Canadian Living September 2014

Ilearn something new with every issue. This month, it was the surprise of discovering that the poised and worldly Peter Mansbridge started out as an average student who didn’t have the grades to get into university. The seasoned and highly respected CBC anchor shares a glimpse into his early life, revealing to our associate editor, Jill Buchner, that his knowledge came from moving around the world. “Education is extremely important,” he says. “On the other hand, life experience is important as well.” He couldn’t be more right. As busy adults, we often overlook the importance of undertaking new challenges. But there are many ways to learn—not simply through formal training intended to further an end goal. One can join a book club, enrol in music lessons, take a carpentry class, play…

CoverGirl Flamed Out Shadow Pencil in Gold Flame, $10, covergirl.ca. Rimmel London Lasting Finish Colour Rush in I Want Candy, $7, shoppersdrugmart.ca. Pixi Beauty Lid Last Shadow Pen in Plum, $18, target.ca. Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm in Robust Rhubarb, $24, clinique.ca. Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm in Whimsical, $10, revlon.ca. L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Eye Shadow Primer, $10, lorealparis.ca. Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow in 8E, $24, sephora.ca. Sisley Phyto Lip Twist Tinted Balm, $55, holtrefrew.com Rimmel London Scandaleyes Shadow Stick in Blamed Blue, $7, shoppers drugmart.ca. Revlon Color-Burst Lacquer Balm in Tease, $10, revlon.ca Face Paint It started with eyeliner and lip balm. Now beauty companies are stashing all kinds of makeup in chubby little sticks: primer, blush, lip colour, highlighter, eye shadow. A grown-up version of the crayon, the design is simple and highly functional. There’s no…

CLAIM TO FAME: A M.A.C Cosmetics senior artist and New York City dweller, Blair is a rarity in the beauty game. Instead of sticking to one discipline—makeup—she’s also a master manicurist, known for her inventive editorial and runway designs. THE LOOK: Barely there pink, white and nude polishes emerged as the number one nail trend at the fall shows this year. Old-school neutrals were spotted at Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta and Kate Spade, giving models’ hands an uber-groomed appearance. Nude enamels have long been a manicurist’s secret weapon. “When you’re crafting a mood on the runway, nudes are often the right choice for creating a well-manicured look,” says Blair. Nude nails are anything but boring. But if you’re worried, try highlighting the hue with a compelling shape or texture.…

SHAKIRA, SINGER-SONGWRITER While the Colombian-born singer first grabbed our attention with a shake of her now-famous hips, Shakira, 37, has proven she’s more than just a dancer with great abs. We caught up with the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in Bar celona, Spain, where she lives part time with her partner, footballer Gerard Piqué, and their one-year-old son, Milan, to talk about style, beauty and that stellar smile. —Kate Daley How would you describe your personal style? “Let’s face it, I love being in my old pair of jeans. I tried a dress on today, and my son was looking at me like, ‘What is she wearing?’ I love Alaïa; he’s one of my favourite designers, and he’s a good friend. I also love Helmut Lang and Versace. My go-to articles of clothing would…

FEMININE MENSWEAR A blazer-vest hybrid lends major cool factor to the tailored menswear classic. Looking to pump up daytime drama? Try trading in your go-to black slacks for a slouchy pair of silk trousers. Anne Klein blouse, $79, thebay.com. Tuxedo vest, $315, lamarquecollection.com. Silky pants, $80, hm.com/ca. 424 Fifth bracelet, thebay.com. Watch, timex.ca. Earrings, ring, swarovski.com. Leather belt, brave leather.com. Flats and bag, marshallscanada.ca. Gray Shower 2125-30 paint (throughout), benjaminmoore.ca. CHEEKS Embrace fall’s cheekiest trend with a coral blush in a hydrating cream formula. BODY Get into the daily habit of using a body lotion that contains a gradual tanner. The emollients will protect your skin’s barrier while the mild tanning agent leaves a safe golden tone. MEET THE MIDI SKIRT A simple silhouette is the perfect vehicle for vintage playfulness. Dress like a lady in a…

Pack It In The word backpack might conjure up back-to-school memories tinged with teenage angst. But this fall, the utilitarian carryall has undergone a major style upgrade. New offerings in leather and streamlined designs are sleek enough for work or a night out. California pack, $218, roots.ca. Metallic leather backpack, $150, marshallscanada.ca. Drawstring pack, $50, winners.ca. Faux-leather quilted bag, $45, callitspring.com. Leather pack, $325, rudsak.com. Leather sack, $40, winners.ca. Leather buckle pack,$60, aldoshoes.com. Leather Madison pack, $278, roots.ca.…