My top sunscreen picks: Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster SPF 50 for the face and Ombrelle Sport Clear Continuous Spray SPF 60 for the body.

There are many dark spot solutions hitting the market this spring. Whether Vitamin-C packed or Goji berry-infused, the treatments claim to help lessen dark pigment, known as hyper pigmentation, that comes courtesy of sun damage. And while many of these products can help to dull the discolouration, I think it makes a lot more sense to take a proactive approach to the problem with proper sun protection.

First off, many women believe that the SPF built into their moisturizer, BB Cream or foundation is sufficient as a daily sunscreen—not so. You should be wearing a stand alone sunscreen every day, in addition to any SPF built into your skincare.

This week Dove posted a new advertising campaign—the latest in a string of successful marketing tactics focused on self-esteem as opposed to product. Presented as a mini-documentary, it involves a sketch artist hidden from a series of women as they describe themselves. Then those sketches are juxtaposed against a series of drawings, done by the same artist, depicting the same women, however this time as described by strangers. The difference is remarkable.

Obviously nail art is awesome, but it's also work. Lots of time and effort go into not only imagining intricate designs, but executing them, and allowing them to properly dry. As a result, lately I've been suffering from what I call "nail art fatigue" and suddenly I find myself drawn to clean monochromatic tips.

Rowenta Beauty Versa Style

We women tend to always want what we don't have -- especially when it comes to hair. While I long for big, voluminous curls, my curly-haired friends envy my pin-straight locks. 

And though we can't exactly change our hair permanently, we can manipulate it with styling tools. The only problem? It can get costly to invest in, especially when we require different tools for different hairstyles. 

That's where Rowenta Beauty's Versa Style comes in handy. This all-in-one styling tool allows you to create several different hair looks; from sleek and straight, to big bouncy curls and everything in between. 

Facial hair is a polarizing issue. Some love it, while others long for a clean shave. If you're of the latter opinion, however, there is new science suggesting you should rethink your stance and embrace the stubble.

I recently started filling in my brows for special occasions, which then translated into evenings, which then turned into a daily must. Why? Because once I saw the benefit of shaping my brows into bolder, more intentional lines, I started to see the dramatic lift to my face overall. Furthermore, strong brows are one of the biggest beauty trends for spring.

Last Thursday, we headed backstage at Andrew Richard Designs to check out Comrags' Fall 2013 collection at The shOws. 

Though beauty on the runway can often be a little bit too crazy for everday, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the Comrags beauty look was something that could be worn in real-life and easily recreated at home. 

"At a lot of shows, the makeup doesn't look too wearable," said Greg Wencel, celebrity makeup artist and CoverGirl makeup pro who created the look. "When we met with [Comrags designers] Judish Corish and Joyce Gunhouse, they wanted to make sure that it was something that made a statement, but something that someone wouldn't be afraid to actually try."

Wencel's inspiration? A youthful, look reminiscent of a Parisian girl or models backstage sipping wine.  

"The Comrags girl has something healthy and organic about her. It's a polished look, that's super pretty and very wearable," he explained.

Wencel gave us a rundown on how to recreate the look at home, using CoverGirl cosmetics: 

I'm super lazy when it comes to nail care, so any time a seemingly fool proof, long-lasting solution comes along, I'm game to try it. Sally Hansen recently launched a do-it-yourself gel manicure kit that claims both the fool proof and long-lasting factors. After trying it, it's safe to say that they have a sound salon alternative on their hands. All the benefits of gel - high voltage shine, up to two weeks of wear, and a safer alternative to shellac - but cheaper and more convenient.

Let Cupid's arrow smack you in the lips this Valentine's Day with an irresistible red hot pout. Here are the top picks we can't wait to pucker up to:  
    

Just in time for V-day, M.A.C is launching a line to honour one of the greatest love triangles of all time. The Archie's Girls collection pits Betty against Veronica with sugary sweet shades of coral and pink versus fiery shades of red and plum. We found our new favourite glossy red under the brunette line-up with M.A.C Lipglass in Strawberry Malt, but with scattered hearts all over glossy white packaging, it's easy to fall in love with the whole collection.

We're amidst awards season right now, and though I'm having a ton of fun checking out what the celebrities are wearing on the red carpet, I'm mostly obsessed with their dewy, glowing skin.

In the summer, achieving that "healthy glow" comes easily, but in the middle winter? Not so much. 

But, there is one trick you can use to instantly brighten up your dull winter skin - highlighting! Not only will this technique make your skin look more luminous, it will also add dimension to your face.