Beauty Buff: Finding a Wedding Makeup Artist

Just because the Duchess of Cambridge did her own makeup on her wedding day doesn't mean that you should. Kate Middleton took private lessons with a pro and let's be honest, probably had some professional touch-ups throughout the very long day.

Ask Beauty Buff: How Should I Update My Makeup for Summer?

Now that summer is here (finally and YAY), how do I change my normal makeup habits for coverage? In the heat my liquid foundation doesn't stand up to perspiration so I want to change it up! Do you have any recommendations?

Ask Beauty Buff: How Can I Cover My Pregnancy Mask?

I am 7 months pregnant with a baby girl and noticed redness around my nose and some brown spots on my face as a result of the hormones. I am using a stick concealer and mineral powder but can't get the result I want — long lasting coverage over the bad without masking the good! Thanks for your help!

Ask Beauty Buff: How Do I Make My Makeup Last?

I'm going to a bunch of weddings this summer and I want to know how to keep my makeup looking fresh into the night. Please help! Coincidentally, I'm going to a wedding tomorrow (congratulations Mike and Michelle!) and have been thinking about how to do my makeup so it lasts though to the very last dance.

Ask Beauty Buff: How Do I Apply Fake Lashes?

I LOVE the look of fake eyelashes for a special night out but I always end up pulling them off before the night is over because they're so annoying. How do I put them on and keep them on? Andrea ClaireI have to admit that eyelash application isn't my forte either so I asked the lovely Andrea Claire, a Canadian hair and makeup artist currently living and working in Singapore (she's done shoots for magazines like Harper's Bazaar Singapore!).

Ask Beauty Buff: What's The Best Under-Makeup Sunscreen?

Now that I'm 40, what's the best sunscreen for wearing under makeup this summer? Well Cheri, the thing about sunscreen is that it's really important for people of every age. So readers, don't wait until you're worried about wrinkles to use an SPF. Most sun damage actually occurs before your 18th birthday. Of course, that doesn't mean that you should throw in the towel by 20.

Beauty Buff: Makeup Tips from Carmindy

Today I launch my new beauty column! Come back every Friday for expert makeup and skincare tips, answers to your burning beauty questions and fabulous giveaways. (Keep reading for today's giveaway!) What better way to launch than with a new solution to the universal question: What colours of makeup should I wear for my complexion — and how do I apply it? And who better to respond than Carmindy. She's the gorgeous, friendly, always-positive makeup artist from What Not To Wear. She's also published three books and has a line of makeup with Sally Hansen called Natural Beauty.

Q&A with Candace Bushnell: Her New Book + What She Thinks of the Royal Wedding

Lucky lady that I am, I had the opportunity to chat with famed Sex And The City author Candace Bushnell about her new book Summer And the City: A Carrie Diaries Novel. It's the second in her SATC prequel books and is a great read. I was hooked and got through it in about three days.

Beauty Buff: Four Fabulous Earth-Friendly Products

Happy Earth Day! You may assume that only dirty hippies use earth-friendly beauty products and those consist of crystal deodorant and lip balm made of beets but you'd be wrong. I've picked out four great green, or at least earth-conscious, products in honour of Earth Day.

Suddenly Spring: Trends for your Tresses

It's the last day of our Suddenly Spring series and Nadine has asked me to tackle spring hair trends. So, what's happening with your hair these days? My hair, if I'm going to be completely honest, has looked better. It's dry — and I have the split ends to show for it — dull and calling out for some creativity.

Style Thursdays: Mascara Makes Me Happy

My tweet today: "Four L'Oreal voluminous mascaras in the mail? My heart is a flutter!" I have made my love of mascara quite clear on this blog and in life in general so it was quite the lovely surprise when a box full of mascara arrived on my desk today. AND to make it even better, I've been using — and loving — the exact mascara that was sent. I picked up L'Oreal's Voluminous mascara about a month ago because a makeup artist used it on me in the summer and I figured that if a pro uses it, it must be good.

Style Thursdays: An Evening with Carmindy

Know what I did on Friday? Oh, just hung out with the lovely Carmindy. Known originally as the makeup artist from What Not to Wear, she's the author of three beauty books and has a makeup line with Sally Hansen. You know what else? Her makeup line is now available in Canada! My amazing friend Susie met Carmindy through work four years ago and the two stayed in touch. We actually have Susie to thank for Carmindy being so accessible to us Canadian ladies as she really helped open up relationships North of the border.

Style Thursdays: Lash Lengthener Part 2

If you missed last week's announcement, here's the news: Latisse, the lash lengthening product that Brooke Shields uses and advertises is now available in Canada. Earlier this week, I spoke with dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett about the specifics: side effects, what to expect and how you can get it.

Style Thursdays: Brooke Shields' Lash Lengthener Comes to Canada

You've probably seen the commercials or at least heard about the product that gave Brooke Shields the lashes she always wanted. Those are Ms. Shields' actual before and after photos above. Well, Latisse is now available in Canada and promises fuller, longer, darker lashes in eight weeks with full growth in 16 weeks.

Style Thursdays: Halloween Inspiration from M.A.C

Every Halloween, I look to M.A.C for makeup inspiration because as far as I'm concerned, it's just not Halloween unless I get to do some major makeup.

Style Thursdays: An Interview with Lauren Conrad

Reality television star turned fashion designer and writer, Lauren Conrad is returning to TV. Her new show will document her day-to-day life, focusing on her fashion collection. Filming is set to begin any day. In the meantime, fans of Lauren's look can learn how to achieve the same polish with her new book Style. The guide shares tips on how to create your own unique look, how to pose for the camera and outlines the must-haves for every wardrobe.She has also released the third novel in her L.A. Candy series, Sugar and Spice.

TIFF: Toronto Says Farewell to the Famous

The Toronto International Film Festival comes to an end this weekend. The TIFF team here at slice.ca celeb spotted, partied and gave away a lot of swag. We thoroughly enjoyed our jaunts through the Bask-It swag lounge and TIFF expert Natasha Koifman's celeb-filled IT Lounge and loved getting Rock-It Promotions' daily celeb spotting updates.

TIFF: The Celebrity Swag Begins

Lucky ducks that we are, Urban Fashionista, The Coca-Cola Kid and I got to take a spin in NKPR's IT Lounge yesterday and were happily weighed down with bags of swag. And we weren't the only ones who were gifted. Obviously the celebrities are top priority. The fab freebies include swag from: Fila, RW&CO., Andrea Professionals, Ardell Lashes, Stila Cosmetics, Moroccanoil, Esprit, Acura, Goody, Sharpie, Dagmar Jewellery, Diane Lai skin care line, Kobo eReader, Baker Street and FIJI Water. And the lounge isn't just about freebies. NKPR is donating proceeds to Artists for Peace and Justice, an organization that's creating a brighter future for the children of Haiti. Here are a few of the famous film fans who attended...

A Stylish Tiff Thursday

For celebrity stalkers, movie buffs and party crashers alike, the Toronto International Film Festival is the most wonderful time of the year. And this year, Beauty Buff, Urban Fashionista and Coca Cola Kid will be bringing you updates on the most important parts of the festival. You know, the red carpets, celebrity swag and any gossip we can get our dirty little hands on. PLUS keep your eyes glued to slice.ca for glamorous contests. We'll be sharing some of the fruits of our own swag bags with you lucky slice.ca readers!

Style Thursdays: Eat, Pray, Love... Pilates

You can't escape Eat, Pray, Love right now but that's what happens when Oprah loves something, isn't it? Well, don't let the hype get you down. I'll admit that I haven't seen the movie, nor have I even read the book yet — although I did borrow a copy from my lovely chiropractor, acupuncturist and pilates instructor Dr. Blessyl Buan (pictured above). Blessyl loved the book and was so inspired that she created a workshop for women based on the ideas expressed by the author Elizabeth Gilbert.

Style Thursdays: New Skin Perfectors

Get ready for flawless-looking skin. Next month L'Oréal Paris will release True Match Touche Magique and Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base. I have used both and I'm really impressed with the results. The Magic Perfecting Base is applied before foundation and smoothes the look of skin, including diminishing lines and hiding pores. It has the lovely velvety finish that's almost matte with an opalescence. I think it does the most for my undereye area. It instantly makes me look more awake.

Style Thursdays: Save Your Feet this Summer

I hate to admit it, but I can be cheap. And sometimes I want to buy something but don't want to spend a lot. So I do stupid things like buy a pair of $24 shoes and expect them to be comfortable. And when they're not and my feet are blistered and sore, I sometimes buy another pair of slightly more expensive shoes to replace the first. This is a terrible vicious cycle and by the time I realize that I should have just spent all my money on one pair of shoes, it's too late.

Style Thursdays: Opulash

I have a thing for mascara. And I know I've written about it a lot but there are a lot of mascaras out there to write about, plus new ones coming out all the time. I recently got my pretty little hands on M.A.C's Opulash, which promises "the biggest, baddest bouffant lashes EVER." And I have to say, I am a fan. Despite its aggressive promise, Opulash is anything but thick and clumpy. The formula actually goes on smooth and in thin layers so it's super versatile and buildable: two swipes for day, four for night. It's also perfect for highlighting long lower lashes without looking like Twiggy.

Style Thursdays: TopShop comes to Toronto!

Anglophiles, Kate Moss fans and clothes horses alike can rejoice because this Saturday marks the launch of TopShop at Toronto boutique Jonathan + Olivia. The store, which also carries designer brands like Alexander Wang, APC, Rag & Bone and Zero + Maria Cornejo will be picking up the TopShop mainline as well as the Unique+Boutique collections (designer collaborations) plus shoes. This fall, you'll be able to find Ms. Moss' collection as well as TopShop makeup.

Style Thursdays: Steamy Clean

I tend not to write about cleansers because, to be honest, a clean face is a clean face. While it can sometimes be tricky to find the right one for your skin, it's often a case of trial and error. But I digress, today I have decided to write about Bioré's Purify Steam Activated Cleanser because it takes washing your face and makes it an experience.

Style Thursdays: Getting to Know Dermalogica

I know a lot of ladies (and a few gentlemen) who swear by Dermalogica for their skincare needs, but most of them work in the beauty or style industry. Despite my own experience, I didn't know the difference between any of the brands starting with "Derma" until recently. So when I was invited to the Dermalogica Canada head office in Toronto, I was excited to find out what makes the company so different. I got the lovely Danielle Edwards to give me a brief lesson and filmed it for you.

Style Thursdays: Snoflake Spring Collection Giveaway!

Debbie Sutton's line Snoflake is a refreshing mix of urban sophistication and a sort of vintage charm. It's ladylike but wouldn't look out of place at a pub or even your favourite dive bar. Sutton looked to the ultimate ladylike icon, Audrey Hepburn, for inspiration for spring/summer naming each of the pieces after a Hepburn film. There's also an adorable, totally wearable jumpsuit just called Audrey.

Style Thursdays: The Carrie Diaries - An Excerpt!

I realize that The Carrie Diaries is technically a book for teens, but who are we kidding? Most Sex and The City fans are poised on their stilettos, just waiting to get their hands on a copy. Want to know what the book is like? Well, Beauty Buff has a sneak peek for you!

Style Thursdays: Intraceuticals Atoxelene Line Wand

You may remember my blog post about the Bay Dermatology Centre's pretty fabulous oxygen facial. Well, after seeing how dewy and lovely my skin looked after the treatment, I was quite curious about the hyaluronic acid gel that was sprayed onto my fine lines. It turns out that the stuff also comes in a use-at-home pen format so I immediately asked to try it. I got two: one for myself and one for my mom.

Style Thursdays: Balenciaga Paris Perfume

If you haven't yet sniffed the first fragrance to come out of the house of Balenciaga in 55 years, well you haven't been hanging around the beauty counters at Holt Renfrew, have you? But if Murale and the Bay are more your scene, you should start to see the scent in your favourite stores this month. Balenciaga Paris, 10, Avenue George V premiered at Holt Renfrew in February and is rolling out to counters elsewhere in April.

Style Thursdays: Spring Forward with Esprit

Not since the '80s has Esprit been so buzzed about. Signing celeb-daughters and It girls Daisy Lowe (Gavin Rossdale's model lovechild) and Julia Restoin-Roitfeld (above, offspring of Vogue Paris editor-in-chief, Carine Roitfeld) as models certainly helped gain some 21st century cred but a strong collection of stylish separates didn't hurt either. Fabulous fashion site, Refinery29 recently wrote about the brand's subtle re-branding and return to the spotlight among other classic American labels.

Toronto's LG Fashion Week 2010: Pink Tartan

There was a lot about last night's Pink Tartan show that I liked. The styling was fantastic. I loved the side braids and aviator caps worn by the models. The leather was gorgeous — in particular, a soft-looking puff-sleeved dress and a pleated high-waisted skirt. One model with a long-fringed pixie cut looked strikingly like designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran in an outfit that I consider her trademark look: a sexy pencil skirt and crisp white shirt. In this exceptional case, the shirt featured a silver-studded collar and the skirt was a metallic black brocade.

Toronto's LG Fashion Week 2010: Andy The-Anh

Andy The-Anh has a romantic eye and his collections are always a feminine mix of influences. Last night's show was no different. Its film noir-meets-tango theme was well threaded throughout, starting with the smokey visuals at the opening of the show, moody yet sexy music, high heeled-stomping sound effects and of course the clothes. The designer managed to take an abstract camoflage print and turn it into elegant eveningwear. And there were other military-inspired accents in the addition of a cargo pocket to sophisticated black pants and skirts. There were structured grown-up ruffles done in gowns, flippy flamenco skirts and body-conscious leather. I enjoyed the show and imagine that the collection will sell well but the presentation felt a little long. On the other hand, reviewing the photos, I'm not sure I can see any outfits that needed to stay backstage. I'm glad I saw them all.

Style Thursdays: PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator

Although I test and rave about many products, there are very few that I consider essentials. But PCA Collagen Hydrator really is one of those rare finds that you'll want to buy in barrels. It's recommended as an all-over moisturizer and a perfect night cream because it provides maximum hydration for when your skin really needs it. Maybe because I started with a tiny sample size of the stuff, I have always had trouble getting my mind around slathering my face with it so instead, I tend to use it as a spot treatment. It'll zap dry spots and random flakiness. And although it's not an eye cream, I like to put it under my eyes at night because I wake up actually looking awake. I also use it under my eyes in the morning to prevent my foundation from settling into any fine lines. And if you use it as a lip balm, you'll see an almost-instant plumping effect.

Style Thursdays: Liberty of London for M.A.C

Bummed that you can't shop the new Liberty of London for Target collection in Canada? Me too. The good news is that just in time for spring, M.A.C has also teamed up with the classic British label for a collection of bright, optimistic cosmetics for the first signs of spring. Give Me Liberty of London not only includes peacock shades of shadow, floral lip colour and an awesome creamy white nail polish, the collection also includes gorgeous makeup bags in two sizes and a graphic Liberty of London scarf.

Style Thursdays: Marc Jacobs Daisy Up In The Air

I adore Marc Jacobs perfume bottles. Right now I have Lola adorning my bathroom but the pale blue daisies of the newest edition of Daisy would probably complement any powder room and the sweet garland spritzed with the scent will improve the atmosphere of just about any room. And of course you could spritz a little on yourself, but you already knew that.

Style Thursdays: Marcelle's NEW.AGE foundation

Of all the drugstore brands, I look to Marcelle for quality products that actually work. The company makes products that, even when created for a particular season, will not go out of style before you use them up. And Marcelle is dedicated to skincare so many of their cosmetic products have skin benefits. Take the company's new NEW.AGE Anti-Wrinkle Make-Up, a hypo-allergenic foundation that promises to "defy the effects of cutaneous aging" ("cutaneous" means skin).

Style Thursdays: ALDO's New Ad Campaign

ALDO has enlisted the talents of superstar photographer Terry Richardson for their Spring/Summer 2010 ad campaign and the resulting photos are worth the buzz. If you aren't familiar with Richardson's name, you probably know his work: He shot the album cover for Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSounds, has done covers for Harper's Bazaar, Vogue and GQ and has photographed famous faces Pamela Anderson, Courtney Love, Kate Moss, Jake Gyllenhaal and of course President Obama, just to name a few.

Style Thursdays: HerbaShine Hair Colour

Not too long ago a package containing a sample of Garnier's new hair colour HerbaShine arrived at my desk. It's a demi-permanent dye, meaning that it contains no ammonia and lasts about 28 washes. HerbaShine features bamboo extract to add strength, covers grey naturally up to 70 per cent and takes just 10 minutes to use. The box in shade 800, Medium Blonde, wouldn't do much for my dark brown hair so I passed it along to my fair-haired sister (who really is a natural blonde. The wonders of biology!). Without the summer sun, her normally buttery-hued hair was looking a bit dark at the roots so she was more than happy to try the product for me.

Style Thursdays: NAOT Sandals

I recently returned from an amazing trip to Costa Rica and coincidentally, just before I left I was offered a pair of NAOT sandals to try out. I had a pair of green suede NAOT clogs in the early nineties that I adored so I jumped at the chance to see the what the company was up to for Spring 2010. I took home a pair of "Tahoe" sandals in black patent leather.

Style Thursdays: John Frieda's New Root Awakening Collection

When John Frieda's fresh eucalyptus-scented Root Awakening line first launched, the shampoo and conditioner became a fixture in my shower. I loved how both products tingled slightly on my scalp and made not only my hair, but my whole bathroom smell divine. So when I was invited to learn about the new additions to the line, I rsvp'd right away.

Style Thursdays: Microdermabrasion

Believe it or not, despite my moniker Beauty Buff, I've never had microdermabrasion. I understood that it was an exfoliating treatment that made your skin baby soft, but strangely enough, was never really drawn to have it done. I've used the bottled versions from some of my favourite beauty brands like M.A.C, Estée Lauder and Bioré and was pretty happy with the results. But I recently discovered that there is nothing like the real thing.

Style Thursdays: The Socializer

Style Thursdays: Madonna's Skin Secret

I recently had an epidermal makeover courtesy of pure oxygen at the Bay Dermatology Centre in Toronto. The Intraceuticals Rejuvenation Oxygen Infusion treatment (I know, it's a long title but a worthy one) is the same treatment Madonna uses weekly to keep her 51-year-old skin looking decades younger. While at about $225 a treatment, once a week is not financially possible for most of us, it is the perfect splurge before a special event like a wedding. The Bay Dermatology Centre's director Dr. Sandy Skotnicki-Grant recommends visiting her office a day or two before the big day. "The results are instant but most see the results peak 24-48 hours after treatment," she says but adds that you'll see the best results with a series of six weekly treatments that can be purchased as a group at a friendlier price.

Style Thursdays: Top Five Bling Buys

Recession or not, the holidays are about sparkle and shine so whether you have a calendar full of cocktail parties until 2010 or just want to add a little holiday spirit to your wardrobe, I suggest investing in one of these fabulous statement-makers!

Style Thursdays: A New Toronto Fashion Line to Covet

I've recently had the pleasure of spending time with two of Toronto's newest designers. Cousins Jaclyn Genovese and Gillian Young are the young, super fashionable minds behind Jac + Gill, the cleverly-named body-con collection. Their first collection, Jac and Gill aren't completely new to fashion. Jaclyn is the owner of Jacflash, a very hip Queen West boutique (even Mr. Friday is a fan!), and Gillian is the store's Director of Marketing & New Business Development. Well versed in some of the most fashion-forward labels available, the girls still saw a void in the style landscape. They wanted sexy-yet-chic, rock-n-roll-inspired clothes so they decided to make them.

Style Thursdays: Longer Lashes... For Real

Longer eyelashes you say? I knew that headline would hook you. And it should because (and I'm really trying not to sound like an ad) this stuff actually works. Unlike the Brooke Shields-advertised prescription Rogaine for lashes, Stimulash Fusion from Fusion Beauty (the makers of some of the best lip plumpers) won't change the colour of your eyes or darken your eyelids. And a prescription isn't necessary. Stimulash Fusion is an over-the-counter product — over the cosmetics counter, to be exact.

Style Thursdays: Beauty from Within

Shawna Page is the (very healthy) creator of femMed, a line of female-focused, vegan-friendly vitamins and supplements. And as you probably know (and if you don't, read on), you can slather your face and body with lotions and potions and cosmetics but if things aren't working well on the inside, you skin, hair and nails won't look as fabulous as they could. I had the chance to meet Shawna a few months back and was inspired, so I decided to follow up and get this health expert's thoughts on beauty from within.

Style Thursdays: The Most Fashionable Way to Work Out

When it comes to top-of-the-line exercise technology, you can't get much more advanced than a machine built for astronauts. If you're a fashion-obsessed fitness buff, your obvious icon is the utterly iconic (if sometimes ridiculous) Karl Lagerfeld. If you weren't sold on the high-tech, space station history of the Power Plate, you may be won over by the fact that this machine helped the fan-flapping, chubby German Chanel designer become the super svelte fat-hating hypocrite he is today.

Style Thursdays: Halloween Makeup and a Big Toronto Beauty Discount

Still on the hunt for a Halloween costume? Take a look at the looks that M.A.C artists have created for fright night. I've included a selection below but there are many more on M.A.C's Facebook page. And you can see the looks come to life on M.A.C's youtube channel. This is an amazing video!