This week I'm obsessed with... Oh K! SOS Detoxifying Peel Off Clay Mask!

Oh K! SOS Detoxifying Peel Off Clay Mask - 100ml - $13.99 - a super soothing and easy to peel off natural clay mask that removes impurities from the skin with witch hazel and gently exfoliates to help reduce the appearance of pores.

 

The best thing about it of course is that it peels off - I'm obsessed with peeling products - there is just something so satisfying about it! Just apply to clean skin, leave on for 20-30 minutes and then peel it right off - bonus points if you can do it all in one large piece sitting the couch while watching tv with your husband/boyfriend/girlfriend - they love it!

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -

Must try eyeshadow trends with Quo Beauty, Mary Kay and Revolution!

Diamond's can be a girl's eyes best friend especially when it comes to eyeshadow trends...

Quo Beauty Diamond Eyeshadow Palette - $18 - includes 8 very wearable shades saturated with colour and just the right amount of sparkle.

 

I spent the weekend playing with this palette because - well - shiny - and all of the colours are something I would/will wear (esp. the silvery lavender in the middle). Best of all they lend perfectly to my preferred lazy technique of an all-over shadow wash. 

 

Part of the new launch of Quo Beauty products which includes new formulations and packaging - more on that in a few days so stay tuned!

 

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

For eyes that shine like the stars go for Foil...

Mary Kay Foil Eyeshadow Duo - $20 - in Pink & Purple or Copper & Pyrite - a metallic eyeshadow duo that boasts a super reflective foil finish with an ultralight powder formula that applies with a silky texture that delivers glitter without the grit and comfortably stays put hour after hour.

Available now through your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant - if you don't have one you can locate one at - www.marykay.ca or 1-866-455-5454.

I admit it, Red scares me - it's one of those trends that when not done right, just ends up looking scary! The best tips I can give you after much experimentation is full-on red is hard - pair it with some pink (above), brown or burgundy to make it less intense; and don't forget your Visine - if your eyes are even a little bit bloodshot, red eyeshadow will bring out your inner vampire look - of course it's almost Halloween so that could be a good thing...

Revolution Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette in Neutrals 2 - $12.99 - includes 15 highly pigmented, long wearing options that include warm burnt shades for lovers of rustic reds and burnt oranges, in a variety of matte and shimmer finishes.

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

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Conair InfinitiPro Frizz Free Hot Air Brush!

These days we really need to put the power of salon styling in our own hands - which is now made easy with:

 

Conair InfinitPro Frizz Free Hot Air Brush - $49.99 - with a ceramic coated, 1½-inch thermal barrel that ensures even heat for exceptional performance, while ionic technology eliminates frizz, resulting in smooth, shiny, healthy-looking hair. Equipped with 2 heat settings to dry hair quickly yet gently as you style, it features a mix of nylon and ball-tipped bristles for optimal comfort and control, plus a cool setting to lock in your style.  

 

The nice thing about present circumstances is not having to run out the door in the morning so I have the time to let my hair mostly air dry - then I use the Hot Air Brush to give it a smooth finish and lots of shine! And I don't even have my usual complaint about hair appliances that the cord ends up being a mess making it hard to use - the cord on this one is great - 6' long and it swivels so I never find myself tangled up in it!

 

Part of a whole Conair InfinitPro Frizz Free Collection which also includes a Pro Dryer, Flat Iron and Curling Iron!

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

All the best in Vitamin C from StriVectin, Vichy and Indeed!

StriVectin Multi-Action Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum - 30ml - $79 - with a lightweight, supercharged formula that combines the brightening power of vitamin C in two potent stabilized forms plus acerola cherry extract; with the correcting power of retinol to smooth fine lines and texture for visibly renewed, glowing skin. Sensitive to retinol? Don't worry, the formula also  contains NIA-114, StriVectin's patented form of niacin to help make the retinol more tolerable and effective.

 

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

Vichy LiftActiv Specialist Peptide-C Anti-Aging Ampoules - 10 ampoules - $ 39.95 - formulated with only 10 ingredients including: 10% pure vitamin C - works on anti-aging, dark spots, glow and firmness; phyto peptides - approves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; natural hyaluronic acid - hydrates, smooths and plumps the skin; and Vichy mineralizing thermal water - in a clean formula without fragrance, alcohol and preservatives. 

 

A day's worth of serum is individually packaged in individual ampoules which is good and bad:

The good: you get a precise, fresh dose of the concentrated formula in a hermetic and photoprotective pack that preserves the actives against UV, heat and oxidation and allows the formula to be created without preservatives which is a great thing for anyone with sensitive skin!

The bad: the ampoules are glass and have to be opened in a very precise way or you end up with a jagged edge or a fistful of glass - the box does give you detailed instructions on how to open them so best to do it exactly as instructed! I imagine the glass must be important for the preserving of the formula or they would have made it easy and packaged them in plastic...

Another great tip - 1 ampoule used twice a day is more product then my skin needs so I have been stretching 1 ampoule to get 3 uses out of it - the formula is good for 48 hours after opening so this has worked well for me - if you don't have a pinhead like me you might not be able to get the product to stretch as far of course...

After 2 week of twice a day use I can definitely see a difference - my skin is smooth and glowing and feels perfectly moisturized!

Available now at drugstores across Canada and online at vichy.ca.

Indeed Labs Vitamin C Brightening Drops - 30ml - $19.99 - a supercharged and perfectly lightweight serum that restores skin’s luminosity, radiance and brightness with the power of vitamin C  with a formula containing an encapsulated and non-phototoxic form of pure ascorbic acid (vitamin C) that absorbs into the skin 15x more effectively and boosts skin's defenses against environmental stressors and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for firmer, more youthful looking skin; volcanic soil; and hyaluronic acid that work together to even skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten the appearance of skin; along with the power of tamarind seed extract and biosaccharide gum-1 that work to soothe skin, improve skin texture and enhance the skin’s moisture barrier for long-lasting hydration. 

And you can feel good that it's not tested on animals and free of fragrances, parabens, colourants, phthalates, SLS & SLES, denatured alcohol, and mineral oil.

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

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Live Clean Daily Moisturizing Shea & Coconut Body Lotion!

The seasons, they are a-changin' which means my lizard skin is starting to emerge making a good body lotion an absolute necessity - luckily one of my fave brands Live Clean has something new which is just what my skin needs:

Live Clean Daily Moisturizing Shea & Coconut Body Lotion - 532ml - $9.49 - with a 98% plant and naturally derived formula great for all skin types that is enriched with a triple moisture complex containing natural oils and certified organic extracts that absorbs quickly without being greasy to leave skin soft and hydrated for 24 hours.

Not only does it moisturize perfectly and smell great it also makes a great hand moisturizer - so if all that hand washing has left you with scaly hands - leave a bottle of this by your sink and apply after every washing (and if you are looking for a great hand wash try the Live Clean Aloe & Agave Foaming Hand Wash - 400ml - $5.99 - enriched with vitamin E and certified organic botanicals making it much less drying then your usual hand wash - available at Walmart, Sobeys and well.ca).

As always, the products are petrolatum, mineral oil, paraben, silicone, phthalate, phosphate and dye free - with recyclable packaging and biodegradable ingredients.

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart and Jean Coutu stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and well.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Bite Beauty Yaysayer Plumping Lip Gloss!

Bite Beauty Yaysayer Plumping Lip Gloss - $33 - in 8 shades: Rose Mernigue - shimmering warm rose; Guava Puff - shimmering nude pink; Lavender Cookie - sheer lilac; Plum Tart - deep berry; Raspberry Swirl - shimmering hot pink; Cinnamon Twist - shimmering deep brown; Sugar Drizzle - clear with gold shimmer; and my fave:

Cider Donut - shimmering golden cocoa - such a pretty fall colour!

A clean, visibly plumping lip gloss with antioxidant-rich cinnamon oil - to give the gloss its spicy yet sweet flavor while helping to deliver a fuller and healthier-looking pout; along with sodium hyaluronate - to keep lips feeling hydrated and nourished.

I especially like the applicator - unlike most lip glosses that have a doe foot applicator, these lip glosses come with a plastic tip that helps the formula glides on effortlessly and just wipes off when you are finished so you can start with a clean applicator next time. I also like that it plumps without burning, just a nice little tingle and bam! - fuller lips!

Available now at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca and bitebeauty.com.

- Lisamarie -

Wake up to better skin thanks to overnight formulas from No7, Versed & Pixi!

No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate - 30ml - $44 - works night after night to deliver visibly younger looking skin with 5 in 1 action: lines look smoother; skin tone looks even; skin appears firm and lifted; skin appears brighter and more radiant; and pores and texture look refined.

The expert formula contains two powerful age-defying technologies: retinol - reboots skin, helping it to act like younger, healthier looking skin; and Matrixyl 3000 Plus - renews skin, kick-starting its natural repair process - delivered in a retinol optimiser - an intelligent slow-release oil encapsulation system for enhanced delivery throughout the night and helped along by a retinol soother - that helps to calm skin - for visible skin transformation.

I will caution that sensitive skin can find retinol uncomfortable so if your skin does anything more then tingle a bit when it's applied, start off by using it every other night for the first week or so until your skin gets used to it.

Versed The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel - 30ml - $26.99 - a resurfacing peel that works overnight on dull and aging skin to gently smooth and renew with with an exfoliating and brightening blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid and vitamin A to refine texture and tone. 

Pixi Dream-y Overnight Mist - 80ml - $20 - a deep sleep enhancing elixir that is packed full of natural aromas, well known for their relaxing qualities and infused with humectants and antioxidants for maximum restorative benefits. Mist onto over regular nightime skincare to hydrate and seal it in - then mist onto pillow before sleep for added aromatherapy benefits.

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

- Lisamarie -

Combat the havoc Covid-19 plays on your face, hair and body with Vichy, Nioxin and St. Tropez!

We are living in Covid times my friends and along with all the other crap it's flung our way, we are also having our personal beauty routines messed with too...

Wearing a mask is the socially responsible thing to do but your skin might not thank you for it - it gives dirt and oil a nice warm place to hang out undisturbed in your pores creating mascne! Keep its breeding ground nice and clean with:

Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution Gel Cleanser - 200ml - $19.95 - the gentle oil and soap-free cleanser you already love has been improved and reformulated -  now charged with 0.5% salicylic acid along with active ingredients to not only target pimples, acne breakouts, pores and oily skin - but also to reinforce skin barrier function.

Vichy Normaderm Phytosolution Double Action Anti-Acne Lotion - 50ml - $29.95 - with a lightweight, serum texture  packed with 2% salicylic acid, probiotics, hyaluronic acid and mineralizing thermal water to help clear up acne concerns, such as pimples, pores and shine, ensuring 24-hour skin hydration.

Available now at drugstores across Canada and online at vichy.ca.

Whether isolation has you pulling your hair out or stress has it falling out - you need something that can help hair regain it's thickness and fullness:

Nioxin Hair System Kit - $59.95 - uses advanced technologies to deliver thicker, fuller, denser-looking hair with 6 sets which include a Cleanser - cleanses to provide thicker-looking hair while it helps remove follicle-clogging sebum, fatty acids and environmental residues from the scalp skin and hair; Scalp Revitaliser - a lightweight conditioner that helps provide hair resilience and control moisture balance; and Scalp Treatment - contains antioxidants and botanicals that help to provide a refreshed scalp environment.

With a different kit suitable for each hair type:

System 1 is specially designed for normal to thin-looking, fine, natural hair. It amplifies hair texture while protecting against breakage, refreshing the scalp and delivering a healthy shine.

The technologies include:
BioAMP - Cystine amino acids and lightweight conditioning and treatment ingredients increase the fullness of each hair strand, reducing hair loss by strengthening against damage and breakage
Transactive Delivery System - Antioxidants, botanicals, vitamins, and purifying agents help clean away follicle-clogging sebum and environmental residues from the scalp skin, giving a clean and refreshed feeling
Activ-Renewal - White tea extract, peppermint oil and cleansing agents help provide a refreshed scalp environment and healthy shine to natural hair.

System 2 is specially designed for noticeably thinning, fine, natural hair. It delivers denser-looking hair and a healthy shine while protecting the scalp and strengthening against damage.

The technologies include:
BioAMP - Cystine amino acids and lightweight conditioning and treatment ingredients increase the fullness of each hair strand, reducing hair loss by strengthening against damage and breakage
Activ-Renewal - White tea extract, peppermint oil and cleansing agents help provide a refreshed scalp environment and healthy shine to natural hair.
Scalp Access Delivery System - Vitamins, botanicals, SPF 15 sunscreen, and purifying agents help clean away follicle-clogging sebum and environmental residues from the scalp skin, while providing sun protection for the scalp.

System 3 is specially designed for normal to thin-looking, fine, chemically treated hair. It amplifies hair texture while refreshing the scalp and providing moisture balance to coloured hair.

The technologies include:
BioAMP - Cystine amino acids and lightweight conditioning and treatment ingredients increase the fullness of each hair strand, reducing hair loss by strengthening against damage and breakage
Glyco-Shield - White tea extract, humectants, peppermint oil and protective conditioning agents help provide protection and moisture balance to colortreated hair, and leave the scalp feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Transactive Delivery System - Antioxidants, botanicals, vitamins, and purifying agents help clean away follicle-clogging sebum and environmental residues from the scalp skin, giving a clean and refreshed feeling.

System 4 is specially designed for noticeably thinning, fine, chemically-treated hair. It delivers denser-looking hair while protecting the scalp and providing moisture balance to coloured hair.

The technologies include:
BioAMP - Cystine amino acids and lightweight conditioning and treatment ingredients increase the fullness of each hair strand, reducing hair loss by strengthening against damage and breakage
Glyco-Shield - White tea extract, humectants, peppermint oil and protective conditioning agents help provide protection and moisture balance to colortreated hair, and leave the scalp feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Scalp Access Delivery System - Vitamins, botanicals, SPF 15 sunscreen, and purifying agents help clean away follicle-clogging sebum and environmental residues from the scalp skin, while providing sun protection for the scalp.

System 5 is specially designed for normal to thin-looking, medium to coarse, natural or chemically-treated hair. It delivers smoothing control to hair while refreshing the scalp and restoring moisture balance.

The technologies include:
Glyco Shield - White tea extract, humectants, peppermint oil and protective conditioning agents help provide protection and moisture balance to colortreated hair, and leave the scalp feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Transactive Delivery System - Antioxidants, botanicals, vitamins, and purifying agents help clean away follicle-clogging sebum and environmental residues from the scalp skin, giving a clean and refreshed feeling.
Smoothplex - Silk amino acids, kukui nut oil and protective conditioning agents help provide moisture balance and smoothing control, reducing loss by strenghtening against damage and breakage.

System 6 is specially designed for noticeably thinning, medium to coarse, natural or chemically-treated hair. It delivers smoothing control to hair while protecting the scalp and restoring moisture balance.

The technologies include:
Glyco Shield - White tea extract, humectants, peppermint oil and protective conditioning agents help provide protection and moisture balance to colortreated hair, and leave the scalp feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Transactive Delivery System - Antioxidants, botanicals, vitamins, and purifying agents help clean away follicle-clogging sebum and environmental residues from the scalp skin, giving a clean and refreshed feeling.
Smoothplex - Silk amino acids, kukui nut oil and protective conditioning agents help provide moisture balance and smoothing control, reducing loss by strenghtening against damage and breakage.

Available at salons and retailers across Canada - check out www.nioxin.com to find one near you.

And since it's very unlikely we will be seeing a tropical vacation this year thanks to travel restrictions - treat your sun-starved skin to a faux getaway with:

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Gel - 200ml - $54 - an advanced three-in-one hydrating, lightweight gel containing 100% natural DHA along with a hint of translucent, instant bronzer to guide application for a streak-free, natural-looking tan and hyaluronic acid to provide up to 72 hours of hydration. What's nice is it's great for any mood or skin tone - just rinse off after 1 hour for a light tan, 2 hours for a medium tan or 3 hours for a dark tan!

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

- Lisamarie -