This week I'm obsessed with... Fenty Skin Pre-Show Glow!

You know the way your skin feels after a really good facial and how easily your makeup glides onto perfectly polished skin? That's exactly the same feeling you will get with... 

Fenty Skin Pre-Show Glow - 30ml + Reusable Applicator - $52, 30ml Refill - $42 - a powerful exfoliating treatment loaded with 10% AHAs - glycolic, citric and lactic acids - help fade the look of pores and dark spots and improve skin's moisture content; rooibos - rich in AHAs and zinc to help revitalize and renew the appearance of skin; pomegranate, papaya, and cranberry enzymes -  help to visibly digest, lift, and loosen damaged surface cells.  The reusable applicator delivers gentle physical exfoliation, leaving skin feeling ultra-soft, looking radiant, and makeup-ready - with no redness or irritation, so no downtime. 

 

I like to do a little research before actually trying new products to get an idea of what other people think and the most complaints seemed to be about the smell and the bottle size. For me, neither was a concern - it's described as a a light, fruity-floral scent inspired by pomegranate and hibiscus and that's exactly how it smells to me - not the least bit objectionable. As for anyone complaining about the size - they must be using too much - I have been using it twice a week for over a month now and I have barely made a dent in it! You really just need a very small amount on a wet applicator. All I can think is they were doing it with the applicator dry in which case you would need a lot to make it wet enough to use - so just remember, wet face, wet applicator, a little bit of product and scrub face for 30-60 seconds - rinse face and prepare to have your skin feel just like a baby's butt - follow with your serum/moisturizer and makeup and admire the glow!

 

Part of the Clean at Sephora collection so free of all the crap that we don't want or need in our beauty products and available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

Follow your Bliss to amazing skin!

Bliss holds a special place in my heart - a zillion years ago when Sephora first opened their first Canadian store in Toronto my very first purchase was a pair of Bliss Glamour Gloves (I still have them!) and I continued to buy and love their products ever since - well almost ever since... some years ago the products became harder to come by here - but no longer - Bliss has arrived in Canada and you can now find it at Shoppers Drug Mart!

 

Now that I can Bliss to my heart's content I've been on a mission to try everything out and see what I like best and have come up a top 3 fave list:

 

Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Toner + Serum - 130ml - $19.99 - a game-changing treatment, clinically proven to deliver clear, calm skin in 14 days by combining the benefits of a toner with all the joys of a serum to purify pores, tone skin and deliver concentrated ingredients for ultimate clarity without over-drying or irritating skin. Powered a proprietary CLARITY 5 COMPLEX containing BHA (salicylic acid), witch hazel water, niacinamide, zinc PCA & cica. Masking has been giving me some issues that I thought were behind me in my non-teenage years - and this has sorted things right out and so quickly too without giving me the dry patches that I usually suffer from when I use stronger ingredients - yea!

 

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting Serum - 30ml - $32.99 - this collagen-protecting and brightening serum boosts brightness and elasticity in one use with a high concentration of the most effective, non-irritating form of clinical-grade vitamin C plus tri-peptide to brighten, diminish the look of dark spots and visibly firm skin. I am super-obsessed with vitamin C these days and love that this one comes in serum form that absorbs quickly making it easy to layer and with none of weird smells that some vitamin C products have!

 

Bliss Incredi-peel 10% Glycolic Acid Spa-Strength Resurfacing Peel - 15 facial treatments - $29.99 -with a spa-strength formula that gradually releases the 10% glycolic acid formula overnight to target fine lines, discoloration and imperfections for smoother, brighter skin by morning. Also great for travel (if we can ever do that again) thanks to the convenient, single-step, no-rinse peel pads that are individually packaged.

 

Bliss also goes above and beyond to ensure its products are clean and safe. The brand uses only ethically-sourced, high-quality ingredients and has thoughtfully formulated its products to be 90% vegan and 100% clean, cruelty-free and blissfully free from the bad stuff including parabens, phthalates, SLS and SLES. I also appreciate how accessible the line is to everyone - nothing will set you back more then $32.99!

 

Go to your favourite Shoppers Drug Mart store across Canada or online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca to try my favourites or discover your own!

 

- Lisamarie -

Wake up to better skin thanks to overnight formulas from No7, Versed & Pixi!

No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate - 30ml - $44 - works night after night to deliver visibly younger looking skin with 5 in 1 action: lines look smoother; skin tone looks even; skin appears firm and lifted; skin appears brighter and more radiant; and pores and texture look refined.

The expert formula contains two powerful age-defying technologies: retinol - reboots skin, helping it to act like younger, healthier looking skin; and Matrixyl 3000 Plus - renews skin, kick-starting its natural repair process - delivered in a retinol optimiser - an intelligent slow-release oil encapsulation system for enhanced delivery throughout the night and helped along by a retinol soother - that helps to calm skin - for visible skin transformation.

I will caution that sensitive skin can find retinol uncomfortable so if your skin does anything more then tingle a bit when it's applied, start off by using it every other night for the first week or so until your skin gets used to it.

Versed The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel - 30ml - $26.99 - a resurfacing peel that works overnight on dull and aging skin to gently smooth and renew with with an exfoliating and brightening blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid and vitamin A to refine texture and tone. 

Pixi Dream-y Overnight Mist - 80ml - $20 - a deep sleep enhancing elixir that is packed full of natural aromas, well known for their relaxing qualities and infused with humectants and antioxidants for maximum restorative benefits. Mist onto over regular nightime skincare to hydrate and seal it in - then mist onto pillow before sleep for added aromatherapy benefits.

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

- Lisamarie -

Beauty that does good from The Better Skin Co., Aveda and Baby Foot!

The Better Skin Co. Better Skin Super Shield Anti-Pollution Serum - 30ml - $51 - a natural pollution defense system scented with a hind of aloe and rose and powered by white horehound designed to fight visible and invisible pollution damage while creating more youthful looking, radiant skin as well, the formula is naturally fortified with turmeric, eggplant, aloe, henna and pearl powder to protect, hydrate and renew skin for a healthier glow.

And feel good knowing The Better Skin Co. will be donating 100% of their October proceeds of the Super Shield Serum to iGoPink - a national non-profit focusing on educating, empowering and encouraging all men and women to become proactive in preventing breast cancer and, if diagnosed, surviving breast cancer. Through their free program services, iGoPink is able to educate, teach and provide the latest accurate information about integrated cancer care, cancer prevention, recovery, treatment, early detection and survival.

Available at Murale stores and select Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques across Canada as well as online at thebetterskinco.com and beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Aveda Limited Edition BCA Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme with cherry almond aroma - 150ml - $35 - intensely moisturizes dry hands leaving them noticeably softer and smoother with andiroba oil and other plant hydrators that help infuse skin with nourishment for moisturized, soft hands.

And feel good knowing that with each BCA Hand Relief purchased from Oct 2019 to Sept 2020, $5 will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to help find a cure through cruelty-free  research. In alignment with the mission at Aveda, donations are used to explore environmental causes and links to breast cancer.

Available at Aveda stores across Canada and aveda.ca.

Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peel - 70ml - $25 -  removes unwanted dead skin from feet making it easy to say goodbye to rough, dry, cracked soles. Just slip the booties on for one hour while skin absorbs its unique formula including fruit acids and 16 natural extracts designed to exfoliate. Feet will start to peel within 3 to 7 days after treatment (the process of which is both disgusting and awesome), leaving feet super smooth.

And feel good knowing that Baby Foot is donating 20% of their October proceeds from their Pink Ribbon Box to the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer.

Available at www.BabyFoot.com.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Avon Anew Vitamin C Warming Peel!

Avon Anew Vitamin C Warming Peel - 100ml - $28 - an invigorating warming peel that visibly restores dull, tired skin to its natural radiance. It works with a warming sensation that is  activated with water which opens pores to remove impurities and a gentle dual exfoliator that combines vitamin C flakes plus seeds that buff skin as it's massage on.

Apply to cleansed, dry skin, leave on for 10 minutes, rinse, then apply a serum. Can be used 2 - 3 times a week as needed.

And to really up your Vitamin C game:

Avon Anew Vitamin C Antioxidant Lip Treatment - 3.8g - $20 - a colourless treatment that plumps, nourishes, conditions and protects lips to keep them looking youthful.

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

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... No7 Laboratories Resurfacing Skin Paste!

No7 Resurfacing Skin Paste - 50ml - $28 - combines the instant skin-enhancing boost of a mask with the efficacy of a skin transforming treatment to visibly brighten and refine the skin's texture, reduce the appearance of pores and improve the appearance of hyper-pigmentation for brighter, more even looking skin.

Powered by Derma-Peel Complex - an optimized AHA & PHA blend that delivers high efficacy exfoliation without being harsh on skin. The formula gets to work instantly to deliver visible results in just 15 minutes and from first use, complexion appears brighter and more even-looking; skin feels smooth and pores look visibly clearer. After 1 week, skin texture is dramatically improved, pore size and uneven skin tone are visibly reduced.

It's easy to use, just apply an even layer to cleansed skin, avoiding the eye, brow and lip area. Wait for 15 minutes, during which time you may experience a light tingling sensation. Remove with warm water and the muslin cloth included. Use 2-3 times weekly but ease up if you experience irritation and take a break before resuming use. Also keep it mind that because it contains an alpha hydroxy acid, your skin's sensitivity to the sun may be increased so be sure to use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure while using and for a week after use of the product has stopped.

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

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Skin Authority Brightening Peel Pack!

It's just five days to fabulously healthy-looking skin that is brighter, smoother and fuller with:

Skin Authority Brightening Peel Pack - 5 treatments - $21 - with a leave-on serum formula of AHA glycolic from sugar cane, natural skin brighteners from the bearberry bush, and complex oligopeptides which work to transform the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while helping fade spots, freckles, and splotches aggravated by hormones, sun or UV exposure with naturally derived brightening agents as well as hydrates skin.

Just use once a day for 5 days and look forward to skin that is bright, radiant, smooth and soft - any skin type can use it, including sensitive and it's even safe to use while pregnant or nursing!

Available exclusively at Murale stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Boost your skincare routine with Rodial Glycolic Drops 10% Gycolic Resurfacing Concentrate!

Rodial introduces Booster Drops, a collection of highly concentrated, single ingredient serum formulas that supercharge your skincare regime. There are some great options in the line but so far my fave is:

Rodial Glycolic Drops 10% Gycolic Resurfacing Concentrate - 30ml - $89 - designed to refine the appearance of skin by blurring the appearance of wrinkles as it resurfaces the complexion, smooths and evens the skin and boosts radiance.

The formula contains 10% glycolic acid - an effective AHA that   gently exfoliates the surface layer of the skin, encouraging cell turnover and blurring the appearance of wrinkles to reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion.

It's easy to use, shake well and gently massage 2-3 drops onto a cleansed face and neck, paying particular attention to areas with expression lines. Allow to dry thoroughly. For best results two to three times per week at night time only.

Available at Murale stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Indeed Labs Bakuchiol Reface Pads!

Get all the joy and benefits of retinol without worrying about the crappy side effects like dryness, photosensitivity and irritation - thanks to a natural retinoid alternative in a very convenient form:

Indeed Labs Bakuchiol Reface Pads - 30 pads - $19.99 - with a unique combination of high performance ingredients that increase collagen production, hydrate, brighten, reduce fine lines, help with acne and promote improved skin tone and texture in a formulation that works for all skin types.

What sort of wondrous formula can do all that? Just a combination of proven ingredients including:

Bakuchiol - a plant-derived powerhouse ingredient that increases cell turnover, restores skin elasticity and reduces acne, multiple signs of ageing, roughness, dryness as well as fine lines and
wrinkles while it improves skin tone, hydration, firmness, radiance and brightness;

SymSave H - provides antioxidant and soothing properties;

Allantoin - prevents itchy or flaky skin and allows skin to hold in more moisture as well as being an effective anti-irritant and providing skin calming benefits;

Niacinamide - brightens complexion, reduces wrinkles, reduces water loss, improves elasticity and fights inflammation while improving barrier function. Discolouration is diminished and skin tone and texture is revived. It also helps regulate the sebum content of the skin and the anti-inflammatory activity, both of which are essential for anti-acne care.

With a retinol I would normally recommend you use it at night to avoid sun sensitivity but that won't be an issue with this one so use it morning and/or night - your choice - no need to worry, just enjoy the noticeable and lasting results!
Available exclusively at select Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at indeedlabs.com.

- Lisamarie -

Regenerate the skin's radiance with Lierac Supra Radiance!

Lierac has a new radiance anti-aging range - Supra Radiance - a collection of five skin care products that were developed to help combat toxin aging.

Overexposed to UV and pollution, subjected to an unbalanced diet or excessive smoking, and worn out by a lack of sleep and too much stress, the skin suffers. All these aggressions, which fall under the umbrella term "envirome", generate oxidative stress, which transforms proteins into toxins. An influx of toxins overburdens and asphyxiates the cells, which begin to work more slowly. A loss of radiance, marked wrinkles and lack of tone are not far behind. Toxin aging has begun!

To combat this new form of aging, nutritional and environmental medicine aims to restore the body's balance. It works by eliminating accumulated toxins and preventing them from forming, before reactivating metabolisms to restore optimal function to the cells. The objective for the line became clear: to closely decipher the mechanisms of premature aging, then counter them with two consecutive actions. The first is detoxification, which eliminates the toxins that trigger premature aging, followed by reactivation of the cells' energy and essential functions.

Available in the collection:

Anti-Ox Renewing Cream-Gel - 50ml - $85 - a radiance renewer for normal to combination skin - the formula combines white horehound extract - which fights toxin aging, with the anti-aging Hyalu-3 concentrate and is enriched with antioxidant pagoda tree extract and mattifying rice powder for an immediate smoothing effect thanks to soft-focus powders that immediately blur wrinkles and imperfections.

Anti-Ox Renewing Cream - 50ml - $85 - a radiance renewer for normal to dry skin - the formula  combines white horehound extract - which fights toxin aging, with the anti-aging Hyalu-3 concentrate and is enriched with antioxidant pagoda tree extract and nourishing marula oil for an immediate smoothing effect thanks to soft-focus powders that immediately blur wrinkles and imperfections.

Peeling Renewing Night Cream - 50ml - $85 - the formula combines white horehound extract - which fights toxin aging, with the anti-aging Hyalu-3 concentrate and is enriched with detoxifying silk tree extract and smoothing lactic and glycolic acids leaving skin with a feeling of freshness and comfort.

Eye Radiance Serum - 15ml - $65 - takes care of puffiness and dark circles with a fragrance-free formula that combines white horehound extract - which fights toxin aging, with the anti-aging Hyalu-3 concentrate and is enriched with ruscus extract and decongesting ruscogenin and has an immediate smoothing effect thanks to soft-focus powders and pearlescent particles that reduce fatigue, smooth, and brighten the eyes.

Double Peeling Radiance Mask - 75ml - $60 - a radiance boosting double-peel that combines white horehound extract - which fights toxin aging, with the anti-aging Hyalu-3 concentrate along with being enriched with exfoliating volcanic micro-crystals and smoothing AHA's. Just apply to dry skin once a week, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 5 minutes and exfoliate in circular motions - then just rinse off with water for skin that feels brand new.

I really love how beautifully feminine all the products smell - other then the eye serum which is fragrance free, the rest have subtle notes of freesia, pink peppercorn and tonka bean.

Available now at drugstores across Canada and online at lierac.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Guerlain Gommage de Beauté Skin Resurfacing Peel!

Guerlain Gommage de Beauté Skin Resurfacing Peel - 75ml - $74 - a grain-free, non-abrasive, melting gel peel designed to gently exfoliate and refine the look of even the most sensitive skin.

Ideal for all skin types, it delivers the perfect concentration of three naturally derived exfoliating acids to gently remove dead cells to correct dullness and uneven texture - the acids brighten, soften, calm redness, lift away impurities and maintain essential moisture levels for skin that looks and feels smoother, more refined and radiant; along with nigella oil flower extract - for it's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

For optimal results apply over the whole face and leave on as a mask for 5-10 minutes - before removing, massage the centre of the face and the t-zone with small circular movements - rise thoroughly and enjoy your glowing skin!

As an added bonus it smells great - white tea, musky notes and a touch of jasmine.

Available now at Guerlain counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Peel to reveal beautiful skin with NeoStrata!

NeoStrata has made it easy to get all the benefits of a professional peel in the comfort of your own home with 3 different formulas - skin renewal, anti-aging and brightening - of one-step peels, that were inspired by dermatological treatments - that feature a highly concentrated 20 - 25% exfoliating complex to deliver maximum results, yet are gentle enough for at home use, with no recovery time necessary - they will not only make your skin look and feel great, but also help improve the absorption and performance of all your skin care products!

NeoStrata Skin Renewal Peel Solution - 50ml - $75 - great for dilated pores, rough skin texture, dull skin tone, it provides an immediate smoothing effect along with long-term benefits for a renewed, healthier-looking skin with continued use - for skin texture that looks smoother, pores look tightened and skin tone looks more even and radiant.

NeoStrata Anti-Aging Peel Solution - 40ml - $78 - great for wrinkles and lack of elasticity, it  combines the immediate skin smoothing effect of a chemical peel with the anti-aging benefits of a potent treatment for a younger and healthier looking skin - to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin elasticity and firmness - for skin texture that looks smoother, pores look tightened and skin tone looks more even and radiant.

NeoStrata Brightening Peel Solution - 40ml - $78 - great for dark spots, uneven skin tone, it  combines the immediate skin smoothing effect of a chemical peel with the brightening benefits of a potent treatment for a more even and brighter looking complexion - to even the look of skin tone and boost radiance, reduce the appearance of dark spots and skin discolouration, smooth skin texture and tighten pores.

And to help soothe the skin after you peel:

NeoStrata Post-Procedure Repair Cream - 50ml - $45 - great for irritated, dry skin this intensive triple-action skin cream has a light, non-greasy texture that quickly absorbs and is specially designed to help repair, restore and soothe post-procedure skin providing moisturization for optimal comfort to the skin.

Available now at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Peel and reveal great skin with The Body Shop!

The Body Shop introduces three peels that work as a gentle alternative to traditional exfoliators. They help to gently peel away tired, grumpy skin to reveal a healthy looking, happy glow, without water, abrasive particles or enzymes.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Revealing Liquid Peel - 145ml - $25 - with a transforming gel-to-peel texture that lifts and traps impurities and dead skin cells sitting on the skin’s surface, even the most reluctant ones for skin that feels fresh, clean, renewed, prepared for cleansing and moisturization.

Enriched with vitamin C rich camu camu berry extract and softening  Community Trade honey from Ethiopia

The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Liquid Peel - 145ml - $25 - uses enzymes and a very gentle physical scrub made up of soft clusters of fibers to exfoliate and gently peel off impurities from your skin, lifting dead skin cells and residuals leaveing skin clean and purified from the day’s pollutants - continued use will leave a fresh, smoother and more luminous youthful-looking skin.

The formula contains 3 plant stem cells: Edelweiss from the Italian Alps, Sea Holly and Criste Marine from the Brittany Coast, infused with Community Trade Babassu Oil from Brazil - that will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

The Body Shop Drops Of Light Pure Resurfacing Liquid Peel - 145ml - $25 -  visibly brightens skin's appearance with transforming gel-to-peel technology that traps and gently peels off impurities and dead skin cells to unveil healthy-looking skin that feels resurfaced from first use - with continued use, skin looks more luminous and skin texture is refined.

Contains brightening red algae extract from the North Atlantic and vitamin C to help skin appear smoother, brighter, refined and more even along with Community Trade marula oil from Namibia and Community Trade organic olive oil from Italy for their hydrating and smoothing properties.

Whichever peel you pick, it's recommended that you use it in the evening, 2-3 times per week for best results. Just dispense 2 pumps onto fingertips and massage onto a dry face for up to 20 seconds until exfoliating ‘residues’ appear noticeably and are peeled off - then rinse thoroughly with water. Tada! Your skin instantly feels and looks noticeably softer and smoother!

These are my favourite kinds of beauty products - that let me see for myself the wonderfully gross things they are doing - in this case by letting me see the dead skin coming off - this ranks right up there with pulling black crap out of my pores!

Available now at The Body Shop stores across Canada and online at www.thebodyshop.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Reveal your glow with Vichy Idéalia!

Time to love your Vichy Idéalia even more - whether your skin has lost it's glow due to pollution,  stress or lack of sleep - new formulations containing clinically proven natural actives to boost skin glow and correct the first signs of aging - day after day, skin regains its energy, the signs of fatigue recede, complexion becomes more uniform, fine lines fade away and radiance returns for skin that is absolutely vibrant! 

Including a new addition to the Idéalia line: 

Idéalia Radiance Activating Night Peeling Care – 100ml - $39.95 - enriched with 4% glycolic acid and 5% HEPES and infused with active extracts of fermented black tea and blueberry polyphenols to gently peel and exfoliate the skin stimulating skin regeneration in order to reactivate glow while still being gentle enough that sensitive skins can use it everyday.  

What makes it really interesting is the texture - it's a water! Just apply with a cotton pad every night after removing makeup - no rinsing needed, and wake up with a more beautiful skin, that is smoother and more vibrant. Need more moisture? Just add a night cream on top for an extra boost. Over time, even dark spots and acne marks are faded and wrinkles smoothed for skin that is like new.

Idéalia Radiance Boosting Antioxidant Serum - 30ml - $49.95 - with a new formula infused with antioxidant citrus flavonoids, energizing adenosine and an illuminating liquorice root extract, to speed up the transformation of normal skin into smooth, glowing skin: with first effects proven in 8  days. With its new liquid texture that is super light, non-sticky and quickly absorbed, it guarantees an optimum rate of hydration for 24 hours that works for even the oiliest of skins - making it great for layering. 

Idéalia Smoothness & Glow Energizing Cream - 50ml - $45 – in dry skin or normal to combination skin new formulas - with a fresh, silky texture that combines the freshness of a gel with the comfort of a cream, a relaxing scent made up of white flowers and tea and a complex formulated with blueberry rich in polyphenols and fermented black tea extract, for the perfect dose of nutrients needed by the skin to combat stress, even the complexion and glow until the evening.

Idéalia Energizing Smoothing & Glow Mattifying Sorbet-Cream - 50ml - $39.95 – the perfect solution for combination to oily skin, a complex of natural actives in a formula to boost the natural glow, even complexion, refine pores, smooth tea  enhances the skin quality, while the absorbent microbeads take care of any excess sebum - for skin that is perfectly balanced.

Idéalia Nuit Restorative Gel-Balm - 50ml - $45 - targets the skin’s nocturnal recovery systems in order to mimic, every night, the effect of reparative sleep. Enriched with ceramides, it recharges skin altered by a day of intense living, while the liquorice root clarifies the complexion.

Idéalia Anti-Fatigue Eye Care - 15ml - $39.95 - removes the shadows from your eyes along with fine lines and wrinkles that to its dual action formula of energizing caffeine and the liquorice root extract that provides a little extra radiance!

Idéalia BB Cream - 40ml - $37 -  blends with the epidermis to give it the perfect combination of mineral pigments for a second skin effect. Enriched with fermented black tea extract, day after day it perfects skin quality.

Available now at drugstores across Canada.
 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Ole Henriksen Lemon Strip Flash Peel!

Ole Henriksen Lemon Strip Flash Peel - 50ml - $60 -  instantly reveals a more even skintone, smoother texture, minimized pores and reduced look of lines for a radiant, refined complexion with a professional-strength one-step express peel that incorporates a 20% AHA complex of lactic acid - a natural, gentle exfoliant that double as a humectant; glycolic acid - penetrates skin deeper to support natural cell turnover for softer, smoother skin; and a fruit acid complex - a concentrated blend of five botanical extracts containing naturally occurring AHA's that work to exfoliate by weakening bonds of dead skin cells so they can be shed from the skin's surface, while purified algae extract and bio-saccharide soothe and nourish.

Just a thin layer applied for 10 minutes once or twice a week and you can look forward to soft, smooth skin that glows -  my only disappointment - it doesn't smell very lemon-y - otherwise this is a total winner!

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Peel your way to beautiful skin with Philosophy, Avon Anew and Dr Renaud!

Philosophy The Microdelivery Overnight Anti-Aging Peel - $89 - a 2 step overnight system designed to reveal fresh skin and dramatically improve the visible signs of aging that includes: Step 1: 50ml Alpha/Beta Hydroxy Acid Leave-on Peel Solution - for immediate micro-exfoliation that delivers exceptional resurfacing benefits gently throughout the night; and Step 2: 60ml Youth-Extending Night Gel - with the restorative benefits of an overnight sleep mask that improves the appearance of firmness while diminishing the look of wrinkles and pores; along with 24 cotton pads.

Together they virtually eliminate the potential for irritation so skin appears healthier-looking longer and you awake to fresher, glowing skin by morning. For best results use 2-3 times a week before your usual moisturizer until all pads are used.

Available at Hudson's Bay and thebay.com.

Avon Anew Clinical Extra Strength Retexturizing Peel - 42ml - $32 - with a multi-acid complex that helps slough off dead surface cells to mproves texture and radiance as well as minimize the appearance of sun spots, fine lines and post-acne marks to reveal a fresher, smoother, more radiant look.

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

Laboratoire Dr Renaud Peel Pads - 60 pads - $69 - with an in-office inspired formula that allows for epidermal renewal, helping to plump and re-tighten the skin with a combination of 1 AHA, 5 Fruit Acids and Vegetal Proteolytic Enzymes that combined offer a moisturizing effect; an energizing effect - that reinforces radiance; a rejuvenating effect - that softens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and a light refining effect - that improves texture - the result is soft, glowing skin that feels smooth and looks radiant.

Available at aestheticians across Canada - to find one near you visit ldrenaud.com/en/find-an-institute.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Ole Henriksen Power Peel!

Ole Henriksen Power Peel - 6 Treatments - $60 - includes individually packaged products that include:

6 Almond Polish Facial Scrub - a microdermabrasion scrub with oak kernel and bamboo stem powder that exfoliates away dry, dull skin to prepare it for:,

6 Lemon Strip Flash Peel - a powerful yet gentle acid peel with 20% AHA complex buffered by algae extract which then works to further exfoliate by dissolving dead cells to reduce the look of lines, shrink pores, fade spots, brighten and expose a smooth texture; and

6 Chamomile Comfort Mask - with ultra-soothing chamomile and primrose oil to soothe and calm after the exfoliation process.

The trio works together to dramatically retexturize skin - visibly reducing fine lines, smoothing skin texture, evening skintone, diminishing discoloration and minimizing pores for instant renewed youthful radiance after just one use.

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

New season, new skin with a peel at The Plastic Surgery Clinic - and a Tweezerman bonus!

Summer is almost over and while it's been a blast, the effects of all that fun are showing up on my skin - so I figured it was the perfect time to perk things up with a facial peel from Jenny  at The Plastic Surgery Clinic. I prefer a peel to a regular facial when seasons change as a peel helps skin cells turnover quicker to draw out impurities and damage.

The peel treatment consists of exfoliation therapy combined with dermaplaning, a mild lactic acid peel, a fruit enzyme scrub finished with a soothing green mask. They will also do the peel on your hands and decolletage and since they are the first areas to show signs of aging, I thought it was a great idea to brighten them up too!

The freakiest/neatest part of the whole thing is the dermaplaning which is small razor that is run over your face to get rid of dead skin cells - of course at the same time it gets rid of all the peach fuzz on your face - you'll really appreciate what guys go through having to shave! At the end of the treatment my face, hands and chest were left glowing, even and more youthful looking! It will set you back $125 a peel or you can buy in advance to save - 4 treatments are $375.

If you want to get your skin ready for fall at The Plastic Surgery Clinic you have a choice of the downtown Toronto or Mississauga location - check out www.theplasticsurgeryclinic.com for more info.

Once you have dermaplaning (or just like the idea of being fuzz-free) and want to keep up the effect without actually having to shave everyday then an excellent alternative is: 

Tweezerman Smooth Finish Facial Hair Remover - $25 - a fast and pain-free tool for removing unwanted hair with a high-quality coil spring to get rid of even the trickiest hairs at the root without irritating the skin. It's easy to use - you just hold the handles, align the top of the coil tip at the area where you want hair removed and rotate the silver knobs on each side of the handles causing the coil to grab the hair and remove it - it takes a few tries to get the hang of it but once you do it's super quick and really is painless!

Available exclusively at sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... James Read Enhance Tan Perfecting Enzyme Peel Face

Not a fan of facial scrubs? Me neither - so many of them are harsh and irritating! Of course this is a problem when using self tanners since nothing makes a self tanner apply or work better then perfectly smooth skin - which means exfoliation! Luckily there is an easy and gentle way to smooth skin with:

James Read Enhance Tan Perfecting Enzyme Peel Face - 75ml - $26 - a hydrating and fast-acting enzyme peel mask that acts as the ultimate pre-tan treatment by exfoliating, smoothing and clarifying the skin to leave it clean and supple leaving it the perfect canvas to apply self tanner to - as an added bonus, it also smooths, firms and hydrates the skin.


It's not just good for pre-tan prepping either - you know a few days after using self tanner when you get to that point when your tan starts to look kind of blotchy and uneven? If you apply more self tanner it will just accentuate the unevenness but use the peel and it will even everything out - genius!

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Perricone MD Blue Plasma Peel!

Perricone MD Blue Plasma - 59ml - $115 - a unique, non-acidic daily peel that is designed to deliver all the benefits of a traditional peel without redness or irritation. This cutting edge liquid treatment works with bio-specific peeling to attack only dead skin cells, micro-extraction to lift surface debris, unclogging and purifying the skin of build-up and finally, hydro-fusion to rebalance skin's hydration with enriched water. 

The product can be used day or night and because no rinsing is needed, you can layer it under other products. I personally prefer to wear it at night, it feels a little gunky to me under a day cream so I like being able to wash it off in the morning - and of course feeling the beautifully soft and smooth skin I get for my efforts!

Available at The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com.

- Lisamarie -