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 -

This week I'm obsessed with... BYOMA Sensitive Retinol Oil!

I am a big fan of all the benefits of retinol but have a hard time finding a retinol product that my sensitive skin will tolerate. There was a NeoStrata one that I used to love so of course it was discontinued and I have been on the hunt for something comparable ever since. To my delight I have found something not just as good as but actually  better with:

 

BYOMA Sensitive Retinol Oil - 50ml - $24.99 - an ultra-soothing, lightweight oil-based retinol for sensitive skin and first time users that absorbs quickly into the skin. With a proprietary barrier lipid complex - that helps restore skin barrier; hydroxypinacolone retinoate (Vitamin A) and Squalane - to improve skin's tone and texture without stripping - giving it all the benefits of a retinol with none of the drawbacks. Consistent use results in softening the appearance of fine lines, blemishes and pores, while brightening dark spots and evening skin tone. It's the perfect addition to your night time beauty routine - just note that even though it is meant for sensitive skin you should still start slowly - a couple of times a week and work your way up to every other day.

 

You can also feel good that it is part of the Thoughtful Choices at Shoppers Drug Mart lineup - it has no animal testing and is formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, SLES, triclosan, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasing agents or hydroquinone.

And if you aren't familiar with the BYOMA lineup or are looking for skincare to go back to school or even on a trip check out:

 

BYOMA So Hydrated Set - $29.99 - contains a mini cleanser, mini gel cream and mini hydrating serum all in a cute little case that fits seamlessly into every backpack. This trio of dermatologist-approved hydrating essentials are the building blocks for the ultimate hydrated and dewy skincare routine and, are soap-free, non-comedogenic, alcohol and fragrance-free, as well as vegan and cruelty-free, making it perfect for school. Included are: Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser - 15ml - offers intense hydration and is perfectly pH-balanced. Infused with antioxidant-rich licorice root and green tea, it rejuvenates and brightens the skin, leaving it refreshed and clean; Byoma Hydrating Serum - 30ml - delivers a strong moisture boost with a dynamic blend of squalane and glycerin. This powerhouse duo effectively prevents water loss, ensuring long-lasting hydration; and deeply hydrating, lightweight Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream - 15ml - is made with Niacinamide and Green Tea that brightens the skin and reduces redness while supporting the skin barrier function for hydrated and healthy skin. 

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

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stik (and Trace'd Out Liner)!

Fenty Beauty has your lips covered in a new and wonderfully shiny way...

 

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick - $34 - in 10 shades: High'Biscus - pink rose, Fenty Glow - rose tan, Sorta $Elfish - honey brown, Two'Lip Kiss - light peach, Blaz'D Donut - light pink beige, The MVP - blue red, Riri - rose mauve, Fu$$y - dusty pink, Sp'Ice Cold - pink brown, Hot Chocolit - rich brown - a glossy, medium-pigment lipstick with luscious shine and a big dose of nourishing ingredients including vitamin E and shea butter to lock in moisture for up to eight hours and keep lips looking plump.

 

I'm partial to rosy colours so I tried out Riri and it is really lovely! Expect super-shininess to start with - which depending on what you are doing with your mouth, can wear off fairly quickly leaving the lipstick part behind. The lasting power for the lipstick is pretty good but even better if you layer one of the new lip liners underneath...

 

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Trace'd Out Longwear Waterproof Pencil Lip Liner - $27 - in 10 shades: Riri - rose mauve, Thugz Blush Too - dusty rose, Satin Panty - warm peachy pink, Pnut Butta - light beige, Rubbabandz - warm beige, Extra Thigh - cool brown, Woodn't - netural brown, Brown'd Out - rich brown, Coal Blooded - black brown, MVP - blue red -  a long-wear, creamy pencil made with pure pigments that glides on effortlessly, sets like a liquid for a smooth, velvet-matte finish and lasts up to eight hours without transferring, feathering or fading and delivers true-cast color for every lip tone, without looking ashy - to  precisely line, define and fill with its sharpenable tip.

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -

Eye Love Wednesday - Sahajan Golden Glow Eye Balm

The skin around the eyes is more fragile, delicate and up to 5 times thinner than the rest of the skin, as well as being more prone to dryness and quicker to show the signs of fatigue, stress and environmental factors - so you really need to treat it with special care - like with a super-hero ingredient - enter Ghee, Ayurveda’s liquid gold, rich in fatty acids and antioxidants and revered for its ability to soften dark circles and help soothe the under eyes - it's no Deadpool but still pretty good...

 

Sahajan Golden Glow Eye Balm - 15ml - $70 - with a thick, masque-like texture that has harnessed the power of ghee - to hydrate, soften and smooth to minimize dark circles; eyebright - helps reduce signs of fatigue and aging; rose oil - improves redness and promotes skin elasticity and firmness; and gotu kola - to help visibly reduce the signs of fatigue and diminish the dark circles. 

 

I love the texture and I especially love the brightening boost it adds to my under eye area. I have been using a Smashbox under eye brightener - it's almost empty and it's discontinued so I was already looking for something to replace it - this balm is actually better because I can get my glow and moisture all in one product - the less steps the better as far as I'm concerned!

Available at sahajan.com and thedetoxmarket.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -