Beauty Emergency: You Have 48 Hours to snag a beautiful deal (Sept 8–9 Online Only!) - and three products worth the rush from Watier, St. Tropez and Juicy Couture!

Stop everything: Shoppers Drug Mart’s online beauty sale is here September 8–9, and yes, it’s time to treat yourself!

 

For just 2 days - you could get $15 off any beauty purchase when you spend $60 or more - from skincare to makeup to fragrance, the choice is yours. 

 

Need some inspo? Here are just a few of the standout products worth snapping up before the clock runs out...

 

Watier Perfection Glow-Boosting Tinted Serum - 30ml - $62 - in a range of 14 glorious shades - this isn’t just makeup, it’s magic in a bottle - this skin-loving serum-foundation hybrid is here to turn “meh” mornings into “did you get a facial?” moments. 

It's science-y but sexy: It’s made with 98% naturally derived ingredients and fancy patented microdroplet technology (translation: your skin’s about to look filtered IRL). With a silky, lightweight formula that glides on giving you buildable light coverage that looks dewy, fresh and so smooth you'll look like a baby seal (minus the blubber) Powered by Canadian ginseng: like a double-shot latte for your skin - this natural-origin antioxidant boosts glow, energizes, and makes you look like you actually slept; along with vitis flower: a hydrating, soothing, “nothing’s-going-to-harsh-my-mellow” ingredient that protects you from the evil outside world. 

 

Why I'm obsessed: it blurs my imperfections like a soft-focus filter; it feels like I'm wearing nothing (but better); stays put all day; and leaves me with that “I drink enough water” glow (I totally don’t)!

St. Tropez Sunlit Skin Bronzing Tint + Tan - 30ml - $49 -  forget “just got back from vacation” - this is “just got back from the Amalfi Coast and my ex saw me looking radiant” energy. This genius two-in-one bronzing tint is your shortcut to instant golden-hour skin with a medium, natural-looking tan that develops fully in just 3 hours. Offers instant bronze now as well as a tan that lasts: It’s the beauty equivalent of having your cake and eating it too (which has always struck me as a stupid expression - if I have cake of course I'm going to eat it!)

 

Why I'm obsessed: it offers quick-dry, no-rinse magic (aka: no bed sheet drama); I can wear it solo for that fresh “no-makeup” glow or layer it under foundation (it looks great paired with the Watier Perfection!); and it works on every skin tone (yes, even my sickly pale face)!

Juicy Couture Just Moi Eau de Parfum - 10ml - $43, 50ml - $143, 100ml - $177 -  basically your permission slip to be that girl - the one who walks in, smells incredible, and suddenly everyone else is rethinking their life choices. It opens with lush magnolia, delicate cacao blossom and a sweet little kiss of plum nectar; the heart is crème de cacao and jasmine sambac; and it dries down into rich cacao bean, vanilla-ambrox, creamy sandalwood and warm musk - combined it will leave them thinking about you for days! 

Why I'm obsessed: it smells like confidence, with just a hint of mischief; works for day and night and the bottle is chic enough to live rent-free on my vanity!

 

Tick-Tock - don't wait on this deal - not only is it time limited there are limited quantities of the offer available so don't miss out! 

 

Use the code: ONLINEBEAUTY15 - and you can get $15 off when you spend $60 or more on select beauty online or the Shoppers Drug Mart App. Offer details at shoppersdrugmart.ca/onlinebeautyoffer

 

- Lisamarie - 

Lazy-Girl Glam: The 3 Lip Products That Make You Look Alive (Even If You’re Not) from Nivea, e.l.f. and Maybelline!

Even when I’m just bumming around the house with zero intention of seeing another human being, I always do something with my lips - just a little swipe of something hydrating and pretty. It’s the easiest way to look slightly more alive, with approximately the same amount of effort it takes to make a piece of toast. The good news? Perfectly lined lips and precision lipsticks are out - easy, swipe-and-go lip products are very in. 

 

Here are three that are permanently living in my pocket, purse, car cup holder and probably the dryer...

 

Nivea 24h Moisture Tinted Lip Balm in Strawberry Shine - 2 x 4.8g - $6.99 - meet your “no mirror required” BFF. This is lip care disguised as a cute pop of colour - think juicy, just-bitten lips that also happen to be protected from wind, cold and dry air. It smells like fresh strawberries, adds a subtle glossy shine and keeps your lips soft for 24 hours. Plus, it’s vegan, made with ethically sourced shea butter, and comes in a recyclable stick - so you can look good and feel smugly eco-friendly. It also comes in Watermelon Shine or Pearly Shine if you just want a bit of shimmer and no colour.

 

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada. 

e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil - 7.6ml - $10.99 - if a lip gloss and a serum had a very chic baby, this would be it. The giant plush applicator makes you feel like a glamorous 1950s movie star every time you swipe it on and the minty scent is fresh without being toothpaste-y. It’s non-sticky (praise be), super hydrating and gives just the right amount of sheer colour. Wear it solo for a “my lips but dewier” look or layer it over lipstick when you’re feeling extra - it comes in 16 shades - I'm partial to Princess Cut (shown) - a nude-y, rosy shade with a glimmer finish.

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca. 

Maybelline Superstay Teddy Tint - 5ml - $20.99 - it's your lips but in soft-focus and slightly flirtier. It offers a blurred matte finish that somehow lasts through snacks, coffee and mild emotional crises (12 hours of wear, no transfer, no smudge). The formula is light and comfortable - not that cakey, dry matte situation we’ve all regretted - and comes in 10 buildable shades you can wear as a whispery stain or full-on bold moment. Bonus: you can dab it on your cheeks for a quick “I woke up like this” flush - shade 55 Kneehigh (shown) is absolutely perfect for doing double duty!

 

The morale of the story is: even if you’re rocking pajamas and a three-day-old messy bun, a quick swipe of any of these will convince the world you’ve got your life together - or at least your lips do!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Pink, Playful, Perfect: Inside the Barbie X Quo Beauty Collab from Shoppers Drug Mart!

Stop everything and grab your pink convertible, because Barbie X Quo Beauty have teamed up - and the result is a beautiful pink love-child! 

 

Introducing their new 23-piece collection - and it’s not just makeup, it’s a lifestyle! They've got hair accessories shinier than Ken’s six-pack, hot tools that could power the Dreamhouse, lashes that say “I don’t do subtle”, nails (real and fabulously fake - because plastic is always fantastic) and storage so chic even Skipper would stop borrowing your stuff. This collab is basically like living inside Barbie’s dream closet - minus the rent.

 

Colour cosmetics? Check. Glam accessories and storage options? Double check. Enough pink to make your ex cry? Triple check. Because let’s be real: Barbie doesn’t just wear confidence, she invented it. And now you can too - one fabulous Quo Beauty x Barbie makeover at a time. Life in plastic? Still fantastic!

 

And even though I do hate to pick favourites here are few things from the collection that I especially love...

 

Barbie X Quo Beauty Blush in Pink Passion - $14 - enriched with emollients and Vitamin E, the soft pressed powder leaves a radiant, youthful glow on any doll.Vegan and Cruelty Free. 

Barbie X Quo Beauty Powder Puff - $9 - if this fluffy fluffy puff doesn't just scream Barbie's dressing table at you, I can't help you... perfect for applying loose powders and bronzers!

Barbie X Quo Beauty Peptide Lip Tint - in two new shades: Iced Mocha and Watermelon - $13 - enriched with peptides and emollients and a sheer wash of colour and glossy shine to keep lips soft and moisturized - and the tube is decorated with an adorable Barbie charm.

Barbie X Quo Beauty Compact Dryer and Scrunchie Set - $18 - the folding handle and compact size makes it perfect to take on your next travel adventure - includes a bonus Barbie scrunchie.

 

These and much more available now exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix and select Loblaw-owned Real Canadian Superstores in Ontario and Western Canada as well as online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

 

- Lisamarie - 

Scalp savers from Flexitol, Briogeo, Ouai and CeraVe - (and one to skip from L'Oreal)!

Your scalp called - it wants in on your skincare routine! 

 

Because healthy, happy hair doesn’t start with your ends, it starts with the skin hiding under it all. We baby our faces with steps galore, but the scalp? Usually forgotten - until it’s itchy, dry, or throwing a tantrum. 

 

Sun, styling, and life in general can leave your scalp begging for some TLC and these serums are here to save the day...

 

Flexitol Scalp Relief Serum - 60ml - $15.99 - ​​moisturizing, soothing and packed with colloidal oatmeal, Canadian willowherb and menthol. Translation: instant “ahhh” for dryness and itchiness. Works on wet or dry hair, so no excuses. 

 

Love it for: the affordable price point!

Pairs well with: Flexitol Scalp Relief Shampoo & Conditioner - 210ml - $15.99 

 

Available at drugstores across Canada. 

Briogeo Scalp Revival - 100ml - $44 - rosemary, castor oil, and tea tree walk into a bottle… and your scalp walks out happy! Perfect as a pre-wash or overnight treatment, this lightweight oil nourishes thirsty strands while calming irritation for a dry, itchy scalp - no greasy residue and no awkward “tingle.”  

 

Love it for: the amazing rosemary scent! 

Pairs well with: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo - 236ml - $57 (or try it out first with the 59ml travel size for $21)! 

 

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca. 

Ouai Scalp Serum - 60ml - $80 -  pricey, yes. Worth it? Also yes. With adaptogens, hyaluronic acid, peptides and red clover extract, it hydrates, soothes, and makes hair look thicker. It’s basically self-care in serum form.

 

Love it for: the added hair thickening bonus!

Pairs well with: Ouai Detox Shampoo - 300ml - $49 (or try it out first with the 89ml travel size for $23)!

 

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca. 

 

Important note: a dry, itchy scalp does not necessarily mean dandruff. These serums won’t fix flakes - that’s a good dandruff shampoo’s job. Try: CeraVe Anti-Dandruff 2in1- 355ml - $15.99 - it gently removes flakes, soothes itching and restores your scalp's barrier with 1% pyrithione zinc, ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid - that cleanses, hydrates and is suitable for all hair types. 

 

I don't usually do this but here's one to skip: while sourcing products for the post I found something that I could simply NOT recommend - I had a friend complaining about the opposite problem of dryness - instead she constantly has an oily scalp so I found something that seemed like it would help - L'Oreal Hair Expertise Hyaluron Pure Oil Erasing Treatment - 102ml - $14.99 - Claims: oil-free roots for 72 hours. Reality (per my friend): made her scalp and roots greasier than a drive-thru fry basket. She gave up and embraced hats. You should too - at least before wasting your money buying this...

 

Bottom line: treat your scalp like the VIP of your haircare routine. Feed it, soothe it, hydrate it - and it’ll repay you with good hair days (and fewer hat days).”

 

- Lisamarie - 

Supplement your health and beauty with Orange Naturals, Vega and Great Lakes Wellness!

When it comes to looking and feeling your best, there’s no one-size-fits-all magic potion (damn) - but there are inside-out wellness boosters that will keep you glowing, strong and ready for whatever your day (or workout) throws at you. From skin-plumping hydration, to muscle-fueling protein, to collagen that supports you head-to-toe, these three picks have you covered:

 

Orange Naturals Hya Skin For Hydration - 30 pills - $28.99 - locks in moisture with hyaluronate + biotin, silicon, lysine & C. 

 

Think of this as your skin’s personal water bottle - except instead of sipping, you’re popping one pill and letting the hydration magic happen from the inside out. Packed with hyaluronate (a smaller, speedier version of hyaluronic acid), this formula dives deep beneath the skin’s surface to plump, smooth and get collagen production humming.  As well, it contains beauty VIPs like biotin, silicon, L-lysine, and vitamin C - because your skin deserves an entourage. 

 

You may ask - why bother? As we age, our natural supply of hyaluronic acid takes a nosedive, leaving skin looking dry, fine-lined, and a little “meh.” Hyaluronate can slip past that top layer, lock in moisture below, and help build the kind of healthy, bouncy skin that just glows. 

 

As an added bonus: hydrated skin isn’t just pretty - it’s tougher, too. It’s your body’s first line of defense against everyday germs, cuts and cracks. And because this blend also promotes collagen, it’s working on firmness, hair, and nails while it’s at it. 

 

Glow up, drink up… just skip the straw and go straight for Hya Skin - it doesn't get any easier then taking a pill for great looking skin!

 

Available at Fortinos and Healthy Planet stores across Canada and online at orangenaturals.com and amazon.ca.

Vega Performance Protein + Creatine Powder - 864g - $49.99 - in vanilla or chocolate flavours - helps build lean muscle, boost strength and power and recover faster.

 

Your new gym buddy doesn’t spot you, but it will help you crush your workouts. With 30g of plant-based protein, 3g of creatine monohydrate, and 5g of BCAAs, this powerhouse blend fuels muscle growth, speeds recovery and keeps you ready to lift, sprint and flex on repeat. 

 

Why it works: Protein + Creatine = Dream Team - protein builds muscle while creatine powers them up. Together, they support lean mass, recovery and the kind of workout performance that makes you want to add “beast mode” to your resume. 

 

And if you are as unfamiliar with creatine as I was - it boosts ATP production (aka your body’s fast fuel) so you can push harder during those short, intense bursts. Think extra reps, extra weight, extra glory. 

And it also helps reduce muscle damage and inflammation so you bounce back faster between sessions. 

 

Since I clearly don't lift anything heavier then a mascara wand I had my husband test it out - he added a scoop to his daily smoothie and assured me that he "made gains" in his weightlifting routine - I don't know what that means exactly, but I am pretty sure it's a positive thing. He said that the powder mixes smoothly and doesn't clump but he prefers the chocolate flavour to the vanilla - he found the vanilla flavour very strong and it drowned out the taste of any other ingredients added.

 

As well all the formulas are free of dairy, lactose, sugar, alcohols and artificial fillers. 

 

Go ahead - fuel up, lift heavy, and let Vega Protein + Creatine be your “I can totally do one more rep” insurance policy!

 

Available at various retailers across Canada go to myvega.ca to locate one or to order online. 

Great Lakes Wellness Sustainable Marine Collagen Powder - 227g - $29.99 - an easy wellness boost that supports the 5 signs of aging well: skin, hair, nails, joints and digestion.

 

Your morning coffee just got an anti-aging side hustle. This MSC Certified marine collagen is sustainably sourced from 100% wild-caught whitefish, dissolves faster than gossip and disappears into your drink without a smell, taste or suspicious clumps - no lumps, no fishy vibes, just silky-smooth sipping.

 

Every scoop delivers 12g of hydrolyzed collagen to help keep you looking and feeling great.. Whether you’re chasing glow, smoother moves, or nails that double as mini weapons (in a good way), this clean, high-quality blend has your back. I was a little skeptical having taken Omegas (which are made from fish oils and aren't supposed to taste fishy - they are!) in the past in a liquid form and could not stomach it. A scoop of this in my morning juice disappears like magic and it really adds no change of taste or texture to my drink - genius!

 

It also has all the clean creds: Keto, Paleo, Kosher, Non-GMO tested, glyphosate-free, and preservative-free. Mix it into coffee, tea, smoothies or any recipe you fancy. Honestly, you won’t taste it - but you’ll definitely notice the difference. If you don't like the marine vibe it is also available in a grass-fed bovine formula,  glow on, gorgeous!

 

Available online at greatlakeswellness.com.

 

- Lisamarie - 

Bridal Beauty Blunders: A Cautionary Tale - with much better alternatives from Vivier, Kylie Cosmetics and Sensodyne!

Is it just me, or is there something shamefully wonderful about reading online wedding beauty disaster stories? You know the ones - botched brows, last-minute lip fillers gone rogue, a “refreshing” facial that leaves the bride looking like she’s been stung by bees. I feel bad, I really do… but also, I kind of live for them!

 

We're in the heart of wedding season, which means the internet is flooded with stories of brides who just had to try something new right before the big day. So let’s make a pact: don’t do anything drastic before your wedding - especially to your face. Choose the right partner, wear the perfect dress and keep your skincare in its lane. Because those photos? Yep, they’ll be around forever! 

 

Here are three beauty swaps to keep you looking radiant and still totally recognizable as yourself:

 

Microdermabrasion? - Nope.

Gentle scrub? - Yes please! 

Try: Vivier Vitamin C Scrub - 150ml - $60

 

This face and body scrub is your pre-wedding glow-up hero - minus the trauma. It gently buffs away dullness, thanks to biodegradable beads (mother earth says thanks) and adds a dose of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to calm, brighten and hydrate. Translation: you’ll look fresh and smooth, not frazzled. It will also create the perfect base for your wedding makeup!

 

Available at spas and derm offices across Canada and online at vivierskin.ca. And elbows up, it's a Canadian brand!

Lip Fillers? We're begging you - no!

Plumping Lip Products? Always!

Try: Kylie Cosmetics Plumping Powder Matte Lip - $30 - in 6 shades of puffed-up pout perfection: Chocolate Teddy - brown; Craving Cherry - deep blue-red; Girls Girl - warm pink nude (shown in pic - an excellent wedding shade that screams "I do"); Nude Mood - light peachy nude; Special Energy - warm nude; Sweet Talk - deep warm berry

 

This is the bridal go-to lip product you'll want for creating a plump pout with a lightweight, high pigment,  matte finish. It smooths lines, doesn’t feather, blurs like a filter and lasts 12 hours, even through all those champagne toasts and awkward aunt kisses. And it has a secret weapon ingredient - Hot Flux - that plumps without pain (or regret). 

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca. 

Extreme teeth whitening? Nah.

Teeth brightening that won't make you weep? Definitely.

Try:  Sensodyne Clinical White Toothpaste - 75ml - $10.99  

 

It whitens by up to 2 shades and protects sensitive teeth 24/7 - so you’re not wincing every time you smile. The triple action formula contains clinically proven whitening ingredients that whiten, polish and help protect teeth from future stains. Safe for enamel, great for your breath and approved by dentists everywhere. In other words: it’s just what your teeth need to get wedding-photo ready!

 

Available at drugstores across Canada.

 

The moral of the story of course is save the big beauty experiments for after the honeymoon. Stick with tried-and-true glow-getters, plumpers and polishers, and you’ll walk down the aisle looking like the best version of you - not the victim from a cautionary IG story!

 

- Lisamarie - 

 

Fake Awake: The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Looking Well-Rested with Byoma, Grace & Stella and Anastasia!

Tired of looking tired? Same. Honestly, I’ve reached that phase of life where I can get a full eight hours, wake up at a decent time and still look like I’ve been trapped in a Netflix binge-fest with zero sleep and a minor existential crisis. Especially around the eyes — those f-ing traitors... So I went on a mission to find a few easy fixes that don’t involve filters, sunglasses indoors or just giving up and going back to bed.

 

BYOMA De-Puff + Brighten Eye Gel - 20ml - $18.99 - If your under-eyes are saying jet lagged even when you're well-rested (and haven't actually even been travelling), this one’s for you. A cooling, gel-serum hybrid that instantly hydrates, de-puffs, and brightens thanks to a powerhouse blend of Tri-Ceramide Complex, Triple Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. It works instantly and over time, like the dependable skincare BFF we all deserve. Plus it's dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, fragrance and alcohol-free as well as vegan & cruelty-free. So basically: no nonsense, no irritation, and no more "Are you okay?" from strangers. 

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca. 

 

 

Grace & Stella Restoring Eye Masks - 6 pairs - $13.95 - these magical little jelly patches are like a venti coffee for your face. Whether you were up all night, sobbing over your ex’s Instagram or just living life, they perk up tired eyes with a mega-dose of retinol - to smooth fine lines; ceramide - keeps crow's feet in check; and glycerin - helps fade dark circles and puffiness. Basically, they’re nap time for your eyes before the rest of you goes to sleep - apply 20 minutes before you go to bed, remove and just rub any remaining serum into the skin and be prepared to wake up looking well rested!

 

Available at amazon.ca and graceandstella.com. 

Okay, let’s be real: if you still look tired even after skincare, the answer is distraction.Cue this all-star mascara...

 

Anastasia Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara - $35 - an ultra-volumizing, jet-black miracle in wand form. It’s bold, it’s black, it’s dramatic and it makes you look like you’ve had a double espresso and a decent life plan. The hourglass brush grabs every lash (even the awkward ones), lifting and volumizing like your life depends on it. No flakes. No smudges. Just boom, instant “I woke up like this” lashes.with an hourglass-shaped brush that hugs every lash like it knows you’re too tired to deal with falsies - and builds full-bodied, high-drama lashes faster than you can say “I just need five more minutes.” 

 

What’s inside?  acacia senegal gum - brings the volume (and not in a shouty way); rice bran wax - lifts, defines and lengthens - kind of like contour, but for your lashes; and paraffin + synthetic beeswax -  thickens things up without clumping or flaking out mid-afternoon. And because we care about more than just vanity, it's paraben-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free and full of absolutely zero drama (except on your lashes, where it belongs).

 

Not ready for a full-size commitment? There’s a mini for $20.50 - perfect for your purse, your pocket or your “I’ll try anything once” mascara mood.

 

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

 

 

Moral of the story: Your eyes may be tired, but you don’t have to look it. Between some puff-busting skincare and a show-stopping mascara, you can fake 8 hours of sleep like an absolute pro. Just don’t forget your coffee.. and just to be safe, make it a double!

 

 

- Lisamarie - 

Put Your Pores on Ice with Ole Henriksen Violet Ice Cold Plunge Pore Mask!

Recently (for reasons that should be obvious) I've been trying to concentrate on things that give me cold thoughts: igloos, polar bears, frozen margaritas, Christelle’s black heart, luges (because luges), every indoor space in Disney World (why is it an Arctic tundra in Epcot??) and now… 

 

Ole Henriksen Violet Ice Cold Plunge Pore Mask - 90g - $57 - this chilly little purple powerhouse is a tube of frozen fabulousness, and let me tell you - it’s cold. It starts off: “oh, minty” cold. Moves on to:  “ooh, refreshing” cold. But the kicker is when you rinse it off and move on to: “did I just get slapped in the face by Queen Elsa?” cold. It’s like sticking your face in a snowbank and somehow walking away with smaller pores instead of frostbite!

 

What’s packed in this glacial goodness? Kaolin & Purple Clay - Like a Dyson vacuum for your pores, it sucks up oil, dirt and bad decisions;  Salicylic Acid - gives clogged pores a one-way ticket to nowhere; and Danish Purple Willow Ferment - Fancy. European. Fermented. Basically kombucha for your face. 

 

As an added bonus: no fragrance, no dyes, no BS - just pure purple marbled frosty magic that dries down like a wintry work of art and rinses off like a snowstorm in July. Especially delightful during the current  heat wave when your skin is screaming and you wish your face could live in the freezer. 

 

And as a special added bonus: there is nothing like freaking your husband out with a purple face! 

 

It’s part of the Balance + collection - aka a full-on arctic expedition for oily, acne-prone skin. The rest of the chilly crew includes: 

 

Daily D-Clog Pore-Clearing Cleanser - 150ml - $46 - a plush, creamy gel that gently exfoliates with salicylic acid while sounding very polite about it. Danish purple willow and juniper berry team up like a Nordic spa retreat for your skin. It de-gunks, softens, soothes, and somehow still leaves you feeling squeaky clean, not sandblasted. 

 

Detox Drops Salicylic Acid Toner - 120ml - $45 - this icy liquid miracle delivers immediate “ahhh” energy and visible clarity in a week. Think of it as a toner that doesn’t mess around—it clears, calms, hydrates, and could probably write passive-aggressive notes to your blemishes if asked nicely. (It’s that good.) 

 

You can grab this cool crew at Sephora stores across Canada, online at sephora.ca or at olehenriksen.com - just don’t blame me when you start hoarding it in the fridge next to your popsicles!

 

- Lisamarie -