August 31, 2016

Eye Love Wednesday - Maybelline Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Pencil

Maybelline Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Pencil - $11.99 - in 6 intense shades: Sleek Onyx, Glazed Toffee, Smooth Charcoal, Lustrous Sapphire, Cashmere White and Soft Nude - with high intensity pigments in a translucent gel base that glide on easily and last up to 16 hours of waterproof and smudge-resistant wear.

I especially love the Soft Nude for brightening the waterline - totally clears up my pink-bunny look - and is also great as a neutral highlight for beneath the brows.

Available at drug and mass market retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Bite Beauty Multistick!

Bite Beauty Multistick - $28 - in 18 shades with a satin finish that compliment all skin tones: Blondie, Papaya, Cocoa, Cerise, Anise, Biscotti, Macaroon, Mochi, Gelato, Brioche, Almond, Nectar, Lotus, Creme Caramel, Praline, Cashew, Mascarpone, Honeywheat - with a breathable, blendable and buildable silicone-free formula that applies like a cream and wears like a powder for weightless colour application and soft focus finish that can be applied with your finger or a brush on the eyes, lips and cheeks.

These are amazing if you like a hassle-free monochrome look - I wouldn't necessarily do it with all of the shades, the redder ones are a little too adventurous for my taste - but it looks very pretty and natural with a nude like Cashew!

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

August 30, 2016

Mornings made easy with IDC Regen Express Perfection!

IDC (Integral Dermo Correction) Regen Express Perfection - 30ml - $59.95 - a tinted multi-benefit moisturizer for that face, eyes and neck that combines correction, hydration, protection and coverage in a single, easy step - so you can say goodbye to your concealer, pressed powder and foundation and save time every morning.
 

With multi benefits that help target different areas to achieve different results. For the face it helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, firmness, evenness, radiance and hydration; for the eyes it helps improve wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles and firmness; and for the neck it helps with wrinkles, firmness and dark spots.

Formulated with patented REGEN-16 technology -  composed with beneficial ingredients that work on the signs of chronological aging; Matlake Opa - a natural, soft-focus pigment derived from opal that helps deliver correction by scattering light to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, diminish shine and make skin flaws less visible; Photolite - a smart photochromic pigment capable of adapting colour to surrounding light, for a natural-looking complexion in winter and summer, both day and night; and  100% mineral sun filter SPF 15 sun protection that helps provide broad spectrum coverage from UVA+UVB rays.


There are a few things to really love about this product, not the least of which is it will save you a ton of time in the morning by not having to slather on multiple products! If you have oily to combination skin you really won't need to use another moisturizer although dry skins might need a bit more of a boost. The tint self-adjusts for light to medium skin tones (but won't work on darker skin). And I really love that it's made in Canada! The only downside is the SPF15 which isn't nearly enough protection - but this small issue can easily be solved with a layer of another IDC product - IDC SPF 50 Facial Sun Protection Creme - 50ml - $29.50 - a water-resistant, hypoallergenic cream that protects skin without clogging the pores that is fragrance, aluminum and paraben free.

Available now at beautyboutique.ca and theshoppingchannel.com.

- Lisamarie -

Formula X #ColorCurators: Makeup By Rose XOXO Edition - Nail Color Collection - with swatches!

Formula X #ColorCurators: Makeup By Rose XOXO Edition Nail Color - $16 - in 3 romantic shades curated by makeup artist, beauty blogger, and singer-songwriter, Rose Siard of the blog Makeup By Rose XOXO that were inspired by her true loves: makeup, music, and her guitarist-husband Ben. That offer up to 10 days of gel-like wear and shine.
Puffin! - rich mink gray
Mahhvelous Rose - rosy mauve
Acoustic Dreams - dramatic chocolate burgundy

Part of #ColorCurators, a first-of-its-kind collaboration featuring 10 of the hottest stars in beauty, fashion, and wellness who have teamed up with Formula X to express their signature style through customized nail colors. Each month, one color curator will reveal three limited-edition shades - each inspired by their own passion and lifestyle - to tell an empowering story through color.

Available now for a limited time at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

August 29, 2016

Discover the gold standard in anti-aging with Avon Anew Ultimate Multi-Performance!

Avon Anew Ultimate Multi-Performance offers a line of luxurious skin care products formulated with the exclusive celluvive complex to virtually transform the look of multiple signs of aging for 10 remarkable results including: smooth texture; skin clarity; even skin tone; fine lines and deep wrinkles look reduced; moisturization; natural volume; resilience; reduced look of discolourations; firmness; and lifted looking skin.

Available in the collection:

Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 25 - 50g - $39 - moisturizes while protecting skin to prevent further signs of aging due to sun exposure.

Night Cream - 50g - $39 - with an ultra-moisturizing formula designed to make skin look like it has new life come morning.

Eye System including 15g Cream - used twice a day and 2.5g Elixir - used in the evening with the cream - $39.

Available now from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Paul & Joe X Looney Tunes X Tom & Jerry Fall 2016 Limited Edition Collection

Paul & Joe partners with beloved characters from Looney Tunes & Tom and Jerry to play out their slapstick comedy on the cases of super-cute customizable makeup items.

Paul & Joe Lipstick Case WB - $7.00 - in 001 Tom and Jerry; 002 Looney Tunes; and 003 Looney Tunes

Paul & Joe Compact WB -  $8.00 - compatible with powder blush, creamy blush and eye color trio - makeup is made fun with three limited edition case designs:

001 Tom and Jerry - in this original Paul & Joe Beaté design, Tom lures Jerry with cheese and tries to catch him using the face powder case.

002 Looney Tunes - this design features Sylvester trying to capture Tweety, with Paul & Joe Beauté’s Chrysanthemum motif as the background.

003 Looney Tunes - featuring a design  in which Sylvester appears plotting to catch Tweety who is hiding behind the bushes.
Paul & Joe Pressed Face Powder Case WB - $10.00 - Available in two different designs: 001 Tom and Jerry - Jerry applies Paul & Joe makeup on Tom and 002 Looney Tunes - Tweety stands alone with Paul & Joe Beaté’s Chrysanthemum motif in the background.

Available now at beautyBOUTIQUE.ca and at the below Shoppers Drug Mart beautyBOUTIQUE locations:

Toronto/GTA, ON:

2223 Bloor Street West
5576 Yonge Street
2345 Yonge Street
9350 Yonge Street, Hillcrest Mall, Richmond Hill
220 Yonge Street, Toronto Eaton Center
Marie Labatte Rd –CF Shops at Don Mills (Murale)

Montreal, QC:
1122 Rue Sainte Catherine Ouest
1 Place Ville Marie (Murale) - September

Ottawa, ON:

50 Rideau Street, Rideau Centre

Vancouver, BC:

748 Burrard Street
3020 West Broadway
6060 Minoru Boulevard, Richmond Centre
West 41St Avenue, Oakridge Mall (Murale) – September

Calgary, AB:

6455 Macleod Trails South Unit 24, Chinook Mall

Rocky View, AB:

Crossiron Blvd, Crossiron Mills Outlet Mall

St. John’s, NL:

390 Topsail Rd - September

- Lisamarie -

August 27, 2016

Caryl Baker Visage Enchanted Fall 2016 Collection

This fall, Caryl Baker Visage presents Enchanted, an Alice In Wonderland inspired limited edition collection that takes you through the looking glass to a palette of veiled pales and vivid hues.
Powder Eyeshadow - $18 - in 6 softly pigmented shades: Pixie - soft frosted cream, Zephyr - shimmering pale dusty-rose, Raven - deep slate with mauve undertones, Mist - matte smoky lilac, Dreamy - light peachy with a pinky soft sheen, Ambrosia - deep iridescent merlot - with a triple-milled lightweight texture that glides on smoothly and evenly.
Powder Blush - $22.50 - in Once Upon A Dream - soft bronze with a subtle sheen and Wonderland - cool matte pinky-rose - with a triple-milled lightweight texture that glides on smoothly and evenly.
Matte Liquid Lipstick - $24 - in 3 shades: Eternal - matte medium deep-berry, Ever After - matte red, Euphoria - matte nude - with rich, high-impact colour that glides on smoothly for a velvety matte finish and vitamin E and beeswax to protect and moisturize.
Lipstick - $18.50 - in 3 shades: Woodlands - soft coppery fawn, Twig - neutral pinky-brown, Storybook - deep berry-wine - in a moisturizing formula containing vitamin E - for protection and moisture; and shea butter and avocado oil - for for comfort and nutrition.
Ultimate Lip Liner - $18.50 - in 3 highly-pigmented shades: Ravishing - rich warm nude, Inspiration - warm coppery-brown, Winery - deep berry-wine - with long-wearing, true colour that won't feather or bleed.

Available now until October 16th at Caryl Baker Visage Face Spas and online at carylbakervisage.com.

- Lisamarie -

August 26, 2016

Dove Advanced Hair Series Quench Absolute brings new life to dry, wavy, curly hair!


The new Dove Advanced Hair Series Quench Absolute line for dry, wavy curly hair delivers 4x more defined, natural curls and provides five key benefits for all curl needs including: improved manageability; quenched dryness; smoothness; strength; and nourishment.

The formulas are infused with Buriti Oil, a precious oil derived from the fruit of the Buriti Tress in Brazil which is known to be rich in Omega 9 and nutrients to provide a nourished, smooth finish helping to achieve softer, nourished, more defined natural curls with every wash.

Available in the collection:

Ultra Nourishing Shampoo - 250ml - $8.99 -  gently cleanses curly hair, leaving it feeling soft and smooth with a nourishing formula that leaves hair strengthened from the core.

Ultra Nourishing Conditioner - 250ml - $8.99 -  absorbs effortlessly into the hair and increases manageability of curls for a smooth finish. Naturally curly hair is revived and strengthened from the core.

Supreme Creme Serum - 97ml - $10.99 -  a fast-absorbing, lightweight and creamy leave-in nourishing treatment serum that contains high levels of glycerin to penetrate and nourish - that can be used on wet or dry hair.

Available now at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Burberry My Burberry Black

Burberry My Burberry Black - 50ml EDP - $102, 90ml EDP - $138 - an intense and sensual interpretation of the original My Burberry with a sweet and inviting candied twist with a top note of sun-drenched jasmine flower; an iconic heart of candied rose and peach nectar; and a deep and captivating base of rich amber patchouli rounds off the scent, for a deep and captivating finish.

This is much more to my taste then the original - it has more of a sexy feel without being overly floral and I love the elegant looking rich, amber-coloured glass bottle with a dark horn-finish cap and black gabardine ribbon which can be made even more distinctive with your initials - monogramming is available at select stores where they will personalize your bottle with up to three initials!

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart, Hudson's Bay, Sephora, Nordstrom, Murale, Sears, Jean Coutu, Uniprix, Familiprix and Brunet.

- Lisamarie -

August 25, 2016

Colour without the commitment from St. Tropez One Night Only Wash Off Face & Body Lotion!

St. Tropez One Night Only Wash Off Face & Body Lotion - 100ml - $20 - in Light/Medium - for a classic golden glow and Medium/Dark - for the ultimate deep bronze - a no-commitment, easy-to-apply bronzing lotion for a radiant sunkissed glow that lasts up to 24 hours or easily washes off with soap and water if you want to be done with it sooner.

Contains RAINMAC technology with silicon coated pigments that ensures colour won't streak or run even when wet and won't transfer onto clothes or sheets, but can still  be easily removed with just soap and water. Skin is left smooth, hydrated, and perfectly luminous.

Available at Hudson's Bay stores across Canada and online at www.thebay.com.

- Lisamarie -

Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick - with swatches!

Mary Kay Gel Semi-Matte Lipstick - $21- In 8 intense, stay-true shades: Bashful You, Rich Truffle, Mauve Moment, Always Apricot, Powerful Pink, Poppy Please, Midnight Red and Crushed Berry - with a full-coverage, lightweight gel formula that glides on smoothly and cushions lips, leaving them feeling soft and supple. Contains an advanced “Cushion Matrix Technology” that utilizes ultrafine silica microspheres to embed and retain colour on the surface of the lip; sunflower oil and jojoba esters to help condition lips; and optical enhancers to provide a soft-focus effect that scatters light and blurs the appearance of minor imperfections.
Crushed Berry
Powerful Pink

The gel format makes this the most comfortable matte lipstick I've ever worn, it's pretty much weightless so I kept thinking my lipstick had worn off and that's why it felt like I wasn't wearing any - but when I looked in the mirror, it was still going strong!

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.

- Lisamarie -

August 24, 2016

Beauty becomes even more fun with the first Canadian Sephora Beauty Tip Workshop at Yorkdale!

Available now Sephora Yorkdale is the first Canadian Beauty Tip (Teach, Inspire, Play) Workshop store which offers an interactive Beauty Together approach to beauty that will educate and inspire while being a lot of fun!
At the heart of the new store concept is the Beauty Tip Workshop which consists of an area for up to 10 clients to learn via group beauty classes led by Sephora experts, gain self-guided access to tutorials using iPad stations. Each station is equipped with its own product, iPad, USB port and wifi, making it easy to play, browse and share looks on the digital screen and online right from your own seat.

I had the chance to take one of the Beauty Classes and learn the secrets of the Bold Smokey Eye. The Sephora expert showed us first how to do it on her model and then we had the chance to try it for ourselves using all the products provided. Here I learned that a smokey eye is hard, deep shadow shades will not stay in my crease but like to migrate and make me look like I have a black eye; and that Sephora experts are really nice and even when you look like you've been punched they will still be helpful and encouraging! P.S. Said expert will be happy to know that I have been practicing and can now pull off a non-punched smokey eye look! It's actually pretty easy for even the spastic to achieve - Just apply a light/medium neutral shadow to the lid (like Sephora Colorful Eyeshadow in Panama Weekend - a dusty beige matte - $13); apply a deeper shade into the crease (like Sephora Colorful Eyeshadow in Safari - a light mauve luster matte - $13); and then blend the neutral shade outward to diffuse from the area below the eye into the crease; then highlight inner eye corners and browbones with a light nude shadow (I like a little shimmer for this so use Sephora Colorful Eyeshadow in Ballet Shoes - an ivory glitter - $13); and then add an additional liner layer to inner rims and lash lines and finish with mascara - easy peasy!

I highly recommend you learn from the pros an check out the Beauty Tip Workshop area and get in on a class - which you will find at Sephora Yorkdale - 416-785-4400 - check with them for class dates and times.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Joe Fresh Universal Beauty Balm!

Wind burn, dry patches, even chapped lips will find relief with:

Joe Fresh Universal Beauty Balm - 10g - $10 - a nourishing balm that helps to soften skin and relieve dryness on face, hands and body.

The stick format makes it so conveniently portable you can take it along anywhere and best of all, you don't have to worry about it leaking in your purse!

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

August 23, 2016

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free All-in-1 ABC Cushion Foundation

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free All-in-1 ABC Cushion Foundation - $20.49 - in Light, Light/Medium and Medium - a revolutionary high-tech, cushion foundation with an ultra-fluid, weightless mineral formula that provides the multi-tasking benefits of BB and CC creams with the gentle flawless, skin-perfecting effects of minerals to instantly correct visible imperfections and blur fines lines and pores with an airbrushed finish.

With an ABC, mineral rich formula that features a proprietary blend of complexion enhancing minerals, soothing plant extracts, smoothing anti-oxidants and skin nourishing vitamins for moisturizing and brightening benefits that leave a luminous finish.

Available now at drug and mass market retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Avon True Color Multi-Benefit BB Nail Enamel - with swatches!

Avon True Color Multi-Benefit BB Nail Enamel - $9 - in 3 shades: Perfect Pink, Lilac-Love and Restoring Beige - that strengthens, prevents discolouration and yellowing with a UV filter primes by filling in imperfections and ridges, colour and protects and conditions for a smooth finish your nails in one easy stroke with a vitamin C & E infused formula.
Restoring Beige
Perfect Pink
Lilac Love

Available now from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

August 22, 2016

Vichy Mineral Mask Collection - for multi-masking at it's best!

Vichy introduces 3 mineral-infused masks formulated with natural minerals and Mineralizing Thermal Water for stronger, healthier looking skin - that address 3 different skin concerns:

Quenching Mineral Mask - 75ml - $34 - a hydrating mask with vitamin B3 to calm inflammation and brighten skin tone and glycerin and mint extract for a refreshing, hydrating cooling effect. Skin immediately feels fresh, moisturized and supple - and after 1 month is more radiant, revitalized and comfortable.

Pore Purifying Clay Mask - 75ml - $34 - a purifying mask with kaolin and bentonite clays to absorb impurities and tighten pores and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate. Skin immediately feels clean, clear and soft - and after 1 month is purified and pores refined.

Double Glow Peel Mask - 75ml - $34 - a brightening mask with AHA to gently peel off dead cells, mechanical peeling with volcanic rock - to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and eliminate impurities and vitamin C to brighten skin tone. Skin is immediately exfoliated and looks fresher - and after 1 month texture is refined, looks brighter and more radiant and is smoother and more supple.

The line is meant for multi-masking - nobody's skin is the same all over so why would you use just one mask at a time?!

Just 3 to 5 minutes once or twice a week will have you on your way to skin perfection - and to really amp up your routine, wipe off your mask with the Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water on a cotton pad. Once removed, follow up with another spritz of water for super-fresh skin!

Available now at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Mascara Monday - Chanel Dimensions de Chanel Mascara in Subversif

Chanel Dimensions de Chanel Mascara in Subversif - $41 - an aubergine black shade from the Fall 2016 Le Rouge Collection N°1
An all-in-one mascara that offers the perfect balance of volume, definition, length and curl, as well as conditioning and long-wearing properties.
With a narrow tip to catch even the thinnest lashes, the intuitive fiber brush glides on smoothly to deliver an eye-opening effect for an intense, well-defined look.
The mascara is part of the fall collection which has a red theme so I was a little worried that there would have more of a red tone to it - but you can see it doesn't look red at all - it pretty much looks black to me and it looks great!

Available now for a limited time at Chanel counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

August 20, 2016

NARS Fall 2016 Powerfall Colour Collection

NARS Fall 2016 Powerfall Colour Collection debuts a refined combination of seasonal shades, signature colours and state-of-the-art textures for eyes, cheeks and lips.
Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow - $36 - in Antares - iridescent white gold; Arcturus - shimmering deep indigo; and Rigel - shimmering rose gold
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - $33 - in Infatuated Red - garnet (Limited Edition); and Consuming Red - bordeaux
Contour Blush - $54 - cheeks are sculpted to new heights by complexion-enhancing hues including Melina - left side: café au lait; right side: espresso; and Talia - left side: light caramel; right side: nutmeg

Velvet Eyeliner - $32 - in Black Moon - black; Mambo - rich hazelnut; Curaçao - turquoise blue; Kalisté - teal; London - stormy grey; Blue Lotus - periwinkle; Last Frontier - espresso; Las Pozas - white pearl; and Darklight - navy - add rich dimension with pigments that glide on smooth and blend evenly, creating the perfect base for smoky lids or a fine line for a bold look.

Available now at NARS retailers across Canada including Sephora, Hudson’s Bay, Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom, and Murale and online at www.narscosmetics.com.

- Lisamarie -

August 19, 2016

Pantene Pro-V 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Renewal Deep Conditioner

Does too much sun, chlorine and/or wind have your hair looking a little too "beachy"? Summer hair relief is on the way in just 3 minutes with:

Pantene Pro-V 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Renewal Deep Conditioner - 180ml - $5.99 - with a powerful conditioning formula, ideal for extra dry hair, designed to provide miracle moisturizing renewal to hair in only 3 minutes that will transform dry strands into healthy, hydrated hair. Use it weekly or daily, depending on your hair's needs - if your hair is looking particularly dry and scary, apply to clean wet hair in the shower or tub and pop a shower cap on top - the heat and steam from the water will help it really soak in and do its hydrating thing! 

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Elizabeth and James Nirvana Bourbon and Nirvana Rose

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen’s ultra-cool fragrance line Elizabeth and James introduces two new distinctive fragrances in their Nirvana Collection:

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Bourbon - 30ml EDP - $82, 50ml EDP - $107, 10ml EDP Rollerball - $30 - a bold, oriental-woody scent with a provocative blend of sultry vanilla bourbon, oakwood and a hint of tuberose with intoxicating confidence.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rose - 30ml EDP - $82, 50ml EDP - $107, 10ml EDP Rollerball - $30 -  a seductive floral blend embodying the heart of a dark rose with notes of rose de mai, geranium and vetiver for a confident, refined scent with intrigue. 

The Rose De Mai is very distinctive, spicy rose with impressive staying power - it's too floral for my taste but rose lovers are going to like this one. On the other hand Vanilla Bourbon is perfect for anyone who loves vanilla but finds most vanilla fragrances too sweet - this is a smoky vanilla with a touch of floral that also lasts. I especially the love the bottles - Bourbon comes in an amber toned bottle with rich gold accents while Rose is in a scarlet toned bottle with rich gold accents - both blends feminine curves with contrasting architectural lines - they kind of remind me of a Zippo - which would be a really cool lighter!

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

August 18, 2016

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant - a hot weather essential!

If there's one thing that we can't do without these days it's antiperspirant! My biggest complaint with the usual cream/gel formulas, when it's this hot and humid they just don't dry after you apply them which leaves you with gross, sticky armpits! Making the perfect antiperspirant choice for hot sticky days to be:

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant - 107g - $5.99 - goes on instantly dry with no visible residue for a cleaner feel and 48-hour odour protection while providing all the care of Dove for softer, smoother underarms thanks to the brand’s signature ¼ moisturizing technology.

It comes in 2 new scents: Soothing Chamomile - an elegant soothing citrus scent with notes of orange blossom, chamomile and and delicate lily of the valley and Unscented - with a scent free, hypo-allergenic formula - and still available in Original - a floral powdery fragrance with notes of jasmine and rose, Beauty Finish - an elegant and sophisticated scent with notes of water lily, freesia and jasmine, Cool Essentials - a blend of cucumber and green tea notes and Revive - a pomegranate and lemon verbena scent.

Available now at drug, food and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

2 must-have products for creating perfect fall lips - from Clarins and Sephora!

I hate to say it but fall is coming! The upside of course is those fabulous deep lipstick colours that are always part of the fall beauty scene - they look great but take a lot more effort to apply and keep looking good - but will become a lot easier with:

Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfecting Base - $25 - a non-drying lip base that instantly smoothes the lips and sets lipstick for hours - by keeping the colour from bleeding and holding it in place while moisturizing lips for up to 6 hours.

Available now at Clarins counters across Canada.
Sephora Pro Lip Brush #85 - $20 - offers precision application to create a perfect look and then can be stored in its protective cap to easily travel for touchups throughout the day.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -