JEWELLERY by Krista Evans

PEARL & GREEN AMETHYST COLLAR NECKLACE - $400.00 CDN

large faceted graduated green amethysts and 8mm fresh water pearls hang from 14k gold filled multi loop chain

necklace is 18"

LARGE EMERALD DROPS - $150.00 CDN

large faceted emerald drops hanging from 4mm 14k ball posts

earrings hang just over 1" from piercing

LARGE WHISKEY QUARTZ DROPS - $125.00 CDN

large faceted whiskey quartz drops hanging for 14K gold filled ear hooks

earring hang 2" from piercing

EXTRA LARGE LEMON QUARTZ DROPS - $125.00 CDN

large faceted lemon quartz drops hand wired and hanging from 14k gold filled ear hooks

earrings hang 1.5 " from piercing

GEMSTONE HORSESHOE NECKLACE (emerald) - $275.00 CDN

faceted emerald briolettes wrapped around a hand forged and hammered horseshoe pendant

pendant hangs 1" from a 16" solid gold fine cable chain

GEMSTONE HORSESHOE NECKLACE (blue topaz) - $275.00 CDN

faceted blue topaz briolettes wrapped around a hand forged and hammered horseshoe pendant

pendant hangs 1" from a 16" solid gold fine cable chain

GEMSTONE HORSESHOE NECKLACE (pink topaz) - $275.00 CDN

faceted pink topaz pear shaped drops wrapped around a hand forged and hammered horseshoe pendant

pendant hangs 1" from a 16" solid gold fine cable chain

GEMSTONE HORSESHOE NECKLACE (tourmaline) - $275.00 CDN

faceted marquis shaped tourmaline wrapped around a hand forged and hammered horseshoe pendant

pendant hangs 1" from a 16" solid gold fine cable chain

GEMSTONE HORSESHOE NECKLACE (blue topaz) - 275.00 CDN

emerald cut blue topaz wrapped around a hand forged and hammered horseshoe pendant

pendant hangs 1" from a 16" solid gold fine cable chain

GEMSTONE HORSESHOE NECKLACE (Ruby) - $275.00 CDN

faceted ruby briolettes wrapped around a hand forged and hammered horseshoe pendant

pendant hangs 1' from a 16" solid gold fine cable chain

GEMSTONE HORSESHOE NECKLACE (blue/grey quartz) - $240.00 CDN

faceted quartz briolettes wrapped around a hand forged and hammered horseshoe pendant

pendant hangs 1" from a 16' solid gold fine cable chain

LARGE BLUE SAPPHIRE DROPS - $125.00 CDN

hand wired blue sapphires dangling from 14k gold filled ear hook
earrings hang 1.25" from piercing

WRAPPED DIAMONDS WITH MARQUIS SMOKY QUARTZ - $125.00 CDN

hand wired faceted smoky quartz marquis hang from hand wrapped and forged 14k gold filled diamonds

earrings hang 2.75" from piercing

WRAPPED DOUBLE DIAMOND SHOULDER DUSTERS WITH CITRINE - $125.00 CDN

faceted brilliant citrines hanging from hand forged and wrapped 14k gold filled diamonds

earrings hang 4" from piercing

PEARL CHAIN WITH MULTI GEMSTONE CLUSTER - $125.00 CDN

faceted peridot, citrine, iolite, amethyst, appatite & aquamarine cluster sits on top of a large brilliant lemon quartz drop and dangles from a hand wired pearl chain. 14k gold filled ear hooks.

earrings hang 2.25" from piercing

PEARL FLOWER & ROCK QUARTZ DROPS - $65.00 CDN

hand wired pearl flowers and faceted rock quartz dangle from sterling silver ear hooks

earrings hang 2" from piercing

FLOATING PINK PEARL FLOWER NECKLACE WITH AGATE PENDANT - $175.00

hand wired pink pearl flowers floating with in multi 14k gold filled chains and finished with a slice of aqua coloured agate

agate hangs 2" from 26" chains

PEARL FLOWER & CITRINE DROPS - $75.00 CDN

hand wired pearl flowers and faceted citrine dangle from 14k gold filled ear hooks

earrings hang 2" from piercing

FLOATING GREEN AMETHYST FLOWER - $150.00 CDN

hand wired faceted green amethyst flower suspended inside a hand wrapped tear drop pendant in 14k gold fill

pendant hangs 1.5" from a 16" 14k gold filled belcher chain

LITTLE PEARL & LEMON QUARTZ DROPS - $50.00 CDN

pearl and faceted lemon quartz dangle from 14k golled filled ear hooks

earrings hang 1.25" from piercing

MINK MUFFS

Those of you who know me, will be aware of my nail polish obsession and my ability to list off the catchy names of my favourite colours. You will rarely see my nails bare and I am not shy about trying out the latest shades!

One new colour I purchased a couple months ago by Essie has really been creating quite a stir. The first day I wore it I think I received 4 separate comments/compliments on how interesting the colour was, what is it called and where can you buy it. The answer is "Mink Muffs" by Essie, a gorgeous taupe/purple/brown grey colour and you can get it at Trade Secrets and other salon supply stores.

I have already picked up 3 separate bottles of it for different friends, and last night as I flipped though the December Vogue, I noticed that the models were all donning the rich shade.

Stay tuned for another amazing colour sometime this week. (I currently have 3 that I have on rotation).

Krista

MAKE-UP FOR WOMEN WHO DON'T WEAR MAKE-UP

There are many women out there that would love to wear face make-up, but just don't know where to begin. Whether you are super busy with work, kids or life in general, here is a very low maintenance solution that makes your skin glow from with in.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 - Provides a sheer dewy hint of colour that just melts in to your skin and looks totally natural. You can apply it like you would your face cream and blend with your fingers or for more coverage use a foundation brush or sponge. Winner of countless beauty awards, you will not be disappointed.

Sephora now carries Laura Mercier and you can also get it at Holt's.

Krista

Best Top Coat

I love doing my nails and I am very picky about the finish. I have to have the high gloss shiny laquer type look. If you want to achieve this look without making your polish peel right off (I find this happens with most super shiny top coats), look no further than Sally Hanson Triple Strong Advanced Gel Nail Fortifier.

It is stunning when used as a top coat. Super shiny and long lasting!

* I would suggest that it is only used as a top coat since it contains teflon which personally I would not apply to bare nails.

Krista

SPRING/SUMMER TREND - CORAL

Another key trend this spring is Coral............beautiful tropically pink nails, lips and cheeks. The perfect pick me up after such a brutal winter.

My current faves are:

Benefit Cosmetics - Coralista Face Powder Blush


An absolutely beautiful shimmery coral pink powder blush, that awakens and bightens the face. Swirl it on the apples of your cheeks and continue up to your temple.



OPI Nail Polish - Tropical Punch


This colour is from the classics collection and is usually one of my summer faves for my toes. I have recently become more daring and moved it up to my nails, still a bit pre-mature considering the Toronto weather but it definitely picked up my mood!



Bare Escentuals - Buxom Lips in Lacey
A high shine lip plumping gloss in a coral poppy colour that is packed with antioxidants. When you apply it your lips tingle and instantly puff up!


Krista

BEAUTY ESSENTIAL - SHISEIDO FACIAL COTTON

Every women uses some form of cotton ball, cotton pad etc. in order to remove make-up, eye make-up, nail polish, or to apply toner. I will ONLY use Shiseido Facial Cotton and I will tell you why.
- It is super soft and feels amazing against the skin

- Each rectangle is the perfect size

- It is made out of %100 cotton

- It doesn't leave excess cotton on your face

- It only absorbs the right amount of product, most cotton pads absorb to much therefore wasting precious, expensive formulas

I am telling you, this is definitely one of my beauty must haves. It seems pricey ($9.00 per bag) but it is soooo worth it. I actually split every rectangle down the centre making them half as thick. I prefer to use them this way and at the same time one bag will now last you twice as long. Once you try them I guarantee you will never go back to the normal drug store brand of face cotton! I am VERY passonate about this product!!!!!!!

Purchase at Shoppers Drug Mart or Sephora

Krista

SPRING MAKE-UP TREND - NUDE LIPS

Spring is just around the corner and with the warmer weather comes shiny, sheer, plump nude lips. I have consulted with my girl friends and have compiled a list of the best glosses for spring. Load on the mascara and play down your lips with these great almost nude glosses!

Benefit Cosmetics - V.I.P. Her Glossiness, in "Life on the A-list" a silky smooth sheer light pink gloss that is long lasting and not too sticky. Has a really great smell too.

Balmshell - Lip Gloss in "Shopaholic" amazing product with REALLY cool packaging. Each gloss tells its own story based on the name of the colour through a moving illustration in the tube. Also, when you are out of the gloss you can transform the wand into a key chain............so fun! This colour is a soft, sheer pink shade.

Bobbi Brown - Lip Gloss in "Buff" a nude browny/pink colour that looks beautiful on everyone and feels amazing. Contains avocado, jojoba and chamomile oils as well as aloe extract, so it is super moisturizing too.


Nars - Lip Gloss in "Turkish Delight" a new colour from Nars that is absolutely gorgeous, so beautifully sheer and shiny. Also incredibly moisturizing.

Try one of these glosses............trust me you will not be disappointed.

Krista

AMAZING CONCEALER

The product name says it all!

Tried samples of this concealer from the cosmetic line Amazing Cosmetics, and I must say, it really is amazing. Highly, highly pigmented so a little goes a really long way, and apparently in the cosmetic industry it is referred to as the magic eraser.

It erases blemishes really well and for under eye circles I have a little trick that I do............I mix a tiny bit of the concealer with under eye brightener and this works wonders on getting rid of the dark circles. When you add the brightener to the mix, this illuminates the area and allows light to reflect off the dark parts creating the illusion of flawless eyes. If you need maximum coverage, by all means use it full strength, this is just a recommendation.

You can buy it at Sephora in store or on-line or as well through the amazing cosmetics website. just click the title to this post and it will link you there and you can browse the other products from the line as well.

Krista

KRISTABEL BROWN SUGAR BODY SCRUB

In my winter skin - part 2 post, I promised I would let you in on my famous home made body scrub.

Sorry that this recipe is so vague, I never really use proper measurements, I just go by texture and how much I want. This is great to use when you are trying to save $, or if you are like me and like to pile tons of product on when it come to scrubs!

Here it is:
2 or 3 or 4 heaping cups of brown sugar
honey
Fresh squeezed lemon juice

figure out which jar or container you wish to use, something with a tight lid that you can keep in the shower, and pour your honey and lemon together. Stir them until they emulsify and slowly stir in your brown sugar. I keep adding sugar until it has a nice thick texture that sticks to your skin when you apply it. If it is too dry the sugar will just fall off on to the shower floor.

You will be amazed how soft your skin feels afterwards. The sugar exfoliates, the honey hydrates and the lemon, a natural antiseptic, evens and brightens your skin tone. Athough I haven't tried this yet, I can't see how it wouldn't be amazing for your face too!

Now go an make it.

Krista

DEAL ALERT - RUSK SPEED FREAK

There is nothing better than finding the ultimate deal, and boy did I find a good one.

My hair dryer of the last 10 years is about to die and I can't have any more episodes of being caught in a panic, buttons jammed in the middle of the winter with my hair soaking wet. I decided to take the plunge and purchase a new one. Expecting to dish out big bucks, you could imagine my surprise when I found a new version of my old one for less then I paid for it 10 years ago and this time it came with a ceramic straightening iron and a ceramic curling iron for free.

I paid $200 for the Rusk Speed Freak when I last bought it, an amazing 2000-watt ceramic hair dryer designed for salon professionals. It has a bit of weight to it, signifying a good motor, so don't be fooled by the new light weight ones, they will not last as long.

The one I bought last week at Trade Secrets was $139.00 twice reduced and comes with a straightening iron and a curling iron. Absolutely incredible!!! I would get there fast if you are interested!


Krista

BUMBLEBEE BOTANICALS

I was at the most amazing event last Sunday, called The Little Sweetheart Ball, a fundraiser hosted by Rethink Breast Cancer. Rethink is known for its cutting edge, creative events and fundraising initiatives targeting a younger demo. This one was specifically for new moms and dads dealing with breast cancer. http://www.rethinkbreastcancer.com/

Anyway, one thing that I always love about these events is the gift bag!!! Just kidding...........I am not that shallow, but seriously, there was this amazing lip balm in it called Bumblebee Botanicals Luscious Lip Balm. I am putting it on right now as I write, smells exactly like an after eight chocolate. I wonder if those chocolates are still around? I think I may have to get some.

You may have noticed by now that I talk about smell a lot when describing products, this is because I am extremely scent sensitive and if the smell of something bugs me, then I will not use it.

So, back to the lip balm. It smells amazing and provides a really long lasting thick shield of lip moisture. I love the simple list of ingredients: Cocoa Butter, beeswax, avocado oil, jojoba oil and peppermint essential oil. Click the title of the post and it will take you to their website.

Krista

HELLO KITTY MEETS MAC

I love MAC.............super creative and always risqué. Watch the video and then check out the collection.

Can't wait to try some of the products!

http://maccosmetics.chtah.com/a/hBJkq$0A5h7kAB7f5DXA9spjLxd/kittyimg

WINTER HAIR

By now hopefully you have read my 2 previous posts.............. winter skin tips and product suggestions for the face and winter skin tips and product suggestions for the body. This post is the 3rd part to the winter series and it is all about hair!!

Hopefully these recommendations will help transform your winter hair from straw to silk.

SHAMPOOING

In the winter I try to do this as little as possible..........I know it sounds gross, but you do not want to risk drying out your hair more than you need to. The only part that will get noticeably oily will be the roots, so for this I use a dry shampoo.

Dry Shampoo in general is an amazing product. I really like Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo $24 It contains argilla powder which is extremely absorbent. Spray it on your roots let it sit for a bit and then rub it in until it disappears or towel it off. Your hair will look clean and will also have a nice texture for styling afterwards. You can get it a Sephora

When it finally becomes necessary to wash your hair, my choice this winter has been Pureology Hydrate Shampoo $28. I LOVE IT. Smells exactly like my favourite gum, Thrills (the purple chiclet looking gum that people say tastes like soap). It is totally vegan and makes your hair so smooth, shiny and nourished. Get it at Concepts Salon in the Holt Renfrew Centre.

The Pureology Hydrate Conditioner $28 is perfect for winter too, it has a nice thick and creamy texture and it is really tingly and minty. Smooths static fly aways and is perfect in the morning to wake you up! * When applying your conditioner start half way down your head focusing on the ends, never apply to the roots and scalp. Get it at Concepts Salon.

Pureology Hydra Cure Intensive Moisture Hair Mask $48. Apply this when you feel your hair is in need of some serious hydration. Comes with a great hair comb that you use in the shower to help distribute the product. Contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter and avocado. *Concentrate on the ends. Pick it up at Concepts Salon.

Happy hydration!

Krista

WINTER SKIN PART - 2

I became so charged up about winter and how it wreaks havoc on your face, body & hair that I couldn't stop coming up with suggestions. Lucky for you, I split the post into 3 sections. This one is going to focus on the body.

Ok, so here it is, winter product suggestions and tips for the body.

First of all, try to limit the amount of time you spend showering or bathing............. let me re- phrase that. Please shower, just limit the time you spend IN the shower, hot water will strip your skin of much needed moisture. What I do is try to slowly lower the temp so that I do not really notice and then I try my best to speed things up.

CLEANSING
While in the shower, I only use soap where needed and just use plain water everywhere else.
I have tried every body wash out there and always return to a bar soap.


Dove Beauty Bar - Sensitive Skin is the best one. It is moisturizing and fragrance free. Comes in the white box with green outline, you can get it at most grocery stores and drug stores.


SHAVING
I know this is a serious no no, but I do sometimes use soap to shave. For some reason I haven't really explored the world of shaving creams yet. I did try a really nice sample of one from Kiehl's, but never went out and bought it. I also use conditioner but only when I have a spare bottle that I don't really like. This actually works amazing and creates the perfect amount of slip. The other thing to consider when shaving is obviously the razor. Do not use a razor that has more than 3 blades, they do not work as well and are more irritating to the skin.

My big tip to get the closest shave sounds kind of crazy but it works really well............I shave with goosebumps, not my armpits though, they are too sensitive, only my legs. What I do, is turn the temperature really cold for a couple of seconds and then turn it back up. This gives me goosebumps and then I shave. I figured this out at my cottage, one time we ran out of hot water and I shaved over goosebumps and my legs were so smooth.

EXFOLIATION
Make sure to exfoliate your body once or twice a week, especially in the winter for the same reasons that you need to exfoliate your face (see previous post). Dry skin flakes clog the pores and prevent your moisturizer from absorbing. Exfoliating your body will also help smooth the texture of your skin. In the winter I get tiny bumps on some parts of my body and this step really helps.

Do not shave the same day or days of the week that you exfoliate, it will be too irritating and you may get a rash. Below I will list a bunch of scrubs that I have used that I really like. *As for as my famous home made recipe, I have decided to create some suspense and post it at a later date.............stay tuned!!

Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Sugar Scrub $65, this scrub is one of my favourites, but is pretty expensive when I consider how fast I go through scrubs, I like to spread on a really thick layer. This product smells so amazing you really feel like you are eating dessert and your skin is soooooooo smooth afterwards. I buy all my Laura Mercier products at Holt Renfrew.


Aquathermale Exfoliating Body Scrub $32, I love the texture and scent of this scrub. It contains 2 different sizes of perfectly round scrubbing beads that are so small that they buff and polish extremely well. The smell of this one is not sweet like the first one it is more like you are on the beach, it has that fresh ocean spa smell, very nice. I buy it at Shoppers Drug Mart.


Bliss Hot Salt Scrub $36, This has been a favourite of mine for years, I always come back to it. The texture is great, very thick and full of salt scrubbing power. It contains a self heating formula and eucalyptus and rosemary oils which are very invigorating. I get it at Sephora and I believe Delineation still carries this line too.


Moisturizer
This is such an important step especially in the winter to help sooth dry, chapped, uncomfortable skin. When getting out of the shower I only pat my skin dry and try to leave it moist, then I apply the moisturizer right away to lock in the water.

La Roche - Posay Lipikar Baume $23, is the best and strongest moisturizer I have ever used with out being greasy. It is definitely heavy, I would never use it in the summer, but it is perfect for the winter. Formulated for very, very, dry skin in adults and children and it is paraben free. Get it at Shoppers Drug Mart.


Next post, I will reveal my favourite hydrating hair products.

Krista

WINTER SKIN

Every year at the end of January I tell anyone who will listen that, “this is the last winter I will be spending in Toronto, next year I will have moved to somewhere with a warm mildly humid climate.” “What about your husband’s new company? Will you take Bella with you? Aren’t you going to miss your family?” I never really think that far ahead, It usually just gets blurted out on one of those days that my face is so tight I can barely smile, the skin on my body hurts, my hair feels like straw and I am standing in the middle of the off leash area in -25 degrees Celsius weather.

So I am now going on my 4th winter in Toronto since declaring that I wouldn’t be here anymore, and I think people are starting to suspect that I may be crying wolf. Who am I kidding? I can’t leave this amazing city, at least not anytime soon!

Here are my winter survival product suggestions for the Face (they are in order of how they should be used/applied) * Please note, that these products work extremely well for me, it doesn't mean they will work for everyone. I suggest that whenever you can, take home and try samples first. At least you know right away if you like the smell and texture.

EYE MAKE-UP REMOVER
It is really hard to find a cleanser that also removes eye make-up even if it claims to, so I would always suggest getting a separate eye make-up remover. My eyes are really sensitive and irritable so it took me a pretty long time to find a remover that is not heavy, greasy or smelly and most importantly one that actually removes all traces of eye liner and mascara.


Vichy Calming Cleansing Solution – Face & Eyes is the one that I have finally settled on and have used it religiously for 2 or 3 years now. Vichy also has a blue one that is smaller and is just for eyes, but I find this one better and you get a larger size for the same price. You can get this at one of my favourite stores, Shoppers Drug Mart.



CLEANSER
Whichever cleanser you use in the summer is probably going to be too harsh for the winter. If you use a foaming cleanser you will want to change to a cream cleanser. Or, if you are like me and find that cream cleansers do not remove face make up as well, continue with the foaming cleanser at night and use the cleansing cream in the morning to give your face a break. You can also mix a cream cleanser with a foaming cleanser. (Remember, skin differs from person to person, so find what works best for you).


My favourite foaming cleanser right now is Juice Beauty Cleansing Gel. You only need a little bit to create a lot of foam, so I find it is lasting me a long time. Really minimizes pores and keeps my blemishes under control. Most importantly removes all traces of make-up, and it is totally organic, you could technically eat it. This I buy at my other favourite store Sephora




My favourite cream cleanser right now is Hydramucine Cleansing Milk by G.M. Collin. I have been using this in place of the gel when I don’t have make up on. Nice and creamy and formulated for dehydrated skin. I buy products from this line at Concepts Salon, underground in Cumberland Terrace.




EXFOLIANT
I know it is hard to wrap your head around exfoliating your face in the winter when your skin is so tight and irritated, but it is VERY important, especially in the winter. If you leave dry flakes sitting on your face you will be more prone to blemishes, dull skin and your products will not absorb as well. What you can do is change from a scrub to a cream exfoliant and cut back how often you exfoliate. I only do it once a week in the winter.


I love Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. My face is so smooth and soft afterwards and remains radiant for 2 full days, but in the winter I can’t leave it on that long since it becomes a bit irritating. Instead of the 15 minutes recommended I usually leave it on for 7 minutes and I barely apply any to the most sensitive spots. This usually means I concentrate on the T Zone. I pick up my dermalogica products at Concepts Salon.


Another exfoliant that I can’t live without is Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser. In the winter I let the sugar melt into my hands and dissolve a bit before I apply to my face, and I scrub very gently. In the summer I go crazy with it! They carry the whole Suki Line at The Big Carrot on Danforth, another completely organic product and the lemongrass smell is to die for.

TONER
I know there has always been an ongoing debate as to whether or not a toner is needed, but for me it is a must. I really need to know that my face is squeaky clean and smooth, and toners take care of this for me. I always apply my toner with face cotton so that I can wipe off any residue left by the cleanser and smooth away any dry flakes. I also find that this step really preps the skin for your serum allowing it to absorb better.



My favourite toner right now is Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist. It balances,tones and hydrates. Totally organic and non-irritating. You get it at Sephora.




I also use Caudalie Beauty Elixir when I feel like I little pick me up. It is super invigorating, tingly and acts as a toner/beauty serum in one. The best part is that Queen Isabelle of Hungary uses it, cool right? Also makes for an amazing after shave for the man. Get it at Sephora


SERUM
Using a serum is the most effective way to deliver high doses of active ingredients directly on to your skin. Figure out what your needs are and look for a serum that meets your criteria. Antioxidants, firming, anti - aging, skin refining, age spot fixing, there is a serum for everything!


Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum is amazing!! I am on my 2nd bottle. Love the scent and the texture. My skin tone is really evening out and despite the dry weather my skin is glowing. I can’t wait to try it in the summer when my skin is at its best.



EYE CREAM
Using an eye cream is a very important step in your skin care routine. The skin around your eye area is extremely delicate and is the first place where you will see signs of aging. I am REALLY picky about my eye cream since I find it very hard to find one with the right texture that allows a smooth eye make-up application on top. I find many of them ball or are too greasy to prevent shadow or cream shadow from settling in the crease.

This one from Caudalie is awesome. The Contour Cream Eyes & Lips, is supposed to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, lighten dark circles and help with puffiness. I haven’t used it long enough to see these effects, but I am totally in love with the texture and how it absorbs. All natural and you can buy it at Sephora



MOISTURIZER
You have to use a moisturizer. In the summer you may even be able to get away with a light lotion, but in the winter I would definitely change to a cream. There are many moisturizers that I like, but right now I need the hydration of La Roche -Posay. This line is excellent and is formulated for the most sensitive, reactive, intolerant and dehydrated skin conditions.


Right now I am using Hydraphase Riche by La Roche-Posay. It is very hydrating and is specially formulated for dehydrated skin due to cold dry weather. What I love is that it is not greasy and leaves a nice base to apply make-up to. You can pick up this line at Shoppers Drug Mart.


So that's it for now................check back on Friday to find out some great products and tips for the body.

Krista