Perfectly moisturized skin that smells great from Lotus Aroma, A-Derma and c. Booth!

Lotus Aroma Velvet Body Lotion - 200ml - $16 - in 4 synergistic scent blends: Ho Wood, Cedar and Exotic Verbena; True Lavender; Sicilian Mandarin; and Exotic Verbena, Orange and Lemon -with a 99.5% natural formula rich with the toning power of essential oils and plant extracts including vitamin E, shea butter, moringa oil, sea buckthorn oil and inca inchi oil - penetrates instantly to envelop the body in a light, protective, non-sticky or greasy film to nourish, soothe, repair, heal and protect all skin types, even the driest and most sensitive - preserving the skin's natural hydration and elasticity and leaving the skin feeling fresh and delicately scented - I am particularly partial to the Sicilian Mandarin - fruity wonderfulness!

Available at fine pharmacies and health food stores across Canada.

A-Derma Moisturising Body Lotion - 400ml - $31 - softens and moisturizes delicate skin with a light, refreshing and deeply nourishing formula that glides over the skin with ease, its light texture absorbing quickly to quench thirsty skin. The paraben free formula contains Rhealba Oat, chosen for its soothing and non-irritating properties to relieve tightness and irritation for skin that is left soft, moisturized and lightly scented and dries quickly with a non-sticky feel, allowing you to dress immediately after application.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

c. Booth 4-in-1 Lemon Sugar Body Lotion - 946ml - $9.99 - exfoliates, hydrates, nourishes and firms all in one rich, non-greasy cream that hydrates the driest of skin. With a paraben, sulfate, mineral oil and petrolatum-free formula containing: lemon extract - to repair skin's natural balance; sweet almond oil - for intense hydration; shea butter - to improve elasticity, tone and maintain hydration; cocoa butter - improves elasticity and restores hydration; caffeine - works as an anti-inflammatory to firm and tone skin; alpha hydroxy acids - exfoliates; vitamin E - protects from sun damage and aging; and vitamin A - refines skin tone and helps fight free radical sun damage.

As far as I'm concerned though the best part is the scent - sweet, sweet lemonade - yum!

Available at Walmart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

L'Oréal Infallible 2-Step Lipcolour - with swatches!

L'Oréal Infallible 2-Step Lipcolour - $13.99 - in 14 shades: Continual Crimson, Heaven to Henna, Lilac Infinite, Timeless Rose, Flamboyant Flamingo, Toujours Teaberry, Infallible Red, Perpetual Apricot, Cherry Noir, Violet Parfait, Raisin Revival, Passionate Petal, Neverending Nutmeg, Everlasting Caramel - that offer up to 24 hours of no transfer, even wear, colour intensity with all day comfort and a moisturizing feel.

Toujours Teaberry

Cherry Noir - put the even wear claim to the test - no matter how many layers I applied I could not get this  colour to go on evenly - I don't know if there was something defective in the formula with this one but it was not having any part of my top lip!

My one big tip, do not skip the top coat, the colour step on it's own is a sticky, uncomfortable, unwearable mess!

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Eye Love Wednesday - eye creams for all of life's little problems from La Roche-Posay, NeoStrata and Lierac!

Puffiness disappears with:  

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour - 20ml - $32 - instantly soothes discomfort in the eye area including itching, heating sensations and redness; and after 4 weeks offers significant reduction of irritation and swelling. Contains the patented Neurosensine + Niacinamide complex to moisturize and soothe and protective La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water to target puffiness and discomfort of the eye contour. Sensitive skin will also especially appreciate the new ultra-hermetic packaging allowing for a highly minimalist formulation for an optimal tolerance:along with the  preservative-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, colorant-free, lanolin-free formula.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Brighten up dark circles with:

NeoStrata SecureWhite Anti Dark Circle Complex - 15ml - $37.99 - offers a 22% reduction in dark circles in only 15 minutes and visibly fades the appearance of dark circles by up to 59% in only 5 weeks with a lightening complex composed of 4 potent ingredients including Radianskin and Actiwhite - to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness; 0.05% retinol helps in repairing photo-damaged skin and is entrapped to minimize irritation; and 1.2% titanium dioxide provides instant concealing properties - to restore a fresh, radiant eye look

Available at drugstores across Canada

Banish wrinkles with: 

Lierac Diopti Creme Intensive Action Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream - 10ml - $35 - an ultra-fine cream that contains a highly concentrated, intensive botanical synergy of moisturizing, anti-aging, and regenerating plant extracts - including calendula, prunus, alchemilla, ivy and horsetail - for visibly smoothed, firmed eyelids and more dynamic, youthful-looking eyes.

Available at drugstores across Canada including Rexall and select Shoppers Drug Mart stores.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Avon Hershey's Kisses Sterling Silver Necklace!

Avon Hershey's Kisses Sterling Silver Necklace - $29.99 - tell your favourite blogger that you love her with a kiss!

The adorable pendant is embellished with sparkling cz's on a 92.5% sterling silver chain that is 48 cm long.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Sephora Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation

Now it's easy to get flawless, studio makeup results at home with:

Sephora Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation - 75ml - $35 - in 9 shades: Cream, Fair, Light, Medium, Fawn, Tan, Honey, Almond, Deep - with an ultrafine mist that blurs imperfections seamlessly and controls shine for up to 10 hours with a satin-finish.

The formula contains weightless, micro-fine pigments of InstaBlend technology to ensure colour lays down smooth and seamlessly, making it easy to build the desired coverage level - from light to full while mineral-rich red algae extract protects the skin from environmental stresses and helps smooth the skin for a soft-focus, airbrushed finish that lasts.

And while it's meant for the face, in a pinch it will stand in for your leg makeup or tattoo coverer!

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Quo by Orly Color Amp'd Flexible Manicure - with swatches!

Quo by Orly Color Amp'd Flexible Color - $10.99 - in 24 shades: City Of Angels, Sunset Strip, Paparazzi, LA Dreamin', Starlet, Fashion Forward, Stadium Way, Hart of LA, Endless Summers, Best Dressed, Celebrity Gossip, Pop Culture, Speakeasy, Venice, Surfer Girl, Art Walks, LA Selfie, Infamous, Who You Know, On The List, Rooftop Lounge, Cali Swag, The Boulevard, LAX - delivers a flexible, non-damaging 2-step manicure that wears like a gel but removes like a polish.

What makes it really cool though is the Flexible Sealcoat - step 2 of the process that provides quick dry, extended wear that allows the finish of the manicure to bounce back, helping to prevent smudges during the drying process - the sealcoat will set in less than 8 minutes and smudges will continue to self-repair until fully dry!

 Starlet

 Surfer Girl

Rooftop Lounge

Available now exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar Re-Energizing Moisture Mask

The constant changes in weather we have been having lately has been wrecking havoc on my skin leaving it looking dull with dry patches - which I'm not so fond of which is why I'm so happy to have found:

Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar Re-Energizing Moisture Mask - 120ml - $39 - with a velvety whipped, ultra-hydrating formula containing non-stop skin renewal technology to re-hydrate, re-texturize and re-energize skin with a cooling, instant burst of hydration.

The moisture comes from three forms of hyaluronate - hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid filling spheres, and prohyal+ (blue agave extract) - to help support natural hyaluronic acid production and provide essential hydration.

We get better texture from three forms of AHA’s, including glycolic, citrus, and mandelic, to promote gentle exfoliation.

And skin is energized thanks to wu-zhu-yu - an Asian fruit extract that supports natural skin microcirculation for a healthy-looking glow while beta vulgaris - a golden root extract - provides immediate and long-lasting nourishment.

After just one 10 minute treatment you can look forward to skin that is softer, smoother and re-energized - good-bye dull flaky skin!

Available now at Hudson's Bay, Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Mascara Monday - NYC New York Color City Proof 24 HR Long Lasting & Waterproof Mascara

NYC New York Color City Proof 24 HR Long Lasting & Waterproof Mascara - $4.99 - with a non-clumping waterproof formula that can be re-applied with no clumps for buidable volume and lashes that stay flexible and smooth.

The brush is great - slim with small bristles that make it easy to get at all of the lashes.

The package describes it as being a unique control brush that perfectly separates lashes, building volume from natural to super intense - I'm not sure how many coats I would have to use for super intense, this is 3 coats + and I would still say my lashes are at a natural stage.

So if you are looking for a super-duper volumizing mascara, give this one a pass - but if you are looking for an accentuating mascara to add colour to pale lashes that won't smudge, flake or move, then this is a great find! Just remember you'll need a waterproof makeup remover to get it off!

Available at mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Soothe and repair dry lips with Nuxe, Avon and Mary Kay!

Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm - 15g - $17 - with a concentrated formula that helps nourish, repair, soothe and protect lips from even the harshest, extreme weather. With a paraben-free formula that ontains 79.5% ingredients of natural origin including: honey, sunflower oil, rosehip and sweet almond oil, shea butter and grapefruit essence - and it smells delicious!

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Avon Beyond Color Lip Conditioner - $12 - formulated with retinol, collagen and SPF15, it can be worm alone or under your favourite lip colour.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

Mary Kay Satin Lips Lip Balm - $10 - moisturizes dry, rough lips with a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formula that provides an invisible barrier to keep lips hydrated for at least six hours.

For super soft lips, apply after using the Mary Kay Satin Lips Lip Mask - $15 - which contains miniature buffing beads that gently exfoliate dead surface skin cells that cause lips to appear dull and lifeless.

Available now through your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant - if you don't have one you can find one at - www.marykay.ca or 1-866-455-5454.

- Lisamarie -

Happy Holidays to all my Beauty Crazed peeps!

Whatever your holiday plans may be - enjoy! This is the time of year to be with friends and family (or avoid people), eat and drink too much and be thankful for everything we are lucky enough to have - as for me, I am grateful for all of you!

Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year!

- Lisamarie -

Get a healthy glow for the holidays with St. Tropez, Bioderma and Karora!

St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil - 100ml - $60 - provides a natural-looking, streak-free, golden tan that lasts for up to 10 days. With a non-greasy, ultra-hydrating  formula containing a 100% natural tanning agent that works with all skintones and a natural fragrance that sure beats the usual unpleasant self tan smell.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

Bioderma Photoderm Autobronzant Moisturising Tanning Spray - 150ml - $19.95 - offers an alcohol-free mist with a cleverly designed nozzle that allows the spray to be used from any angle, including upside down, for perfect coverage that creates a gradual, natural, uniform colour and a beautifully bronzed glow while moisturizing the skin.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Korora Express Bronzing Mousse - 150ml - $40 - offers bronzed brilliance in a flash with an effortless velvety mousse which dries in seconds and develops in just 1 hour - or leave on for 3 hours for a glamourous dark bronze hue. A rapid release of rich exotic colour is infused with skin caring botanicals to deliver a faux tan with true staying power that fades incredibly evenly.


Available at Murale stores across Canada and online at www.murale.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Sleek MakeUP Candy Tint Balm - with swatches!

Sleek MakeUP Candy Tint Balm - $9.99 - in 6 candy-inspired shades: Bon Bon - classic nude pink, Cherry Drop - soft fuschia, Marshmallow - baby doll pink, Sherbet - pastel peach, Tutti Fruity - sheer magenta, Jelly Bean - summer coral - with a creamy formula enriched with jojoba oil and vitamins A, C & E to leave lips smooth, soft, supple and perfectly hydrated - and leaves a gorgeous sheer and naturally glossy finish with a deliciously sweet taste - with the added benefit of SPF 15 to protect lips against damaging and drying UVA/UVB rays!

Cherry Drop

 
Available online at www.sleekmakeup.com and they do ship to Canada for a reasonable rate - or if you buy $70 or more, shipping is free!

- Lisamarie -

Eye Love Wednesday - Garnier 2 In 1 Eye Make-Up Remover

Garnier 2 In 1 Eye Make-Up Remover - 125ml - $10.99 - with a bi-phase formula that effectively dissolves all make-up, even waterproof, without having to rub or tug and rinses off easily with no residue left behind.

Along with easily removing make-up, the formula is enriched with arginine to strengthen and improve the thickness of lashes as well as fighting against eyelash loss and providing essential nutrients for hair follicle growth.

Not only does it not require any rubbing to get everything off, there is no stinging either - it's super gentle - just remember to shake it before using to mix the two parts!

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1

My fine hair is always looking for multi-purpose products - the less I pile in the more volume I can keep which is why I am loving:

Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 - 118g - $32.50 - a three-in-one product uniquely formulated with a blend of crystal clear microporous minerals that works as a texturizer - to add flexible, matte texture to flat hair for a perfectly tousled look; amplifier - spray on full-bodied movement for high volume hair; and dry shampoo - absorbs oil to instantly leave hair feeling fresh and clean.

As well, it contains UV protectors to shield strands from harmful ultraviolet radiation and help keep them healthy.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Guerlain Parure Gold Radiance Foundation

It's that time of year when skin starts to look dull and tired - but radiant skin can be yours again with:

Guerlain Parure Gold Radiance Foundation - 30ml - $95 - in 6 luminous and ultra-natural shades: Pale Beige, Light Beige, Light Rose, Natural Beige, Medium Beige, Dark Beige - with a radiant formula that boosts collagen and helps regain a youthful face by diminishing signs of time and fatigue with double sided pigments that bathe skin in a rejuvenating light while it smoothes and evens skin tone, diminishing signs of time and fatigue to leave the complexion illuminated and glowing. And thanks to the SPF 30, it also protects the skin to prevent future aging.

Available at Guerlain counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Essie Retro Revival 2016 Collection - with swatches!

What's the best way to celebrate 35 year of nail polish wonderfulness? With the Essie Retro Revival Collection of course - where they've gathered up a few of their polish besties and re-launched them Vegas-style - including embellished caps with gold starbursts to really get that Vegas Strip vibe!

Back for your manicuring pleasure is:

Life Of the Party - pinot noir pearl - born in 2002

Starry Starry Night - twinkling midnight blue - born in 1997 - and coveted by all ever since!

Bikini With A Martini - frosted iridescent pink - born in 2006

Sequin Sash - sheer glittery bronze - born in 2005

Birthday Suit - cheeky delicate nude - born in 1981 - part of the original 12

Cabana Boy - ultra-cool pearly white - born in 2005

Available January 5, 2016 at beauty destinations across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

G.M. Collin - where science meets nature for beautiful skin!

Not familiar with the G.M. Collin brand? Your skin wants to be - it's a spa quality line that offers high-tech skin care solutions with products derived from natural plant and marine extracts.

The brand offers a whole variety of treatments for the face and body including chemical peels, anti-aging treatments and specific treatments. I recently had the opportunity to meet with Karen Asquith, the National Technical Training Manager and try one of the treatments - there are so many it's hard to pick but we decided that since I was breaking out and looked a general hot mess (my words, Karen is far too nice to ever say such a thing), my skin would benefit most from the:

Oxygenating Treatment which is a revitalizing & purifying treatment and is designed to clear skin, help control acne pimples and revitalize fatigued, stressed and dull skin with a 5-step treatment containing a unique Oxygen Complex and Patented Anti-Microbial Peptides combined with Salicylic, Gycolic and Lactic Acids to purify, deeply hydrate and restore the skin's natural radiance.

I'll be the first to admit, my skin looked like hell going into that facial - breakouts, stress, dullness - you name it, my face had it so I have to say, my expectations weren't high - I mean she's a facialist, not a miracle worker! Afterwards though, holy crap did my skin ever glow - it's like someone turned a light bulb on inside my head! The other great thing is that within 24 hours the blemishes on my face had healed, dried up and were well on their way to being a distant memory - if you're having any kind of holiday stress you need to get yourself one of these treatments stat!

Along with in-salon treatments, G.M. Collin offers a whole range of at-home products so that you can take a bit of the spa home with you - everything from cleansers, toners and moisturizers for every skin type to luxury sculpting creams containing diamonds to body care and sun protection. And just to clarify, because this is one of my pet peeves, the home products are not the same as the treatment products used in the facials - which are formulated specifically for the spa and much more highly concentrated - I personally feel that if you are just going to use the same stuff on me at the spa that I can use at home then what's the point of paying extra for a treatment when I can just do it myself?!

I was given a few things to try which I will be telling you about in future posts but I had to rave about my favourite product of the lot which is helping my eyes deal with late night holiday partying:

G.M. Collin Bota-Peptide Eye Contour - 20ml - $96 - clinically proven to reduce the appearance of expression lines, wrinkles and dark circles with a 4-in-1 formula that contains six peptides including: Argireline, Myoxinol and Matrixyl 3000 - that provide a smoothing effect on expression lines; and enriched with Eyeliss, Haloxyl, Caffeine and Vitamin K - to help combat the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes - all in an airless pump that allows controlled dispensing while preserving the efficacy of the product.

Treatments and products are available at participating G.M. Collin spas across Canada - find one near you at www.gmcollin.com.

- Lisamarie -

Mascara Monday - Looky Eyes 3D Mascara

Looky Eyes 3D Mascara - $25.99 - an innovative duo of gel and green tea and nylon fibers that delivers a lash-lengthening, volume-intensifying 3D effect that is a great alternative to false eyelashes.

Application is quick and easy - just apply a layer of your favourite mascara to your lashes.

Then apply a coat of the preparation gel followed immediately by a coat of fibres as uniformly as possible before the gel dries followed by another coat of the gel to the fibres straight and in place.

And if you want something even more dramatic, here's what a second layer of fibres looks like on the right hand eye.

I've tried a lot of these fibre type lash products and I'll tell you what I like about this one compared to others - no fall-out - during application or during wear I didn't have any little fibres falling on my face, everything stayed exactly where it was supposed to!

Available now at drugstores across Canada including Rexall, Pharmasave and Value Drug Mart as well as online at www.lookyboutique.com.

- Lisamarie -

Stuff you stocking with tiny treasures from LUSH, Kiss and Sephora!

LUSH Yog Nog Bath Bomb - $6.95 - warms you up on cold, frosty evenings with spicy clove bud oil to stimulate the senses while soy milk powder and organic shea butter create creamy, comforting waters. Luxuriate in comforting toffee soaks with clouds of gold and a touch of luster.

It smells amazing but if you really are tucking this into someone's stocking, wrap it in a plastic bag first or everything in their stocking (including their chocolate) will take on a nog smell (and possibly taste)!

Available at LUSH stores across Canada and online at www.lush.ca.

Kiss Power File To-Go - $9.97 - a battery operated on-the-go file that provides professional filing for hands and feet - includes six interchangeable attachments to shape, clean, polish nails and soften skin. Kit contains: cone shaped file attachment; small medium grit disc attachment; detail cone attachment; barrel file attachment; emery disc attachment; polishing disc attachment; cuticle pusher - all in a storage case for easy portability.

Available at Walmart and London Drugs.

Sephora Super Kisses: Set of 3 Kiss Me Balms - $23 -  includes three shades: Cotton Candy, Soda Pop and Berry Red - of fresh and radiant balm that moisturize and add luscious colour to lips.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Test Driving - Nioxin Scalp Renew, Hair System Kit and 3D Styling!

Nioxin Hair System Kit - $59.95 - uses advanced technologies to deliver thicker, fuller, denser-looking hair by caring for the scalp with 6 sets which include a Cleanser - cleanses to provide thicker-looking hair while it helps remove follicle-clogging sebum, fatty acids and environmental residues from the scalp skin and hair; Scalp Revitaliser - a lightweight conditioner that helps provide hair resilience and control moisture balance; and Scalp Treatment - contains antioxidants and botanicals that help to provide a refreshed scalp environment.

With a different kit suitable for every hair type:

System 1 is specially designed for normal to thin-looking, fine, natural hair. It amplifies hair texture while protecting against breakage, refreshing the scalp and delivering a healthy shine.

System 2 is specially designed for noticeably thinning, fine, natural hair. It delivers denser-looking hair and a healthy shine while protecting the scalp and strengthening against damage.

System 3 is specially designed for normal to thin-looking, fine, chemically treated hair. It amplifies hair texture while refreshing the scalp and providing moisture balance to coloured hair.

System 4 is specially designed for noticeably thinning, fine, chemically-treated hair. It delivers denser-looking hair while protecting the scalp and providing moisture balance to coloured hair.

System 5 is specially designed for normal to thin-looking, medium to coarse, natural or chemically-treated hair. It delivers smoothing control to hair while refreshing the scalp and restoring moisture balance.

System 6 is specially designed for noticeably thinning, medium to coarse, natural or chemically-treated hair. It delivers smoothing control to hair while protecting the scalp and restoring moisture balance.

I tested out System 3 - I wasn't sure that I was going to notice any difference at all - I have fine hair but a lot of it so didn't really think the system was going to be of any benefit to me - wrong! After 30 days my hair looks fuller and thicker and just more substantial! The other thing I've noticed is that even though the weather has been getting colder, my scalp doesn't feel tight and dry the way it normally would - so all around I am pretty stoked with the system - I can see how this would be really great if your hair was actually thinning!

Before starting the system, consider getting your scalp a good cleaning with Nioxin Scalp Renew Demabrasion Treatment which helps restore a healthy look to your scalp and hair by accelerating scalp skin surface regeneration through exfoliation and removing build-up around follicle sites - I think these before and after shots of my own scalp demonstrate that my shampoo is not getting my scalp as clean as I would have thought it was!

The benefit to having a clean scalp of course is that healthy, deeply rooted hair comes from a scalp that is clean and free from debris. Build-up of sebum or product blocks hair follicles and can prevent new hair coming through the skin and maturing. In time, the lack of new growth will make hair look increasingly thin.

Nioxin also introduces 3D Styling - a line of styling products for fuller, thicker-looking hair - with a self-explanatory package design and two technologies that makes it easy to choose the styler tailored to meet individual needs of hair thinning - from creating thicker, fuller-looking styles to maintaining flexibility:

Pro-Thick technology for fuller, thicker looks - with a complex of thickening polymers that deposit forming bonds between the strands creating space that gives a thickening appearance with products for thickness and hold that are water-soluable including: Thickening Spray - 150ml - $16.48, Thickening Gel - 150ml - $16.48 and Bodifying Foam - 192g - $18.32 along with the NioSpray Strong Hold - 300g - $18.98 - to boost the diameter of each hair strand.

LightPlex technology for lightweight effects on thinning hair - with polymers and conditioning agents that provide lightweight balanced styling without feeling stiff with products for light, flexible effects including: Rejuvenating Elixir - 150ml - $16.48, Definition Creme - 150ml - $16.48 and Therm Activ Protector - 150ml - $16.48 - along with the Regular Hold NioSpray - 300g - $18.98 -  for fuller-looking hair with a lightweight finish.

Feel free to fix and match products from the 2 lines for optimal use - I am loving the Bodifying Foam for lift and volume when I air dry and the Therm Activ Protector to protect against flat iron damage when I'm going with a straight and sleek look.

The Hair System Kit, styling products and Scalp Renew treatment are available at salons across Canada - check out www.nioxin.com to find one near you.

- Lisamarie -