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In need of summer spending funds? Enter to Win a $100 Cadillac Fairview shop! card® gift card from Sherway Gardens below.

With the weather heating up and the tank tops and short-shorts coming out, getting your skin ready is top priority. Winter and the cold are really harsh on skin and as much as we try to keep it moisturized and smooth, are efforts seem to be thwarted. But fear not, there is still hope (and time) to get your skin looking its best for summer. Here are some easy ways to get every inch of your skin to glow.

For the hands: To get smooth hands and moisturized cuticles, apply a rich cream at night and put on cloth gloves right after. The gloves allow your skin to absorb the product and keep your hands soft.

Try: Spa Gloves Sephora Collection, $42. Available at Sephora.

Tip: I like to use a nourishing body oil when my nails and cuticles are extra dry. Try
Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil, $42.

For the face: To get that amazingly jealous glow that only pregnant women seem to get, use a masque or peel to remove the dull, dead layer of skin. At-home peels are a quick fix to brighten up your skin.

Try: philosophy micro exfoliating triple-acid brightening peel, $88. Available at Sephora.
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque, $44.50. Available at Aveda in Sherway Gardens.

For the feet: Use a scrub to remove the dry, dead skin. There’s nothing worst then having pretty polish on dry, cracked feet. Throughout the summer take care of your feet with a weekly pedicure and bring on the sandals.

Try: True Blue Spa Smoothing Foot Scrub, $16. Available at Bath & Body Works.

For the legs: Always apply moisturizer to moist skin right after getting out of the shower. Constant shaving and waxing can do a number on your skin so it’s essential to take care of your legs throughout the year.

Try: Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter, $44 Available at Sephora.

Tip: To reduce the number of in-grown hairs, use a gentle exfoliator the day after shaving and everyday after that.

All products listed are available at Sherway Gardens. Check out the new Sherway Gardens blog – endlesscloset.ca!

Enter to Win a $100 Cadillac Fairview shop! gift card® from Sherway Gardens!!

HOW TO ENTER: Tell me about your favorite skincare products or share your skin tips in the comments section below.

Contest Rules & Regulations:

• The contest closes at midnight on June, 1st, 2012. The winner will be selected randomly and announced on June, 8th, 2012. The winner will be notified by e-mail.
• This giveaway is open to our readers located in the Greater Toronto Area only.
• There are no prize substitutions. Prize does not include travel and cannot be redeemed for cash.
• One entry per email address.

MarieNatie is a Canadian natural cosmetics company that has created chemical-free beauty products. From foundations to lip glosses, the company carries a wide range of colours to create any look you want. The name of the brand comes from combining the co-founders names – Mary and Natalia.

I love the gloss because of the rich pigment and the high shine. Plus it’s all natural so you can’t go wrong. The gloss comes in 12 shades and isn’t sticky to touch.

MarieNatie beauty products are available online at marienatie.com.

Ever tried Arbonne? My friend Renee, Consultant with Arbonne International, has been extremely generous and has offered to giveaway some amazing Arbonne products for you to try.

Gift: Rainforest Eye Shadow Quad and Awaken Sea Salt Scrub (total estimated value: $70) The shadow palette contains four pigment-rich colours to take you from day to evening. The salt scrub is a great hand and foot treatment to slough off dry skin while adding moisture.

Read my article on Arbonne SeaSource Detox Spa products for here

HOW TO ENTER: Tweet about the giveaway using the tags #thedressingroom #reneesarbonnegift  and @Ladyk_

Note: You must use all 3 tags in your tweet to qualify as an entry.

Contest Rules and Regulations

Contest ends May 28th, 2012

If you’re interested in Arbonne products or want to throw your own at-home pedicure party get in touch with my friend Renée Strasfeld, Executive District Manager, Consultant with Arbonne International
reneestrasfeld[at]gmail[dot]com
Arbonne ID# is 115222132
Twitter: @reneestrasfeld

My friend Renée is an Arbonne consultant and she invited me over for some girl-talk and at-home pedicures. In desperate need of some feet pampering, she walked me through the SeaSource line from Arbonne. By the end of our visit, I was refreshed and my feet were happy to see the sun.

If you’re unfamiliar with Arbonne, it’s a Swiss skincare and cosmetics company that started in 1975. It’s exclusively sold through consultants and has made quite an impact in the Canadian market in the past few years.

The SeaSource line that I used contains marine based ingredients and all the products are dermatologist tested (not just recommended). There are eight products in the line but for my pedicure I only needed to use six.  I started by soaking my feet in a small based with Purifying Sea Soak for 10mins. Followed by the Foaming Sea Salt Scrub and rinsed with the Detoxifying Rescue Wash. Then came the best part – the Sea Mud Face & Body Mask. This green mud mask was applied generously over the feet but I would have liked to bath my entire body in the mask if I had the time. After the mask came the Re-Mineralizing Body Lotion 24H and the Renewing Body Gelée to keep the skin moisturized.

What better way to get ready for summer than at-home pampering with your girlfriends!

If you’re interested in Arbonne products or want to throw your own at-home pedicure party get in touch with my friend Renée Strasfeld, Executive District Manager, Consultant with Arbonne International
reneestrasfeld[at]gmail[dot]com
Arbonne ID# is 115222132
Twitter: @reneestrasfeld

They are probably some of the most expensive pieces in your wardrobe. Leather goods are investment pieces that you wear over and over again. And if you’re like me, you want them to last.

I asked Melissa Bishop, Director of Customer Service & Field Training for Danier, for tips and advice on how to keep leather looking good and lasting longer.

What should you clean leather with?
To protect your leather bags and jackets use a protector spray to repel dirt, stains and water damage. Treat your garments every 2-3 months to keep them protected.

To clean leather, use a renewal lotion or leather wipes for quick spot cleaning.

Tip: Use a soft damp cloth if you don’t have renewal lotion.

How often should you clean leather items?
Upon purchasing a new garment or accessory always spray the garment with a leather defense spray and re-apply every 2-3 months.

What should you never use on leather?
Never use a shoe spray on leather garments or bags, the high silicone content will cause a film on your garment or handbag.

How to maintain leather bags and jackets
Tip #1: Proper Storage
It is important to always store any leather or suede in a breathable garment bag made of a natural fabric, such as cotton or linen, because the items are ‘skins’ that need to breath. Never use a plastic bag.

Tip #2: Regular Cleaning
Cleaning and care products are specifically created to prolong the life and beauty of your leather garments. Don’t wait until the garments are heavily soiled to clean them.

Some of the most common damage to leather is caused by applying stickers or adhesive materials, pen marks and oil stains. But with proper maintenance, your leather garments and accessories will age well and last for years.

[photo: Michael Kors Leather Cleaner and Conditioner ($10), Jessica Jensen tote, Danier jacket, Ecco bag]

View this article on Huffington Post Canada!

1. The Body Shop in Sweet Lemon Shower Gel ($4.00) is perfect for an invigorating soak.
2. Philosophy bubble bath scents are the most delicious smelling bubbles – ever. Senorita margarita shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath ($21).
3. LUSH bubble bars are all natural and good for you skin. Rose Jam ($5.95) and It’s a Date ($6.95). Available at lush.ca
4. Fruits & Passion Foaming Bath in Coconut ($28) is long lasting, making it great for a long, relaxing soak.
5. Lotus Aroma in Zen ($21) is perfect for decompressing after a long day.

1. Treat her to high tea with David’s Tea blooming teas, $6.50 per box.
2. Let your mom indulge in Strawberries & Cream Shortbread Cookies by Teoni’s made with real British ‘butter’, $7. Available at Indigo.
3. She can wear these stylish elastics in her hair or as bracelets. Goody DoubleWear Elastics, $4.99 for 3.
4. These towelettes provide a refreshing cleanse without the need of water. Perfect after a busy day. Yes To Cucumbers Natural Glow Facial Towelettes, $9.99/30. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
5. She can paint the town purple with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Lively Lilac, $4.



6. Drape her in love with this Expression wrap, $30. Available at The Bay.
7. She can tone muscles and have fun doing it with Just Dance 3 for Wii, $39.99.
8. Create a welcoming home with Fruits & Passion Lotus Water Lily Decorative Diffuser, $25.
9. Make a lovely soap collection with the Pacifica Custom Value Soap Set, $30. Choose any six of the individually boxed soaps.



10. This bold colour makes it easy to find in an oversized tote. Lauren By Ralph Lauren Newbury Continental Wallet, $98. Available at The Bay.
11. Let your mom store all her important photos and family documents on the Swarovski Crystalline USB Pen with a storage capacity of 4GB, $85.
12. Give the gift of beauty with Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Capsules Mother’s Day Set, $100 (Value $173). Available exclusively at The Bay.



13. Cooking or baking, this machine can help her do it all. Kitchen Aid. $198 at Walmart.
14. This kit has everything your mom needs to get started with her Playbook, Blackberry PlayBook Starter Bundle, $128.99. Includes charging pod & leather envelope. Available at Blackberry.com
15. With increased sensitivity to create sharp images, your mom will have no problems shooting family moments with the Canon PowerShot S95 camera, $449.99.

What are you going to buy/make/do for your mother this Mother’s Day?

The lovely people at Garnier sent me a potting set and a media release printed on biodegradable paper with plant seeds infused. After reading the release, I ripped it into small pieces and planted them – so fun! Can’t wait to see something grow.

Here are some tips from Garnier to make your beauty routine greener:

1. Take shorter showers. Keep your shower time to 5 minutes and save up to 60 gallons of water a year.
2. Recycle your empty beauty products. Remember that shampoo bottles and skincare products can usually be recycled so make sure you put them in your blue bin when you’re finished with them.

This limited edition collaboration with Emilio Pucci is a hot summer collection with warm colours and brilliant highlights. Inspired by the Mediterranean Riviera, the collection uses coral, indigo and browns to create beautiful, warm summer looks.

The star of the Terra Azzurra collection is the Terra Azzura Star Powder which is a bronzer, highlighter, blush in one. I have personally tried the powder and loved how it gives a nice rich glow and contouring effect to the cheekbones. The coral and pink tones add a nice touch of  blush to the cheeks, giving a sun-kissed appearance. All the products come with signature Pucci print on the packaging.

You can view and purchase this amazing collection on May 1st at Sephora, The Bay, Sears and Murale. But if you just can’t wait till May, The Bay is exclusively carrying the collection right now.

Terra Azzura Star Powder ($76)

Météorites Perles d’Azur ($66)

Écrin 4 Couleurs 13. Capri ($64)

Terracotta Khol Kajal 02. Blu Acqua ($40)

Terracotta Gloss 10. Porto Fino, 11. Porto Ercole. 12. Porto Azzurro ($35)

Nail Enamel 01. Riviera, 02. Paradisio ($24)

Beauty boxes are making it big! In the past few months I have been introduced to a few new beauty subscription services that deliver samples of the latest beauty products right to your door (read my first beauty box experience here). The newest addition to the scene is GLOSSYBOX. This beauty subscription service was founded in Germany and is available in 8 countries – including Canada!

This new pink box impressed me the moment it arrived. It came perfectly packaged in a light pink box with black accents (can’t you tell I’m a marketer at heart? Packaging is very important). I was pleasantly surprised with quality and size of the samples that came. A full size essie polish was the first thing to catch my eye. What I like about GLOSSY BOX (besides the packaging) is the variety of brands and type of products that come in it. For $15 a month you get the chance to test out great new products and maybe discover brands you never know before.

This is what was in the February box….

(Products from left)
Live in Love from Oscar de la Renta body lotion
Ahava Skincare Mineral Hand Cream
Essie Nail Enamel in Neo Whimsical
Skin Care Moisturizing Stick by Elizabeth Grant
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-aging Restorative Cream
Bonus! Beauty So Clean Sanitizing Wipes