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 - 

An Open Letter To Coca-Cola: Tiny Bottles, Big Betrayal

To my old and dear friends at Coca-Cola,

I’ve been enjoying your product for a very long time and, over the years, I’ve put up with a lot from you. New Coke anyone? But that’s what friends do, right? We forgive. We move on. We continue drinking copious amounts of sugar out of nostalgia and habit.

But I have to say… you are really pushing it now.

What in heaven’s name happened to my tiny glass bottles of Coke? Their scarcity has become deeply alarming. According to Google Shopping, I should supposedly be able to find them at a Walmart in Bradford and a grocery store in Brampton - two places I have absolutely no desire to visit - and frankly I no longer trust these claims after being sent on a previous wild goose chase to a Walmart in Scarborough where not a single tiny Coke was to be found. Not one.

So what’s going on here? Have they been discontinued? Is there a secret underground vault where Coca-Cola executives are hoarding them for themselves like tiny fizzy treasures? Did someone in a boardroom decide joy was no longer sustainable?

Because one minute they were everywhere, making me feel classy and nostalgic like I was living inside one of your commercials where everyone is inexplicably happy and perfectly hydrated, and now suddenly finding them feels like the worst scavenger hunt ever created!

Inquiring minds - and frankly thirsty ones - would like answers!

Sincerely,
A loyal consumer currently being forced to drink Coke out of peasant-sized containers

Hair health starts at the scalp with LOMA, Justice Haircare, Briogeo and FOREO!

Gone are the days when haircare companies told us to obsess over split ends while completely ignoring the literal soil your hair grows out of. Thankfully the scalp has finally entered its main character era because it turns out healthy, shiny, expensive-looking hair starts at the root - shocking, I know!  

 

A happy scalp can help stimulate growth, balance oil production, calm irritation, kick dandruff to the curb and generally make your hair behave like it has its life together. You may have noticed scalp spas popping up absolutely everywhere lately and trust me, I fully intend to throw myself  into the experience eventually because nothing sounds more luxurious than someone professionally rubbing my head for an hour. Until then though, I’ve been testing out some scalp-loving products at home and a few definitely stood out from the crowd…

 

LOMA Essentials Healthy Scalp Collection  

If your scalp has been feeling cranky, greasy, flaky or just generally emotionally unavailable, this line might be your new best friend. Formulated with pure essential oils, organic aloe vera, proteins and plant-based ingredients, the collection focuses on calming chaos at the root while keeping hair soft, bouncy and fresh-looking. 

 

The shampoo gives that deeply clean feeling without veering into “straw in a tumbleweed” territory, while the lightweight conditioner hydrates without flattening everything like a sad winter hat.Together they basically create the ideal environment for your hair to thrive - kind of like a wellness retreat but for your scalp. 

 

And can we discuss the minty scent for a second? Because it delivers that cool, tingly “yes something productive is happening here” feeling that makes me instantly believe I have my life under control.

 

There’s also a daily treatment to help rebalance oil production plus a style creme that keeps hair touchable instead of crispy. 

 

Available in the collection: Healthy Scalp Shampoo - 355ml - $34; Healthy Scalp Conditioner - 355ml - $34; Healthy Scalp Treatment - 100ml - $35; and Healthy Scalp Style Creme - 198ml - $31

 

Available at Chatters stores across Canada and online at chatters.ca. 

 

Justice Professional Marine Beauty Collection 

This eco-conscious collection is basically a tall glass of water for stressed-out scalps. Made with 96% natural vegan ingredients, it focuses on hydrating, detoxifying and rebalancing while helping hair look shinier and healthier overall. 

 

The standout for me is absolutely the scalp scrub because apparently I now enjoy exfoliating every inch of my body including my head. The sea salt and plant oils help clear away flakes and buildup while giving the scalp that satisfying deep-clean feeling without turning it into the Sahara Desert.

 

And the scent? Pure beach vacation energy. It has this fresh, clean ocean-inspired fragrance with crisp marine notes, sea salt and soft florals that somehow manages to smell calming, expensive and like you have absolutely zero emails waiting for you. Basically the olfactory equivalent of sitting oceanside with a fancy drink while someone else deals with your problems.

 

Available in the collection: 

Marine Beauty Scalp Scrub - 150ml - $25.99; Marine Beauty Shampoo - 250ml - $25.99; and Marine Beauty Conditioner - 250ml - $25.99

 

Available at Healthy Planet stores across Canada or online at healthyplanetcanada.com and well.ca. 

 

Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Collection 

If flakes have decided to start appearing like unwanted glitter at a craft store explosion, this line comes in swinging. The collection combines medicated ingredients with soothing botanicals to tackle dryness, itchiness and irritation without feeling harsh. 

 

The shampoo uses 3% salicylic acid plus binchotan charcoal to exfoliate dead skin and soak up excess oil, while the conditioner keeps things hydrated without suffocating your scalp under heavy silicones. 

 

Also whoever created the scent deserves a raise because whipped cream, fresh mint and vanilla somehow smells both cozy and expensive at the same time - and not the least bit like the medicinal dandruff shampoos of days gone by!  

 

They pair perfectly with the Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil which continues its reign as the overachiever of the haircare world - rosemary, castor oil, and tea tree walk into a bottle… and your scalp walks out happy! Perfect as a pre-wash or overnight treatment, this lightweight oil nourishes thirsty strands while calming irritation for a dry, itchy scalp - no greasy residue and no awkward “tingle.” the formula helps balance oil while detoxifying before shampooing.

 

Available in the collection:

Dandruff Relief Shampoo - 248ml - $57; Dandruff Relief Conditioner - 248ml - $57

Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil - 30ml - $22, 100ml - $44 and now in a larger 150ml size for $53

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

 

FOREO FLIP Play Advanced LED Light Hairbrush - $89

Listen… somewhere along the line hairbrushes became tiny futuristic robots and honestly, I’m not mad about it. 

 

This cordless LED hairbrush uses red, blue and green light therapy to help refresh the scalp and boost shine while flexible bristles gently detangle without making you feel like you’re losing half your hair in the process. It works on all hair types, is waterproof, rechargeable and even folds up to protect the bristles because apparently this brush is more organized than I am. 

 

The fact that I can now casually say “my hairbrush has light therapy” feels deeply unnecessary and yet incredibly glamorous...

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Chatters stores across Canada and online at foreo.com, amazon.ca, beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and chatters.ca. 

 

At the end of the day all I can say is, if my scalp wants serums, exfoliation, LED therapy and a cooling massage moment now, who am I to deny her? She’s been carrying this whole hair operation and all of my crazy hair antics for years!

 

- Lisamarie - 

This week I'm obsessed with... Avene Hyaluron Activ Procedure Hexapeptide Solution 10% Tightening Serum!

Raise your hand if your skin would love a little lift and tighten - but you would also prefer to keep both your face and your bank account unmolested. I am desperately waving my hand over here! While nobody is promising a  full-on, “who is she?” transformation, we are talking smoother, fresher, quietly smug “I slept eight hours and drink green juice” vibes - without the needles. Enter...

 

Avene Hyaluron Activ Procedure Hexapeptide Solution Tightening Serum - 18ml + 2ml - $89 

 

This little bottle is basically giving “med-spa energy” without the appointment, the downtime or the side-eye from your credit card. It’s loaded with a greatest-hits lineup of ingredients including: hexapeptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid - all working together to tackle the big five: wrinkles, lost volume, firmness, radiance and uneven tone for skin that looks 2 years younger in 14 days. 

Greedy? Probably. Effective? Also yes. 

 

I’m a sucker for anything that makes me feel like I’m one lab coat away from a breakthrough, so this had me at mix it yourself. You get a tiny vial of hexapeptide solution that you snap open and pour into the serum, give it a good shake and presto - freshly activated, ready-to-work skincare. It’s part science experiment, part skincare ritual, and fully satisfying. 

 

The formula is a light, slightly watery gel that sinks in fast but leaves behind that subtle “did my skin just… tighten?” feeling. Two to three drops, morning and night and you’re good to go - no complicated routine, no 12-step commitment ceremony. It also layers nicely under other products so there's no need to give up your regular moisturizer.

 

Now, about that “2 years younger in 14 days” claim… bold. Slightly suspicious. But after having used it for two weeks -  I’ll allow it. My skin looks a little firmer, a bit plumper and definitely more radiant - like I’ve been making better life choices than I actually have. Fine lines are softened, tone is more even and overall it just has that put-together glow!

 

Is it Botox in a bottle? Let’s not get carried away. But is it a solid, results-you-can-see upgrade to your anti-aging routine? Absolutely. This one’s earned a permanent spot on my bathroom shelf!

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -