Product Spotlight: EOS Lip Balm

With their bright colours and unique spherical shape, EOS lip balms certainly get noticed. Once you get past the fun and funky packaging, you’ll find a product that is definitely worthy of the attention.


EOS stands for the “evolution of smooth”—a description that certainly fits. EOS lip balm is gluten-free, paraben-free, petrolatum-free, and phthalate-free. It is also 95% organic and 100% natural. Its ingredients include proven natural moisturizers, shea butter and jojoba oil, and antioxidant-rich vitamin E. And EOS products are not tested on animals.

Smooth sphere lip balms come in a range of natural flavours that glide on easily, including summer fruit, honeysuckle honeydew, medicated tangerine, lemon drop (SPF 15), and sweet mint. Smooth stick lip balm also comes in sweet mint and two additional flavours: vanilla bean and pomegranate raspberry. (Full ingredient lists are available on the company’s website as www.evolutionofsmooth.com.)

EOS lip balms are a must-have, especially for the upcoming winter season. They also make great stocking stuffers for anyone who wants to get a jump on their Christmas shopping! Visit Great Lengths Hair Gallery for a full selection of EOS lip balms.

Pumpkin—Not Just for Pie

The word “pumpkin” typically brings two thoughts to mind—pie and Halloween. But highly nutritious pumpkin can (and should) be a lot more than a dessert or decoration.

Most of us have probably heard about “eating a rainbow” of produce, since more colours mean a broader range of nutrients. The deep yellow/orange hue of pumpkin is part of this rainbow. Pumpkin and other squash are loaded with important carotenoids, which have been shown to prolong life. (http://bit.ly/pUxc5w ). Pumpkin is particularly high in alpha-carotene, which some sources say is a more powerful cancer-fighter than its better known relative, beta-carotene. (http://bit.ly/nZMbf1)

Pumpkin provides a lot of fibre with few calories. It is also a good source of vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, iron, and calcium.

And don’t forget the seeds. Whether you scrape them out of your jack-o-lantern and roast them yourself, or buy them from your local bulk food store, pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) offer a lot of nutritional benefits. According to Canadian Living, they are “among the leaders of phytosterols -- a naturally occurring compound with an established reputation for cholesterol-lowering properties. Phytosterols are also being studied for their potential role in prostate health. Each 1/4 cup (50 millilitre) serving of the seed provides a healthy dose of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and is a good source of minerals, including phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron, making it one of the most nutritious and flavourful seeds around.” Pumpkin seeds can be sprinkled in salads or on soups, but be sure you don’t go overboard. One cup of pumpkin seeds is 750 calories. (http://bit.ly/nB8j9o)

Pumpkin is very easy to incorporate into your diet, and not just in the form of pumpkin pie. Pumpkin and squash puree make wonderful soups. Roasted pumpkin or squash can be seasoned in a variety of ways—butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and curry can all be used to create different side dishes. What’s more, pumpkin and squash are grown locally and are abundant this time of year, so be sure to get yours!

Product Spotlight: Kevin Murphy Session Spray

Intense hold with humidity resistance and UV protection—what more could hair need?

Kevin Murphy Session Spray provides a firm hold without flakiness. It contains hydrolyzed wheat protein, a natural source of vitamin C that creates a protective barrier against moisture loss while promoting shine. Its ivy leaf/stem extract helps to seal in moisture to prevent breakage while also adding shine. Ivy extract also helps prevent and treat dryness caused by too much exposure to heat.

The styling resins used in Session Spray provide a firm but flexible hold with excellent memory and resistance against high humidity.

As much as we love what is in Session Spray, the list of what’s not in it is equally impressive. It is free of parabens and CFCs. It is also low-VOC (volatile organic compound).

Session Spray is halfway between a styling product and a finishing product. The moulding resins it contains are a slightly wetter formulation than standard hairsprays and allow you to style the hair with a sleeker appearance.

Session Spray and other Kevin Murphy styling products are available now at Great Lengths Hair Gallery.

What’s Hot for Accessories this Fall

Accessories are an easy, affordable way to stay on trend each season. Here are just a few of the more “accessible” accessory trends this fall, summarized from Vogue magazine:




• Colour blocking in purses and shoes. Contrasting blocks of colour—turquoise and earth tones, oranges and reds—are paired together in geometric designs that make a bold statement.

• Snakeskin. Animal prints in general are very popular this season, but snakeskin is making an appearance in accessories. Real snakeskin is beyond the reach of most people, but there are plenty of faux snakeskin purses, boots, and shoes around for those who prefer a more affordable option.

• Gloves. Gloves were all over fall runways and shown in a variety of styles, colours, and materials—lace, leather, fur, snakeskin, and even polka-dotted.

• Long earrings. Again, the emphasis is on variety, from long tasselled earrings that graze the shoulder to delicate beading and large geometric shapes.

• Menswear-inspired shoes. The hot shoes for fall are penny loafers, brogues, and tasselled shoes with a feminine touch delivered via a high heel. The Toronto Star featured this trend in its fashion pages recently.( http://bit.ly/oRAkN0)

• Clutches. The clutch purse is a big trend, and the colour blocking trend is apparent here too.



To get a look at these and other trends in accessories, visit Vogue’s gallery at http://bit.ly/pz3EPZ0.

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Ovarian cancer is known as the “disease that whispers” because its symptoms are very hard to detect. Every year more than 2,600 women are diagnosed with the disease and 1,750 women die from it.

If caught in its early stages, the success rate for treatment is 90%, but to ensure the disease is detected early more awareness of the signs and symptoms is needed. In 2010, Canada’s Minister of Health urged women to learn about these symptoms (http://bit.ly/o4HLpy).

The challenge with this type of cancer, according to Ovarian Cancer Canada, is that the symptoms are “generally vague, non-specific and can be mistakenly attributed to other causes.” Common warning symptoms include:

• Swelling or bloating of the abdomen

• Pelvic discomfort or heaviness

• Back or abdominal pain

• Fatigue

• Gas, nausea, indigestion

• Change in bowel habits

• Frequent urination
• Menstrual irregularities
• Weight loss or weight gain

Ovarian Cancer Canada also notes that recent onset or severity in any of these symptoms warrants further diagnostic investigation. A Pap smear cannot detect ovarian cancer—a full pelvic exam is necessary.

The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, as most cases occur after menopause. There is increased risk in women who have not had children or never taken oral contraceptives. Women who have had breast or colon cancer or have a family history of those diseases are also at higher risk for developing ovarian cancer, as are women who are members of the Ashkenazi Jewish community.

To learn more about this disease, including more symptoms and tips for prevention, visit the Ovarian Cancer Canada website (http://www.ovariancanada.org/), and look for their sunflower fundraiser at grocery stores near you. (http://bit.ly/o1yhyx)

Mark Your Calendars for the Markham Fair!

Canada’s largest 4-day agricultural fair will be held this September 29 through October 2. The Markham Fair takes place at the Markham Fair grounds, located on the North East corner of McCowan Road and Elgin Mills Road (10801 McCowan Road).

The Markham Fair is one of Canada’s oldest country fairs. According to the fair’s website, “Since 1844 the fair has been providing the community with a showcase for talents and products in a friendly competitive spirit. With over 670 volunteers working on more than 70 committees, Markham Fair is the largest community based volunteer organization in Canada.”

There are lots of great events at the fair this year including:

• Monster trucks in the “largest outdoor monster madness show in 2011.”
• A truck and tractor pull.
• Horse shows.
• Video dance party.
• Teen talent show.
• A meet-and-greet with Dora the Explorer and Kai-lan.
• A demolition derby.
• A giant fireworks display.

In addition to the special events listed above, there is also ongoing entertainment from Silver Elvis, Madame Buskerfly, and Doug the Great. As always, there is lots of great stuff for kids, like Reptilia, face painting, elephant rides, pony rides, and the midway.

Last year 66,000 people visited the fair. It is a great time for the entire family. Great Lengths Hair Gallery will be at the fair, as we are every year, and we hope to see you there! To learn more about the fair, visit http://www.markhamfair.ca/fair.asp.

Back to School Deal—10% Off Kids’ Haircuts in September

What’s on your checklist for back to school? Paper, binders, pens, pencils, math sets, calculators and other school supplies, not to mention the new clothes required to accommodate the extra two inches most kids seem to put on over the summer.


With so much required to start the new school year, costs can add up in a hurry. That’s why we are offering a discount on kids’ haircuts for the entire month of September.

Bring your child to Great Lengths Hair Gallery this month and we’ll take 10% off the price of their haircut. Book your appointment now! This offer expires September 30.