This week I'm obsessed with... being spoiled for choice with BOOST LAB Serums!

 

There aren't many/any beauty products I like more then a serum - 7 new serums from BOOST LAB, well now I'm in heaven! I got the whole line awhile back but have been waiting to post because I wanted to chance to give them all a good try so I would hopefully have something intelligent to say about them...

 

Backed by science, BOOST LAB’s serums are made using a minimal number of high quality ingredients to ensure they are both safe and effective. The brand is committed to making products that are easy to understand, apply and incorporate into any skincare routine, with formulas that absorb quickly and leave your skin glowing. Priced at $34.99, the seven essential serums target the most common skin concerns without breaking the bank. The lineup includes:

 

BOOST LAB Retinol Night Renewal Serum - 30ml

For: Wrinkles and uneven texture 

Use: PM only 

• Harnesses the power of advanced retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A known for its remarkable ability to promote skin cell turnover. This potent ingredient penetrates deep into the skin, accelerating the renewal process to reveal fresher, more youthful-looking skin. 

• Refines the skin’s texture by minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. 

• Softens and smooths the skin's surface. With regular use, complexion becomes visibly more even and radiant. 

• Plumps and restores volume to the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and making skin more firm, full and resilient. 

• Enhances skin elasticity and firmness by boosting collagen production. 

• Formulated to be gentle, yet effective. The serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin and formulated without the use of harsh chemicals and irritants.

 

I prefer a serum at night and a serum that is meant to be worn just at night is actually hard to find so I was delighted to discover this one! If you like the idea of retinol but have sensitive skin so have found it irritating in the past this is the one to try - I didn't have any issues with it at all and it has been so beneficial to my skin's tone and texture that I will be picking up another bottle when this one is done!

 

BOOST LAB Niacinamide Complexion Rescue Serum - 30ml

For: Blemishes, excess oil and redness 

Use: AM + PM 

• A targeted skincare solution for blemish-prone skin and engineered to soothe redness caused by dryness. • Formulated with potent Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) which is known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation to help promote a clearer complexion. 

• Infused with hydrating ingredients to combat dryness and restore moisture balance, leaving the skin feeling plump, smooth, and supple. 

• Calms irritated skin and diminishes redness, offering a more even-toned complexion and reducing the appearance of blemishes over time. 

• Lightweight and non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly into the skin, making it suitable for daily use in any skincare routine. 

 

I passed this one along to a friend who has blemish prone skin and she gives it a thumbs up saying that it is hard to find something that will moisturize and help blemishes and oil at the same time - it usually has to be one or the other but the serum did both without being the least bit greasy or irritating.

BOOST LAB Multi-Peptide Wrinkle Defense Serum - 30ml | 

For: Deep wrinkles, fine lines and loss of firmness 

Use: AM + PM 

• Harnesses the power of multiple peptides to effectively combat the signs of aging and promote youthful-looking skin. 

• Targeted anti-aging solution that is specifically formulated to address the most common signs of aging such as crow's feet and fine lines to deliver visible results. 

• Infused with potent moisturizing agents, this serum deeply hydrates the skin, helping to restore moisture balance for a plump and radiant appearance. 

• With regular use, the serum provides long-term benefits by improving the skin's natural elasticity and firmness, ensuring a more youthful and resilient complexion over time. 

Excellent for moisture - I use it on top of the night serum on my cheeks which tend to be dry and need an extra boost!

 

BOOST LAB Hyaluronic 2D Hydrating Serum - 30ml 

For: Dryness, dullness and sensitivity 

Use: AM + PM 

• Effectively fights signs of dryness, rough texture, dullness and irritation. 

• The advanced formula locks moisture into your skin, preventing dehydration and maintaining optimal hydration levels throughout the day. 

• Strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier to help shield against external aggressors and prevent moisture loss. 

• Provides two levels of moisturization, ensuring fast and effective hydration for immediate relief and long-lasting results. 

• Specially designed to soothe and calm sensitive skin, reduce redness, inflammation, and discomfort. 

 

Very soothing for days when my skin is feeling crabby and out of sorts - was especially good after an afternoon when I got too much sun and felt really itchy - my skin felt better right away (and yes, I was wearing sunscreen)!

 

BOOST LAB Bio-Active Eye Reset Serum - 30ml 

For: Dark circles, puffiness and fine lines 

Use: AM + PM 

• Specially formulated to target stubborn dark circles, helping to brighten and even out the delicate skin around the eyes. 

• Refreshes the eye area by diminishing the appearance of under-eye bags and excess puffiness. 

• Potent formula designed to smooth away the appearance of crow's feet and fine lines around the eyes. 

• Harnesses the power of bio-active ingredients, including peptides and antioxidants, to deliver targeted results. 

• Infused with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, to help replenish moisture and restore skin vitality, leaving the eye area looking refreshed and rejuvenated. 

• Suitable for all skin types and formulated to be gentle on the sensitive skin around the eyes. 

 

I think this might be my favourite out of the bunch - I've been using it with my Clarisonic Opal for a couple of months now and my eye area looks so smooth and rested. I also really appreciate the 30ml sizing - twice as large as most regular eye products but not twice the price!

 

BOOST LAB AHA Glow Resurfacing Serum - 30ml

For: Exfoliating off a dead layer of skin 

Use: PM only 

• Gently exfoliates the skin's surface, removing dead skin cells and impurities to reveal soft, smooth, supple and more radiant complexion. 

• Formulated with AHAs, it helps to fade dark spots, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation, leaving your complexion looking brighter and more even-toned. 

• By promoting cell turnover, it helps to revitalize the skin, giving you a fresh, youthful glow. 

• Infused with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts, it helps to replenish moisture and restore skin’s vitality, leaving your complexion looking plump and hydrated. 

• All skin types can experience the transformative benefits of gentle exfoliation without irritation or discomfort.

 

I alternated this with the Retinol serum as my skin tends to be sensitive to AHAs - I didn't have any negative reaction at all so suspect I would be fine to use it everyday - but I don't want to because I really love the Retinol - just don't use them both at the same time - I imagine most people's skin would not enjoy the combination!

 

BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum - 30ml

For: Uneven skin tone, dark spots 

Use: AM only 

• Formulated with a high concentration of Vitamin C to promote radiant complexion. 

• Targets uneven skin tone, aiding in the reduction of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. 

• Potent antioxidant properties protect the skin from environmental damage and premature aging. 

• Boosts collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness. 

• Hydrating formula replenishes moisture levels, leaving skin plump and refreshed.  

Layer this under your moisturizer for brightening and/or with sunscreen for extra photoprotection.

Available in Canada exclusively through www.amazon.ca/boostlab. 

 

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - KORRES Philosia and more!

A Korres wardrobe of fragrances are yours for the smelling... the first is my fave but there are lots to choose from!

 

Philosia - 50ml EDT - $70 - Evoking the aroma of golden sun rays seeping through the trees with citrus top notes of bergamot, orange and mandarin; heart notes of pine, eucalyptus, balsam fir and star anise; and base notes of  musk, cedar, guaiac wood and patchouli. 

 

Citrus is my thing so I was pretty sure I would like this one and it didn't disappoint - it smells fresh and warm in a very natural kind of way. Helped I'm sure by the fact that all the Korres fragrances have a high natural origin content. I am also a fan of the minimalist bottles which look really cool lined up across a dressing table if you have a few of them!

 

Doesn't sound like quite your thing? There are lots of other choices that smell just as amazing...

 

Kyma - 50ml EDT - The fresh scent of the salty wind on the boat, the splashes on your face, escaping the city with top notes of lime, mandarin and orange; heart notes of marine, watery and pepper; and base notes of cedar, vetiver and nutmeg.

 

Lefko - 50ml EDT - An idyllic day spent lazing in a sun-soaked paradise with a top note of lily of the valley; heart notes of rose and peony; and base notes of musk, powder and white sandalwood.

 

Avgoustos - 50ml EDT - The raw scent of the first figs we cut in August with top notes of mandarin, lavander and bergamot; heart notes of fig, lemon tree leaves and orange blossom; and base notes of ambergris, musky and cedarwood.

Sikinos - 50ml EDT - The fresh scent of summer softness upon waking with top notes of watermelon, freesia and bamboo; heart notes of mimosa, lotus flower and salty notes; and base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood and musk.

These are easier to find if you are in the US - just go to korres.com - in Canada they don't seem to be on the korres.ca website but they are on various fragrance websites so not hard for us to get and worth the search!

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation!

As the season changes so does my foundation - gone are my summer tinted moisturizers and sheer tints - this fall I am upping my foundation game with:

Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation - 32ml - $54 - in 50 shades - so many options that you will be hard pressed not to find one to suit you: 100 - neutral, 110 - cool pink, 120 - neutral, 125 - neutral, 130 - warm olive, 140 - warm yellow, 150 - neutral, 160 - warm peach, 170 - cool pink, 175 - warm neutral, 185 - neutral, 190 - warm, 200 - cool pink, 210 - neutral, 220 - warm peach, 225 - neutral olive, 230 - neutral, 235 - warm golden, 240 - warm golden, 250 - warm golden, 260 - neutral, 265 - warm olive, 280 - warm neutral, 290 - neutral, 295 - warm neutral, 300 - warm golden, 310 - warm golden, 315 - warm neutral, 330 - warm golden, 335 - warm neutral, 345 - warm olive, 350 - warm neutral, 360 - neutral, 370 - warm neutral, 385 - warm neutral, 390 - warm yellow, 400 - warm golden, 410 - warm golden, 420 - warm golden, 425 - warm olive, 430 - warm golden, 440 - warm bronze, 445 - warm olive, 450 - neutral, 470 - warm golden, 480 - warm golden, 485 - neutral, 490 - neutral, 495 - warm bronze, 498 - neutral

 

A long-wearing, medium-coverage foundation that offers golden-hour glow in a bottle. It hydrates, brightens, and improves the look of skin tone immediately and over time, with a waterproof formula that resists sweat, humidity and transfer.

The best way I can describe it is "your skin, but better" - it feels weightless on, adds a bit of a glow without being shiny or glittery and it really does stay put for many, many hours. It is not full coverage so if you have areas of special concern it is a bit buildable but you will probably need to add some concealer as well. I especially appreciate the pump bottle - I do wish though that companies would make it so you could screw the top off so you aren't wasting the few inches of foundation that will inevitably be left at the bottom of the bottle!

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

- Lisamarie -

Make A Rare Impact with Sephora and Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez on October 10th!

Feel good about looking good today - in recognition of World Mental Health Day, Sephora and Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez announce the return of the Make A Rare Impact campaign, renewing Sephora’s commitment to donating 100% of global Rare Beauty sales to the Rare Impact Fund including Sephora sales in-store and online in 27 markets as well as at Sephora at Kohl’s locations across the United States. 

 

The goal of World Mental Health Day, which takes place annually on October 10, is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Rare Impact Fund currently supports 26 organizations across five continents, expanding access to mental health services and education for young people- you can find more info about it at rareimpactfund.org.

An excellent option to pick up today:

 

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush - $32 - weightless and long-lasting with up to 12-hour wear, it blends and builds beautifully for a soft, healthy flush and comes in 9 radiant finish shades: Believe - true mauve, Hope - nude mauve, Encourage - soft neutral pink, Happy - dewy cool pink, Joy - dewy muted pink, Lucky - dewy hot pink, Grateful - dewy true red, Worth - true rose, Virtue - beige pink; and 4 matte finish shades: Bliss - matte nude pink, Love - matte terracotta, Grace - matte bright rose mauve, Faith - matte deep berry.

 

I always change to a liquid blush in the fall and this one is fabulous - I love Believe - it adds a healthy, glowing flush that looks so natural, it's my skin but better!

 

Find it and other Rare Beauty products at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

3 things worth picking up during the Shoppers Beauty+ Event from Drunk Elephant, Wella and Quo Beauty!

If you've been looking to stock up on your beauty supplies now is the time to do it so you can take advantage of the Shoppers Beauty+ Event which runs in-store and online until October 4th. You can shop more than 2,800 beauty products and earn loads of PC Optimum points on select beauty offers. It's also the perfect time to explore new brands including Tealogy, Reyal, Wella Hair Care, PMD and Drybar as well as exclusives like Kylie Cosmetics, Jason Wu and about-face. 

 

Here are 3 new-to-me products I discovered that are well worth a try:

 

Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Serum - 30ml - $92 - formulated with a gentle blend of 10% vitamin C and a triple-antioxidant brightening complex to fade the look of hyperpigmentation and post-breakout marks, improve skin's clarity and reduce blemishes, all while delivering hydration instantly and over time; replenishing sodium hyaluronate, squalane and marula oil nourish skin and help prevent moisture loss; while potent antioxidants fortify skin against everyday environmental stressors and collagen-depleting pollution. The result is a noticeably clearer, plumper, and more luminous complexion that looks and feels healthier with every application. 

 

This has become my new favourite night serum - I have combo skin so moisture-wise it's perfect for - me but I imagine someone with dry skin might like to layer a bit of moisturizer on top of it!

Wella Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue Leave-In Treatment - 30ml - $40 - a luxury leave-on spray that repairs hair damage in just 90 seconds leaving hair visibly transformed in just one use: less breakage, 12x smoother and legendary shine that lasts up to four washes. With a formula containing alpha hyydroxy acid (AHA) - to rebuild the inside strength of the hair and omega 9 - to replenish the outer barrier of damaged hair.

 

I love products that claim instant results: it makes it so easy to tell if they actually work or not if I don't have to wait days/weeks/months for gratification. And it's no lie, my hair really did look better with the first use and because results last up to 4 washes you don't need to use it every time - it's a small bottle but it will last!

Quo Beauty Peptide Lip Tint - $13 - in 3 shades: Watermelon, Strawberry and Vanilla Mint as well as Clear Mint if you prefer no colour - enriched with peptides that help keep lips soft and moisturized while  reducing the appearance of fine lines and adding a glossy, high-shine finish and a hint of colour.

I have been wearing it to the gym which has always been a dilemma for me - I feel stupid wearing makeup to the gym but I feel kind of naked without having anything on so this is the perfect compromise!

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

- Lisamarie -

All the best in hair repair from Fenty Hair, Joico and The Rootist!

Have you heard the news?! Fenty is now doing haircare and it's everything you would expect from our friend Rihanna - innovative products, fun packaging and amazing smells - it was hard to pick a fave but out of everything I tried this is what impressed me the most...

 

Fenty Hair The Comeback Kid Instant Damage Repair Treatment - 150ml - $49, 60ml - $25 - a professional-grade bond-building hair treatment that penetrates deep into the cortex to provide instant inside-out repair, support damaged keratin structures and strengthen strands without the complicated steps or the salon price tag. It works with a proprietary bond-building formula, powered by amino acids - the building blocks of protein; baobab seed extract - to help strengthen and nourish; chia seed extract - to reinforce hair bonds and visibly repairs; and the unique complex Replenicore-5 - for hair that instantly looks and feels healthier, moisturized, softer and smoother with just one use. 

 

It's very versatile - it can be used as a leave-in or rinsed out - use in place of your regular condition, leave on for 10 minutes as a deep conditioning mask or don't wash it out at all! Fair warning - the formula is probably too heavy as a leave in for my fellow fine-haired friends - but if you do want to, use just the tiniest amount - a little will go a long way! I would be tempted to use it just for the warm, ambery floral scent with bright notes of sparkling yuzu, golden amber, soothing florals, coconut, vanilla and creamy sandalwood - yummy!

I should also give a shout out for The Side Stick 3-in1 Edge Styling Tool - $25 - a luxe three-in-one styling tool for combing, brushing, laying edges and precise parting - my good friend who knows about these things has declared it the best tool she has ever used for achieving perfect edges!

Available now at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca and fentybeauty.com.

Or maybe you prefer to sleep off hair damage...

 

Joico Defy Damage Sleepover Overnight Nourishing Treatment - 100ml - $28.99 - powered by ingredients that help restore tired, overworked hair while you catch your Z’s, with a hard-working formula including: protective lipid - the exact kind found in healthy hair that acts as a first line of defense to help protect hair against damage; moringa seed oil -  rich source of antioxidants and vitamins A & E; silica -  fundamental to creating healthy, strong, damage-resistant hair, it helps to boost shine and softness; arginine - a naturally occurring amino acid crucial to hair’s strength; and SmartRelease Technology - a one-of-a-kind liposome delivery system that continuously releases rosehip oil, arginine and keratin to help repair, strengthen and protect hair from the damaging effects of daily styling. 

 

Just a couple of pumps spread through wet or dry hair before you go to bed and wake up to hair that is nourished, with strengthened bonds and preserved hair colour. It also reduces the appearance of split ends, instantly softens and smooths hair, boosts shine and protects against pollution. It's not a super heavy formula but again I will caution for fine-haired peoples to go easy on it if you aren't washing your hair in the morning - use too much and you will wake to shiny hair but it also might look a bit greasy :)

 

Available online at chatters.ca and well.ca.

Or check this out if you want to treat your hair and your scalp at the same time...

 

The Rootist BioBrew Fermented Strengthening Serum - 30ml - $68 - a lightweight serum spray for both hair and scalp. For hair, this leave-in serum is clinically shown to control frizz, boost shine, protect from heat, and repair damage for up to 3x stronger hair in just one use. For scalp, this serum is microbiome-friendly, derm-tested and restores balance and hydration. 

 

It's the only strengthening serum with Rootbiomic Ferment - a multivitamin superfood that’s like kombucha for hair – designed for anchored roots, a balanced scalp and stronger, healthier hair. It transforms the look and feel of hair from root to tip; repairs damage, reduces fallout from breakage, instantly detangles, boosts softness and shine, smooths frizz and protects hair from heat. Plus, it's clinically shown to hydrate and balance the scalp so healthy hair can take root; along with: Bio-Peptides (Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein) - helps to strengthen and fortify strands from root to tip by targeting collagen and keratin; and Vitamin C - supports the hair cuticle to improve vibrancy and shine. And it's free of all the nasty stuff you don't want including: parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance. It is also cruelty-free and comes in recyclable packaging. 

 

The formula is light so won't weigh your hair down but the best part is the scent - described as a complex, fresh, fizzy floral with a grounding touch of soft woods for balance, depth, and grace - it's amazing!

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

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Colleen Rothschild Quench & Shine Restorative Mask!

Every Sunday night you will find me in my bathtub with a LUSH bath bomb, a face mask and the all-important hair mask - my weekly treatment these days is:

 

Colleen Rothschild Quench & Shine Restorative Mask - 282g - $38 - a colour-safe conditioning treatment to soften, detangle and revive all hair types without weighing it down. The creamy formula contains an ultra-rich blend of kokum, shea, capuacu and bacuri butters - to quench thirsty strands and enrich hair with nourishment and hydration; along with argan and moringa oils - to smooth unruly split-ends and deliver a healthy-looking shine. Look forward to improved hair elasticity and strength which  help reduce frizz and texture, resulting in supremely soft, irresistibly touchable hair. And as an added bonus it smells amazing, like an expensive hair salon!

 

I like it as an intensive weekly treatment, but it can also be used daily as a conditioner - pair it with the Quench & Shine Restorative Shampoo - 400ml - $30 for a daily dose of shiny goodness!

Available online at colleenrothschild.com - they do ship to Canada and if you stock up on some skincare or cosmetics as well you can get free shipping with a $199 order!

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment in new Creme Brulee!

Your lip routine just got a lot sweeter thanks to...

Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment in  Crème Brûlée - $30 - powered with advanced, skin-strengthening peptides and indulgent kokum butter to instantly plump lips with hydration and smooth fine lines with the flavour of vanilla brown sugar and a universally flattering, subtle nude tint. 

 

There is a whole family of shades and flavours to enjoy:

Crème Brûlée: Beige nude tint with a vanilla brown sugar flavour 

Strawberry Sorbet: Pink mauve tint with a strawberry flavour 

Cocoa Crème: Brown mauve tint with a chocolate cookie flavour 

Citrus Sunshine: Sheer tint with a fresh citrus creamsicle flavour 

 

The formula contains lip-specific peptides - firms, plumps and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; botanical oils and butters - hydrates and softens lips; açai sterols - strengthens the skin barrier while protecting against environmental stressors; and vitamin E - nourishes and conditions skin.

 

Available now online at olehenriksen.com and ulta.com and in-store at Sephora later this month.

 

- Lisamarie -