Category Archives: Beauty

Calling All Chocoholics!

Posted on by
Reply

Today marks a special day for all you chocoholics… The launch of The Body Shop’s newest collection: Chocomania! The only calorie-free chocolate that you’ll receive this Valentine’s Day, chocomania products are being promoted as indulgent, sweet treats. This guilt-free chocolate is a great way to please your sweetheart on February 14!

Having worked at The Body Shop for years, I can say that men and women alike turn to The Body Shop when they want to spoil their partners. There are so many great things about all the products available, but the best part of a Body Shop gift is the aspect of pampering and relaxation. When you give someone a bubble bath or a body scrub, you’re not just giving them products to help their skin, you’re giving them what they need to spend some quality time on themselves. In our busy world, there’s usually nothing better.

I was lucky enough to receive advance samples of the line and I decided to take the new Chocomania products to my most trusted allies (nuts, friends and co-workers) to get the full scoop on them. The scent of these products is nutty, with a hint of dark chocolate. Where I thought the chocolate scent would be overwhelming (since I don’t actually LIKE chocolate…shock, gasp) it wasn’t. It reminded me of crème de cacao… YUM!

Chocomania Body Lotion:

Out of all the people that I had try this body lotion, the biggest fan was my male co-worker, David.

“This cream rubs in so quickly and doesn’t leave my hands feeling greasy. The smell isn’t overwhelming or too sweet.  I don’t usually buy lotion, but I could see myself using this.”

Disclaimer: Some of the women who tried the chocomania body lotion felt that the smell didn’t work well with perfume they were wearing. I would avoid using other scented products at the same time!

Chocomania Shower Cream:

Kelly, who generally prefers sweeter scents, tried out the shower cream and had mixed reviews.

“The quality of the product is great; it was nice and creamy on my skin. It’s got a strong scent when you first use it, but it fades once you’re out of the shower. Truthfully, I felt that it had a bit of a men’s cologne scent at first, but as the scent stayed with me for about an hour after my shower, it grew on me as I smelt myself. Personally, I don’t know if I’d use it regularly because it’s not sweet enough for what I’m used to.”

Disclaimer: If you’re into really sweet smells, this line may not be for you! I would suggest asking for a sample or demonstration at your local store to find out what your preferences are.

Chocomania Body Butter:

Kate, being an avid fan of Shea Body Butter normally, was smitten with the Choccomania variety of her skin saviour.

“I always love the body butter products by Body Shop. I find the butter is a superior moisturizing product and maintains the skin’s moisture throughout the day without leaving a greasy film. The new Chocolate Body Butter is definitely a top contender with other body butters I have used, such as the Shea. It has a similar aroma profile to the Shea Butter with an accentuated “nuttiness” and a hint of cocoa, leaving your skin feeling like a silky cocoa puff!”

Chocomania Body Scrub:

Body scrubs are always a must-have, especially during the dry winter months. I asked Jess to try it out…

“The smell was more pleasant than expected – taking on a nuttier aroma. I found it a little bit oily, so I wouldn’t recommend using it in the morning. It’s a great nighttime pampering treatment, where even if you’re a little bit oily afterwards, it wouldn’t matter!”

Chocomania Lip Butter:

Catherine was my ginea pig for this product, and has given it a rave review.

“Rarely when asked, ‘Do you have any lip gloss?’ can I actually respond with a ‘Yes’.” It’s just not my thing to sport trendy lipsticks or be in a constant state of chapstick application. But, with the erratic winter that January threw our way, my lips were looking for a little TLC. As a self diagnosed chocoholic, I knew I would have no problem applying and re-applying. The scent (and taste) is a dark chocolate and nutty mix, but not too fragrant. Within days my chapped lips were remedied and the butter leaves just the smallest trace of a shine, perfect for not looking over-glammed at work. It was definitely a positive experience that might even have converted me to storing a container in my clutch on the regular.”

In a nutshell, these products are a great idea for a Valentine’s Day gift, which will surely impress the chocoholics in your life. Head down to your local shop today to try out the new products and let us know if you given in to Chocomania!

*All photos courtesy of The Body Shop Canada.

Friday’s Fashion Fix

Posted on by
2

We all have our morning routine, whether it lasts 20 minutes, 4 hours or it’s a roll-out-of-bed kinda deal. I find with myself, certain parts of the morning are much more “routine” than others. I wouldn’t say the haphazardness process I have of picking out clothing is all that procedural, I have different issues everyday, and an outfit that once seemed like perfection will likely seem ridiculous to me just a few days later. The truly routine part of my morning comes in when beauty is involved. Makeup and hair. I think you have to have a flair for either if you’re able to experiment and be adventurous in the artistry that these areas involve. I for one, don’t really take the time to work on my hair or alter the cosmetic pattern I’m used to. Hair down, ponytail, half up or low bun; if you asked me to do your hair, I’d pick from this elementary list of options. If you asked me to do your makeup, I wouldn’t think of experimentation, but rather perform my robotic method, achieving a familiar and archetypal result.

Enter stage right: magazine editorials. I try not to spend all of my money on magazines so I heavily rely on Fashion Gone Rogue to keep up-to-date on editorials that I would never find at the average joe magazine store and/or haven’t even hit the newsstands yet. One such editorial that caught my eye recently is Hasse Nielsen’s F/W 2011 beauty spot for Bon International Magazine.  Model Josephine Skriver is coiffed with edgy yet polished looks, each oozing with holiday charm. Here’s hoping that some of these styles inspires you (and me!) to try something new this season. It’s time to get those bobby pins to work!

See the full editorial here.

Putting Your Best Face Forward

Posted on by
3

Even though we have been having unseasonably warm weather this fall, it would be naive to believe that winter is not on its way. And with cold weather comes my most frustrating beauty problem: dry, flaky, dull, winter skin.

When we’re beaten down with Arctic feeling winds every time we step out, it takes a toll on our complexion. After working at The Body Shop for 4 years, I picked up some tips and worked out a system that helps to eliminate this problem and banish winter skin, no matter how sub-zero the temperature gets!

First and foremost, trust in a 3-step DIY facial. (This goes for all you oily and combination skin types as well!) With so many options for skin care, sometimes it can be overwhelming to try to figure out what you actually need. I am a firm believer that you can get great results with 3 products: a face wash, a face scrub and a good moisturizer.

I enlist The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Cream Cleanser, Vitamin E Moisture Cream & Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream as part of my daily regimen. Vitamin E is one of best ingredients to have in a moisturizer, as it nourishes skin and is easily absorbed. These products are recommended for normal to dry skin, and leave skin feeling silky smooth. Known as The Body Shop’s best-selling line, Vitamin E is a safe bet if you’re looking for a reliable, every-day product.

My miracle worker is their Vitamin C Facial Cleansing Polish. You know how you to take Vitamin C to help you feel better when you have a cold? The same concept applies for your skin. Camu camu berries, grown in the Peruvian Amazon are the main source of natural Vitamin C found in this product, which leaves your skin looking radiant. Additionally, this product contains Jojoba Esters as the primary exfoliant. These little guys are the perfect texture to slough off dry and dead skin. I rely on this scrub about 3 times a week to keep my skin looking it’s best.

I can’t rave enough about a simple 3-step facial. It will, undoubtably, leave your face feeling amazing. I’m telling you, it takes less than 10 minutes to use all three products and your skin will feel so nice for the rest of the day. They say that you should always put your best foot forward – well, I think that putting your best face forward will be far more beneficial…in a nutshell.

Makeup bag makeover

Posted on by
3

Change. Sometimes it can be for the good, sometimes it’s the last thing we really want to face and, sometimes, it is the best thing for our face (literally). From the dress-up days when we first tried on Mom’s Mary Kay lipstick, to slumber parties as teeny boppers, we’ve been testing out different and sometimes very ugly (remember the blue mascara ”trend”?) make up products. After those adolescent years pass by and we finally find out what works best for our skin type, skin tone and complexion we end up sticking with the tried and true and often shy away from change when it comes to our makeup bag.

Let’s face it, finding the perfect foundation is no easy feat. Nude, Next-to Nude, Ivory, Beige, Creamy Beige. Once you’ve finally sorted through the mundane shades, there’s probably no chance you’re changing your foundation until summertime. But I’m always looking for the product that makes my skin look that much closer to flawless, and I’ll usually try anything once. I’ve learned a lot about makeup miracle products through seeing what my friends use. We hate to admit it, but sometimes other girls know best, so I’ve asked each of the nuts to share their makeup bag’s mysteries.  If you are looking for a change, whether it be that lip stick you’ve been hunting for or a complete makeup bag makeover, here are the ingredients of each of our makeup bags. Take a peek inside. . .

Jess

     Inside Jess’s makeup bag you’ll find. . .

1.  Blistex Lip Medex keeps Jess’s kisser well moisturized for the winter months

2. Cover Girl Blush

3. Maybeline Master Drama Eyeliner & Bonne Bell Mauve Eyeliner adds a splash of delicate colour to any makeup palate

4. Maybeline Colossal Volume Mascara

5. Rimmel Bronzer

6. Body Shop Tee Tree Oil Corrector

Go-to item: Clarins Raspberry Sorbet Lipstick.

   Even without a full face, this girly touch makes Jess feel ready for the day! Add a swipe of the Blistex Medex lip balm for a menthol, cooling plumper and she’s all set.

 

Cat

     Inside Catherine’s makeup bag you’ll find. . .

1. MAC Carbon eyeshadow is perfect for that smokey eye effect that Catherine loves for her nights working at the bar.

2. L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara adds great volume and length and also is good for touch up applications

3. Body Shop “Warm Sunset” blush

4.Maybeline Define-A-Line ebony black eyeliner

5. Revlon “not just nudes” creme shadow

Go-to item: Maybeline Dream Matte Mousse

 Catherine swears by Maybeline’s Dream Matte Mousse foundation.  It goes on lightly so you never get that caked-on look. In fact, Catherine is the one who turned me on to Maybeline’s Dream Matte Mousse. I’ve been using it ever since!

Kate

     Inside Kate’s makeup bag you’ll find . . .

1. Maybeline Dream Matte Mousse (Thank you Catherine!)

2. Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

3. Annabelle Coffee eyeliner

4. GOSH Cool lip jam

5. Revlon Colourburst Lipstick Soft Nude perfect for a neutral pout

6. Benefit Moon Beam  Illuminator highlights the eye bones and cheeks bones

Go-to Item: Body Shop Bronzing Pearls and Bronzer Brush

            You will never find me without a swipe of bronzer on my cheeks and recently, I found the perfect bronzing brush for this effect. Body Shop Bronzer Brush picks up the colour and doesn’t leave remnants of the brushes thistles all over your face.

Meghan

      In Meghan’s makeup bag you’ll find. . .

 

1. Stay Matte Pressed Powder by Rimmel

2. Cover Girl pink blush perfect for a winter night to keep those cheekies flushed and feminine

3. Body Shop Shimmer Waves Bronzer , can sometimes work as a shimmery eyeshadow!

4. Exagerate Eye Definer by Rimmel in Noir

5. Lash Stilletto Volumptuous by Maybeline

6. Delipscious Sheer Lip Colour by  The Body Shop

Go-to item: Rimmel Concealer stick

        This little gem is Meghan’s life saver. There isn’t a dark circle or blemish it can’t hide, plus it smooths her skin and make her skin tone even. Warning: Golden Beige is the only one that has this effect, the others just aren’t the same!

** Do you have a makeup product that you simply can’t live without? Leave a comment and let us know!**

Dry Shampoo: Fad or Fix?

Posted on by
Reply

We’ve all read the beauty articles that condemn every-day hair washing. The majority of women have hair that falls on the ‘dry’ side of the hair spectrum. This is a result of the torture that we put our hair through, by means of colouring and styling with heat. And while most women benefit from skipping a day between shampoos, I am part of the minority that does not.

These tools wreak havoc on your hair!

Continue reading →

Marble Nails: A Disappointment

Posted on by
1

This week I took on a project, a pseudo-scientific experiment per say, which has not proven to be anything more than a hassle and complete waste of time.  Ladies (and gents, if you wish), this is a warning to all of you who do not have a team of professional makeup/aesthetic artists on hand : marbling your nails is not for the weak.

The reason I attempted this ludicrous fashion trend in the first place can be attributed to a 4 page spread that Glamour Magazine dedicated to marbling. The professionally painted nails looked lively and fresh – a perfect way to spice up your paws in the summer time. . . Or so I thought.

It took me THREE attempts to master  this technique, and in my opinion, the results were lack lustre, at best.

Glamour.com details how you can achieve this look at home which (when to put to test) results in a recipe for disaster . . . DIY my a**. The first attempt landed me with a not-so-chic, slightly Charlize Theron ala Monster, swamp creature nails. I immediately took to the nail polish remover. My second attempt was no better and at that, I put the polish away for a few days.

A bridal shower this weekend inspired me to try once again as I met a woman who flaunted two perfectly marbled hands and shared a secret with me. “Vaseline,” she said,  ”is the key to marbling. Lather your fingertips , all around your nail, in vaseline.” I tried this trick at home and it worked, I suppose. This is how I did it; however, I urge you to simply laugh at my miserable pampering session and put marbling out of your mind forevermore.

If you so desire, you will need:

1 cup of cold water

1 jar of vaseline

1 base coat of a light colour/clear polish

At least 2 contrasting colours of polish

5 Q-tips

Nail polish remover for the first few times you turn into a swamp mongrel

 

Begin by painting your nails with a base coat, preferably a light or clear polish.

Next, lather one finger with vaseline, surrounding the nail. Then take the first colour and let it drip onto the surface of the water. Follow with the second colour. Repeat to get a ripple effect of the two colours.

Follow by cutting a q-tip in half and using the sharp end to swirl the colours together, creating a marble effect.

Then, dip ONE finger in and out of the water. As you remove your finger use the q-tip to remove any excess paint around the nail. Repeat x 9 for a 10 fingered, full-fledged marble look. This process takes about 30 minutes for a nail painting rookie and for a seasoned vet. Best of luck to you, nuts. Unfortunately, this beauty trend ordeal is not something that can be performed or explained inanutshell.

SO not worth it.

My Skin’s Saviour

Posted on by
1

The summer is here and we at inanutshell are dedicated to helping our readers make the most of the season (See our Summer Bucket List for a prime example!) We’re also interested in sharing the ‘beauty’ tips that have helped us qualm the problems that come along with our favorite season. We’ve dealt with pasty white skin-tones and the harm of UV rays and most recently, we’ve addressed the issue of FRIZ. Next on my list, is the bath product that has revolutionized my skin (in the summer, and all year round for that matter).

There is nothing worse than dry, flaky and rough skin, especially in the summer when we are baring so much more of it. And while many of us may have extensive facial regimens, the rest of our bodies are often left by the wayside. My miracle worker: The Body Shop’s Brazil Nut Body Scrub. Not only does it smell AMAZING, but this scrub has a rich and creamy texture and is a hard-core exfoliator, containing crushed walnut shells and evening primrose seeds.

Hallelujah! My skin's saviour in the form of a body scrub...

Plus, you can feel good about this purchase because The Body Shop’s Community Trade program is in full effect during the production of this product. The Body Shop is committed to engaging in fair trade with suppliers, providing various communities with stable and long-term income. In turn, this gives the company access to high-quality ingredients that are harvested by local experts. This scrub contains Community Trade Brazil Nut Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Organic Babassu Oil as its primary moisturizers, which leave skin feeling silky, smooth.

One of The Body Shop's photographic campaigns promoting their Community Trade program

Additional benefits:

-Exfoliating before shaving will allow for a closer shave, giving you some extra time before annoying stubble pops up. A few extra hours with smooth legs are precious!

-Exfoliating allows your post-shower moisturizer to be absorbed more easily, making the effects longer-lasting and contributing to healthier skin as a whole.

-Exfoliating on a regular basis (2-3 times a week) improves circulation and helps to tone and firm the skin, improving its esthetic appearance.

-Exfoliating preps the skin for the application of sunless tanner by sloughing away dry patches of skin. Those dry spots are the cause of uneven colour, and no one wants to look like an orange Dalmatian.

Your best shaving results EVER!

The Body Shop has a full range of bath products, and generally the scrub will work to its full potential when paired with the matching Shower Cream and Body Butter. I love all three, but if you can only pick one, definitely choose the scrub! It is definitely my skin’s secret weapon…in a nutshell.

The complete Brazil Nut Bath and Body Line: Shower Cream, Body Scrub and Body Butter

Visit www.thebodyshop.ca for more information, or follow them on Twitter @The BodyShopCA for updates on their Values, Products and Campaigns.

Moroccan Miracle

Posted on by
1

In previous posts I have ranted and raved about all the good summer has to offer. It’s pretty clear by now that it is my fave season and time of year. The swing in every sandalled step is contagious and the list of things you can do to make an afternoon pass are endless. In my eyes, this season of perfection has only one enemy: humidity.

No thanks.

Don’t get me wrong, I am someone who swears off air conditioning (think GREEN), hardly sleeps with a fan on and feels a surge of excitement every time the forecast calls for 30+ temperatures. I live for the heat.

The problem exists mostly in my head, or rather, ON my head.

For anyone who has hair that has a slight curl, or in my case an unruly obnoxious wave, you know what I’m talking about. Every time the air gets sticky my locks take on a life of their own, twisting and turning in every unthinkable way until it looks much like what would happen if someone tried to de-tangle Amy Winehouse’s beehive.

Two summers ago, when I started working as a bartender in one of the most packed and sweaty bars in the Capital, my need for a solution to my humid-horrendous-hair was dire.

The answer to my problem came as a Godsend: Moroccan Oil. 

Hallelujah, praise the Lord.

This hidden gem smoothed out all my hair-stress, literally. Retailed at about $34.99 for a 100 ml bottle, the purchase is worth every penny. Read below to see why:

1. It actually WORKS.

I’ve tried every “anti-frizz” product out there and let me tell you there is a reason why I have dedicated an entire post to this stuff. There is a clear cut difference between what my hair will look like at the end of an afternoon or evening when I use it and when I don’t. There has been many a time where I’ve cursed myself for leaving the house without smoothing some through my hair first.

2. It smells amazing.

Ah-mazing. I once had a boyfriend say he noticed someone was wearing my perfume in the elevator he was in, which was a strange thing to say since I don’t generally wear any (sorry, Kate)! It took a couple minutes of figuring out before we realized that my ” signature scent” he was talking about was not perfume but the delicious smell of the oil I douse my hair with daily. Leave it to a guy to not know the difference, eh!? I can even admit to sometimes putting a drop or two on my neck before an evening out.

3. It will last you for an eternity.

You may think that approximately $40 is a steep purchase for the wallet conscious consumer, but fear not. One 100 ml bottle lasts me at least six months. Because of the oily nature of the product a MINIMAL amount (miniature dollop at most!) does the trick. For someone who styles their hair daily and uses this product every day in the summer (& most of the winter too!) I can tell you it is well worth it.

4. It’s multipurpose.

Where I use my Moroccan Oil for anti-frizz purposes it is recommended by hair stylists for a whole host of reasons.  All Moroccanoil products include a signature ingredient: Argan oil. It’s an organic gift from mother nature herself, found growing only in Southwest Morocco, hence the name.  It is a powerful antioxidant, UV protector, rich in vitamins (Vitamin F (Omega 6), Vitamin A, Vitamin E) that strengthens hair and increases elasticity. So if dry hair is your thang, M-Oil’s got you covered to the max.

In this post I am speaking mainly about my go-to, the Original MOROCCANOIL® Oil treatment, but the company offers a whole host of products which I can only guess are equally as wonderful in function and in scent.

So live it up this summer, dance like a wild animal all night and be thankful there’s something out there that makes sure your “mane” doesn’t mimic your moves.

A Woman’s Perfume. . .

Posted on by
1
 

 “A woman’s perfume tells more about her than her handwriting.” –Christian Dior

 The thing about our sense of smell is its powerful ability to evoke a memory. Those memories can sometimes be  so incredibly vivid, as if you are suddenly reliving the moment when a gust of wind carries by that familiar scent of an old country home, an ex-lover’s cologne or the sea salt air of an ocean road.

I know that every time I use Body Shop’s tangerine body cream I am taken back to my adventure on Contiki Tours where I spent many, sweaty nights by the side of  a group of strangers on the French Riviera.  Every time I walk into an office and catch the lingering scent of an exec bustling past wearing Hugo Boss, I am reminded of the young girl I once was, wooed by the charisma (and scent perhaps?) of a businessman. The dust that chokes me up and clouds my nostrils with the nostalgic blend of moth-ball and  knit sweater takes me back to rainy nights where I sifted through vinyl at my Grandmother’s ancient townhouse in England.

It’s the sense of smell that is arguably the most evocative which brings me to share with you the decided scents of Inanutshell’s contributors.  Each of us have our own,unique personality and specific scent to reflect it.  Each of us find beauty in something the others may not, and that’s why a glimpse into our  very different selection of signature perfumes is a great representation of who we are and more importantly . . .  what we leave behind.

Kaylee wears YSL Parisienne. Although Kaylee alternates between a variety of scents, Parisienne is her ”signature”. It’s free, vivacious and powerful enough for the woman who knows what she wants, how to get it and how to keep love flourishing all the while . . . much like Miz Kay.

YSL Parisienne

Jess wears Miracle by Lancome. Miracle is a casual scent, floral and spicy, appropriate for all occasions. Jess loves it because whenever she hugs an old friend they can always recognize her familiar perfume, “You still have the same ‘Jess’ smell.”

Miracle by Lancome

 Meghan wears Echo by Davidoff . Echo is Meg’s go-to because it’s not overly fruity or musky. “I find perfumes tend to be one or the other, but this is the perfect combo”, says Meg. “It’s light and feminine with no floral scent- which I hate!” (Pet Peeve of the Week: Overbearing/Floral Perfumes in Public  . . . ?)

Echo by Davidoff

Catherine still hasn’t found her staple scent , she’ll most likely be wearing whatever her most recent boyfriend picked up for her last birthday.  One that she has worn on occasion is Touch of Pink by Lacoste. But more often than not, Cat is rushing out of the house and a fruity deodorant can keep this sweet, but simple gal happy.

Touch of Pink by Lacoste

I am very picky about my signature perfume, Hot Couture by Givenchy.  It has a very distinctive smell which is why I have dedicated 4 years of my life to it. Hot Couture is warm and passionate with sweet raspberry nectar and magnolia. I’ve had a few ex-roomates borrow it (to my misery) with reports every time about a mutual friend telling them, “Oh! you smell like Kate.”

Hot Couture by Givenchy

 Although I have stuck to my signature scent for quite some time, I do believe that change is good. So, if you can part with your perfect perf’,  try to find one that is just as wonderful for every major milestone and  you’ll begin to  build memories that are connected to each individual scent.  

One day, when you walk through the streets of your newest city and you catch a whiff of an old perfume you wore through university, you can stop. breathe it in. and smile, as it takes you back to some of your happiest moments. That’s what scents are for.

Ban the Bed

Posted on by
1

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Gel

Now that summer has finally shown us her beautiful rays, its time to show her some beautiful right back. Bust out the skirts and tanks! One problem. The pastey white legs from a long and painfully endured winter is NAT looking cute. Instead of hitting the tanning salon and getting a mild bum burn from those beds , why not try out the perfect bronzing product. No streaks, no (thai sauce) smell. Just straight up bronzed skin.

L’Oreal’s Sublime Bronze Tinted Gel will give you a tan to die for. Because the gel is tinted, it allows you to apply and actually see how the colour is blending in- keeping you streak free and tawny.  L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Gel also gives you a tan on the fly -  none of that build the colour over two weeks B.S.

Continue reading →