November 29, 2024

Great Gifting - Trinny London Cyber Weekend Sale and a few of my favourite things!

Get ready to glow this holiday season! Trinny London is bringing you its highly anticipated Cyber Weekend Sale! Enjoy up to 40% off  best-selling beauty and skincare essentials. Whether you’re shopping for glow-boosting makeup, award-winning skincare, or the ultimate joy-inducing gift sets, this is your chance to stock up on must-haves at irresistible prices. 
 
A few things I love that are worth checking out:

Trinny London Take Back Time Miniprotein Eye Treatment - 15ml - $117 (on sale for $105.30) - state-of-the-art eye cream that targets fine lines, crow's feet, dark circles, eye bags, puffiness and tired-looking skin for lifted, open eyes. The star ingredient is the conotoxin miniprotein that helps slow down the signals that lead to the formation of lines around the eyes and the formula also includes: TGF-beta miniprotein to trigger skin's natural regeneration processes; pro-derma hyaluronic acid which penetrated twice as deep as standard hyaluronic acid that offers 24-hour hydration and visibly softens lines in just 7 days; hexapepitide-8 to work against inflammation and improves daily signs of fatigue; and ashwagandha restores skin health on a cellular level for a well-rested look.

All I know is that my dark circles look so much better after using this for the last month! I also really appreciated the little spoon that comes with it so I know exactly how much I am supposed to be using - I always feel with jars of eye cream that I never know if I am under or over using the product!
Trinny London Just Joyous High-Shine Lipstick - $46 (on sale for $41.40) - in 11 shades: Mitra - soft nude brown; Jessica - soft nude pink; Charlotte - light nude pink; Martha - soft rosy nude; Maria - fresh pink; Holly - fresh muted orange; Valerie - coral pink; Poppy - vibrant orange red; Paris - vibrant pink red; Faustine - deep fuchsia pink; Eden - deep berry - that offer buildable colour, intense moisture and glossy sheen. The cruelty-free and vegan formula contains triple-action hyaluronic acid for 24-hour hydration, replenishing peptide for a plumper look over time and moringa and maracuja oils for nourished lips. 

This is my favourite kind of lipstick - because it's buildable the first coat goes on fairly sheer which means I can apply it without a mirror - there is never a mirror around when I need a quick lipstick fix - which gives you the polished without looking like you are wearing a ton of makeup look - my fave for this is Valerie - coral is just one of those universally flattering shades. When I have a mirror and am wanting something more dramatic Poppy is my pick! But you find your own favorite, you really can't go wrong with any of the shades...
Trinny London Non-Negotiables Gift Set - $52 (on sale for $46.80) - a festive cracker containing 2 stackable skincare faves: Be Your Best Enzyme Balm Cleanser - 19.5ml - an oil-based transforming cleanser for clean, nourished skin, suitable for all skin types and Bounce Back Intense Peptide Moisturiser- 14.5ml - for plump, bouncy skin, suitable for normal to dry skin. 
 
The perfect way to gift a friend an introduction to the brand or a way to score travel sizes for yourself!
 
Sales is on now until midnight on Monday 2nd December,No promo code needed - discounts are automatically applied at checkout. Shop the full sale at www.trinnylondon.com/ca
 
- Lisamarie -

November 27, 2024

Great Gifting - skin care sets for every budget from Vivier, Clinique and BYOMA!

Vivier Hydration Gift Set
- $332 (a $426 value) - a luxurious collection of hydrating and rejuvenating products to deeply moisturize, enhance elasticity, and promote a radiant, youthful complexion. Includes: C E Peptides - 30ml - designed to reduce any further signs of aging with a serum that contains 10% vitamin C, vitamin E, and a combination of 3 peptides to protect, correct, brighten and nourish the skin; Daily Age Defying Moisturizer - 55 ml - a lightweight moisturizing day cream formulated with antioxidants and moisturizers to increase smoothness while diminishing the signs of aging; and Ultra Hydrating Mask - 60ml - a nourishing mask formulated with vitamin E, sweet almond extract, and shea butter to soothe and protect the skin from dehydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - along with a card with information on exactly how to use the products.

If you aren't familiar with the Vivier line this is also a great set to buy for yourself - this is a nice intro set to 3 of their best products - especially the moisturizer, it is amazing - hydrating without being the least bit greasy - it just soaks right in like a dream!

Available exclusively at participating clinics in Canada and the US - find one near you here.
Clinique Ready, Set, Refresh - $85 (a $212 value) - with 6 skincare and makeup staples for a fresh-faced look including: Take The Day Off Facial Cleansing Mousse - 125ml - a silky mousse-to-foam cleanser that conditions as it rinses away face makeup, dirt, and other impurities; Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator - 50ml - fights back against life’s daily dehydrations. Sinks into skin for deep, lasting hydration, for skin that feels more resilient and looks glowing; Clinique Pop Plush Lip Gloss in Black Honey Pop - 3.4ml - hugs lips with high shine and all-day hydration; High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara - 10ml - amps up lashes for 230% more volume, instantly; Totally Tugless Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes + Lips - 50ml - dissolves long-wearing makeup, even waterproof mascara; and All About Eyes - 5ml - helps reduce the look of puffiness and undereye circles over time. Everything is allergy tested, 100% fragrance, paraben and phthalate free.
 
All the skin care basics with a little bit of makeup glam thrown in? Yes please! I especially enjoyed the introduction to the Black Honey Lip Gloss - it looks really dramatic in the tube but is much more wearable on the lips - my lips but hotter!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada as well as other participating retailers and online at clinique.ca.

BYOMA Barrier Boosting Heroes - $30 - contain 5 go-to essentials for achieving that radiant, dewy glow with each product being crafted to suit all skin types, making them the perfect building blocks for the ultimate hydration-focused regimen in sizes perfect for holiday travel - includes: Creamy Jelly Cleanser - 30ml - effectively dissolves dirt, oil, and makeup without compromising skin's integrity. With key ingredient green tea - for skin-soothing + balancing, with anti-inflammatory properties; Hydrating Serum - 15ml - super lightweight, it delivers a powerful moisture boost for bouncy, glowing skin while strengthening the skin barrier. With key ingredient squalane - a skin-compatible hydrator that prevents moisture loss + plumps skin; Gel Cream - 15ml - for targeted hydration that quenches thirsty skin, with key ingredient niacinamide - to brighten skin + balance oiliness while improving tone + texture; Rich Moisturizer - 15ml - melt into your complexion for deep nourishment and improved texture with key ingredient bakuchiol - a natural alternative to retinol that improves overall tone + appearance; and Eye Gel - 5ml - designed to brighten and soothe dark circles and puffiness with key ingredient vitamin C to brighten and reduce inflammation. Use AM + PM for dark circles and puffy eyes. 
 
With these hydrating heroes, your skin will glow all season long! Plus, they’re dermatologist-tested and approved, alcohol and fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free - the perfect gift for everyone! 
 
I already loved the Creamy Jelly Cleanser so scoring a size that I could travel with was great and gave me a chance to try other items from the line and discover the joy of the Gel Cream which is perfect for those of us with combination skin!
 
Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca
 
- Lisamarie -

November 20, 2024

Beanie the Cat Investigates: Real Techniques Brightening Concealer Brush AKA the Kitten Paw Brush...

Cultural appropriation is a thing yo, even in the cat world - so when mom brought this home and I overheard her telling the spare human that it's being called the Kitten Paw Brush on social media, I knew this was something I should check out and make sure that the cat name isn't being used in vain.

Real Techniques Brightening Concealer Brush - $11.95 - has soft, flexible bristles and a unique, kitten-paw shape to effortlessly apply makeup for radiant, glowing skin. Can be used to apply concealer, eye brightener, and cream for a satin, smooth finish. The unique shape fits perfectly under the eye area allowing you to achieve flawless coverage and also helps to cover blemishes and other skin impurities, giving you an airbrushed complexion. This concealer brush has super soft UltraPlush Synthetic Bristles and is easy to clean.

I mean it all sounds good but I got mom to try it out - because clearly I am perfect and need to conceal nothing... 
 
I got her to try it on a morning after a night that I spent racing around the house chasing things that only I can see and keeping her from her "beauty" sleep - to be fair from the looks of her I thought she would need 3 or 4 of these brushes to sort her out but amazingly just the one did it. She said that the best thing about the brush is it takes a tiny bit of concealer and just spreads it out which is a good thing as she is working on her last stick of discontinued Urban Decay concealer so really needs to make it last! It has a tendency to look cakey under the eyes but this brush buffed it right in so it was flawless - my dark circles are adorable, hers, not so much so it was nice when they disappeared!

A side-by-side comparison had me a little concerned that it was an actual kitten paw stuck on a stick but mom reassured me that it just looks like my paw...hmmmmmm.....

Available at Walmart stores across Canada and online at amazon.ca and well.ca.

- Beanie -

November 13, 2024

This week I'm obsessed with... being spoiled for choice with BOOST LAB Serums!

 
There aren't many/any beauty products I like more then a serum - 7 new serums from BOOST LAB, well now I'm in heaven! I got the whole line awhile back but have been waiting to post because I wanted to chance to give them all a good try so I would hopefully have something intelligent to say about them...
 
Backed by science, BOOST LAB’s serums are made using a minimal number of high quality ingredients to ensure they are both safe and effective. The brand is committed to making products that are easy to understand, apply and incorporate into any skincare routine, with formulas that absorb quickly and leave your skin glowing. Priced at $34.99, the seven essential serums target the most common skin concerns without breaking the bank. The lineup includes:
 
BOOST LAB Retinol Night Renewal Serum - 30ml
For: Wrinkles and uneven texture 
Use: PM only 
• Harnesses the power of advanced retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A known for its remarkable ability to promote skin cell turnover. This potent ingredient penetrates deep into the skin, accelerating the renewal process to reveal fresher, more youthful-looking skin. 
• Refines the skin’s texture by minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. 
• Softens and smooths the skin's surface. With regular use, complexion becomes visibly more even and radiant. 
• Plumps and restores volume to the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and making skin more firm, full and resilient. 
• Enhances skin elasticity and firmness by boosting collagen production. 
• Formulated to be gentle, yet effective. The serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin and formulated without the use of harsh chemicals and irritants.
 
I prefer a serum at night and a serum that is meant to be worn just at night is actually hard to find so I was delighted to discover this one! If you like the idea of retinol but have sensitive skin so have found it irritating in the past this is the one to try - I didn't have any issues with it at all and it has been so beneficial to my skin's tone and texture that I will be picking up another bottle when this one is done!
 
BOOST LAB Niacinamide Complexion Rescue Serum - 30ml
For: Blemishes, excess oil and redness 
Use: AM + PM 
• A targeted skincare solution for blemish-prone skin and engineered to soothe redness caused by dryness. • Formulated with potent Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) which is known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation to help promote a clearer complexion. 
• Infused with hydrating ingredients to combat dryness and restore moisture balance, leaving the skin feeling plump, smooth, and supple. 
• Calms irritated skin and diminishes redness, offering a more even-toned complexion and reducing the appearance of blemishes over time. 
• Lightweight and non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly into the skin, making it suitable for daily use in any skincare routine. 
 
I passed this one along to a friend who has blemish prone skin and she gives it a thumbs up saying that it is hard to find something that will moisturize and help blemishes and oil at the same time - it usually has to be one or the other but the serum did both without being the least bit greasy or irritating.

BOOST LAB Multi-Peptide Wrinkle Defense Serum - 30ml | 
For: Deep wrinkles, fine lines and loss of firmness 
Use: AM + PM 
• Harnesses the power of multiple peptides to effectively combat the signs of aging and promote youthful-looking skin. 
• Targeted anti-aging solution that is specifically formulated to address the most common signs of aging such as crow's feet and fine lines to deliver visible results. 
• Infused with potent moisturizing agents, this serum deeply hydrates the skin, helping to restore moisture balance for a plump and radiant appearance. 
• With regular use, the serum provides long-term benefits by improving the skin's natural elasticity and firmness, ensuring a more youthful and resilient complexion over time. 

Excellent for moisture - I use it on top of the night serum on my cheeks which tend to be dry and need an extra boost!
 
BOOST LAB Hyaluronic 2D Hydrating Serum - 30ml 
For: Dryness, dullness and sensitivity 
Use: AM + PM 
• Effectively fights signs of dryness, rough texture, dullness and irritation. 
• The advanced formula locks moisture into your skin, preventing dehydration and maintaining optimal hydration levels throughout the day. 
• Strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier to help shield against external aggressors and prevent moisture loss. 
• Provides two levels of moisturization, ensuring fast and effective hydration for immediate relief and long-lasting results. 
• Specially designed to soothe and calm sensitive skin, reduce redness, inflammation, and discomfort. 
 
Very soothing for days when my skin is feeling crabby and out of sorts - was especially good after an afternoon when I got too much sun and felt really itchy - my skin felt better right away (and yes, I was wearing sunscreen)!
 
BOOST LAB Bio-Active Eye Reset Serum - 30ml 
For: Dark circles, puffiness and fine lines 
Use: AM + PM 
• Specially formulated to target stubborn dark circles, helping to brighten and even out the delicate skin around the eyes. 
• Refreshes the eye area by diminishing the appearance of under-eye bags and excess puffiness. 
• Potent formula designed to smooth away the appearance of crow's feet and fine lines around the eyes. 
• Harnesses the power of bio-active ingredients, including peptides and antioxidants, to deliver targeted results. 
• Infused with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, to help replenish moisture and restore skin vitality, leaving the eye area looking refreshed and rejuvenated. 
• Suitable for all skin types and formulated to be gentle on the sensitive skin around the eyes. 
 
I think this might be my favourite out of the bunch - I've been using it with my Clarisonic Opal for a couple of months now and my eye area looks so smooth and rested. I also really appreciate the 30ml sizing - twice as large as most regular eye products but not twice the price!
 
BOOST LAB AHA Glow Resurfacing Serum - 30ml
For: Exfoliating off a dead layer of skin 
Use: PM only 
• Gently exfoliates the skin's surface, removing dead skin cells and impurities to reveal soft, smooth, supple and more radiant complexion. 
• Formulated with AHAs, it helps to fade dark spots, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation, leaving your complexion looking brighter and more even-toned. 
• By promoting cell turnover, it helps to revitalize the skin, giving you a fresh, youthful glow. 
• Infused with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts, it helps to replenish moisture and restore skin’s vitality, leaving your complexion looking plump and hydrated. 
• All skin types can experience the transformative benefits of gentle exfoliation without irritation or discomfort.
 
I alternated this with the Retinol serum as my skin tends to be sensitive to AHAs - I didn't have any negative reaction at all so suspect I would be fine to use it everyday - but I don't want to because I really love the Retinol - just don't use them both at the same time - I imagine most people's skin would not enjoy the combination!
 
BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum - 30ml
For: Uneven skin tone, dark spots 
Use: AM only 
• Formulated with a high concentration of Vitamin C to promote radiant complexion. 
• Targets uneven skin tone, aiding in the reduction of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. 
• Potent antioxidant properties protect the skin from environmental damage and premature aging. 
• Boosts collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness. 
• Hydrating formula replenishes moisture levels, leaving skin plump and refreshed.  

Layer this under your moisturizer for brightening and/or with sunscreen for extra photoprotection.

Available in Canada exclusively through www.amazon.ca/boostlab
 
- Lisamarie -

November 1, 2024

Fragrant Friday - KORRES Philosia and more!

A Korres wardrobe of fragrances are yours for the smelling... the first is my fave but there are lots to choose from!
 
Philosia - 50ml EDT - $70 - Evoking the aroma of golden sun rays seeping through the trees with citrus top notes of bergamot, orange and mandarin; heart notes of pine, eucalyptus, balsam fir and star anise; and base notes of  musk, cedar, guaiac wood and patchouli. 
 
Citrus is my thing so I was pretty sure I would like this one and it didn't disappoint - it smells fresh and warm in a very natural kind of way. Helped I'm sure by the fact that all the Korres fragrances have a high natural origin content. I am also a fan of the minimalist bottles which look really cool lined up across a dressing table if you have a few of them!
 
Doesn't sound like quite your thing? There are lots of other choices that smell just as amazing...
 
Kyma - 50ml EDT - The fresh scent of the salty wind on the boat, the splashes on your face, escaping the city with top notes of lime, mandarin and orange; heart notes of marine, watery and pepper; and base notes of cedar, vetiver and nutmeg.
 
Lefko - 50ml EDT - An idyllic day spent lazing in a sun-soaked paradise with a top note of lily of the valley; heart notes of rose and peony; and base notes of musk, powder and white sandalwood.
 
Avgoustos - 50ml EDT - The raw scent of the first figs we cut in August with top notes of mandarin, lavander and bergamot; heart notes of fig, lemon tree leaves and orange blossom; and base notes of ambergris, musky and cedarwood.

Sikinos - 50ml EDT - The fresh scent of summer softness upon waking with top notes of watermelon, freesia and bamboo; heart notes of mimosa, lotus flower and salty notes; and base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood and musk.

These are easier to find if you are in the US - just go to korres.com - in Canada they don't seem to be on the korres.ca website but they are on various fragrance websites so not hard for us to get and worth the search!

- Lisamarie -

October 16, 2024

This week I'm obsessed with... Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation!

As the season changes so does my foundation - gone are my summer tinted moisturizers and sheer tints - this fall I am upping my foundation game with:

Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation
- 32ml - $54 - in 50 shades - so many options that you will be hard pressed not to find one to suit you: 100 - neutral, 110 - cool pink, 120 - neutral, 125 - neutral, 130 - warm olive, 140 - warm yellow, 150 - neutral, 160 - warm peach, 170 - cool pink, 175 - warm neutral, 185 - neutral, 190 - warm, 200 - cool pink, 210 - neutral, 220 - warm peach, 225 - neutral olive, 230 - neutral, 235 - warm golden, 240 - warm golden, 250 - warm golden, 260 - neutral, 265 - warm olive, 280 - warm neutral, 290 - neutral, 295 - warm neutral, 300 - warm golden, 310 - warm golden, 315 - warm neutral, 330 - warm golden, 335 - warm neutral, 345 - warm olive, 350 - warm neutral, 360 - neutral, 370 - warm neutral, 385 - warm neutral, 390 - warm yellow, 400 - warm golden, 410 - warm golden, 420 - warm golden, 425 - warm olive, 430 - warm golden, 440 - warm bronze, 445 - warm olive, 450 - neutral, 470 - warm golden, 480 - warm golden, 485 - neutral, 490 - neutral, 495 - warm bronze, 498 - neutral
 
A long-wearing, medium-coverage foundation that offers golden-hour glow in a bottle. It hydrates, brightens, and improves the look of skin tone immediately and over time, with a waterproof formula that resists sweat, humidity and transfer.

The best way I can describe it is "your skin, but better" - it feels weightless on, adds a bit of a glow without being shiny or glittery and it really does stay put for many, many hours. It is not full coverage so if you have areas of special concern it is a bit buildable but you will probably need to add some concealer as well. I especially appreciate the pump bottle - I do wish though that companies would make it so you could screw the top off so you aren't wasting the few inches of foundation that will inevitably be left at the bottom of the bottle!

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

- Lisamarie -

October 10, 2024

Make A Rare Impact with Sephora and Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez on October 10th!

Feel good about looking good today - in recognition of World Mental Health Day, Sephora and Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez announce the return of the Make A Rare Impact campaign, renewing Sephora’s commitment to donating 100% of global Rare Beauty sales to the Rare Impact Fund including Sephora sales in-store and online in 27 markets as well as at Sephora at Kohl’s locations across the United States. 
 
The goal of World Mental Health Day, which takes place annually on October 10, is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Rare Impact Fund currently supports 26 organizations across five continents, expanding access to mental health services and education for young people- you can find more info about it at rareimpactfund.org.

An excellent option to pick up today:
 
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush - $32 - weightless and long-lasting with up to 12-hour wear, it blends and builds beautifully for a soft, healthy flush and comes in 9 radiant finish shades: Believe - true mauve, Hope - nude mauve, Encourage - soft neutral pink, Happy - dewy cool pink, Joy - dewy muted pink, Lucky - dewy hot pink, Grateful - dewy true red, Worth - true rose, Virtue - beige pink; and 4 matte finish shades: Bliss - matte nude pink, Love - matte terracotta, Grace - matte bright rose mauve, Faith - matte deep berry.
 
I always change to a liquid blush in the fall and this one is fabulous - I love Believe - it adds a healthy, glowing flush that looks so natural, it's my skin but better!
 
Find it and other Rare Beauty products at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.
 
- Lisamarie -

September 25, 2024

3 things worth picking up during the Shoppers Beauty+ Event from Drunk Elephant, Wella and Quo Beauty!

If you've been looking to stock up on your beauty supplies now is the time to do it so you can take advantage of the Shoppers Beauty+ Event which runs in-store and online until October 4th. You can shop more than 2,800 beauty products and earn loads of PC Optimum points on select beauty offers. It's also the perfect time to explore new brands including Tealogy, Reyal, Wella Hair Care, PMD and Drybar as well as exclusives like Kylie Cosmetics, Jason Wu and about-face. 
 
Here are 3 new-to-me products I discovered that are well worth a try:
 
Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Serum - 30ml - $92 - formulated with a gentle blend of 10% vitamin C and a triple-antioxidant brightening complex to fade the look of hyperpigmentation and post-breakout marks, improve skin's clarity and reduce blemishes, all while delivering hydration instantly and over time; replenishing sodium hyaluronate, squalane and marula oil nourish skin and help prevent moisture loss; while potent antioxidants fortify skin against everyday environmental stressors and collagen-depleting pollution. The result is a noticeably clearer, plumper, and more luminous complexion that looks and feels healthier with every application. 
 
This has become my new favourite night serum - I have combo skin so moisture-wise it's perfect for - me but I imagine someone with dry skin might like to layer a bit of moisturizer on top of it!
Wella Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue Leave-In Treatment
- 30ml - $40 - a luxury leave-on spray that repairs hair damage in just 90 seconds leaving hair visibly transformed in just one use: less breakage, 12x smoother and legendary shine that lasts up to four washes. With a formula containing alpha hyydroxy acid (AHA) - to rebuild the inside strength of the hair and omega 9 - to replenish the outer barrier of damaged hair.
 
I love products that claim instant results: it makes it so easy to tell if they actually work or not if I don't have to wait days/weeks/months for gratification. And it's no lie, my hair really did look better with the first use and because results last up to 4 washes you don't need to use it every time - it's a small bottle but it will last!
Quo Beauty Peptide Lip Tint
- $13 - in 3 shades: Watermelon, Strawberry and Vanilla Mint as well as Clear Mint if you prefer no colour - enriched with peptides that help keep lips soft and moisturized while  reducing the appearance of fine lines and adding a glossy, high-shine finish and a hint of colour.

I have been wearing it to the gym which has always been a dilemma for me - I feel stupid wearing makeup to the gym but I feel kind of naked without having anything on so this is the perfect compromise!

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

- Lisamarie -