Sometimes life is a real nail biter.

Save your cuticles with Lovin’ that Lanolin Cuticle Gel by All Things Jill ($6). A mix of lanolin (known for its antiseptic and healing qualities), apricot, beeswax, Vitamin E, lavender and eucalyptus softens and hydrates nails and cuticles.

How handy.

At the Green Calgary Ecostore, 809 Fourth Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-230-1443, www.greencalgary.org/ecostore/

A cup of tea has undisputed powers; it can soothe the body and the soul and somehow, make everything better.

Bija’s Deep Cleanse Tea also works from the inside out, slowly drawing out unwanted toxins. Natural ingredients such as licorice root, cinnamon bark and fennel seed make up this daily detox with a somewhat acquired sweet/bitter taste.

Now if only tea biscuits had detox powers.

At Community Natural Foods, 1304 10th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-229-2383, www.communitynaturalfoods.com

You retired the green Dr. Martens around the same time Hole put out their last album (pre-reunion disc, that is), so it’s debatable whether you should resurrect the trend for a second go.

But since it’s the iconic brand’s 50th anniversary this year, a little celebration is in order. The Diva Darcie boot ($175) has all the nostalgic charms of the classic but with a wooden heel for a more feminine, grown-up take and less “I’m with the band” feel.

And if you feel like downloading a little Hole, we won’t tell.

At Gravity Pope, 524 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-209-0961, www.gravitypope.com

Inspired by chic hotels around the world, the new SFM Salon Spa is all about creating an urban traveler lifestyle.

In the hair lounge (pictured), try a Seah hair spa treatment (from $25) like the moisturizing lotus masque, perfect for dry hair that’s been exposed to Alberta air for much too long. Pedicures and manicures (from $25) take place in the nail lounge while waxing services, hair removal and body treatments happen in private rooms off the sanctuary lounge. Expect to rub elbows with the Canadian Olympic athletes—the salon and spa has already hosted a number of athletes from the women’s hockey and speed skating teams.

Strictly for men and with its own private entrance, M Cuts, Shaves and Shines is an ode to the Rat Pack days where gentlemen lounged in classic barber chairs while indulging in hot towel shaves, beard trims and shoe shines.

SFM Salon Spa, Suite 100, 1333 Eighth St. SW, Calgary, 403-228-1600, www.sfmsalonspa.com

We took a scent census around the office and came up with six lovely pairs of perfumes for him and her. Herewith, our staff picks.

Marianne Wisenthal, Montreal editor, English edition
Couples who spray together, stay together. When we’re not stealing spritzs of our man’s woody Grey Vetivert by Tom Ford ($100), he’s dipping into our bottle of Private Blend Italian Cypress (from $210). Both at Holt Renfrew.

Tara Parker Tait, Publisher
Opposites attract with Parisian cult favourite Annick Goutal's Petite  Chérie (finally, she divulges her secret scent!) for her ($110 at the Bay) and the luxe Hermès Poivre Samarcande ($250 at Hermès) for him.

Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor
For a date night, spritz  Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb ($120 at Holt Renfrew), a bouquet of sweet, fruity florals. If the boy shows up smelling of John Varvatos’ Artisan ($70 at Sephora), this relationship may have serious potentional.

Malwina Gudowska, Calgary editor
French girl meets American boy: YSL’s Parisienne ($65) is a match with the masculine John Varvatos Classic ($78). Both at Sephora.

Tonya Albulet, Western Sales Manager
Lalique's Amethyst ($110), with top notes of blackcurrant and blackberry, comes in a bold purple bottle worthy of your nightstand. If your BF wears Lacoste Pour Homme Grey ($75), it's meant to be. Both at Holt Renfrew.

Elsa Vecchi, Montreal editor, French edition
A spritz for you, a dab for him. A summery scent that is fresh and classic, Vétiver by Guerlain is made for a man, but also smells lovely on a lady. $95 at Holt Renfrew.

Ever since we saw Mélanie Laurent’s character in one of the final scenes of Inglourious Basterds apply her brow pencil with passionate vigour, we’ve been obsessed with filling in our brows with such enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, every day is not a Tarantino flick so we’ve turned to Benefit’s Instant Brow Pencil ($25). Available in a light to medium or medium to dark shade, it glides on easily and leaves a powder-like finish. Blend the colour and groom the brows with the “spoolie” and voila, you’re a brow star.

At Murale, 205 Eighth Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-261-3703, www.murale.ca

Still holding out for a gig as the next Bond girl?

The Rouge G de Guerlain ($50) lipstick compact will make you feel more like 007’s nemesis than his play thing. The heavy-duty metal case, reminiscent of a spy’s secret weapon, houses the lip colour (10 new shades are out this month). When you’re ready to apply, with a click, the lipstick comes out one end while the other side flips up, revealing not one, but two mirrors. Use them both for the perfect application or, to subtly check out who’s behind you.

After all, a spy can never be too careful.

At Holt Renfrew, 510 Eighth Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-269-7341, www.holtrenfrew.com

The newest Tim Burton spectacle is just weeks away and in conjunction with the highly anticipated Lewis Carroll classic starring Mr. Depp, OPI has released an Alice in Wonderland collection.


The four nail polish hues include a royal blue glitter called Absolutely Alice, an opaque cream red appropriately titled Off with Her Red, a berry metallic shimmer named Thanks so Muchness, and our favourite, the colourful confetti-like sparkly Mad as a Hatter.


Dabble in all four with the mini bottle set ($18.95) but we suggest staying clear of attempting the Red Queen’s makeup at home.


At Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa, 880 16th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-216-2747, www.experienceoasis.ca

It’s that time of year again. New year’s resolutions have piled up and getting fit is on the top of most lists.

This year, skip the ordinary boot camp and make your workout a little more fun, not to mention saucy, at a Puss ’n’ Booty Camp (from $80 for five weeks).

Choose from two different sessions, 45 minutes of yoga and core followed by 45 minutes of sensual dance or, a 45-minute cardio and strength class, followed by the same dance class. In five weeks, you’ll learn a short and sassy routine that will have you giggling while you’re strutting your stuff and working out at the same time.

And at the end, you can perform for your own Johnny at home.

Next session begins today, register here.

This night before Christmas, have a little fun with the naughty one in your life by slipping him or her a lump of coal in their stocking.

Made with powdered charcoal, fennel and starflower oil, soya milk and cocoa butter, Lush’s Want to Believe bath melt ($6.95) looks like the real thing but it’s actually perfect for someone nice. 


Wink wink.


Happy Holidays from Vitamin Daily Calgary.


www.lush.ca