Galion nail polish by NARS
Let’s face facts: fall colours are getting predictable. This season, trade in oranges and yellows for the bright blues and soft neutrals of the NARS fall collection (“Galion” nail polish, pictured). These luxurious cosmetics are loaded with star power—celebrities Madonna and Sienna Miller favour the flashbulb-friendly line. Stock your make-up bag at Sephora or The Bay.—Jill Von Sprecken
Sephora opened its newest location in Bayshore. There's also a store at the Rideau Centre.
Beauty mavens take note: Sephora has opened its second location in Ottawa! Boasting a jaw dropping 9,000 beauty, skin, body, and hair products from more than 200 top brands, it’s a must for any woman who wants to feel pampered. Hot tip: schedule a complimentary Express Service at the Sephora Beauty Studio for one-on-one expert sessions that range from attaining flawless foundation to perfecting the smoky eye. Bayshore Shopping Centre,
100 Bayshore Dr., 613-596 -5050, and the Rideau Centre, 50 Rideau St., 613-567-1830.
Benefit's They're Real! mascara
Forget fiddling with false lashes and give Benefit’s recently released They’re Real! mascara (pictured, $29) a whirl. Sashay through the day with thick, lustrous lashes thanks to the durable, long-lasting formula and easy-to-use precision applicator—guaranteed to leave even the finest follicles standing at attention. At Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and Sephora.—Amanda Peters
BeautyMark in Yaletown
In Yaletown, head to BeautyMark’s new location for a huge selection of hard-to-find skincare, make-up and haircare products. Peruse the wall-to-wall shelves, get a one-of-a-kind manicure by nail artist Christina Culver, enjoy a mini facial, have unruly eyebrows shaped, and finish with a blowout by Funk’d Hair. It’s like a mini-department store for all things beauty.—Jennifer Patterson
Find an eclectic mix of dining, shopping and places for pampering on this stretch in historic Yaletown
By Jill Von Sprecken
Hamilton Street Grill. Photo by KK Law
SPLURGE ON STYLE
The bold graphic prints at iconic Finnish company Marimekko pack a punch on bright handbags, home accessories and fashions for the whole family. Or try the Goorin Brothers Hat Shop, a brand established in 1895, on for size. The stylish boutique carries a selection of toppers for men and women, ranging from classic to creative.
BEAUTY-FULL
In an area brimming with salons, Noir Lash Lounge has the niche market covered. Eyelash extensions, the only service offered, make peepers pop with styles ranging from au naturel to high drama. At Blo, a bombshell blowout is only a hairdryer away. There’s nary a pair of scissors nor a bottle of dye to be found, just salon-worthy locks in a snap. Guilt-free indulgence can be found at Frilly Lilly, where dessert-inspired beauty products, such as the “bathcake,” are (almost) good enough to eat.
SPOT-ON SEAFOOD
A converted brick-and-beam warehouse space is the backdrop for Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar, where innovative offerings, such as jellyfish and sea urchin, are always local and sustainable as well as beautifully prepared. Drop anchor at casual Rodney’s Oyster House for raw oysters and chowders that are sure to make a splash.
Society. Photo by KK Law
TOP TASTES
For a new take on small plates, visit Hapa Izakaya to sample Japanese tapas, sake and cocktails. At Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill, the extensive wine cellar is second only to the fresh ingredients and traditional flavours, which take centre stage. Try Hamilton Street Grill for steaks or the famous burger, served with aged cheddar and truffle mayonnaise. Sip cool cocktails and nosh on pad thai on Charm Modern Thai’s trendy patio. For other South Asian bites, try Simply Thai or Urban Thai Bistro. Hot spot Society serves creative comfort food with a twist, from spiked milkshakes to lobster shepherd’s pie.
DRINK UP
For inspired cocktails that will get your creativity flowing, check out Raw Canvas. An extensive menu of beer, wine and mixed drinks is served alongside the “painting pit.” Purchase a canvas and unleash your inner artist. If a caffeine buzz is what you’re after, try Argo Cafe for that perfect cup. Fair trade beans are roasted in-house and complemented with soups, sandwiches and baked goods.
BY NIGHT
DJs set the scene at George Ultra Lounge, the perfect spot to sip a classic martini. Built on a foundation of food, drink and graffiti art, 100 Nights is a lively venue with plenty of glitz and glamour. Trendy Afterglow Lounge combines sultry decor, beautiful people and libations—certainly a potent cocktail.
Hamilton Street is a 10-minute walk from downtown. Or take the Canada Line SkyTrain to the Yaletown-Roundhouse stop.
New FITE products from Dermalogica
Dermalogica has always helped skin; now the company is helping female entrepreneurs around the world. Every time you purchase a Dermalogica product with the FITE logo, you’ll receive a code to activate a donation towards a microloan for a woman striving to improve her life. Look for these products at spas such as Spruce Body Lab, and let the empowerment begin.—Sheri Radford
Fruits & Passion's new line for men
Keep your skin silky smooth with the help of Fruits & Passion’s new line for men, F/P Homme. The four essential products in the collection are a mild soap, shower gel, aftershave lotion and eau de toilette (pictured), a soon-to-be favourite that mixes woody and spicy notes of green pepper, vetiver and cedar.—Jennifer Patterson
Step into the stylin' Bombay Brow Bar for perfectly groomed eyebrows
The Bombay Brow Bar brings the beauty of India to the West Coast. Sip a cup of chai while waiting for your eyebrow waxing, tweezing or threading—a near painless way to remove hair using only cotton thread. Start with perfectly shaped brows—for both men and women—and from there opt to have them tinted and any other unwanted facial hair removed.—Jennifer Patterson
This little wonder cream by Dermalogica is one of our new favourites
Say adios to crow’s feet, puffiness and dark circles with the new Age Reversal Eye Complex from Dermalogica ($105; available at Spruce Body Lab). With retinol, peptides, vitamins and botanicals, it’s better than cosmetic surgery.—Sheri Radford
Bath products from Frilly Lilly make perfect stocking stuffers
Lemon meringue, marshmallow cream, strawberry shortcake and chocolate fudge. No, it’s not a dessert menu, it’s an assortment of yummy-sounding bath cakes from Yaletown’s newest beauty shop, Frilly Lilly. Lotions, body butters, perfumes and more: never has bath time been so sweet.—Jennifer Patterson
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