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 -

Province Apothecary Dual-Action Jade Facial Roller

Province Apothecary Dual-Action Jade Facial Roller - $44 - crafted from high-quality Xiuyan Jade, it features both a smooth, polished end and a textured, studded end that each offer different skin benefits:

Smooth End -
cools and calms the look of skin;
eases muscle tension;
reduces the appearance of puffiness and under-eye bags; and
encourages lymphatic function.

Studded End -
reduces the look of fine lines and plumps to smooth deep wrinkles;
releases fascia to help improve muscle function;
temporarily stimulates circulation to feed the skin and improve healing function;
tones and firms the appearance of skin;
activates the deep dermis-layer of skin to boost and maintain elasticity; and
gently exfoliates and improves product absorption for maximum benefits.

I was a bit scared of the rough surface, but don't worry, it doesn't hurt and it isn't rough enough to break or damage the surface of the skin -  all you need is a light touch and gentle pressure!

Just be sure to avoid areas of inflammation or broken skin and don't use the studded end on the same day as exfoliating products and if you have sensitive skin only use that end once a week.

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

- Lisamarie -

Test Driving - Blitz Facial Bar The O2 Blitz Facial!

I've had a lot of oxygen facials since Madonna made them so popular years back and they have all been pretty much the same thing:
a spray like airbrush in conjunction with a serum providing one result per treatment.

I thought that was the way they were supposed to go but it turns out, not all oxygen facials are created equally! So I visited the wonderful Mati at The Path location of Blitz Facial Bar to try The O2 Blitz!

At Blitz Facial Bar, they do oxygen facials differently, rather then a spray, they use an innovative CO2 organic dermal-grade gel with ingredients such as licorice extract, eucalyptus, ivy, glycerin, sodium bicarbonate and caffeine that delivers oxygen into the dermal layer of the skin triggering red blood cells to release large amounts of oxygen needed to stimulate skin cell renewal along with a specially designed sheet mask.

I'm told oxygen levels in facial tissues naturally decline with age so at its most basic, the O2 facial increases oxygen in the skin, which in turn stimulates circulation to help the deeper layers of the skin take in the high-performance ingredients in the gel.

Once O2 is absorbed into your skin, oxygen-rich blood flows and as a result, cell metabolism is enhanced and oxygenation is greater; effectively delivering much-needed nutrients and hydration.

It's your usual facial up to the gel part - cleaning, massaging, exfoliating: then a thick layer of the oxygenated gel is applied (brrrr, it's cold, they keep it in the fridge!) and a sheet mask is placed over top generating CO2. This creates a sensation of tiny bubbles fizzling over the skin. The cool and tingling feeling means the regenerating effectiveness of the ingredients are reaching the deeper layers of the epidermis - it feels weird but not painful - kind of like pop rocks popping all over your face. And while waiting for it to do it's good work you are treated to a scalp and hand massage - my idea of heaven!

The best thing about this facial is not only does it result in an increase in skin elasticity, wrinkle reduction, skin brightening and luminous skin tone right away but the results continue on for another 10 days - leaving skin tighter, plumper and younger looking - it's the facial that keeps on giving!

The O2 Blitz will set you back $190, lasts an hour, is safe for all skin types, both genders and has no downtime or side effects making it perfect for special events or even as a lunch time facial - now made even easier since Blitz opened the location in The Path - right in downtown Toronto at 65 Queen Street West!

Picking up your Blitz skin products is also very simple - they will make suggestions for you after your facial based on your skin type/concerns and will keep all your choices on file in the computer so you don't have to actually remember what you use, they can remind you when you come.

You can book your facial online at https://blitzfacialbar.com/location-path/ or by phone at 416-365-1200 - or check out blitzfacialbar.com - to find the other 3 locations across Toronto (and the one in Brooklyn, NY)!

- Lisamarie -

Renew and rejuvenate skin instantly with a Q Max Facial from Q Esthetics!

Q Esthetics introduces their Q Max Facial - a breakthrough in non-invasive skincare technology that uses a combination of therapies to gently exfoliate away damaged skin cells, purify pores and provide deep infusions of vitamins and nutrients tailored to each individual. 

This is then combined with a non-invasive and completely painless laser technology to increase circulation, collagen production and the lymphatic system to rid skin of toxins. By layering multiple technologies the Q MaxFacial is able to maximize skin care results and address a broad range of skin concerns including epidermal and dermal aging, dehydration, redness, dull complexion, acne and inflammation, uneven pigmentation, expression lines, wrinkles and solar elastosis.

A couple of weeks ago looking for a lunchtime pick-me-up, I headed over to Q Esthetics in Yorkville and tried out a treatment. I met with Marcela, a Senior Medical Esthetician who was able to assess my skin type and prepare a special treatment tailored just for me with infusions of vitamins, skin plumpers and luminescent spheres to give me an instant, refreshed glow. They have several different formulas - clarifying, hydrating, detoxifying and luminizing - and are able to mix and match them to suit any skin type.

After cleansing my skin it was time for Silkpeel Dermalinfusion - that offers advanced exfoliation along with the delivery of the treatment solution - if you've ever had microdermabrasion, that's what it's like - which I always think feels like being licked by a cat, scratchy and unpleasant but not painful. After that, it was time for the Soli-Tone Light Therapy - a wrap-around facial panel that selects the specific light energy required for your skin type and condition. It's totally non-evasive and they cover your eyes to protect them from the light - I almost could fall asleep except every once in a while the lights would change colour and pulse which would wake me up! The whole treatment took about 45 minutes and I left with soft glowing skin and super clean pores - but no redness or anything else that would have kept  me from being able to go back to work (dammit!) - which also makes it a great option for before a special event when your skin needs some extra perking up!

The benefits to the Q Max Facial are numerous, some of which you will see instantly after just one treatment, while others are best realized after a few including: decrease of pore size, redness, and pigmentation; volumizes and visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles; nutrient-rich hydrating; stimulates healthy cell renewal; and increase of circulation and lymphatic activity.

The treatment will set you back $325 or you can buy a package of 3 sessions for $820 and is available at all Q Esthetics locations:

Q Esthetics, Yorkville
24 Bellair Street 3rd. Floor
416-599-1788

Q Esthetics, Mississauga
802 Southdown Road, Unit C3
905-855-8200

Q Esthetics, Thornhill
MCI The Doctor's Office
905-761-5156

You can also find more info at  www.qesthetics.com.

- Lisamarie -

Test Driving - Caryl Baker Power C+ Facial by Skeyndor

Caryl Baker Visage has partnered with global skin care leader, Skeyndor to introduce three new corrective and progressive, state-of-the-art solutions to skin concerns and anti-aging with in-salon Professional Power Skin Care Treatments that deliver superior antioxidant protection and help support the skin's own renewal processes and rejuvenation including: Power C+ - to brighten and protect; Power Hyaluronic - to maximize hydration; and Power Retinol - to repair and rejuvenate.

I am all about the brightening so I spent an hour at the Vaughan Mills location with the lovely Angie and experienced the joy of:

Caryl Baker Power C+ Facial by Skeyndor - 60 minutes - $120 - an intensive, advanced treatment for all skin types that effectively treats fine lines, full and tired skin, photo damage and pigmentation for amazing radiance and luminosity as well as helping firm the skin for superior anti-aging benefits.

It's a 9-step treatment that left me refreshed and glowing:

1. Impurities and makeup are removed from eyes and lips with Aquatherm Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover - a gentle, effective gel  formulated with hamamelis water, pre-biotic sugars and pumpkin extract;

2. Skin's entire surface is thoroughly lathered with a purifying and exfoliating cleaner Resurfacing Peel Cleansing Gel - formulated with A-hydroxy acids and enzyme protease to dissolve dead cells and help stimulate cell renewal;

3. A fine mist of refreshing and restorative mineral spring water AquaTherm Thermal Concentrate Water is sprayed over the entire face to reninforce the skin's barrier, instantly diminishing discomfort and tightness, plus soften and restore skin's natural balance;

4. A 2ml ampoule of Pure C Concentrate 15% - ascorbic acid vitamin C combined with phytic and ellagic acids is massaged into skin with relaxing, gentle pressure and pumping strokes to help absorption to quickly improve skin's brightness and radiance plus provides antioxidant protection;

6. 8ml of an enriched Pomegranate Concentrate 6% is completely massaged into skin to complement the activity of the concentrated Pure C with a boost of anti-free radical action;

7. A thick layer of creamy Aloe Vera Mask with a formula enhanced with German chamomile plant extract is massaged into skin and absorbed during ten relaxing minutes, then thoroughly removed with warm water and gauze - a natural antiseptic, it soothes, refreshes and hydrates skin;

8. Another light spray of refreshing AquaTherm Thermal Concentrate Water is applied to restore skin and balance pH levels;

9. Finally, Energizing Cream SPF15 with a moisturizing formula of 3% high absorption vitamin C derivative and 3% pomegranate HG extract is massaged into skin to hydrate, help support collagen production, illuminate and unify skin tone while protecting skin from sun damage.

They recommend doing the facials in a series of 3 or 4 a few weeks apart - I had a chance to have 2 of them and I really can see the cumulative effects - my skin is brighter, softer and a few red marks I had from past acne disappeared much quicker then they normally would have! I am going to recommend for the peacefulness of your facial that you not going during the day on a Saturday - while the mall locations of CBV are very convenient, it also tends to make it very loud during busy periods - next time I'm going during the day on a Tuesday!

And if Vitamin C isn't your thing, you can check out one of the other Caryl Baker by Skeyndor facials available/coming your way:

Power Hyaluronic - $140 - available now - an intensive, advanced hydrating treatment for all skin types that effectively combats dehydration on multiple levels to plump and help improve skin's structure to treat fine lines and wrinkles and diminish build-up of dead skin cells and irregularities.

Power Retinol - $140 - coming in October - an intensive, advanced treatment for all skin types, especially mature to effectively treat and repair natural and photo-aged skin to reduce wrinkles, dark spots, pigmentation, scars and enlarged pores.

Available at Caryl Baker Visage Face Spas in Ontario and Alberta.

- Lisamarie -

Test Driving - The Signature Facial by Caryl Baker

Caryl Baker Visage introduces a customized, 10-step luxury experience - The Signature Facial by Caryl Baker - utilizing the most advanced anti-aging and wrinkle-fighting technology that was developed with naturally beneficial botanical actives including coconut milk, camomile, papaya, apple, bilberry, kombucha, green and white teas allied with super antioxidant vitamin C to provide anti-aging protection, nourishment and renewal.

I had a chance to try the treatment myself and enjoyed a pampering hour with Nadia who is a Corporate Educator with Visage and really knows her stuff! Along with the expected cleansing, toning and exfoliating steps, the facial also features a couple of interesting and notable ones:

3D Lifting Serum - a highly concentrated peptide-based serum that firms, smoothes and moisturizes the skin while it stimulates elastin synthesis and promotes a functional elastic fibre tissue structure. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is noticeably reduced with a visible plumping effect;

and the 3D Sheet Face Mask - a three-layered intensive moisture mask soaked in coconut milk, apple, bilberry fruit extracts and a hydrating active solution and fits the contours of the face like a second skin. To  lift, regenerate and revitalize skin cells while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's a cocoon like experience that they are happy to tweak if you are claustrophobic so you don't feel quite so mummified!

After any facial treatment at Visage they offer a makeup touch-up so you don't have to walk around with a bare face - so it's a testament to my results that I didn't want or need one - my skin looked so healthy and glowing that it would have been a crime to cover it - I did walk out with a nice bright Supertramp lip though, I'm not crazy!

The Signature Facial is available now for $140 at Caryl Baker Visage Face Spas across Ontario and Alberta - check out www.carylbakervisage.com to find a location near you.

- Lisamarie -

Red, tight and uncomfortable skin is banished with Dr Renaud!

Whatever your skin concern - dryness, acne, rosacea, aging - Laboratoire Dr Renaud has a personalized solution to solve the issue. With products that are researched, developed and manufactured in Montreal, they combine the best that science and nature have to offer by creating modern, targeted and - most importantly - effective solutions for the spa as well as at-home products.

I recently visited Sandy at Panorea Skin + Spa in Toronto to see what Dr Renaud would recommend for my skin. She decided to give me a Rosa-C Professional Treatment which is great sensitive skin, prone to redness which offers skin relief of discomfort and tightness; a decrease in irritation and sensations of warmth; immediate overall comfort and a radiant complexion. It's an especially great treatment for those who suffer from rosacea which I don't, but was having a sensitive skin day so Sandy thought it would really benefit my skin. I should have taken a before and after pictures because it was really impressive how just the one facial, without doing anything else took all of the redness out of my skin and left it clear and glowing!

As well, I have been trying out some of the at-home products - and while I am impressed with all of them, there are a few that I am loving in particular including the DermaPure Gentle Cleansing Foam, the Loose Powder SPF 50 Sunscreen - and:

Dr Renaud Tolerance Nourishing and Desensitizing Cream for fragilized skin - 50ml - $63.95 - in a light emulsion formula for normal to combination skin, formulated without any fat substances or rich emulsion formula for dry skin with a creamy texture for intensive protection against cold and dehydration - that offers an instant relief and ultimate protection with a 24H nourishing, soothing, desensitizing and  highly-protecting formula specifically created to provide maximum relief and well-being for sensitive, delicate skin. With a paraben and mineral oil free, 100% vegetal complex, supercharged with actives to  protect stem cells, the skin is intensely protected, instantly soothed, visibly stronger and calm.

This has been a skin-saver in the recent cold weather, my skin would normally be a red, flaky mess from the bitter chill and wind. The cream does a nice job in protecting it though so while it is still a little red, I haven't experienced any dry patches or flaking at all!

If you are in the Toronto area, you can get your Dr Renaud facial or product fix at Panorea Skin + Spa located at 416 Bloor Street West - 416-530-0781 - otherwise check out the Dr Renaud website for a spa near you - http://ldrenaud.com/en/.

- Lisamarie -

G.M. Collin - where science meets nature for beautiful skin!

Not familiar with the G.M. Collin brand? Your skin wants to be - it's a spa quality line that offers high-tech skin care solutions with products derived from natural plant and marine extracts.

The brand offers a whole variety of treatments for the face and body including chemical peels, anti-aging treatments and specific treatments. I recently had the opportunity to meet with Karen Asquith, the National Technical Training Manager and try one of the treatments - there are so many it's hard to pick but we decided that since I was breaking out and looked a general hot mess (my words, Karen is far too nice to ever say such a thing), my skin would benefit most from the:

Oxygenating Treatment which is a revitalizing & purifying treatment and is designed to clear skin, help control acne pimples and revitalize fatigued, stressed and dull skin with a 5-step treatment containing a unique Oxygen Complex and Patented Anti-Microbial Peptides combined with Salicylic, Gycolic and Lactic Acids to purify, deeply hydrate and restore the skin's natural radiance.

I'll be the first to admit, my skin looked like hell going into that facial - breakouts, stress, dullness - you name it, my face had it so I have to say, my expectations weren't high - I mean she's a facialist, not a miracle worker! Afterwards though, holy crap did my skin ever glow - it's like someone turned a light bulb on inside my head! The other great thing is that within 24 hours the blemishes on my face had healed, dried up and were well on their way to being a distant memory - if you're having any kind of holiday stress you need to get yourself one of these treatments stat!

Along with in-salon treatments, G.M. Collin offers a whole range of at-home products so that you can take a bit of the spa home with you - everything from cleansers, toners and moisturizers for every skin type to luxury sculpting creams containing diamonds to body care and sun protection. And just to clarify, because this is one of my pet peeves, the home products are not the same as the treatment products used in the facials - which are formulated specifically for the spa and much more highly concentrated - I personally feel that if you are just going to use the same stuff on me at the spa that I can use at home then what's the point of paying extra for a treatment when I can just do it myself?!

I was given a few things to try which I will be telling you about in future posts but I had to rave about my favourite product of the lot which is helping my eyes deal with late night holiday partying:

G.M. Collin Bota-Peptide Eye Contour - 20ml - $96 - clinically proven to reduce the appearance of expression lines, wrinkles and dark circles with a 4-in-1 formula that contains six peptides including: Argireline, Myoxinol and Matrixyl 3000 - that provide a smoothing effect on expression lines; and enriched with Eyeliss, Haloxyl, Caffeine and Vitamin K - to help combat the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes - all in an airless pump that allows controlled dispensing while preserving the efficacy of the product.

Treatments and products are available at participating G.M. Collin spas across Canada - find one near you at www.gmcollin.com.

- Lisamarie -

East meets West at the Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie!

If you've been looking for a cultural experience in a spa environment without ever having to leave Toronto then a visit to the Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie at the Shangri-la Hotel is in order!

I visited the spa early last week and it was a welcome and peaceful break from Fashion Week let me tell you! Before my treatment I had a chance to chat with owner Surinder Bains who I have to say is one of the nicest people I've ever met and so passionate about wanting to give everyone who enters one of her spas the best, most relaxing experience possible.

Surinder and I sat down and just chatted like girlfriends about all things spa and most importantly, what we think makes a great spa - and were in total agreement that the most important thing is that it not be intimidating - nobody wants to pay money/get naked/try and relax someplace where you don't feel comfortable. A spa should have a friendly, warm, nurturing and healing environment - if you also agree then you will love it at the Miraj Hammam!

Surinder's first Hammam spa in Vancouver, was inspired by her love for the hammams she visited in Paris. She then by request, brought the experience to Toronto a couple of years ago. Her spas specialize in a westernized version of a Middle Eastern Hammam Gommage Treatment. Traditionally it's a communal thing but since most North Americans don't really go in for group nudity, instead you have it solo or in the company of the person/people of your choosing. As well, her spas offer the usual spa treatments - facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. Surinder has also added a couple of new treatments to the spa's menu including Thai Massage and an Oxygen Facial Treatment.

Since I'm super North American and don't like strangers (even spa employees) touching me when I'm naked, I opted to check out the new Oxygen Facial Treatment instead (I love people touching my naked face)! It's an add on to whatever facial you choose to have where at the end of it, oxygen is used to infuse serum deep in the skin to give you an instantly plumped up and glowing complexion. This would be a great thing to do before a special event or if you just feel like your skin is looking drawn and sallow! I had a 60 minute Grand Caudalie Facial ($165) with the Oxygen Facial Treatment ($65) and left looking refreshed and feeling ready to take on the rest of Fashion Week!

The Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie is open 7 days a week and is located on the 5th Floor in the Shangri-la Hotel - 188 University Avenue in Toronto. Contact them at 647-253-5770 or book online at www.mirajcaudaliespa.com - and if you're booking a facial, be sure to ask for Tina, she does the least painful extractions I've ever had!

- Lisamarie -

The glowing results of Biologique Recherche - now available in Canada!

Devoted fans who have been counting on online retailers and foreign trips to get their Biologique Recherche fix will be thrilled to know that it is now available in Canada!

If you haven't tried the line before you are going to want to - and the best way to get a feel for it as well as expert advice about which products will work best for your skin is with a Biologique Recherche facial which consists of 3 stages:

The Assessment Stage - the the condition of the skin is assessed so that the most appropriate tailored beauty treatment can be recommended;
The Initialization Stage - an essential stage where the epidermis receives customized treatment applied according to a precise and rigorous ritual;
and The Treatment Stage - products containing the highest concentrations of active ingredients are applied to recondition the epidermis and help activate both its regenerative properties and those of the skin's deeper structures.

The experience will be unlike any facial you've ever had (they actually don't even call it a facial, it's a Personalized Treatment) - it's not the usual cleanse, steam, extract, mask kind of deal. They use pure, concentrated, raw ingredients that are applied in a very tactile way. I have to admit that several times during the treatment I wondered what the hell was being done to my face, there was poking, prodding and strange flicking along with the more traditional massaging and during the whole thing there was almost never a time when she didn't have a least one hand on my face - it a very touchy experience! The most usual aspect of it though is that it's all done cold - no steaming, no hot towels, no warm or hot water of any kind! So tepid water, cold towels, lots of touching and holy crap, by the end of it my skin was glowing - even the lines in my decollete which I had resigned myself to being a permanent fixture were gone! 

It's also easy to have the Biologique Recherche experience at home with a choice of over 100 facial products - this is where the facial came in handy as they will also recommend your at-home products - my favourite is the - Lotion P50 - 50ml - $28, 150ml - $66, 250ml - $102.50 - which gently exfoliates the skin, regulates excessive sebum secretion, moisturizes and helps maintain the epidermis' acid pH. Using it you can experience slight tingling, redness and blemishes - but what the bottle should warn you about is that is smells weird - kind of sour almost - but you can't argue with the results - it makes my skin feel so smooth and soft! Great for everyone as it comes in normal/oily, normal/dry and sensitive skin options.

You can have a facial and see the line for yourself at One2One Studio in Toronto, Heritage Way Medical Spa in Oakville, Femme Fatale in Barrie, Kolor Twist Hair Co in Calgary, Brens Skin Care in Russell and Les Chambre Des Dames in Montreal.

For more info check out www.beautynext.com.

- Lisamarie -

Pamper yourself pretty at Toronto's The Beauty Room!

The Beauty Room Skin Care & Esthetics is tucked away inside the L Studio Salon in Toronto's Liberty Village and offers all the typical treatments necessary for self-beautifying including manis, pedis, waxing and facials by owner/operator Amanda Chui.

I'm a total facial whore so was excited to see that they offer a wide variety of facial treatments - not only is there an express and signature facial, but there's also a large selection of results oriented clinical, corrective facials for specific skin concerns including: Oxygen to decongest and brighten; Algomask to calm and hydrate; Hydro-Lifting to hydrate and lift; Sea C Spa to lighten sun spots and repair sun damage; Collagen to minimize fine lines and wrinkles; and Botinol to plump up deep expression lines. All using products from the G.M. Collin line

Amanda decided that I could use some decongesting and brightening so I went with the Oxygen Facial. I've had oxygen treatments before and I was expecting it would be done the same way, with that machine that blows (cold) oxygen into your face but with this facial, she actually used products that have oxygen infused in them which she feels is a better delivery method to get them into your skin. The facial involved the usual cleansing, masks and extractions as well as a light peel to really help get rid of the dead skin and brighten up the complexion.

By the end my skin looked clean and fresh and felt super smooth! Only thing I didn't love about the facial, she wore gloves the whole time even when doing the facial massage. Now I understand gloves for extractions, I don't want to be touching other people's blackhead ooze but a facial massage with latex gloves on is like sex with a condom, it just doesn't feel as good!

The Oxygen Facial lasts 75 minutes and costs $100 - or if you have one monthly you get a special price of $85 (all facials have a special monthly price).

For more info check out www.beautyroom.ca - The Beauty Room is located inside L Studio at 39 Mowat Avenue in Toronto's Liberty Village - 416-889-9948.

- Lisamarie -

Test Driving OxyGeneo - the 3 in 1 superfacial!

If you haven't heard of an OxyGeneo before, it's a 14-minute skin revitalizing treatment that offers the benefits of microdermabrasion, chemical peels and oxygen facials all together in one easy, quick and painless procedure!

The treatment takes its inspiration from natural hot springs known for inducing skin oxygenation - by simulating the effect, it triggers a body response that sends oxygen to the treated area.

Basically how it works is by first exfoliating the upper skin alyer to remove dead cells and prepare the skin to receive active nutrients, then it cleanses the skin while infusing nutrient-rich formulas and finally it produces countless minute CO2 bubbles which gently burst on the skin surface inducing a physiological response that sends oxygen-rich blood to the treated area which results in optimal absorption of the formula.

There are two specialized formulas to choose from depending on your skin concerns:

NeoRevive - with active ingredients: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Glycerine, Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol which provides optimal skin rejuvenation and anti-aging to smooth the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and revitalize dull complexion.

NeoBright  - which can be used on any skin tone - with active ingredients: Magnesium Ascorbly Phosphate, Kojic Acid and Retinol which provides optimal skin lightening, nourishment and rejuvenation for powerful but gentle skin lightening while reducing skin pigmentation and sun damage.

Both formulas also offer natural facial skin oxygenation, uniform & non-irritation exfoliation, hydration and nourishment that is simple, safe and pleasant with long term advantages.

What's really nice about the treatment formulas is that they come individually packaged meaning you are getting a fresh, new dose each time!

I gave it a try and since my skin is already pretty even toned they used the NeoRevive formula. The treatment itself is very relaxing, almost like getting a nice long facial massage. I understand that if you have sensitive skin it can feel warm on your skin, but I didn't have that issue. The oxygenating part of it tickles a bit with the bubbles popping all over your skin - but overall it was very pleasant and I did appreciate this an an alternative to microdermabrasion because there was none of the sucking action going on which I should probably be avoiding as I get older and start to lose skin elasticity - the OxyGeneo gives me all the benefits of micro without the downside!

After the treatment my skin looked brighter and felt smoother - the other upside to this over micro - no post-treatment breakouts!

Treatment cost ranges from $125-$200 per treatment and is available at select medical spas and clinics in Canada including Glow Medi Spa in Toronto. Check out www.geneo.ca for other locations and some pretty amazing before and after photos!

 

- 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 -

Caryl Baker Visage Southwestern Beauty Summer 2013 collection

The Caryl Baker Visage Summer collection celebrates the spirit of southwestern beauty with colourful hues and natural finishes that give nods to prairie nights and country girls - for a look that is simple and chic.

Choose from new shades: Country Strong Eye Colours - $18 (Beauty Club $16.20) in Balance, Energy or Vitality
Desert Darlings City Slickers Lip Gloss - $19.50 (Beauty Club $17.55) in Carefree, Calm and Comfy

And you can try out the new colours with a great deal:

Southwestern Beauty Kit - $45 - includes an Eye Shadow, Waterproof Eye Liner or Gel Eye Liner, City Slickers Lip Gloss and OPI Nail Polish along with a $50 gift certificate towards a facial.

And be sure to check out the Free (that's right, free!) Scientific Organics Radiant Recovery Facial - infused with hydrating and soothing water lily and designed for all skin types, especially sensitive skin - to help soothe, clarify and brighten, leaving skin nourished and radiant! And they'll even finish your look with a Southwestern Beauty makeup application!

Available until July 14th - check out www.carylbakervisage.com to find a location near you!

- Lisamarie -

Breathe life into your skin with The Ultimate Facial from Caryl Baker Visage

You know how they say that you learn something new everyday? Well last week I found out that Visage does facials - I knew that they sold makeup and did eye brow shaping but for some reason I was totally unaware of the extensive amount of facial services they offer - including the latest and greatest - The Ultimate Facial - which is a 60 minute treatment that combines the use of deeply hydrating collagen and cell boosting pure oxygen for a facial that will have your skin looking and feeling soft and rejuvenated.

My Ultimate Facial was performed by the lovely Zarina at the Scarborough Town Centre location. She started me off with Phase One Microdermabrasion - ($35) - an exfoliation treatment that you can get prior to any facial service that acts as a skin-smoothing treatment to remove dead skin cells and to allow treatment products to better penetrate the skin.

This was followed by the usual cleansing and massaging and then a Collagen Mask - which is a sheet mask and if you haven't tried once of these before they can make you feel a little mummy-ish! The mask helps to promote collagen production, skin firmness and elasticity as well as helps diminish fine line and rehydrate the skin to keep it looking soft, smooth and more youthful.

The mask is followed by the oxygen treatment where they basically blow pure oxygen into your skin - it's a little chilly and smells weird but it's doing lots of great things for your skin so I sucked it up. As Zarina explained it to me, the oxygen helps stimulate collagen and elastin growth, lighten and brighten the appearance of the skin and fade pigmentation naturally, improves rosacea, acne, all forms of dermatitis, maintains moisture and nutrient levels resulting in a supple, youthful appearance - keeping the skin naturally hydrated and as an added benefit, helped the ingredients from the collagen mask absorb deeper. Whatever is did my skin looked plump and glowing by the end of my session!

With any facial Visage offers a complimentary makeup application which is great if you are going out or back to work but I was just going home and I love the perfectly clean skin feeling you get right after a facial so I left au natural.

If you think The Ultimate Facial sounds wonderful too, this is the time to try it - until February 24 it's being offered at the special price of $79.50 (regular price: $150). As well there is the option of specially priced pre-paid packages.

Check out www.carylbakervisage.com for a location near you.

- Lisamarie -

Fun with Fraxel at Skin Vitality followed by a Fab Facial at Jeanet Spa!

Not familiar with Fraxel? I wasn't either before visiting Skin Vitality for my very first Fraxel treatment on my hands last week. 

What Fraxel does is target aging and sun-damaged skin with microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into your skin to expedite your body’s remodeling of collagen. And since the laser treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, it leaves the surrounding tissue intact, which promotes very rapid healing. Fraxel resurfaces your skin by stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells from the inside out.

Here's how it works: a numbing cream is applied to the area that's to be treated, in my case the backs of my hands and then you wait 45 minutes to an hour for it to take effect. After that they take the laser and run it over your hands in two directions, repeating a couple of times - it's quite quick, it only took about 15 minutes to do both hands and thank heavens for that, because dammit, it hurts! For lack of a better description, it's what I imagine rolling a sea urchin over the backs of my hands would feel like - it's a poking, pricking kind of sensation, definitely not pleasant!

The lovely Sheryl performed my treatment, she doesn't look like a sadist but believe me, they aren't kidding when they say beauty is pain - if that's the case I'd better be damned gorgeous after Fraxel! I'm happy to say that the pain has pretty much already faded from my mind - I imagine in the same way that the pain of childbirth does - just like women wouldn't have more than one baby, they also wouldn't have more than one Fraxel treatment, if they remembered how it felt!

Afterwards my skin was extremely red and felt hot, just like a sunburn. The redness continued but the heat went away after the first day. My hands are now tanned looking, rough feeling and starting to flake - the sloughing off of the dead skin can take some time on the hands so be sure to admire my lizard hands if you see me in the next couple of weeks. For full effects 3 - 5 treatments are needed, spaced a few weeks apart and it's generally used on the face, decollatage and hands.

You can give it a try at Skin Vitality - 11 Yorkville Avenue - 416-969-9669.

After that, something more relaxing was in order and what could be better than a facial! So off I went to Jeanet Spa & Salon to enjoy a Enviro-Recovery Vitamin Infused Facial - a 45 minute facial that involves a unique massage exfoliating technique that detoxifies and extracts environmental toxins from the skin to experience maximum glow in minimal time.

If you're looking for a relaxing facial, that won't take a lot of time, doesn't involve extractions and won't leave you feeling greasy then you'll love this one.

My esthetician was Veronika and she was lovely - she put cold compresses on my burning hands and finding out that I was recovering from a cold, she did some sort of lymphatic drainage massage thing that had my nose unstuffed for the first time in weeks.

I highly recommend you try this one for yourself at Jeanet Spa & Salon - 140 Yorkville Avenue, 2nd Floor - 416-921-2996.  Happy spa-ing!

- Lisamarie -

You may not be allowed to look at Madonna, but Toronto, you can now have her skin thanks to Intraceuticals!

Gina Brooke and Machael Varricchio - both have great skin!

Madonna's Makeup Artist, Gina Brooke was in Toronto last week to promote Intraceuticals - the Australia brand she discovered in 2004 and has been using ever since to make her celebrity clients look fabulous!

We have all heard talk of the "Madonna facial" - and actually I thought I had gotten one a couple of years ago but as it turns out, not all oxygen facials are created equal. While blowing some oxygen on your skin feels good, it doesn't actually do much if that's all they're doing. What's different about the Intraceuticals Infusion  is that it uses therapeutic-grade oxygen and Hyalouronic Acid to deliver specialized active serums deep into the skin's structural layer giving you impressive immediate and long-term results, which are: stimulates cell renewal, strengthens collagen and elastin fibers; immediate and intensive hydration to leave skin fresh, radiant and with a visible, firming lift; and the super-hydrating serums stimulate an osmotic response so skin gets steadily firmer, brighter, and refreshed within 24 hours following each treatment.

This all sounds great in theory but I wanted to try it for myself so went down to GEE Beauty to have a Intraceuticals Infusion. Machael Varricchio, whose company Beauty Mark is bringing Intraceuticals into spas actually gave me my facial - and I must admit that was my first experience getting a facial - or any kind of spa service from a guy! I have no complaints, he did a great job! If facials make you nervous or you find them too invasive, this is the treatment for you! No extractions, scrubbing, rubbing or anything else you might find objectionable - just some very light pressure and coolness from the oxygen.

I'd like to give you a thorough and vivid description of what the facial feels like, but it doesn't actually feel like much of anything, if I hadn't been talking to Machael during it, I could have fallen asleep. What I can tell you is how my skin looked afterwards - radiant! My skin was visibly plumped, smooth and glowing. What's really cool about this facial though is that your skin looks even better the second day - and mine sure did. Added bonus, a pimple that was coming on when I had the treatment was pretty much healed day 2! And Gina was absolutely correct when she told me to wait and see how well my makeup would go on after having the facial - it's true, it just glides on and really looks all kinds of amazing - I can see why this is the perfect tool for a makeup artist!

There are 3 kinds of treatments:
Rejuvenate - promotes natural collagen and elastin production to improve skin texture and smooth fine lines and wrinkles - 50 minutes for $175
Opulence - a botanical brightener that helps reduce hyper pigmentation, and lighten dark spots, scars and other imperfections for a refreshed, radiant appearance - 50 minutes for $200
Atoxelene - an alternative to injections, it targets expression lines and wrinkles while re-firming and re-filling under the eye and contouring lips - 30 minute express treatment for $150

And you can help keep the results going with the line of home-care products - it was recommended to me that I do a daily three step process consisting of a Daily Serum, Hydration Gel and Moisture Binding Cream.

I highly recommend you get yourself to GEE Beauty and try one out for yourself!
Discover Intraceuticals at GEE Beauty - 2 Roxborough Street West in Toronto - 416-486-0080

- Lisamarie -

Check out fabulous Yorkville spas for a lot less thanks to Beautylicious!

Toronto lovers of beauty rejoice - Beautylicious is back again!  For those not familiar with what it is, many of the salons and spas in the Bloor-Yorkville area offer consumers set value-priced packages and services for a set period of time.  there is a wide array of hair, spa, skin and health & wellness service packages available at three set prices - $25, $75 and $125 in four categories: hair (hair/colour/cut/style); spa (includes massage and/or facial and/or mani/pedi); skin (non-invasive procedures including Botox, Restylane or chemical peel); and Health & Wellness (nutrition services, dental, chiropractic services)

There are too many packages for me to even begin to tell you about but you can find all the event info at www.bloor-yorkville.com with details of all the participating spas and salons as well as the packages available.  But I will share with you a few of the ones I have my eye on as well as a few that I have tried already and can recommend:

Marc Anthony Salon - 38 Avenue Road - 416-413-1521 has an amazing $125 offering of an all-over colour, wash, deep conditioning treatment, Shiatsu scalp massage, haircut and blowout (for new clients only).  I got my hair cut there with Byron last week and it was great - you can read the review here.

Taz Hair Co. - 11 Yorkville Avenue - 416-922-6060 has a great $75 or $125 package involving colour and/or highlights - snag Susan if you can, she's great and they use the INOA colour there which has to be experienced to be believed!  You can read my review here.

Pure + Simple - 41 Avenue Road - 416-924-6555 - I can't say enough about the deluxe sea salt microdermabrasion so you will just have to go an experience it for yourself for $125!  You can read the review here.

and don't miss out on seeing Dr. Cory Torgerson - Facial Cosmetic Surgery - 70 Yorkville Avenue, Suite 31 - 647-343-0207 - who is offering special promotional prices on Restylane or Perlane injectable fillers as well as Botox.  If you aren't ready for that yet, he is also offering a complimentary consultation and 3D photo image session - check out what you could look like after a bit (or a lot) of work!  I did it and it was fun, you can check out the post here.

What sounds interesting that I haven't tried:

Clarins Skin Spa - 87 Yorkville Avenue - 416-924-9124 - for $125 I can have a Hawaiian Wave body treatment + Firmer bust: super moisturizing treatment for the body and bust and decollete treatment to stimulate and tone for firmer skin in this delicate area.

OxyBeauty - 14A Hazelton Avenue, Suite 304 - 416-929-4597 - for $75 I can have a OXYjet facial: removes pore impurities, replenishes antioxidant content and provides deep skin moisturizing for environmentally damaged skin

Spa at the Windor Arms Hotel - 18 St. Thomas Street - 416-934-6031 - for $75 I can have a 60 minute Pumpkin Body Wrap: this vitamin-rich masque stimulates blood flow and nourishes the skin.

I have no idea how I will ever choose - it's too bad I only have one face (unlike Christelle)!

Check it out at www.bloor-yorkville.com and help me make a decision and if you're going to book, do it soon, they book up fast and it only runs October 28-November 7!

- Lisamarie -

Dr. Hauschka Spa thinks you're golden - or at least should be!

Women have been known to put some pretty strange stuff on their skin, but finally something that makes sense to me - Gold!
Dr. Hauschka Spa in Montreal is now offering a Holistic 24 Karat Gold Facial - for $270 you get a sumptuous two hour treatment where the lymphatic flow is stimulated to help eliminate toxins and make the skin receptive to the benefits of the gold.  The sheets are then applied as a mask to thoroughly cleansed skin.  Using light touches, they are then gently pressed into the skin so the effects can penetrate deeply.

I'm sure you are wondering how the heck gold could be good for your skin and if this is some kind of beauty scam, but there is actually science behind the use of gold:  much as gold is used as a conductor in electronics, gold exerts an influence on electrons present in the cells.  It rapidly warms the skin to provide a comforting sensation while helping increase oxygenation, balancing the acidity of the body tissue fluids and freeing the skin of impurities.  The heat energy also helps release negative ions and rid skin cells of free radicals.  As a result, wrinkles are diminished, blemishes banished, and age spots fade away.  The skin becomes genuinely luminous, and women report a feeling of complete inner and outer radiance.

The results last approximately 3 weeks.  A single treatment is ideal any time for an added glow, especially before a big event but for optimal results a series of six monthly treatments is recommended.

And if you have this done in February, you can look just like an Oscar!

You can find the Dr. Hauschka Spa at 1444 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, QC - 514-286-1444.