Humidity Chose Violence (AKA Hair Frizz)... So I Chose BKIND, Drybar, Redavid & Conair!

All winter long we dream about summer. We beg for it. We count down to it. We swear we'll never complain about the heat again. 

 

Then it finally arrives... and immediately reminds us that every season has its own special way of keeping us humble - we step outside for approximately 17 seconds, and suddenly our hair has transformed into a tribute band for Hagrid. 

 

Because while summer is great for patios, iced coffee, and pretending we'll "definitely spend more time outside," it's also absolute chaos for our hair. Humidity has one job, and apparently that job is making every strand on your head ignore years of styling, expensive products and your personal wishes.

 

The sleek blowout you spent 30 minutes perfecting? Gone before you've even backed out of the driveway. Your curls? They've formed a labour union and are refusing to follow instructions. 

 

If your hair has recently entered its feral era, don't panic. These are a few of my favourite frizz fighters that help convince my hair to behave... or at least fake it convincingly... 

 

BKIND Leave-In Conditioning Serum - 90ml - $58 

 

If your hair has been screaming for moisture louder than your garden in August, this leave-in serum is exactly what it needs. 

 

It's lightweight, packed with hemisqualane, repairing phytosterols and nourishing plant oils and somehow manages to smooth frizz, strengthen hair, define curls, add shine and protect against heat up to 450°F all at once. 

 

And if all that isn't enough, it also helps restore softness, shine and manageability while keeping curls defined and colour looking fresh. And as an added bonus, the pear and green tea scent makes hair smell amazing!

 

Basically, it's the overachiever of the group while the rest of us are just trying to survive until September.

 

Available at spas and boutiques across Canada - you can locate one near you or buy online at bkind.com.

 

Drybar Final Call Frizz & Static Control Mist - 140g - $39.50

 

You know that moment when you leave the house looking fabulous and five minutes later your hair says, "Actually... no"? 

 

This is for that. 

 

 One quick mist creates an invisible shield that helps keep frizz, flyaways and static from hijacking your style for up to 24 hours. The nourishing formula combines Monoi oil, coconut milk and vitamin E for softness and shine, while sunflower seed and jojoba help create a humidity-resistant barrier around each strand. It also protects against UV rays and pollution because, apparently, our hair has more daily enemies than we realized. As an added bonus it has a coconut, vanilla and amber scent that gives me the summer vibe that I am here for in the Blanc Scent option - or if you prefer something more tropical it also comes in a Coconut Colada version. 

 

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

 

Redavid Orchid Oil Treatment Ultra Nourishing Anti-Frizz Serum - 30ml - $22, 90ml - $46, 250ml - $98

 

This serum is basically the friend who shows up with snacks, a charger, a first-aid kit and jumper cables. 

 

Frizz? Covered. 

Heat protection? Yep. 

Detangling? Absolutely. 

Shine? You got it!

 

A lightweight leave-in treatment smooths frizz, restores moisture, detangles, speeds up blow-drying, adds shine and protects against heat without leaving your hair looking like you accidentally deep-fried it.

 

It uses a combination of coconut oil and Cymbidium Orchid Oil to strengthen, hydrate and smooth even the most dramatic hair days without leaving behind greasy residue. 

 

Some hair oils promise the world but leave you hanging - this one actually clocks in for work! 

 

Available online at redavid.ca and amazon.ca. 

 

Conair Smooth and Shine Cordless Heated Brush - $39.97

 

This little gadget is for all those moments when your hair betrays you in public. 

 

It's cordless, rechargeable, travel-friendly and smooths flyaways faster than you can say, "Was my hair seriously doing that all day?" 

 

Ceramic heated bristles and ionic technology help tame frizz in minutes, making it perfect for your purse, desk drawer or glove compartment—because hair emergencies have absolutely no respect for your schedule. 

 

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

 

 

Summer is wonderful... but until my hair learns to agree at least these products will help keep the frizz under control and let me look like I have my life together... even if it's just from the shoulders up!

 

- Lisamarie - 

This week I'm obsessed with... Infiniti PRO by CONAIR Steam Therapy Hair Steamer!

At first glance the INFINITI PRO by CONAIR Steam Therapy Hair Steamer looks like it’s firmly Team Curly. Steam therapy? Diffuser attachment? Curl reactivation? None of this is speaking directly to my pin-straight, fine-but-plentiful, goes-limp-if-you-look-at-it-wrong hair. 

 

But curiosity got the better of me. Before passing it along to someone with actual curls, I figured… why not see if it could do anything at all for my tragically straight strands? 

 

Dear Reader, I'm here to tell you - it did. 

 

My hair looks its best on wash day and steadily declines into limp territory by day two or three. I refuse to overwash, which means dry shampoo and I are in a very committed (but not always fulfilling) relationship. So on a no-wash day, I skipped the aerosol cloud and gave my hair a full steam session instead - and wow! Instant perk-up! I got back some volume and that elusive “just washed” look without the dull, powdery aftermath that dry shampoo loves to leave behind - consider me impressed! 

 

 I also tried pairing the steamer with a hair mask to see if that whole “better absorption” promise would prove itself. Jury’s still mildly out - my hair always feels great after a mask - but the logic checks out, so I’m happy to keep very diligently steaming my head before masking. For science, of course.

 

And for balance, I also recruited a friend with very curly hair (you know, the actual target market). She loved it. Her one pro tip: if you’ve got longer hair, definitely use the diffuser - and give yourself a little time to get the hang of the technique. Once she did, though? She would not shut up about how defined, bouncy and full her curls looked!

 

Did I let her keep it? Absolutely not! 

 

This steamer has earned its place in my routine - curls or no curls - because if loving a curl steamer is wrong, I don't want to be right!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca for $179.99, online at conaircanada.ca for $129.99, or online at amazon.ca for $109.99 - and if you buy it right now it's a Black Friday deal for $76 - I don't know how long that price will last though!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Glow Island USA: Meet the Tools Turning Heads from Conair, pmd Beauty and GESKE!

There are a couple of things I’m obsessed with these days: Love Island USA and the demise of my once-beloved Clarisonic. 

 

I’ll admit, I don’t usually mix up my cleansing routine. Most days I’m loyal to the facecloth + cleanser combo (safe, reliable, but a little vanilla). But a couple times a week, I throw in a tool for that villa twist - gotta keep the pores on their toes, yeah? 

 

For ages, I was wholeheartedly devoted to my Clarisonic. We were so coupling - we had a thing. But let’s be honest: it’s been high-maintenance, it keeps ghosting me (RIP to the fourth one that just broke) and for something I only use twice a week, there really shouldn’t be this much drama! 

 

When my latest one bit the dust, I realized I was tired of something that works like Ariana does as a host - shows up for a few minutes in a great outfit, causes a little chaos and then disappears without explanation. I needed a dependable new bombshell who looks good and relentlessly does their job of seducing/cleaning my face. So I went on the hunt for a rebound: something more reliable, more vibey, less likely to spontaneously die mid-cleanse. 

 

Here’s what I found - ranked by how well they understood the assignment, let's go up to Soul Ties and discuss: 

Conair True Glow Sonic Facial Brush - $59.99 

The No-Nonsense Grafter 

 

She’s affordable, dependable, and doesn’t need constant attention - basically Austin in brush form. This little babe (shoutout Amaya!) delivers 300 sonic oscillations per second (faster than some Islanders switch couples), three speed settings and even shuts off after 60 seconds - just enough time to get in, get clean, and not overdo it. 

Specs: 

- Waterproof Rechargeable with charging base (no batteries? It’s giving eco.) 

- Clinically proven to reduce redness, shrink pores by 30%, and make skin glowier 

- Removes 98% of environmental toxins—because city skin needs a detox too.

 

Available at conaircanada.ca.

pmd Beauty Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device - $139 

The Fancy One Who Does Pilates 

 

She’s sleek, she’s silicone, she vibrates at 7,000 times per minute (don’t get cheeky) and she’s all about lifting, toning and being extra extra. If Conair is your steady relationship, PMD Clean is the fit, mysterious bombshell who turns every head at the fire pit. Comes with four customizable modes, a built-in anti-aging massage feature and bristles so soft they could sweet-talk Hannah (not that that’s hard…). Perks: 

- Ultra-hygienic + waterproof silicone 

- Boosts elasticity like it’s on collagen crack 

- Reduces fine lines while cleansing deep - a multitasking queen! 

- Suitable for all skin types

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart in a very cute Blush with rose gold finish, or online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca. (Yes, it’s also on the PMD site in other colours—but why bother? Converting USD is the real villain here.) 

GESKE Sonic Facial Brush 5-in-1 - $39.95 

The AI-Loving Pocket Rocket

 

She’s tiny (like Ace, but not an asshole) and mighty. With AI-powered skin scanning and a full skincare game plan via app, this is basically the Huda (feed that girl a proper pancake!) of cleansing tools - dramatic, tech-savvy, maybe a little unhinged, but ultimately very helpful. 

Features: 

- SmartSonic pulsations for deep cleansing 

- Eye-nose area precision (say bye to congestion in awkward corners) 

- Youthful Glow massage to fake 8 hours of sleep 

- Ultra-hygienic and great for textured, oily, or stressed-out skin 

- Comes in aquamarine, pink, and black

 

Available online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and amazon.ca.

 

💞 Final Recoupling Thoughts: If you’re done with the drama of overpriced, high-maintenance skincare gadgets that abandon you when you need them most (yes, I'm looking at you Jeremiah), it’s time to pick a cleansing tool fit for your villa. Whether you want a no-fuss grafter, a bougie anti-aging boss babe or a tech-savvy glow-getter, choose your island vibe - and let your skin find its perfect coupling. 

 

Your skin? It’s definitely getting a text!

 

- 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 -

This week I'm obsessed with... InfinitiPro by Conair DigitalAire Hair Dryer!

I've been looking at hair dryers lately, not only for myself, but also as a gift for a good friend. While I have been considering treating us both to a Dyson, the price just seems crazy-pants to me so I have been checking out other options and believe I have found the winner:

InfinitiPro by Conair DigitalAire Hair Dryer - $249.99 - with accelerated drying with 1,875 watts in a digital motor that spins up to 90,000 RPMs for up to 5x more speed and 75% more air pressure. It also offers honeycomb ceramic technology that helps prevent hotspots to minimize heat damage and an internal ionic generator which diffuses conditioning ions to eliminate frizz. With the added bonus of 3 heat and 3 speed setting for customized styling of every hair type and texture plus a locking cold shot button to set your style in place. Also included  are a couple of attachments: a concentrator for sleek, straight styles and a diffuser for volume, waves and curls.

 

One of my big concerns was the weight, but it's a lot of power without the heft, weighing in at just 1.2lbs - that's 30% lighter compared to other AC motor dryers! And of course it looks all sleek and sexy and is a lovely shade of ice-blue - looks great, works great - I'm sold!

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada and online at amazon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Rollers and Joico Heat Hero!

Looking for an easy way to add some extra bounce and maybe even curl to your hair? Check out:

 

Conair Xtreme Instant Heat - $45.99 -  with ceramic infused technology for better heat transfer and longer lasting curls from 12 flocked rollers in two different sizes: 8 x 1 1/2" and 4 x 1 3/4" to smooth, curl and add volume and 12 jumbo flexible wire clips for a secure hold without crimp marks.

Those of you who like instant gratification will really appreciate how fast they heat up - only 85 seconds!

I have fine shoulder length hair that refuses to hold a curl so my hopes for this was smoothness and body... and it didn't disappoint! I get the best results by letting them cool completely in my hair before removing - so about 8 minutes and finger combing after, no brushing. 

 

I also make sure to use a product before and after that protects my hair from the heat and add extra shine - my pick: Joico Heat Hero Glossing Thermal Protector - 145g - $24.99 - infused with nourishing hydration for strong, super-shiny, well-defended hair thanks to heat deflecting polymers that provide light style retention and help to protect hair from damaging thermal tools and moringa seed oil - a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins A & E and silica - all fundamental to creating healthy, strong, damage-resistant hair while helping to boost shine and softness.

 

Available at mass retailers across Canada and online at amazon.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

Smooth, shiny and fragrant hair made easy thanks to Avon, The Knot Dr. For Conair and Yves Rocher!

Avon Chi Essentials Revive Keratin + Bonding Collection - helps rebuild, revive and protect hair from damage while dramatically improving the look and elasticity, helping prevent breakage and adding intense hydration to help restore softness and shine. Available in the line: Restoring Shampoo - 355ml - $35 - cleanses, moisturizes and protects against split ends and frizz; Restoring Conditioner - 355ml - $35 - helps restore dry, damaged and brittle hair; and Protecting Serum - 88ml - $59 - adds smoothness, shine and UV protection to wet or dry hair. All products are free of sulfates and parabens and are pH balanced so great for even coloured hair.

Available online at avon.ca.

The Knot Dr. For Conair All-in-One Mini Oval Dryer Brush - $64.99 - provides salon performance  to style, dry, detangle, de-frizz and volumize - with a travel-friendly compact design that does it all at home or anywhere else. Featuring painless Knotectomy detangling with 120 flexalite bristles with epoxy tips and the perfect spacing for painless detangling; a tourmaline ceramic coated barrel along with advanced Ionic Conditioning to leave hair luxuriously smooth, shiny, and frizz free; and a choice of settings from cool, low or high heat along with a cool shot to lock in your look. gliding down your hair. 

 

I've always been a regular hair dryer person that I use with one hand while I brush with another - a hard thing to do on yourself if you aren't a pro - the dryer brush really is a game changer - smooth hair with a minimum of effort!

 

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

And so it smells as good as it looks:

 

Yves Rocher Energizing Perfumed Body and Hair Mist in Peach Star Anise - 100ml - $16 - To top up your energy, our Botanical Beauty researchers have combined Star Anise essential oil* and a Peach extract to create a mist with an energizing perfume to spray on your body and hair. Our commitment: • This formula contains more than 97% ingredients from natural origin • Colorant free • Vegan** • Recyclable bottle containing recycled plastic

 

Available at Yves Rocher stores across Canada and online at yvesrocher.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

3 steps to glowing skin with Conair, StiVectin and Alya Skin!

Start your glowing skin regime with...

 

Conair True Glow Facial Sauna - $49.99 - cleanses, hydrates and refreshes skin with a warm steam  moisturizing mist that loosens dirt, oil and blackheads for a complete deep cleansing while promoting overall skin health and protection by improving skin tone and elasticity that brings out skin's natural beauty and glow. It has 7 timer settings making it great for all skin types and is also great for reducing nasal congestion during colds and allergies.

I was a little worried when trying this, my skin is prone to redness and I thought I might turn out less glowy and more boiled lobster but no worry needed - my skin pinked up a bit but did not boil!

Available at mass retailers across Canada and online at conaircanada.ca.

After steaming, this is the perfect time to exfoliate and get rid of any lingering embedded dirt and to slough off dead skin 

StriVectin Advanced Resurfacing Pro Glowfoliant Mix-In Microderm Crystals - 36g - $49 - finely textured, dermatologist-grade microdermabrasion crystals plus a gentle blend of AHAs offer results comparable to a professional microdermabrasion treatment.

 

It's very easy and versatile - just mix a bit with any cleanser to thoroughly exfoliate dulling, pore-clogging dead skin cells for visibly renewed, ultra-smooth glowing skin in just 15 seconds without disrupting skin’s barrier. The "any cleanser" part is what I really appreciate about it - a lot of exfoliants are too thick and heavy for my taste but this one mixes easily into my light gel cleanser so I get all the exfoliating benefits in a texture of my choice!

Available at drugstores across Canada.

And now that your skin is perfectly smooth and soft finish it off with some Vitamin C to keep the glow going - I would recommend...

Alya Skin Vitamin C Supercharged Serum - 35ml - $41.99 - boosts the skin with a blend of Kakadu Plum, Desert Lime, Finger Lime Caviar and Lilly Pilly. These Australian natives are packed full of Vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant which plumps, brightens, and increases collagen production to brighten and even skin tone. 

 

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

When my skin feels this clean and soft I hate to put on makeup, but if I have to it is amazing how easily foundation glides on and how much better it looks -  just add these 3 steps to your routine twice a week and admire the glow with and without foundation! You will also definitely want to add this to your special event prep or for anytime you want to look especially good!

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... The Knot Dr. for Conair All-in-One Smoothing Dryer Brush!

The world's best hair-detangling technology is now available in a hot air brush:

 

The Knot Dr. for Conair All-in-One Smoothing Dryer Brush - $79.99 - straightens and smooths dry hair or dries and styles wet hair - all in one easy step. The paddle brush features  silicone cushioning under 136 flexalite bristles - which is just the right number, spaced just the right way - with epoxy tips that gently massage scalp for painless detangling.

 

With 900 watts of advanced ionic conditioning that includes a powerful, high-voltage ion generator that flattens and seals the hair cuticle, leaving hair silky smooth and frizz free. It has 3 heat settings, making it great for all hair types and lengths, as well as a cool shot setting to lock in style and a 6' professional swivel cord that makes it easy to use without getting all tangled up!

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

- Lisamarie -

Fake summer well into fall with Conair, Indeed and Essence!

For the perfect day-at-the-beach waves:

 

Conair Triple Barrel Waver - $49.99 - with a triple barrel that creates continuous, uniform deep waves, while the double ceramic technology delivers even heat for fast styling and long-lasting results. It's great for every hair type thanks to the 30 heat settings along with turbo heat that gives a 27°F burst of heat for difficult-to-style spots.

 

I have covid to thank for actually having enough hair to try something like this out. I have fine hair but a lot of it and in the past have found hair tools complicated that end up being useless because my hair just does not want to hold a curl. Curls may be a no but waves are a big yes - not only was it so easy to use, but the waves it adds are gorgeous and just last and last! I use the waver and then spray in a little  salt spray to give it a bit of texture and I look just like a mermaid (well a mermaid with clothes)!

Available at mass retailers and Trade Secrets stores across Canada and online at amazon.ca.

Get a sun-kissed look sans sun:

 

Indeed Nanobronze Bronzing Drops - 30ml - $24.95 - instantly bronzes, blurs, and hydrates skin with a tinted serum that combats dullness and provides an immediate and long-lasting bronzy glow that conceals imperfections and enhances natural beauty. The formula contains pea extracts - with proven tan enhancement effects; giant kelp extract - to protect skin against harmful daily stressors; cacao (cocoa) seed extract - to boost skin’s defenses against blue light; and hyaluronic acid - to hydrate skin for a full, plump, and glowing complexion. 

 

Suitable for all skin types and complexions, they can be blended with your serum or moisturizer for a light glow or used alone to intensify the colour - use it on your face, chest, legs or wherever you want/need some liquid sunshine!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at indeedlabs.com.

Get a daily dose of energy (and glow) for your eyelids:

 

Essence Daily Dose Of Energy Eyeshadow Palette - $8.99 - a warm toned eyeshadow palette with a paraben, fragrance, alcohol and oil free formula featuring 9 shades and finishes ranging from matte to metallic that are highly pigmented and perfect for creating a multitude of looks while the compact size makes the palette perfect to take anywhere for travel or touch-ups. It also has that crazy red shade that everyone seems to be wearing so if you've been thinking about experimenting, here's your chance!

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... InfinitiPRO by Conair Smoothwrap 2-In-1 Styler!

A year with no haircuts has left me with more hair then I know what to do with -  which has me super-interested in anything that will make me look less like I'm sporting a mop on my head and more like I intend to have this much hair that now looks sleek and polished  thanks to:

 

InfinitiPRO by Conair Smoothwrap 2-In-1 Styler - $69.99 - features a 1 1/4" ceramic-coated barrel and plate that straightens or curls with even heat distribution that helps promote fast  styling to reduce damage while the dual ion therapy has positive and negative ions that work together to condition hair, giving it volume and body with less frizz and flyaways, leaving it feeling moisturized, softer and shinier.

 

It has 2 heat settings: 320F (160C) & 392F (200C) and is perfect for travel thanks to the ergonomic handle for styling ease that folds up and dual voltage - while the auto shut off and cool tip are nice safety benefits.

Also available in the collection is the Smoothwrap Hair Dryer - $79.99 - with the same ion benefits and ceramic technology that minimizes heat damage for the best healthy-looking hair.

Available now at mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Conair InfinitiPro Frizz Free Hot Air Brush!

These days we really need to put the power of salon styling in our own hands - which is now made easy with:

 

Conair InfinitPro Frizz Free Hot Air Brush - $49.99 - with a ceramic coated, 1½-inch thermal barrel that ensures even heat for exceptional performance, while ionic technology eliminates frizz, resulting in smooth, shiny, healthy-looking hair. Equipped with 2 heat settings to dry hair quickly yet gently as you style, it features a mix of nylon and ball-tipped bristles for optimal comfort and control, plus a cool setting to lock in your style.  

 

The nice thing about present circumstances is not having to run out the door in the morning so I have the time to let my hair mostly air dry - then I use the Hot Air Brush to give it a smooth finish and lots of shine! And I don't even have my usual complaint about hair appliances that the cord ends up being a mess making it hard to use - the cord on this one is great - 6' long and it swivels so I never find myself tangled up in it!

 

Part of a whole Conair InfinitPro Frizz Free Collection which also includes a Pro Dryer, Flat Iron and Curling Iron!

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Say goodbye to cords with the Conair Unbound Cordless Auto Curler!

Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, the only way to curl your hair on the go was with curling irons that ran on butane cells - they might still exist, but running around with toxic gas in your purse seems like a questionable idea - especially when a much better alternative now exists:

Conair Unbound Cordless Auto Curler - $129.99 - add curls or waves anytime, anywhere with a ceramic curl chamber that reduces frizz and adds shine, resulting in beautiful, silky hair that looks like you just stepped out of a salon.

It's very easy to use: choose your heat (up to 400 degrees fahrenheit) and select your curl direction - left, right or mixed - they insert 1 inch sections of hair into the curl chamber, press and hold the button to begin curling - wait for the beep and release the perfect curl - easy peasy!

The compact size and cordless design makes it perfect for travel and on-the-go styling - and no gas to blow you up - it charges with a USB cable with a full charge earning you 60 minutes of use.

As someone whose hair won't hold a curl for more then a couple of hours, it's a real game changer being able to sneak off to the bathroom to perk my wilting curls back up in no time or effort at all!

Available at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Test Driving - InfinitiPro by Conair 3Q Straightener

InfinitiPro by Conair 3Q Straightener - $119.99 - provides super-fast styling thanks to 1 inch plates that heat up to 455 degrees F within 30 seconds, lasting smoothness with 100% more ion generation that actively eliminates static and tames frizz for exceptional shine. The luxurious black titanium plates give ultimate glide for effortless smoothing and the electroplated plates enhance heat conductivity for soft, manageable hair while advanced CeraTherm technology gives superior fast-action heat transfer.

The straightener features 12 digital heat settings that allow optimum temperature for different hair types and intelligent sensor technology that adjusts the temperature to protect hair from excessive heat. What I like best is the gentle setting which allows you to instantly reduce heat to help minimize damage when styling - perfect if you have fine hair like mine that heats up really quick - I find it takes only a couple of passes with the iron but if it takes more then that I can easily reduce the heat so my hair doesn't fry! The other options that make me really appreciate it are practical but so very necessary - auto shut off for those Monday mornings when you can barely remember to put on pants never mind turn off your straightener and a 5 foot long swivel cord so there is lots of room to maneuver and you don't have to worry about the cord getting all tangled up!

Available at mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Travel made easy with Conair, Foreo, Avon and Quo!

Lack of space usually has me foregoing some of the luxuries of life when I travel - up to now it's always had to be a choice between my blow dryer and flat iron - but no longer thanks to...

Conair Mini Pro Mini Straightener - $19.98 - in black and purple - a slim straightener that features ceramic-coated plates that help smooth down flyaways and frizzies. Heat is evenly distributed so that the style you create has a salon-perfect, silky smooth, shining finish while convenient storage pouch and dual voltage makes this perfect for styling on the go.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

When traveling I usually leave my cleansing devices behind and go low-tech with a washcloth - no longer necessary and as an added bonus, it runs on batteries, no electricity needed so it can even go camping with you!

Foreo Luna Play Plus - $59 - in 7 colours: Purple, Pearl Pink, Midnight, Sunflower Yellow, Fuchsia, Aquamarine and Mint - A travel-friendly, ultra-hygienic, two-zone silicone cleansing brush with T-Sonic Pulsations for gentle, thorough cleansing.

Fun, portable, and the perfect introduction to the amazing skincare benefits that come from T-Sonic cleansing. LUNA play plus takes everything you love about the tiny but mighty LUNA play and adds that little extra something you need for a perfected complexion. It uses a compact design and two-zone brush to gently and thoroughly offer your skin a sonic cleanse to leave you glowing and gorgeous, in as little as one minute, twice a day. This model features a new, larger brush head for distributing T-Sonic cleansing power, plus it uses a replaceable AAA battery for near-endless use.

Available at Murale stores across Canada and online at beautyBOUTIQUE.ca.

It's such a pain to take anything liquid to airports and usually so expensive to buy at the destination that I love finding easily packable alternatives...

Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Icaridin Insect Repellent Towelettes - 8 pack - $16 - a portable deet-free bug repellent that fits in your pocket and repels mosquitoes for 5 hours and deer ticks for 7 hours. With a light-feeling, non-greasy, quick-drying protection formula that contains vitamin E and aloe along with a stink-free Gentle Breeze scent.

And for your non-travel needs it also comes in bigger sizes: 118ml for $14 and a new family 236ml size for $20!

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

Pack everything up and keep it organized with...

Quo Iridescent Rose 3 Piece Makeup Bag Set - $18.99 - includes three different sized cosmetic pouches: the large clear case is 10" x 7" and perfect for keeping liquids in to take through airport security so you are a real rule follower; the middle floral bag is 8" x 6.5" - a great size for makeup or would even make a great clutch in a pinch; while the small metallic bag 5" x 4" could store medications, ID or whatever small items you need to keep track of.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... InfinitiPro by Conair Diamond Brilliance Ionic Straightening Brush!

InfinitiPro by Conair Diamond Brilliance Ionic Straightening Brush - $69.97 - in pink or black - add silkiness and shine to hair with a hot paddle brush with a combination of nylon, silicone and diamond-infused ceramic bristles that gently guide styler through hair while advanced ionic technology enhances manageability and reduces frizz. 

Don't understand exactly how this whole ion thing works? Me neither - but as I gather - the ionizing function generates negative ions, which neutralize positive ions in the air. The neutralization process flattens and seals the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and leaving the hair shiny and more manageable - I might not exactly understand it, but it does work!

It's very user friendly with 3 heat settings for all hair types, heats up instantly - with a high heat up to 400°F - and has an auto-off in case you forget. What I like best is the swivel style cord making it much easier to switch from side to side without ending up with a tangled cord mess!

And just to clarify - this is not a "straightening" brush that is going to make curly hair straight - more like a smoothing brush that will get rid of frizz, tame errant hairs back into line and add tons of shine! 

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada. 

- Lisamarie -

One Non-Blonde at The Sheer Blonde® Exclusive Experience

I thought it would be fun to attend John Frieda's Sheer Blonde Experience event last week since I'm a...brunette. Unfortunately my wicked plan for world domination failed as a good number of brunettes showed up at the very same event. John Freida even introduced a new liquid shine illuminating conditioner for brunettes, ha! The evening was pretty fun actually: Josie Dye from Cosmo TV was the host - and did she glow: the hair, the sparkly dress, the energy...I suddenly felt the need to sit down and drink before moving towards the first hair consultants station where I got a quick personalized consultation. The consultant mentioned that sometimes dark hair needs a little help to catch the light and look shiny - which is very true for me: straighteners definitely take the shine away -

Moving to the next station while sipping water - I swear - and Alain Larivee, one of the John Frieda's hair stylists, styled my hair using an Infiniti Conair flat-iron. Now honestly, when I saw "Conair" I thought this was not going to do any good to my hair, but make no mistake this is not your basic drugstore flatiron anymore. It straightened my hair very nicely. But I kept the best for last. My hair has a new best friend: the Frizz-Ease Glossing Mist which gave my hair a really smooth and shiny finish. And I was still sober. So I know I wasn't dreaming.

You know when I wrote I kept the best for last in my previous paragraph....well I lied. No, the very best was watching one of the guests pole dancing. Did I mention that guest was a guy? Awesomeness.

And don't forget to enter our Sheer Blonde contest, you can find it here.

-Christelle-