Sex and the Mole!

Oh the horror! The internet is still buzzing over the sudden disappearance of Sarah Jessica Parker's (famous?) mole. Some argue that the mole on her chin was as much a trademark for SJP, as the Manolo's worn by Carrie Bradshaw on HBO's Sex and the City! Despite our obvious weakness for a well placed beauty mark, we're not so sure this is a story worthy of such scrutiny. Earlier controversy regarding SJP's looks have included being voted un-sexiest celebrity & calling her face horse-like. Those of us who are fans ("loved you since Square Pegs!") know her true appeal is her ability to wear a dress, in rockin' heels & inspire the kind of dressing that only seems to exist between the pages of a fashion magazine, all the while charming us with her warm personality (Posh Spice take note!). To me, her mole, like her sex appeal or the horsey-ness of her face shape is simply not on my radar! So get over it people, it's SJP not Cindy Crawford!

Want to rock a beauty mark in support of the mole? Here are a couple of tips:

• Use a pencil to create the iconic beauty mark. You don't have to use black, you can use a brown or bark shade to create a more natural looking mark.
• A beauty mark is a great way to hide a blemish on the face.
• Sport the beauty mark when fully made up. Don't try this look on a fresh, makeup-less face.
• After applying the tell-tale spot, use a loose powder to set your look.

Cargo's Exclusive Canadian Product Launch!

New! Cargo Tinted Moisturizer SPF20

Well it's not every day that we can announce a new exclusive Canadian product launch, but just in time for summer comes Cargo Cosmetics' Tinted Moisturizer SPF20!

What they say:

CARGO’s Tinted Moisturizer has SPF 20 and is formulated with matrixyl 3000, an anti-aging peptide that reduces surface wrinkles, and improves skin firmness; vitamin B, to promote healthy skin; vitamin C, to fight wrinkles, smooth fine lines, and provide additional protection from sun damage and vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant, to help the skin fight off environmental damage while providing moisture.

Cosmetic Genius says:

A winning formula that also includes the trendy omission of parabens and the ever reliable benefit of being oil free. The formulation has all the bench marks of a good moisturizer: moisture binding ingredients, good anti-oxidants and the obvious inclusion of a sunscreen (and an SPF20 at that!) Peptides are a bonus, plumping fine lines and firming the skin. The formulation feels a little more makeup-like than most tinted moisturizers, which is a bonus if you find most tints just too weak in the pigment department. (A little seems to go a long way!) The one shade available can be a little off-putting in the package, but it goes on like magic and suits most skin types. It feels clean on the skin, and stays put in the heat. Their signature packaging is ever clever and travel friendly. Worth a try as it could just be the answer to your (tinted moisturizer) dreams...

If you like this item you might also like: Cargo Bronzing Kit, Cargo Big Bronzer, Cargo One Base

My Fave, Can't Live Without Cosmetic Item....Alison Raffaele's True Concealer

Hey Everyone!

I wanted to share with you some of my favourite cosmetic items that, I not only use on all my clients, but that I use on myself as well. I have faith and confidence in these items and I love, love, love them! First product is Alison Raffaele True Concealer....

Why I love it?

I find that it provides fantastic coverage without seeing and feeling it on your skin. If you have dark circles this concealer is your new best friend. It conceals darkness, or purpleness under the eye that some women get, almost completely. It works well on acne as well. It's great at neutralizing the redness associated with acne and pimples. There is no mineral oil in her concealer so it does not clog pores either.


Don't be frightened by the shades it comes in. I, for the longest time, thought I was a #2 until Alison Raffaele herself came to do an event at BeautyMark and I learned to go a little darker of a shade then you would normally in her line. I am now a #3 and love it! Going just a little bit darker in her concealer provided a much more natural coverage. The common mistake of going too light with your concealer can create a grey chalky look on your skin.

I also find that ARC True Concealer lasts longer than most concealers I've tried. And, for those of us with oily skin it is a godsend to not have your concealer crease or be half-way down your face by noon!

Here are some additional application tips:

• Choose the shade of True Concealer closest to your natural skintone by matching it to the middle of your cheek.
• To cover blemishes, use one shade deeper that your natural skintone.
• If using a liquid foundation, apply liquid foundation first, and then layer concealer on top for added coverage where needed. Finish with a loose setting powder.
• If using a powder foundation, apply concealer first and then set it in place with a loose setting powder. Finish by applying powder foundation to entire face, blending well.
• Concealer may be applied with a brush, sponge, or fingers.
• Concealer is best applied in several thin layers, building coverage by gradually adding more.
• Setting concealer with a loose setting powder will greatly extend its wear time.

If you like this item you might also like to try: Alison Raffaele Transparent Finish, Alison Raffaele Primer, Alison Raffaele Reality Base Foundation

Review: Philosophy Shear Splendor Shampoo

Philosophy Shear Splendor Shampoo

What they say:
Philosophy's Shear Splendor collection of restorative hair care products are formulated for the oldest thing about you - your hair. What peptides have done for your skin, they can now do for your hair. Unique peptide combination helps improve the overall health of the hair follicle, ultimately repairing and restoring hair from deep within the hair shaft. Philosophy brings to market a cutting-edge, bio-peptide and soy-based shampoo formula for people who crave added sheen, body and hydration for their hair chronically dry or aging hair.

What Cosmetic Genius says:
Ok, aside from the question of what peptides can do or their efficacy for your skin or your hair, this is truly a dependable shampoo. It is one of those products that I always come back to after experimenting with another brand (hey, it's all in the name of research!). From what fans of the shampoo tell me, this is their experience as well. It smells great, like lemon custard but not in an overly foodie way. It lathers well, and is safe to use daily. I have never felt a build up or a change in performance with repeated use. I don't have chronically dry or processed hair myself, but fans tell me that it works especially well on "challenged" hair. The super-sensitive among you can take note: some shampoos make my scalp incredibly itchy and that is not the case here. It is impressive that a company that doesn't specialize in haircare has created such a fantastic range, but then again fans of the philosophy brand shouldn't be that surprised!

If you like this you might also like to try: Shear Splendor Conditioner, Terax Miele, Bumble and bumble Creme de Coco

Review: Philosophy Carrot Cake Ultra Rich 3 in 1 Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath

Philosophy Carrot Cake Ultra Rich 3 in 1 Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath

What they say:
rev up your shower or bath routine with philosophy's carrot cake scented shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath. the ultra-rich formula is packed with cleansing and moisturizing properties to effectively remove impurities while conditioning the skin and hair. this shower gel is so true to the smell of a freshly baked carrot cake, you can actually smell the creamy frosting.

Cosmetic Genius says:
I can't say enough goods things about philosophy's multi-tasking, head-to-toe shower gels. They are fun, fragrant & luxurious. They make a great conditioning shampoo & produce a wonderfully frothy shower experience. As for the bubble bath claim...yes, it makes a satisfying frothy bath, however, when it comes to bubble baths, I am a total snob! I like my shower gels to be shower gels, & my bubble baths to be bubble baths. I have trouble with the hybrids! As far as the scents go, it's sometimes hard to pick just one. Philosophy tends to change the scents out seasonally too, so best not to be monogamous where scent is concerned. (So go ahead and dabble!) They produce a realistic, warm, fragrant experience, having said that, once you leave the shower the scent is no longer with you! A great multi-tasker for the gym or travel, as one bottle on-the-go can do it all. In fact, when I travel, I use this to shave my face! Carrot Cake has a warm spicy scent.

If you like this you might also like to try: Philosophy Cinnamon Buns, Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake, Jaqua Buttercream Frosting Shower Creme

Review: Philosophy Purity Face Wash

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Face Wash

What they say:

purity made simple is a liquid crystal cleansing emulsion that removes makeup, dirt, oil and debris in one step. purity made simple was created because it was our feeling that most cleansers were not getting the skin clean enough. furthermore, we do not believe you need a makeup remover and a toner to complete the cleansing process. purity made simple was formulated to emulsify and dissolve dirt, imbedded debris, and makeup rather than creating a lot of foam without a lot of clean.

Cosmetic Genius says:

This product by philosophy, like most of their products, does what the label suggests. It's a great one step cleanser (no toner required!) that does a great job of removing dirt, oil & debris, and, as I've been told by my friend T. is a great makeup remover too, able to remove even studio makeup! If you like the feeling of foam, you won't be disappointed either. It really does give you a satisfying lather-like feel, but upon inspection, you will notice that the foam is actually pretty mild to look at. That's because the formulation includes only a mild foaming agent, and the balance are oils like meadowfoam seed oil, rosewood, geranium, carrot seed...which smells naturally fragrant & fresh! Despite the oils in the formulation, this is definitely a cleanser for all skin types, from dry to oily & even sensitive! I myself am oily and this works just as well for me as the formula is decongesting too. What more can you ask for in a face wash?

If you like this you might also like to try: Blisslabs Fabulous Foaming Face Wash, Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel

My Personal Stash

"What do you use?" Like death, taxes & change, I can be certain of hearing this question daily. So, where better to begin than here. A long time ago, my partner J. & I decided the only way for two beauty junkies to survive in a bathroom without a walk in closet, was to edit, edit, edit. So here is my personal stash of tried, true and stocked essentials:

• Aquolina Blue Sugar Body Gel


• Bliss Clog Dissolving Cleansing Milk


• Fresh Umbrian Clay Toothpaste


• SkinCeuticals Physical Defense Sun Block SPF 30


• Bkamins Matte Moisturizer SPF 15


• Juara Candlenut Candle


• Philosophy Pure Grace Body Spritz


• Fresh Cannabis Santal EDP


• DDF 10% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Gel with 2% Salicylic Acid


• Bumble and bumble Sumo Tech


• Bliss The Youth As We Know It Moisturizer


• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic


• Linacare Light Moisturizer


• WoWee Hydrating Balm


• Bumble and bumble Brilliantine


• Diamancel Nail & Foot File

In the shower, I love philosophy's inspirational sayings as much as their products!

• Philosophy Carrot Cake Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath
• Philosophy Shear Splendor Shampoo
• Philosophy Purity Made Simple Face Wash