look of the week: sensational Scarlett

Why does Scarlett Johansson, shown here in the latest ad campaign for Louis Vuitton, get the coveted title of look of the week? Lovelies, let us count the reasons: She looks positively cherubic in these shots, as though she just fell from heaven (sure, she's modelling sexy lingerie, but still...). I love the spare makeup look highlighting her porcelain skin, soft blonde ringlets and perfectly pretty pink pout (try Bourjois Lovely Rouge Satin Lipstick in Rose Love 11). Not only that, but ScarJo is pure, womanly beauty - this girl is Marilyn Monroe-curvy, and she's not afraid to show it. And finally, she's my pick because I have to admit that I have a bit of a girl-crush on Scarlett. Ever since her thoughtful, endearing turn in Lost in Translation, she's become the poster-girl for intelligent beauty. I mean, come on, who doesn't love this girl?
Photos by Mert Alas, Marcus Piggott

fixation: Open Sundaes Lip Toppings

Like many of you, I've always had an unending obsession with lip balms, keeping one at the ready in every purse, pocket, desk and nightstand. And since I also have a sweet tooth, the sweeter the balm, the better (Maybelline Kissing Potion and Rootbeer Lip Smackers, anyone?). Luckily, I've now got my hands on a new sweet treat to feed my decadent fixations: Open Sundaes Lip Toppings. The Vanilla Sundae flavor is just that - the delectable smell of swirls of vanilla ice cream glazed in chocolate sauce. It's a milky-white, pearly color in the tube, but when you put it on, it gives a lovely sheen and shimmer that's not too shiny and not at all sticky. You can wear it alone (as I like to do) or over any color and it's totally moisturizing. Also love the Cherry on Top flavor, a sheer cherry red that smells just as delectable. Yum!

bringing sexy back...to your skin

Prep School Pt 1.: Lovelies, I don't think I'm alone in saying that my winter-ravaged skin is a bit of a fright right now. Ok, so the winter here in Toronto wasn't that bad, but my face is still feeling the effects of cold winds and moisture-sucking indoor heating. Let's just say it's lacking that certain glow. So I wanted to share with you some of my recent skincare finds that have helped dewinterize my tired skin.

First up: the cleanse. I'm pretty diligent with cleansing morning and night (usually Philosophy's Purity Made Simple), but sometimes you need a little something extra to shake up your routine. That's why I love Juice Organics's Brightening Cleanser. As the name suggests, it's totally organic and contains apple and lemon juices (which naturally have hydroxy acid) and raw cane sugar (which contains glycolic acid) to help brighten the skin. Now that might sound scary to some, but believe me, this stuff is gentle, yet effective.

Next up: the moisturizer. Before, I didn't really think that a daily moisturizer could change the look and feel of your skin, until I tried skyn ICELAND The ANTIDOTE Quenching Daily Lotion, that is. This lotion is like a breath of fresh air for your skin. When I put it on, I could feel a cooling sensation working immmediately to help heal, and it definitely brought some of my glow back.


The big guns: the mask. Though I have oily skin, I'm not as diligent with facials as I should be. In fact, I can't remember the last time I put on at-home mask treatment. So I was overjoyed to try Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask – and it didn't disappoint. Bliss calls it the "takeaway" version of it famous spa facial – the triple oxygen treatment – but this is five minutes at home and you're done. I have to say I loved it - from the invigorating, citrusy smell to its cool frothing action, to the way it made my skin look supple and moisturized, this stuff is the bomb.

This is the first post in a three-part series called Prep School, which looks at prepping for summer from head to toe. Still to come: glow getters for your body and at-home manicure-pedicure.

look of the week: ramblin' rose mcgowan

Let me tell you lovelies, finding a stellar "Look of the week" is not as easy as you might think. Alas, when it's not awards season, and the red carpet has quieted down, it's pretty slim pickin's trying to find a suitable candidate. Not to mention, I've set the bar pretty high thus far, with my picks for Drew, Rihanna and Gwen. But I can say without hesitation that this week's pick, Rose McGowan from the April issue of Venice magazine, is in good company with these lovely ladies.


This sometime TV actress (the mediocre Charmed, anyone?) and Scream queen is starting to make a splash on the beauty scene and on the red carpet (witness her most recent turn at the Grindhouse premiere, looking glam in a cherry-red gown.)
I've always thought of her as being a bit saucy, maybe a bit nuts (she dated freakshow Marilyn Manson for God's sake!), and, but for a few missteps, she's usually on her game.
She's a bit of a throwback to pinup girls of the 1940s and 50s, but when she tones it down, she could pass for the glamorous Ava Gardner. That's why I love these shots in Venice mag: she looks soft and pretty, which fits her look beautifully, since in many respects she's a classic beauty.
Lovelies, what do you think of Ms. Rose?

fixation: Bond No. 9 Coney Island

How do you capture the smell of fun? That's what Bond No. 9 sought to do with its new Coney Island fragrance, and lovelies, I think they've done it! From the company that has scent-marked all the neighbourhoods of New York (from Gramercy Park to Little Italy), comes Coney Island, a fragrance named after the famed Brooklyn amusement park. When you put it on, you get that first burst of limey margarita - a bright sweetness that subsides after a little while to evolve into lighter sweet notes like melon, chocolate and caramel. This scent is really like a rollercoaster ride, because there's still further notes to flourish: a spicy, sexy cinnamon edge comes to the fore, while decadent musk, and calming cedarwood and sandalwood round out the mix.
Why do I love this line? It's fragrance meets art - Bond No. 9 bottles are just as pretty to look at as their smells are divine. Coney Island's bottle is a gorgeous azure blue, capped with a golden neck. This is one bottle I'll gladly display on my vanity for some time to come...Watch for it in stores June 1.

ANTM: fair dinkum model?

Greetings lovelies, Time for your Top Model recap! This week, our sylphs were flown to the land down under, subjected to corresponding in Aussie slang and painful, put-on Aussie accents in a mascara commercial. So which sheila came out on top? Again, a couple of my chosen frontrunners, Natasha and Renee didn't disappoint. Blubbering Brittany, however, was an exception, (but we'll get to that later...)
Our goofy Russian Natasha has become a force to be reckoned with, and rocked it once again this week. She looked awesome in her little safari get-up and amazingly, cut through her Russian lilt and nailed that Aussie accent. Renee, channelling the quintessential Aussie, the late Steve Irwin, could pass for a native Australian and looked amazing on-camera. Luckily for the girls, she's shelved her attitude.
And now on to Brittany...Looking a little mediocre in her headscarf, Brit broke down in tears midway through, blaming the staples in her head from a car accident a few years before. While I sympathize with the girl, when is there not something wrong with this girl's head? If it's not the extensions, it's the staples. But, I digress. It should be pointed out that while the girl's a stunner, a Covergirl she does not make. Meanwhile, we saw the spastic Jael's demise this week and so it is that her journey has come to an end.
Lovelies, we're getting down to the wire. Only five left. WHO will be on top?

where'd you get that smile?

Call me crazy, but some days, I dream of getting one of those tooth whitening treatments celebrities get that makes their teeth look so white you're blinded by the bright. But who can afford it? That's why I'm always on the lookout for simpler, less expensive ways to get that dazzling smile. And in my quest for whitening prowess, I was overjoyed to discover a little gem called SuperSmile. They have something called Quikee, that's like a toothbrush, toothpaste and whitening treatment, all in one little tube. You just swirl it around on your teeth, with no brushing or rinsing required. It promises to leave your teeth at least one shade whiter after one use, and I have to say lovelies, that my teeth did seem brighter afterwards. Their single-use Powdered Mouthrinse is also handy - it's an instant mouthwash in a packet for when you're on-the-go and can't brush. Veronica Mars's Kristen Bell uses it. And look at her smile!

Photo copyright Flaunt

look of the week: glorious Gwen

I love this girl. And these pics of Gwen Stefani in Harper's Bazaar are just divine. She's a chameleon like Madonna, but still always truly Gwen. While I love her trademark 50s-style pin-up girl red lips, here, in pretty pink (try Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick in Muse to get the look), she looks soft and lovely, just as she did in her vulnerable turn in the No Doubt video for Underneath it All. She rocks the icy blond hair and black cat-eye liner like no one else, evoking the blonde goddesses of Hitchcock films, and looks equally glam when sporting the punk rock and ghetto fabulous looks she's become known for. This is how style icons are made lovelies!
Here are some of my other fave shots of the glamorous Gwen...






Photos by Peter Lindbergh

prada thunder perfect mind

I've always loved Prada, both its uber-stylish clothes and the genius Miuccia herself, for being the pinnacle of chic. How fitting then, that they created a mini-film to to promote its fragrances, Prada Parfums. Made by Jordan and Ridley Scott (director of the futuristic chic film Blade Runner) the film, Thunder Perfect Mind, follows the stunning supermodel Daria Werbowy through various personas (virgin, whore, mother) and explores the complexities of being a woman. It's not entirely new (it was made back in 2005), but the brand is still promoting it in its ads for the new fragrance, Tendre Eau de Parfum. And while it's not necessarily Oscar-worthy, there's a certain beautiful moodiness to the film that perfectly captures the essence of Prada. You can view the film here.

Photo by Brigitte Lacombe

trendshock: crazy for color

Lovelies, with summer almost upon us, the new makeup collections are coming out and the trend is decidedly coloriffic! And if the Barbie Loves MAC collection was any indication, with its bubblegum pinks and limey greens (which is pretty much sold out online, by the way), you makeup junkies are loving these overblown, candy-colored shades. Rich pigments and brazenly vibrant colors that channel the 80s are cropping up for eyes, lips and nails. Here are some of the looks I'm loving:

Fuchsia lips: Everyone from Fergie to Beyonce have been rocking this look. One of my fave picks of the moment is Lancôme's Color Fever in Rock Icon Fuchsia for a bold shock of color. Remember to keep the rest of your makeup minimal with this lip color so as not to look like a tranny-in-training.

Bold blue eyeliner: Ever since my junior high days, I've always loved deep teal colors for eyes, and luckily, they keep coming back. The look this season is to wear a swipe of color underneath the eyes a la the ethereal girl pictured in MAC's Strange Hybrid collection (above left). Try MAC Moonflower Eye Shadow or Urban Decay's Glide-On Eye Pencil in Deviant for a lovely lick of intense color.


Hot pink/coral nails: Now, I'm usually a classic, ballet-slipper pink kind of girl, but these ultra-bright shades may make me a convert. I'm loving Essie's Starting Over collection, which includes both sheer pinks as well as hot corally reds. Try their Wife Goes On shade, which is a vibrant pinky coral. And for you die-hard pink lovers, you must check out OPI's Strawberry Fields, an almost neon shade of shimmery hot pink!

fixation: Doll Eye Mascara

Lovelies, I just had to tell you about my latest fixation: NYX Doll Eye Mascara. Now, I'm usually devoted to my L'Oréal Voluminous and nothing can sway me, but I just might have to make an exception because this little beauty wowed me like no product in a while. I'll admit: the super-cute, sleek black-meets-vintage packaging reeled me in immediately, because anything that looks swank resting on my vanity is a surefire winner. But then, open up the dispenser and behold the brush! This is like no mascara wand I've ever seen: fat on both outer ends, yet skinny in the middle, your lash paint goes on without clumps yet fattens up and lengthens your lashes. You'll be batting your dollface lashes in no time...

ANTM: the ghosts of models past

Hello lovelies,
Here's your Top Model photoshoot recap: It was a blast from the past on Top Model last night, as our girls were united with models from previous cycles of the show. And the sylphs did not disappoint, even when paired with the more seasoned girls. My previous fave, Jael – who had to "pretend-faint" a la Rebecca from Cycle 4 – seems to be going on a downward spiral and I'm beginning to think her days are numbered. (Rumors of scandalous photos online I'm sure haven't helped). The judges said she looked posey and robotic and I had to agree with them. Meanwhile, Dionne has also been another fave of mine, but I have to say that her photos (in a liplock with lesbian Kim from previous ANTM) were disappointing. I really didn't like her overdone purple eyeshadow and crazy hair all askew. I think she looks far more beautiful au naturel, with sleek hair.

So right now, I have two clear favorites who I'm thinking (hoping!) will be with us to the end: Brittany (formerly of the squirrel's nest weave) and Natasha (the goofball Russian, who has a daughter named Angelina, and who, as I've said, is a ringer for Angelina Jolie. Coincidence...?). Brittany, who was paired with the lovely twins Amanda and Michelle from cycle 7, and made to look like triplets, looked absolutely gorj. Her eyes just pierce right out of the photo, and right now, she's my pick to win. Natasha, meanwhile, made flesh-eating disease look hot. She was paired with Michelle of cycle 4, who was afflicted with the nasty disease. As I said last week, Natasha is stepping up her game and she's become the one to watch.
Until next week, lovelies!

Image copyright CW

linda evangelista for l'oreal

It's a lovely day for a couple of reasons: not only is Top Model on tonight, but I also I have some big supermodel news to share. Linda Evangelista, the original diva supermodel, is going to be the newest international spokesmodel for L'Oréal Paris. Yes, that Evangelista, who famously quipped: "I don't get out of bed for less than 10-grand a day...." The original supe of the late 80s and early 90s who reinvented herself again and again – coloring her hair every shade under the sun, from icy blond to shocking red – as she paraded the greatest catwalks of New York, Paris and Milan. When we last saw Ms. Linda, she was pregnant and gracing the cover of the August 2006 issue of Vogue.
Lovelies, the supermodel is back!

Photo by Ruven Afanador

look of the week: red-hot Rihanna

Now technically, this event was more than a week ago – (the Kid's Choice Awards were held March 31) – but this look still rises to the cream of the crop (literally!). How great does Ms. Rihanna look lovelies? I'm loving the new short hair on her; in a sea of long, soft waves on the red carpet, her sleek bob is refreshing. And while everyone's favorite sourpuss Posh started this bob trend and many have followed, Rihanna makes it look fresh and new. Love the barely-there, shimmery nude lips and smokey eye done in shades of purple. Try using Clarins Color Quench Lip Balm in Crystal/00 and Chanel Silky Eye Shadow Duo in Desert-Rose with an angled liner brush to get Rihanna's look. She looks sexy yet classy, with just enough sass to work it out.
This girl is one to watch on the red carpet!

Photo by Glenn Harris

happy Easter!

Hello lovelies,
Welcome to the new and improved SugarShock! I hope you like the new look of your beauty fix site. We're still working out some of the kinks, and you may see some more changes over the coming days, but for now, the overall design is in place. And I couldn't be happier with it.
Tell me what you think of our new look!
stay lovely,
Kristen

clinique up-lighting liquid illuminator

Isn't it a drag when you get that first hit of fresh spring air and lovely warm weather, only to have winter rear it's ugly head back in again? But, lovelies, just because flurries and cold winds may still be in the forecast – even though we're in the third week of spring – doesn't mean you can't have a little sunshine to brighten your day. Rev up your inner luminosity with a little bit of this liquid gold: Clinique's Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator. Get a subtle highlight effect by dabbing this sheer fluid on cheek- or browbones or, as I like to do, mix it up with your foundation for that allover J.Lo radiance. I've even mixed it with body moisturizer and applied it to my shoulders for that red-carpet glow. You'll be singing "I'm Walkin' on Sunshine" before you know it!

american beauty: america ferrara

Lovelies, I know I've already picked my look of the week (see darling Drew), but I just couldn't resist posting this photo of the smokin'-hot America Ferrara from W magazine. We all knew she was a stunner (even under her Ugly-Bettified chunky eyeglass frames, metal-mouth and mop of hair) but here, all dolled-up in an Alexander McQueen frock and makeup by the brilliant Gucci Westman of Lancôme, she's slammin' channelling a young Sophia Loren. Love the wicked, exagerrated winged eyeliner that was a key trend at the recent Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2007 fashion show. Try Nars Liquid Eyeliner in Angel Heart, which gives a bit of a glossy finish, for a similar look. Neo-soul singer Amy Winehouse has been rockin' this look for months now – I guess she was on to something!

Photo copyright Michael Thompson/Style

ANTM: the many faces of top model

Hi again lovelies, time for your Top Model photoshoot recap. This week, our resident sylphs got to show their multi-faceted personalities in a "four-faced" photoshoot. The girls had to direct their own hair and makeup this week, and for the most part, the result was surprisingly not disastrous. Jael caked on the black eye paint, but actually looked pretty fierce. Rocking the 'dominator' and 'revolutionary' looks, her photos were edgy and strong. Mr. Jay praised her for resembling the scary Grace Jones, which I think was meant as a compliment. Nigel, meanwhile, said it was the best she'd ever done, but I'm not sure I agree with that one. Her makeover shoot was stronger by far.

Last week, I said Dionne (or should I say Wholahay?) was the one to watch, and I might have to go back on my word because another coltish beauty has leapt ahead of the pack: everybody's favorite goofy Russian, Natasha (also known as her super-self name "Nata"). Posing her way through 'surprised!' and 'sexy' looks, she was a ringer for Angelina Jolie. The girl is stunning and was totally on her game at this shoot. My runner-up this week was Brittany. Pity the poor girl with the nasty red dreads that are tearing her scalp off! Hair atrocity aside, she's actually one of the only girls who truly looks like a model on the show.

But things move fast in Top Model land, and you never know who could go home next week!

Image copyright CW

look of the week: darling drew barrymore

So begins a new feature on Sugarshock, Look of the week, where I'll pick a celebrity who rocked it on the red carpet. My girl this week is the lovely Drew Barrymore workin' her magic at the premiere of Music and Lyrics. And I hate to say that the film was probably ass (I don't know anyone who actually saw it), but really, has she ever looked better? I swear lovelies, she's getting better looking with age, and starting to outpace her BFF Cami Diaz on the red carpet. Let me count the ways I love Drew's look: bold yet not overpowering eyes, nude mouth (MAC Lipglass in Lust, perhaps?), glowy skin and centre-parted hair pulled back in a simple chignon. This is how you work a red carpet. Eat your heart out, Fabrizio.

Image copyright Richard Chavez

Bond girl makeup

Ever fancied yourself a Bond girl? You know, the kind that could drop-kick a thug, all the while batting her winsome eyelashes and looking fetching? Well, every Bond girl needs an arsenal of amped-up makeup, and a new crop of lipglosses pull double and even triple-duty for girls who demand that something extra from their cosmetics. Lancôme's Plump Secret - which, with its silver-bullet-style packaging, could easily pass for a weapon – includes a nude lipliner to enhance your lips's natural shape, as well as a clear, collagen-enriched gloss to plump your pout. Wear it alone or over lipstick for that extra bit of pillow-lipped volume.

Meanwhile, YSL's Lip Twins Duo contains two coordinating shades of lipcolor – one satiny and one shiny – along with a lipbrush and mini mirror, all in one chic, gold-toned case that's about the size of a regular tube of lipstick. Now that's multi-tasking!