December 31, 2011

The crazy things you do tonight don't need to show up in your skin tomorrow thanks to LUSH, StriVectin, Elizabeth Grant,The Body Shop and Icelandic Glacial!

If you plan to have a lot of fun tonight (aka get wasted) you can stock up now so you will be prepared to deal with how your skin is going to look tomorrow morning as a result of it! A few easy steps and no one ever needs to know that you drank your weight in champagne New Year's eve (except for the damning  pictures on Facebook of course, they always give you away)!


Start off with a nice steam - you can use chamomile or something else herbal you have hanging around the house or make it really easy on yourself with: LUSH Moon and Sun Steamer Tab - $2.95 - a blend of oils for the mind and skin that will steam clean your face while you inhale the mood adjusting essential oils. Neroli oil brings you a blast of its mood lifting power, while lavender oil balances and soothes the skin.

Just drop a tab into a bowl of hot water put your face over it and drape a towel around your head to make your own mini sauna! Word of warning - do NOT do this over a pot on the stove (especially with the element still on) - I know someone who set their hair on fire this way!
After steaming is a great time to slap on a mask! You can use any type suited to your skin but even my combination skin feels dried out after a night of drinking so I prefer something more moisturizing like: StriVectin-SH Dermal Infusion Mask - 120ml - $75 - alleviates dry, tired skin by quickly infusing skin cells with moisture and nutrients to help renew skin from the inside out with ingredients including: Sweet Almond Oil, Rice Bran Oil and Omega-6 Fatty Acid - to seal in intensive moisture while conditioning and softening skin for a suppler, more luminous complexion; A proprietary blend of skin-identical Ceramides to help boost the skin's moisture retention and surface smoothness; an exclusive blend of Goji Berry, Bearberry and Blueberry antioxidants to help reduce free radical damage; and a patented NIA-114 molecule to help strengthen skin layers to allow skin to better retain natural moisture for more tones, radiant skin.
Available at The Bay and online at The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com.
When my skin looks tired, my go-to ingredient is Vitamin C - nothing is better for perking my skin up quick! A good one is Elizabeth Grant Vitamin C Day Treatment - 50ml - $40 - with Vitamin C and Torricelumn to leave the skin looking clearer, brighter, smoother and more radiant.
Available online at www.elizabethgrant.com
Nothing feels better on puffy, overpartied eyes then a nice cool eye roller like: The Body Shop Natrulift Refreshing Eye Roll-On - 10ml - $26 - cools, hydrates, softens the appearance of wrinkles and targets puffiness with organic pomegranate seed oil, pomegranate peel and pomegranate pulp, plus Community Fair Trade organic aloe vera from Guatemala.
Available in-store or online at www.thebodyshop.ca
Most of all, you will need water, lots and lots of water! Drink it out of the tap if you like or get fancy with Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Water - an exceptionally pure, carbon-neutral water with an optimal mineral balance. You may be interested to know that Icelandic Glacial will be the exclusive hydration method used in the new DIORSNOW product line from Dior, which will launch in the first quarter of 2012 throughout the Asian market. If it's good enough for Dior, it's good enough for me!
Available across Canada and the US in specialty food stores.

I hope you have a great night tonight and a relaxing day of pampering tomorrow - Happy New Year!

- Lisamarie -

December 30, 2011

Lip stains from Maybelline, Avon and GOSH and Lise Watier!

Lip stains have been around for awhile and there is such a great variety of them out there now that just about any colour you can think of can be found! Never used one or not sure what all the fuss is about? There are lots of reasons to love a stain: they help lipstick colour last longer when you use them as a base; they're transfer resistant and can last all day if you don't have the time/patience for touchups; and they are great for people who don't like the "feel" of lip products, many are absolutely lightweight and you'll never know you're wearing anything at all! Convinced? Then here a few brands that you'll want to check out:


Maybelline SuperStay 10H Stain Gloss - $9.99 - in 10 shades: Cool Coral, Mauve Dream, Luscious Lilac, Pleasing Plum, Refreshing Red, Ruby Indulgence, Pink Flush, Berry Heavenly, Blissful Brown, Fresh Fuchsia - no more need for multiple products to get longwear colour and shine - this hybrid offers a lasting formula that glides on for an ultra lightweight layer of rich, shiny colour that won't dry out! It's not supposed to be out until late January but I've already spotted it at my local Shoppers so keep an eye out for it!
Avon Lip Stain Marker - $9.99 - in four shades: Heart, Rose, Ready Red and Berry Bitter - kiss-proof, lightweight moisturizing colour that lasts for hours. The pen applicator makes for easy and precise application that dries immediately.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca
GOSH Long Lasting Lip Marker - $15 - available in: Chocolate, Red, Berry, Pink an 2 new shades: Soft Rose and Natural Brown - with a pen-like tip for precise application, lips stay hydrated and refreshed with long-lasting colour that lasts throughout the day and into the night.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Lise Watier Hydra Shine Lip Stain - $20 - available in 9 shades: Naturel, Rose Orchidee, Baie Cerise, Rose Vibrant, Peche, Rose Classique, Fuchsia and Corail (online only) - a marker-style lip stain that lets you adjust the texture and intensity as you colour and gloss your lips with unprecedented ease and precision. Can be used on its own or as a tinted lip base under your favourite lipstick to improve its staying power.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Sears, Jean Coutu and London Drugs and online at www.lisewatier.com 

I love stains but I will say I can find them drying in the winter when worn on their own so I like to add a layer of lip balm on top to keep my lips moist - go with a non-stick version though if you don't want it to end up coloured balm and make sure you exfoliate your lips first - chapped lips are not made more attractive with the addition of colour!

- Lisamarie -

Your New Year's eve will be a lot more comfortable thanks to Secret and Kushyfoot!

The best part of New Year's parties is buying a new dress to wear - the worst part is having to stuff yourself into said dress without all of those cookies you scarfed down at Christmas bulging out the sides and the way your feet ache by the time the ball drops - problems solved:


Solutions by Secret Shaping Camisole - $26 - in nude, black and blush - Features a seamless design that slims and smoothes midriff and tummy; built up straps and high back silhouette eliminates bra lines; zoned compression targets torso and upper back for a smooth finish; and molded cup design lifts bust.

Available exclusively at Sears.

Kushyfoot Microfiber Tights - $8.99 - what makes them different then your usual run-of-the-mill tights is the reflexology inspired comfort sole to make standing on your feet all night in heels, a little less painful! They come in a wide variety of colours: black, brown, grey, navy and purple; ribbed - black, brown grey and purple; and fishnets that cleverly substitute the reflexology-inspired sole for the usual misery of the old open-mesh fishnet foot that your toes would always get caught in.

Available instore nationwide and online at drugstore.com and www.kushyfoot.com

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Honoré des Prés We Love NY collection

Canada will soon be enjoying the Honoré des Prés - 100% organic perfume line! - fragrances that promise to stay alive on your skin and keep you on edge with a true sensation of well being!

There is the interesting We Love NY collection - 50ml - $98:

Vamp à NY - tuberose with rum and resins.
Love les Carottes - carrot juice, tips, grains, sweet oranges, Caribbean vanilla and iris butter.
Love Coconut - white coconut milk, leaf of coriander and vanilla.


I'd like to say I love the scents but I'm afraid none of them are to my taste at all  - I do think the packaging is clever though - takeout coffee cups!


If they aren't your cup of tea (coffee) either - don't worry Honoré des Prés have several other fragrances - 50ml - $84:


Sexy Angelic - fresh almonds, hemlock flower, angelica seeds and calisson


Nu Green - green mint leaves, herbs, Indian vegetal musk, tarragon and white cedar.


Chaman's Party - moist soil, Vetiver root, basil, wood of life and dried clove flowers.

And just from the description, it's not hard to guess that I love:


Honoré's Trip - mandarine, orange, yellow and green lemons, pepper and tree resin.

Check out www.honoredespres.com to find out where to buy.

- Lisamarie -

December 29, 2011

Don't just make - keep your New Year's resolutions this year with advice from Susan Wright and a contest from Special K!

It's that time of year agin when I start thinking about the dreaded term - "New Year's Resolutions" - so easy to make, so hard to keep! Is it any wonder that out of the 70% of Canadians (including me) who make them, 55% of those people (including me) fail to keep them!

Lack of discipline, lack of motivation and lack of willpower are all reasons not to follow through but wouldn't it be great if this year could be different?!

According to Toronto Life Coach and Special K Ambassador, Susan Wright (www.wrightmomentum.com) this can be your year to finally reach your goals - all it's going to take to be successful is focus, manageable steps and setting specific, realistic, measurable and achievable goals.

I know for myself, every year I resolve to lose weight and exercise more and it would seem from Susan's advice, that the reason I fail every year is I'm not being specific enough. I would be better off resolving to lose a pound every week in January and to go to the gym 3 times a week - that goal is very achievable, not overwhelming and realistic for a coach potato such as myself. You of course should make whatever resolutions make sense for you but you get the idea, be specific, don't overwhelm yourself and make it easy to track what you are doing. It's also smart to set a time period - at the end of January I can assess how I've done and continue on for February or make new goals.

Susan also recommends using a buddy system - it's a lot easier to stay on track when you have someone to talk to and be accountable to, especially someone who is going through the same process as you! Also, listen and understand what your body is telling you - it will clue you in on things like hunger and energy levels if we bother to pay attention to it!

Susan said something very smart at the end of our discussion which I had never really thought of before - that a positive side effect to meeting your goals is increased confidence and of course confidence spills over to every aspect of your life so it's something very much worth pursuing!
To help you in your quest for better health you can also check out the Special K website at www.specialk.ca where you will find a bunch of tools to help you set and meet your goals including recipes, meal plans, helpful articles and tips as well as an offer for a free yoga mat!

And knowing that having the tools to begin the journey make life so much easier, they have been kind enough to offer up a basket full of products to one of our wonderful Beauty Crazed readers to help you on your way including a wealth of Special K products, a yoga mat and bag, a wellness journal, water bottle, fitness towel, wrist band and heart rate monitor watch – perfect to help jumpstart the year! Sound like something that might help you out and that you want to win? - then read on...

This contest is open to all our Canadian readers and it's very easy to enter, just leave a comment letting us know that you follow (if you aren't a follower you can sign up through Google or Facebook - signups are in the right sidebar)

1 entry for following and leaving a comment answering the question - Are you a New Year's Resolution maker? We'd also love it if you would share yours with us! Please also leave your e-mail so we can find you if you win!

And for extra entries you can do one or both of the following:
1 entry for following @Beautycrazedcan on Twitter and tweeting the contest

1 entry for visiting the Special K website at www.specialk.ca - taking the Food Personality Quiz and sharing the results

If you prefer not to leave your info on a public post, please leave a post saying you want to enter and then e-mail your info to info@beautycrazed.ca, please put "Special K Contest" in the subject line.  Remember to leave a post or you name won't actually end up in the draw! Winner to be decided by random drawing and you have until January 13th to enter. Good Luck!


- Lisamarie -

Head to toe beauty solutions from Magic Hair Pad, Avon and Tip Top Shoe Saver!

They say there is a solution to every problem and why shouldn't that apply to beauty problems too?! Here's a few products that solve beauty issues that I didn't even know could be fixed!

Magic Hair Pad Fringe Holder - pack of 2 - $7 - if you have bangs then you deal with the issue of washing your face or applying masks and needing to do something with the hair in the way. I usually use a headband to pull my bangs back but then I end up with a ridge in my hair. Magic Hair Pads solve this problem - they hold my hair off my face without adding ridges! Actually they are almost too light, one day I forgot I was still wearing it and walked out of the house with it still in my hair! And because they are flat they travel well - taking up almost no space in your makeup bag!

Available online at www.magichairpad.com
Avon Foot Works Anti-Rub Blister Stick - 2.5g - $7.99 - creates an invisible barrier to prevent friction and discomfort from shoes and instantly helps reduce rubbing that can cause blisters. To use you just apply liberally to areas of feet prone to hot spots, chafing and blisters. Not only is this great for sandals which always tend to rub - it's also excellent for winter boots - there is always a spot in new boots that will rub me raw until they are broken in, but thankfully no longer!

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca
Tip Top Shoe Saver - $14.99 - it there anything more annoying then buying a new pair of pointy shoes and within the first few wears they develop that annoying crease? It is inevitable because of the void space between the toes and the exaggerated tip but that doesn't mean it isn't fixable! Forget stuffing the toes with paper or cardboard - the Tip Top Shoe Saver has 4 plastic adjustable breakaways that can be removed for the perfect fit - instant pointy shoe perfection!

Score your own at www.tiptopshoesaver.com

- Lisamarie -

Grey and green glosses - sound weirder than they actually look? MAC Borealis and Lancôme Green Petal swatches!

I will admit, when buying lipgloss I tend to stick to normal colours like pink and red - never before have I worn something grey or green! I wouldn't want anyone to accuse me of being unadventurous though and really, I'll try just about anything once!
The MAC Daphne Guinness collection includes a Cremesheen Glass in Borealis, a pale grey pink with iridescent pearl - this pic is a reminder to me that I should avoid light colours with pearl in them, they just don't flatter my pale skin!
The Lancôme La Roseraie des Délices Spring 2012 collection has a tender green Color Fever Gloss in 386 Green Petal - which I quite like, you would never know that it was green when you see it on your lips - it doesn't really show as much of a colour at all but it has a nice shine and sparkle to it!

Would I do it again? Sure why not! What are your thoughts on oddly coloured lipwear?

- Lisamarie -

December 28, 2011

Iris Apfel for MAC

You'd expect no less than an eclectic collection of colours from artist Iris Apfel - and does she ever deliver! Subject of her own exhibit at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and larger-than-life star, Apfel has always been ahead of the style curve and together with MAC, she has put together a line of drool worthy products with as much fabulous flair and joie de vivre as the woman who helped create them!
Lipstick - $17.50
Pink Pigeon - bright cleanest pink (matte)
Scarlet Ibis - bright orange-red (matte)
Party Parrot - bright red-pink (matte)
Flamingo - light milky bright coral (lustre)
Morange - loudmouth orange (amplified)

Lip Pencil - $16.50
Entertain Me - clearly orange
Embrace Me - vivid pinkish fuchsia
Redd - clearly red

Small Eyeshadow - $18
Silver Gull  - blue grey with sparkle (velvet)
Robin’s Egg - mid-tone teal (matte)
Diamond Dove - deep grey brown (matte)
Early Bird - bright coral (matte)
Howzat - deep grey with silver sparkle (satin)

Opulash Mascara - $18
Bad, Bad, Black - black

Impeccable Brow Pencil - $18
Taupe - mid-tone dirty taupe

Eye Pencil - $17
Ebony - soft black
Beauty Powder - $27.50
Too Chic - soft peachy cream with fine shimmer

Nail Lacquer - $18
Oriele Orange - bright orange coral (crème)
Toco Toucan - bright blue fuchsia (crème)
Sandpiper - creamy pale stone beige (crème)



This is such a happy collection, I just love the bright lip and nail colours!

Available January 5th at all MAC counters and online at www.maccosmetics.com

- Lisamarie -

Redken All Soft collection - for dry and brittle hair!

The Redken All Soft line dramatically transforms the texture of dry, brittle hair to leave it ultra-soft and luminous. All thanks to an exclusive new delivery system -

the Interlock Protein Network which is comprised of 3 ingredients that work together in the wet and dry phases to repair and restore the hair from inside out: Keralink - a modified protein that acts in the wet phase by binding moisture to hair while strengthening deep within the hair fiber; and Amino Acid and Protein - that act together in the dry phase creating an ionic bond with hair's keratin to rebuild surface protection and help enhance hair's texture and shine. The system is comprised of different molecular weights, which allow it to target all levels of the hair. The smaller particles penetrate deeper within the cortex while the larger ones are attracted to the surface.

And the Keratin Enrich Complex which is comprised of: a Moisturizing Factor - which works to replenish and maintain essential moisture balance in hair's keratin for increased strand pliability and lasting suppleness; Argan Oil - Omega-6 enriched fair trade argan oil penetrates hair deep within the cortex to replenish lipids and deliver intense, luxurious softness; and an Interlock Protein Network - seals the cuticle with a hydrophobic barrier and lock-in key ingredients, while reinforcing hair's internal support for resilient flexibility - which rebuilds surface protection, provides progressive conditioning and strengthens hair to the core.

This is music to the ears of those of use dealing with the effects of winter cold and dryness - dry, lifeless, straw-like locks! After just one use of the line, hair is instantly softer with 15X more conditioning, increased manageability, suppleness and lasting shine. Bring it on!

Redken All Soft Shampoo - 300ml - $14.49 - washes away impurities while leaving hair soft, manageable and shiny.
Redken All Soft Conditioner - 250ml - $16.99 - instantly detangles and replenishes moisture for intense softness, movement and shine
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream - 250ml - $21.99 - deeply moisturizing and conditioning treatment improves manageability, flexibility and suppleness.

And my multi-tasking favourite:
Redken All Soft Argan-6 - 90ml - $29.99 - a multitasking oil treatment comprised of fair trade Argan oil that intensely nourishes and protects dry, brittle hair. Enriched with Omega-6, it provides concentrated softness, deep conditioning and lasting suppleness. Can be used in 6 different ways: moisturize as a pre-shampoo treatment to nourish dry hair and scalp; protect as a pre blow-dry shield to instantly detangle, protect and increase manageability; smooth as a post blow-dry perfector to control dry, frizzy hair or humidity-induced frizz; illuminate as a styling shine booster to instantly boost shine and smoothness; soften as a treatment booster to revive and hydrate extremely dry and brittle hair; and recondition as an overnight treatment to intensely soften hair while you sleep. It can be applied on dry or damp hair - concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends and reapplied as needed.

Available at fine salons across Canada - visit www.redken.ca to find one need you!

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Dr. Brandt Dark Circles Away!

Dr. Brandt Dark Circles Away Collagen Eye Serum - 15ml - $65 - an instant brightening eye serum that boosts collagen levels and stimulates microcirculation to decrease the look of dark circles - by stimulating microcirculation; tired eyes - by instantly improving luminosity and brightness; puffy eyes - by draining excess fluids; hollow eyes - by increasing collagen levels and strengthening thin, fragile skin; and under eye bags - by breaking down abnormal fatty deposits. As well, it keeps the eye area hydrated and healthy looking and reduces the look of lines and wrinkles.

Regular readers will know how much I love an eye roller - I find the whole metal roll-y bit the most effective tool for puffy eyes! What I don't like is the ineffective manner by which many companies produce them - mainly by not having a way to control how much product comes out - usually the product comes out continually as you roll which means you can only do a limited amount of rolling or you end up with way too much serum!

So I was happy to discover this Dr. Brandt one - it has a smart design where you actually pump the serum out before you roll which means I can have as much or as little serum as I like and roll to my hearts content!

Available at Sephora, sephora.com and Murale.

- Lisamarie -

December 27, 2011

Light therapy with Silk'n FaceFX, TRIA and Tanda!

I have become a big fan of light therapy - it is such an easy, non-invasive way to improve my skin and I never have to worry about product reactions! Here's an easy primer to the difference between the red and blue light benefits:

Red light  increases the production of collagen and elastin and effectively takes action against these signs of aging: reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; fights dullness for a radiant complexion; moisturizes to nourish dry skin for a healthy-looking glow; improves rough texture for smooth, soft skin; balances skin's colour to improve uneven skin tone; and firms and plumps for visibly younger-looking skin.

Blue light improves the overall health of skin for a more refined texture and brighter, more radiant complexion as well as clears acne breakouts and blemishes faster and prevents future breakouts. It kills bacteria at the source, deep within the skin, without harshness or irritation - the result is an elimination of blemishes, clogged pores, pimples and acne breakouts, and a bright, clear complexion.

I find I get the best results by using both types - I use the blue light first on any visible blemishes and in areas that I tend to break out and follow up with the red light in the same areas - I find it actually helps the blemishes heal quicker, prevents the red mark and clears up any red mark that might occur. I then use the red light in any areas I think are looking too old!

The nice thing about these devices is how portable they are - I use them while watching educational programing (Real Housewives) on the television but could also easily use them just about anywhere - just expect strange looks if you use them in public places! Here are a few to choose from:

Silk'n FaceFX Anti-Aging Light Device - $299 -  helps treat periorbital wrinkles and reduce pore size, all while helping to temporarily improve the appearance of the skin and is perfect for anyone concerned about anti-aging or skin rejuvenation. After just eight weeks of using Silk'n FaceFX, users reported improvement in skin texture, a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, the fading of skin patches and a reduction of pore size. All of these benefits combine to reveal younger-looking skin. It can be used anywhere you see signs of aging or desire a youthful glow.

I like that this one has a metal head, it makes the device  feel warm and super smooth on your skin!

Available at The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com
TRIA Skin Perfecting Blue Light - $245 -  includes the blue light device, a 2 month cartridge, battery charger and instructions. You can use it once a day for 5 minutes or twice a day for 2 1/2 minutes and expect  healthy, clear skin, with fewer acne breakouts and no irritation  in as little as two weeks. Spare cartridges are $40.

What I like about it as opposed to the traditional creams that I would normally use to treat acne is that it doesn't dry out my skin and make it go all flaky around the blemish area the way a spot treatment does!


Available at http://www.triabeauty.ca/skin-perfecting-blue-light, Nordstrom and select retailers.
Tanda Luxe  - $195- you've already heard me proclaim my Tanda love previously and now that I'm aware that the device has been improved with the addition of sonic vibration and gentle warming to give it more of a facial effect I am very excited!

It's a very quick addition to a beauty routine. You can use it in targeted areas and it only takes 3 minutes twice a week or for the full facial experience - or you can use the device over your whole face for 12 minutes. You'll notice even better results if you use your favourite serum afterwards - this is when I like to apply a brightening product!

The same improvement of vibration and warming has been made to the blue light system - Tanda Clear+ - $195 - what's really nice is you don't have to buy separate systems if you want to use both - the different light heads are sold individually and can be used with either system!

And of course if it's the blue light you are after and you need something a little more budget friendly, there is always the Tanda Zap!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Sephora, The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com and Tanda.com.

- Lisamarie -

Adult acne fighting regimens from Olay Professional and Murad!

Everybody hates acne so of course no one wants to see it on their face - and it's especially frustrating when you are also dealing with wrinkles, I mean really, where's the justice in that!?! Dealing with adult acne can be a lot harder as many of the products out there are meant for teens and don't take into account the special needs of adult skin.


Of course the most popular way to deal with blemishes is spot treating - but experts agree that skin consistently prone to acne is better served through the daily use of special skin care products on the entire face, even when there are no blemishes present.

Fortunately companies are waking up and filling the gap in the market with acne systems suitable for older skin - here are a couple you might want to check out:

Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol - $49.99 - a 3 step daily skin care regimen that is designed to treat acne, minimize the appearance of pores and refine texture. The steps include:
Step 1 - Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Pore Cleanser - a wash off salicylic acid acne treatment that reduces oil and removes dead skin to help prevent clogged pores, while helping prevent new acne from forming.
Step 2 - Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Skin Clearing Treatment - a full face leave-on salicylic acid treatment designed to bring acne under control and help prevent future breakouts.
Step 3 - Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion - a sheer moisturizer that hydrates to help fade the look of spots and redness for an overall renewed appearance.

Also available in the line are a SPF 15 Moisturizer which is oil-free - $34.99 and an Intensive Refining Sulfur Mask - $34.99 (which I have tried and you can find my thoughts here)
Murad Acne & Aging Skin Solution - $45 - a dual-function regimen which fights acne while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has 4 steps which include:
Step 1 - Cleanse & Tone - Time Release Acne Cleanser - extra-gentle, low foaming lceanser improves skin's appearance by: delivering a sustained release acne treatment, even after rinsing; and optimizing hydration to restore suppleness.
Step 2 - Treat & Repair - Acne & Wrinkle Reducer - clinically proven formula restores a clear, more youthful complexion by: clearing congested pores and neutralizing acne-causing bacteria; and diminishing the appearance of ine lines and wrinkles.
Step 3 - Hydrate & Protect - Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 for blemish-prone skin - multi-function, lightweight moisturizer improves skin's appearance by: fighting premature aging through advanced UV protection and healthy collagen support; and minimizing blemishes and oil-production
Step 4 - Treat & Repair - Acne Spot Treatment - promotes immediate healing of blemishes by: delivering targeted acne medication; and providing on the spot relief.

Available at Murale, Sephora and sephora.com.

I don't have the right kind of skin to test these products out - I am fortunate to only be bothered with occasional breakouts so my husband is my guinea pig. Problem is, he has now tried enough of these products that he's found a couple that work for him so he hates to try new stuff because you go through that period where you skin gets bad again before the product either starts working or doesn't. Bottom line: neither of these worked in his 3 week window - which is not to say they are bad or good, just not fast enough for my impatient spouse! It's hard to get good help!

If anyone has tried either of these (for more than 3 weeks) and want to give us your thoughts in the comments section, please do! And if you want to know which systems my husband loves, check out NeoStrata and Proactiv Solution!

- Lisamarie -

- Lisamarie -

OPI Nicki Minaj - Save Me, Metallic 4 Life, Fly, Did It On 'Em, Pink Friday and Super Bass Shatter - swatches!

The OPI Nicki Minaj limited edition collection was inspired by Niki's unique style, love of bright colours and her debut album, Pink Friday!
Super Bass Shatter - purple - I know some people have told me that they are over shatter but I still like it - it's such an quick solution for me when I chip a nail and don't have time to redo - it's much easier to just throw a coat of shatter over my nails then to take off the polish and redo!
Save Me - silver-rainbow glitter - love this one! Especially the long green and blue bits!
Metallic 4 Life - charcoal sparkle
Fly - aqua - really love this one, it's also on my toes!
Did It On 'Em - lime - it's a fun colour but I think I'm too pale for it, it just makes me look sickly!
Pink Friday - pink

Available January for a limited time at Professional Salons and Spas for $10.95 a pop - although I've heard word that some Trade Secrets already have them so keep your eyes peeled!

- Lisamarie -

December 26, 2011

Bobbi Brown Neons & Nudes - Spring 2012

The Neons & Nudes Collection features a unique pairing of bright, neon colors balanced by soft nudes and neutrals. Pair a soft, nude eye with a neon lip or a bright eye with a nude lip depending on your mood.
Ultra Nude Eye Palette - $52 - Limited Edition - features six classic shades: Stone, Chino, Pink Chandelier Metallic, Praline Shimmer Wash, Champagne Truffle Shimmer Wash and Cocoa Berry Shimmer Wash
Blush - $28 - in Nude Peach and Nude Pink - universally flattering muted shades
Lip Color - $27 - Limited Edition - in Atomic Orange, Neon Pink and Uber Beige - made of
a unique blend of Beeswax and Vitamins E and C for comfortable wear
Lip Gloss  - $27 - in Citrus, Atomic Pink and Ultra Violet - sheer and super shiny
Eye Shadow -  $26 - in Bluebell and Ultra Violet Shimmer Wash - the perfect pairing to a nude lip
Ink Liner -  $28 - Limited Edition - in Really Black - a liquid liner with a slanted, flexible felt tip applicator that releases rich pigment in one simple stroke
Cosmetic Case - $42 - Limited Edition - store all your new pretties away in this zippered case!

Available January at Murale, Holt Renfrew, Sephora and sephora.com

- Lisamarie -