3 products my skin is loving from Belif, Trinny London and Ole Henriksen!

A change in weather means a change to my skin care - cold temperatures start to dry out my skin so it's time to break out more moisturizing products and here are 3 that will be in my winter rotation for sure:

Belif Moisturizing Bomb Toner - 200ml - $40.50 - a milky-textured toner that feels like a toner and serum in one with ultra-nourishing benefits thanks to a combination of: napiers moisture formula - reduces oils and provides moisture; comfrey leaf - an ultra-moisturizing herb that heals and soothes dryness; and a hydro-cream complex that contains nature-derived oil, shea butter and ceramide for moisture and to nourish the skin's barrier.

This is a truly cool product! It's like a super thin serum - and you can layer it. (I am already thinking about how great it will be for hot summer days when I would normally skip the moisturizer because even the lightest gel-cream seems like too much, but this would be perfect!)

If you are dry and like/need a thicker moisturizer follow it with Belif The True Cream- Moisturizing Bomb.

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

Trinny London Bounce Back Intense Peptide Moisturiser - 50ml - $88, 50ml refill - $70 - powered by a high-tech, 4-peptides complex that works to increase skin elasticity and firmness while visibly reducing the look of wrinkles along with hyaluronic acid - offers 24-hour moisture and restores plumpness to the skin while squalane and oat lipids help repair the skin barrier. our high-performing formulation visibly smooths wrinkles and brings vibrancy back to your complexion - for skin that feels plump, bouncy and full of life. 

It packs a really nice and lasting moisturizing punch without being too thick: if I use something too heavy my skin will let me know by breaking out in tiny red bumps and I am bump free with this one; or not thick enough: which is when my skin will feel tight and dry - this formula is Goldilocks approved - just right!

Available online at https://trinnylondon.com/ca/products/bounce-back.

Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment - 12ml - $30 - An advanced lip treatment with skin-supporting peptides and kokum butter that instantly hydrates and improves elasticity; smooths, brightens and revives dull lips; reduces the look of fine lip lines and quickly, visibly plumps for fuller looking lips in just one week.

It adds a lot of moisture and a little bit of shine so not recommended to wear under lipstick but is great if you are looking for a more natural day look or as an overnight treatment (it's replaced my Laneige Sleeping Mask). My very favourite thing about it though is the smell - it also comes in Lingonberry Jam option but as far as I'm concerned you can't beat the Original which is Citrus Sunshine and to me smells exactly like an orange creamsicle - yummy!

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

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... EcoTools Dry Body Brush!

EcoTools Dry Body Brush - $14.99 - offers deep exfoliation without a messy scrub or harsh chemical. There are many benefits to dry brushing: helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores to leave skin feeling softer and smoother; boosts circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system; moisturizer works better because it won't have to fight its way through dead skin cells; and it will even help scrub off old fake tan, to avoid the patchy stage. 

 

How you dry brush is also important: start with the soles of your feet and legs - brush upwards towards your heart in short, firm strokes - and be sure not to  press too hard so the bristles don't scratch your skin. Use circular motions on your stomach and armpits, instead of short, firm strokes, then when you get to your arms, begin at your hands and work the brush upwards. Follow with a relaxing shower and be generous with the body moisturizer after (I highly recommend Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Body Moisturizer - 300ml - $40.50 - available at Sephora), you will be amazed at how easily it soaks in! You don't need to do it every day or even every other day, twice a week is probably all you need.

 

There are different styles, I've tried a dry brush with a handle before and other then the handle being useful for reaching the back, I find this palm style one with the hand strap is much better for ease of use and controlling the pressure. 

Available at Real Canadian Superstore locations across Canada and online at amazon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with...Belif Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads!

Exfoliate, soothe and hydrate all in one clever little pad with...

 

Belif Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads - 150ml (70 pads) - $32 - diminish dry, flaky patches to reveal brighter and smoother skin with a formula of 2% polyhydroxy acid - smooths and exfoliates dead skin; bakuchiol - nature's retinol for the skin for fine lines; hyaluronic acid - to hydrate; and centella asiatica - to soothe.

The pads are double sided: the embossed side helps slough away dead skin cells and excess oil while the smooth side offers gentle skin refinement and hydration. 

 

Nothing feels better on your tired skin after a long day and of course the jar container means they are super portable - so take them everywhere! Just keep in mind if you have sensitive skin that you might have to work up to daily use, try using them just a few times a week at first until your skin adjusts.

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

- Lisamarie -

Celebrate National Sunscreen Day with Isa Knox Anew, Belif and Blue Lizard!

As a beauty blogger I get asked a lot about what the best product is for anti-aging and I always answer: "that's easy, sunscreen!"And seeing as it's  National Sunscreen Day it seems like the perfect time to remind ourselves (and our future selves) that the best thing we can do for our skin is wear that sunscreen everyday - applied liberally and often! 

 

Here are a few I love:

 

Isa Knox Anew Solaire Active Face & Body Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunsreen - 80ml - $42 - offers advanced sun protection and luxury skin care in one easy water-light formula that blends quickly and evenly with no white cast that offers protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, with hydrating panthenol, niacinamide and peony extracts help keep skin feeling hydrated, soft and smooth. If your not a regular sunscreen user but want to be this is an easy way to add it to your routine by replacing your usual moisturizer with it!

 

Available at avon.ca. 

Belif Aqua Bomb Broad Spectrum SPF 50 - 50ml - $50 - a dual-functioning sunscreen and moisturizer both protects and hydrates the skin year-round without leaving behind a white cast or greasy residue, making it the new perfect addition to every skincare routine. It contains enriching antioxidants and ingredients such as marigold extract to reduce UV-induced oxidative stress and woodbine to activate the cells from antioxidant effects, along with sun-blocking benefits to protect against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Free from phthalates, sulphates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, synthetic organic dyes and animal originated ingredients. 

 

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

Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ - 89ml - $21.99 - a sheer mineral sunscreen that is easy to apply, leaving no visible residue. Created with zinc oxide and a blend of shea butter, antioxidants, and vitamin E to promote softer, healthier skin, it provides broad spectrum protection against aging UV rays and fights free radicals with cucumber and papaya extracts. It's water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes - and FYI, it also comes in a face formula!

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -

Needful Things - Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Body Moisturizer

If you've ever wished for a giant vat of Belif's Aqua Bomb so that your whole body could just sink into it - wish granted (kind of)!

 

Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Body Moisturizer - 300ml - $39 - a fast-absorbing, lightweight body-moisturizing gel that intensely hydrates skin  with a unique silky finish without leaving a sticky or greasy residue behind. 

 

With a body quenching formula of: niacinamide - a visibly brightening, smoothing, hydrating ingredient that supports skin protein production; hyaluronic acid - helps skin retain moisture for a smoother, plumper appearance; and Lady's Mantle - to soothe skin - leaving skin looking hydrated, healthy and glowing - and because of the nice light feel will be just as great to use in the summer as it is now!

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm (still) obsessed with... Belif The True Cream - Aqua Bomb Aloe!

My favourite summer moisturizer is back and better than ever... a gel-cream with soothing properties built right in that is now even more moisturizing and refreshing: 

 

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Aloe Vera - 50ml - $50 - a cooling, lightweight gel-cream with a natural refreshing citrus scent that soothes irritated skin and delivers instant hydration for all skin types, even the most sensitive. 

 

Chock full of organic ingredients including: aloe vera that is hand-picked and sustainably farmed in Guastatova - to soothe; lady's mantle - for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties; and napiers aqua formula - a blend of apothecary herbs including chickweed and plantain that boosts hydration - the new formula also includes a multi-level blend of hyaluronic acid that penetrates different layers of the skin for intense hydration, along with vitamin E to visibly smooth texture and even tone.

 

Even better is what it doesn't contain: free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances. 

 

This limited edition reformulation is available at avon.ca and ca.naturecollection.com. 

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Belif Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream

Get your spring glow back with:

 

Belif Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream - 50ml - $56 - with a light and moisturizing gel cream formula that brightens and hydrates thanks to a quadruple hyaluronic acid blend - to replenish moisture on the inner and outer layers of the skin while increasing moisture density; and a powerful burst of vitamin C & E - to brighten.

The light gel cream texture is perfect as the days get warmer and the desire to lighten up your skin cream intensifies. My only complaint is that it doesn't smell like citrus - my philosophy is that any beauty product that contains vitamin C should smell like citrus - it doesn't smell like hotdogs so I guess that is an improvement over many vitamin C products... but regardless of the smell, you will love how your skin feels (and what you don't feel - it's free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances. ) when you add this to your skincare routine!

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and sephora.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Belif The Garden

Energize your senses with the first fragrance from belif:

 

Belif The Garden - 50ml EDP - $80 - an invigorating fruity citrus and floral fragrance that takes you on a stroll into the garden with opening notes of sparkling citrus and sweet berry; heart notes of dewy spring blossoms and white flower; and a base of smooth white musk and woods wrapped in an earthy base for an unforgettable fragrance with a bright, fresh feeling. 

 

The fragrance truly is an ode to springtime - my best description is light and happy - and really who can't use a bit (lot) of that?! Even the sunny yellow bottle has me thinking spring thoughts!

Available now exclusively at avon.ca and ca.naturecollection.com. 

- Lisamarie -

Night time necessities from Dr Teal's, Belif & Quo!

Dr Teal’s Melatonin Sleep Bath and Sleep Soak promotes a better night's sleep thanks to a formula  infused with melatonin - which helps regulate sleep and wake cycles; along with lavender and chamomile essential oils - to help reduce stress and encourage relaxation.

 

Foaming Sleep Bath with Melatonin - 1000ml - $9.99 - transforms your bath into a rejuvenating experience with essential oils to soothe the senses and help provide relief from stress and bubbles to gently cleanse.

 

Pure Epsom Salt Melatonin Sleep Soak - 1.36kg - $9.99 - restores and replenishes with pure, mineral rich epsom salt - eases aches and soreness from muscle pains and an essential oil blend to create a blissful soaking experience that soothes the senses and helps provide relief from stress while helping relieve aches and pains.

 

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

Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask - 75ml - $45 - with a jelly-pudding texture and a formula containing skin-soothing Scottish heather and ultra-hydrating lady's mantle that locks and seals in explosive, powerful moisture all night long helping you wake up to ultra-hydrated and nourished skin with a dewy, radiant glow.

 

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

Quo Beauty Sleep Mask - $8.99 - a soft and smooth satin masks that helps block out light and visual distractions - with an elastic band for comfortable, easy fit.

 

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

- Lisamarie -

Great Gifting - Belif Glowy Holidays Kit

Belif Glowy Holidays Kit - $30 - A kit with five mini skincare must-haves, including all the newest additions to the Bomb collection, to target dryness and dullness for a healthy-looking glow this winter - cleverly contained in a limited-edition, holiday-themed pouch - including: 10ml The True Cream Aqua Bomb; 10 ml Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask; 5ml Moisturizing Eye Bomb; 9ml Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm; and 10ml Hungarian Water Essence. Ingredients include: - Comfrey Leaf -  an ultra-moisturizing herb historically used to heal dry, calloused hands; Lady‘s Mantle - an antioxidant-rich herb known to visibly minimize pores, target free radicals, and support skin renewal; Napiers Aqua Formula - an ultra-hydrating formula that boosts the benefits of hyaluronic acid. 

A great stocking stuffer for someone that you want to introduce to the Belif range or tuck one away for yourself - they are the perfect size for when we'll be able to travel again!

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Belif Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm!

Belif Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm - 100ml - $45 - with a unique texture like sherbet, this balm literally melts onto your skin, gently removing stubborn makeup and impurities to leave skin hydrated with a beautiful supple glow.

With a hydrating herbal formula containing: lotus flower - to cleanse dirt and provide radiance; marshmallow root - to protect and moisturize skin; and lady‘s mantle - to provide antioxidants and pore-minimizing effects.

What's really fun about it though is how the formula changes when it comes in contact with skin - it goes  from being a balm, turns creamy and then melts into an oil - making it perfect for effective cleansing and hydration! It's easy to use: just take a scoop of the balm with the enclosed spatula and roll onto dry skin, allowing the formula to melt into oil. Continue to massage on skin until all makeup traces are removed. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat skin dry. I was happy to discover that not only does it do a great job removing makeup, it also takes care of sunscreen which I usually have to double cleanse to get rid of! Follow your cleansing with one of the Belif moisturizers - I'm a fan of The True Cream Aqua Bomb Aloe Vera.

Available now exclusively at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca. And you'll be happy to know it is part of the Clean at Sephora program which means it is formulated without a list of over 50 ingredients, including sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates and more!

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Aloe Vera!

It seems entirely possible that I might be part vampire - as soon as the hot weather arrives, the least amount of sun makes my skin react and feel overly heated  and all hot and prickly even when back inside. This time of year, I always switch my moisturizer to something more gel like and this year, as an added bonus, I've found a gel-cream that also has soothing properties built right in:

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Aloe Vera - 50ml - $50 - a cooling, lightweight gel-cream with a natural refreshing citrus scent that soothes irritated skin and delivers instant hydration for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

Chock full of organic ingredients including: aloe vera that is hand-picked and sustainably farmed in Guastatova - to soothe; lady's mantle - for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties; and napiers aqua formula - a blend of apothecary herbs including chickweed and plantain that boosts hydration - to provide an explosion of cooling, soothing hydration for a fresh, vibrant-looking complexion.

Even better is what it doesn't contain: free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances.

This limited edition reformulation is available at Sephora stores across Canada and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Tighten, firm and anti-age with a serum from No7, Belif and StriVectin!

No7 Laboratories Firming Booster Serum - 30ml - $44 - designed for areas of the face most prone to loss of firmness, it contains a super concentrate that is 4x more firming to deliver fast visible results - skin looks visibly firmer in just 1 week - and in 2 weeks, face and neck look visibly lifted.

The built-in, massaging applicator makes it easy and effective - twice a day, just massage a tiny amount from the left side of the mouth outwards and upwards to the brow and repeat on the other side - then massage the same amount into the neck and jawline - and just remember to turn the applicator to the off position!

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

Belif Youth Creator Age Knockdown Bomb - 50ml - $80 - an anti-aging, gel-textured serum that improves the appearance of enlarged pores, boosts elasticity and reduces fine lines and wrinkles for smoother, younger-looking skin with a highly-moisturizing formula of cedrol - helps boost skin elasticity and firmness; winter aster - helps support a healthy complexion; and water pennywort - soothes skin.

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

StriVectin Peptight Tightening & Brightening Face Serum - 50ml - $109 - with a dual-focus formula that visibly tightens and firms skin while brightening and evening skin tone by harnessing  the power of two unique types of peptides: tetrapeptides and botanical tensors - visibly tighten, and firm for more sculpted-looking contours; and Hexapeptides - to brighten and help even skin tone; along with vitamin C-rich Australian kakadu plum extract - to enhance clarity and radiance; and  proprietary NIA-114 and potent botanical extracts for visibly tighter, brighter skin with a more sculpted-looking contour.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Hudson's Bay stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and thebay.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Get moisture that's the bomb... Belif Aqua Bomb that is!

A change in seasons means all kinds of new and wonderful skincare problems: dryness, pores, dullness and uneven texture to name just a few - wouldn't it be nice if there was an easy way to deal with them?

But wait, there is:

Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner - 200ml - $37 - a lightweight, water based toner that provides a refreshing splash of hydration to help nurture skin for a healthy-looking glow.

The hydrating formula includes:
honeysuckle - to soothe and calm the skin;
baobab - locks in moisture and prevents water loss; and
sodium hyaluronate - helps keep skin hydrated.

 and dries to a satisfying satin finish for a smoother, softer and healthier-looking complexion.

If your skin is oily you might find  the toner adds enough moisture on it's own - other skin types will probably want another layer so the toner pairs well with - for combination skin: The True Cream Aqua Bomb - 50ml - $50 - a weightless gel-cream that cools and refreshes skin while providing an explosion of intense hydration; or for dry skin: The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb - 50ml - $50 - a cushiony cream that provides dull, flaky skin with an explosion of comforting moisture, leaving it feeling supple, smooth, and deeply nourished. I also noticed a discovery kit with a bunch of travel sized products for $30 if you want to try them out first without committing to full sizes!

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

- Lisamarie -