From the top hairstylists to the most in-demand makeup artists, our beauty experts share their insider perspective on the latest hair and makeup tips and trends

Lipsticks and lipglosses are all well and good, but to be honest, I’m a lip balm kind of girl. Always have been, always will be. There are thousands off lip balms out there, ranging in colour, SPF, tint and of course smell and taste (not that I’m encourage you eating your lip balm). Here are the best of the best that I’ve tested throughout the years.

A Man’s World
Jack Black may be a men’s brand, but their Intense Therapy Lip Balm with SPF 25 ($9 CAD) will have you biting your lips wishing you never said such a thing as “what, but this is for guys!” Not only is this an ultra-healing balm but it has a delicious lemony, vanilla-y scent that reminds me of cake. Trust me, you’ll love it.
Available at Sephora

Smooth Like Buttah
I love all of The Body Shop’s lip butters, but the Mango Lip Butter ($8 CAD) has to be my favourite. Also try their Born Lippy collection for a little bit of tint without all the goop of a lipgloss. It should be noted that these are boyfriend tested, meaning they will actually make your lips irresistibly kissable. Because the worst is having beautiful lips that no one wants to kiss.
Available at The Body Shop

The Basics
In the world of lip balms, there will always be the basics. You know, these are the ones that deliver on their promises and you’ll automatically know that when you buy ‘em your lips will thank you. On my basic list: Blistex Lip Medex ($3.29 CAD) for its wonderfully addictive cooling effect; Aveeno Lip Conditioner ($5.99 CAD) is ultra-creamy, tastes like vanilla, and really works when your lips have had enough of the cold winter weather; Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm ($3.99 CAD) is the ultimate basic and I love all the varieties and colours that are now available.
All available at London Drugs

My Favourite
I discovered Rosebud Salve ($8 CAD) on a trip to Toronto. My lips had gone crazy because of the hot, humid weather and on a shopping trip to Sephora with my sister this balm was one of Sephora’s recommended picks. Well, three years later and I haven’t looked back. I constantly have one in my bag, in my room, and at my desk as work. Not to mention that fact that my friends are always asking to use it. I swear, once you try it, you’ll never know how you ever lived life without it.
Available at Hills of Kerrisdale, Sephora and Anthropologie (Toronto)

Okay, so what are your favourite lip balms! I’m always on the look out for a new one.

Aliyah Shamsher, The Style Spy
aliyah@thestylespy.com

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The exposed zipper trend will be raging as we move into Fall. No longer just a functional fastener, exposed zippers have teeth and everyone can participate. From jewellery and shoes to bags and clothes, get zipped up and add a little texture and functional detailing to your ensemble. It’s on trend and a little grungy. Unzip the possibilities.

1. Silence & Noise Exposed Zipper Dress $74 CAD, Urban Outfitters
2. Jeffrey Campbell Zipper Ruffle Ballet Flats$120 CAD, Jeffrey Campbell available at Spank & Browns
3. 4. F21 Dainty Zipper Flower Headband $5.80 CAD, Forever 21
Aldo Verela bracelet$25 CAD, Aldo Accessories
5. Deena & Ozzy Zipper Clutch $22 CAD, Urban Outfitters
6. Exposed Zipper Gloves $35 CAD, H&M

Jan Tong, The Style Spy
jan@thestylespy.com


Prices in approx. Canadian dollars

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I first spotted Girl of the Week LOUISA CHAN at a Holt Renfrew media event. What first caught my eye was her resemblance to popular style blogger, Susie Bubble. Who was this cute stylish girl? A recent immigrant from Hong Kong, Louisa worked as a fashion and beauty editor for the Japanese magazine MINA, where she met designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Dolce & Gabbana and Agnes B. Now a resident of Vancouver, Louisa is a reporter for the Ming Pao Saturday magazine. Meet our new friend Louisa.

I’m Wearing…Stussy one-piece shorts, H&M high heels and Nine West handbag.

Fave city to shop in…Tokyo! It’s a paradise for shopping, Japanese local brands are so creative and energetic. You can get almost anything you want in Tokyo.

Fave designers…Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood, Jill Stuart, I love cute and girly designs.

Most coveted in the closet…A vintage Chanel 2.55 bag that my mum gave me.

Last purchase…H&M leopard print shorts.

Next purchase…Black open toe pumps.

Style icons…Lena Fujii, a Japanese model.

Beauty must-have…Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment and Anna Sui volume mascara.

Signature scent…L’Occitane Rose 4 Reine Fragrance.

Miss most about Hong Kong…I would say my lovely friends and family!

Love most about Vancouver…The weather. And I love how people live their lives here, very laid-back and easy. By the way, I’ve gained four to five pounds since I moved here, so I guess I love the food in Vancouver too!

Erica Lam, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com

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To chat with shoppers about their personal style and tips.

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