Shoppers Beauty+ Event - New Beauty, New Obsessions & A Whole Lotta Optimum Points!

Some people consider Christmas or sending their kids back to school the happiest time of the year. Me? The Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty+ Event - from September 12th to October 9th. New brands! New products! Samples! And, most importantly, sooooo many bonus Optimum Points! Honestly, this is my Olympics!

 

I wait for this event every year to stock up on the things I’m actually out of - like my beloved Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum - and to grab the things I absolutely do not need but suddenly become convinced I cannot live without, like the Too Faced Peach Mist Setting Spray. Priorities, people. 

 

Here are the products I’ll be haunting my local Shoppers for. While I normally do like the online ordering option, the foundation and fragrance require an actual in-person field trip because I need to match the colour and, obviously, smell the fragrance. Buying either of those blind would be beauty roulette, and I’m not here to gamble with my face or my perfume wardrobe! 

 

Clarins Double Serum Foundation - 30ml - $74 - this next-generation hybrid serum foundation is basically what happens when your makeup decides it wants a skincare career too. It combines makeup and skincare to deliver customizable medium-to-full coverage with a luminous, satin, non-oily finish and comes in 30 shades for all skin types and tones. 

 

The adjustable dial lets you customize the coverage, while its [COLOUR + HYDRIC] system is inspired by Clarins’ Double Serum technology. The [COLOUR] phase uses A.U.R.A. (Advanced Ultra Radiance Amplifier) technology with light-boosting ingredients and illuminating microcrystals to give skin an immediate glow, while the [HYDRIC] phase uses stabilized papain to help renew radiance and create a smoother, skin-like-new effect. 

 

And because apparently it wasn’t already doing enough, it contains 14 active ingredients, including five pairings of pure active molecules and plant extracts designed to help revive the skin’s five vital functions.

 

To top it off it comes with 10,000 bonus Optimum Points which makes it sound even better! 

Quo Beauty Bouncy Cloud For Lips and Cheek in Just Blushing - $14 - I have a weakness for things that are pink and for a beauty product that can multitask so this one has everything I love in one little pot!

 

The feather-light, bouncy mousse formula melts onto skin for a smooth, cloud-soft finish and can be dabbed onto cheeks or blended onto lips for a delicate, buildable flush of colour with a natural satin-matte finish. The finger-friendly formula makes application ridiculously easy, and you can layer it from a soft tint to a more dramatic pop of colour. 

 

It has a cushiony mousse-cloud texture, works on both lips and cheeks and gives you that airy, effortless flush without requiring a degree in makeup application. 

 

And since there are 5,000 bonus Optimum Points in it for you when you spend $25 on participating products which gives me the perfect excuse to also pick one up in Sun Set - a pretty coral/pink shade that I am positive is also calling my name! 

Klorane Quinine Length Thickening and Strengthening Serum - 100ml - $49.99 - longer, stronger hair? Yes please. Especially if it can happen without making my fine hair look like I’ve dunked my head in a vat of cooking oil. 

 

Formulated with medicinal Quinine and Adenosine to help promote hair length, strengthen hair and improve density. It also contains a naturally derived keratin-like ingredient designed to repair and strengthen hair, while the non-sticky, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly without weighing hair down.  

 

I am hoping that unlike some intensive hair products, this one won’t leave fine hair looking limp, greasy or like it needs its own intervention! 

 

As an added bonus it comes with 5,000 bonus Optimum Points! 

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Pink Glaze - 50ml EDP - $135, 90ml - $190 - brings some serious main-character energy to the iconic Black Opium family, with a floral gourmand scent that puts a vibey twist on the signature black coffee and sensual jasmine notes with a sultry strawberry accord. 

 

And then there’s the bottle: a bold, dark pink lacquered beauty that looks like it belongs in the hands of someone who has their life completely together - even if they’re actually just wandering around Shoppers looking for bonus points. 

 

It’s described as the ultimate confidence-boosting accessory, and honestly, if strawberry is involved, I’m already emotionally invested.

 

Best of all it comes with 20,000 bonus Optimum Points!

 

So there you have it—my Beauty+ wish list, otherwise known as the reason my Shoppers cart is about to need its own postal code. I’ve got skincare to replenish, makeup to play with, hair products to test and a strawberry-scented fragrance that has already managed to bypass my usual “Do I really need this?” filter. 

 

And really, the beauty haul is only half the fun. The other half is watching those bonus Optimum Points pile up, because nothing makes me feel better about buying beauty products quite like being rewarded with points that will inevitably be used to buy… more beauty products. It’s called a system, people!

 

See you at Shoppers before October 9th. I’ll be the one happily scanning my Optimum card and pretending this was all very carefully planned.

 

- Lisamarie - 

Summer May Be Leaving, But I'm Not Ready to Smell Like a Pumpkin - and don't have to thanks to Fenty Skin Allover Body Mist!

Summer may be on its way out, but that doesn't mean your body mist has to pack its little suitcase and disappear until next June. 

 

While I do tend to swap my EDPs and EDTs for something lighter and mistier during hot weather, these are not a seasonal fling. Oh no. These are something I'll happily be reaching for all year round...

 

Fenty Skin Body Allover Body Mist - 175ml - $53 - these light, sheer body mists come in irresistible scents designed to linger and match whatever mood you're in - or whatever vibe you're desperately trying to create that day. 

 

Available in four deliciously tempting scents:  

 

Vanilla Flowers - warm, sultry and rich, with notes of bergamot from Italy and apple blossom, vanilla orchid, pink freesia and lily of the valley, all wrapped up in Tahitian vanilla, sugared woods and fluffy musk. Basically, if you enjoy smelling like a fancy dessert who has her life together, this one is calling your name!

 

Hey, Bouquet - a bold fruity floral with orange zest, strawberry and pink peppercorn, followed by rose, jasmine and orris butter, with sandalwood, vanilla, cashmere and patchouli hanging around at the end. Floral? Yes. Fruity? Also yes. And somehow it manages to do both without smelling like your grandmother's powder room. A miracle, really! 

 

Tropic Trip - tropical fruity floral goodness with blood orange, pineapple and leafy greens, orange blossom, tuberose and peach, finishing with coconut, sandalwood and amber. This one is basically a tropical vacation in a bottle - and frankly, considering summer seems determined to leave us eventually, I'm keeping the vacation going! 

 

And my particular fave:

 

Green Raspberry - bright, ripe and reckless, with raspberry nectar, blackberry delight and crème de cassis, white tea and sugared rose, and a base of peach wood. As someone who is obsessed with beauty products that smell like food - preferably fruit - it's not hard to understand why it's my go-to. Raspberry, blackberry and peach? Say less. I'm already there!

 

And because apparently Fenty Skin understands the joy of smelling like the same delicious thing from head to toe, there is also a body wash and bubble bath available in Vanilla Flowers and Hey, Bouquet. Perfect if you're into getting all matchy-matchy with your body products and want to commit fully to your chosen scent situation. 

 

Of course, you can also layer these mists with whatever fragrance you like. They're light and sheer enough that they make excellent layering partners, which means you can get a little experimental and play fragrance scientist without accidentally creating a scent catastrophe that follows you around for eight hours. 

 

Available online at fentybeauty.com. You can also find the Vanilla Flowers Body Wash and Starter Set at sephora.ca, although they don't appear to carry the full-size body mists - because apparently making things easy for us would be too much to ask. You can get a small body mist in the Starter Set, though. Either way, they're worth ordering, and Fenty Beauty does ship to Canada! 

 

Just because summer is ending doesn't mean we have to start smelling like a pumpkin immediately (or ever). Let's not get carried away!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Stick It to Your Beauty Routine with La Rosee, The Face Shop, Marcelle & Briogeo!

If you’ve ever wished your beauty routine could be approximately 97% easier, allow me to introduce you to the humble beauty stick. Because thankfully, we’ve finally reached the point where you can swipe, blend, smooth and go without needing an entire bathroom counter covered in bottles, jars and mysterious little pots. 

 

From skincare to makeup to hair, stick formulas are basically the lazy girl’s beauty dream: portable, practically mess-free and requiring about as much effort as applying deodorant. Here are a few that have been making my life considerably easier:

 

La Rosee 3 in 1 Regenerating Stick Mask - 75ml - $35

 

A clay mask that comes in a stick? Honestly, skincare has finally entered the crayon era and I am here for it. This innovative white clay mask regenerates, purifies and detoxifies skin in one wonderfully easy swipe, without requiring you to get half of it under your fingernails in the process. 

 

The soft, fresh, floral-scented formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and contains 99% naturally derived ingredients. Purifying white clay helps draw out impurities and excess sebum without leaving skin feeling like the Sahara, while the repairing action helps smooth and refresh the complexion. 

 

It’s vegan, biodegradable and comes in a recycled and recyclable stick, so you can feel slightly virtuous while wandering around the house with your easily applied ghost-face. Use it twice a week for a cleaner, smoother, happier-looking complexion.

 

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

The Face Shop Multi Balm Brightening Care - 7g - $26.50

 

This little multitasker is basically the Swiss Army knife of beauty sticks. The vegan formula combines rice water extract, niacinamide and panthenol to brighten, hydrate and help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots. 

 

Swipe it wherever your skin is feeling a little parched or could use some brightening - under the eyes, across the cheeks, forehead or any random dry patch that has decided to make an unscheduled appearance. Pat it in, carry on with your day and reapply whenever necessary.  

 

Available at London Drugs stores across Canada and online at londondrugs.com, matandmax.com and amazon.ca.

 

Marcelle Cheek Loving Cheek and Lip Multi-Stick - $19.95 - in 4 shades: Classically Rose, Lusciously Berry, Perfectly Nude and my fave - Gently Coral

 

If your makeup philosophy is basically I would like to look alive, but I don't want to work too hard for it, this one is for you. 

 

This creamy, lightweight stick glides onto cheeks and lips, melts into skin and delivers a buildable flush of colour with a lovely second-skin finish. Mango butter, vitamin E and meadowfoam seed oil keep things hydrated, while the formula promises up to 12 hours of glow without caking, creasing or clogging pores.

 

And because it’s a cheek and lip stick, you can swipe it on both and pretend you spent considerably more time coordinating your makeup than you actually did. Just swipe, blend and go. Honestly, my favourite kind of beauty instruction.

 

Available at drugstores across Canada and online at marcelle.com and amazon.ca.

 

And because apparently our hair also needed to get in on the stick revolution...

Briogeo Style + Treat Hair Styling Sleek Stick - 15g - $32

 

This portable little miracle worker smooths flyaways, tames frizz and gives hairstyles a polished finish without leaving hair stiff, crunchy or coated in mysterious goo. The formula is infused with antioxidant-rich yuzu and plum oils to nourish strands while providing flexible hold and natural-looking shine. 

 

It works on straight, wavy, curly and coily hair and is vegan, cruelty-free and free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates and artificial dyes. It’s also safe for colour-treated and chemically processed hair. 

 

Just glide it over dry hair wherever the flyaways are staging a rebellion, then smooth with your fingers or a comb. Toss it in your bag and you’ve got a tiny emergency response team for your hair whenever humidity, static or general hair-related nonsense strikes. 

 

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

 

If a beauty product can do the job with one quick swipe I'm here for it -  I see no reason to make things harder than they need to be. Less mess, less fuss, fewer products rolling around the bottom of my purse - and frankly, that sounds like beauty progress to me! 

 

- Lisamarie - 

Stop Ghosting Your Neck: These Products from StriVectin, Reversa and Silk'n Are Giving Gravity Major Trust Issues!

Necks. The part of our skincare routine that gets treated like the middle child - completely ignored until one day it starts auditioning for the role of "well-loved leather handbag." 

 

Let's be honest... most of us spend hundreds of dollars slathering potions and serums on our faces only to stop abruptly at our jawline like skincare has an invisible border. Meanwhile, our neck is sitting there quietly collecting sun damage, tech neck and gravity's greatest hits. 

 

So if you want your neck to stop betraying your age before your face does, these beauties deserve a spot in your routine:

 

StriVectin TL Advanced Sculpting Neck & Jawline Mask - pack of 1 - $12.99, pack of 3 - $38.99  

 

Need a quick pick-me-up before a special event or just want to pretend gravity doesn't exist for half an hour? This cooling hydrogel mask hugs your neck and jawline like a supportive best friend, helping to firm, smooth, depuff and define where Mother Nature has started getting a little... creative. 

 

Designed to target sagging skin and those lovely "Tech Neck" lines we all earned by staring at our phones 14 hours a day, it leaves skin looking tighter, the jawline more sculpted and facial contours noticeably sharper after just one use. In fact, 88% of users (including me) said their skin immediately felt firmer. I'm all about the instant gratification!

 

Available online at amazon.ca - Shoppers Drug Mart also seems to carry it (it's showing as sold out online right now) but only the 1-pack and it's significantly more expensive. It also seems to be available in a bundle at TSC if that's more your vibe!

 

Reversa Neck and Decollete Smoothing and Firming Cream - 80ml - $80

 

If your neck and chest have quietly started telling a different story than your face, this cream is here to get everyone back on the same page. 

 

Packed with six marine and botanical extracts, fragmented hyaluronic acid, essential minerals and nourishing vitamin F, it works to firm, smooth, brighten, hydrate and improve elasticity while helping fade dark spots and soften that dreaded crepey texture. Basically, it's like hiring a personal trainer for your neck - minus the yelling and burpees. 

 

Made with 98% naturally derived ingredients, it's vegan, cruelty-free and free from parabens, silicones, oils, alcohol and gluten, making it suitable even for sensitive skin. The silky, non-greasy texture absorbs beautifully, so you won't spend the morning wondering if your shirt is permanently glued to your collarbone.

 

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

 

Silk'n LED Neck Mask - $179 

 

If you've always wanted to look like you're starring in a low-budget sci-fi movie while secretly improving your skin, congratulations - your moment has arrived! 

 

This flexible silicone LED neck mask uses 57 lights and four different wavelengths to tackle fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, uneven texture, loss of elasticity and even acne-prone skin. Red light helps stimulate collagen, blue light calms breakouts and excess oil, infrared boosts hydration and smoothness, while the mixed setting throws the whole skincare party at your neck at once. 

 

With automatic and manual treatment modes, adjustable straps and up to an hour of cordless use per charge, you can multitask your way to a firmer-looking neck while binge-watching your latest obsession. Sure, you'll look a little like a futuristic supervillain while wearing it, but if the result is smoother, younger-looking skin, that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. 

 

One piece of advice from someone who learned the hard way: put your hair up before you strap this thing on. Those innocent-looking Velcro straps don't just catch hair, they hunt it for sport. Your neck may leave looking rejuvenated, but your scalp doesn't need to be part of the treatment!

 

And if you didn't catch my review on the complimenting Silk'n LED Face Mask - you can find it here. 

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca, silkn.ca, amazon.ca and well.ca.

 

Your face may get all the attention, but your neck has been quietly keeping receipts this whole time. Whether you're masking, moisturizing or bringing out the LED light show, giving it a little extra love now means it won't be ratting you out later. Your future self (and the money you'll save on turtlenecks) will thank you!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Humidity Chose Violence (AKA Hair Frizz)... So I Chose BKIND, Drybar, Redavid & Conair!

All winter long we dream about summer. We beg for it. We count down to it. We swear we'll never complain about the heat again. 

 

Then it finally arrives... and immediately reminds us that every season has its own special way of keeping us humble - we step outside for approximately 17 seconds, and suddenly our hair has transformed into a tribute band for Hagrid. 

 

Because while summer is great for patios, iced coffee, and pretending we'll "definitely spend more time outside," it's also absolute chaos for our hair. Humidity has one job, and apparently that job is making every strand on your head ignore years of styling, expensive products and your personal wishes.

 

The sleek blowout you spent 30 minutes perfecting? Gone before you've even backed out of the driveway. Your curls? They've formed a labour union and are refusing to follow instructions. 

 

If your hair has recently entered its feral era, don't panic. These are a few of my favourite frizz fighters that help convince my hair to behave... or at least fake it convincingly... 

 

BKIND Leave-In Conditioning Serum - 90ml - $58 

 

If your hair has been screaming for moisture louder than your garden in August, this leave-in serum is exactly what it needs. 

 

It's lightweight, packed with hemisqualane, repairing phytosterols and nourishing plant oils and somehow manages to smooth frizz, strengthen hair, define curls, add shine and protect against heat up to 450°F all at once. 

 

And if all that isn't enough, it also helps restore softness, shine and manageability while keeping curls defined and colour looking fresh. And as an added bonus, the pear and green tea scent makes hair smell amazing!

 

Basically, it's the overachiever of the group while the rest of us are just trying to survive until September.

 

Available at spas and boutiques across Canada - you can locate one near you or buy online at bkind.com.

 

Drybar Final Call Frizz & Static Control Mist - 140g - $39.50

 

You know that moment when you leave the house looking fabulous and five minutes later your hair says, "Actually... no"? 

 

This is for that. 

 

 One quick mist creates an invisible shield that helps keep frizz, flyaways and static from hijacking your style for up to 24 hours. The nourishing formula combines Monoi oil, coconut milk and vitamin E for softness and shine, while sunflower seed and jojoba help create a humidity-resistant barrier around each strand. It also protects against UV rays and pollution because, apparently, our hair has more daily enemies than we realized. As an added bonus it has a coconut, vanilla and amber scent that gives me the summer vibe that I am here for in the Blanc Scent option - or if you prefer something more tropical it also comes in a Coconut Colada version. 

 

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

 

Redavid Orchid Oil Treatment Ultra Nourishing Anti-Frizz Serum - 30ml - $22, 90ml - $46, 250ml - $98

 

This serum is basically the friend who shows up with snacks, a charger, a first-aid kit and jumper cables. 

 

Frizz? Covered. 

Heat protection? Yep. 

Detangling? Absolutely. 

Shine? You got it!

 

A lightweight leave-in treatment smooths frizz, restores moisture, detangles, speeds up blow-drying, adds shine and protects against heat without leaving your hair looking like you accidentally deep-fried it.

 

It uses a combination of coconut oil and Cymbidium Orchid Oil to strengthen, hydrate and smooth even the most dramatic hair days without leaving behind greasy residue. 

 

Some hair oils promise the world but leave you hanging - this one actually clocks in for work! 

 

Available online at redavid.ca and amazon.ca. 

 

Conair Smooth and Shine Cordless Heated Brush - $39.97

 

This little gadget is for all those moments when your hair betrays you in public. 

 

It's cordless, rechargeable, travel-friendly and smooths flyaways faster than you can say, "Was my hair seriously doing that all day?" 

 

Ceramic heated bristles and ionic technology help tame frizz in minutes, making it perfect for your purse, desk drawer or glove compartment—because hair emergencies have absolutely no respect for your schedule. 

 

Available at Walmart stores across Canada and online at walmart.ca and amazon.ca.

 

 

Summer is wonderful... but until my hair learns to agree at least these products will help keep the frizz under control and let me look like I have my life together... even if it's just from the shoulders up!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Looking Fresh While Slowly Melting: My Summer Makeup Essentials from Wonderblush, Revlon, NYX Cosmetics and Benefit!

I am all about an easy makeup routine come summer. Not only does the heat make me lazy, but I've also finally accepted that anything I put on my face is likely to migrate somewhere it wasn't originally intended to be so putting on as little as possible seems to be the smart plan.

 

To achieve easy summer beauty, I start with the flawless skin canvas we created in our Summer Skin Perfection post and simply add a little colour, a little glow and just enough polish to look healthy and refreshed without risking any dramatic makeup meltdowns. 

 

So here are my four summer essentials for achieving that effortless "I look this great and didn't even try" look:

 

Most important? Blush. 

 

Blush is what brings life, colour, and definition back to your face - especially if you belong to my special pale-people club and aren't using bronzer...

 

Wonderblush Le Fondant Cream Blush in Aube - $46 - available in five gorgeous shades: Camélia - soft mauve, Aube - coral nude, Ruban - bright pink, Figue - rosy plum, and Cerise - cherry red - -  a cream blush that delivers buildable colour with a balm-soft texture and a natural second-skin finish. 

 

It melts beautifully into the skin, adds a healthy glow, and blends so easily that even those of us applying makeup before our first coffee can manage it. Swipe directly onto the cheekbones and blend with your fingers or a brush. I am partial to Aube, a coral-nude shade that is universally flattering and gives that perfect "I spent the afternoon strolling through a seaside market" flush and since I am a sucker for pink, also love the bright pink Ruban for a healthy glow with a little more drama.

 

Bonus points: the same shade can be dabbed onto lips and across the bridge of the nose for that cohesive, sun-kissed look we all pretend happens naturally. 

 

Extra bonus points: they are a Canadian brand and we do love to buy local! 

 

Available at thedetoxmarket.ca and wonderblush.com or if you are in Quebec, you should be able to grab them at Jean Coutu stores.

Speaking of lips... 

 

If you want to add a little extra shine on top of your Wonderblush lips or simply prefer a sheer glossy lip, this one is a winner: 

 

Revlon Super Lustrous Glimmer Gloss in Haute Honey - $17.49 - available in 10 shades: Diamond Drama, Pink Prisma, Lavender Lust, Happy Hour, Glazed Almond, Bronzed Spark, Haute Honey, Rose Glow, Razz Beamy and Indigo Ice

 

The formula combines plant-based glitter and light-reflecting pearls for a multidimensional shine that somehow manages to look glamorous without feeling like you've accidentally eaten craft supplies. It's non-sticky, lightweight and packed with hydrating ingredients including agave, moringa and cupuaçu butter. The result is glossy, comfortable lips that look fuller and feel hydrated instead of coated in syrup. The Haute Honey is the perfect shade to add a little natural looking colour whose absence won't be  glaringly obvious when it inevitably gets eaten off.

 

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada. 

For eyes, keep it simple stupid. 

 

Complicated eyeshadow routines and summer weather are not natural allies. One quick swipe of colour is basically all the commitment I'm willing to make when it's 30 degrees outside. Which makes this a winner:

 

NYX Cosmetics Ultimate Glow Shots in Highkey Lychee - $16.49 - in 13 shades: Blueberry Baller, Kiwi Killa, Come Thru Coconut, Grapefruit Glow, Highkey Lychee, Golden Goji, Lemon Slayed, Twisted Tangerine, Mango Moment, Wow Cacao, Clementine Fine, Raspberry Rave and Plum Player

 

This liquid eyeshadow delivers exactly what its name promises: glow. Not chunky glitter. Not fallout. Just a gorgeous wash of luminous colour that takes about three seconds to apply. The lightweight formula wears for up to 12 hours, contains vitamin C, and has a comfortable second-skin feel. Highkey Lychee is my particular fave - it gives lids a pretty, polished shimmer that instantly makes it look like you put in far more effort than you actually did. Obviously my favourite kind of beauty product. 

 

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

And finally, the finishing touch... 

 

Mascara is always the final, and generally necessary step for me - although I will admit that on especially hot days I sometimes skip it entirely and accept my fate as a slightly glamorous albino bunny thanks to my annoyingly blonde lashes.  

 

Benefit BADgal Bounce Fuller Fluffier Volumizing Mascara in Pump'd Up Black - $39

 

It uses a clever dual-sided brush: one side builds volume while the comb side separates and defines. The result is fuller, fluffier lashes without the clumps, flakes, or spider-leg situation that nobody asked for. 

 

The formula contains conditioning ingredients including linden bud extract, rice wax and provitamin B5, helping lashes look fuller while staying soft and flexible throughout the day. Plus it's vegan, cruelty-free, and designed to resist flaking for up to 24 hours. 

 

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

 

All this just goes to show that the best summer makeup routine isn't the one with the most steps - it's the one you'll actually use. A little blush, a glossy lip, a swipe of shimmer and some mascara are more than enough to fake that fresh, radiant, effortlessly put-together look. The fact that it takes less time than deciding what to watch on Netflix is just a bonus!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Mix up some summer skin perfection with Vivier, Rare Beauty, Fenty Beauty, Nivea and Real Techniques!

There was a time when summer's arrival meant a complete skincare and makeup migration. Rich moisturizers? Banished. Full-coverage foundations? Exiled until October. Everything got swapped for lighter, breezier versions. 

 

Then I had a revelation: I don't actually need new products. I just need to play cosmetic chemist! And frankly, any beauty routine that makes me feel like I'm in a lab concocting potions is automatically more fun. 

 

You're going to do some mixing. You can use the back of your hand if you're feeling adventurous, but a small saucer will make a lot less of a mess - because you could inadvertently scratch yourself with your hand covered in product... I'm not saying I did this (I did this)...

 

Step One: Moisturize and Protect

 

I still love a rich moisturizer, even in summer, and right now I'm using: 

 

Vivier Intensive Hydrating Moisturizer - 55ml - $190

 

A rich, restorative moisturizer formulated with a Ceramide-Lipid Complex, Hyaluronic Hydration Complex, Squalane, Panthenol and a Collagen Peptide Complex to replenish moisture and leave skin looking nourished and supple. 

 

A couple of pumps is my usual dose, but for this experiment, I use about half that amount. Then I add sunscreen because we are not spending all this money on skincare just to lizard ourselves in the sun.

 

Keeping it in the family, I'm using: 

 

Vivier Sheer SPF30 Mineral Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Sunscreen - 60ml - $72

 

A lightweight, 100% mineral sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and a radiant, dewy finish. Enriched with Vitamins C and E, it hydrates and brightens while protecting skin without feeling greasy. 

 

Both are available at clinics and dermaspas across Canada - check out https://www.vivierskin.ca to find one near you or to buy directly from the website.

 

Step Two: Add some colour

 

Next, I add about half a pump of foundation. Most of it goes into my little concoction, but I keep a tiny bit off to the side of the saucer for later. 

 

My latest foundation obsession is: 

 

Rare Beauty True to Myself Natural Matte Longwear Foundation - 30ml - $52 - in 48 shades ranging from a very light Fair Neutral up to a very dark Deep Cool

 

It's one of those rare unicorn foundations that somehow manages to be breathable, long-wearing and humidity-proof while still looking like actual skin. Revolutionary, really. What's also really innovative is the bottle itself which highlights accessibility. From its ergonomic, hand-fitting curves to a custom push-button lock that eliminates the need for a cap (and the use of two hands), every detail is intentional - if you also fight every time to open an Aspirin bottle, you will appreciate someone finally making things easier for us!

 

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

 

Step Three: Bring On the Glow 

 

Because summer skin should glow, not resemble a disco ball, I add a dash of: 

 

Nivea Luminous Skin Glow Instant Glow Serum - 30ml - $41.99 

 

A lightweight glow-boosting serum featuring Niacinamide, Aloe Vera and Nivea's patented LUMINOUS630 technology to help visibly reduce dark spots, smooth skin, refine the look of pores and deliver an instant healthy-looking radiance as well as improve the look of skin over time. 

 

It adds just a touch of luminosity to make me look healthy and well-rested instead of sweaty and reflective. Think "I drink all my water and get eight hours of sleep every night" energy… even if the reality is caffeine and questionable life choices. 

 

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada. 

 

Step Four: Fake the Vacation 

 

Actual tanning? Absolutely not. Sun damage is a hard pass. 

 

Instead, I reach for bronzer. You can mix it directly into your concoction for an all-over sun-kissed effect, but I like to keep a small amount of this off to the side of my saucer as well. And because powder bronzer is feeling a little... last season, I've been loving: 

 

Fenty Beauty by Rhianna Sun Stalk'r Soufflé Bronzer - $52.50 - in 8 shades: Suga Cookie - light with neutral undertones; Biscotti - light to light medium with neutral undertones; Churro Twist - light-medium to medium with light golden neutral undertones; Maple Glaze - medium to medium-deep with neutral warm undertones; Brown Butt'r - medium to medium-deep with golden neutral undertones; Sweet Truffle - medium-deep to deep with neutral bronze undertones; Coffee Toffee - deep with warm bronze undertones; and Hot Fudge - deep with neutral bronze undertones.

 

It's a pressed mousse with this ridiculously bouncy texture that melts into the skin and gives the kind of believable warmth that says, "I spent the weekend in Tuscany," even if you've actually spent it folding laundry. 

 

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

 

Step Five: The Tools 

 

Use your fingers. Use a sponge. I won't stop you. 

 

But I'm firmly Team Brush, specifically: 

 

Real Techniques Bubble Blending Brush - $16.99

 

It has a dense, rounded shape that is basically foolproof and blends powders, creams and liquids beautifully. 

 

Available at Walmart, Jean Coutu and Real Canadian Superstore locations across Canada and online at well.ca and amazon.ca. 

 

Now comes the fun part. Swirl everything together on your saucer until you've created your own bespoke tinted foundation. It's completely customizable, uses products you already own and can be tweaked daily depending on whether your skin is thirsty, dull, cranky or all three. 

 

Once I've buffed it all over my face, I go back with a small brush and the little blob of foundation I saved to use as a concealer wherever some extra coverage is needed. Then I pick up my big brush again - which still has traces of moisturizer clinging to it - and dip into the bronzer on the saucer before applying it to my cheeks, forehead and nose.

 

The leftover moisturizer softens and diffuses the bronzer, making it melt into the skin instead of sitting on top of it. 

 

Basically, it's summer makeup for people who like to save money, shop their own stash and occasionally pretend they're cosmetic scientists mixing up a magic potion in their beauty lab. 

 

So grab a saucer, channel your inner cosmetic chemist and get mixing - your perfect summer skin formula is probably already sitting in your makeup drawer!

 

- Lisamarie - 

A balm for your soul (and your face) from Grace & Stella, Naturium, Trinny London and Farmacy!

With warm weather finally showing up (occasionally, between the rain and emotional instability of spring weather), most of my skincare and makeup routine starts getting a little lighter and less “full glam survival mode.” Heavy foundation? Out. Thick creams? Also out. But there is one category where I actually go heavier in the summer - cleanser. Specifically adding a cleansing balm to my routine.

 

I know. It sounds backwards. Why would I smear what feels like butter on my face when it’s already 30 degrees and humid enough to qualify as soup outside? But there is a method to my madness. Summer also means I’m piling on way more sunscreen, waterproof mascara, sweat-proof makeup and products that cling to your face like a toxic ex. My regular cleanser taps out halfway through the job, while a cleansing balm takes everything off in seconds like it’s performing a magic trick. 

 

A cleansing balm starts as a solid balm or wax and melts into a silky oil when massaged into the skin. It breaks down makeup, SPF, oil and grime without stripping your face or making it feel like you washed it with dish soap and regret. Honestly, once you start using one, aggressively rubbing your eyes with a makeup wipe starts to feel very 2012!

 

There are a bunch of reasons why cleansing balms deserve main-character energy:

 

• Effortless Makeup & SPF Removal - Long-wear foundation? Waterproof mascara? Sunscreen that claims it can survive a tropical storm? A cleansing balm dissolves it all without needing to scrub your face like you’re sanding furniture. 

• Hydrating Instead of Horrifying - Unlike some foaming cleansers that leave your skin feeling tight enough to bounce a quarter off it, balms are packed with nourishing oils and butters that help support your skin barrier instead of personally attacking it. 

• Deep Cleansing Without the Drama - It sounds counterintuitive, but oil-based cleansers actually help lift excess oil and buildup from pores. Basically fighting oil with oil. Science is weird but beautiful. 

• Perfect for Sensitive Skin - No aggressive rubbing, no stinging, no “why is my face suddenly tomato-colored?” situation. Cleansing balms tend to be super gentle and soothing. 

• Travel Friendly - Unlike cleansing oils, these won’t explode all over your suitcase and coat your vacation wardrobe in expensive skincare slime. We love a stable queen!

So I got to testing to figure out which of the multitude are the best and here's my top 4:

 

Grace & Stella F Balm, This Works! Cleansing Balm - 125ml - $39 

This one is for anyone who wants taking their makeup off to feel less like a chore and more like a tiny spa moment. It melts away stubborn makeup, waterproof mascara, sunscreen, oil and dirt without requiring Olympic-level scrubbing. The formula is vegan, paraben-free and sulfate-free, and unlike makeup wipes, it won’t make you feel like you’re exfoliating your face with light grain sandpaper. Bonus points for including a spatula because nothing says “luxury” like not digging your fingers into a jar like a raccoon in a trash can. And damn I love the name!

 

Available at amazon.ca. 

Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm - 88ml - $33.99 

This one has that dreamy sorbet texture that feels amazing. Formulated with purple ginseng, nourishing oils and plant-based esters, it melts down makeup, sunscreen and grime while still feeling lightweight and fresh. It emulsifies beautifully with water and leaves skin soft instead of greasy - which is important because nobody wants to feel like a buttered dinner roll before bed. 

 

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

Trinny London Be Your Best Enzyme Balm Cleanser - 80ml - $67, 80ml refill - $55, 19.5ml mini - $28

This cleanser is basically skincare wearing a silk robe and and eating bonbons - it just feels fancy! Along with removing makeup, SPF and pollution, it also contains pineapple enzyme for gentle exfoliation, plus nourishing oils and a prebiotic complex to support the skin microbiome. Which sounds very scientific and impressive and honestly makes me feel like my face is getting a wellness retreat instead of just a cleanse. I also really like that it's refillable so I can be clean and environmentally responsible! 

 

Available online at trinnylondon.com/ca.  

Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm - 200ml - $92, 100ml - $52, 30ml - $25

This one has reached borderline cult-status for good reason. The sorbet-like balm melts instantly into the skin and somehow removes approximately seventeen layers of sunscreen and waterproof mascara without leaving behind residue or greasy film. Packed with sunflower oil, papaya extract and antioxidant-rich greens, it leaves skin clean, soft and happy instead of stripped and angry. Having such soft clean skin really does make me feel like I have my life together, even if there are currently cracker crumbs in my bed. P.S. I like the smell but if you aren't a fan or are sensitive to scents it also comes in a fragrance-free version!

 

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

 

I do tend to double cleanse when I use a balm, usually following up with a light gel or foaming cleanser or a micellar water. Is it absolutely necessary? Maybe not for everyone. But once the weather gets really hot and I’m layering sunscreen like I’m preparing for battle, I personally enjoy the extra clean feeling. Plus it gives me the illusion that I’m the kind of person who has a proper skincare routine and not someone applying products while half-asleep and watching reality TV - which of course I have never done! 

 

So at this point, cleansing balms have fully earned permanent residency in my heart - and summer skincare routine. They remove sunscreen, sweat, waterproof makeup and all the questionable decisions of the day without turning my face into a dry, angry mess. Plus there’s just something deeply satisfying about watching a full face of makeup melt away in seconds - like tiny skincare sorcery. Honestly, if summer insists on making me sticky, sweaty and aggressively shiny, the least it can do is let me wash it all off with ease!

 

- Lisamarie -