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 - 

Mist Opportunity: Spray Your Way to Great Skin with StriVectin, Mario Badescu, Grace & Stella & Blue Lizard!

Facial sprays are having a full-blown main character moment - and honestly, it’s about time! Gone are the days when your only option was that giant can of Evian mist that felt more like a light drizzle than actual skincare. Now? Everyone and their glowy cousin has a spray, each one promising to hydrate, soothe, refresh and possibly fix your life. So naturally, I volunteered as tribute and tested a few… for science of course. You’re welcome.  

 

StriVectin Barrier Restore+ Soothing Milky Mist - 50ml - $49 

If your skin has been acting a little dramatic lately (red, stressed and  generally over it), this is the calming friend you call. It’s a milky mist - which sounds fancy because it is - and it delivers that soft, cushioned hydration that makes your face feel instantly more expensive. Powered by their NIA-114 (basically niacinamide’s overachieving cousin), plus turmeric peptide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid - you know, the whole skincare Avengers lineup - it works to strengthen your barrier while cooling everything down. One spritz and your skin goes from “don’t talk to me” to “I’m thriving, actually!” 

 

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

 

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea - 59ml - $9, 118ml - $15, 236ml - $24 

The OG. The icon. The one that’s probably been in at least one of all of our handbags at some point. This is your no-fuss, feel-good refresher that wakes up dull, tired skin like a tiny splash of iced cucumber water to the face. It’s light, it’s cooling, it smells like you have your life together, and it gives that dewy “I drink eight glasses of water a day” illusion - even if you absolutely do not!

 

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

 

Grace & Stella Spray All Day Rose Spray Hydrating Facial Spray - 30ml - $13.95, 240ml - $24.95 

If you like your skincare with a side of “stop and smell the roses,” this one’s for you. It’s giving soft, dewy, effortlessly pretty energy. Made with 100% rose water and hyaluronic acid, it hydrates, balances  and helps tone things down when your skin (or your mood) is feeling a bit puffy. Bonus points for being vegan and clean, and honestly? The fact that it can double as a setting spray and tame flyaways makes it the overachiever of the group - we love a multi-tasker!

 

Available online at amazon.ca. 

 

And while we’re out here misting like dewy queens, don’t forget the one spray that actually does the heavy lifting—SPF. But let’s be clear: we are not blindly spraying our faces like we’re seasoning a salad. Spray into your hands first, then apply like the responsible adult you are. 

 

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 - 148ml - $22.99 

This one’s for the sensitive-skin crowd who wants protection without the drama. It’s mineral-based (hello zinc oxide), fragrance-free and actually rubs in without leaving you looking like a Victorian ghost. You get solid broad-spectrum protection, water resistance and a formula that feels lightweight instead of sticky and suffocating. Plus, it’s reef-friendly, which means your beach day isn’t ruining someone else’s.

 

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

 

Final verdict? Whether you’re hydrating, soothing, refreshing, or protecting, there is truly a mist for every mood - and every level of skin chaos. At this point, not carrying one feels like a missed opportunity… or at the very least, a very dry one!

 

- Lisamarie - 

This week I'm obsessed with... PanOxyl Daytime Invisible Patches!

Ah yes my friends, I've entered the truly humbling era of life where wrinkles and pimples join forces like some kind of dermatological tag team. Cool cool cool. Love that for me! Naturally they always RSVP “yes” to my biggest events and set up camp dead center on my face. 

Timing: impeccable. 

Location: aggressive. 

 

Back in the day, I’d try to strategically swoop my hair over it (very “mysterious side bang chic”) or pile on concealer until it looked like I’d spackled my face. Looking back on it, neither was very convincing. Thankfully, things have  evolved:

 

PanOxyl Daytime Invisible Patches - 40 patches in 2 sizes - $16.49 - these little overachievers are basically the “nothing to see here” of skincare. They quietly go about their business - absorbing gunk, unclogging pores, gently exfoliating - while you go about your business pretending your skin is flawless and unbothered. Infused with soothing centella and green tea extract, they also calm things down, because apparently even your pimple needs to relax. But the real magic trick? You can wear them under makeup without things going sideways! No weird texture, no cakey situation, no “why is that spot… textured?” moment! 

 

After some very scientific (read: mildly obsessive) trial and error, here’s the move: 

• Clean and dry skin 
• Apply the patch 
• Moisturize/prime everywhere else (leave the patch alone - she’s working) 
• Go in with foundation using a brush or sponge (fingers are not invited to this party) - gently tap over the patch - do not swipe unless you enjoy undoing your hard work 
• Lightly set with powder 

Will there still be a tiny bump? Maybe. But now it’s a discreet, blended-in bump instead of a full-blown “HELLO I HAVE ARRIVED” situation - which, frankly, is all we can ask for. 

 

Because if we can’t stop the chaos, at least we can make it subtle!

 

Also keep in mind that PanOxyl has a whole line of products - from washes to moisturizers to treatments  (including an Acne Banishing Body Spray which feels like something that bacne that is soon going to be revealed by summer tank tops would love) - so if you are dealing with more then the occasional, inconvenient pimple, they have you covered! And if you feel a pimple coming - they is an overnight patch - apply it before you go to bed and if you are lucky, it will disappear before ever making an appearance!

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -  

Three Ways to Rescue Dry Lips Right Now with Flexitol, Nivea and Grace & Stella!

It’s that awkward, meteorological identity-crisis time of year again. Is it winter? Is it spring? Is it some chaotic in-between situation where the weather throws snow in the morning and sunshine by lunch? Nobody knows. Least of all my lips, which have clearly decided the best course of action is to panic… and dry out completely. Sooooooo dry. Please send help. Preferably in balm form!

 

Flexitol Lip Balm - 10g - $6.49 - available in Regular, Berry and Mint - This concentrated little overachiever is basically first aid for lips that have gone through some things - clinically proven to show visible results in just one day, thanks to a formula powered by 2.5% urea and a squad of hardworking hydrating ingredients. 

Translation: it softens severely dry, chapped lips and brings them back from the brink with smooth, healthy-looking moisture. 

 

It’s dermatologically tested, deeply hydrating, and forms a protective barrier to keep precious moisture from making a dramatic escape. And because the formula is Australian-made, you can assume it knows a thing or two about surviving harsh conditions. Personally, I’m partial to the Refreshing Mint version - it gives a cool, soothing little tingle that makes my lips feel instantly happier (and a lot less crusty).

 

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

 

Nivea Glowy Lips - 10ml - $6.29 - adds a little extra oomph for hydrated, visibly glowy lips.Available in Classic Clear which uses magnolia extract for a fresh natural shine or my preference, Berry which delivers a juicy hint of colour and a rich gloss finish. Both are packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and  glycerin to hydrate immediately and keep lips comfy for 24 hours. Vegan, dermatologically tested, and gentle on even the crankiest lips. 

 

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

 

Grace & Stella Kiss Me Softly Nourishing Berry Lip Mask - 20ml - $13.95 - which sounds like something straight out of a rom-com but actually delivers some serious hydration. This berry-scented treatment is packed with plant-derived ingredients like jojoba seed oil and vitamin-rich shea butter to help heal dry, chapped lips while keeping them soft and moisturized - without that sticky gloss feeling. You can slather it on overnight as a lip sleeping mask for serious hydration or swipe it on during the day as a glossy berry-tinted balm. The clean formula is vegan, paraben-free and sulfate-free, with mineral oil, castor oil and cocoa seed butter delivering deep moisture for lips worthy of a truly cinematic smooch. Though I will admit… I’m not entirely sure why I need a tint at night. Perhaps it’s meant to entice one’s bedmate? In my experience it mostly just ends up decorating the pillowcase. Beauty is sacrifice, apparently.

 

Available at amazon.ca.

 

Spring may be taking its sweet time figuring itself out, but at least our lip care routine doesn’t have to. With a little help from these hydrating heroes, dry, cranky lips can get back to being smooth, happy and ready for whatever weird weather comes next. 

 

- Lisamarie -