Putting My Best Face Forward ... Series Introduction

What I've been using ... and looking to update...

Are you feeling like me -  "your beauty products have started to fall short in their results" - And with all the information overload you end up sticking with what you are using and doing because it's all just too confusing? Well I'm right there with you! Though I have been pretty good about keeping up with cleansing my face each night and an AM and PM skincare routine I'm finding that my skin is looking a bit dull these days and not feeling like I would like it to. 

Being in the city and getting out among people I'm ready to move past just mascara, eye-liner and lipstick when it comes to make-up. So I'm looking to up my look too ... But with all the products on the market and techniques where does one start? So I've decided to approach this as a novice and have gone in search of help and answers from some beauty experts.

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing my adventures as I explore various beauty services in Toronto, to get some expert advice on how to better care for my skin and up my look too. I hope that you will follow along with the "Putting My Best Face Forward" series and be inspired to seek out some professional beauty services where you live.

You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,


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Creating me – with a little help from my friends

It was recently brought to my attention by a couple of dear, dear friends that I was letting myself go and they were concerned that I was sliding back into a “frustrated state (code word for depression)”. Even in the hospital I was beside myself that I had no colour on my toes. Yet as one observed, your colour is there but you can see the new nail growth; then they went on to the hair- and the root garden that was growing; the clean, but un-manicured nails- also did not go unnoticed; nor that some waxing was long over-due; and the track-suit had to go. You get the picture.

SPRING Is Definitely Here …. Holts Spring Catalogue has arrived….

I still remember the first time I entered Holt Renfrew (HR) for the first time. A dear girlfriend of mine, who was a regular shopper, could not believe I had never been to HR. So one cold December morning we bundled up and made our way to HR on Bloor Street. As we approached the store, we were greeted by one of the friendliest doorman; he smiled cheerfully and wished us a wonderful day as we entered. You couldn’t help but feel a little more special, than when you first approached the store.

As I stepped in it was like cosmetic heaven, Dior, Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Guerlain etc. - just waiting to be sampled. The staff behind each counter was very knowledgeable and friendly. They were very patient as I had them spray various fragrances – I was about to settle for Estee Lauder’s Youth Dew. When the woman looked at me shook her head and said “No , darling, I see you more as this…” and with a spray out came the most sensual fragrance I ever smelled – to this day I still wear Obsession by Calvin Klein. I have tried other fragrances over the years – but each time I wear Obsession – everyone wants to know what fragrance I’m wearing.

Handbags, accessories and men’s wear can also be found on the first floor. On a mid floor between the first and second floor you will find shoes, coats, lingerie and café. Up the escalator to the second floor you will find high end brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada etc. Contemporary labels like Marc by Marc Jacobs, See by Chloe, Theory, Teenflo, Catherine Maldandrino, Missoni, Tory Burch, Burrburry, Pink Tarten, DVF as well as a fully stocked denim department, are located on the third floor.

HR can be on the expensive side, but there is something for everyone no matter the budget. Holt Renfrew does have sales, the end of Summer and Winter sales offer up to 75-80% off.

Here is a sampling of the Spring 2010 at HR. It does not cost anything to go in - sometimes just being surrounded by great fashion is very theraputic and just what the doctor ordered for the drabbest days. Not to mention even the simplist of items such as a lisptick or mascara are lovingly wrapped in tissue and carefully placed in a beautiful pink bag with Holt Renfrew printed in white lettering on the side.

Image Credit: Holt Renfrew Spring 2010 catalogue