years younger. (Refinery29)

Text: Kate Murphy

Who says you can’t choose your age? Combat signs of aging with these products we use, love for youthful skin from head to toe. Worried about breaking the bank? We’ve included an affordable alternative. You’re welcome.

Face Creams

Splurge: Caudalie’s Premier Cru ($155) uses grape seed and vine extracts to eliminate dark spots while maximizing skin elasticity and firmness for a younger looking complexion. Made from 91% natural ingredients, this rich cream instantly moisturizes your skin, leaving a matte finish.

Steal: Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Pro Gravity Defying Cream ($16 at Wal-Mart) is great for the busy woman. This light-weight cream works while you sleep, by using beach tree extract and soy protein to moisturise and soothe your skin. Ideal for sensitive skin types.

Face Serums

Splurge: Rodial Bee Venom Super Serum ($200) is a unique age-defying serum that uses bio marine collagen and bee venom to improve skin elasticity, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The bee venom helps stimulate blood circulation to gently plump skin for a younger complexion.

Steal: Sephora Super Loaded Age Defy Serum ($38) uses HydroSenn++ to help hydrate skin for a more radiant and silky-smooth complexion. The serum is loaded with natural hydrating ingredients used to help minimize signs of aging.

Eyes

Splurge: Arbonne’s RE9 Corrective Eye Crème ($65) uses botanical ingredients to hydrate your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines around your eyes. With 95% of women noticing a difference after one week, this splurge is definitely worth every dollar.

Steal: Soap & Glory’s You Won’t Believe Your Eyes ($25 at Shoppers Drugmart) is an under-eye serum that uses cucumber juice to moisturize while reducing puffiness, darkness and fine lines.
 

Tinted Moisturizers

Splurge: Lise Watier Teint Age Control Supreme ($48) is a tinted moisturiser with amazing coverage–it can be used as a foundation or a primer. It features Labrador Tea extract to minimize blemishes and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Steal: Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti Ageing Cream ($20 at Shoppers Drug Mart) also comes with a touch of foundation for light and sheer coverage, plus seven active anti-ageing ingredients.

Body

Splurge: Fresh Sugar Acai Age-Delay Body Cream ($65) is enriched with acai oil, sugar and citrus fruit acids to help improve skin elasticity and dullness. Use this body moisturizer to replenish dry skin and reverse the signs of aging.

Steal: Yes To Age Refresh Blueberries Rejuvenating Body Lotion ($8.99 at Shoppers Drugmart) is 98% natural and will leave your skin feeling 100% softer. This subtly scented lotion uses grapeseed, tamanu seed and sunflower oils to retain moisture, leaving your skin firmer and smoother.

GIVEAWAY!!! Tell us what your anti-aging secret is. Leave a comment below for a chance to win Rodial Bee Venom Super Serum, Caudalie Premier Cru and Lise Watier’s Teint Age Control Supreme ($400 value). The winner will be announced on Mother’s Day.

Text: Carolyn Tran

She’s no stranger to the punk look having played Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo, but we love how Rooney Mara paired gothic and feminine, with a lacy Givenchy gown and deep (almost black) purple lip and thick filled in eyebrows. The look was topped off with a slicked back faux-hawk, making Rooney look like a gothic bride.

Good girl Taylor Swift went to the dark side for the night sporting a heavily lined dark eye with a neutral petal pink lip–according to Anna Wintour, pink is the colour of punk. Swift added cotton candy pink streaks to her long golden locks and teased them for a Stevie Nicks vibe.

Ever since Miley Cyrus chopped off her hair she’s been looking pretty punk. Well she took this year’s theme seriously by sporting dark roots and bleached blonde spikes. Donning a sexy Marc Jacobs dress, she kept the look classic by sporting a red lip.

If Nicole Richie‘s MET Ball look could be described in two words it would be “grandma punk.” Dying her hair white-grey for the event and wearing a dark red lip, Nicole decided to accessorize her conservative TOPSHOP frock with spiked ear cuffs. We can always count on Nicole to give us daring looks and have fun with her beauty look.

We half expected Kristen Stewart to show up sporting her usual outfit of ripped cutoff shorts, dirty Converse, and a ball cap. So it really was punk of her to come to the MET Ball in a burgundy Stella McCartney jumpsuit with matching deep pink eyeshadow and slicked back updo.

Who do you think sported the most “punk” look at this year’s MET Gala? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think!

Text: Kate Murphy

One of the season’s hottest hair trends is going short, really short, as in the pixie cut. From Hollywood elite like Charlize Theron to the runways of Prada and Cacharel , designers and red carpet stars are taking to this do. Whether you’re going for an edgy style or something more sophisticated, the pixie cut is the perfect way to really highlight your best features and keep cool this season.

The question is, can you pull off short hair? Sure. The key is having a great cut. Take the time to find a stylist that is great with short hair. Booking a consultation beforehand can help ease some of the nerves of chopping off your long locks. Bringing photos of what (or who) you’re looking for can also be helpful when communicating your wants and needs with your stylist.

If you love the look of the pixie but you’re not ready to sacrifice your locks just yet, take a cue from the Prada Spring 2013 show and recreate the look. Start by adding a thickening cream like Living Proof Full Thickening Creme and blow drying hair straight. Secure hair into a French twist at the back, leaving the ends out and brushing them forward. Adding a pomade will help to create the illusion of the pixie and short bangs.

So would you try a pixie cut? Or are you more likely to recreate the look with long hair? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think!

Text: Jillian Ross