Gentle Canadian cleansers and moisturizers from Marcelle and Cliniderm and Diane Lai!

Marcelle Essentials Purity Soothing Cleansing Water - 200ml - $14.25 - cleanses and tones the skin while removing eye makeup - I have never actually used a cleansing water before, it never occurred to me that a water could do a good job cleansing, never mind removing eye makeup - but it does!  You use it like you would a toner by applying it to a cotton pad - I found it most effective to use one side of the pad to do a quick swipe over my face, remove my eye makeup and then use the clean side of the pad to go over my entire face again to remove any leftovers.  There is something strangely satisfying that you get from this cleanser that you don't get from wash off cleansers, you get to see all the gunk on the pad that was removed from your face!  If you like seeing your blackheads on Biore strips you will probably also enjoy this!

This would also be a great cleanser if you have hard water at home!

Cliniderm Gentle Cleanser - 150ml - $16 - contains no parbens, dyes, perfume, lanolin, formaldehyde or protein. Specialized care for sensitive, allergic, reactive or dry skin.  Soap free gel cleanser that you can actually even use as a body wash if you are looking for one with no scent!  I liked the texture of this one a lot, it's a thin gel that rises off easily and made my skin feel very clean - it's not meant to take off eye makeup, and it doesn't so you will need your makeup remover for that but it did remove my face makeup.

If you are looking for a moisturizer to follow your sensitive skin cleanser, Diane Lai has a new collection of all-natural skincare products.  It's suitable for highly sensitive skin, dry skin, eczema and inflammation and can also be used on children.  Diane Lai was inspired to create the line because of her own child's sensitive skin and one of her objectives is to educate the public about the harmful toxins that many commercial skin products contain.  The first launches from the collection are:

Rejuvenate - 100ml - $45 - a daily moisturizing lotion to maintain soft and healthy skin and can be used anywhere that you have skin that is dry, tight and/or itchy - face, body, hands and feet.

Soothe - 30ml - $34 - to help comfort skin irritations and contains natural oils and anti-itch remedies to prevent further scratching and inflammation.  Also good for insect bites and mild sunburn.

Both contain organic shea butter, kernel oil which is rich in natural vitamins A,B,D,E, proteins and lecithin, cold-presses organic grape seed oil which is a natural moisturizer that is rich in antioxidants.  Even better is what they don't contain: parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, artificial fragrance, artificial colourants, retinols, sulfates, petro chemicals or oxybenzone.

If you are in Toronto, you can find Diane Lai products at Blossom Bath & Body - 157 Main Street, Unionville or at Moms to be and more - 1642/44 Bayview Avenue, Toronto as well as online at www.dianelai.com

- Lisamarie -

There's still time to think pink for BCA month with Elizabeth Grant, American Eagle, Lypsyl, Joico and Procter & Gamble!

With a week to go in October, there is still time to help support finding a cure for breast cancer and pick yourself up some great products!

And what could be more appropriate than Elizabeth Grant Collagen Re-Inforce Bust Reshape & Lift - 60ml - $50 - helps the bust area appear smoother and firmer through intense moisturization - when you purchase it from www.elizabethgrant.com - 50% of the proceeds will go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
 

All bras purchased from the American Eagle Aerie line will have a portion of the proceeds donated to the Bright Pink Organization - a non-profit that provides education and support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer, arming them with knowledge, options and a great attitude.  You can find more info at www.BeBrightPink.org and you can check out the Aerie line at www.aerie.com

Lypsyl puts their money where your mouth is and will donate $50,000 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation through the sale of pink ribbon marked balms.  Look for the special pink packaging at your local retailer!

Joico is promoting breast cancer awareness through the sales of it's JoiMist Firm Classic holding spray and JoiWhip duo packs.  Only $30 for a set of two.  In addition to sales, Joico will be donating $10,000 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in support of research.  Available at select spas and salons - go to www.joico.com for more info.

If you remember the post I did earlier in the month for Procter & Gamble's commitment, I just found out that they have extended the Facebook campaign through November!  Here's the recap: P&G is making it easy for consumers to help the cause, and look and feel their best - when you purchase:  Head & Shoulders, Gillette Venus, Secret, Crest, Always, Pantene Pro-V, Tampax, CoverGirl, Olay and Natural Instincts - you are helping to support a future without breast cancer.  These brands have made a $160,000 commitment to the effort.  You can help up that amount though, in addition to the 160K they will give the foundation an extra $1 for every Rise & Shine Facebook gift you send a friend (up to a maximum of $40,000).  Which means the contribution could rise as high as $200,000!

You can check out www.riseshine.ca for more info.

- Lisamarie -

Road Testing: L'Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes and Garnier Sleek & Shine Blow Dry Perfection!

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes - $12.99 - the newest addition to the Voluminous family, this defining volume mascara has a collagen-infused formula.  The millionizer brush is designed to thicken every eyelash thanks to multiple long and short bristles that generously envelop the entire length with colour.  They keep you clump free with the special wiper technology on the tube - it adjusts to every bristle wiping the brush free of clumps, giving you the perfect amount of mascara!

 I've course it's easiest to just show you what 2 coats of it looks like - obviously on the left hand side.  No primer and combed between coats - if you don't comb it you get a thicker look but I prefer a fringe effect so I always comb.  I didn't have any clumping issues at all and as you can see from what my natural lases look like, it added a lot of volume.  Because of the non-clumping, you could even do 3 coats for super volume!  I also found that it got the smaller inner lases without any problem or mess.

Garnier Fructis Blow Dry Perfector - $14.99 - When I posted about this product initially, I got some feedback that this had not been good on a reader's colour treated hair so I was a little hesitant to try it -  but I decided to live dangerously so I just went for it!  I used it on Saturday, right before I went to a wedding so this could have been a disaster but I'm happy to say it was a total success.  It's a 2 step smoothing kit that's very simple to use.  First you wash your hair and wearing the gloves provided, apply the smooth-it serum that you leave on for 20 minutes.  The serum is quite runny when you apply it so I did it over the sink. Once it was in my hair I didn't have any problems with dripping - my big complaint is the chemical like smell, it's awful! After 20 minutes you wash out the serum, towel dry your hair and then apply  the leave in heat activated perfect-it cream. Fortunately this one smelled good, kind of fruity.  It's hard to know how much to use, they tell you to use as much as needed and to lightly coat the hair from root to tip.  I decided it was better to use less because it's easier to apply more then try and get rid of too much!  After that you blow dry your hair and if you want it really straight, also use a flat iron.

Just to let you know what I was working with, my hair is fine and has a little bit of a natural wave to it but straightens out easily with a flat iron.  After using the Garnier product, it was straight after blow drying.  After using my flat iron, it was poker straight.  The best part though was how it calmed the little frizzies and gave my hair some body!  I have washed it 4 times now and I am still getting the same result so I am very happy with it - I would love to hear results from someone who used this that has curly hair!

Also keep in mind if you have shorter hair, there is enough product in the kit for two uses  - you will just need to find a second pair of plastic gloves!

- Lisamarie -

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture - pure luxury in a tube!

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture - $37 - If there's anything more wonderful then a luxury lipstick, I don't know what it is and from the elegant gold case to the rich pigmentation this one screams luxe!

The idea behind the Rouge Pur Couture line was to redefine the YSL red - to create an attitude enhancer.  Don't worry if you aren't a red lipstick person - it's not one red, but a play on a fiery triple accord, associated red, orange and fuschsia.

There are 16 shades as well as a white and black shade that can be combined with any of the other colours to create infinite variations of red. 

Available are:

No 1 - Le Rouge, No 2 - Rouge Pourpre, No 3 - Rouge Saadi, No 4 - Rouge Vermillon, No 5 - Beige Etrusque, No 6 Rose Bergamasque, No 7 - Le Fuchsia, No 8 - Belle De Rose, No 9 Rose Stiletto, No 10 - Beige Tribute, No 11 - Rose Carnation, No 12 - Blanc, No 13 - Le Orange, No 14 - Rouge Feu, No 15 - Brun Sienne, No 16 - Rouge Roxane (shown), No 17 - Rose Dahlia, No 18 - Noir Laque

The pigmentation is wonderful - due apparently to how finely they grind the pigment, the finer the pigment, the more intense the colour.  Even better, they feel very moist and comfortable on your lips and contain a cocktail of anti-oxidants as well as SPF 15.

I've been on a gloss kick lately but these have been enough to have me reaching for lipstick again!


Available now at Holt Renfrew and coming next month to selected The Bay and Murale stores.

- Lisamarie -

Givenchy brings us their first annual winter fragrance collection!

Two of our favourite Givenchy fragrances have been reinterpreted to capture the magic and beauty of winter.  Inspired by the warm woodsy scents of cedar and sandalwood, the D'Hiver collection is meant to create a perfect winter's mood: cozy, mellow and enchanting.  Even the bottles themselves have been winterized with a frosty nuance that gives a snowy effect.

Very Irrésistible Givenchy Winter Sandalwood - 50ml EDP - $84 - an infusion of coolness, with mellow glowing warmth from fiery woodnotes:  top notes - magnolia leaves, black currant bud and star anise, heart notes - rose infused with crystalline nuances, base notes - Virginia cedar, Atlas cedar wood and sandalwood

Ange ou Démon Le Secret Winter Cedar Wood - 50ml EDP - $84 - sensuous and luminous, with captivating warm smoky-wood aromas:  top notes - cranberry and green tea, heart notes - sambac jasmine, base notes - Gaiac wood, Atlas cedar wood and sandalwood.  - I am loving this one, it smells warm and a little fruity - a perfect winter fragrance!

Available November 1st at select Bay stores for a limited time.

- Lisamarie -

The Mesh: Why the Future of Business is Sharing and why Gucci is no longer necessarily out of your reach!

The Mesh: Why the Future of Business is Sharing - Portfolio - $25.95 - ISBN: 978-1-59184-371-9 - sharing based business have always existed - your public library, hotels, public transportation - but the internet has taken the traditional business model - first made something, then sell it - and turned it on it's head.  What author Lisa Gansky calls "Mesh" businesses throw away the traditional model and instead they use social media, wireless networks, and data crunched from every available source to provide people with goods and services at the exact moment they need them, without the burden and expense of actually owning them - access trumps ownership.  She actually has an online directory of Mesh businesses, including more than 1,500 companies worldwide who are helping to create the new "sharing economy".  I took a look and it's amazing the variety of goods and services that are actually involved! You can check it out at www.meshing.it

Of course fashion and beauty are my main interest and this got me thinking about the Mesh businesses that already exist in this genre. Makeup Alley comes to mind with their cosmetic swap board and I know there are other beauty and fashion websites that also have swap boards.  There are numerous sites where you can rent brand name luxury handbags and accessories and being able to rent a designer wedding gown is becoming a more common trend.

I find it interesting that as we become a more label conscious, consumer driver society, how we find new ways  to get a piece of the pie - even if it's not actually ours to eat!

- Lisamarie -

23/10/10 Link Love

Phyrra's Indie Spotlight for October is with Amy of Sugarpill Cosmetics!

Check out this great Splurge vs Steal over at Prime Beauty. Cindy did a look with both palettes--can you guess which is which?

Sophie shows her amazing Sleek Makeup prize package that she won, lots of goodies included!!!

My Lips But Better swatches MAC's upcoming holiday collection, A Tartan Tale.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed checks out new products from Olay Regenerist and wonders if they will be as popular as the last one!

Sarah from IHeartCosmetics shows swatches of her collection of Korres Colour Cherry Oil Lipgloss.

The Lip Print discovers a cheap and cheerful treat for shoppers on a budget.

Eyelining has a look at a rather pretty multitasking marvel from Rituals.

Amy Antoinette organises her makeup collection and showcases her new dressing table.

Has Emma finally found her HG foundation? Head over to BirdsDecorateBranches to see if YSL Teint Resist might just be yours too!

Pink Diva's Beauty Spot loves all of the pink beauty products for Breast Cancer Research month. Check out some of her favourites.

Retrodiva checks out Annemarie Borlind to see if going natural is possible with oily and breakout prone skin.

TheGlossGoss reviews her Haus Of Gloi haul. Halloween themed products -- perfect for the Autumn season!

theNotice takes an early look at Clinique's Strawberry Fudge Holiday 2010 collection (yes, with swatches) and loves it!

Good bye Neutrals, Hello Drama! Jenn spices it up over at Spiced Beauty.

Jeweled Thumb shows evidence that makeup is magic!

Pink Sith says you can't put a price on FEELING pretty. Come find out why she thing Guerlain Meteorites Voyage Compact is the bee's knees!

Are you made for 'Fire and Ice'? Over at The Glamorous Gleam, Mz. More compares the legendary Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire and Ice to other red lipsticks in her collection.

***

Audrey Dao has 2 giveaways going on for the month of October. Check them out now before it's too late....

Mein link: Win a basket full of beauty products from Boot's on Beauty Woo Me.

Daily Polish celebrates reaching the 1 year mark of daily posts of new polishes and manicures with a giveaway where the first prize is worth over £200!

Jellyminx has a spooky giveaway, enter before it closes on Halloween!!

Who said blondes have all the fun? Redheads rule!

Christina Hendricks seems to be everywhere these days - did you know that she even has her own Barbie?!  That's when you know that you've made it! 

I feel a special kinship with Christina my fellow ginger with super pale skin.  The problem with being a redhead - it's especially hard to pull off a perfect, polished makeup look - wear too little and your features fade away, wear too much and it looks Halloweenish. 

Celebrity makeup artist Rachel Goodwin has great tips and tricks for redheads posted at Elle.com that you can find here: 
http://www.elle.com/Beauty/Hair/Celebrity-Beauty-Tips-Makeup-for-Redheads/(imageIndex)/0/(play)/false

Check out the photo gallery of other redheads of note - I'm in great company!  The rest of you will be so envious that you'll be running for the dye box!

 - Lisamarie -