Calgary - HEALTH & BEAUTY
June 28th, 2010
Soak Up the Sun
Like Sheryl Crowe, we've got our 45 on.
More specifically, we're slathering on the Coola Organic Suncare Collection of organic face, body, lip, sport and baby products (from $32 for body). These sun protectors are so light you won’t see (or feel) any chalky white residue, and the subtle scents (like mango and cucumber) offer a fresh alternative to the overpowering coconut smells of most sunscreens.Now if only we got backstage at Lilith Fair yesterday to get guitar lessons from Crowe.
At Quorra Apothecary, 614 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-245-6621, www.quorra.ca
June 14th, 2010
It's 10 p.m., do you know where your eyeshadow is?
Smoky eyes are sexy; raccoon rings are not.
Splash Proof Sealer/Base ($6.99) by LASplash Cosmetics is a secret weapon against shadow smudge and clumps in the crease of your eyelid. Apply a light coat of the base on your lid from lash to eyebrow bone and then brush on eyeshadow while the sealer is still moist. Shadow stays, and you can play.
June 10th, 2010
Strike a Pose
Christy Turlington practises Kundalini; pre-Tracy Anderson, Gwyneth and Madonna were all about Ashtanga; and Ricky Martin hails Hatha.
Still looking for the best style and studio to practise your asanas? Keep seeking the Om with the Passport to Prana. Newly launched in Calgary, the $20 swipe card lets you try one yoga class at over a dozen studios in the city. If you’re new to town or just want to check out a different space or style, the card is valid until next year and includes studios in every quadrant (even Okotoks). Because you should always shop around, especially when it comes to inner peace.
June 7th, 2010
A Brush with Fame
In our dream world, famed makeup artist Gucci Westman works her magic on us every morning.
But with the new Sephora I.T. Makeup Brush Collection (from $26), at least we’ve got some sleek tools of the trade. Co-created by French designer Philippe Di Méo, the brushes are colour-coded (pink for the face, blue or purple for the eyes), lightweight and cone-shaped for light or heavy application, depending where you hold the brush. But best of all, each brush comes with a cap that allows it to stand with bristles down for extra protection and easy storage.
At Sephora.
May 31st, 2010
Breakfast Beauty
Pretty packaging and an adorable name is a dangerously irresistible combination for a beauty line. But then again, looks will only get you so far.
Luckily for Love and Toast, the collection of creams, perfumes and lip balms are paraben-free, loaded with natural and organic ingredients and smell divine, in addition to being oh-so-pretty in their recyclable packaging. The Pomme Poivre and the Mandarin Tea hand creams ($14 each) are purse staples and we’ve just added the Gin and Lime lip balm ($12) to our summer beauty stash. We'll toast to that.
At Steeling Home, 1010 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-245-0777, www.steelinghomestore.com
May 18th, 2010
Big Bang
Long loose waves are hot: cowlicks are not.
If you’re naturally endowed with the wave and have a fringe up front, it’s a hazard of the 'do. So when we came across a collection of mini flat irons, we couldn’t resist their functionality, or cuteness. Less than 15 cm long, the petite straighteners are ideal for shorter styles, or for smoothing just the bangs à la Jane Birkin. The convenient size also makes them ideal for traveling and quick touch-ups after a day on the beach. Susie Wall Tip: Use them to press the fly of your jeans in a pinch!
$19.99 from a selection at Winners.
May 10th, 2010
Smooth 'Do
Somewhere between disheveled bed-head and perfectly weaved strands, the ubiquitous side braid continues to enjoy its moment.
When going the hip Heidi route, smooth braid frizz with Safe Harbor Leave-In Hair Treatment by Coastal Classic Creations. In addition to taming the braid, the organic 4-in-1 smoothing agent can also be used on wet hair before blow-drying, pre-swim to protect tresses from chlorine, and for added texture.$18 at the Green Calgary EcoStore, 809 Fourth Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-230-1443, www.greencalgary.org
May 3rd, 2010
Mane Space
When scouting out a new salon, priority goes to how well your tresses, and you, mesh with a stylist. But at Curious Hair Skin Body salon’s new Aspen Landing location, the ultra cool space trumps all.
Perched high above a man-made lake, check-in on the top level before descending down the windy staircase to the open-concept salon. The exposed ceiling pipes play off of the pristine, minimalist décor for a modern loft-like feel and drop-down panels feature super-cool hanging blow dryers. In addition to classic hair (from $35) and spa treatments, the salon is one of only two in the city to offer the orgasmic and deep conditioning Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ceremony ($100).
So when can we move in?Curious Hair Skin Body, 120, 350 Aspen Glen Landing SW, Calgary, 403-685-6611, www.rucurious.ca
April 26th, 2010
Eye to Eye
French women wrote the book on effortless chic. Lesson one: Don't skimp on important things, like cashmere and skin care.
Sisleÿa eye and lip contour cream ($220) by luxe Parisian beauty brand Sisley is an indulgence, but the anti-aging cream does double duty, smoothing and refining both the delicate under-eye and lip areas. A list of vitamins and extracts reinforce, tone and brighten the skin, plus a little drop goes a long way.La joie de vivre is yours—minus the laugh lines.
At Holt Renfrew, 510 Eighth Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-269-7341, www.holtrenfrew.com
April 19th, 2010
And Kids Makes Three
Serene family time is just a child's pose away.
At Tri-Yoga Calgary, the main studio is heated up to 40C during Ashtanga, Power Yoga and Restorative classes. The smaller, non-heated studio offers registered classes such as prenatal and parent-and-baby yoga. And the final studio, just for kids, makes three. Take in your own grown-up practice while the mini yogis play in a supervised area and discover the primary series for themselves. Namaste to that.
Tri-Yoga Calgary, 1138 10th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-228-9642, www.tri-yogacalgary.com



