Enjoy the sun and a great read this long weekend with Blue Lizard, Physiogel and Behind The Read Door by Louise Claire Johnson!

The last long weekend of the summer is the best time to soak up the last of the summer sun and relax with a good book (and a cocktail)!

Enjoy the sunshine but don't forget to protect yourself from it with:

 

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 - 89ml - $14.99 - offers head-to-toe sun protection with a zinc oxide based mineral formula that provides broad spectrum protection from 97% of the sun’s burning rays. Great for sensitive skin as it contains no skin-irritating chemical sunscreen ingredients, no parabens and no fragrances and is made without oxybenzone or octinoxate to help protect fragile reef ecosystems and is water resistant up to 80 minutes. The bottle also acts as a great reminder to reapply - the cap turns blue in harmful UV light! It also comes in a Baby formula that I love - it's even gentler!

Available online at well.ca and amazon.ca.

When your sun worship is over be sure to moisturize - your skin will thank you - and using a regular moisturizer for sensitive skin is way more effective then the typical after-sun lotions - I particularly like:

 

Physiogel Calming Relief A.I. Lotion - 200ml - $59 - offers triple, long-lasting relief from dryness, itchiness and irritation for all sensitive skin (even babies) with an advanced hypoallergenic formula containing skin-soothing essential lipids and B that is free from fragrances, preservatives and colourants - to soothe and protect dry, irritated skin.

Can be used on face or body and also comes in a cream formula if you prefer a thicker texture - Physiogel Calming A.I. Cream - 100ml - $59.

 

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

 

The perfect book to go along with a weekend of horizontal activity:

 

Behind The Red Door - How Elizabeth Arden's Legacy Inspired My Comping-of-Age Story in the Beauty Industry - Louse Claire Johnson - $38 - there aren't a lot of books that I sit down to read and can't put down until it's done, but this is one of them! A unique blend of biography and memoir, it's about two women a hundred years apart, and follows both women as they turn themselves into the success stories they once dreamed of becoming. Historical and modern all at the same time with lots of behind the scenes looks at the beauty industry - this was right up my alley. It's a great weekend read and see if it doesn't leave you satisfied and inspired!

 

Available at bookstores across Canada and online at indigo.chapters.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Dermalogica Calm Water Gel!

Dermalogica has added something new to their UltraCalming product system that sensitive skin sufferers are going to love:

Dermalogica Calm Water Gel - 50ml - $65 - a weightless water-gel moisturizer that hydrates dry, sensitive skin. 

Provides immediate hydration to dry, irritated skin with a refreshing gel texture  that transforms into a skin-quenching fluid upon application to soften, soothe and calm as it forms a weightless barrier against environmental assault and locks in moisture.

The formula contains dual hyaluronic acid technology that works in different skin surface layers to increase and lock in moisture; apple fruit extract and glycerin to hydrate and soften while defending skin against dryness; and cactus pear extract to help soothe sensitivity and impart water-binding properties to help support healthy moisture balance.

To apply just squeeze a small amount into palm and rub hands together to activate - then pat gently onto face and neck.

Of course sensitive skin can mean something different for everyone - from redness and dehydration to discomfort, burning and compromised barrier - what's nice about this gel is not only will this help with the immediate issues, but also help defend against future flare-ups!

Available now at spas and salons across Canada or online at dermalogica.ca.

- Lisamarie -

The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Body Care Collection

Sensitive skins now have a more exciting choice in body care then the usual unscented options thanks to the brand new The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Body Care Collection!

As anyone with sensitive skin knows, there are very few scented options that also agree with and nourish dry, sensitive skin - and where's the fun in body products that smell like nothing?! Not only do these 100% vegetarian products have a tempting warm and slightly sweet hypoallergenic fragrance - they also contain a blend of caring ingredients including organic almond milk, Community Trade almond oil from Spain and Community Trade honey from Ethiopia - to soothe and restore the skin and better yet, don't contain the crap that sensitive skin especially doesn't need like colourants, mineral oil or petrolatum.

Available in the collection:

Soothing & Restoring Body Lotion - 200ml - $15 - a silky smooth, fast-absorbing lotion that protects against uncomfortable tight and itchy skin with lightweight moisture that lasts for 48 hours to comfort, protect and restore sensitive dry skin.

Soothing & Restoring Body Butter - 200ml - $21 - a rich butter enriched with natural oils specially formulated to soothe and protect sensitive, dry skin for 48 hours of

Gently Exfoliating Cream Body Scrub - 250ml - $22 - smooths and softens sensitive skin with a gentle formula infused with real crushed almond shells to gently buff away dead skin cells and leave skin feeling soft.

Soothing & Caring Bath Milk - 400ml - $24 - with a creamy texture that gently cleanses, soothes and reduces the sensation of tight skin that is formulated to respect the skin's natural moisture barrier with a delicate yet decadent blend of natural oils.

Soothing & Caring Shower Cream - 250ml - $10 - soothes as it cleanses with a gentle, soap-free formula that respects the skin's natural moisture barrier and pH levels and won't strip the skin of moisture.

Soothing & Caring Cleansing Bar - 100g - $6 - works in harmony with skin's natural moisture levels to ease uncomfortable tightness.

Calming & Protecting Hand Cream - 30ml - $10 - protects and soothes dry, sensitive hands.

It's a lovely scent that is a big improvement over the usual nothing or medicinal smells of sensitive skin products - I expect lots of people who don't have sensitive skin at all will still be picking it up just for the smell!

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

- Lisamarie -

La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra offers effective cleansing for all types of sensitive skin!

La Roche-Posay introduces a new range of micellar waters that are just what sensitive skin has been asking for - ultra gentle, yet effective cleansing and makeup removal without irritation or stripping the skin of vital moisture!

La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra - 400ml - $19.95 - inspired by bi-phase makeup remover technology which combines water and oil to remove even the most stubborn makeup with a new technology - glyco-micellar - that combines the power of micelles with glycerin to marry optimal efficacy with optimal tolerance and enriched with thermal spring water.

And since all sensitive skin isn't created equally, there is a range of waters formulated for the individual needs of each type of sensitive skin: 

For Dry to Reactive Skin - soothes and cares for the most delicate skin with a formula enriched with 5% glycerin to delicately cleanse and reduce the redness caused by cleansing and leave skin without the tight feeling - but rather hydrated and soothed.

For Oily Skin - not only cleanses but also purifies and mattifies to eliminate shine - with a formula enhanced with the purifying power of zinc to perfectly remove impurities and dirt without drying out the skin.

For Normal to Sensitive Skin - removes makeup, dirt and impurities while still preserving the skin barrier so the skin isn't stripped - with a light hypoallergenic fragrance and hydrating glycerin, the skin is left feeling refreshed and surprisingly soft.

Available now at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Sensitive skin rejoices with new Cliniderm cleansers!

Cliniderm offers up new gentle, soap-free, fragrance-free and irritant-free cleansers developed for and tested on sensitive skin that help remove the build-up of impurities such as dirt, oil and dead skin cells without affecting the skin’s natural pH and protective barrier - for a balance of clean skin and soothing comfort.

Available in the collection:

Soothing Micellar Water - 200ml - $20 - a soap-free cleanser containing soothing allantoin that washes away surface impurities and removes makeup from face, eyes and lips.

Hydrating Milk Cleanser - 200ml - $20 - a soap-free, non-rinse milk cleanser containing hydrating avocado butter to hydrate and allantoin to soothe, that washes away surface impurities and removes makeup from face, eyes and lips.

Gentle Cleanser - 200ml - $20 - a soap-free gel cleanser washes away surface impurities without disrupting the skin's natural protective barrier and can be used on both the face and body.

Available now at major drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Cliniderm Soothing Scalp Shampoo - innovative hair care for your sensitive scalp!

You'd think winter would be the worst time of year for having a dry, itchy scalp but for me, summer is much worse - especially when I forget to wear a hat, all that hot sun beating down on my head - not good - it makes my scalp super-sensitive! Medicated shampoos can help with the itch but make the dryness worse so I was happy to discover:

Cliniderm Soothing Scalp Shampoo - 240ml - $20 - specially formulated with a neutral pH to help relieve itching and redness due to dryness in just 3 minutes and to protect the scalp from environmental factors while gently cleaning and moisturizing both the hair and scalp. It even has the Seal of Acceptance from the Eczema Society of Canada - the only shampoo to have earned it!

If you don't have an itchy scalp but are still looking for something super gentle then check out the new and improved:

Cliniderm Gentle Shampoo - 240ml - $20 - a non-irritating neutral pH shampoo that gently cleanses and moisturizes both the hair and scalp.

Cliniderm Gentle Conditioner - 230ml - $20 - with a creamy texture and provitamin B5 formula that nourishes and moisturizes dry hair to prevent tangles and breakage while improving luster and sheen.

And all of the products are tear-free, soap-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free making them great for any member of the family from youngest to oldest.

Available now at all major drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Aveeno Skin Relief Gentle Scent Collection

Introducing the new Aveeno Skin Relief Gentle Scent Collection - infused with the moisturizing properties of coconut and the calming and soothing properties of chamomile, proven to help soothe itchy, dry, sensitive skin.

Aveeno Skin Relief Gentle Scent Body Wash - 354ml - $9.99 - in Oat & Coconut and Oat & Chamomile - with a mild and gentle soap-free formula containing Active Naturals colloidal oatmeal to gently cleanse without leaving skin feeling tight, to leave itchy, dry skin feeling soothed and moisturized.

Aveeno Skin Relief Gentle Scent Lotion - 354ml - $13.99 - in Oat & Coconut and Oat & Chamomile - with a mild and gentle formula infused with Active Naturals triple oat complex and dimethicone to start working to soothe itchy, dry skin in just one day and moisturize for a full 24 hours.

Sensitive skin sufferers who have had to forgo scent in their bath and body products up to now will be thrilled with Aveeno's very first scented collection - which still contains all the dermatologist and allergy-tested goodness that we are used to and is clinically shown to be as gentle on sensitive skin as the fragrance-free products.

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

- Lisamarie -

A-Derma Xera-Mega Confort Nourishing Anti-Dryness Cream

A-Derma Xera-Mega Confort Nourishing Anti-Dryness Cream - 400ml - $29.50 - restores comfort, suppleness and softness to dry and very dry skin with a  95% natural-based ingredient and renewable resources formula containing glyceram B3 - with plant based glycerin - to hydrate, soften and smooth, omega 6 - to strengthen and vitamin B3; rhealba plantlets extract - to restore skin's natural barrier function; and a physiological lipid phase of plant-based triglycerides mimetic of those found in sebum - to compensate the lipids deficit.

With a natural floral scent and fluid melting texture that makes it smell and feel like a luxury spa product which is almost impossible to find in sensitive skin products - making it a pleasure to use!

Available now at drugstores across Canada.

- 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 -

Soothing winter care for sensitive skin from Bioderma, Vichy and Avene!

Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micelle Solution - 250ml - $18.95 - a cleansing and make-up removing water that respects the fragility of sensitive, dehydrated skin as it stimulates moisture. Its fatty acid ester naturally help rebuild the skin's hydrolipidic film. While its Aquagenium exclusive biological patent retrains the skin to activate its natural moisturizing capacities by stimulating the production of aquaporins, water channels in the skin, and retain the water it needs to be balanced.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal ExtaSensitive Soothing Ultra-Calming Care - 50ml - $39.50 - offers soothing care with intense hydration and immediate relief for dry and sensitive skin caused by external aggressors such a pollution, sun, spicy foods and stress - and can be especially impacted by the coming cold weather. The formula contains active ingredients for soothing and moisturizing including 10% Vichy thermal water for soothing, invigorating and regenerating skin; hyaluronic acid for plumping; vitamin B3 for anti-redness, anti-inflammatory and soothing; and moisturizing shea butter to nourish and soothe skin and is packaged in the sterile environment of an airtight pump bottle to preserve the formula's purity and minimize contamination  with 0% preservatives, parabens, alcohol or colourants.

Avene Soothing Eye Contour Cream - 10ml - $24 - with a fragrance and peservative-free moisturizing formula that protects the eye contour area and eyelids as it decongests as well as soothes with Avène Thermal Spring Water - to reduce irritations, tightness and redness in the eye contour area making it great for all types of sensitive skin.

All available now at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obessed with... Bioderma Sensibio 3-in-1 One Step Cleansing Milk!

Extreme weather of any kind (hot now, cold soon) makes my skin very unhappy and it starts to do weird, sensitive-skin type things. The best way I've found to appease it is by treating it as gently as possible and this is the best cleanser I've found for taking the day off without pissing off my face:

Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Milk 3-in-1 - 250ml - $18.95- a no-rinse, light textured make-up removing milk that gently cleanses, tones and removes eye make-up while soothing and softening sensitive skin. With a patented complex that instantly acts against inflammation while increasing the skin's tolerance threshold, making it more resistant and better protected against external attack so it becomes less reactive.

With a fragrance-free formula that is hypoallergenic, surfactant-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic so your face should have a hard time finding any fault with it!

Available at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Relief for sensitive skin from Bioderma, Marcelle, Hylamide and Aveeno!

Many women would describe their skin as being sensitive - which can mean everything from showing a little redness to being intolerant of pretty much everything - problems with discomfort, tightness, itching, prickling or redness can make being in your own skin difficult so at least one of these products is about to make life a lot more comfortable:

Bioderma Sensibio Tolerance + Skin Care for Neutralising Hypersensitivity - 40ml - $26.95 - a fragrance, paraben and preservative-free lotion that acts on the causes of intolerance to take back control of your skin with an immediate soothing action as well as preventive action that inhibits hypersensitivity for comfortable and durably soothes skin with an elevated tolerance threshold, diminished sensations of tightness and discomfort, intense moisturization and improved comfort day after day.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Marcelle Ultra Gentle Moisturizing Cream - 50ml - $18.95 - a perfume, paraben and oil-free, fast-absorbing and non-greasy cream that instantly hydrates and soothes sensitive skin while leaving it feeling soft and supple delivering essential lipids where the skin needs it most and provides protection from dehydration and daily aggressors that can cause irritation.

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada and online at www.marcelle.com.

Hylamide Sensitive Fix Advanced Calming Complex - 30ml - $20 - a targeted serum for signs of skin sensitivity including irritation and redness. The formula contains marvel of peru - an advanced biotechnological derivative that targets the multiple roots of sensitivity and visible skin redness along with  ph-balancing golden-eye grass complex - a plant complex that counteracts skin pH imbalance in the immediate and short term to reduce signs and feelings of sensitivity.

Available at Hudson's Bay stores across Canada and online at hylamide.com.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 - 120ml - $23.99 - improves the appearance of skin prone to redness by calming and soothing dry skin irritation and diminishing blotchiness for kin that looks more even with a gentle formula containing feverfew extract known for its soothing properties and rich emollients to calm and soothe dry and sensitive skin and shows visible improvements in as little as one week.

Available at food, drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Body love for sensitive skin from Aveeno, Dr. Roebuck's and Avon!

Aveeno Eczema Care - with a triple oat formula containing oat essence, colloidal oatmeal and ceramides to soothe irritated, extra-dry skin while gently moisturizing and strengthening the skin's moisture barrier: Body Wash - 295ml - $11.99 - gently moisturizes while it cleanses itchy, extra dry skin and Moisturizing Cream - 166ml - $11.99 - helps to soothe red and irritated skin and provides moisturization for a full 24 hours while helping to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier to prevent the recurrence of irritated, extra dry skin.

Available at drug, food and mass retailers across Canada.

If you want something super gentle for the body but still need something that smells great then you'll love Dr. Roebuck's - designed for sensitive and reactive skin so it can be used every day and with a naturally derived fragrance that will make you want to!

Dr. Roebuck's Body and Handwash - 250ml - $18.95 - cleanses and soothes the most sensitive skin without reaction with a combination of neroli petitgrain along with thyme and basil to ensure clean, fresh and revitalized skin that smells wonderful and Pure Body - 250ml - $29.95 - a dual-acting moisturizer for the whole body that works with a combination of natural powerful antioxidants and anti-aging properties of white tea, macadamia oil, vitamin E and neroli petitgrain combined with shea butter to moisturize and tighten.

Available now at Murale and select Shoppers Drug Mart locations.

Avon Moisture Therapy Derma Soothing - soothing, fragrance-free relief for rough, dry skin that is suitable for eczema-prone skin: Body Wash - 200ml - $12 - gently cleanses while soothing dryness with vitamin E, aloe and chamomile and Body Lotion - 200ml - $12 - with powerful moisturizing benefits of an ointment in a light cream enriched with Skin Lipid Complex - with smoothness and clarity being significantly improved with just 5 days of use.

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

- Lisamarie -

Sensitive skin loves Pai, Nivea and Live Clean!

Pai Instant Calm Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser - 100ml - $50, 200ml - $70 - with a luxurious cream formula that effectively melts away make-up and impurities without the slightest irritation or  stripping away natural oils - with an advanced cleansing formulation that is enriched with an expert blend of skin-conditioning vitamins & omegas including: camellia - a rare oil has been used in Japan for centuries as a skin cleanser and conditioner, packed full of Omega 3 and vitamins A, B, C & E; and rose - which has amazing regenerative, restorative and moisture-locking properties, to leave skin beautifully toned and hydrated. I really like how it works with the included organic muslin cloth which gently exfoliates while cleansing the skin to reveal brighter luminous skin.

Visit www.paiskincare.com for more information or to purchase.

Nivea Sensitive Day and Night Care - 50ml - $8.99 - with a mild, pararben, colourant and perfure-free, pH-neutral formula that provides intensive moisture while instantly relieving skin from the unpleasant feeling of tightness. The formula with Liquorice Extract and precious grape seed oil, effectively reduces redness due to dry skin to soothe the skin during the day and replenish skin’s moisture at night, providing a relaxed feeling in the morning.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

And for sensitive skin you just can't beat formulas meant for babies - if you are looking to avoid perfume, petroleums, sulfates and parabens you will love these hypoallergenic and vegan products that feel oh-so-good on the body:

Live Clean (Baby) Perfume Free Tearless Shampoo & Wash and Baby Lotion - 300ml/227ml - $6.99 - the wash has a mild formula that gently cleanses while softening skin without drying and is enriched with certified organic botanicals and essential oil of apricot; while the lotion has a extra gentle, hypoallergenic, non-greasy plant derived formula that's enriched with vitamin E and certified organic botanicals - which make them smell great without the need for artificial fragrances that can irritate your skin.

Available now at Walmart.

- Lisamarie -

Itchy, dry and sensitive skin finds relief with Avene, Cliniderm and Aveeno!

Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm - 200ml - $28 - a fragrance and paraben-free balm that nourishes very dry skin and soothes itching sensations in infants, children and adults due to dry skin, while soothing redness and irritations caused by skin hyperreactivity, allowing skin to protect itself once again. Contains CER-OMEGA -  to repair and nourish the skin while strengthening the protective hydrolipidic film along with Avène Thermal Spring Water: - to soothe, reduce sensations of discomfort and soften the skin - for skin that is soothed, nourished and comfortable.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Cliniderm RosaCalm Cream - 30ml - $29 - rosacea sufferers will especially appreciate this paraben, dye and perfume-free treatment designed to immediately reduce the appearance of redness and restore a more uniform, healthy-looking complexion while preventing future damage. With medicated ingredients which provide anti-itching and anti-irritation benefits in a formula that also protects the skin barrier, promotes cell renewal, accelerated would healing, stimulates collagen synthesis, protects from environmental aggressions and contains anti-inflammatory properties. The cream also contains a green pigment which works to immediately conceal redness.

I especially like that there is a version with SPF - Clinderm RosaCalm Cream 30 - 30ml - $31 - with all the same great benefits along with an SPF 30.

Available now at major drugstores across Canada.

Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Hand Cream - 97ml - $9.99 - a fragrance-free cream that relieves and soothes extra dry, itchy, cracked skin with a formula that combines natural colloidal oatmeal with rich emollients in a fast absorbing formula which provides a protective barrier against the elements for 24-hour moisturization and naturally beautiful skin.

Available now at food, drug and mass merchandisers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Sensitive scalps find relief with Rene Furterer and Kérastase!

Having a sensitive scalp is actually more of a widespread problem then you might imagine but probably shouldn't be surprising as the skin on the scalp is 4X thinner than facial skin and suffers from multiple attacks, like coloring and styling. 

After dying my hair my scalp always feels itchy and irritated so I thought this duo would be the perfect solution - this time when colouring my hair I used the shampoo and masque the day before - to prepare it, the day of - to soothe it and the day after - to repair it - and this worked to eliminate all irritation!

Rene Furterer Astera Sensitive Scalp High Tolerance Shampoo - 200ml - $30.95 - gently cleanses and maintains the balance of the scalp with a formula rich in active ingredients including asteraceae extract - to strengthen the natural defenses of the scalp and reduces its reactivity; and hamamelis floral water - to protect the scalp and reduce its sensitivity threshold.

Even if your scalp is constantly sensitive, you don't need to use it every day, every other day will do the job and it's even gentle enough to use on children!

Check out www.renefurterer.com to find a salon near you that carries the line.

Check out www.renefurterer.com to find a salon near you that carries the line - See more at: http://www.beautycrazed.ca/2013/09/this-week-im-obsessed-with-rene.html#sthash.qIV7damW.dpuf

Kérastase Sensidote Dermo-Calm Masque - 200ml - $59 - a calming and relaxing masque treatment that creates a soothing instant cooling effect that reduces the sensitivity of the scalp to calm scalp irritation and leave hair soft and supple in just a few minutes.

Even if I didn't need it for scalp sensitivity I would probably use it anyhow, it smells amazing!

Available at  Kérastase salons and online at www.karastase.ca.

- Lisamarie - 

Dry, sensitive skin finds relief with Bioderma, A-Derma and Cliniderm!

Bioderma Atoderm Gel Douche Gentle Shower Gel - 500ml - $15 - a soap and preservative free foaming cleanser for dry, sensitive skin that softens and protects the skin while soothing and reducing the feeling of tightness with moisturizing ingredients that rinse off completely and leave the skin feeling perfectly balanced with a subtle fragrance.

Available now in drugstores across Canada.

A-Derma Exomega Emollient Balm for Face and Body - 200ml - $28 - free of ingredients known to be irritating to eczema sufferers, it combines rhealba oat plantlets extract, filaxerine and Vitamin B3 to moisturize, protect and offer long-lasting relief from dryness.If you  love the A-Derma Exomega Cream but find that that it's not quite moisturizing enough, you appreciate the rich, non-sticky texture - even the Eczema Society of Canada has given it their Seal of Approval.

Available exclusively in drugstores across Canada.

If you're OCDish and need your products to match check out this dynamic duo with amazing soothing and nourishing properties for extremely dry, irritated skin:

Cliniderm NutiComfort Gentle Body Wash - 200ml - $17.75 - cleans surface impurities and reinforces the skin's barrier function with: allantoin - to relieve skin itchiness and sooth the skin by neutralizing irritants and sensitizing agents as well as promotes cell renewal and accelerates wound healing by maintaining the skin's integrity; and shea butter - to moisturize and build skin lipids to nourish and repair extremely dry skin.

Cliniderm NutriComfort Soothing Body Balm - 200g - $27 - clinically proven to deeply nourish and repair extremely dry skin  with: shea butter - provides protection by forming a barrier on the skin's surface to retain moisture, repel bacteria and help the skin heal; phytodefense - a magnolia tree bark extract with calming and soothing properties that reduces skin redness; tocopherol - provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits; allantoin - to provide relief from itchiness; and stratixyl - a corn derivative that reinforces the skin barrier function and helps hydrate by improving and preserving the skin's lipid structure.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Gentle cleansers to love from Neutrogena, Eucerin and Astara!

Tired of having sensitive skin that requires you to to use such a mild cleanser that your skin never feels clean? Here are 3 cleansers that will actually clean without the irritation on even the babiest of faces!

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Daily Cleanser - 354ml - $10.99 - the paraben, soap and dye-free  formula features a unique polymer that binds surfactants together so they don't penetrate the skin eliminating the potential for irritation and resulting in an super gentle cleansing experience while still thoroughly removing excess oil, dirt and even makeup without stripping and damaging - to leave skin looking clean and healthy.

The formula feels nice, lathers well but doesn't take off heavy duty makeup so if you are using waterproof, be prepared to have to use something additional to get that off. Love the pump dispenser - I wish all cleansing products did this!

Available at food, drug and mass merchandisers across Canada.

Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Mild Cleansing Lotion - 200ml - $10.25 - with a rich, non-drying fragrance and colour-free formula designed for dry and sensitive skin that soothes and softens the skin through moisturization which removes daily impurities without stripping skin of moisture - contains APG complex, Gluco-Glycercol and Hyaluronic Acid.

I like using a rich formula at night to help me get rid of the day's foundation and this one does a wonderful job without ever making me feel like all of my skin's moisture has gone down the drain along with the dirt and makeup!

Available at mass merchandise stores and pharmacies across Canada, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmacie Jean-Coutu, Uniprix and Familiprix.

Astara Skin Care Botanical Cleansing Gele  - 180ml - $38.50 - nourishes skin and gently removes impurities with a fruity formula that de-stresses your skin and helps maintain optimal hydration. Aloe vera and algae extract are combined with lemongrass and lavender to smooth and soften the skin. 

You can even use it to effectively remove eye makeup without uncomfortable stinging or is ideal for shaving because it's infused with healing herbs that prevent razor burn, while the all-natural oils soften and re-hydrate the complexion.

I love a cleansing gel as part of my morning routine and especially love this one's delicious scent - my only complaint would be that it's pretty pricey considering the small size!


Available at eBeauty.ca.

- Lisamarie -

SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer

Rosacea sufferers know all too well the annoyance and embarrassment that comes from red, flushed skin and although there are environmental triggers that can bring it on such as spicy food, extremes in weather, sun exposure, stress and (sadly) alcohol, the cause of rosacea is unknown which makes preventing the onset of redness a big challenge!

SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer - 50ml - $78 - formulated with patent-pending NeuroMed Complex - a combination of biomimetic peptides and natural actives, it prevents and corrects redness associated with rosacea by combating environmental triggers and interrupting the inflammation cascade while protecting the skin's barrier - redness is neutralized, skin clarity is restored and irritation is relieved.

Free of alcohol, fragrance, parabens and silicones, it has a light, hydrating texture and can be used alone, with C E Ferulic to prevent oxidative stress  for a redness and aging solution or to complement a prescription drug already being used.

Available from dispensing doctors, medical spas and high-end spas. Check out www.skinceuticals.com/canada to find one near you.

- Lisamarie -

Treat yourself gently with products from Nivea, Avene and Klorane !

It's not easy being sensitive - be it feelings or anything else! I can't help you with people being mean but there are lots of products out there to help out with your sensitive skin and hair - here are a few worth checking out!

Soothe your sensitive underarms with chamomile extract and avocado oil:

Nivea Sensitive 24h Anti-Perspirant Stick - 43g - $3.69
Nivea Sensitive 24h Anti-Perspirant Roll-on - 50ml - $4.49 - your sensitive skin will be especially happy to know that they contain no alcohol, preservatives or fragrance.

And if you're wondering what Nivea has been doing with their profits you'll be happy to know that at least some of them are going to a good cause - believing that every child deserves the best care, Nivea Canada is proud to partner with the child rights and international development agency, Plan Canada, to help fund an education project in Senegal, West Africa. With the shared goal of building schools, providing better opportunities for education and teaching essential skills, Nivea Canada and Plan Canada are working together to help break the cycle of poverty. 

To support the Senegalese project, Nivea Canada is donating $25,000 to Plan Canada. Their donation will be matched by an institutional donor three-to-one (up to $100,000). For more info, visit the ‘Nivea & Plan Canada’ tab at Facebook.com/NIVEACanada

This new anti-redness line from Avene - Antirougeurs helps comfort and soothe the skin with enriched Ruscus extract which improves skin microcirculation so diffuse redness is reduced and temporary redness becomes less frequent and rich in soothing, anti-irritating Avene Thermal Spring Water. In the line is:

Avene Antirougeurs Redness-Relief Dermo-Cleansing Milk -300ml - $29.50 - daily cleansing for sensitive skin prone to redness.

Avene Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate For Chronic Redness - 30ml - $30 - with a fast-acting formula for localized redness, small visible blood vessels and discomfort.

Avene Antirougeurs Jour Redness-Relief Moisturizing Protecting Emulsion - 40ml - $31 - a light textured emulsion that assists with intermittent and/or diffuse redness, heat sensations and discomfort of normal to combination skin.

Avene Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Repair Mask - 50ml - $34.50 - a soft and creamy mask that instantly refreshes and soothes while repairing irritated skin

Klorane Shampoo with Oat Milk - 200ml - $11.25 - an ultra-gentle and protecting shampoo that's great for the whole family, even kids. Designed for all hair types, even the most delicate, it softens, protects and detangles while respecting the natural balance of the scalp and hair fiber.

Klorane Conditioner with Oat Milk - 150ml - $10.25 - an ultra-gentle, protecting and detangling conditioner that respects the natural state of the scalp and is suitable for all hair types. With a velvety and fluid texture that restores the natural balance of hair to restore its beauty and softness.
Both are dermatologiest tested and paraben free.

- Lisamarie -