Clinique The Nutcracker Suite Holiday Collection 2014

Clinique offers a beautifully choreographed collection for the holiday inspired by the characters, scenery and especially the costumes - tulles and velvet fabrics in vivid pinks, glittering whites and vibrant purples - that brings to life the whimsy of The Nutcracker. I'm just happy there are no giant mice represented , they freak me right out!

Included in the collection:

The Nutcracker Act 1 Compact - $46 - the perfect palette for a pretty holiday look and includes a Snowflake Suite eye shadow quad in soft pinks and sultry tones along with a delicate
pink Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Plié Pink.

Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Budding Blossom - $19 -a soft pink that perfectly compliments the palette.

Blended Face Powder in Snowflake Dreams - $29 - perfect for bringing a beautiful shimmer to the shoulders, neck and chest making it ideal for any holiday party.

Available now exclusively at Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday was Agent Provocateur Fatale - and now you can enter to win it!

Agent Provocateur Fatale - 50ml EDP - $70, 100ml EDP - $99 - a sexy floriental with top notes of Madagascar pink pepper, succulent mango nectar and exotic blackcurrant; heart notes of velvet gardenia, royal orris absolute and Indonesian patchouli; and base notes of sultry skin musk, vanilla orchid aphrodisiac, chocolate gourmand addiction and Spanish labdanum.

Inspired by the 1940's Hollywood femme fatale and meant for the modern day seductress that women envy and men should know are bad for them, I was expecting something very heavy - it does have a rich component to it but also has light fruity notes that offset it and make it very wearable for everyday - it's a lot easier to wear the fragrance then it would be to wear the underwear from the ad, that's for sure!

Available now at select Hudson's Bay stores across Canada - or why not win it? Ready to get your sexy on? Then read on...

Up for grabs is a racy prize pack valued at over $200 including the decadent 100ml Fatale fragrance, tassled pasties and a lip and nipple balm!

It's easy to enter, just tweet a link to the contest and include the hashtag #AgentProvocateurFatale - and leave a post in the comments section letting us know that you have and include your e-mail so we can find you if you win!

The contest is open to all of our Canadian readers and you have until June 10th to enter - good luck!

- Lisamarie -

Celebrate 100 years of Triumph with a bra that actually fits!

It's the perfect time of year to throw out all the ugly, dingy, ripped and ill-fitting underwear that has been lurking in the back of your lingerie drawer all winter and invest in some new lovelies like this set from Triumph - who have been making pretty things for 100 years now:

Triumph Forbidden Lace Bra - $48 - in sizes from B to DD and Forbidden Lace Bikini - $20 - in S to XL - both come in black, natural, beige and my particular favourite, blue - stretch lace. Available at Hudson's Bay.

And while it's important that your bra looks good in your lingerie drawer you also want to make sure that it's comfortable and doing its job on your body. 

Would you be surprised to know that Triumph recently discovered that 76% of women are currently wearing the wrong bra size? Aside from being very uncomfortable, wearing an incorrect bra size can have many negatively impacts on your day to day life from decreasing your confidence to affecting your overall health. 

The perfect fit should feel comfortable, weightless, improve your posture and create a flattering silhouette that makes you look and feel great - if you aren't feeling that way in your dainties, it may mean you are wearing the wrong size and should be fitted by an expert.  

Here are the major signs that you are wearing the incorrect bra size:

1)      You’re uncomfortable.

2)      Your straps are digging into your shoulder.

3)      Your straps are falling off of your shoulders.

4)      Your bra is leaving marks or indentations on your body.

5)      Your underwire is sticking out.

6)      You’re spilling out of the sides of your cup.

7)      You’re overflowing out of your cup.

8)      The strap is causing a bulge in the back.

9)      The band keeps moving up in the back.

10)   The band does not rest flat against your back.

11)   There is a gap between your bra and your bust.

12)   The center of your bra does not rest on your skin.

13)   The cups are sagging or baggy.

14)   You’re experiencing issues with back pain, indigestion, restricted breathing, or neck pain.

15)   You’re in pain.

If you are experiencing any of the above issues, it is time to visit a Bra Fitting Stylist at Hudson's Bay. Their expertise can help you identify what issues are related to wearing the wrong cup or size and ultimately find you the perfect fit. 

Of course even when you are measured by an expect sizing can differ from brand to brand depending on cut, materials and style so while ordering bras online can seem like a tempting time-saver, prepare to have to return some of them for sizing issues!

To book a personal fitting with an expert Triumph Bra Stylist, please email: bra.fittings.ca@triumph.com.

- Lisamarie -

Kate Moss Topshop Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

Kate Moss and Topshop are excited to soon be launching their spring/summer 2014 collection, an eclectic mix of pieces encapsulating the British fashion icon's unique and revered vintage style.  

Key design categories for this collection begin with Balearic Dressing, a reflection of Kate's love for the Balearic Islands comes a series of carefully embroidered smock-tops; silk blouses and a white kaftan that is based on a vintage find she wears every summer. The bold Aztecs dress has a handmade feel and the heavily embroidered crochet lace dresses, which either skim the thigh or the ankle, are available in cream or black. 

Pajama Dressing adds a totally new element to the Kate Moss Topshop range. Silk satin sourced in London's Soho carries two distinct prints: a subtle, distorted floral design and a vivid Oriental-inspired flower pattern. Both prints will be available in high-waisted trousers, blouses and an ultimate pajama coat. 

Cocktail Hour is flirtatious and sexy with hemlines either slashed at the thigh or falling to the floor. The intentional vintage effects, opulent trims and detailing such as cobweb beadwork, sequin bead fringing and crepe satin splicing, all provide a delicate and deluxe element to the designs. 

Tailoring Noir introduces a beautiful selection of tailoring including tuxes and trouser suits in black and black gold metallic mixes, a bias cut liquid metallic lame dress and lame floral printed shirts - offering a chic, smart alternative to dressing up for a summer evening.

Kate's growing up as a designer is reflected in this more premium collection with the use of luxurious fabrics, including silk chiffons sourced in London Soho, gold lame from Italy and intricate lace from India. Also upping the luxury quota is the meticulous attention spent on trimmings and details, including hand stitching and beading. 

This collection is available April 30th exclusively at Hudson’s Bay at all Topshop stores, Topshop capsules and 13 additional locations for a total of 25 locations across Canada - as well, the full assortment will also be available online. Find a full list of store locations as well as a behind the scenes video featuring Kate Moss at - thebay.com/katemosstopshop - with additional videos to come!

- Lisamarie -

Needful Things - Hudson's Bay Olympic Collection Sochi 2014 Wool Duffle Coat!

When the Canadian athletes entered the opening ceremony in these striking red and black wool duffle coats, they scored a gold medal from me - this is the first piece of Olympic gear in a long time that has me wanting to score one for myself!

Luckily I can - this Wool Duffle Coat is part of the Hudson's Bay Olympic Sochi 2014 Collection and is even on sale right now for $199! Available in sizes XS to L in  women's and S to XXL in men's. My only complaint, it's not lined - what kind of idiot makes a winter coat for Canadians with no lining - I guess I'll be wearing it on "warm" winter days!

Available at Hudson's Bay stores and online at www.thebay.com.

- Lisamarie -

Show your Canadian Olympic pride with medal worthy lips and tips - with swatches!

The Olympic opening ceremonies are tonight and I must admit they are my favourite part of the whole thing - some countries really come up with some horrifying outfits! And while there are lots of clothes and accessories that you can pick up to show your Canadian Olympic pride - including the 3-pack of rubber bracelets above from Hudson's Bay for $10 - I'll be rocking Olympic worthy lips and tips for the next few weeks including:

Canadian Flag red & white - Sothys Hydra Glide Lipstick in Rouge Rock and CND Vinylux Weekly Polish in Studio White

Go for the Gold - Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer in Carrie'd Away

Striking Silver - Revlon Nail Enamel in Rich

Bronze Ambition - although I realized that I don't have anything bronze so this might be more copper-ish - Maybelline Color Sensational in Maple Kiss

Go Canada Go!

- Lisamarie -

Topshop Beauty Collection Spring 2014

Topshop Beauty is going bold for Spring 2014 with injections of high octane colours and boundary pushing formulas to their core collection.

Illuminator in Reflect - $22 - a trio of golden bronze shades that glide on effortlessly leaving skin luminous.

Bronzer - $22 - in 2 matte shades: Sandcastle - light and Mohawk - medium - with a lightweight, silky texture designed to shape, contour and warm the complexion.

All Over Glow in Dark - $22 - liquid luminescence for the face and body with a warm pearlescent luminosity.

Powder Blush - in 4 new shades: Good Girl - baby pink, Do It Again - coral, Dream Phone - crimson and Let Her Go - cherry pink - with a lightweight creamy powder texture that melts colour into skin creating a natural flush finish.

Lip Paints - $14 - in 5 new shades: Tallalah - bright cherry red, Proud - mahogany, Hibiscus - blush pink, Reminice - bright cherry red and Elevate - nude - offer super shine dimension with a creamy texture that glides on evenly, saturating lips in high impact colour with ultra-luxe polish.

Sheer Lips - $14 - in 6 new shades: Red Alert - pillar box red, Hunky Dory - sandy nude, Alibi - blush nude, Nuclear - coral, Applause - purple and Chuck - berry - with a buttery formula that glides on effortlessly delivering a subtle hint of pigment with a dose of nourishing high shine.

3D Curve Mascara - $22 - gives an intense 3D flutter effect by wrapping each individual lash in a flexible thickening formulation to build bolder, richer lashes.

Spring Brights Nail Polish - $10 - in 4 new shades: Jump - coral, Profound - rose pink, Skip - bright pink and Bounce - powder orange.

Pastel Brights Nail Polish - $10 - in 5 new shades: Ethereal - nude, Wide-Awake - pale orange, Keen - pale green, Precocious - blush pink and Whiz-Kid - bright pink.

Available at Hudson's Bay Topshop locations.

- Lisamarie -

Send your Sweet Wishes through Philosophy and score yourself a sweet sample - and an even sweeter prize! Contest!

Just in time for the holiday season, Philosophy is inviting Canadians to send Sweet Wishes to their loved ones, and in the spirit of the giving season, Philosophy will gift them a free 30ml bottle of their award-winning Purity Made Simple Skin Cleanser!

Starting today through to December 8^th  go to the “Sweet Holiday Wishes” microsite at www.philosophy-wishes.com and start sending sweet wishes to family and friends. As more wishes are sent, the number of lights on the holiday tree hosting on the microsite will increase to show love spreading all over the world.

On December 9^th, those who sent Sweet Wishes will receive an email with a personal voucher to pick up their free gift at select philosophy Hudson’s Bay counters across Canada from December 9^th to 19^th.

When sending Sweet Wishes, don't forget Mom, Grandma and your favourite blogger!

*Sadly, not available to residents of Quebec.

**Although you can send your sweet wishes throughout the entire holiday season, the free sample quantities are limited to the first 2000 wish senders so don't drag your feet on this one! 

Of course your holidays would be even sweeter if you found yourself a Philosophy treat or two under the tree - we love Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser - 240ml - $26; Amazing Grace Discovery Set - $45; Sweet Fluffy Cupcake Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath - $21; and Fruitcake Mix - $33 - what once had a bad name will now be good again!

All are available at Hudson's Bay stores across Canada and online at thebay.com - of course wouldn't it be better to win them?! We think so too!

This contest is open to all our Canadian followers and it's very easy to enter, just leave a comment letting us know that you follow through Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin' or Facebook Networked Blogs (if you aren't a follower you can do that now - sign up buttons are in the right sidebar).

1 entry for following and letting us know which Philosophy item you are most hoping to find under your Christmas tree (or Hanuka bush or whatever)!

And for extra entries: 
 

Follow @BeautyCrazedCan on Twitter and tweet the contest.
Follow @lovephilosophy on Twitter and tweet the contest.
Like Philosophy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/philosophy

If you prefer not to leave your info on a public post, please leave a post saying you want to enter and then e-mail your info to info@beautycrazed.ca, please put "Philosophy" in the subject line. Remember to leave the post or you name won't actually end up in the draw! Winner to be decided by random drawing and you have until December 8th to enter. Good Luck!

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Thierry Mugler Angel Enchanting Bear

It's soft and squishy and for a good cause...

Thierry Mugler Angel Enchanting Bear - limited edition and numbered, it comes with a 15ml Angel EDP - $25 with a $50 or more purchase of anything at The Bay.

$2 from each teddy bear sold at Hudson's Bay stores will be donated to the HBC Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians through programs that reflect distinct Canadian values - with the bear funds going to benefit a Canadian children's charity.

As well, the Angel Enchanting Bears will be hanging out at SickKids Foundation - to be given to hospital nurses during "Perioperative Nurse's Week" to acknowledge their work with children and will be handed out in holiday gift bags during the month of December to families with sick children in the hospital over the holidays.

Available while supplies last exclusively at The Bay.

- Lisamarie -

Beauty heaven awaits at Hudson's Bay Yorkdale!

Months of construction at the Yorkdale Bay store have resulted in 23,300 square feet of cosmetic wonderfulness that you are going to have to see to believe!

Now you may be thinking - "Why do I need department store cosmetics when I can get all the same brands at Sephora or Murale?" - and being the first to admit what a Sephora-whore I am, I'm in the perfect, un-biased position to say that the problem with Sephora is that while they do have everything, it's all so crowded in together that it's hard to really experience the brand or just wander it and browse. And of course while Sephora beauty advisors can be lovely and very helpful, it's impossible to know everything about every brand, whereas when you go to any of the brands at The Bay, you are getting an advisor for just that company who will know everything about it!

Now come take a tour of some of the counters:

Anna Sui has an exclusive partnership with The Bay and here's the first new concept counter in North America inspired by Anna's own apartment - the whimsical decor ties in nicely with the uniqueness of the product packaging!

Now a little easier to get your hands on now that Bobbi Brown has opened at both Yorkdale and Queen Street Hudson's Bay stores!

Chanel - well do I really need to say anymore than that? I'm especially taken with the gold couch you can see in the right hand corner, I'm going back specifically to sit on it!

Clinique brings you a shopping experience like no other, letting you choose exactly the level of service you want...

Just grab a bracelet and the consultants will know whether you want help or just want to browse - brilliant!

The Elizabeth Arden counter features a custom designed colour wall to display the Beautiful Colour eye shadow shades, available only at Hudson's Bay as well as a "Best Sellers" wall making it easy to find their best performing products!

Estée Lauder makes it easy to shop for foundation with the Beautiful Skin Studio - if you're ever bought foundation only to realize that it's the wrong shade when you see it in different lighting, you are really going to appreciate this!

The Guerlain fragrance display is amazing and the bottles look like works of art, not just perfume!

Remember when British brand Illamasqua was hard to get your hands on in Canada? Not anymore!

No longer will you have to deal with the massive crush that is normally the MAC counter - this one is huge and can be approached on all sides!

The NARS counter is new to the Yorkdale location and has arrived with a bang with a huge sleek and modern looking space - my favourite part is the interactive iPad station with How-To wardrobe tutorials and face charts by NARS Lead Makeup artists.

Origins has a brand new design - "Nature's Laboratory" - with easier access to sampling...

and a sink area make it much easier to give everything a try!

My beloved Philosphy has a beautiful new space with sections for skincare, fragrance and gifting - I especially like the Peel Bar where you can experience the benefits of a micro-exfoliating treatment!

The Shiseido counter offers an interactive 55" multi-touch Discovery Centre as well as a hidden treatment room where you can relax and have a specialized service (or a nap)!

Yves Saint Laurent is looking glamourous in black and gold!

Other counters include: Lancome, Shu Uemura, Armani, Dior and Clarins and other brands available at the Yorkdale Bay are: Tanda, butter London, Ciate, Clarisonic, Decleor, 3 Lab, St. Tropez, Bliss, T3, Hermes Fragrance, Cartier Fragrance, Tom Ford Fragrance and Michael Kors France and Beauty.

Also fun is the fragrance section - where you'll find the 9 most popular fragrance houses with their own little stores each designed to highlight their special nature of their brand - Narciso Rodriguez is dark and sleek...

While Viktor & Rolf is pink and airy -

Other houses included are: Armani, Chanel, gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Mugler and Givenchy.

Time to get shopping!

 

- Lisamarie -

Anna Sui Lip and Nail collections - with swatches!

There's something new and pretty in the world of Anna Sui lipstick and nail polish packaging that makes the outsides just as beautiful as the colours they contain!

Anna Sui Drama Queen Lipstick Collection - $29 - available in two formulas: Vivid Base - vibrant and daring colour and Dazzle Base - offer more glitter and shine - in an array of 22 shades

Anna Sui Nail Collection - $15 - in 45 shades that can be mixed and matched for endless shade and texture possibilities that include a variety of glitter, pearl, cream and opaque finishes. Don't like the scent of regular polishes? This one has a delicate tea rose scent!

700

304

303

402

405

083

083 over 405

Selected shades of the polish and all shades of the lipstick available at select Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix and Murale locations across Canada with all shades being available at Yorkdale, Eaton Centre, Sherway Gardens and Vancouver Downtown The Bay stores.

 - Lisamarie -