First, it comes in a really cute bottle.  It looks kind of like a gemstone, so I felt pretty glam putting it on.  Also, Kate Moss is in the ad, and I love me some Kate Moss.
 

While the packaging was definitely up my alley…the scent was not.  This is definitely not a perfume for someone in their 20s.  It’s got a fairly mature appeal to it, and I personally would rather not smell like my mom.  It’s also not really an everyday scent.  It’s much too overpowering to wear to work, and if I were to wear it, it would be out at night.
 

Now again this is just me, I’m more of a fruity/flowery perfume kind of girl.  If you like sandalwood, this one is worth a try, but otherwise I would avoid the people trying to spray you with this the department store.

1. Get some cute rainboots
Now I don’t know about where you are, but here in Montreal rainboots are back big time.  Everybody is rockin’ out a rainboot with your skinny jeans tucked in, and you know, with the right boot, it doesn’t look too bad!
In my opinion there are really 2 brands to go with here: Hunter or Tretorn.  

Hunter boots are really well made, and can look a little more sophisticated.  They’re also higher, and give more rain protection.  Tretorn boots are shorter, come in bright colors, and tend to look a bit more hipster.  The big difference here though is the price.  Hunter rain boots retail for about $150, while Tretorns go for $70-$80.
I personally own olive green Tretorns, and I love them.  They keep my feet and the bottoms of my pants perfectly dry, and allow me to walk in the rain with confidence, not jumping over puddles looking like an idiot.
If you are going to buy rainboots, avoid cheap ones.  I’ve owned a few pairs of like $30 boots that split at the seams right after you buy them. Once the water starts seeping in the holes, it kind of defeats the purpose of a rainboot.
 

2. Invest in a decent umbrella
There’s nothing more embarrassing than walking down the street and your umbrella flips inside out, soaking you and others in the process.  Now you could invest in something like this:
 

(Which is a real thing called the Nubrella) But, I’m assuming you don’t want to look like a crazy person.
 

I’ve found through my years in Vancouver that while you can never guarantee your umbrella won’t flip, a slightly more expensive one (I’m talking like $20 here, not $100) and one that is NOT pocket sized, flips less.
I think the $20 is worth not making a fool of yourself.
 

3. A great trench is worth the price
Nothing looks better than a fitted trench coat, cinched at the waist, with big sunglasses and a nice updo.  You’ll look like Audrey Hepburn no matter what. 

                                                                        
Trench coats are obviously not restricted to rain wear, but it is a timeless look that will take attention away from your dishevelled hair.  It’s a piece you’ll have in your wardrobe forever, and is definitely an investment piece.  Michael Kors, Miss Sixty, London Fog and Calvin Klein have some really nice ones this season that are worth a look.  Expect to drop a solid $100-$200 for something like this, but let’s face it, you’re going to look damn good.

~Roni

So I thought that since I just had my wedding, I will share some of the beauty tips I learned along the way.

The Dress

So I know we’re all addicted to “Say Yes to the Dress”, and obsessed with $15,000 Pnina Tornai gowns, BUT you don’t have to go crazy to get a great dress.

I definitely took my time, went to 4 different stores, and probably tried on about 30 gowns.  For a lot of people, that’s small potatoes, but I found that if you overdose on gowns, it becomes more difficult to make a decision.  To help with your choice, I suggest bringing a couple of friends with you who have a good eye for what makes your body look good.  Try not to bring people who are overly critical, but try to avoid people who will just cry with happiness in every dress you come out in.

In the end, I bought a beautiful Demitrios gown for $1000 flat.  You can generally get the managers to lower the price a little bit if you ask, and sometimes they will wave the tax.  It’s also important to try and get the alterations cost included or a guarantee of the maximum cost.  For me, I was guaranteed to not pay more than $350 for alterations, no matter how much they had to change.

You should also get on this early!  Not only is it a nice way to get into the wedding mood, but the dresses must be ordered months in advance.  It took 5 months for my dress to arrive, which is fairly standard, so start your dress hunting about 8 months before your wedding to give yourself ample time.

The Shoes

I don’t have a lot to say about my shoes, because I wore $5 white flats that my bridesmaid bought for me at Target.

What I will say is this: no one really sees them.  You can definitely get away with shoes from Target or Payless, and no one will know the difference if your gown is long.It’s important to be comfortable as well.  Not just for dancing during the reception (though I suggest changing into flip-flops), but for the hours of photos before hand.Make sure you break your shoes in before the big day though, because wedding blisters are a big bummer.

The Hair

There are two ways to go here: up or down.

If you are going to wear your hair down this is what I suggest: do it yourself.  Get your hair trimmed a few days before to have a nice clean cut.  Then have one of your bridesmaids blow it out for you in the morning.  It will save you some money in the end, and will look just as good as if a hairstylist did it. 

If you are wearing your hair up: get it done professionally.  Your hair needs to stay in place for hours on end and this can really only be achieved by someone who knows what they’re doing.  If you are going with a professional, make sure you have a trial run first.  You don’t want to end up with crazy hair that you don’t have time to change and you end up hating.  Bring in some photos for your trial, and don’t be shy to tell they stylist if you don’t like something.  It’s your day, they’ll understand.

The Makeup

Now, I realize a lot of us are pretty good with makeup, but I did choose to have my makeup done.  Most makeup counters in department stores will do your makeup for free if you buy a certain amount worth of products.  My bridesmaids and I all went the Make-up Forever Counter at The Bay, and they did an amazing job.

I know most brides want to look natural, as did I, but I think it’s important to look different on your wedding day than you do every other day.  So, don’t ask them to do your makeup like you would normally do it.  Have them do an intense eye, or a bright lip color.  And don’t forget the waterproof mascara!

Since for most of these places, you do have to buy products to get your makeup done, I suggest buying things you’ll use for your wedding.  So get the lipstick/lipgloss they used and maybe the blush.

One of the most important things I bought, that the make-up artist recommended, was translucent powder.  After photos in the sun, dancing like crazy, and generally greasiness, having a good translucent powder really kept my shine down the whole night.  I bought the Makeup Forever Multi Use Powder, which retails for about $25, and it was amazing!  It helped keep my makeup in place all day, and was sheer enough it didn’t cover up my makeup, just controlled it.  I use it all the time now, and it is by far the best loose powder I’ve ever owned.

Your wedding will be amazing no matter what happens, but having a dress you love, great hair and the perfect make-up can’t hurt!

~ Roni

For a retro vibe: Matte, old-school red
Mad Men is my favourite show on the air. As a fan of anything 1960s, I love everything about it: men in suits, gratuitous drinking and smoking at work, un-PC behaviour. But mostly I enjoy the fashion and makeup. Clean skin + liquid liner + bright red lips = simple elegance. NARS lipstick in Heatwave ($30) is a beautiful matte orange-red that Joan Holloway would approve of. For you recessionistas, Joe Fresh Beauty’s Matte Lipstick in Poppy ($6) is a great dupe for Heatwave. It’s cheap, wonderfully moisturizing and long-lasting!

For turning heads: Fuchsia
Yeah yeah we know, the ’80s are back in full force. If done right, fuchsia lips look modern and fresh. Just avoid the heavy blush and contouring. Pair it with black liner rimmed on top and bottom lashlines (smudge if you like), defined lashes, and a soft pink or plum cheek. MAC makes some excellent hot pinks, like my personal favourite, Show Orchid ($16.50). Peeps, this is m-f-ing PINK!

For going all-out: Vampy is in!
Super dark lipstick takes guts to pull off, no doubt! A clean, precise lip shape is key to making it look fashionable, so you’re definitely going to want to line your lips. NYX’s lip liner pencils ($4) are great for the price, or you could even use a waterproof eyeliner like Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Eyes ($17) in a pinch. Once you’ve lined and filled in your lips with the pencil, go ahead and carefully apply your lipstick. MAC will be releasing their Style Black collection on September 24, which includes several dark lipsticks and glosses, some spiked with shimmer. Chanel is also coming out with three vampy shades in their Noirs Obscurs collection.

What are your favourite bold lippies? Tell us in the comments!

– Jacks

Included was:

• Q-tips
• eye makeup remover pads
• aloe vera wetnaps
• body lotion
• mini deodorant - make sure it’s clear!
• bobby pins

• moleskin - very important.  we all put this on our feet before the ceremony.
• clear nail polish - to repair cracks and hang nails
• hair spray

• Pepto Bismol
• Gravol
• Advil

• Lint roller with pet hair protector
• Tide to go - very useful, especially after the bride fell down during her “running” photos
• compact mirror
• scissors

If you’re going to make a Just in Case Case for your bride, brainstorm with your bridesmaids and make a list, then figure out who’s going to get what.  Don’t forget a cute basket or tote.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

This particular primer seems to be the most popular choice.  Personally, I don’t care for it.  It’s greasy and if you’re prone to dry skin, especially in the winter season, you might find that this primer dries out your skin.  It does smell pretty good though.  $40 CAD at Sephora.

Fresh Twilight Freshface Glow

I bought this 45 dollar bottle of face cream in the frenzy of the downtown Sephora opening.  I was briefly convinced that I needed to have this supposed wonder cream.  I read reviews, all of them along the lines of “this changed my life forever” and “my skin will never be the same.”

Sephora.com claims that it instantly smoothes skin, minimizes the and makes your complexion appear absolutely flawless.

I’m always on the hunt for the right product to give me the perfect “dewy glow” and I didn’t find it in Freshface Glow.  It gave my face more of crap it’s hot and now I’m all sweaty and redfaced kind of look.  I was disappointed, especially after dropping a hefty sum of money.  On the plus side though, it smells great.  $45 at Sephora.

MAKE UP FOREVER HD Microperfecting Primer

Meet the Cadillac of foundation primers.  I picked it up in a sample size the last time I raided Sephora and I’m obsessed with it.  The first time I wore it to work two co-workers commented on how clear and fresh my skin looked.  Since then I’ve saved the tiny remnants of my sample to wear on vacation and at my cousin’s wedding. $37 CAD at Sephora.

Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($22 CAD)
What else is there to say that hasn’t already been said? It’s LIFE-CHANGING.

Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner ($23 CAD)
This stuff definitely rocks! It’s densely packed with glitter so you’ll be blingin’ in just a few strokes. For daytime try brushing a bit on top of some black liner for a hint of sparkle, or go crazy and paint it over your entire eyelid. Besides the normal gold/silver/bronze glitters they’ve got ridiculously bright ones like fuschia and green. Its staying power is excellent! I wore this out clubbing and I still had purple glitter cat eyes when I woke up hungover the next day.

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($21 CAD)
As a devout gel/liquid liner convert I was a little skeptical. I picked up Zero, a matte black. It’s super smooth, but not so creamy that the tip breaks and gunks up your lashline. And I liked that it is black, none of that silly blue-black nonsense. Even with my oily skin and the hot weather it didn’t give me mega raccoon eyes, though I find that it smears after a few hours if I don’t use Primer Potion. Can easily be smudged right after applying for quick smoky eyes that last!

I plan on making many more visits to their display at Sephora! I’d like to try their eyeshadows next. Have you tried any Urban Decay products? Share in the comments!

– Jacks

MAC Lipglass in Nymphette
Supposedly this is one of MAC’s best sellers. I’ve gone through tubes of this stuff since high school! Pinky-gold and slightly frosty, but not over the top. It really brightens up my face, adds a nice sheen to my lips, and isn’t too cool for my skintone (medium yellow-based tan). It’s sheer enough to apply without a mirror. Nymphette works on a variety of skintones too! I gifted this to my friend who has a peaches and cream complexion, and it looked great on her.
$16.50 CAD at MAC Cosmetics

NARS Lip Gloss in Sweet Dreams
Ah, Grade 9. Besides the catfights, boys attempting to grow facial hair and general awkwardness, I’ll never forget my first NARS purchase. It was my 15th birthday and I went to Holt Renfrew for the first time. I instantly fell in love with this gloss, a midtone pink with gold shimmer. The shimmer really takes it up a notch yet it’s very wearable. I kept “nonchalantly” pulling this out of my makeup bag and showing it off to the uneducated masses. Then I realized most of the girls in class didn’t really care…anyways…
$28.00 CAD at Sephora

Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Gloss in Passionfruit Pop
I gotta say, the Beauty Rush glosses are my FAVOURITE “budget” glosses. I have a couple of these but Passionfruit is the one I reach for often. It’s a medium blue-pink with silver shimmer in the tube but is very sheer on the lips, giving a nice pink tint. I love the consistency of these glosses; they’re thick and moisturizing but not ridiculously sticky (Juicy Tubes I’m looking at you). And OMG the smell! They smell so yummy.
2 for $10.00 CAD (or $7.50 each) at La Senza

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss in Snog
Woo, finally a drugstore brand. I bought this one just for the name because I love British-themed things. It’s another muted medium pink creme with a plum undertone that’s great for everyday neutral looks. A sort of “my lips but better” colour. Personally I like the orange cremesicle flavour but I know a lot of people are put off by it. I’m not keen on the thin texture but regardless it’s a nice one to have.
$8.99 CAD at Shoppers Drug Mart

What are your favourite everyday lip glosses/products?

– Jacks

Now if ya didn’t already know, Sephora teamed up with celebrity tattoo artist Kat von D and released a line of cosmetics. She’s pretty much the only reason I watched Miami/LA Ink (do people really think Ami James is hot…seriously?), and I love her heavy metal persona and style. Okay, so I’m not gonna walk around in a ripped t-shirt and gold lamé bra but I can at least take a cue from her signature makeup look: sexy, smoky eyes and red lips.

I snagged the True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Beethoven. It comes with 8 shadows, housed in a slim black case adorned with silver roses. Cute! You also get 2 double-ended brushes but they’re useless for eyeshadow application. They’re stiff and flat…hell, I’d use ‘em for gel eyeliner, lipstick or concealer.

The shade descriptions on the website are bang-on: there’s Lucifer (matte charcoal black), Speed Blue (dark metalic blue), Razor Gray (warm gun steel shimmer), Tequila (metallic cornsilk shimmer), Sinner (metallic purple black shimmer), Rad Purple (matte purple black with purple glitter), Leather (matte dark brown), and Galeano (metallic medium plum shimmer). Everything you need for glam, smoldering eyes like Kat’s is in here. Or try pairing the cream or silver with the lighter purples if you’re not in the mood for full-on smoke. The shades don’t run too cool so warm-toned ladies like me can rock this palette. I gotta say, the quality of these eyeshadows is excellent! Pigmented, creamy, and easy to blend.  Colour me impressed.

Currently there are 3 palettes available: Beethoven, Ludwig (muted greens and browns), and Gypsy (bright green and yellow). They retail for $44 CAD at Sephora, which is about $5.50 per shadow. Not bad. I will definitely come back and explore more Kat von D products.

Have you tried this palette or anything else from the Kat von D line? Share in the comments!

– Jacks

I’m going to let the pictures speak for themselves.