This week I'm obsessed with... Trinny London The Elevator Neck & Decollete Concentrate!

Get all the botox and fillers you want but nothing gives away your age faster then your neck! Hardly surprising as the skin on the neck is thinner, drier and has less collagen than the face meaning it needs some special attention to keep it smooth, firm and visibly lifted - like the attention it would get from...

 

Trinny London The Elevator Neck & Decollete Concentrate - 50ml - $122, 50ml refill - $104, 14.5ml mini - $50 - a rich and balmy cream that targets and helps prevent the factors that lead to accelerated aging with an innovative formula that contains: cohesion technology that draws its power from the isodonis japonicus plant and  works to strengthen the ‘glue’ holding the skin layers together, helping to lift sagging skin; supercharged decapeptides that focus on organizing loosened dermal fibres, filling in any gaps and giving skin its structure back; oligo + nonapeptides rebuild the skin's scaffolding and boost collagen production to restore lost volume; and encapsulated alpha arbutin slows the production of melanin, preventing age spots from forming and darkening.

 

I've been using it for about 5 weeks now - and while I am fortunate that I don't have a lot of sagging I didn't realize how rough the texture was until the cream smoothed it out and I could visibly see how much better it looks - as well the skin on my decollete was starting to look slightly crepey (which it no longer does) and as an added bonus I smooth the excess cream onto the backs of my hands and they are looking smoother too! The takeaway for me is how even something subtle can make a big overall difference - I never use skincare expecting dramatic results - it's cream, not magic - but even small improvements make for a better overall appearance - and it sure beats plastic surgery! I usually like to try things for at least a couple of months so I am expecting a few more weeks to smooth things out even more but I didn't want to wait any longer to give you the heads up on this one!

Available online now at https://trinnylondon.com/ca/.

And just in time for summer holidays - all your Trinny London faves including The Elevator come in travel sizes that are portable, stackable and versatile so you can forget overflowing makeup bags - easily take your skincare with you wherever you go! Find your own Mini Skincare Stack Builder here!

- Lisamarie -

Hot weather and/or gym essentials from Origins, Flexitol, Rare Beauty and Tanologist!

It may be summer but there is no reason to get all hot and bothered about your skincare - a few tweaks will have over-heated skin ready for the rise in temperature! FYI - these are also the same products I use for gym visits in all seasons...

 

Origins Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Fortifying Emulsion - 100ml - $58 - a skin-quenching, fortifying lightweight gel moisturizer that supports all skin types against the visible effects of free-radical damage, dryness, redness and loss of firmness and elasticity with a vegan formula containing: mushroom complex - soothes skin and reduces the look of irritation; naturally derived hyaluronic acid - hydrates skin; naturally derived squalane and certified organic olive oil - supports skin’s moisture barrier to help prevent moisture loss; planti-oxidant sea buckthorn -  discourages production of blue-light-induced free radicals;  and reishi and fermented chaga - reduces visible redness. 

 

Lightweight enough that it doesn't feel like your pores are all clogged up when you sweat but at the same time you don't feel like it is so light that you have sweated it all off - and as it offers 48 hours of moisture, your skin won't feel dried out even hours later!

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

Flexitol Lip Balm Ultra-Moisturizing - 10g - $6.49 - good for even severely dry lips it contains 2.5% urea enriched with cacao butter, lanolin, menthol and clove oil to effectively condition and relieve severely chapped lips - with results in just one day.

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at shoppersdrugmart.ca, well.ca and amazon.ca.

 

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always an Optimist 4-in-1 Mist - 85ml - $37  - an ultrafine, glow-boosting mist that hydrates, primes, sets and refreshes skin. The big-phase formula contains: niacinamide - helps improve the appearance of skin; sodium hyaluronate - helps to keep the complexion looking hydrated and plump; botanical blend of lotus, gardenia and white waterlily - soothes, calms, and nourishes the skin. Layer this all-in-one mist under or over makeup for a refreshed complexion.

 

It smells great but it is a natural kind of great as the vegan formula contains only 1% of synthetic fragrances. You can layer it over or under makeup for a refreshed complexion but my little tip - store it in the fridge and it will feel amazing when you spray it on - even better, tuck the cold bottle into your gym bag for a refreshing spritz during your workout!

 

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

Tanologist Daily Glow Hydrating Gradual Self Tan Lotion - 250ml - $15.99 - in Fair to Medium Skin Tones and Medium to Dark Skin Tones - a daily moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, squalane and beta glucan to deeply nourish skin while delivering a gradual, sun-kissed glow with advanced tanning technology.  Use as daily body lotion to gradually build and maintain a flawless, natural-looking glow - I try to remember to at least use this on my lower legs and feet so I don't feel so conspicuous in yoga where I can't hide my pasty white legs and feet under socks!

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

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Instant Glow Moisturizer!

Looking for the perfect summer moisturizer that is thick enough to return moisture to sun and wind ravaged skin without being pore-clogging heavy? Look no further than...

 

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Instant Glow Moisturizer - 50ml - $70.50 - One-step makeup prep and visible brightening in every jar. This lightweight, ultra-hydrating moisturizer quickly illuminates and visibly brightens over time. It visibly firms and reduces fine lines and wrinkles and preps skin for smoother makeup application while giving the complexion an effortlessly warm, golden glow. a daily moisturizer for all skin types, powered by Gold-Complexed Vitamin C - visibly enhances brightness and elasticity; Banana Powder-Inspired Pigments - to quickly illuminate, blur and visibly brighten; Niacinamide - visibly brightens and reduces dark spots; Hyaluronic and Polyglutamic acid - to bind moisture and visibly plump skin with hydration; and  Scandinavian Cloudberry Seed Oil - nurtures and conditions.

 

You can also appreciate everything it is free of  including: parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance. As well, it is vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free and comes in recyclable packaging. 

 

I'm a fan for a few reasons: the scent - amazingly citrus-y without being overpowering; the look - it has a little bit of a glow to it so it looks great as a base under makeup or even without makeup which I tend not to wear in hot weather and this adds a little something-something to bare skin making it look more even and glowy; and the feel - a little thicken then a water cream but not thick-thick which my skin does not want during the summer - a good amount of moisture without the heft! 

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

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Demi'Glow Light-Diffusing Highlighter!

Nothing hides a multitude of skin and lifestyle sins like a good highlighter - which these days is...

 

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Demi'Glow Light-Diffusing Highlighter - $54 - in 9 shades: 01 Pretty Purlz - soft pearlescent shimmer; 02 Prosecco - soft light gold shimmer; 03 Tutu Much - soft pink shimmer; 04 Loo$e Change - soft light copper shimmer; 05 Yum Rum - soft rose gold shimmer; 06 Rich Hunnie - soft golden honey shimmer; 07 Trophies In Truffle - soft deep gold shimmer; 08 That'$ Rich - soft warm bronze shimmer; 09 Java Jitt'rs - soft deep bronze shimmer

- a long-wearing, natural looking formula with a silky-soft feel that’s infused with superfine pearls, designed to flatter every tone for a low-key glow along with butterfly lavender extract to improve the appearance of fine lines. The smooth-glide, no-grit feel blends into skin without disturbing makeup and resists sweat and humidity.

 

I don't usually love powder highlighters because I always feel like they are just sitting on the top of my skin and look unnatural - but this one feels like it is soaking into my skin and just leaving a radiant finish behind - almost like a wet powder if that makes any sense! It has a skin-tone based shade range so that probably also helped with it giving a more natural look. My only complaint would be that the powder is super-delicate, I dropped the case a couple of feet into the sink and cracked it so I would recommend keeping and using the plastic cover that goes over the powder inside the case to help protect it.

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca - the Sephora website says they are limited edition, I hope that's not true but in case it is, don't wait to grab yours!

- Lisamarie -

Show your PRIDE with help from Shoppers Beauty, Quo Beauty and Jean Paul Gaultier!

You know I loves me a sample set so I was all over this special edition Pride one: Shoppers Beauty All You Need is Love Beauty Bundle - a carefully curated set, containing 6 minis and 2 full-size products valued at over $140. 

This gift set includes deluxe sample sizes of: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick, Too Faced Shadow Insurance Revamp Beautiseal Blue Light, Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Intense BlackL, It Cosmetics Superhero Voluminizing Mascara, Clarins Lash & Brow Double Fix' Mascara and Lancôme Blush Subtil in Rose Fresque - along with a full sized R.E.M. Beauty Midnight Shadows Lustrous Liquid Eye Shadow in Fembot and Vasanti Astro Highlighter in North Star. And comes in the most adorable heart-shaped, rainbow, paper pinata type box - too cute!

Quo Beauty is helping celebrate Pride with another cool limited-edition Pride Collection with bold and playful beauty products and accessories that inspire vibrant looks and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and you can feel good with your purchase knowing that Shoppers Drug Mart will contribute 10% of sales of the Quo Beauty Pride Collection up to a maximum $30,000 to Pflag Canada, which helps provide peer support, education and advocacy of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

 

There is lots to love in the collection but a few of my faves include: Love Is Love Eyeshadow Palette - $25 - featuring 9 high impact shades to create bold looks that show your Pride. Along with a cream base to intensify the colour and lock in your look.

Water-Activated Eyeliner - $16 - in Electric Sunset and Twilight Haze - with super high-pigment and vibrant colours to add a really fun look to your liner! 

Rainbow Maker - $10 - makes it super easy to draw a rainbow anyplace on your face or body!

Brow Stickers - $6 - peel and press gems that make it easy to add bling to your eye look!

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique & Le Male Pride Edition - 100ml EDP - $172/ 125ml EDT - $146 - Be free to be your true self! With these new PRIDE editions, Jean Paul Gaultier is campaigning for freedoms alongside The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in New York, a fervent defender of the right of every individual to assert their identity and be accepted as they are. This shared commitment honours the activist artist Keith Haring and his famous manifesto mural "Once Upon a Time," painted in 1989 on the walls of the Center. A powerful symbol of the liberation movement that began twenty years earlier with the Stonewall riots. Inspired by its black-and-white depictions of passionate scenes, PRIDE bottles reclaim the liberated beauty of our bodies and resolutely spread the same message of diversity and tolerance for all. 

 

Everything here available while they last at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Tanologist Face & Body Self Tan Drops!

Getting rid of your pasty-white, sun-starved skin just got a lot easier with...

 

Tanologist Face & Body Self Tan Drops - 30ml - $27.99 - in Medium and Dark - concentrated tan drops designed to be mixed with your favourite  skincare, makeup or body care. They are super easy to use and best of all they are totally customizable - just mix 2 - 12 drops with your desired product in the palm of your hand - the more drops the deeper the shade will be - then just apply it like you would your regular skincare - shade not deep enough? Just reapply another layer for a deeper glow - and of course make sure you wash your hands after application or you will end up with tanned palms!

There didn't seem to be a Light shade so I tried the Medium and while I was a little concerned that it would turn out too dark and unnatural looking on my fair skin I was pleased to discover that it really is customizable - 2 drops with my usual serum gave me a nice healthy glow (even better if you use with with your night cream, then you wake up to a healthy glow), 3 1/2 drops had me looking like a had spent the day in the sun (minus the harmful UV rays) and 4 drops with my body lotion had my pasty white calves skirt ready for a special event - I am really pleased with how versatile this little bottle is! The colour also wore off very naturally with no weird patches, it just kind of faded away, you can also help it along by exfoliating if you do find it is not going away evenly or just keep applying to maintain your colour. Best of all there is no gross self-tanner scent - it's very light, fresh and it's vegan!

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

- Lisamarie -

Eye Love Wednesday - Trinny London Line2Define Eyeliner

Trinny London Line2Define Eyeliner - $40 - in 6 universally flattering shades: Levy - champagne shimmer; Chantelle - bronze shimmer; Bonzo - dark green; Samantha - deep indigo; Sabrina - rich brown; Shahroze - inky black - an

intensely pigmented, retractable eyeliner that is ultra-creamy on application but smudge-proof once set for instant and effortless definition. 

 

With a varied selection of neutrals and colours, there is something for everyone to love. I like the way they glide on smoothly - just keep in mind that if you want to smudge the colour you need to do it right away, when it sets, it really sets! I didn't have any issues with it lasting all day without moving or smearing but my friend who has an oily eye area tried it out and it would not stay put on her. She had to make sure to use an eye primer underneath in order to get the same lasting power so keep that in mind!

 

Available online now at trinnylondon.com/ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Contain Extreme Steam Power Steam!

Would it surprise you to know that I hate to iron? I've mostly solved that problem by just not doing it, I purposely buy clothes that don't require it or if there is no option, off to the dry cleaners it goes! I was aware of the joy of steaming but steamers I have tried in the past have been large and unwieldy and I quickly lost interest, that is until I tried:

Conair Extreme Steam Power Steam - $69.99 - a handheld garment steamer with a small size and 1200 watts to power away wrinkles with high heat and high-velocity steam. It heats up fast, just 35 seconds, has an easy-fill removable water tank and steams in multiple positions to easily reach wrinkles at any angle.

 

Travel near or far - with just a simple switch, the power adapts automatically for worldwide usage and it folds flat for easy packing.  

 

So quick and easy this is a must have for anyone who travels, wrinkles or likes things that hisssss at you!

 

Available at conaircanada.ca, amazon.ca and other online retailers.

- Lisamarie -