12 easy ways to look your best every day

Go nude

Your everyday beauty doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply start with clean moisturized skin (we can’t emphasize that enough), then choose natural makeup tones that enhance your un-made-up complexion, and use the same colour for both eyes and cheeks. Finish with a tinted gloss, and you’re good to go.

Update your denim

After her successful launch of the European brand COS (H&M’s big sister), Rebekka Bay’s impressive resumé has landed her the job of creative director at Gap. Bay’s first collection will hit stores this month, and word is she’s going to focus her attention on core pieces that go back to Gap’s roots — think sleek pared-down shapes and stylish basics.

Play with shadows

These powdery matte eye shadows have the perfect texture to achieve this season’s trendy monochromatic eye. Apply with your fingertips for a soft look or use a brush for more intense colour.

Diorshow Fusion Mono Matte Eyeshadow in Songe and Céleste, $32 each.

Treat your hair

We’re totally enjoying the bounty of beauty oils that are solving all our skin and hair dilemmas. Now the frizz experts at John Frieda have introduced an oil that can be used alone or mixed with your styling product (we like to call it cocktailing) to boost softness and shine.

Tip: A little goes a long way on damp or dry hair.

Frizz Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir, $13.

Add botanicals to your beauty routine

Here’s our roundup of some of the freshest beauty offerings and treatments that will leave your skin and hair saying thanks!

Eye brightener
Fight fine lines with this light, floral eye cream packed with the soothing combo of blue-lotus seed, poppy seed and althea root. Other naturally derived key ingredients, like caffeine and hyaluronic acid, help eliminate dark circles.

Nuxe Nirvanesque Eye Cream, $41.

Balancing mist

Infused with organic rose oil, this light mist hydrates, clarifies and balances stressed-out skin. Use it at midday to perk up a dull complexion or whenever you please, because it feels lovely. 

Rosense Eau de Rose, $23, Rosense.ca.

Petal perfection

Every rose in this silky hand cream was hand-picked on an organic farm in Australia. Add in almond and macadamia oils, aloe vera and vitamin E, and our skin has never looked so amazing! No wonder the brand has been an editors’ favourite for years. 

Jurlique Rose Hand Cream, $29.

Hair hero

Rebuild the strength and lustre of your locks with this line of haircare products packed with nutrient-rich plant ingredients. That means no more silicones or synthetic preservatives that hair can become dependent (and dull!) on.

Weleda Oat Replenishing Shampoo, $14.

Everyday moisturizer

Rich and creamy, this anti-aging lotion harnesses the antioxidant power of black tea, blackberry and lychee to fight free radicals and leave skin feeling soft and firm. Plus, the scent is divine.

Fresh Black Tea Age-delay Cream, $110.

Go for graphics

British talent Peter Pilotto is next in the long list of designers to collaborate on a line with superstore Target. Pilotto, known for his unique take on textures and print, and his partner, Christophe De Vos, will have us lining up for some colourful spring pieces. Click here to see the full collection. 

From $15, available now. 

Get organized

There’s a huge buzz around Montreal twins Dexter and Byron Peart and their cult brand of leather goods, including gloves, belts and luggage. We’ve been hunting for a sleek wallet that holds all our valuables and looks stylish — mission accomplished.

Want les Essentiels de la Vie Wallet, $350, Wantessentiels.com.

Be gentle

We’re always after a multi-tasker, and this gentle cleanser tops our list right now. The rich, moisturizing formula cleans skin, softens with aloe vera and even works on lids and lashes to remove makeup. But what we love most of all is that it’s dermatologist approved and great for sensitive skin.

Marcelle Ultra Gentle Cleansing Gel, $13. 

For fixes for your common winter woes click here.