2013-05-25T06:52:15-04:00 Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/author/index.php?author=kendra-hagerman Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Kendra Hagerman Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.3072399 2013-04-23T17:51:01-04:00 2013-04-23T17:15:39-04:00

Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/
We are used to being excluded from contests, not being able to see our favourite touring artist, enjoying a fraction of the Netflix movies that our American neighbours have access to, crossing borders to get our favourite food or brands, and feeling disappointed when we find out that a website won't ship to our glorious country.

But times are changing, and major brands, companies, and stores are considering their Canadian customers.

Since part one of this two part article launched, three major labels have introduced Canadian-friendly websites, meaning more choices for Canadians when it comes to online shopping. Catch up by reading part one, and bookmark some of the latest and greatest websites that ship to Canada.

Shopbop -- A favourite among designer label fans, Shopbop offers a comprehensive collection of quality items all in on place. Shop their 70 per cent off section for some of the best deals on designer labels, and take advantage of their free international express shipping. Pay duty upfront or upon delivery, depending which shipping option you choose.

Gilt Groupe -- This flash sale website offers instant access to designer labels at up to 60 per cent off. A similar concept to Beyond the Rack, Guilt charges a flat shipping rate of $20. Membership is free, but act quickly if you find something that catches your eye; quantities are limited and sales only last a few days.

Zara -- One of the more recent Canadian-friendly websites, Zara Canada launched in March 2013. Ship your order to any Canadian Zara store for pick-up free of charge, to any Canadian address for just $5, or express for just $10. Change your mind once it arrives at our door? Return the unworn item to a Canadian Zara store within one month for an easy refund.

eLUXE -- One of the few luxury fashion websites based in Canada, eLUXE describes themselves as a marriage between magazine and merchandise. Their Ask a Stylist section offers custom advice and styling tips, and all products are shipped from within Canada, which means no surprise duty charges or taxes.

LOFT -- In early 2013, the accessible, trendy, and youthful sister-label to Ann Taylor started shipping to over 100 countries, including Canada. The brand offers everything from work staples to weekend wear, and includes duties in the final purchase price.

The Outnet -- Brought to you by the team behind Net-A-Porter, The Outnet sells discounted designer womenswear and accessories. Product can be limited, but discounts are deep, which means you may want to stock up and take advantage of their $24.95 flat rate shipping cost.

Revolve Clothing -- Since its launch in 2003, Revolve Clothing has expanded its product line to include over 500 men's and women's designer shoes, apparel, and accessories. Shipping is free for orders over $100, and duties/taxes are due upon arrival.

Amazon Beauty -- Amazon may not be the first website that comes to mind when you need to stock up on beauty products, but their two new online stores will change this. Together, Amazon Beauty and Amazon Health & Personal Care carry 80,000 products, including makeup, perfume, hair care, and skin care. All products ship from within Canada, so you'll never have to worry about paying duty or extra taxes.

Haute Look -- Acquired by Nordstrom in March 2011, HauteLook's sales start each day at 8 a.m. Pacific time. Shop some of the best names in fashion, beauty, and home décor at up to 75 per cent off with no surprises. All costs (shipping, GST, PST, and duties) will be displayed when you check out, and what you see is what you pay.

eShakti -- Take the guesswork out of online shopping with eShakti. Shop their women's apparel in standard sizes, or for an extra $7.50, enter your custom measurements and get your item tailed to your body. Be your own designer, and customize your order by adjusting the sleeve length, adding pockets, or changing the neckline. Shipping rates depend on the order value, and new product is added regularly.

Disclosure: Editorial selections are made without direct promotional consideration from featured websites, although credits may be received through affiliate commissions.

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Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/
The colour green represents fertility, life, and hope, and what better way to embrace this colour than on Earth Day? Whether you participate in it by recycling your cosmetics packaging, using a reusable cup, or choosing eco-friendly products, now is the time to go green.

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Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/
LUSH Gorilla Perfumes -- Looking for a new signature scent? LUSH's new perfume line features nine unique scents, inspired by the British countryside, music, emotions, and literary figures. The eclectic fragrances are available in six different size bottles, and with ingredients like cumin, tonka bean, furze, and black pepper, they are the perfect antidote to mass-marketed scents. Available at select LUSH locations across North America and online, $14.95-$179.95.

Maybelline New York Master Duo Liner by EyeStudio -- Maximize your eyeliner options with Maybelline's new bold eyeliner. This liquid liner features an innovative dual-ball tip that lets you go from thick to thin with just a twist of the wrist. Available at drugstores and mass retailers, $11.99.

Chantecaille Save the Sharks Palette -- Inspired by colours of the ocean, the latest palette from Chantecaille includes soft beiges, ocean blues, sandy greys, and golden corals. By purchasing the palette, you'll be adding to your makeup collection and supporting sustainable oceans: five percent of all proceeds will be donated to BLOOM Association, in support of banning unregulated shark fin trade. Available at select Holt Renfrew locations and online, $83.

MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick -- Get more bang for your buck with the latest lipstick to hit MAC's shelves. This pigment-rich lipstick is larger than MAC's standard lipstick, and offers major moisture. The lightweight mineral moist complex glides on easy, leaving lips nourished and smooth. Available in MAC stores and online, $26.

Fresh Sugar Petal Tinted Lip Treatment -- This spring, Fresh is adding a new hue to their popular Sugar Lip Treatment collection: Sugar Petal. The feminine pink blossom tint was inspired by roses that Fresh co-founder, Alina Roytberg, spotted in a friend's garden. The hydrating treatment is scientifically proven to keep lips moisturized for six hours, and includes SPF 15, antioxidants, and vitamins. Available online and at Sephora, $22.50.

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Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/ D'Orsay flat has quickly become a fashion favourite, and has been spotted on celebrities like Jessica Alba, Emma Roberts, and Mandy Moore. The sleek signature flat is available in a rainbow of finishes and colours like pink suede, black crocodile, printed silk wool, and gold lizard, with 11 new styles recently added for Spring 2013.

Prices range from $395 - $610 a pair, but that doesn't mean that you can't get the look for less. More affordable labels are catching on to the fabulous flat, and brands like Chinese Laundry and Steve Madden have released similar versions, ensuring stylish flats for all.

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Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/
If you really want to impress the fashion and beauty lovers in your life, upgrade your holiday gifts to these new takes on old classics.

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Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/

Eddie and I talking beauty.


1. Dark lips were spotted all over the Autumn/Winter 2012 runway. What's your advice on how to wear deep burgundy or aubergine lipstick without looking like you're dressing up for Halloween?

Eddie admits that a dark lip isn't easy to pull off, and may not be for everyone. If you want to try this look, he suggests starting with clean skin and a very light base (try a bit of powder, subtle bronzer, or some BB Cream to create a natural look). Use a lengthening mascara to enhance your eyes, and apply a subtle amount of a natural looking blush. As a general rule, keep your makeup to a minimum, and let your bold lips speak for themselves.

2. BB Cream is the latest craze, but what exactly is BB Cream (also known as Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm) and what is the proper way to use it?

Although many people think Beauty Balm is a recent innovation, it was actually developed in the 1960s by an aesthetic surgeon. Originally developed to protect, moisturize, and soothe skin, it's a gentle product that can be used on most skin types.

Each product differs in the benefits and the ingredients, but the overall idea is the same: a gentle moisturizer that evens skin tone and illuminates the face. Depending on your skin type and preferences, BB Cream can be used instead of moisturizer and/or foundation.

3. What's the best way to apply BB Cream?

Eddie suggests applying it with your fingers: start at the centre of your face, and work your way out. Dab and blend the product, as you focus on evening out your t-zone and covering any visibly discoloured spots. In addition to using BB Cream all over the face, it can also be used as a highlighter on the apples of the cheeks, around the eyes, and under the eyebrows.

4. Winter is just around the corner, and that means cold temperatures, dry air, and harsh wind. What's the best way to avoid dry skin as the temperatures drop?

Eddie suggests exfoliating once a week. It's a good habit to get into, and especially important during winter. Exfoliating will help remove dead skin, and allow your moisturizer to absorb evenly and thoroughly. He also suggests incorporating moisturizing (morning and night) into your daily beauty regime to prevent your skin from drying out.

5. What's a beauty routine that you regularly enforce and believe in?

Eddie didn't have to think about this one: sunscreen. The best way to prevent sun damage and aging is to protect your skin, and sunscreen is critical. Even when the weather is cloudy or you're not going to be spending time in direct sun, Eddie suggests applying sunscreen everyday.

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Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/ is in the shape of a six-inch heel). Thankfully, many companies, brands, and retailers are adopting environmentally friendly and sustainable practices in an effort to decrease their impact on the environment. Looking good and doing good has never been so rewarding.

MAC -- If you're a MAC cosmetics fan, save your empty cosmetics packaging and participate in their Back to MAC program. Return six empty MAC containers (eye shadow, foundation, lipstick, etc.), and in return, they will give you a free lipstick of your choice.

London Drugs -- The family owned and operated drugstore recycles cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic bags, electronics, and now beauty packaging. Their recent collaboration with TerraCycle is aimed at reducing the waste that the beauty industry produces. Drop off your empty beauty packaging at their recycling collection boxes located in all of their stores (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan), and TerraCycle will turn them into items like park benches and garbage bins.

LUSH Cosmetics -- In addition to using as little packaging as possible, select LUSH cosmetics products like their bath bombs, massage bars, and solid shampoo bars are available without any packaging at all. LUSH pots and bottles are made from BPA-Free 100 per cent post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, their bags are made of 100 per cent post-consumer recycled paper, and all LUSH products are biodegradable. LUSH also has an in-store recycling program: when you return five of their signature black pots to any of their stores, they will give you a free Fresh Face Mask.

Aveda -- In addition to using post-consumer recycled materials in all their packaging, they pioneered the Aveda Caps Recycling program. This unique program recycles rigid polypropylene plastic caps usually found on plastic containers like shampoo, pop, water, and laundry detergent bottles. Aveda then grinds them up and molds them into new caps that are used for Aveda products.

Origins -- The Return to Origins Program encourages customers to bring their empty cosmetics tubes, bottles, and jars (regardless of brand) to an Origins retail store or department store counter for recycling. All returned packaging is recycled or used towards energy recovery; the program is available in Canada, The United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, The United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Singapore.

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Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/
To start, choose denim pieces that are casual adaptations of business attire. Try denim pencil skirts, blazers, dresses, trousers, and button-ups.

Dress up your denim by pairing it with typical office essentials: fitted cardigans, silk blouses, chic heels, slimming dress pants, crisp collared shirts, and pinstriped skirts. Emphasize your blue hues with classic and clean cut accessories like pearl earrings, bangles, a dressy watch, or a leather tote.

Feeling more adventurous? Take advantage of Fall 2012 beauty trends, and make your denim pop with a deep mulberry lip, a bold blue manicure, or a smokey brown eye.

Wear denim in a way that works for you and your office environment.  Everyday can't be a weekend, but by dressing up your denim, you can turn everyday into casual Friday.

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Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/
But if you don't have the cash for a pair of designer kicks, that doesn't mean you can't rock this dapper trend. More affordable brands are releasing their own versions of the flashy slipper, which will keep your feet cozy and your wallet full.

Studded loafers are surprisingly versatile; try pairing them with shorts, a maxi skirt, cropped jeans, or cuffed pants, and create a look that would make Hugh Hefner jealous.

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Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/
Links of London, a brand known for their sophisticated and modern jewellery, have updated and infused the friendship bracelet with a little Links of London charm. Their Friendship Collection features various simple yet stylish bracelets, updated with details like skull motifs, double wrap designs, metallic threads, and sterling silver toggles. The bracelets are extremely versatile, and can be dressed up for a night out, paired with a watch, stacked with other bracelets, or worn with a pair of flip-flops to the beach.

The hand-woven bracelets are available in a wide selection of modern colour combinations like white/pewter, fuchsia/navy, black/gold, pink/burgundy, and green/black. Prices range from $255 to $385, and the collection can be purchased in Canada at select Holt Renfrew stores or the Links of London website.

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Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/
What websites should Tim-Hortons-drinking, toque-wearing, maple-syrup-savouring Canadian fashion and beauty lovers use? The deals are out there, you just need to know where to look.

Well.ca -- An online Canadian health, beauty, and skincare store that is known for its customer service, sales, and referral program.

Dealuxe -- An online store for designer clothes, shoes, accessories, and handbags. They offer free shipping on orders within Canada over $25, and with so many gorgeous items to choose from, it's easy to spend $25.

I love Sample Sales -- A database of sample sales in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary. Sign up for their email alerts to get insider information on sample sales going on near you.

Flash Sale Websites like Peacock Parade and Beyond the Rack. He who hesitates is lost -- if you're looking for designer deals, flash sale websites offer high-end merchandise at deeply discounted prices. Merchandise is limited and sales last about 48 hours, so it's important to act quickly.

Lavish & Lime -- Eco-friendly Canadian products for green living. Lavish & Lime features natural bath, body, sunscreen, and other eco-friendly beauty products.

BeautyMark -- A online beauty store that carries high-end and hard-to-come-by beauty products. If you're looking for new products to discover, BeautyMark has you covered.

Yves Rocher -- A beauty company that harvests, manufactures, and distributes their own products. Yves Rocher carries everything from $2.95 nail polish to acne-targeting skincare products.

eBeauty -- A beauty website that has over 5,000 products and over 300 brands. They have free shipping over $25, and an addictive section of their website that features items for $10 and under.

Stylefly -- An online boutique that sells designer items. If you're looking for a fashion steal, browse their 75 per cent - 90 per cent off section.

ASOS -- ASOS is more than just a huge online fashion store; it's a fashion community and online marketplace. Specializing in unique and eye-catching pieces, this is a store that has something for everyone. Just when you think ASOS couldn't get any better, they have free shipping to anywhere in Canada.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1326760 2012-03-07T11:58:34-05:00 2012-05-07T05:12:02-04:00

Kendra Hagerman http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kendra-hagerman/
Pack your Polish -- Next time you go for a manicure or pedicure, bring your own nail polish. As your nails grow or chip, you'll be able to fill in the imperfections and extend the overall life of your manicure.

Double Up -- If you use cotton balls to apply toner, it's time to stop. Cotton balls soak up excess product, and often don't apply it evenly. Try switching to cotton face pads, and while you're at it, cut them in half to double your investment.

Switch and Swap -- If you're bored of your closet contents, organize a clothing swap. Ask friends and family to bring items that they no longer wear, and have fun trading, trying on clothing, and swapping items.

Get Gifted -- Keep an eye out for department store "gift with purchase" promotions. Monitor the levels of your favourite beauty products, and even if you're not officially out, stock up during a promotion. You'll get to try new products that that you may be apprehensive to splurge on, and the testers are perfect for travel or makeup touch-ups on the go.

Cut it Out -- The next time you finish a product with flexible packaging (toothpaste, eye cream, foundation etc.), don't throw it out. Use scissors to cut it the tube in half, and scoop out the leftover product inside. Depending on the packaging, you'll get a few additional applications, and give yourself some more time before you run out completely.

Go Surfing -- The Internet is full of fashion and beauty deals, especially group buying and flash sale websites. Websites like Onespout can help you stay on top of all the online deals by proving an extensive list all in one place. While you're surfing the web, sign up to become a member of flash sale websites like Beyond the Rack and Stylehopper. Monitor their promotions and sales, but be ready to act fast; product on flash sale websites sell out quickly. If you're worried about junk mail, create an email address that is strictly for website subscription newsletters, and check it once a day to take advantage of the best deals.

The Gift of Thrift -- For those who don't mind second hand stores, there are some major thrift store scores to be found. Second hand stores are a great place to find closet basics (leather belts, dress shirts, the perfect clutch), and even the occasional designer item. Vintage Burberry, anyone?

Au Naturelle -- Feel like a deep conditioning treatment or a moisturizing mask? Instead of visiting your drugstore to purchase a pricey product that you'll only use a few times a year, make a visit to your own kitchen. Create your own beauty products from natural ingredients like oatmeal, eggs, avocado, or mayonnaise. Choose from the wide range of beauty recipes that can be found online, and you'll also avoid harsh chemicals like parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Coupon Queen - If you're looking to purchase a specific product or brand, check the company website for coupons or special offers. Companies like Proctor and Gamble and Physicians Formula often have rebate offers or coupons that can save you money. If you really want to save big, wait until your product of choice goes on sale, and use your promotion on the sale price of the item.

Give and Get - If you're a M·A·C cosmetics fan, save your empty cosmetics packaging and participate in their Back to M·A·C program. Return six empty M·A·C containers (eye shadow, foundation, lipstick, etc.), and in return, they will give you a free lipstick of your choice. Looking good and doing good has never been so rewarding.]]>