Kevin Murphy Angel is a line of hair products that claims to strengthen fine, dry, broken or coloured hair. Initially I was drawn to the beautiful packaging and I love how the opening is on the side of a square container. Tres chic.

What I love… 1. Makes my hair look thicker and it has way more volume. 2. Cleanses without making the hair feel stripped. 3. It’s got a lot of natural ingredients and is sulphate and paraben free.

What I don’t like… 1. I’m not crazy about the smell. I don’t know what to say except it’s a unique smell. 2. I feel like you need to use a lot of conditioner for the product to really work.

So basically, I’d say smell it first and if you like it you’ll probably like the results.

Love these splash fragrances by Marc Jacobs. The clean minimal design of the bottle and the simple scent is very Marc Jacobs. They are the perfect light fragrance for the Spring season. The latest editions are inspired by the patisserie-Apple, Pomegranate, and Biscotti, all smell really fresh and slightly sweet. The supersize bottle (10 oz) lasts for ages. A couple of years ago I bought the Pear Splash, which I think is unavailable now, and I still have half a bottle left. They do come with an atomizer for easy spray application, but I keep a travel size perfume bottle in my make up bag, which I pour my fragrance into for a quick spritz throughout the day.

Available at Sephora.

I’ve been wearing the Becca Lip and Cheek Creme for the last month and I really love how light weight, smooth and blendable this product is. It is much more richly pigmented than a lot of the creme blushes out there so a little goes a long way. I’ve been wearing the Tuberose colour which is a salmon pink colour and I think it’s the best colour out of all this range. Personally, I don’t love using this for my lips because the texture is a bit matte for the lips, but I think it would work well under a gloss. If you are into creme blushes this one is definitely worth checking out.

To be completely honest I’ve never looked twice at the Clarins counter. I’ve always associated the brand with skin care and wouldn’t think to browse at their make up. On Friday Lisa and I were searching for the perfect orange/coral lip colour, that is one of the most important lip trends of the season. I’d checked out most of my go to brands and came up short. Then I came across this Clarins Colour Quench Lip Balm in orange slice. It  has treatment ingredients: Shea Butter, Wild Mango and Olive to moisturize the lips, and Vitamins A and E to protect. The texture is non sticky like a lip balm, but super shiny like a gloss. The colour is perfect for achieving that juicy tangerine  colour that was seen all over the runways for Spring. For a sheer application of colour just wear it alone. For full on colour it’s so good on top of an orange based lipstick and liner.

Look out for our next Smudge video on how to achieve this season’s coral lip trend.

Over the weekend I’ve been wearing the Kat Von D Motorhead (black colour) eyeshadow. What I liked about the shadow initially was the two textures in one. Half is matte the other half has small silver glitter particles infused into it. Inside the lid is a small mirror which is quite convenient. I found that the shadow adheres to the skin quite easily when applied with a brush. The pay off is good especially the matte texture. As with most eyeshadow, when applied on top of a cream base you get maximum pay off. As I blended the shadow, I did notice the colour started to lose intensity going from dark black to more of a grey colour. The glitter particles fall onto your cheeks which can be annoying if you’ve already done your foundation. On myself, I found the shadow wore for at least 5 hours without fading.

Currently these shadows are half price at Sephora-only $10. For that price they are worth trying.

MAC Studio Fix Lash mascara is the first of it’s kind at MAC to have the moulded wand. The silicone applicator has short spiky bristles, really good for grabbing the lashes and thoroughly coating them with product. I also find that the spikes on the wand are very effective at separating the lashes. A couple of coats gives descent length but more work is required to build volume. This is where the trouble begins, as you build it can become too clumpy especially on the lower lashes. I have the black and the colour is very rich and dark so lashes stand out. Overall I like this mascara but I’m not in love with it. Will it be as iconic as it’s name’s sake product Studio Fix? I’m not convinced.

Anyone else tried Studio Fix Lash?

American Apparel has ventured into the beauty industry, the newly launched nail polish collection features 18 colors and is DBP, toluene and formaldehyde-free. According to the PR Newswire, each of the 18 colors in the primary offering evokes an important part of American Apparel. One is the color of raw cotton, while another — a minty green color called Office — was matched to the color of an accounting notepad found on the seventh floor of American Apparel’s headquarters. Factory Grey is the actual shade used to paint all floors of the company’s manufacturing operations, while Hassid – dark black – is a nod to American Apparel’s Jewish roots. Even the collection’s custom shade of red, “Downtown LA”, took the area where the factory is located as its inspiration.

“We think this nail polish captures what American Apparel is all about — a Made in the USA, high-quality product in a beautiful range of colors. It’s a venture of families in manufacturing, from the factory in which the polish is made to the Nail Lacquer logo created by Dov’s uncle, the noted graphic designer Israel Charney,” said Marsha Brady, a creative director for American Apparel.

American Apparel Nail Lacquer is priced at $6 per bottle and is available in a 3-pack for $15. It will be sold at American Apparel stores worldwide as well as online. I’ve tried and tested the jade colour and I’m a fan, are you?

I’ve been using  MAC Mineralized All-Over Lotion on myself and others and I only wish it came in a larger size! It contains key ingredients like muru muru butter, aloe and charged water infused with diamond powder. It feels very lightweight and gives tons of moisture and hydration to the skin. What I like the best about this product though, is the gorgeous sheen it leaves behind. It’s not shimmery in anyway, but instead leaves dewy glow. Amazing on the face as it’s fragrance free. Love it on the body for moisture and a beautiful glow.

The Beaute Weightless Lip Creme is exactly that, weightless. This liquid lipstick feels like nothing on your lips. It goes on really smooth and even, and delivers an opaque semi matte  finish. I don’t find it extremely long wearing, but touching up is easy as it comes with a doe foot applicator. Mango Butter and Vitamin E mean that your lips feel moisturized. There’s also an ingredient that stimulates collagen for plumper looking lips. I wear the colour Severine which is the perfect yellow based beige brown. Another fabulous addition to my nude lip collection!

Ever since I picked up this product I have been mixing it every day with my foundation. I am a huge fan. And my dry skin loves it! Care Blends has a base of four richly conditioning botanical oils like avocado and soybean oils that conditions and moisturizes the skin. It comes in two scents: grapefruit and chamomile to soothe and calm, and sweet orange and lavender to energize the skin.

What I love is the versatility of this product. Apply it to those really dry, rough areas like the elbows and knees. Use it as a serum after cleansing and before your regular moisturizer. It’s great as a cuticle oil too. But what I like best is adding it to my foundation. Just add a drop and blend it with a brush before you apply it to your face for instant glowy skin.

Affectionately known as CCB, Cream Colour Base is a multi purpose product that should be in every girls make up bag, and every make up artists kit. This product comes in lots of colours from light to dark, but Pearl is definitely one of my favourites. It’s my go to product for fashion shows, photo shoots, brides, and for the everyday person who just wants to look perfectly highlighted, and dewy. The lightweight cream texture makes it really easy to use with a brush or fingers. It’s the best highlight colour on almost every skin tone. Apply on tops of cheek bones, under the brow, cupids bow, and collar bone. Use it underneath frost eyeshadows to intensify the shine and depth of colour. It is whatever you want it to be: lipstick, blush, or eyeshadow.

We’re about to say goodbye to AW 09 and hello to SS 10. The end of season sales are in full swing and for those of us in Canada, Boxing Day is on Saturday! This marks the last chance to pick up this seasons trend items before it’s too late. Here’s what we’re planning on picking up:

Leah’s picks: The new Michael Kors collection with Estee Lauder launched recently. As it always goes with these limited edition things, they sell out fast. As an avid peach lip gloss wearer I can’t wait to get my hands on the starlet peach gloss. This gloss will work with pretty much any make up I wear, it’s also going to look quite nice on top of my beige/nude lipsticks, and take me right through to Spring. MAC’s Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Sense of Style is a dark navy infused with black. These eye  kohls have intense colour,and  a pearlized creamy texture. The pay off is richer and more opaque than regular MAC kohls. Kohl Power is  also limited edition so I have to get this quick too. Then there are the Ferragamo pumps. I’ve been obsessing over these since I first saw them at the beginning of the season in Selfridges London. The covered platform and 5″metal heel make these the ultimate versatile shoe for me. I’m really hoping for a half price ticket!

Lisa’s picks: In the past I’ve been a bit of a sceptic when it comes to glitter. I always thought it looked so juvenile, so Lip Smackers if you know what I mean. But after seeing glitter used in a much more sophisticated way (Prada, LV) I’ve decided that I need a little sparkle to glam up my party makeup. So I’m planning to pick up Mac’s 5 Sexpot Smoky Mini Pigment/Glitter from their holiday collection. I think it has the perfect colours of glitter and pigment to wear in a much more grown up way. Wear the Dark Soul with a smoky eye or add Naked to clear lip gloss for sparkly lips.

I’m also planning to order some Zoya matte nailpolish in Dovima. It’s a matte black nailpolish with a bit of sparkle. Seems like an oxymoron but somehow it works. And for my third item I’m planning to get the CC Skye Benatar clutch. At a reasonable $150 it’s a real steal.

What are your AW 09 last chance must haves?

As far as false lashes go these are the best for a natural look. What makes them so wearable, is that the longest length is in the middle rather than on the outer corners. This gives the effect of bigger, rounder eyes, rather than exaggerated length on the corners. #33 lashes are dark brown and not black which also gives a more subtle look. These lashes are made from natural hair, and can be used multiple times.

As the weather gets colder and harsher I’ve noticed that my skin is getting rougher and even at times flaky due to extreme dryness. To battle the dry winter skin I’ve found the perfect product: Philosophy’s the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash. It’s a mild exfoliating cleanser – gentle enough to use daily but strong and effective enough to slough off all the dead skin while conditioning and retaining moisture levels. At first I was a bit of a skeptic but after reading all the rave reviews online and trying it myself I can see why this is such a popular product. What I love best is that it’s a cleanser and exfoliator all in one. I don’t have to add any additional steps to my daily routine.

Currently I am loving DiorSkin Nude foundation. I’m all about skin that looks flawless but not made up. Skin that glows without looking oily. This foundation does exactly that. The key ingredients are 100% natural mineral pigments, and mineralized water, which leave your skin looking hydrated and glowing. I use a duo fibre round foundation brush for a quick and even application.

byI just started using this cuticle oil a week ago, and it’s working wonders. It contains jojoba oil and vitamin E which condition and soften the cuticles, skin and nails, leaving smooth attractive looking hands. Plus it smells like marzipan-very delicious! It comes in a few different sizes but I bought the really tiny 3.7ml mostly because it’s cute and because it’s the perfect travel size.

This is by far the best time of year to buy cosmetics. All the brands put out special edition sets, and palettes for a fraction of the price that they are usually available for. Above are some of this seasons best.

From left to right:

1. MAC Naughty Noir Eye Bag-Mascara, Fluidline Eyeliner, Eyeliner brush, Pigment, & small bag.

2. NARS Lipgloss Collection-5 shades of Lipgloss

3. Bobbi Brown Chrome Beauty Kit

4. Sephora Mascara Deluxe Samples- 10 popular Mascaras

5. Armani Mini Brush Set-5 brushes & case

6. Dior Holiday Eye Palette

Jo Malone has been one of my long time favorites. If you’ve always wanted to try Jo Malone but weren’t sure of the price, here’s your chance. This gift set features 6 of the best selling scents in little 90 ml spray bottles that can be worn alone or combined to create your own signature scent (for men or women). The collection includes Sweet Lime & Cedar, Grapefruit, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Nectarine Blossom & Honey — my personal fave, Pomegranate Noir and White Jasmine & Mint. Just make sure you grab a set before the stores run out.

Before there were such sophisticated hair products, women with oily hair often used baby powder as a quick fix. My stylist tipped me off to a less messy and more effective way to be rid of oil-Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo Spray. This spray will soak up the excess oil without completely stripping the hair, boosts volume, and smells of fresh lemon and verbena. A must have for grease free hair.

Autumn is in full swing, the weather is cooler and the clocks went back. As if these weren’t big enough indicators, I need only look down at my hands to notice that to my dismay, my dry skin has returned. The good news is dry hands are easily rectified with Aveda’s Hand Relief. This is one of my “must have” products of the season. The emollient rich formula penetrates dry skin leaving your hands feeling extremely smooth and soft. For anyone who has allergies or a sensitivity to smell you’ll find the scent is very subtle. For extra dry hands apply liberally before going to bed and cover hands with cotton gloves. You will wake up with softest hands ever!