March 26, 2025

This week I'm obsessed with... Briogeo Style + Treat Dry Shampoo Puff!


I am a long time user/lover of dry shampoo - even back to the days when there really was no dry shampoo so we would sprinkle baby powder in our roots - we've come a long way baby!
 
Briogeo Style + Treat Dry Shampoo Puff - 15g - $38 - Available in two shades for all hair colors: translucent clear and tinted for dark hair - a finely milled, aerosol-free dry shampoo powder that refreshes roots, making them less oily over time, with a mess-free compact puff applicator for convenient, on-the-go touch-ups. As an added bonus, the talc-free formula is infused with copper peptides and an energy complex to support scalp health.
 
In my opinion the problem with most dry shampoos is the application method - they either come in messy shakers or hard to control sprays so I really appreciate that this one has a puff - which makes it easy to apply the powder exactly where you want it - then you just massage it in, give your hair a fluff and you are good to go! And if your hair is fine like mine you will especially appreciate the volume you get from dry shampoo, as soon as my roots get even a bit oily my hair just falls and looks limp. Bonus points: I experienced none of the gritty residue you usually get with dry shampoos! 
 
The packaging makes it easy to take on the go in your purse, gym bag or glove box - and if you have darker hair and a bit of grey - using the tinted option will help hide the greys while fighting oil!

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

March 12, 2025

This week I'm obsessed with... Evio Tear Catchers Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patches with Retinol & Vitamin C!

I loves me some skincare, and I especially appreciate it when there is something inspiring about it! In the case of Evio it would be the founder, Brandi Leifso who went from living in a domestic violence shelter at 21 to leveraging $15 and a laptop to teach herself Photoshop, create product mock-ups and pre-sell them to local boutiques. This helped her get back on her feet and employ other women in shelters before growing Evio to a multi-award winning brand - who better then someone who has faced serious stress and the effect it has on your skin to formulate products to help minimize the damage! 

Evio Tear Catchers Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patches with Retinol & Vitamin C - 6 pairs - $22 - helps reduce the appearance of hyper pigmentation, dark circles, fine lines and crows feet and visibly de-puffs under eyes with a targeted formula that combines vitamin C - to brighten dark circles and even skin tone; with retinol - to smooth fine lines and boost cell turnover; while hydrating jojoba and coconut oils - lock in moisture, delivering instant hydration and long-term skin renewal. 
 
They work best when you keep them on for at least 20 minutes, I have been known to forget they are there and have a nap with them on and what is most impressive to me is once they are on, they don't move so even after a nap they were still where I put them. They also have a nice cooling effect that is amplified if you leave them in the fridge for a bit before applying!
 
And for even more inspiration, Brandi continues to make a difference by having made Evio an impact led brand defined by three core pillars: Educate, Donate, and Advocate. They are dedicated to supporting women, men, and children affected by domestic violence. 
Educate: They are partnered with FreeFrom.org to continuously educate themselves and the community, gaining insights from the diverse experiences and perspectives of survivors. 
Donate: To date, they’ve contributed over $500,000 to more than 28 shelters and nonprofits across North America, helping survivors heal and thrive. 
Advocate: They actively push for domestic violence leave policies with all of their partners, striving to break the cycle as a community. 
 
A Shoppers Drug Mart online exclusive - find them now at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca

- Lisamarie -

March 5, 2025

This week I'm obsessed with... Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum!

You have probably noticed the shiny look that everyone on screen and in the magazines seems to be sporting these days. I thought it meant that they weren't getting enough powder touch-ups but apparently looking shiny is a thing. 

I'm always willing to give a trend a try so I've been testing out different products that promise the "glazed donut" look and have come to the conclusion that I want to glow, not shine - which makes this new serum from Clinique perfect for my needs:

Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum
- 30ml - $65, 50ml - $86 - a lightweight serum with a milky texture that gently exfoliates, hydrates and boosts radiance with a formula powered by 5% lactic acid (AHA), hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
 
Exfoliates: promotes skin’s natural cell turnover to reveal fresher, smoother skin and help other ingredients absorb more easily. 
Hydrates: plumps up skin with a clinical increase in hydration. 
Brightens: helps boost skin’s glow.
 
I loves me a serum and a serum that does a whole bunch of things in one easy formula has a special place in my heart because it appeals to my innate laziness. It soaks in easily, gives a nice glow that looks healthy, not like I ran out of powder, and layers perfectly under makeup without piling. If you have dryer skin you can add a layer of Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator on top but my combination skin didn't need to, the serum added plenty of moisture that lasted all day. And of course as I expect with Clinique products it is allergy tested, 100% fragrance free and safe for sensitive skin.
 
Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora stores across Canada and online at clinique.ca and amazon.ca

- Lisamarie -

February 26, 2025

Discover beauty newness at The All About New Event at Shoppers Drug Mart - including Bubble Skincare, Marc Anthony and Aveeno!

New brands and new products are yours to discover at The All About New Event at Shoppers Drug Mart - not only are there more than 100 NEW products on the offer, there are also tons of bonus PC Optimum points on them as well! A few of the many I think worth checking out are:
 
Bubble Skincare - a new brand that offers affordable, clinically proven skincare known for its good vibes and glowing results - my faves from the line:
Water Slide Hydration Boosting Serum Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides - 30ml - $24.99 - a hydrating serum with a milky gel texture that draws more water into your skin and renews your skin barrier, closely mimicing skin’s lipid content to give you a fresh, plump and dewy look. It calms and revitalizes irritated, dry and flaky skin, reduces skin’s sensitivity by acting as a barrier that can protect your skin from more aggressive active treatments. The formula contains: hyaluronic acid - helps skin draw in moisture and retain hydration; peptides - help reduce skin damage and support skin repair; and niacinamide - hydrates, calms irritation and boosts skin barrier function; and  
Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask - 50ml - $26.99 - a creamy, all-night mask for all skin types that smooths, soothes, brightens and hydrates skin while you sleep without clogging pores. The fragrance free formula contains maple sap - helps protect  skin barrier; mandelic and kojic acid - gently exfoliate to reveal brighter, glowing skin; sodium PCA - helps to bind moisture to skin cells; biosaccharide gum - creates a moisture-binding film over the skin for a soft, smooth feeling; and arnica - helps soothe red and inflamed skin. 

+3,000 bonus Optimum Points when you buy 2 Bubble products.
Marc Anthony True Professional Grow Long Anti-Frizz Shield Ultimate Blowout
- 198ml - $15.49 +2,000 bonus Optimum Points - an innovative spray that creates a lightweight, hydrophobic anti-frizz shield around each strand that repels humidity and locks in sleeknes for up to 72 hours even in 80% humidity. The heat activated formula helps to reduce blow drying time and protects from heat up to 450°F. Infused with a blend of Caffeine, Biotin and Ginseng condition to help reduce breakage for stronger, longer hair.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Age Renewal Cream
- 50ml - $38.99 +5,000 bonus Optimum Points - a fast-absorbing face cream formula with oat, niacinamide, and cranberry extract that leaves skin feeling smoother and more radiant in just one week.
 
The All About New Event runs in-store and online from February 22nd to March 21st.
 
- Lisamarie -

February 5, 2025

My top 3 picks from the Shoppers Beauty+ Event with bonus Optimum Points galore!

There's not a lot I love more then Optimum Points - George Clooney, world peace, Donald Trump falling into a bottomless hole - but Points are way up there! Making Shoppers Beauty+ Event equivalent to Christmas in my books. If you never met a bonus point you didn't love then you need to get yourself over to your closest Shoppers store (or the website) before the 21st so you too can take advantage of all those lovely bonus points just waiting for you! A few products worth picking up (even without the points):
 
10000 bonus points when you buy the 30ml or 50ml! 

Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum - 15ml - $77, 30ml - $139, 50ml - $205 - with a unique, deep diffusion texture infused with melt-in micro-beads designed for all skin types that penetrates deeply into the skin's layers targeting the heart of the epidermis, multiplying skin's self-repair mechanisms and delivering powerful age-defying benefits to help with dullness, fine lines and wrinkles and loss of firmness and elasticity. 
 
The 99% naturally-derived ingredients formula draws its repairing power from three honeys produced by the black bee, a species selected for its rarity and the power of its honeys: Trogstad honey from Norway - revitalizes skin and corrects visible signs of aging; Ouessant honey from France - supports skin youth repair with an abundance of amino acids;  Connemara honey from Ireland - visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Deeply repaired, skin regains plumpness and radiance while wrinkles are visibly filled. 
 
It feels great on the skin but even better is the scent - perfumed with a sun-drenched nectar by Thierry Wasser, it reveals fresh, light, and honeyed notes. My only complaint is it doesn't come in vat form that I can pour in my bathtub and just soak in...
10000 bonus points! 

Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir - 30ml - $43 - in 24 C = Cold, N = Neutral or W = Warm shades : 1N, 1WN, 2.5N, 2C, 2W, 3.5W, 3WN, 3W, 4.5WN, 4W, 5N, 5W, 6.5WN, 6N, 6W, 7W, 8.5W, 8W, 8WN, 9.5W, 9W, 10C, 10N, 10W - a fluid tint foundation with buildable light to medium coverage  and a natural, second-skin finish that works for all skin types. 
 
The breathable vegan formula has a silky, fluid texture the effortlessly blends into the skin to instantly even skin tone while the hyaluronic acid improves skin hydration and moisture and also smooths pores, fine lines, and texture with up to12 hours of weightless wear that doesn’t separate or get patchy.
 
I don't even bother with a foundation anymore that isn't buildable - Urban Decay discontinued my favourite concealer so now I expect to be able to double up my foundation to act as concealer too - I'm very demanding I know - and this one does a great job - goes on light but easily builds to medium coverage in any problem areas! And it stays put without separating or getting patchy, clinging to dry patches or settling into fine lines - sold!
4000 bonus points! 

NYX Cosmetics The Face Glue Gripping Primer - 35ml - $14.99 - adds grip for all of your face cosmetics and hydration for up to 24 hours - all the glue with none of the stickiness. The formula contains polyglutamic acid - known to be extremely hydrating; and maple syrup - known for grip that's extra AF. This non-comedogenic primer feels comfy on the skin, breathable all day, and gives a soft-focus finish.
 
It's easy to use - just spread a dime-sized amount of product evenly on the face and see the transformation as the white gel blends seamlessly with no cast into all skin tones - then just slap your makeup on top, no need to wait! If you want a whole Glue routine, also available is The Face Glue Setting Spray as well The Brow Glue
 
Even if it didn't work as well as it does (and it does!) I would still love it for the packaging and how it brings back memories of dousing my hand in white glue so I could peel it off when it dried - clearly these were early exfoliation techniques...

Grab these amazing products and so many more at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada or online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and take advantage of the special bonus points until February 21st.

- Lisamarie -

January 15, 2025

Cold weather saviours for body and face from Bio-Oil, CeraVe and Origins!

The weather is in a deep freeze this week and my skin is feeling it so this is how I've been dealing...
 
Bio-Oil Body Lotion - 250ml - $19.99 -  supplements the skin’s natural oils which can be stripped away by factors such as extreme weather, water with high chemical content, frequent bathing and the drying effects of central heating and air conditioning with a unique formula containing 42% oil (which is double the about of oil typically used in a lotion) offering intense hydration in an incredibly light texture that absorbs almost instantly to help lock in moisture and reduces the rate at which water vapour is naturally lost through the skin’s surface. 
 
The super light formula contains a blend of vitamins A, E and F along with rosehip, sunflower seed, jojoba and shea oils as well as calendula extract and hyaluronic acid. The special formula also means you need to treat it special and gently shake before you use to disperse the oil layer back into the lotion. You will be amazed at how moisturizing such a light product can be - and if you aren't a fan of fragrance, no worries, it has very little scent to it.
 
Available at drugstores across Canada and online at amazon.ca. If you are a Costco member that would be an excellent place to get it too - a 2 x 250ml pack is only $26.99!
On my super dry areas - elbows, knees, heels, ears and shoulders I add a layer of:
 
CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion For Dry to Very Dry Skin - 237ml - $29.99 - a rich and repairing lotion with 3 essential ceramindes that continuously hydrates, reduces itch due to dryness and helps restore the skin barrier with a formula containing hydro-urea and shea butter and MVE Technology which offers controlled release for long lasting hydration. The lotion is rich but not greasy or sticky, it just soaks right in - it's also pH-balanced, fragrance-free and allergy tested. You're welcome.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.
And for the face:
 
Origins Ginzing Ultra-Hydrating Energy-Boosting Cream - 50ml - $53 - a super-rich, energy-boosting moisturizer formulated to help wake up dull, lackluster, extra dry skin with 72-hour hydration. The formula includes caffeine from coffee - naturally energizing, it helps to refresh and recharge skin; ginseng - helps increase skin’s natural energy; hydra hug technology - helps bridge the gap between skin cells so they "hug" to prevent moisture loss. I was a little bit skeptical at the idea of skin coffee to wake up my skin - but I was wrong - I might not like coffee but my skin sure does - it gives it an energized look even when I don't feel that way!
 
Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

January 1, 2025

This week I'm obsessed with... Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream!

It's that time of year again where my regular body lotion just isn't cutting it and my thirsty skin wants more...

Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream - 200ml - $62, refill - $55 - available in Fenty Fresh: infused with a light, fresh and fruity blend of bergamot, jasmine and white orchid scent and a glossy sheen or Fenty Fresh Shimmering: which is the same scent but also has a soft gold shimmer - a refillable whipped oil body cream that deeply hydrates both instantly and all day with a formula  loaded with 7 luxurious tropical oils: Kalahari Melon, Sorrel, Baobab, Sunflower, Rice Bran, Coconut, Jojoba - to help nourish skin and deliver luminosity; antioxidant and vitamin C-packed cherry extract - helps restore vibrancy; Shea Butter - helps to visibly condition and repair the moisture barrier; and glycerin - provides hydration, comfort and leaves skin with a glossy-looking sheen that's never sticky.
 
You can also feel good that the formula is gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan and comes in recyclable packaging.  
 
I would also highly recommend checking out the Fenty website and your local Sephora to see if you can still snag the holiday scents (on sale!) - Toasted Marshmallow and Warm Cinnamon - yuuuuummmm! Need I say more...?!!
 
Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at fentybeauty.com/en-ca and sephora.ca

- Lisamarie -

December 18, 2024

Great Gifting - Last minute gifting for problematic people made easy at Shoppers Drug Mart!

Gone are the days of having to brave the malls to pick up last minute gifts - there is a Shoppers Drug Mart on practically every corner and they are all chock-full of amazing gift options - the problem of course is what to get for the problematic giftee... hope this helps!

We all have that friend who is a trend-setter who you dread buying for because you know whatever you give them they are secretly judging your lack of with-it-ness - take this you judgey bitch!

Quo Beauty Cooling Cryo Mask and Headband Set - $20 - includes a cryo mask and an adorable bow headband. Just chill the cryo mask in the fridge for a refreshing, depuffing effect that helps invigorate your skin. Paired with a soft headband to keep hair away from your face during pampering sessions, this set offers gentle cooling refreshment.

No matter what you get this friend she/he is never satisfied. Gino knows where it's at, Jasmine loved hers so this is sure to be a hit! And if all else fails at least it vibrates...
 
Oral-B iO Series 2 Rechargeable Electric Powered Toothbrush in Night Black - $114.99 -combines powerful, but gentle micro vibrations with Oral-B's dentist inspired round brush head to deliver 100% cleaner teeth versus a regular manual toothbrush. Features automatic pressure to protect gums; 3 cleaning modes; 2 minute timer; and a long-lasting battery with a low-charge indicator. Includes 1 gentle care brush head.

Your mother-in-law sighs no matter what you give her and then re-gifts it back to you for your birthday so you might as well buy her something you will love - although she might just end up keeping this one... 
 
Estée Lauder Glow Authorities Repair + Lift + Hydrate - $60 - a daily regimen for stronger, radiant, deeply hydrated, healthier-looking skin with a 4-piece set of deluxe travel sizes including: Advanced Night Repair Serum - 15ml - helps skin look smoother and less lined, younger, more radiant and even toned with continued use; Revitalizing Supreme+ Creme Moisturizer - 15ml - significantly improves skin’s firmness and elasticity for a firmer feel and more lifted look; Immediately triple skin’s moisture for a visibly healthy look with Futurist Watery Glow Primer - 15ml - wear alone or under foundation for skin that’s plumped, dewy, glowing; and Revitalizing Supreme+ Eye Balm - 7ml - helps reduce the look of lines and dark circles with continued use. Leaves the eye area looking radiant and more youthful.
Teachers, Babysitters, Hairdressers, Yoga Instructors, etc are all sick of boxes of chocolates and mugs - treat them to something that will ensure no "B"s for the kids or baby-bangs...
 
Jason Wu Pearl Darling Posh Palette - $50 - an exquisite 15-color matte shadow palette, meticulously crafted to suit every occasion with 5 neutral, 5 cool and 5 warm nude shades– all in a stunning, pearl encrusted compact. There is also a Diamond Darling Sublime Palette option that is covered in crystals that contains shades that aren't all matte if you think that would be more their jam.
And if you're looking for something better then a bow to decorate your packages or stuff your stockings with there are lots of Quo Beauty options - everything from tiny eyelash curlers that sparkle, the softest puffs of pink and mini sets of all the best products - a yearly fave of mine...

Quo Beauty Cosmetic Crackers - $20 - 6 gold crackers, each one filled with a gloss surprise!

Happy shopping at your local Shoppers Drug Mart - and if you're buying for me, don't worry, I'm not the least bit picky!
 
- Lisamarie -