CLEAN SWEEP

The latest toner from Nars doesn’t bite back

We’ve long been stung by the stringent feel of toners and, not wanting to give up on this favourite of beauty rituals, we were ecstatic to discover the new Nars Makeup Removing Water. Soap, oil and fragrance free, the gentle eau is infused with chamomile, cucumber and hyaluronic acid to sooth and take care of dirt from your makeup and the rest of your day. We’re fans!!
Nars Makeup Removing Water, $32, available at select beauty and department stores across Canada and narscosmetics.ca.

ARM PARTY ADD-ON

Goody’s latest hair accessory mimics jewelry in the best possible way

We always have a few elastics on our wrist in case we need to throw our hair up on a whim, but they’re never quite as stylish as the watch, bangles and bracelets they accompany. The best solution to this sartorial dilemma is the new Goody Double Wear Elastics ($4.99 for three elastics, available at leading food, drug and mass retailers). The black hair elastics are accented with textured gold or silver beads that make a statement when piled on your wrist or thrown up to hold your hair in über chic top bun.

A STUDY OF DESIGN

Anthropologie’s Aaron Hoey chats with FrontRowMag.com

Having hit six continents in the past two years, Aaron Hoey, global merchandising manager of U.S.-based retailer Anthropologie, clearly has a plethora of influences to draw from when working with his close-knit team. After trips to Bali, Australia, India, Budapest, the Czech Republic and Cairo, to name a few, Hoey has seen all walks of life, encountered all types of artisans, collaborated with unknown artists and been invited into the homes of some pretty amazing people, both well known and little known.

With a unique approach to their merchandise (50 percent is designed in-house, while the other half is done with the help of artists from across the planet), Anthropologie stores are often stocked with one-of-a-kind pieces plucked directly from a far off garage/studio. “You have to get out there, you have to explore,” Hoey told the crowd at Toronto’s Interior Design Show this past weekend. “It’s not about expensive things, it’s about style at every level,” he said in terms of what they look to bring their customer. And what about the woman who wants to bridge their style from fashion to home decor? “It’s about taste,” he noted when we spoke to him. “Women now appreciate colour, shape and pattern.” Something that Hoey, who worked at The Gap in San Francisco before heading to Anthro’s Philadelphia headquarters, himself is hoping to bring more into the apparel line, since he recently made the jump to the clothing division.

Along with a Montreal location and two more stores in Toronto, expect to see more artful items of clothing, as well as the use of social media to tell the customer more about the artisans they work with. “It’s about that personal connection,” Hoey, who owns numerous pieces from people Anthropologie has collaborated with over the past 4 years, told us. “Knowing the artist is the most amazing part of buying art.”

SUPERIOR INTERIOR

CB2 Opens it’s first International Location at Queen and Bathurst

Taking over the corner of Queen West and Bathurst, Crate and Barrel’s sister store, CB2, has opened its first international store. Sharing the block with the new Winners/Loblaws building at Queen and Portland, CB2 is sure to draw a kitschy glance or two. The display and set-up are as inviting as the unique pieces themselves with each couch and chair asking for a test sit. Looking for a sleek and charming piece for popcorn and pics, try out the Movie Sofa in vivacious pool blue. Or, if you’re truly adventurous, invest in FrontRowMag’s fave in-store statement piece, the psychedelic Parlour Bold Chair. With one-of-a-kind conversation pieces (don’t skip the clock selection!) and a great attention to detail (some items even offer interior design tips!), CB2 is a must-see for the daring decorator.

JET SET CHIC

Fashionable travel essentials for your getaway

There is nothing more fun than escaping to a sunny, hot destination during the middle of the frigid winter season, all while doing it in style. Here are six chic travel essentials to help you say good-bye to the cold and get you jet set ready. Bon Voyage!

1. A straw hat is a staple when it comes to any sunny vacation. Try this classic design by Anthropologie and keep yourself protected from the sun. Fedora, $58 USD, available at Anthropologie.

2. Keep your eyes protected from the sun with these colorful retro-framed sunnies. Kirk Originals sunglasses, $495 CDN, available at Karir Eyewear boutiques or online.

3. Relax on the beach in this flattering floral print one-piece swimsuit that is sure to keep you looking good. Billabong Alessa One-Piece Swimsuit, $64 USD, available at Urban Outfitters.

4. Always be in style when it comes to accessories with this bright yellow striped passport wallet that will keep all your documents and cash in one stylish spot. Rebecca Minkoff Stripe Passport Wallet, $145 USD, available at Nordstrom.

5. Need a break from your Blackberry? Bring along this sleek and light e-reader and relax while getting lost in your favorite novel. Sony Reader Wi-Fi, $149.99 CDN, available at SONY.

6. Carry all your goodies in this large, Ikat design-inspired beach tote that is both stylish and roomy. Twelfth St. By Cynthia Vincent beach tote, $260 CDN, available at Dealuxe.

IN AWE

Upper Canada Soap Co. celebrates awesome Canadian women with a giveaway for FrontRowMag.com readers

Kitchsy, cute and perfectly Canadian, eco-friendly beauty brand Upper Canada Soap Co. recently released a video campaign we should all get behind. Called Awesome Canadian Woman, the two-minute spot highlights what we women do best.

And now is your chance to win a truly awesome prize! To celebrate the release of Awesome Canadian Woman, Upper Canada Soap Co. is giving away three gift baskets (retail value $85) to our readers. ‘Like’ FrontRowMag.com and Upper Canada Soap Co. on Facebook for your chance to win.

*Contest ends Friday, February 3rd, 2012 at 5pm.

FRESH FACED

Joe Fresh Beauty Spring 2012

This season, Joe Fresh beauty consultant Simone Otis refined the face of the Joe Fresh girl, with Otis showcasing a neutral base, with a pop of colour on the lip, great for every girl. Here are some FrontRowMag.com favourites from the latest Joe Fresh shades.

1. Start with the clear Primer to smooth out the skin ($12).

2. If you like to keep you makeup bag minimal, pick-up the New Neutrals Face Palette for essential shades for the eyes, cheeks, and lips ($12).

3. Get the Matte Lipstick in Bubble Gum or Melon for bright bold lips ($6). If you’d prefer a touch of shine, grab the Shine Lipstick in Raspberry ($6).

4. Still intimidated by a loud mouth? Give a hint of colour with the latest Lip Tints. If you’re looking to lighten up a red or violet lip for spring, go for the Ruby, Berry or Plum. For a candy coloured tone, try Mango, Crush or Bubble Gum ($6, each).

Joe Fresh cosmetics are available at Joe Fresh and Loblaws.

SURVIVAL KIT

Our NYC editor’s Fashion Week Essentials

That special time of the year is quickly fast approaching. No, we’re not talking about Valentine’s Day – we’re actually talking about Fashion Week(s). We have the top five essentials that you should be sure to pack before you fly out.

1. Moleskine mini notebooks. Keep track of all the designers with these pocket-sized writing pads. Available at ThinkGeek for $8.95 USD.

2. Dreamy Clouds Dodocase for iPad2. Make sure your trusty tablet is safe and sound with this heavy-duty, yet incredibly light, case. Available online for $64.95 USD.

3. Theodora & Callum scarf. Be ready for any sudden weather changes with this neutral-coloured scarf. Available at Dealuxe for $175 CDN.

4. Roots “Colorado” bag. Save time by not having to wait at the luggage carousel, and take instead this Italian leather duffle bag as your carry-on. Available at Roots for $418 USD.

5. Gee Beauty makeup bag set. Don’t forget your skin care regimen and cosmetics; pack them away in this spacious set. Available at Dealuxe for $90 CDN.

FOREVER NOIR

The latest mascara from Guerlain wins us over with its
bold packaging

As if the lengthening, volumizing and curling formula of the refillable Mascara Noir G de Guerlain ($50, refills $28, available at all Guerlain counters across Canada) was not enough, we have fallen for its sophisticated design. Built to compete for precious purse space, this mascara is perfect for those on the go. The jewel-like case—because calling it a “tube” would be insulting—has a built in mirror (inspired by the Rouge G lipstick), which makes for a little glamour in applying your mascara.