Matter Company

The company is committed to the environment and using the healing properties of plants. Antioxidant rich ingredients are chosen, and sumac berries are used, for a Canadian element. “I didn’t mean this to be a heritage piece, but it does take elements from all the cultures I identify with,” says Williams.

We love the Body Cream – infused with rosehip oil, hibiscus, peony flowers, shea butter and essential oils for a nourishing effect. It is a great alternative to traditional perfume.

The line includes the Body Cream, Sugar Scrub, Body Butter and the Take Out Kit.

BLUSH by Matter Company
www.mattercompany.com
For a full list of retailers please visit www.mattercompany.com

Venoit recommends that you apply your cream blush over a cream foundation to avoid streaking, and it looks best when applied to a hydrated, supple face. The focus should be about uplifting your appearance. Avoid applying colour too low or too close to the centre of the face; this will accentuate jowls and nasal labial folds.

Step 1: Using a sponge or your fingertips, softly diffuse blush onto the cheekbones and set it with a light dusting of powder.

Step 2: Using a medium sized brush, apply a neutral toned bronzer. Diffuse lightly into the blush you applied, and along the cheek slightly below the bone, and into the hairline, to softly contour and create depth.

Step 3: Apply a highlighter on top of the cheekbones where the light would naturally hit them - this helps open up the face and create the appearance of higher cheekbones.

Here are some of our favourites that you might want to try:

CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush
The lightweight, creamy formula feels smooth, gliding evenly over the skin to highlight your cheekbones. It contains a swirl of Olay Regenerist Serum, infused with vitamins, skin conditioners and antioxidants that moisturize and help to suspend the colour on top of the skin. It won’t sink into fine lines and wrinkles. Choose from Plush Peach, Rich Cinnamon, Royal Plum and Lush Berry.

CoverGirl
www.covergirl.ca www.covergirl.com
Available at your local drug store

Josie Maran Cream Blush
This weightless cream blush provides cheeks with a sheer wash of colour and velvety, airbrushed finish. This “no-mistake” blush blends flawlessly into the skin and comes in three flattering shades:  Sun Kissed (nude brown), Sunrise (pink) and Sunset (coral). As with all of Josie Maran Cosmetics, it is formulated without parabens, sulfates or synthetic fragrance.

Josie Maran Cosmetics
www.josiemarancosmetics.com
Available at Sephora locations across North America

BECCA Crème Blush
BECCA’s highly pigmented, creamy formulation and silky smooth texture melds into the skin for an incredibly natural, “just blushed” look. Preservative and paraben-free, this blush also contains vitamin E. Available in 10 natural shades, perfect for all skin tones.

BECCA Cosmetics
www.beccacosmetics.com
Available at Holt Renfrew in Canada and select boutiques in the U.S.

Prescriptives Blush More or Less Creamy Cheek Color
Blush More or Less Creamy Cheek Color has a blendable formulation that goes on like a mousse but has a smooth, creamy finish. It comes in several vibrant shades of fuchsia and rose (perfect for a cheeky glow) and is packaged in a slick silver compact.

Prescriptives
www.prescriptives.com
Available at Holt Renfrew in Canada and Dillards in the U.S.

Located two hours west of Denver, Colorado, the Devil’s Thumb Ranch is casually elegant with its reclaimed wood beam construction and rustic décor. This environmentally friendly outpost now boasts the 12,000 square foot Ranch Creek Spa, which opened in February 2008.

The two storey building is located a short walk from the main lodge, and was constructed with reclaimed wood. The reception, retail area, men’s and women’s change rooms are on the main floor, sparingly decorated with western and Navajo textiles and antique pieces. The second floor houses a spacious yoga studio, offering classes every weekend, and eight treatment rooms, flooded with natural light and views of the 5,000 acres of Devil’s Thumb Ranch.

Massages, soaks, wraps, facials, and hand and foot treatments are preformed using all natural, raw botanical oils and herbs. Therapists are well versed in suggesting treatments to counter the effects of the dry environment and high altitude. Consider the Rocky Mountain Rain Therapy, which uses nine essential oils massaged along the spine to boost the immune system and puts focus on structural alignment. After indulging in a few treatments, hydrate with the fruit-infused water or an herbal tea. As an added bonus, head to the change room’s sauna, steam room or relaxing aromatherapy lounge to extend the feeling of Zen.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch features 52 rooms in the main lodge, 16 cabins along the ridge, two restaurants, library, mini movie theatre, swimming pool and hot tub, as well as extensive trails for horseback riding, hiking and cross-country skiing. A perfect getaway for big city luxury paired with a healthy dose of western hospitality.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch
www.devilsthumbranch.com

We all want to stay dry and fresh whether it is during a regular work day, playing nine holes of golf or working out. To avoid constantly checking to see if your deodorant or anti-perspirant is working, you have to find the right brand for you.

Choose between deodorants – that prevent odor with fragrance and by reducing bacteria – or anti-perspirants – that reduce and control sweating and odor.

OUR RATING SYSTEM
1 – Lackluster
2 – Not the worst of the bunch
3 – Getting there …
4 – Almost perfect
5 – Knock-your-socks-off good

Kiss My Face Active Enzyme Deodorant in Lavender
The Claim: Baking soda and clay help neutralize and eliminate odors. It contains no artificial fragrance or colour.
The Truth: We love that this deodorant is aluminum free and long lasting. It has a slightly sticky texture when first applied.
Residue: 5 out of 5
Scent: 4.5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 3.5 out of 5

Kiss My Face
www.kissmyface.com
Available online at www.kissmyfacewebstore.com

Dove Ultimate Clear Go Fresh Anti-Perspirant in Burst
The Claim: The crisp scent and clean feeling last all day.
The Truth: This powerhouse will have you feeling fresh and confident until bedtime. It really works at stopping odor and wetness.
Residue: 4 out of 5
Scent: 4 out of 5
Effectiveness: 4.5 out of 5

Dove
www.dove.ca www.dove.com
Available at select drug and grocery stores across North America

Origins Totally Pure Deodorant
The Claim: An organic alternative to traditional deodorants. Vinegar purifies and essential oils help keep you fresh.
The Truth: The spray pump distributes product evenly and quickly. With a quick drying time you will be ready to walk out the door in seconds. Do not apply to freshly shaven skin.
Residue: 5 out of 5
Scent: 3.5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 3.5 out of 5

Origins
www.origins.com
Available at Origins stores across North America

Secret Flawless Clear Antiperspirant/Deodorant in Refreshingly Floral
The Claim: Strong odor and wetness protection partnered with a clean and lightweight formula that dries quickly.
The Truth: The gel formula goes on clear and dries quickly without leaving residue on your clothes. Do not apply to freshly shaven skin.
Residue: 5 out of 5
Scent: 4 out of 5
Effectiveness: 4.5 out of 5

Secret
www.secret.com
Available at drug and grocery stores across North America

Degree Clinical in Sheer Powder
The Claim: One coat before bed will protect and last throughout the following day. It works even after taking a shower.
The Truth: The TRIsolid formula adjusts to the body and blocks sweat glands for a high level of protection. It’s great for those who believe they sweat more than others.
Residue: 3 out of 5
Scent: 4.5 out of 5
Effectiveness: 4.5 out of 5

Degree
www.degreewomen.ca www.degreedeodorant.com
Available at drug and grocery stores across North America

And the winner is: Secret Flawless Clear Antiperspirant/Deodorant!