This week I'm obsessed with... Nivea Luminous 630 Dark Spot Solution Advanced Serum!

Nivea introduces a new revolutionary science-backed dark-spot solution that works...

 

Nivea Luminous 630 Dark Spot Solution Advanced Serum - 30ml - $49.99 - visibly reduces the look of dark spots in as little as 2 weeks, with dark spots looking less intense after each application, and then a more luminous complexion revealed in 12 weeks.

 

The formula contains patented Luminous630 - which acts on existing pigmentation to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyaluronic acid - to effectively smooth skin and intensely hydrate.

 

The serum has a thicker texture which is good for me as I prefer to wear just a serum without a cream on top, the negative though was the scent, which I found a little strong, although it did dissipate quickly so it wasn't prohibitive. After using it for 2 weeks I did find that my dark spots seemed lighter and my skin looked brighter - nothing dramatic but definitely an improvement!

 

Also available in the Luminous 630 Dark Spot Solution collection is: Even Tone Cream - 50ml - $49.99 - for face, neck and decollete - use on its own or also great for layering over the serum if you have drier skin; and Eye Cream - 15ml - $49.99 - anti-dark circles as well as containing caffeine to reduce under eye puffiness and the appearance of eye bags.

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Vichy Liftactiv B3 Serum!

Vichy Liftactiv B3 Serum - 30ml - $62.95 - a silky light serum that works on dark spots and wrinkles to leave skin smooth and radiant.

The dual-action formula works on both the epidermis and skin surface and contains: 

 

5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - visibly reduces the appearance of dark spots at the basal skin layer;

Glycolic Acid + Vitamin CG - works at the skin's surface level to help peel visible dark spots leaving skin more even and luminous;

 

and of course all the skin strengthening wonders of Vichy Volcanic Water.

Use it day and night - just a couple of drops under your regular skin care and look forward to reduced wrinkles and radiant skin!

Available at drug stores across Canada and online at vichy.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Nuxe Splendieuse Intensive Anti-Dark Spot Serum and Indeed Labs inDefense30!

Summer sun spots got you down? Here's an easy way to banish them - in 2 weeks your skin will appear visibly more even and luminous - in 8 weeks the colour of existing brown spots will be reduced by 40% and in 12 weeks their size will seem reduced!

Nuxe Splendieuse Intensive Anti-Dark Spot Serum - 30ml - $55 - helps visibly reduce the size and colour of all types of dark spots and restore the skin's natural radiance with a formula of precious flowers including white crocus, stargazer lily and porcelain rose and stabilized vitamin C along with hyaluronic acid - to moisturize and prickly pear - for gentle exfoliation.

Available at Hudson's Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu, Famliprix and Brunet stores across Canada.

Of course using the serum won't do you any good if you don't protect your skin from what caused the brown spots to begin with - I'm very fond of this one - a great multi-tasker that combines a lightweight moisturizer and partial mineral based broad-spectrum sunscreen in one easy bottle!

Indeed Labs inDefense30 Dual Action Moisturiser with SPF 30 - 30ml - $19.99 - with an easily absorbed formula that provides intense hydration and protection against the harmful UVA/UVB rays that cause aging - containing zinc oxide - a non-toxic and soothing mineral that increases skin's stability and defends against hyper-pigmentation and brown spots along with pycnogenol - a powerful natural antioxidant that rebuilds collagen and protects skin from harmful enzymes to rebuild elasticity for smoother, younger looking skin.

Check out indeedlabs.com to order or find a store location near you.

- Lisamarie -

Aveeno Positively Radiant Body Care

Aveeno's best-selling radiance-boosting facial care collection - Positively Radiant - is now available for the body! Containing the same Total Soy Complex that works to visibly transform the look of all 5 factors of radiance including: tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness and brown spots.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Exfoliating Body Wash - 532ml - $11.49 - enriched with natural exfoliants to gently wash away dry, dull skin to reveal softer, smoother skin and harnesses the power of total soy complex to help enhance skin's natural radiance and leave it feeling moisturized.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Body Lotion - 354ml - $13.49 - the non-greasy formula with total soy complex is infused with light reflecting minerals to instantly enhance dull, dry skin with natural radiance for beautiful, luminous skin along with rich emollients that lock in moisture for a full 24 hours to leave skin softer and smoother.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Body Cream Dark Spot Corrector - 59ml - $11.99 - with an oil-free formula that transforms dry, dull skin by fading the look of dark spots, discolouration and uneven skin tone in just 1 week with continued improvement over time for beautiful, healthy-looking, radiant skin. It also contains a SPF 15 to protect from the sun but I would recommend using another sunscreen on top of at least SPF 30 to keep the dark spots from reappearing!

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

- Lisamarie -

Light up your skin with SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening System!

You might think that it's lines and wrinkles that make you look older but actually dull, tired looking skin that lacks radiance is much more aging! Luckily that's easy enough to fix with:

SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening System - $401.90 - a five product clinical treatment that features breakthrough technologies to attack hyper-pigmentation, diminish dark spots, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, boost radiance and improve overall skin appearance;and includes:

Phloretin CF - a powerful antioxidant that combines a patented combination of 2% phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C and 0.5% ferulic acid that shields skin from damaging free radicals as it restores a firmer,brighter complexion and is effective for a minimum of 72 hours.

Retexturing Activator - a resurfacing and replenishing serum that stimulates enzymes to break the bonds that bind dead cells to the surface of the skin to diminish surface lines and wrinkles; helps to normalize epidermal renewal to create a noticeably smoother, softer surface texture; and reinforces the skin’s barrier for healthier, more radiant skin.

Retinol 0.5 - a refining night treatment that contains a highly concentrated dose of 0.5% pure retinol that is enhanced with the latest stabilization and delivery technologies to provide maximum efficacy to diminish the appearance of age spots, uneven tone, fine lines and wrinkles.

Advanced Skin Discoloration Corrector - helps to reduce the appearance of stubborn discoloration caused by chronic UV exposure, hormonal fluctuation and natural aging by exfoliating to improve skin's luminosity and enhancing resistance to new pigment.

Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 - a weightless, 100% physical sunscreen that provides water-resistant broad spectrum protection with transparent titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (Z-Cote®). Enhanced with artemia salina - a plankton extract that increases skin defenses and resistance to UV and heat stress. With colour-infused technology that enhances natural skin tone and boosts daily radiance.

Not up to the whole regimen? No worries - all the products are also sold separately - and if you were just going to pick a couple to begin with I would totally go with the Phloretin CF and the Physical Fusion to get you started in style!

Available at select dermatologist offices, medical spas and high-end spas across Canada - visit www.skinceuticals.com/canada to find one near you.

- Lisamarie -

Erase summer sins on your skin with tone correctors from Aveeno, Neutrogena, Smashbox and protection from Avene!

Summer is over and you may or may not be seeing the "gifts" that it gave to your skin. Just one time of forgetting to apply sunscreen or staying in the sun past it's effectiveness window and not reapplying is enough to cause discolouration that you can either see already or is lurking under the skin just waiting to appear! Nip the problem in the bud by doing some tone correcting now to see beautiful clear skin for the fall! A few great choices include:

Aveeno Positively Radiant Targeted Tone Corrector - 32ml - $24.99 - with an oil-free and hypoallergenic formula that combines the power of Active Naturals Total Soy Complex and Vitamin A to help even out skin tone, moisturize, improve texture and fade the look of dark spots to leave skin healthier looking, brighter and more radiant.

This is a great choice if you have oily to combination skin and don't want to use an extra product - this will also serve as a moisturizer!

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector Serum - 29ml - $29.99 - with an exclusive formula that is gentle enough to use everyday and contains Neutrogena's highest concentrations of Accelerated Retinol SA with Glucose Complex and Hyaluronic Acid, as well as Vitamin C which is clinically proven to: diminish the look of stubborn dark spots and discolouration in just one week; instantly brighten skin tone and improve clarity and radiance; and instantly smooth skin.

This is a great choice if you have a moisturizer that you already love and don't want to give up - you can layer this right under your regular moisturizer! Can also be used as a stand-alone product for oily skinned girls, for combo skin you will probably need an additional moisturizer in any dry areas.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Smashbox Photo Finish More Than Primer Dark Spot Correcting - 30ml - $50 - with a revolutionary formula that not only visibly reduces the appearance of lines and pores while creating the perfect canvas, it helps diminish the appearance of dark spots and uneven skintone. This formula instantly brightens and primes to smooth the appearance of fine lines and pores, while also fading dark spots over time.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and Sephora.

And don't forget that even during the less sunny fall and winter days, the sun will still cause the dark spots to reappear undoing all your hard work so be sure to still wear your protection!

Avene High Protection Emulsion SPF 40 - 50ml - $23 - offers photo-stable, broad spectrum protection and is rich in Avene Thermal Spring Water, known for its soothing and softening properties.

I especially like the emulsion formula for layering over other products, it's lightweight, non-greasy and invisible on the skin so you don't feel like you're adding an extra layer - it just feels like nothing!

Available at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Get an essence of brightening with Fresh, Dr Renaud, Yves Rocher and Neutrogena!

Fresh Peony Spot Correcting Brightening Essence - 30ml - $76 - brightens, clarifies, lightens and visibly reduces the appearance of age spots and imperfections with a highly effective brightening complex derived from peony and licorice root extracts and vitamin C glucoside - which is proven to reduce and prevent the appearance of dark spots and even skintone, while hyaluronic acid works to attract and seal in moisture for supple skin.

While it can be worn day or night I find it most effective to apply a little bit more then you can actually rub into the skin, so there is a thin layer on the face that gradually soaks in - making night time the idea time to use it because nobody wants to walk around with gunk on their face!

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

Laboratoire Dr Renaud Radiance White Brightening Essence Dark Blemishes - 15ml - $64.95 - treats brown spots and evens out dull complexions for luminous and radiant skin with a glowing, youthful vitality. Formulated with the Laser C Complex - featuring vitamin CE - to repair signs of photoaging and improve skin's firmness and tonicity for skin that looks healthy and younger For all skin types, including the most sensitive, it's formulated without parabens, alcohol, colorants and contains no hydroquinone.

Available at spas and clinics across Canada - check out ldrenaud.com to find one near you.

Yves Rocher White Botanical Exceptional Youth Essence Botanical Brightening Complex - 30ml - $56 - with a gel texture that melts on the skin leaving skin looking both younger and more radiant with the extraordinary brightening power of licorice and the powerful anti-aging effectiveness of white lupin - skin is instantly softer and more radiant, and in 14 days, complexion is more uniform and the skin is as though transformed. In one month, the appearance of dark spots are visibly reduced, wrinkles are smoothed and the skin seems renewed. Paraben free, colorant free, mineral oil free.

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

Keep the dark spots from returning with an effective sunscreen like:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen SPF 60 - 88ml - $14.99 - with an ultra-lightweight, waterproof and sweetproof formula that is gentle enough even for sensitive skin. With helioplex technology which provides high, photostable UV protection from the sun and defends skin against both UVA and UVB rays and includes the antioxidant benefits of vitamins A, C and E. Absorbs quickly into skin for a fresh non-greasy feel that works well alone or under make-up.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Dark spot correction with a makeup from Physicians Formula, Hard Candy and Maybelline!

Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Spotless collection -combines cosmeceutical skin care ingredients with the latest advancements in cosmetics to address one of the most common skin concerns: dark spots.

Youthful Wear Youth-Boosting Spotless Concealer - $12.99 - in Light/Medium - with a powerful, brightening ultra-fluid formula that instantly treats and covers dark spots, age spots, sun spots, imperfections  and uneven skin tone.

Youthful Wear Youth-Boosting Spotless Foundation & Brush - $18.49 - in Light and Medium - with an ultra-fluid formula that delivers skin perfecting coverage and a natural finish that appears invisible on the skin while helping to visibly lighten spots and prevent new ones from forming.

Youthful Wear Youth-Boosting Spotless Powder - $19.99 - in Translucent -invisibly blends into skin to even out skin tone and instantly cover and treat spots for a flawless, youthful-looking glow.

Both contain a powerful, brightening formula that visibly reduces the appearance of dark spots, age spots, sun spots and uneven skin tone both instantly and over time as well as providing visible improvements in skin clarity, brightness, smoothness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - for spotless skin that looks up to 10 years younger.

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer Dark Spot Correcting - 45g - $7.98 - diffuses the look of dark circles, age spots, freckles and uneven skin tone with a colour perfecting formula while brightening and smoothing complexion.

Available exclusively at Walmart stores across Canada.

Maybelline Instant Age Remind Eraser Dark Spot - Concealer + Treatment - $12.99 - in 5 shades: Fair, Fair/Light, Light, Light/Medium and Medium/Deep - with a super-concentrated pigment formula that instantly conceals while Vitamin C works to actively fade the look of dark spots caused by age and sun as well as acne discolourations.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Dark spots disappear with correctors from Yves Rocher, Burt's Bees, Mary Kay and HistoLab and stay gone with Ombrelle!

Yves Rocher White Botanical Exceptional Youth Dark Spot Corrector - 14ml - $30 - with a precise applicator tip that perfectly targets dark spots and makes them seem less visible after 1 month while immediately improving texture. Contains white licorice powder for skin brightening and white lupin extract for its anti-aging properties.

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

Burt's Bees Brightening Dark Spot Corrector - 30ml - $29.99 - visibly diminishes the appearance of dark spots and evens skin tone to create a brighter, more luminous complexion with daisy extract - which has been shown to be a natural skin brightening agent, combined with a multi-fruit complex including extracts of bilberry, sugar cane, sugar maple, orange and lemon, it makes for a powerful formula with amazing brightening effects!

Available now at grocery, drug and mass retailers across Canada as well as online at www.bursbees.ca.

Mary Kay Timewise Even Complexion Dark Spot Reducer - 10ml - $45 - helps reduce the appearance of past damage and dramatically reduces the look of dark spots without lightening the surrounding skin on face, neck, décolleté and hands. It’s gentle enough to use twice a day and absorbs quickly without leaving any tacky after-feel. Formulated with an exclusive MelaCEP Brightening Complex containing four key ingredients: kakadu plum extract – A rich fruit source of vitamin C; helianthus annuus seed extract – a powerful antioxidant derived from sunflowers that is known to help protect against UV damage; ferula foetida extract – known to contain the antioxidant ferulic acid, used in skin-brightening formulas; and lactobacillus ferment – a skin conditioning ingredient.

Available through your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant - if you don't have one you can find one at - www.marykay.ca or 1-866-455-5454.

Histo Lab Platinum Spot Corrector - 12ml - $29.99 - lightens freckles and hyper-pigmentation with a

Lightening + Anti-aging + Intensive melanin care + Antioxidant formula packed with botanical ingredients including squalane natural oil for anti-aging and moisture and vitamin E to leave the skin brighter, healthy and radiant.

Available online at www.yalalli.com.

Sun will bring the dark spots right back so be sure to protect your newly brightened face with a sunscreen such as:

Garnier Ombrelle Face Ultra-Fluid Lotion SPF 60 - 50ml - $16.99 - with an ultra-light, hypoallergenic, fragrance and colourant free formula that won't clog pores and is ideal to wear under makeup. Also available in SPF 30.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Brighten up skin day and night with La Roche-Posay, Alyria and Vichy!

La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Dark Spot Correcting Serum - 30ml - $59 - with a light formula suitable for sensitive skin, it takes care of dark spots and a dull and uneven complexion with highly concentrated LHA to offer gentle surface exfoliation to brighten the complexion; as well as PhE-Resorcinol, Ginkgo and Ferulic Acid to visibly reduce the look or dark spots and discolourations during the entire cycle of their growth and appearance and offers long-lasting efficacy.

Available now at drugstores across Canada.

And because it's a serum and super light you can easily layer a moisturizer over it without your skin feeling weighted down - and remember that since UV rays are the major source of dark spots it's important that your moisturizer has sunscreen in it - like this one:

Alyria Age Renewal SPF 25 Lotion - 50 g - $125 - a light lotion, perfect for layering with clinically proven stem cell technology from the stem cells of a rare Swiss apple to improve the life expectancy and health of skin stem cells by providing nutrients and metabolites that ensure longevity and protection; a powerful blend of peptides to target already existing signs of aging, help skin appear firmer and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; retinol to promote cell turnover and revitalize photo-damaged skin; and broad spectrum sun protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays - together they all not only correct and protect, but also prevent future signs of aging. I like that it blends right in without making the skin look white or chalky like some lotions with sunscreen can!

Available exclusively at doctor's offices - check out www.alyria-med.com to find a participating one near you.

Vichy ProEVEN Night Overnight Concentrate - 40ml - $49.50 - an ultra fresh, paraben and hydroquinone-free hydrating gel great for all ethnicities that you can either use nightly or if you aren't a fan of night creams, use as a mask once or twice a week. It works on 2 levels - the epidermis - with the highest concentration of LHA for its resurfacing effect with precise and gentle exfoliation and to boost cell renewal process; and ceramide bright - to regulate melanin synthesis at the beginning of the process; and the dermis - with vitamin C, procysteine and eperuline to protect the fibroblasts from oxidation and inflammation that directly influence melanin production.

Available now exclusively at drugstores across Canada.

You can use a lightening product both day and night but if you are going to only do one, go with using it at night since that is when the skin is busy regenerating itself and will put the product to good use - just remember to use your sun protection during the day and you will be golden (or white, you know what I mean)!

- Lisamarie -

Brighten up naturally with Burt's Bees Brightening Collection!

Brightening becomes a more natural thing with Burt's Bees new brightening regimen - with dermatologist-tested and clinically-proven products that visibly brighten skin and even skin tone while improving skin hydration and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The line is made up of 2 products that are 99% natural and clinically-proven to even skin tone and help diminish the appearance of dark spots and discoloration:

Burt's Bees Brightening Dark Spot Corrector - 30ml - $29.99

Burt's Bees Brightening Even-Tone Moisturizing Cream - 50g - $29.99

Both derive their potency from wild, white daisies sustainably harvested int he mountains of Macedonia. Daisy extract has been shown to be a natural skin brightening agent, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. When combined with a multi-fruit complex including extracts of bilberry, sugar cane, sugar maple, orange and lemon, it makes for a powerful formula with amazing brightening effects!

Available now at grocery, drug and mass retailers across Canada as well as online at www.bursbees.ca.

 - Lisamarie -

Dark spot correction from SkinCeuticals, Yes To Grapefruit and Luminaze!

Ready to rid yourself of the dark spots and patches currently marring your pretty little face? Here's a few products that are up to the job!

SkinCeuticals Advanced Skin Discoloration Corrector - 30ml - $104 - works on all skin ethnicities to correct and prevent unwanted pigmentation on multi-layers of the skin by exfoliating on the surface with salicylic acid; inhibiting melanin transfer at the epidermis wth hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid; blocking excess melanin production at the basal layer with ellagic acid; and strengthening dermal layers to prevent against new and reoccurring pigment with yeast extract.

Available through selected distribution channels via dispensing doctors, medical-spas and high-end spas across Canada - find one near you at www.skinceuticals.com/canada.

Yes To Grapefruit Correct & Repair Dark Spot Correcting Serum - 30ml - $20.99 - harnesses the power of highly concentrated grapefruit to even skin tone, increase luminosity and improve skin's natural radiance along with white tea - an excellent anti-inflammatory and a rich source of vitamins C & E.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Luminzaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator and Dark Spot Corrector - 30ml - $132 - this two-step treament helps visibly diminish excess pigmentation in the skin to help quickly and safely reduce the appearance of dark spots and age spots to help reveal a visibly brighter, more radiant, even skin tone.
 
Contains an enzyme harvested from a mushroom that grows on trees high in the Swiss Alps. It was noticed that the bark surrounding these mushrooms was decolourized. The same properties that were found by researchers to lighten the colour of the bark, result in helping the skin for a dramatic improvement in the appearance of dark spots from sun and aging.

Free of hydroquinone and fragrance, and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

Available online at eskincarestore.com.

It would be a shame to pay all this money just to have the spots and discoulouration come right back so make sure you wear a moisturizer with sunscreen - every day, even when it's cold and doesn't feel like the sun is even out! 

- Lisamarie -

Hands become dark spot free with creams from Garnier, Avon and Clinique!

Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Hand Cream - 80ml - $10.99 - with a concentrated Vitamin C formula that boosts surface cell renewal and fades dark spots. As well, it cleverly has SPF 30 to protect skin and keep the spots from coming back and nourishing hydration for hands that feel smooth and soft without being greasy. Hands immediately look and feel smoother and more even-toned and after 4 weeks discolouration and dark spots are visibly diminished.

Available now at drug and mass market retailers across Canada.

Avon Anew Clinical Absolute Even Clarifying Hand Cream - 75g - $14.99 - targets the look of multiple signs of aging on your hands including: dark spots, uneven skin tone, lack of clarity, patchy texture and sallowness while providing 24-hour moisturization - for hands that appear more youthful, look healthier and look and feel smoother.

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

Clinique Even Better Hand Cream SPF 15 - 75ml - $42 -a fast absorbing cream that utilizes a potent blend of brightening ingredients - vitamin C, yeast, bran extract and salicylic acid and moisturizers - hyaluronic acid - to diminish the appearance of dark spots, sun spots and brown spots on hands while defending skin against environmental aggressors and providing nourishment and lasting moisture for up to 8 hours and through at least 2 hand washings and an SPF to keep new spots from forming!

Available at Clinique counters and at www.clinique.com

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial!

Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial - 40ml - $62.50 - brings a whole new meaning to "beauty sleep" with a facial treatment that addresses uneven skintone and dark spots while improving skin quality while you sleep for a brighter, more luminous complexion when you wake - in just 14 days!

With a light souffle texture that is 95% natural and contains the Korres Phos Compound - a proprietary blend including a brightening agent and stabilized vitamin C - to improve uneven tone and dark spots for skin that's brighter, more even-toned, and exceptionally radiant.

I love how soft my skin feels and how radiant it looks when I wake up - I make sure this is part of my bedtime routine on those nights when I know I'm not going to get enough sleep to look human on my own come morning! You'll be happy to know that the sleeping facial is meant to be layered, dry skin should go ahead and add some moisturizer on top or if you have a serum you love, go ahead and use it underneath!

The only thing I'm not crazy about is the scent - it is very rose, and not being a huge fan of floral scents, it's not my fave - it fades pretty quickly though so not a deal-breaker!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Needful Things - Odacité Private Collection A Summer In Hossegor

Odacité Private Collection A Summer In Hossegor - 15ml - $149 - named for the founder's family summer home, it's an intensive age renewal serum that fades brown spots, repairs sun-exposed skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles for more even-toned and youthful skin thanks to four wondrous oils that are freshly pressed and carefully packaged to maintain the purity, freshness and beneficial properties of each:

Wild Carrot Seed Oil - hand pressed in a small French village with the same traditional method for over tow centuries, it's known to give a fresh glowing complexion while nourishing, softening and smoothing the skin. It also gives the serum it's subtle and unique scent.

Papaya Seed Oil - with natural fruit enzymes that prevent and reduce brown spots as well as dissolve dead skin cells to create a fresh and vibrant glow while still being gentle enough for even the most sensitive skins.

Buriti Fruit Oil - from the Amazonian jungle and one of the richest sources of natural vitamin A and rich in vitamin C to prevent wrinkle formation as well as reduce redness, repair sun damaged skin, moisturize and re-hydrate.

Blueberry Seed Oil - a potent source of antioxidants whose oil protects from free radicals, slowing down the aging process.

100% pure and free of any preservatives or harsh chemicals with all ingredients being either certified organic or wild crafted.

2 or 3 drops for your face, neck and decollete is all you need twice a day that you can either use on bare skin for a deep treatment or mixed in with your moisturizer. Natural products such as these can be really hit or miss for me while I understand how much better they are for me there are sometimes scent and texture issues that make them a less then appealing choice. No such problems with this one though, the scent is heavenly and the texture smooth and luxurious - so far everything I've tried from the line has been great but A Summer In Hossegor especially!

Available at The Detox Market - you can pick it up in person if you are in the Toronto area or it can be ordered online from anywhere at www.thedetoxmarket.com as well as www.odacite.com.

- Lisamarie -

Lighten up with NeoStrata, Proactiv, Avene, Maybelline and Olay!

Nothing, not even wrinkles, ages you faster then skin discolouration - those pesky brown spots and patches caused by sunlight, pregnancy and hormonal stress not only look awful, but make us look older - like I needed something else! Thankfully there are all kinds of products out there to help with this very issue and here are a few of the latest and greatest:

NeoStrata SecureWhite Duo - 30ml - $42 - boasts two dual-action skin-lightening ingredients to inhibit the melanin from forming into dark spots as well as titanium dioxide to immediately diminish the appearance of dark spots on the surface as well as retinol to reduce wrinkles and even out skin tone, texture and colour.

It also comes in an SPF30 format for $44 which is an excellent idea if you tend to forget to apply your sunscreen!

Proactiv Dark Spot Repair - $36 - oil and paraben free, it's formulated with the skin brightening properties of the most stable form of Vitamin C and enriched with ingredients to help lighten brown spots and promote a smooth, luminous complexion. Other key ingredients include Licorice Root, Amurense Bark and Barley Extracts, which work synergistically to lighten pesky dark spots, even the skin’s tone and improve its barrier function and moisture retention.

 

Available online at www.getproactiv.ca

Avene D-Pigment Dark Spot Lightener - 30ml - $49 - in 2 fragrance and paraben free formulations: Light for normal to combination skin - with a light quickly penetrating texture and mattifying powders or Rich for dry to very dry skin - with a soft, velvety texture and a nourishing protective effect - with either one, dark spots are visibly erased, irregularities are smoothed and the complexion is even and glowing.

Maybelline Instant Age Remind Eraser Dark Spot - Concealer + Treatment - $12.99 - in 5 shades: Fair, Fair/Light, Light, Light/Medium and Medium/Deep - super-concentrated pigment formula instantly conceals while Vitamin C works to actively fade the look of dark spots caused by age and sun as well as acne discolourations.

If you are looking for something to brighten and even out tone with age-fighting properties then you want:

Olay Total Effects 7 Tone Correcting Eye Treatment - 15ml - $34.99 - with a dual stream formula that fights 7 signs of aging: fine lines and crow's feet; dark circles; firming; luminosity; uneven tone; uneven texture and dryness - with a vitamin-rich complex that combines an eye serum and illuminating sheer coverage for younger looking, brighter eyes.

The same price will also nab you the Night Moisturizer if you want to do some additional tone correcting!

- Lisamarie - 

Philosophy helps you find out your skin's age - and what to do about it!

Still get carded at the movie theatre when going to see a PG13 movie - or maybe get offered the senior discount well before your time? Could be that you skin is showing more or less then it's age! Take the quiz and find out if your skin is matching up!

Now that you're delighted/horrified/depressed - don't worry, there's hope, miracles and promises - check out some Philosophy products that will help you cheat!

If you're looking to improve skin's tone and texture go for the Hope collection which will create a healthy looking glow, hydrate as it gently exfoliates and protect skin against environmental attack.

Available in the line: Hope In A Jar Original Formula Moisturizer for all skin types - 60ml - $50, 120ml - $78; Hope In A Jar for dry skin - 60ml - $50; Hope In A Jar Oil-Free - 60ml - $49; Eye Hope Multi-Tasking Eye Cream - 15ml - $66; and Hope In A Tube High-Density Eye and Lip Firming Cream - 15ml - $43

Looking to improve the appearance of wrinkles, amp up your skin's radiance and improve elasticity and firmness, you need a miracle - the Miracle Worker collection that is...

Available in the line: Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer - 60ml - $72, 120ml - $117; Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Concentrate - 30ml - $81, Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Pads & Solution - 60 pads + 60ml solution - $98; Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Antioxidant Pads (A.M.)- 60 pads + 60ml solution - $75; Miracle Worker Dark Spots Corrector - 30ml - $81; Miracle Worker Dark Spot System - 120ml - $104

If you're looking to improve volume and lift and keep skin protected and hydrated the Full of Promise collection is for you.

Available in the line: Full Of Promise Dual-Action Restoring Cream for volume and lift - 60ml - $82; Full Of Promise Treatment Duo for Uplifting Days and Volumizing Nights - 2 x 15ml - $89 - I think this is the funnest product - it is double ended and compact which makes it so convenient for hauling back and forth from your boyfriends place because he won't let you keep any stuff there in case you are somehow planning to insidiously move in that way like you'd want to live at his dumpy apartment - or you know for like traveling and stuff... The line has an exclusive protein recycling complex that works to breathe new life into existing proteins and helps support natural collagen and elastin for visible improved volume and lift.

You can find Philosophy products at Sephora, The Bay and selected Shoppers Drug Mart stores.

- Lisamarie -

Take a walk on the light side with La Roche-Posay and Mela-D Pigment Control! Contest!

Would it surprise you to know that 1 in 2 Canadian women experience pigmentation disorder and it would it also surprise you that looking older isn't just about lines and wrinkles - what can really age you is uneven skin tone! Not to worry, there's help to be had with:

La Roche-Posay Mela-D Pigment Control - 30ml - $55 - a lightweight, intensive treatment serum that is fragrance, paraben and hydroquinone free - with high concentrations of kojic acid - to visibly reduce the look of dark spots, glycolic acid + LHA - helps shed dark cells from skin's surface and significantly boosts skin radiance and thermal dermobiotic - helps counteract potential irritation by soothing the skin.

Just use it every evening under your night cream and start seeing results in as little as 2 weeks - dark spots will start to fade and skin will look more even and radiant! And of course, don't forget to wear your sunscreen during the day!

Don't believe me - then try it for yourself - La Roche-Posay has been kind enough to offer up 5 bottle of it for our Beauty Crazed readers - read on as this contest will work a little differently than usual...

Got a pigmentation issue - La Roche-Posay wants to hear about it and see it! Take a snap and send that and a brief description to larocheposay@highroad.com for a chance to win! For an extra entry tweet your #pigmentationcontrol tip to @larocheposayca be sure to include @Beautycrazedcan so they'll know who you are entering through as well as #MelaD!

Please leave a comment letting us know you enter as well as a link to your tweet so we can help them keep track of you!

The contest is open to our Canadian readers and you have until September 4th to enter - good luck!

- Lisamarie -

Physicians Formula now has customized skin care solutions!

Physicians Formula isn't just makeup anymore - now on offer is also a doctor developed line of skin care that easily solves your major skin issues with three solution based product lines that are highly effective but thankfully simple and straight forward.

Each is colour coded by skin concern and can be customized to address the most common skin issues women have: Aging, Moisture Balance and Sensitivity & Redness.

Aging (purple) - a skin care line that contains an effective system of products that work together to target the visible effects of skin aging, which occur over time due to sun and environmental damage. The products assist in visibly addressing the most common signs of skin aging: loss of firmness, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and hyperpigmentation - with Laminaria Algae Complex, Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Hydrolyzed Pea Peptide Blend.

Available in the Aging line is:

Wrinkle Smoother & Firming Cleanser  - $12.97 - a rich cream cleanser that effectively removes makeup and impurities while visibly smoothing and firming skin to leave complexion clean, smooth and moisturized.

Wrinkle Smoother & Firming Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 - $22.97 - a potent moisturizer that enhances skin's hydration and radiance while SPF 15 protects against damaging UVA/UVB rays. With a luxurious and lightweight formula that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for an overall smoothing effect.

Firming & Toning Booster - $24.97 - a skin firming serum that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as promotes the elasticity and delivers essential moisture to help plump skin and visibly improve tone and texture.

Dark Spot Corrector & Skin Brightener - $24.97 - a potent serum that targets visible signs of uneven skin tone with specialized ingredients that target surface darkening and exfoliate it away.

Ultra Wrinkle Smoother Day & Night Cream - $22.97 - an ultra-rich cream that fights the look of wrinkles to reveal younger looking skin. Improves wrinkle length and depth as well as the moisture barrier, a key step in maintaining firm skin - with regular use.

Wrinkle Smoother Eye Cream - $22.97 - a potent cream that targets the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area with a moisturizing formula that promotes elasticity and firmness to improve the appearance of crow's feet and puffiness as well as illuminating properties improve the appearance of dark circles.

Moisture Balance (blue) - a regimen of lightweight and comfortable formulas that address restoring skin's natural moisture balance by creating an equilibrium where dry, dehydrated skin becomes more comfortable and oily skin is less shiny. With 3 potent ingredients: StimuMoist, Hydra Glucuronic Acid Complex and ProVitamin B5 Complex.

Available in the Moisture Balance line is:

Hydrating & Balancing Cleanser - $12.97 - a gentle foaming cleanser that removes oil and pore-clogging impurities while infusing skin with hydration for comfortable, clean and balanced skin.

Hydrating & Balancing Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 - $22.97 - an oil-free moisturizer that replenishes skin's hydration and eliminates flakiness and tightness while SPF 15 protects against UVA/UVB rays. With a lightweight, non-greasy formula that helps protect skin's natural moisture barrier for more balanced skin.

Ultra-Hydrating Day & Night Cream - $22.97 - an ultra-hydrating cream that replenishes skin's moisture balance and provides an extra boost of moisture day or night. Soothes even the driest skin to improve tone and texture leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

Hydrating Eye Cream - $22.97 - with a light, refreshing gel-cream formula that provides intense moisture, diminishes the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and puffiness in the eye area.

Sensitivity & Redness (red) - a soothing system of products that give dry, sensitive skin the daily care it needs by moisturizing and comforting skin sensitivity and redness due to dryness with MediACalm, SensiCell Complex and Portulaca Blend.

Available in the Sensitivity & Redness line is:

Sensitivity Relief Cleansing Lotion - $12.97 - an ultra-gentle, lightweight cream formula that cleanses without stripping skin of its essential moisture while it moisturizes to provide relief to dry, red and irritated skin leaving it feeling clean and comfortable.

Sensitivity Relief Moisturizer - $22.97 - an extra-gentle, oil-free lightweight moisturizer that provides all day hydration to help soothe dry, itchy and flaky skin while helping to protect and condition it.

Sensitivity Correcting Moisturizer - $22.97 - an extra-gentle, oil-free lightweight moisturizer that soothes dry, itchy, flaky skin while helping to protect and condition leaving skin feeling soothed, calm and refreshed. With a correcting green tint that delivers a sheer wash of colour to neutralize the appearance of redness.

Skin Calming Spray - $22.97 - a lightweight mist that provides soothing relief to dehydrated skin. Skin feels calm and refreshed with just one spray.

I wondered what to do if I had multiple concerns so tried mixing products from the three lines - my skin is combination so I used the Hydrating & Balancing Cleanser to balance my skin out, I'm concerned with aging so I added the Firming & Toning Booster and the hot weather makes my skin sensitive so I've also been liberally using the Skin Calming Spray. I've had no issues or reactions at all from combining the products which gives you an even greater range of products to choose from - you also can't beat the prices!

The entire Physicians Formula skin care line is 100% fragrance and paraben free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, gluten-free and is available now exclusively at Walmart.

- Lisamarie -

Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Overnight Peel - to reveal brighter skin!

Discolouration, dark spots and hyperpigmentation - so ugly and aging - can be a thing of the past thanks to something new:

Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Overnight Peel - 50ml - $19.99 - a lightweight, silky treatment that contains a glycolic acid - (to accelerate cellular turnover and improve skin texture) and vitamin C - (targets dark spot intensity, reduces hyperpigmentation and brightens) complex that gently exfoliates overnight to smooth away dullness and discolourations, accelerating the rise of brighter skin cells to the surface.

It's simple to use, just apply a thin layer of the peel at night before you go to bed - avoiding the eye area - and it absorbs without leaving a film or residue on the skin. In the morning just wash your face as usual and don't forget your sunscreen - otherwise you're doing all of this for nothing!

Expect to see brighter skin after the first night thanks to the exfoliating action, a reduction in dark spots after 1 week and reduction in uneven skin tone after 2 weeks. What I really love is how smooth my skin feels in the morning - it's like I really did get some beauty sleep!

And if you really want to kick your dark spot's ass, use Garnier's Dark Spot Corrector during the day and you'll see fading results twice as fast.

Available in drugstores and mass retailers across Canada this month.

- Lisamarie -