Category Archives: Written

Written: Cruelty Free Beauty Feature

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Last month in the Summer issue of Anokhi Magazine, my first issue after I stepped down from the role as Beauty Editor I wrote a freelance feature  article on cruelty free beauty brands that celebrated cosmetic companies working to end the fight against animal testing. It had been a while since I had flexed my feature muscles so I was  really happy with the way the story turned out.

As a beauty junkie I do try to support green and cruelty fee companies, but as I mention in the article like many others it’s not a priority. But since I learned the tons of brands who are cruelty free I buy with a more informed sense of purchase and where I can I am making an effort to switch.

What I loved about writing this piece is that I learned that if more companies  begin to follow suit of brands such as  LUSH and Smashbox,  I’ll be glad to make the switch. Already the selection in cruelty free brands is quite high as you’ll know if you read the article.  I also wonder what the consequences will be in 2013 when UK  takes all exported brands with animal tested formulas off the shelves in addition to their state ban of animal testing in their country.

What do you think will happen? How do you feel about this issue? Read the article now. 

Inspired: Mad Men Beauty and Fashion

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TV shows create a tremendous following, we get  enamoured with the characters lives and often become obsessed with what becomes a counter-culture that develops out of the show. A perfect example of this is  Mad Men, although I am not an avid watcher of the show (Season 5 premieres this Sunday March 25) , I have always loved the fashion and beauty looks worn by the characters.  And it’s no coincidence that Banana Republic has launched a clothing line in the name of the show through collaborations with  costume designer Janie Bryant.

My favourite items from the Mad Men Banana Republic Collection is this beautiful brooch and  the pink cigarette pants:

So anyway when Lipstick Powder N’ Paint asked me to write a story on Mad Men beauty trends, I was ecstatic. Afterall the early 60′s beauty looks are so classic and feminine like the 50′s.

Betty, Joan and Peggy of Mad Men all in full 60's beauty and fashion from head to toe.


After chatting with expert beauty makeup artists Diana Carreiro, Vanessa Jarman (Rimmel Brand Ambassador) and Carmelle da Rosa of Toronto’s Page One Management, I rounded up the best tips and products to recreate the iconic Mad Men look. Stop on by  Lipstick Powder N’ Paint and see how you can rock a cat’s eye  and coral lip.

Written: Backstage Beauty at Toronto Fashion Week

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It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but that’s because last week I was busy doing backstage beauty coverage for Anokhi Magazine at  Mastercard’s Toronto Fashion Week that took place at David Peacut Square.

On Monday night I got to see the beautiful Lucian Matis Collection. The collection was the opening show at the Royal York Hotel. Here’s a peak at the finale piece of the collection that took  14 days to make! That’s a lot of lace, stunning! If your a Matis fan you may want to stop by Ramp 1885 for my Global Designer Spotlight on the man himself.

Lucian Matis FW2012
Photography courtesy: Jenna Marie Wakani and Magnetic Creative

If you love that gothic saturated eye the model above is wearing you may want to find out about all the beauty secrets backstage. The dramatic beauty look was  created by Tips Nail Bar, Lori Taylor from Smashbox and  Paul Pereira of Schwarzkopf Professional, I wrote about it here.

I also got to check out the backstage beauty beat at many of the shows at the tents since I got to interview the talented and lovely Grace Lee, who was the official  makeup artist from Maybelline Canada all week. Here I am with Grace, all smiles, and why wouldn’t I be she’s a beauty and so skilled with her makeup brush.

Me and the lovely Grace Lee, at Toronto Fashion Week.

Overall  the looks at fashion week combined a 60′s and grunge aesthetic.  My personal favourite was the look at Chloe, what a beautiful plum  lip and purple wash on the lids. If you want to see how the look was created read my backstage beauty coverage at Anokhi.

To get more tips and some of the insider coverage on what the beauty looks continue to check back at Anokhi for more show coverage!


Written: Winter Nail Care for Lipstick Powder ‘N Paint

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In the winter, cracked hands and  chipped nails are an ongoing problem. Confession: I can’t get enough hand butter, I carry a tube of Fruits and Passion Blueberry Hand Butter in my purse. The lovely nail artist from Tips Nails Bar Melissa Forrest shared some great ideas on how to keep your hands and nails soft and supple, so you can sport a beautiful manicure come spring.

Melissa Forrest was also the amazing nail artist who rocked the nail art on model Mikayla in the current issue of  Anokhi Magazine in my  beauty spread “Blackout.” Look at this amazing half-moon mani reminiscent of smoke on water. By the way, copies are still on stands if you are curious about the other looks we did, just sayin’!

Nails by Melissa Forrest, Tips Nail Bar; Photography by Andy Lee, Model: Mikayla of Ford Models.

Check out my article on  Lipstick Powder ‘N Paint for more hints from Melissa!