A few years ago, when I was working at a women’s magazine, the beauty editor said she thought someone should open up blow-out places that were like nail salons – cheap and quick and the kind of place you could stop in between haircuts for a quick style fix without an appointment. It’s too bad she didn’t invest in such a business because in the last couple of years, it seems blow-out salons have taken off.

I feel like I should be writing this post under the cloak of anonymity. Yesterday, I went outside of what is probably the longest-running monogamous relationship I’ve had in my life. And yet aside from the fact that it feels wrong to boast about cheating (and I don’t want her to read this!), I also feel refreshed, excited. Like this break from the same-old is exactly what I needed.

Ever bought an eyeshadow palette? Then you know exactly the colour I'm talking about - the bright, vivid one that's oh-so-pretty and vivid but you're just too afraid to use? Well, with the grey days of winter (possibly... dare we hope?) coming to a close and spring on the horizon, I’m daring you to go bold. From pretty pinks and corals to vibrant greens and blues bold colours feature big in this spring’s makeup looks. But while it’s a look we may admire on the runway or red carpet, some of us (and by “some of us” I mean me) lack the balls to try out those bold colours ourselves.

Enter Maybelline New York’s global makeup artist, Charlotte Willer, with some tips for getting over being timid.

I'm fresh home from an event for Maybelline New York (more to come... lots of great tips for actually wearing the season's bold colours for cheeks, lips and eyes), but I have on tip that's too good to wait.

As you've likely noticed, one of the big makeup trends heading into Spring is the bold red lip (it continues into Fall too). The problem is finding the "right" red. Well, makeup artist Charlotte Willer, has a foolproof tip for finding the right red (or any lipstick colour).

One of my grandmothers is not known for handing out compliments – much the opposite, in fact. She’s more likely to ask me when I’m getting a trim or what hairstyle I’m going to go for next (the day I’ve had my hair cut!) than to tell me my hair looks good – even when I know it does. Which is why when I recently met said grandmother for dinner and the first thing she said to me (after giving me the usual once-over) was that my hair looks “so nice and shiny,” I knew I had to blog about the reason – right after I finished choking on my Diet Coke from the surprise of it.

There are two products that recently crossed my desk and have made it into my hair-care repertoire to which I give all the credit.

Here’s a confession that should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me: I love a good party. But I’m less enthusiastic about after-work parties for one simple reason: I hate getting ready to go out at the office!

On Saturday nights I like to take my time – soaking in the tub, blow-drying my hair, getting dressed, doing my makeup (can you tell I’m a girly girl?). But there’s something about getting all gussied up at work – is it lugging my beauty supplies with me? The fact that my face is all shiny and my day makeup is as distant a memory as my morning coffee break? Having to spend an extra second in the office bathroom – that usually makes me go out as is. Not exactly a festive look.

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. But, my dears, there is such thing as a free lipstick, if you’re in the know. Even more good news… for those of us who are tired of stumbling across a cool offer only to find out it’s available exclusively in the U.S., these tips all work north of the 49th parallel.

I've spent the last week travelling for work - between various planes, shuttle buses and layovers I've had lots of time to catch up on my fall fashion mags. On the plane home Sunday, it was Glamour's October issue, which featured an article with rules for being a smarter, chicer shopper. One of the questions on their checklist: Would someone who sees me on the street think, she looks great?