I’m going to throw this out there and hope you don’t judge me – I’m a lazy overachiever.
What does that even mean? Well, I’m that girl who sleeps with her makeup on to avoid washing her face (but enjoys the perfect smoky eye the next AM). That girl who does two Whitestrips in a row because she can’t commit to a two-week stint. That girl who layers on a bunch of serums once very couple of weeks because she can’t remember to do it daily.
That’s why I’m all about products …

The second Mad Men for Banana Republic collection launches online and in stores today, but eager fans fêted the launch at parties across Canada and the US last night. Since I was such a fan of the last collection, I dragged my mom out in the slush to attend the Yorkdale party. I knew from the last collection that prime styles and sizes tend to sell out quick, so I wanted to get my paws on the hot pink Betty dress that I’d been coveting for summer weddings.
The Clothes

I tried …

Have you seen those Frank’s Red Hot commercials lately? You know, the ones that end with the grandma saying “I put that sh*t on everything!”? That’s my situation right now with Deborah Lippmann’s standout gold sparkle polish, Boom Boom Pow.

Our love affair started just before the holidays when I picked up the polish at Murale to add a little glitz to my holiday glam. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with different ways to wear the polish and have not, for one second, fallen out of love with it. Trust me …

I’m a frequent victim of photobombs. No, it’s not an annoying friend or an adorable animal that’s popping into my photos – it’s my hair elastics. Thanks to hair that likes to explode elastics or frizz unexpectedly, they’re a fixture on my wrists (and in my car, on my desk…you get the idea). All too frequently, I’ll even head out to a formal event with one on my arm. Luckily, my mom’s eagle eyes generally spot them before I head out the door.
Enter: Goody Double Wear hair elastics. These little gems …

With Valentine’s Day less than a week away, it’s time to start thinking of all the little details that will make the day special – whether you’re single or attached. For me, that means wearing a ton of red, pink and glitter…and painting my nails to match. Nail artiste or not, read on for more ways to get Cupid-ready.

Pucker up:

 
If the cold air is making your lips feel a little parched, it’s time to get into a lip routine that keeps them supple and kissable. Lip treatments are available at …

Everyone knows that having a good lipstick, mascara and concealer in your arsenal is a necessity. What often flies under the radar are those products you didn’t even know you needed that will ultimately change your life. These three products will quickly become your favourites and a part of your everyday routine.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo, ~$11-$19, Sephora
Dry shampoo has been all the rage for the past few years, but many formulas can leave your hair stinky and gritty and often fail to provide the volume you crave. This …

 
If there’s one thing every girl wants for the holidays, it’s radiant skin. Photos are inevitable during party season and it’s only human to want to look your best (and to win free goodies – more on that later!).
Enter KORRES.

The KORRES story begins in Greece and ends with the perfect homeopathic products for all skin types. The products are vegetarian-friendly and sometimes even vegan-friendly – great for those who are especially conscious about what goes into their bodies and onto their skin. I’ve told you how much I love the …

What do you get the girl who has everything? My favourite rule is to get that hard-to-shop-for lady on your list something that will make her sparkle & shine. Every girl loves to feel special and these goodies will surely do the trick! Bonus: These will be easy to find, even if you’ve waited until the last minute to shop (like me!).
beauty bounty
For the girl who can never get enough beauty products and gadgets:

Fresh Mini Sugar Kissing Trio, ~$28, Sephora
This trio of balms is the perfect stocking stuffer. Give …

It’s no secret that I love a great deal…and that I am absolutely in love with Benefit Cosmetics.
Since we should all spread the love during the holidays, I have a glam little secret to share to thank you for being such fabulous and loyal readers.

Have you seen these billboards around Toronto? They’re part of Benefit Cosmetic’s #glamgiveaways!  A few times this week, these bags will be replenished by the Benefit Cosmetics team and, if you spot them before anyone else, you’ll get to snag a goody bag full of Benefit …

As the weather gets colder, it’s inevitable that your skin will get increasingly scaly and rough. Along with swapping your facial moisturizer for something more emollient and switching your summer shimmer for shea butter, you should also think about your feet. With cozy tights and patterned socks likely keeping your toes covered all winter long, it’s easy to forget that your feet need extra TLC in the winter months – especially after party-hopping in your highest heels!
My favourite way to treat myself (and keep my boyfriend from recoiling at the …