March 31, 2015

Essie Spring 2015 Collection - with swatches!

Be a Flowerista this spring with Essie's Spring 2015 collection - inspired by the floral-inspired fashions and the exquisite beauty of gardens in bloom - the perfect way to shake off your winter-that-would-never-end blues!
Flowerista - passionate plum dahlia
Petal Pushers - smoky stone rose
Garden Variety - exotic teal blue orchid
Blossom Dandy - mint creme hydrangea
Picked Perfect - antique almond peony
Perennial Chic - sumptuous tawny tulip

Available now in drugstores, salons and other beauty destinations across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

March 30, 2015

Tarte Poppy Picnic Summer 2015 Collection

Have a Poppy Picnic with the Tarte Summer 2015 Collection with a limited edition collection that includes:

Poppy Picnic Amazonian Clay Eye & Cheek Palette - $46 - an adorable poppy-adorned, matte eye & cheek palette infused with Amazonian clay that celebrates the fun florals of summer - includes 6 eyeshadows in: Summer Breeze - cream; Sweet Tea - tan; Ice Cream Cone - chocolate; Barefoot in the Grass - nude; Peach Poppy - peach; and Picnic Basket - brown and a blush in Glisten - golden peach.

Light, Camera Lashes Precision Longwear Eyeliner in Brown - $24 - a 12-hour liquid eyeliner in a deep brown shade for adding richness to your eyes.

Neon Lights Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler - $23 - includes deluxe sample of Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara.

Available now at tarte.com and coming soon to Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

March 28, 2015

Manly men become manlier with Calvin Klein, Vichy Homme, Proraso, Jack Black and got2b!

Calvin Klein Reveal Men - 50ml EDT - $72, 100ml EDT - $92, 200ml After Shave Balm - $65, 200ml Hair & Body Wash - $35, 75g Deodorant Stick - $28 - a seductive fragrance with top notes of crystalized ginger, lentisque essence and pear brandy; heart notes of raw salt signature, agave nectar and kiwano; and base notes of Haiti vetiver, vintage vanilla bean and golden amber.

Available now at Hudson’s Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora, Sears and other drug stores,
Vichy Homme Idealizer Multi-Action Moisturizer in formulas for: Frequent Shaver - 50ml - $25 - a comfortable gel cream enriched with glycerin to leave the skin soft and soothed from the burning, pulling and irritation that shaving can cause; and 3-Day Beard And + - 50ml - $29 - a light fluid that won't leave any residue in the beard but still leaves skin comforted with aquabioryl to hydrate and waxes that coat and moisturize the beard. Both formulas also intensely hydrate, minimize signs of fatigue and reduces signs of aging.

Available now at drugstores across Canada.
Proraso Sandalwood Shaving Soap - 150ml - $9, Cream - 150ml - $9, Foam - 300ml - $10 - with the richest, most hydrating, most effective formulas designed especially for tough, thick beards. Contains: shea butter - for its highly moisturizing and softening properties that protects the skin from dryness in addition to healing nicks and scrapes; sandalwood - for its anti-itching and moisturizing properties that soothe the skin despite repeated scraping; cocoa butter - rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and polyphenols, provides healing, softening, repairing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Available at pharmacies and health food stores across Canada.
Jack Black Double Duty Shampoo + Conditioner - 473ml - $36 - with a lightweight formula that offers creamy, sulfate-free lather that gently cleanses to remove oil and product buildup while conditioning, detangling, and soothing dry and dandruff-prone scalp and rising clean away so it won't leave build-up. Contains soy protein - to help moisturize and hydrate hair for improved luster and healthy appearance; coconut oil - to leave hair shiny and soft, and is a natural anti-fungal to aid in minimizing dandruff with properties to soothe irritated and itchy scalps; and pro-vitamin B5 - to add thickness, body, and shine.

Available in May at Sephora and Holt Renfrew stores across Canada (except for Quebec).
got2b Phenomenal Thickening Styling Cream - 170g - $7.99 - with a lightweight formula that increases hair's thickness by 10% for fuller looking hair while keeping it looking neat and groomed; and Molding Paste - 99g - $7.99 - a shaping pomade that provides thickness, hold and style.

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Loblaws, PharmaPlus, Rexall, London Drugs, Jean Coutu and other retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

March 27, 2015

Fragrant Friday - Hugo Boss Hugo Woman Eau de Parfum

Hugo Boss has a new fragrance for spring for women with attitude: passionate, bold and always at the forefront of a new, empowered generation that does things in its way and lives up to the motto ‘invent yourself’.

Hugo Boss Hugo Woman Eau de Parfum - 50ml EDP - $75, 75ml EDP - $90 - a fruity floral that fused traditional feminine and unexpected masculine tones with top notes of boysenberry, sparkling Italian mandarin and the mountain freshness of Himalayan red grass; heart notes consist of Sambac jasmine, black plum, iris and spicy black tea; and the base is warm with amber accords and sandalwood laced with cedar.

Don't expect it to be a stronger version of the Woman EDT, I find it entirely different - with more fruity notes, a sweeter dry-down that is warmer and sexier - this is a fragrance I would wear to go out at night and feel hot! 

Available now exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart and Hugo Boss Boutiques.

- Lisamarie -





March 26, 2015

Lise Watier Baiser Velours Velvet Liquid Lipstick - with swatches!

Lise Watier Baiser Velours Velvet Liquid Lipstick - $27 - in 9 vibrant, pigment rich shades: Eternal Kiss, Sweet Kiss, Sun Kiss, Fashion Kiss, Passion Kiss, Nude Kiss, French Kiss, Party Kiss and Love Kiss - that deliver the coverage and intensity of a lipstick with the ease of a gloss application. With a light, creamy liquid formula that applies smoothly with a matte finish and lasts for hours without budging!
Sweet Kiss
Party Kiss

I love the formula of these they go on so smoothly and light that it feels like there is nothing on your lips - and the shape of the applicator makes it very easy to draw a perfect outline so the bright colours don't look messy. I'm just not a huge fan of matte as it tends to accentuate every little flaw I have so I'd love to see this format in something with at least a bit of a sheen!
Available now at Lise Watier counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

March 25, 2015

Eye Love Wednesday - Hard Candy Eyes The Limit Smokey Eye Shadow Primer

Hard Candy Eyes The Limit Smokey Eye Shadow Primer - $4.98 - a long-wearing primer that increases the drama and lasting power of your eye shadow. What makes it different from your run-of-the-mill primer is the dark tint, which allows you to build colour faster and helps you achieve an intense smokey eye look with minimal effort. Not only will it help your shadow last longer and prevent it from creasing and fading, it even brings out the hidden colour in duochrome eye shadows! And if you're lazy like me you'll love that you can use go ahead and use it on its own as a shadow for just a hint of smokey, sexy colour!

Available now exclusively at Walmart.

- Lisamarie -


This week I'm obsessed with... Heel Chemistry Heel Hydration Complex!

Heel Chemistry Heel Hydration Complex - 100ml - $15 - from the brilliant minds behind Hand Chemistry comes something for your feet to love - unlike traditional heel creams which focus on removing the hard skin with acids and other harsh ingredients, this innovative 19.5% active complex is designed to hydrate the cracked skin topically whilst rebalancing below-surface hydration to avoid the traditional hard skin cycle and focuses on repairing the cracked skin - with a marine complex clinically proven to improve visible skin texture and hydration and counteract extreme dryness - it has a cooling sensation that is pretty awesome too!

Go ahead and use it anyplace else you feel dry, knees, elbows, even hands - it doesn't have the fruity Hand Chemistry scent - but you probably don't want fruity feet anyhow...

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at http://handchemistry.com.

- Lisamarie -

March 24, 2015

Quo by Orly Art Scene Collection - with swatches!

Quo by Orly Art Scene Collection - $10 - with four limited edition shades to create fabulous designs and textures:
Graffiti
Contemporary
Abstract
Pop

Available now for a limited time exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

March 23, 2015

Mascara Monday - Avon SuperExtend Winged Out Mascara

Avon SuperExtend Winged Out Mascara - $9.99 - in Black, Blackest Black and Brown Black - for lashes that soar up and out to dramatic new heights.
With a feather-inspired, precision tapered brush with hundreds of fine filigree bristles that capture every lash drawing them up and out.
And an intense lengthening formula with lengthening fibres that wrap and lift each individual lash for a long, fluttery multidimensional look.
Any mascara that doesn't require the use of a lash comb to get long, separated lashes is a winner in my book and this one does the trick - that is doesn't smudge or flake is an added bonus!

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

- Lisamarie -

March 21, 2015

Oils you skin will love from L'Oréal, StriVectin, Olay and Sibu Beauty!

L'Oréal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Light Facial Oil - 30ml - $35.99 - a lightweight oil that helps to stimulate cell regeneration in mature skin as well as fortify the skin’s moisture barrier function and health for beautiful, younger looking skin. With a unique blend of 8 essential and precious oils including argan, lavender, and chamomile flower to help to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin leaving it smoother, softer and even-toned. 
StriVectin Labs High Performance Oil Booster - 15ml - $69 - energizes skin cells and maximizes the skin's health, delivering immediate moisture and radiance thanks to a formula rich in nourishing essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants and vitamins, which delivers potent NIA-114 enabling healing from within to promote healthier, more beautiful looking skin.

Available at Murale and murale.ca
Olay Regenerist Luminous Facial Oil Daily Treatment - 40ml - $33.99 - a daily perfume and dye-free treatment designed to balance skin’s moisture while it conditions and protects skin – infused with nine enriched, naturally derived oils including: coconut; grape seed; apricot kernel; sunflower; orange; tangerine; jojoba; babassu; and evening primrose that work together to create luminous skin and an instant glow.

Available now at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.
Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil - 10ml - $16.99 - a quick acting/readily absorbed oil that helps diminish wrinkles and age-spots while restoring damaged skin to its natural beautiful state. Best used before bed as it can take up to 30 minutes to fully absorb into the skin.

Available at Loblaws, Whole Foods and well.ca.


- Lisamarie -

March 20, 2015

Fragrant Friday - Burberry Brit Rhythm

Burberry Brit Rhythm For Her Floral - 7.5ml EDT - $29, 50ml EDT - $80, 90ml EDT - $105 - a powdery floral fragrance with a fruity twist with top notes of orchard fruit, Sicilian lemon and orange; heart notes of Egyptian jasmine, lotus blossom and dewy lilac; and base notes of ambery woods, driftwood and musk.

The fruity twist doesn't last long on me, after 10 minutes or so I'm left with the powdery floral - which is very pretty and soft but I do wish the fruity part lasted as well!

Burberry Brit Rhythm For Him Intense - 90ml EDT - $97 - an intensified version of the original, it's a sensual scent with a masculine smoky and leathery accord with top notes of artemisia, cumin seed and pepper oil; heart notes of amber, leather and patchoulie; and base notes of cashmeran, guaiac wood and tonka bean.

Available now at Hudson's Bay, Sears, Nordstrom, Sephora (the 7.5ml EDT is a Sephora exclusive), Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale, Jean Coutu and Burberry boutiques.

- Lisamarie -

March 19, 2015

Maybelline ColorSensational Color Elixir Crystal Craving Collection - with swatches!

Maybelline ColorSensational Color Elixir Crystal Craving Collection - $10.99 - in 5 new feminine shades with iridescent shine with sheer tone-on-tone shimmer: Blushing Petal, Mystical Magenta, Opalescent Orchid, Radiant Ruby and Enthralling Nude - a balm/gloss/serum hybrid that are infused with crystal-pearl particles for high lustre finish and multi-dimensional, luminous colour.

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.
Opalescent Orchid
Radiant Ruby

- Lisamarie -

March 18, 2015

Eye Love Wednesday - Tarte Tartelette Matte Palette

Tarte Tartelette Matte Palette - $53 - an all-matte shadow palette featuring 12 never-before-seen Amazonian clay-infused, long-wear eye shadows in a mix of liner, lid, and crease shadow shades including: Free Spirit - cream, Force Of Nature - nude, Dreamer - warm brown, Multi-Tasker - chocolate, Caregiver - pale pink, Natural Beauty - mauve, Best Friend - mulberry, Bombshell - dark plum, Super Mom - ivory, Wanderer - light brown, Power Player - taupe, Fashionista - black. The palette also includes a step-by-step guide for creating smoldering, versatile looks that take you from daytime to playtime. 

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with...OGX Hydrate + Repair Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Strength Miracle In-Shower Oil!

OGX Hydrate + Repair Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Strength Miracle In-Shower Oil - 200ml - $10.99 - a multi-tasking marvel that you use in the shower by: adding a few drops to shampoo or conditioner for a boost of hydration, smoothing onto clean hair to prevent damage and heal split ends; applying to hair for a hydrating pre-shampoo treatment; and moisturizing skin from head to toe.

Part of the new OGX Hydrate + Repair Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Strength collection that also includes Shampoo, Conditioner and Creamy Hair Butter - for hair in need of serious repair that was developed to deliver intense nourishment and care for even the most severely dry, damaged hair that drenches the hair with moisture, strengthening from within to create soft and supremely shiny hair.

Also new from OGX - Healing + Vitamin E collection which includes a Shampoo, Conditioner and Penetrating Oil - developed to repair damaged hair and restore vitality with the healing and reparative properties of Vitamin E to smooth the surface of the hair, combating frizz and mending split-ends while reducing the risk of further breakage. And:

Moisture + Vitamin B5 collection which includes a Shampoo, Conditioner and Weightless Oil Mist - with nutrient-rich Vitamin B5 to correct and protect hair, delivering a surge of moisture to stressed strands while providing defense against daily environmental aggressors and future damage.

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart.

- Lisamarie -

March 17, 2015

CND Vinylux Garden Muse Collection - with swatches!

CND Vinylux Weekly Polish - $11.95 - in 6 intense floral shades: Beckoning Begonia, Crushed Rose, Wisteria Haze, Lost Labyrinth, Reflecting Pool, Butterfly Queen - of self-adhering color coats that eliminate the need for a base coat. Should be used with the Vinylux top coat - which becomes more durable with exposure to natural light; and dries in just 8.5 minutes - to provide week-long chip-free wear.
Beckoning Begonia
Lost Labyrinth
Reflecting Pool
Butterfly Queen

If you aren't a commitment-phobe like me several of the new shades are also available in the CND Shellac which offers 14-day wear and can now be removed easily at home thanks to the CND Offly Fast 8-Minute Removal & Care Kit which has everything you need to safely and easily remove your own gel manicure!

Available now at salons across Canada - for more information or to find one near you visit cnd.com.

- Lisamarie -

March 16, 2015

Look like you just spent a weekend in the sun with Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo!

Guerlain Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo - $60 - achieve the look of 3 days of sun in just 3 seconds with one of the 4 universal shades that compliment fair to medium complexions - with one color to warm-up the skin tone and another one to bring a refreshing flush - together they give you that perfect natural healthy glow!

I like that the blushing colour is off to the side in the palette making it much easier to get at the shades separately with a brush - use the bronzer shade on any place the sun would naturally hit - nose, forehead, chin and cheekbones and then use the colour shade on the apples of the cheek for a healthy looking pop of colour - an easy way to fake warm weather until we finally get it!

Available now at Guerlain counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

March 14, 2015

Sensitive skin loves Pai, Nivea and Live Clean!

Pai Instant Calm Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser - 100ml - $50, 200ml - $70 - with a luxurious cream formula that effectively melts away make-up and impurities without the slightest irritation or  stripping away natural oils - with an advanced cleansing formulation that is enriched with an expert blend of skin-conditioning vitamins & omegas including: camellia - a rare oil has been used in Japan for centuries as a skin cleanser and conditioner, packed full of Omega 3 and vitamins A, B, C & E; and rose - which has amazing regenerative, restorative and moisture-locking properties, to leave skin beautifully toned and hydrated. I really like how it works with the included organic muslin cloth which gently exfoliates while cleansing the skin to reveal brighter luminous skin.

Visit www.paiskincare.com for more information or to purchase.
Nivea Sensitive Day and Night Care - 50ml - $8.99 - with a mild, pararben, colourant and perfure-free, pH-neutral formula that provides intensive moisture while instantly relieving skin from the unpleasant feeling of tightness. The formula with Liquorice Extract and precious grape seed oil, effectively reduces redness due to dry skin to soothe the skin during the day and replenish skin’s moisture at night, providing a relaxed feeling in the morning.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.
And for sensitive skin you just can't beat formulas meant for babies - if you are looking to avoid perfume, petroleums, sulfates and parabens you will love these hypoallergenic and vegan products that feel oh-so-good on the body:

Live Clean (Baby) Perfume Free Tearless Shampoo & Wash and Baby Lotion - 300ml/227ml - $6.99 - the wash has a mild formula that gently cleanses while softening skin without drying and is enriched with certified organic botanicals and essential oil of apricot; while the lotion has a extra gentle, hypoallergenic, non-greasy plant derived formula that's enriched with vitamin E and certified organic botanicals - which make them smell great without the need for artificial fragrances that can irritate your skin.

Available now at Walmart.

- Lisamarie -

March 13, 2015

Fragrant Friday - Marc Jacobs Daisy Sorbet Edition

Marc Jacobs Daisy Sorbet Edition - 50ml EDT - $85 - a sheer floral scent with a hint of fruit with top notes of pink grapefruit, pear and passion fruit; heart notes of wisteria, jasmine petals and muguet; and base notes of violet wood, cedarwood and sheer musks.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Sorbet Edition - 75ml EDT - $95 - a sweet blend of fruity florals with top notes of juicy mandarin, apple blossom and lotus flower; heart notes of magnolia, jasmine and wet violet; and base notes of soft, creamy woods and musk.


These special edition Daisy scents that Marc Jacobs comes out with every spring are my warm weather go-to scents and this year's offering is no exception. The Eau So Fresh one is my fave for it's light, fruity scent that just makes me happy - and of course the bottle is adorable too!


Available now at Hudson's Bay, Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart and Jean Coutu.


- Lisamarie -

March 12, 2015

A Beautyblender virgin learns that it's not just for foundation anymore!

It seemed like I was the last person on the planet who hadn't tried the Beautyblender - $26 - an edgeless, non-disposable, high-definition cosmetic sponge applicator meant to ensure impeccable, streak-free makeup application with minimum product waste that is great with any liquid face product - foundations, primers, blushes etc.

It features an open cell structure that fills with small amounts of water when wet. This allows the sponge to be “full” so that the makeup product sits on top of the sponge rather than being absorbed, allowing you to use less product every time. When wet, it doubles in size and becomes even softer, returning to its original size when it air dries.

I have never felt highly motivated to pick one up because I don't wear very much foundation - so all that wetting and cleaning and drying seemed like a lot of work for a couple of dabs of product. What inspired me to finally give one a whirl was that the experts at Birchbox were sharing other clever ways to use it like creating ombre nails, the perfect matte lip and my kryptonite - an amazing smoky eye! I love a smoky eye, done properly it's sexy, smouldery and mysterious - when I do it, it looks like I've been punched in the eyes - a bunch of times...

For a non-punched look, wet Beautyblender until completely saturated, squeeze out the excess water.
Once you have set your eyeliner, achieve a more enhanced smokey eye by stippling the smaller end of the sponge across your lid. Add a bit of contrast by using a lighter eyeliner shade to swipe along the corner of your inner eye.

The end result is a perfectly smudged smokey eye. For a super-amazing look, use a shade from the  Smashbox Double Exposure Palette (I love the copper) - the colours transform when used wet making this the perfect application method for them!

If you've never tried the Beautyblender either and have also been meaning to get yourself signed up for a monthly beauty box with Birchbox then now's the time! Sign up by March 17th and your first box will contain your very own Beautyblender!

Go to https://www.birchbox.ca for more details on the service or to subscribe!

- Lisamarie -

March 11, 2015

Eye Love Wednesday - Smashbox Double Exposure Palette

Smashbox Double Exposure Palette - $60 - includes 14 wearable shadows in Silver, Mauve, Peony, Blanc, Quartz, Flushed, Veiled, Midnight, Temper, Haze, Noir, Copper, Fig, Espresso - which magically  transition into 28 shades when you add water due to the coated pigments formulated with a coating technology that create multiple effects when wet, allowing the shadows to transform in one of four ways: amped up vibrancy, become deeper, turn metallic or create sparkle - for endless, customizable eye looks.

The palette also includes a double-ended brush - with a domed in side that absorbs just the right amount of water for impactful colour while the angled side creates a precise line when wet, a diffused line when dry; a deluxe mini sized Full Exposure Mascara; along with a #SHAPEMATTERS insert, featuring how-to’s for six eye shapes. 

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

- Lisamarie -