Fragrant Friday - Avon Haiku Sunrise

Avon introduces a new sun-inspired scent that is set to illuminate your life...

 

Avon Haiku Sunrise - 50ml EDP - $35 - a woody floral fragrance with top notes of wild fig, watermelon and Madagascar black pepper; heart notes of fresh coconut water, sweet rhubarb and marine accord; and base notes of warm cedarwood, cashmere woods and amber.

 

I'm not sure what a sunrise specifically should smell like but this could be it - it's very outdoors-y and fresh which would be a very logical way for a sunrise to smell and a perfect summer scent!

Available now at avon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Paco Rabanne Fame Blooming Pink

What's pink and gold and as joyful of an armful of blooming flowers...

 

Paco Rabanne Fame Blooming Pink - 80ml EDP - $165 - a warm floral fragrance with top notes of succulent, 100% natural origin mango and fresh bergamot; heart notes of bright jasmine from Grasse and olibanum; and sensual and warm base notes of incense - sustainably sourced in Somaliland, vanilla and sandalwood.

 

I like the top and base of the fragrance but the jasmine really stands out making it a little too floral for my taste - it smells very pretty and feminine which isn't my jam but jasmine lovers will likely appreciate it. On the other hand, do I love the glittery pink pastille dress on this collector edition bottle? You know I do!

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

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Fenty Beauty Match Stix Color-Adaptive Cheek + Lip Stick!

Your summer makeup routine just became a lot easier thanks to...

 

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Color-Adaptive Cheek + Lip Stick in Strawberry Pop - $42 - a hydrating multi-use gel-stick that uses color-shift technology to bring out the most flattering universal rosy color of cheeks and lips for all skin tones with a moisturizing formula that applies evenly and smoothly for a soft dewy finish.

 

These adaptive colour products are hard to do properly - I find you usually end up with either something too pale to show up on most or so vibrant that it looks scary on pale skin. Rihanna got it right with this one - I tried it out on several different skin tones (yes, people do scatter when they see me approach with the product du jour and that gleam in my eye) and it looked lovely on everyone - nothing crazy just a nice flush of colour! If you decide you need this in your life, don't delay, it's limited edition and I think it's going to sell out!

Part of the Fenty Beauty Summatime Collection the rest of which is also worth checking out:

Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain in Gem And I and Fuchsia Wife - $40 - for a wet-look shine and a soft stain of colour; and Fenty Icon Semi-Matte Refillable Lipstick in Nosy Rosy, Tropic Doll and Miss Candy Venom - $26 - long-lasting universal shades with a creamy, semi-matte finish - paired with a matching Summatime Edition Case - $20 - get it on the fentybeauty.com site and you can also score yourself a Summatime Water Bottle - $35 - staying hydrated has never been so pretty as with this lightweight aluminum bottle - it holds 500ml and has a clip fastener to help you not forget it!

 

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca and fentybeauty.com while it lasts. 

- Lisamarie -

Celebrate National Sunscreen Day with Isa Knox Anew, Belif and Blue Lizard!

As a beauty blogger I get asked a lot about what the best product is for anti-aging and I always answer: "that's easy, sunscreen!"And seeing as it's  National Sunscreen Day it seems like the perfect time to remind ourselves (and our future selves) that the best thing we can do for our skin is wear that sunscreen everyday - applied liberally and often! 

 

Here are a few I love:

 

Isa Knox Anew Solaire Active Face & Body Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunsreen - 80ml - $42 - offers advanced sun protection and luxury skin care in one easy water-light formula that blends quickly and evenly with no white cast that offers protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, with hydrating panthenol, niacinamide and peony extracts help keep skin feeling hydrated, soft and smooth. If your not a regular sunscreen user but want to be this is an easy way to add it to your routine by replacing your usual moisturizer with it!

 

Available at avon.ca. 

Belif Aqua Bomb Broad Spectrum SPF 50 - 50ml - $50 - a dual-functioning sunscreen and moisturizer both protects and hydrates the skin year-round without leaving behind a white cast or greasy residue, making it the new perfect addition to every skincare routine. It contains enriching antioxidants and ingredients such as marigold extract to reduce UV-induced oxidative stress and woodbine to activate the cells from antioxidant effects, along with sun-blocking benefits to protect against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Free from phthalates, sulphates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, synthetic organic dyes and animal originated ingredients. 

 

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca and thefaceshop.ca.

Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ - 89ml - $21.99 - a sheer mineral sunscreen that is easy to apply, leaving no visible residue. Created with zinc oxide and a blend of shea butter, antioxidants, and vitamin E to promote softer, healthier skin, it provides broad spectrum protection against aging UV rays and fights free radicals with cucumber and papaya extracts. It's water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes - and FYI, it also comes in a face formula!

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at amazon.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Rollers and Joico Heat Hero!

Looking for an easy way to add some extra bounce and maybe even curl to your hair? Check out:

 

Conair Xtreme Instant Heat - $45.99 -  with ceramic infused technology for better heat transfer and longer lasting curls from 12 flocked rollers in two different sizes: 8 x 1 1/2" and 4 x 1 3/4" to smooth, curl and add volume and 12 jumbo flexible wire clips for a secure hold without crimp marks.

Those of you who like instant gratification will really appreciate how fast they heat up - only 85 seconds!

I have fine shoulder length hair that refuses to hold a curl so my hopes for this was smoothness and body... and it didn't disappoint! I get the best results by letting them cool completely in my hair before removing - so about 8 minutes and finger combing after, no brushing. 

 

I also make sure to use a product before and after that protects my hair from the heat and add extra shine - my pick: Joico Heat Hero Glossing Thermal Protector - 145g - $24.99 - infused with nourishing hydration for strong, super-shiny, well-defended hair thanks to heat deflecting polymers that provide light style retention and help to protect hair from damaging thermal tools and moringa seed oil - a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins A & E and silica - all fundamental to creating healthy, strong, damage-resistant hair while helping to boost shine and softness.

 

Available at mass retailers across Canada and online at amazon.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Calvin Klein Euphoria Eau de Toilette

Calvin Klein Fragrances introduces Euphoria Eau de Toilette, a fresh and intoxicating addition to the Euphoria pillar of fragrances that evokes the tender strength of youthfulness and sensuality:

 

Calvin Klein Euphoria - 100ml EDT - $124 - a sweet, fruity gourmand with top notes of sparkling Mirabelle plum, pink pepper and wild raspberry leaf; heart notes of radiant orchid accord, responsibly grown and Fair Trade certified rose essence and guava blossom; and base notes of addictive vanilla accord, crystal amber and cashmeran.

 

The fragrance comes in a renewed transparent glass version of the iconic bottle, revealing the delicate, morning dew-inspired pink shade of the scent.

 

A lot of Euphoria versions have come and gone over the years and I have loved them all - this one is no different! It has a lightness to it that feels very young and fresh with the amber and vanilla notes peeking through to give it some sex appeal - I have been wearing it to the office and have gotten so many compliments - even from a stranger in the elevator - so this one is officially in my spring rotation!

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -

Thoughtful Beauty Choices made easy at Shoppers Drug Mart!

Shoppers Drug Mart is now making it easier to find products formulated without certain ingredients or are more mindful of our planet thanks to:

 

Thoughtful Choices at Shoppers Drug Mart - a lineup of beauty, hair and body products that must meet at least one of the following two criteria:

1. No animal testing and formulated without the following ingredients: parabens, phthalates, SLS, SLES, triclosan, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasing agents or hydroquinone; and/or

2. Be mindful of our planet with the packaging containing a minimum of 30% recycled content; and/or has fully recyclable outer packaging; and/or has a refillable solution

You might be surprised by how many products there are are doing good - a few of my new faves:

Naturally Serious After-Dark Natural Peptide Sleeping Cream - 50ml - $45 - helps you fake a good night’s sleep and help transform skin’s appearance overnight with flaxseed peptide - to help lift and firm the look of skin while smoothing the look of fine lines and wrinkles and apple extract - to pull in moisture as you sleep to give skin a hydrated and luminous look.

Evio Beauty Hemp & Peppermint Lip Serum - 10ml - $22 - a deeply moisturizing treatment with a soft oil balm texture that keeps lips supple and hydrated with a formula high in omegas 3, 6, and 9 to repair the skin barrier and form a seal over lips to keep moisture in and antioxidants and natural fatty acids to nourish and protect skin. Comes in a clear and 2 tinted formulas for a natural or perfectly polished look!

QUO Beauty 50% Plant Based Blending Sponge - $10 - offers all the benefits of your favourite Quo Beauty blending sponge but with half the plastic! This revolutionary sponge contains 50% naturally sourced plant-based material that blends your favourite liquid foundations and powders to an impeccable finish.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada - just keep an eye out for the Thoughtful Choices logo and discover lots of new and new-to-you products that will make you feel good about your beauty routine and online at shoppersdrugmart.ca/shopthoughtfulchoices.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory Elixir

Discover the newest addition to the Paco Rabanne collection, the pinnacle of intensity from Invictus, a rich, powerful, long-lasting, potent elixir blending spicy woods and biting freshness for the epic achiever:

 

Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory Elixir - 100ml Parfum Intense - $145, 200ml Parfum Intense - $193 - a precious ambery, woody, and spicy elixir with top notes of aromatic lavandin from Provence, green cardamom and black pepper; heart notes of dark, mysterious incense and woody Indonesian patchouli; and magnetic base notes of tonka bean liqueur and vanilla bean sourced from Madagascar. 

 

It smells spicy and a bit sweet which is exactly how I like my men to smell and I also like the trophy shaped lacquered gradient of black to dark blue bottle, very snazzy looking on the dresser!

 

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora, Hudson's Bay, Jean Coutu and London Drugs stores across Canada.

 

- Lisamarie -