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If I were to compare my favourite beauty products to the stuff that aids in post-baking kitchen cleanup, it would a little something like this. Steel wool is like my Clarisonic (deep scrubbing sans scratching), while LiquidPlumr paired with a heavy duty plunger (or a decent, real-life plumber) excavates crumbs like Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque does to build up dirt and oil in my pores.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, $26.00 for 125ml

And just in time for Earth Day, the brand with apothecary roots and cult-like followings is releasing a limited-edition version of the creamy jarred version of this bestseller. The mask doesn't stink, never stings and leaves pores looking tremendously less disgusting (not saying they're eternally vanquished, people) and the shiny bits of my face looking noticeably more matte. I also find it pretty soothing, which is likely due to the (Canadian!) ingredient Bentonite, renowned for its ability to sooth and heal skin. With sweat-soaked days on the horizon, adding this to your beauty cabinet really can't hurt.

The purchase will sooth your conscience, too. One hundred per cent of the proceeds will benefit Evergreen, a not-for-profit group focused on sustainability throughout Canada.

 
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, $26.00 for 125ml; available at Kiehl's locations throughout Canada.

My experience with "natural" hair colour has two connections to the United Kingdom. The first time was in 1998, when I was visiting my cousins in Glasgow, Scotland. My cousin Katie offered the idea of colouring her hair and being the I'll-try-any-beauty-treatment-out-there person that I am, I happily hit up the local drugstore to make some selects. Three rounds of a cherry-coloured henna later (as IF our mothers would allow us to peruse the chemical colour aisle!), Katie's hair was still black as sticky tar. We reasoned that Katie's jet "Black Scot" hair was impervious to colour shifting and took off for a shopping trip to Marks & Sparks (Marks and Spencer, to be correct) instead. Here's a shot of Katie on the far left, myself on the far right. Sandwiched between us is my sister Vanessa. This was taken years later, when we met up in England for a wedding. Please excuse my tan—it was taken during one summer spent lifeguarding at a beach.

Cousin Katie, sister Vanessa in the middle and myself.

And it wasn't until earlier this year that I started thinking about "natural" hair colour again. I was lucky enough to visit Lymington, England in January of this year. A welcome respite from chilly Toronto, the charming seaside town also boasted the head office and laboratories of Herb UK, the manufacturers of Tints of Nature and Organic Colour Systems. The former is a mass-market haircare brand that includes hair colour, shampoos and treatments. Interestingly enough, it's only available in the natural foods section of grocery stores (for now, you can find it at Loblaw locations across the country) instead of the traditional hair colour aisle.

After all, hair colour is considering pretty low priority with health food stores globally. Why? It's the notion that granola types who make their own almond butter and recycle everything they use aren't likely to colour their hair, since they are so well aware of the necessity for chemicals to "process" their hair. And in a sense, they're right. You DO need chemicals. But you don't always need all of the nasty ones.

Tints of Nature Conditioning Permanent Colour, $19, at Loblaw locations and online at well.ca.

And honestly, I was really skeptical. I thought it would be Henna 2.0, this time with all my white striped-tee shirts nicely halo-ed with residual dye. And even when the Managing Director of the brand, Raoul Perfitt told me the dye will restore my hair's ph levels and make it feel softer after using it—I was still skeptical. (What? As a beauty editor I have to have a *bit* of a discerning eye!).

But...

I was wrong. First off, let me be clear—I didn't use the permanent. I used the demi-permanent (which hit shelves this month), which Raoul likened to "covering a lightbulb up with coloured cellophane"—essentially coating my hair for six to eight washes and dosing it with high-shine.  I don't colour my hair, so loved the idea of not having to change the chemical structure of the hair while giving it a flash of colour.

The new packaging and range of shades from Tints of Nature.

But the permanent range worked for my PR companion very, very well. Her hair looked really shiny post-colour, and it also felt super soft. When we coloured our hair, we were also treated to a Tints of Nature Reconstructing Treatment before the colour was applied, but after we shampooed and conditioned. The brand carries that too (and can I just say I am obsessed with the sulfate-free shampoo? It's a strong contender for my next 'This Works' series).

So in conclusion, yes, you can treat your grey, boost your shade or give yourself some highlights. It's not like the pigment comes from beet juice or coffee grinds—there are some real chemicals in there, but the quality of their ingredients is safer and more gentle on your end. They contain 60 per cent active organic ingredients, and the sulfate-free shampoo is so gentle, you can use it as a face wash (many of the Herb UK employees do) and their conditioner works just as well as a hand cream.

My hair post Tints of Nature.

There's also no:

• resourcinol
• ammonia (that's where the nasty smell comes from)
• parabens
• propylene glycol
• lowest level of PPDs possible (read more about them here)
• gentle form of peroxide (necessary to lift your colour and achieve a bright blond)

But they've added some nice:

• Vitamin C and E
• Orange extract
• Aloe extract
• Grapefruit extract
• Chamomile extract

All of the organic ingredients are certified by ECOCERT or the Soil Association Organic Standard, absolutely nothing is tested on animals. Packaging is recycled (and you can recycle it again).

I don't know about you, but that's a step in the right direction for me. In a category that's seen as an essential (more than mascara and concealer for some of you), it's comforting to know some brands are marrying safety and efficacy without stripping the fun out of beauty treatments. Because that's the best part, right?

Want to win your very own tube of RapidLash? We are giving away five tubes to the best readers in the world!

RapidLash, $60

Trust me, you do. Why? It works. There's really no way around that. I suffered some serious lash breakage after quitting lash extensions, I willingly started applying anything that could patch things up—and sure enough, my lashes regained their fluttery length in no time (well, probably three weeks or so if I'm being realistic). I've seen zero irritation and application is easy as pie—just swipe the fine-tipped brush along your top and bottom lashes before bed. I've noticed really extreme results on my bottom lashes as well.

To win, leave a comment below answering the following question: what's your favourite mascara?

Contest closes Tuesday, March 27th, 2012, at 2 p.m. (EST). You can enter once only. You’re eligible only if you live in Canada and are of the age of majority in the province/territory you live in. Not open to any TC Media employees or the people they live with.

CONTEST CLOSED: Congratulations Elaine D, Julie P, Pam, Allison Davis and Debbie!

Welcome to the first installment of This Works: a teeny roundup of a product I'm currently using and feel like I need to share. Because I know there's nothing more frustrating than shelling out big bucks for a product that doesn't deliver. It's similar to when you spend money and time (very precise, focused, trash-your-kitchen-kind-of-time) on baking and then pull a steaming pan of black rocks out of a steaming oven. Which is why I feel like I need to share.

Olay Total Effects Line & Dark Circle Minimizing Brush, $30

And this, dear readers, is no waste of time. As someone who is constantly plagued by dark circles regardless of how little sleep or how much sushi I consume, I'm always mainlining eye creams and concealers. Lately, I'm into the Olay Total Effects Line & Dark Circle Minimizing Brush, for a few reasons.

1) The applicator is GENIUS. A gentle, oversize brush that doesn't require finger padding or excess tugging on the delicate skin around the eyes. The click-click formula mechanism is also fun to use.

2) The shade is just enough that it blends with my skin while covering up the darkness and not giving me the reverse panda look. You can also layer (which is more of a security thing for me) without looking like you piled it on.

3) It hydrates without leaving a greasy film. Which, if you're a mascara or liner user...you know why this is key.

4) While I normally like a tacky-feeling concealer, I'm really enjoying the water-like texture of this one, which makes #1 a whole lot easier.

5) The bonus skincare element: knowing that it hydrates skin while treating puffiness and wrinkles makes me feel less guilty about skipping my eye cream.

Olay Total Effects Line & Dark Circle Minimizing Brush is $29.99 and available at drugstores and mass-market retailers across the country.

What I love and hate about the red carpet is when the talent acknowledges "who" they're wearing. While I love to hear them finally reveal after a few moments of buildup and guesswork (the satisfaction of knowing you're right when your guess is correct), it really grinds me when they don't acknowledge the master hair and makeup team. Sure, a couture design cut perfectly to your body will make every inch look lifted and sculpted (though Spanx needs some credit too), but your hair and makeup team will erase every pimple, sign of fatigue, ill brow shaping and imperfect feature you're born with. Here, my favourite works of art last night:

#1 Rooney Mara: While it's not the hair that lures me in, I do have to acknowledge how bold and striking those jet black, crisp, heavy bands were against her gauzy, pale gown. We know she has two sequels to do, so don't make any snide comments about why her hair hasn't changed, or why she's rocking those bangs—she's under contract, people!

Breathless over Mara's brows

It's the brows. They were filled in just enough, without looking to heavy or costumey—but being graphic enough in their own right to look like a standout feature. Too often people focus on a heavy eye or lip—and the brows are simply an afterthought. The rest of her makeup was equally stunning without looking too heavy and powdered or too glittering and well, Oscar-like. The matte red lip kept with the minimalist feel of the rest of her styling, and feathery lashes that don't look fake (like those K sisters) will never fail to make me weak in the knees.

GET THE LOOK

Joe Fresh Beauty Consultant Simone Otis weighed in on Mara's makeup:

“Rooney Mara was my favourite from the show. Her skin was incredible, and she looked beautiful and elegant. To achieve this look, a flawless complexion is the key. Start with Primer to prep the skin for a silky base, and layer with Sheer Tint for coverage. Layer and build the colour in any problem areas, and dust off with the Translucent Powder to set the look and remove any unwanted shine. Contouring is a major focus – highlight the centre of the cheeks and down the nose with Ice Highlighter. The rest of her make-up was simple but stunning - a strong groomed brow, bold lashes and a bold lip. Draw a thin line in black pencil eyeliner really close to the lash line, almost smudging between the lashes. This will make your eyes pop without creating obvious definition. Rooney’s lashes were full and gorgeous; try layering mascaras to get a similar effect – start with Length Lash Mascara and then use Volume Lash on top. The look was completed with a muted red lip like Ruby Matte Lipstick. Her thick bangs and ponytail complemented the look perfectly. I loved it.”—Joe Fresh Beauty Consultant Simone Otis

#2 Gywneth Paltrow: Here's one that Julia and I agreed on with the fashion and beauty—which was hands down, one of the night's best. In a sea of too-controlled curls, heavy, dramatic buns and old-as-toast-but-certain-classic-chignons, Paltrow's clean and simple (much like her dress) ponytail looked as if it was about to fall out. Why would I like that? Because—it's different! And such a lovely contrast to the grandeur of the evening. At the biggest night in Hollywood, Paltrow's pony holder looked as if it was ready to snake down her Tom Ford gown at any moment. It almost mimicked  faux bob from the front, with a sleek low pony in the back. Click here to see a photo from behind. Keep an eye out: minimalist beauty will continue through fall. Her subtly bronzed skin was also stunning—not one of my favourite beauty products, because people tend to over use it—but Gwyneth took a quiet restraint and paired the glow with some sheer apricot gloss, sparkling amber eyeshadow, liquid liner and mascara. Note: Those highlights deserve an honourable mention.

Paltrow's pristine hair and makeup

GET THE LOOK:

We found out why Paltrow's makeup looked "elegantly bronzed," says celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez, who achieved the look.
“The dress makes such a statement, but it also has no color, so we needed to create a makeup look that complemented the dress and was still sophisticated enough for the red carpet. I really loved the Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer because it gives a sun-kissed look to her skin, and perfect against a white dress!”—celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez for NARS Cosmetics

FACE
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, with Super Orgasm Illuminator patted onto the apples of the cheeks.

EYES
The champagne side of NARS Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow applied on the eyelid for a pop of gold, followed by a Maybelline brown liquid eyeliner along the lashline. The look was finished with NARS Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara.

LIPS
NARS Odalisque Larger Than Life Lip Gloss

** NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer was also applied to her neck, décolletage, and shoulders

#3 Rose Byrne:

The Australian actress caught my attention almost instantly. That impossibly glossy hair, with a deep side part and heavy bang had me so transfixed, I didn't even noticed her glittering gown until she appeared on stage later in the evening. Even when she presented with her Bridesmaids cast, her hair took centre stage. Her flick of sooty black liner, sculpted (but not overtly) cheeks and nude-y peach lips were just enough without going overboard. Do you sense a theme here?

Byrne's foundation-free skin & awesome deep side part

GET THE LOOK:

We got the inside scoop on Byrne's makeup from Maude LaCeppe, care of NARS Cosmetics:

"Her dress is like a piece of jewelry so we wanted glamorous and sexy but minimal at the same time. It's really elegant and modern. We wanted the skin to look transparent but radiant and the new tinted moisturizer produces that effect. It's is super light but easy to blend for as much coverage as you want or need. It's a beautiful veil on the skin for a perfect red carpet glow."—Makeup by Maude Laceppe for NARS Cosmetics.

What Laceppe used (all products NARS unless otherwise noted):

FACE: Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer; Cle de Peau concealer; Gaeity Blush

EYES: Lhasa Single Eyeshadow; Coconut Grove Eyeshadow on outer corners blended

LIPS: Bilbao Lipstick

MULTIPLE: Copacabana Multiple patted all over eyes cheeks and lips for an icy sheen

All images courtesy Getty; Makeup tips courtesy Nars Cosmetics.

Did you make New Year's resolutions? I sure didn't.

The beauty trade kicks off today.

And it's not because I'm lazy (though I am) or that I don't want to eat more greens (I do!) but because I didn't really want to set myself up for failure. Was trying to start this year feeling fresh and bright, without all the requisite guilt that accompanies the first failed attempt at quitting chocolate, sugar, alcohol...or whatever else I've decided to strike from my lifestyle.

Which is why I'm so excited about the new Trade in and Trade Up event happening at all Bay stores starting today through January 26th, 2012. Here's the deal: bring any old skincare products from ANY brand (they can be new or empty) and receive a voucher worth up to $20 off your next purchase of fragrance or makeup.

One product=a voucher for $10 off a minimum of $50 of cosmetics or fragrance purchases.

Two products= a voucher for $20 off a minimum of $100 of cosmetics or fragrance purchases.

Can you argue with that? I'm heading there tomorrow and bringing Candy by Prada home with me.

Images courtesy of The Bay.

While 2010 marked the year of nail polish, 2011 continued to press forward with some incredible launches in the realm of nail polish. Gel, stick-on, encrusted, printed, gel, UV-cured....the list went on and on. And if you really want to know, check out all of the amazing posts from BeautyGeeks. She's my current resource for everything nails.

Bobbing for Baubles—a CL Style Department Favourite

My point is that nails are very, very popular. So if you find yourself looking for a last-minute gift, get thee to a Shoppers Drug Mart. They have an amazing selection of gifts (obviously!) but most especially is their Essie selection. Grab a handful from the new collection and a few co-coordinating candy canes; shove into a small basket and cellophane it up. Instant pretty gift that any girl will love. I promise.

For your chance to win the winter collection from Essie, answer a question below: what nail polish shade would you never be caught dead wearing?

The Rules: Contest closes December 26th at 2 p.m. (EST.) You can enter once only. You’re eligible only if you live in Canada and are of age of majority in the province/territory you live in. Not open to any TC Media employees or the people they live with.

Don't you hate when you travel and have to pack up all your beauty products? And then you reach your final destination and you're like, "Damn, where's my toothpaste?" The most seemingly basic items get left behind, while I've got enough lipstick to body paint an army. Not that I've ever considered that idea or anything. *cough*.

Anyway. That's why I'm so excited about these Discovery kits ($43) from Pangea Organics. It can be extremely tricky to find natural and effective drugstore products in mini sizes. So you're either forced to switch from your beloved brands if your bottle's too big (i.e. you're flying and taking a carry on) or schlepp all of your faves with you, weighing down your bag (that's already bursting at the seams from all your gifts!).

To win one of three kits from Pangea Organics, answer the question below: What's your favourite natural skincare remedy?

The Rules: Contest closes December 24th at 2 p.m. (EST.) You can enter once only. You’re eligible only if you live in Canada and are of age of majority in the province/territory you live in. Not open to any TC Media employees or the people they live with.

Just...do it. Get a gift card.

What does this little monster want for Christmas?

I know what you're thinking. It's so impersonal! So lazy! So...unthoughtful!

But as a picky neice myself, I can whole-heartedly, hands-down express that giving a gift card is a really good idea, especially if it's from Banana Republic. Why? Well, aside from the notion that they have amazing pieces, you can also use their gift cards at Gap and Old Navy. As well, their Canadian e-commerce websites are so amazing, you'll be giving your snotty (did I say that?) little neice the freedom to shop online at her heart's desire. Click on this link and you can send the card directly to her—no fuss with the post-office.

For your chance to win a $50 gift card to Banana Republic, leave a comment below answering the following question: what's the worst gift you've ever received?

The Rules: Contest closes December 22, 2012 at 2 p.m. (EST.) You can enter once only. You’re eligible only if you live in Canada and are of age of majority in the province/territory you live in. Not open to any TC Media employees or the people they live with.

We ALL have one. Hey, some of us are closet Oprah fans. And some? Loud and proud fans of big O.

The Oprah Winfrey Show: Reflections on an American Legacy book details a variety of essays, illustrations and a host of other goodies, with plenty of backstage access and, in true Oprah fashion, an exploration into how the show has changed and improved the lives of many people. On a side note, I love the Feist-esque cover.

I'm thinking a box 'o tissue and a fleece blanket might also pair well with this?

The Oprah Winfrey Show: Reflections on an American Legacy is Available at Indigo for $34.49.

Contest closes Jan. 3, 2012, at 3:30 p.m. (EST). You can enter once only. You’re eligible only if you live in Canada and are of the age of majority in the province/territory you live in. Not open to any TC Media employees or the people they live with.