May 30, 2015

Battle of the brushes - Tangle Teezer vs. Wet Brush!

As a fine-haired girl, tangles are the bane of my existence - I use all kinds of fancy conditioners, spray-ins and everything else you can think of but what you really need for tangles is a good brush so I tried out two specifically meant to deal with prone-to-tangles hair:

Original Tangle Teezer - $14.99 - in 5 colours: orange and yellow, purple and pink, pink, black and blue and pink - breaks the cycle of broken hair and gives tangled locks the brush off with its ability to flex and not pull upon contact with tangles, gently and effortlessly delivering smooth and shiny hair in an instant.


Wet Brush - $15.95 - in 4 colours: purple, pink, black and green - helps you detangle all hair types and textures without pulling, tugging, or tearing -  whether it’s wet or dry, curly or straight, thick or fine. It can also be used on hair extensions and wigs!

They both sound like they do pretty much the same thing so which one is better? They actually both did a nice job detangling with good and bad points: I prefer the Wet Brush handle, I know the Tangle Teezer is supposed to be more comfortable to hold because of the ergonomic design but my small hands find it hard to grip easily so it might be better for someone with "average" sized hands. On the other hand I liked the bristles on the Tangle Teezer better - they have 2 different lengths so not only do they untangle, you get some nice scalp massage action at the same time - the Wet Brush has soft bristles with poly tips that are twice dipped, I assume so they won't fall off as regular brush tips are prone to do.

So I guess what I would really like is a Wet-Teezer hybrid with the bristles of the Tangle Teezer and the handle of the Wet Brush!

Compare and contrast for yourself -  you'll find the full selection of Tangle Teezers here:  http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/categories/tangle-teezer.html and Wet Brushes here: http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/categories/the-wet-brush.html

- Lisamarie -

May 29, 2015

Women's Rogaine - combats hereditary hair loss with an easy to use foam!

If a women's hair is her crowning glory then the 1 in 4 women experiencing hereditary hair loss are not feeling so glorious at all... Luckily they can now turn to:

Women's Rogaine - 2 x 30g - $69.99 - 2 month supply, 2 x 60g -  $109.99 - 4 month supply - with a 5% minoxidil topical, once-a-day foam formula that features an innovative bio-delivery system designed to break down with body heat to deposit actives on the scalp to help regrow, thicker, more beautiful hair in as little as 12 weeks.

Sadly, there's a good chance that you and I will need it, nearly half of women will suffer from hereditary hair loss by age 50 - it can start in your 20s with a second pear during peri- or post menopause. Luckily the 5% minoxidil it contains is clinically proven to regrow hair in 85% of women - when massaged into the scalp it revitalizes hair follicles and stimulates hair growth for new hair that comes in up to 48 thicker than before.
Hereditary hair loss is evidenced by hair loss that appears as a thinning over the top of the head and widening along the part - just keep in mind that it won't do anything for fine hair, it's just for hair loss. And if you're worried that your hair could be thinning and you might not even know it - your hairdresser is your best friend for that, especially if you have one that you go to regularly - they're in the perfect position (literally) to keep an eye on the problem!

Available now at drugstores across Canada and online at well.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Jaune - Optimistic Pour Homme

Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Jaune - Optimistic - 100ml EDT Pour Homme - $88 -  expresses positive energy, buoyant, radiant, fizzing with joie de vivre with top notes of grapefruit, pink peppercorn and an effervescent tonic accord; heart notes of sweet, Golden Delicious apple blended with coriander seeds; and base notes of balmy cypress, vetiver and amber.

The new design of the bottles captures not just the spirit of the brand but transforms fragrance notes into abstract moods and emotions to evoke the very spirit of the iconic shirt - unforgettably cool, crisp, elegant and audaciously stylish.

 Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale, Hudson’s Bay, Sephora, Jean Coutu, London Drugs and Lacoste Boutiques.

- Lisamarie -

May 28, 2015

Face tanners perfect for oily/combo skin from L'Oréal, James Read and Sephora!

Finding a great self-tanner for oily skin can be a problem - so many of the formulas are rich and creamy making them a much better bet for normal to dry skin - here's a serum, mousse and water that will get you that golden glow without clogged pores or a heavy, greasy feel:

L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum - 100ml - $17.99 - offers a 100% natural looking, streak-free tan that dries quick and lasts up to 2 weeks.

It's actually meant to be a body tanner but the texture is perfect for the face so go ahead and be a rebel!

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.
James Read Gradual Tan Day Tan Face - 50ml - $42 - a conditioning, fast-acting, non-aerosol mousse that creates adjustable colour so you can pick the perfect shade for you: a light golden glow in an hour, a medium tan in two hours, and a deep bronze shade after three hours - that applies easily with a flawless finish every time.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.
Sephora Gradual Self-Tanning Face Water - 125ml - $20 - with a lightweight, gentle formula that goes on smoothly and without streaking for a beautiful golden glow that intensifies with each daily application. Its light, non-sticky texture is easy to apply with cotton and dries instantly for a natural finish. Just continue to apply daily until the natural desired shade is reached.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Lips gel with a nude from Marc Jacobs and Cargo - with swatches!

Marc Jacobs New Nudes Sheer Lip Gel - $38 - in 7 perfect nude shades: Strange Magic - warm nude pink, Have We Met? - shimmering warm pink, Understudy - terracotta pink, Eat Cake - rosy nude, Role Play - dusty rose, Anais - spiced ginger, Moody Margot - brownish nude - with an innovative gel formula that glides effortlessly over lips, laying down subtle shades and a sleek shine finish with a delicate vanilla scent. Contains lip-loving ingredients including monoi butter for moisture as well as nourishing myrrh extract and antioxidant vitamin E  to minimize the appearance of aging - including vertical fine lines.


Moody Margot

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.
Cargo Gel Lip Color - $22 - in 4 neutral shades: Brooklyn, Tribeca, Soho and Chelsea - rich in antioxidants, that leave lips feeling soft and full of moisture while providing beautiful weightless colour.

Brooklyn
Available at Murale, London Drugs, Rexall and Lawtons Drugs.

- Lisamarie -

May 27, 2015

Eye Love Wednesday - Shadow trios that wow from Mary Kay, GOSH and Physicians Formula!

Mary Kay @ Play Baked Eye Trio - $14 - in three different shade trios to create fun, vibrant looks: Out Of The Blue, Purple Eclipse and Neapolitan - with a lightweight texture that applies smoothly and blends easily.

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.
GOSH Eyelight Trio - $16 - in 4 trio choices: Chunky Chocolate, Fairytale, Three Of A Kind and Vanilla Sky - with each set containing three shadow textures: an iridescent highlighter to light up eyes; a glitter shadow for sparkling intensity; and a satin shadow to add depth and texture.
Each trio contains three textures for perfect wow-factor effects: an iridescent highlighter to light up eyes, a glitter shadow for sparkling colour intensity and a satin texture to add depth and contouring to eyes. - See more at: http://www.goshcosmetics.com/uk/gosh-eyelight-trio.html#sthash.NGyAGbKZ.dpuf

Available now exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart. 
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel Cream Shadow & Liner Trio Extreme Shimmer - $15.79 - in Nude and Smoky - with a hybrid gel cream formula that glides on smoothly, blends easier than a powder and can be layered to create a more intense shadow look or to wear as a liner - use a thin veil of colour for a more natural effect or layer and liner for super-easy, high-impact, metallic foil glamour that blends effortlessly and won't crease or smudge.

Available now at fine drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Sephora Jelly Mask Moisturizing & Energizing!

Sephora Jelly Mask Moisturizing & Energizing - 6 x 6ml - $24 - a hydrating gel mask with an ultra-fresh sensation and loaded with a cocktail of five essential vitamins that instantly tones and quenches dry, dehydrated skin while energizing and awakening it  to diminish signs of fatigue and restore a luminous, healthy-looking complexion.

The single dose packaging makes them  super-portable and because the formula only needs to be wiped off, not rinsed it's easy to use places where you might not have easy access to water.

If you really want to perk skin up, pop a dose in the fridge for 30 minutes before using for a blissful cooling sensation for the skin - especially great if you've gotten too much sun or skin is feeling irritated!

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

May 26, 2015

Pür Minerals Liquid Veil 4-in-1 Spray Foundation for instant complexion perfection!

Pür Minerals Liquid Veil 4-in-1 Spray Foundation - 90ml - $39.99 - in 4 shades: Light, Medium, Tan and Dark - a spray-on foundation and hydrator that offers a gorgeous, airbrushed look with ultra-light, skin-perfecting coverageing two age-defying super-ingredients: Liquid Crystals - to help skin retain moisture and reflect light for a dewy soft finish; and Ceretin Complex - packed with time-released peptides, ceramide and non-irritating retinol to firm and smooth skin.


Use the included Chisel Brush to buff the formula onto skin and watch imperfections disappear to reveal a flawless, dewy complexion with feather-light full coverage and an airbrushed finish!


In a pinch it also works great as leg makeup, someone (me), not mentioning any names (me) ripped her last pair of pantyhose on the way out the door - with no time for self tanner to make my legs look like they might have come from the land of the living but a quick spray and buff made my sad winter white legs fit for human viewing! Just don't rub up against anything white, it isn't water/transfer proof!

Available at The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com.

- Lisamarie -

Ceramic Glaze Stunning Soiree Collection - with swatches!

Ceramic Glaze Stunning Soiree Collection - $10.99 - in 8 striking, bold creme gloss hues with shades ranging from violets to burgundy which all share a similar trend - cool undertones - including: Fabulous and Flirty, Boogie Beat,
Blue Suede Shoes
Blueberry Bubblegum
Honolulu Hibiscus
Belle of the Disco Ball
Papaya Sunrise
Russian Rouge

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

May 25, 2015

This is the week to celebrate the power of Prevage!

Elizabeth Arden invites you to join them in celebrating the Power of Prevage Week - from now until May 29th you will receive a full size Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment Boosting Cleanser (one of my faves) with the purchase of any Prevage serum at all fine retailers!

If you aren't already a Prevage convert and need a good reason then let me let you in on the secret of Prevage - Idebenone - a super-powerful antioxidant that is proven to defend your skin against three types of free-radical assaults which are what can damage DNA, collagen, elastin and lipids - causing premature wrinkles, age spots and discolouration - all the nasty visible signs of aging!

Prevage products with Idebenone don't just add moisture, even skin tone and smooth wrinkles and lines, they also target premature signs of aging to leave skin more radiant and healthy looking both immediately and over time!

Find Prevage products now at Elizabeth Arden counters across Canada including Shoppers Drug Mart, Hudson's Bay, Sears and London Drugs.

- Lisamarie -

Mascara Monday - Rodial Glamolash Mascara Skinny

Rodial Glamolash Mascara Skinny - $29 - a soft black lash enhancer for a natural flutter.
With a soft black matte pigment for defined and lengthened lashes with long-lasting hold. Eyes look wider and enhanced with a weightless feel.
The tiny brush and dry formula makes it easy to separate out lashes and to reach the bottom and outer lashes without marking the skin.
Dry formula, tiny brush, defined lashes - this is my idea of a perfect mascara!

Available now at Murale and murale.ca.

- Lisamarie -

May 23, 2015

Oils that work hard for your skin from Clinique, Tata Harper, Caudalie and Jergens!

Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Treatment Oil - 30ml - $51 - a silky, luxurious, lightweight oil that nourishes and hydrates skin while creating healthy-looking radiance and a youthful glow. Great for all skin types, it locks in revitalizing moisture and refines texture for a supple look and softer feel for skin that looks plumped, smooth, and lit from within.

Available now at Clinique counters across Canada.
Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser - 125ml - $80 - with a gentle formula that thoroughly cleanses skin and dissolves makeup and daily impurities from pores while leaving skin's moisture barrier intact. It purifies with a silky blend of biocompatible oils and esters while helping to condition skin with beta carotene, vitamins A, C, and E, lycopene, and omega 3. It softens for improved texture and leaves a refreshed, non-greasy feeling. Ideal for dry skin types, it provides a perfect, smoothed surface for makeup application.

Available at Murale, Sephora and sephora.ca.
Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Overnight Detox Oil - 30ml - $55 - a lightweight, 100% plant-based dry oil that helps support natural cell renewal and protect tired-looking skin while you sleep when cells are most efficient at healing. Skin is left smooth, hydrated, and youthful-looking.

Available now at Murale, Sephora, Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie at the Shangri-la Hotel in Toronto, as well as Jean Coutu, Square DIX30 and Ogilvy in Quebec.
Jergens Shea Beauty Oil  - 150ml - $10.99 - has a deeply hydrating formula that enhances skin's radiance and beauty with a blend of pure African shea butter and argan oil. It's lightweight and absorbs fast - I like it best used straight out of the shower, just apply to damp skin, massage thoroughly and it dries in a few seconds - it also leaves a really light, lovely scent behind!

Avaialble now and drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

May 22, 2015

Fragrant Friday - Jimmy Choo Man

Jimmy Choo Man - 50ml EDT - $68, 100ml EDT - $88 - a fresh scent with top notes that open with crisp vivacity of mandarin essence, citrus and honeydew melon  complemented with calming lavender; crisp heart notes of geranium and pineapple leaf; and moody and seductive base notes of patchouli and warm amber-based wood.

I quite like the scent, it smells fresh and manly, but honestly, even if I hated the scent it has Jon Snow in the adverts so there is still something about it to love!

Available now at Hudson's Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and Nordstrom.

- Lisamarie -

May 21, 2015

Make Up For Ever Artist Plexi-Gloss - with swatches!

Make Up For Ever Artist Plexi-Gloss - $23 - imparts vivid colour and stunning shine while being completely comfortable on the lips. Its pigments are packed with Plexi Color Technology to deliver up to five hours of colour impact while 360-degree, reflective shine beads maximize shine. The best thing about it is the superflex applicator which features a lip-hugging shape that allows for precision and control while the super-loaded split-tip has a unique contour to sweep on the ideal amount of lip gloss.
In 35 shades: 0 Transparent - clear, 100P Pearly Light Beige - sheer, 101 Nude Beige - opaque, 102P Pearly Sweet Beige - sheer, 103 Beige Pink - opaque, 104 Brown Beige - opaque, 105P Pearly Beige - sheer, 200 Nude Pink - sheer, 201 Light Rose - sheer, 202 Sweet Pink - sheer, 203P Pearly Golden Pink - sheer, 204 Old Pink - sheer, 205P Pearly Rose - sheer, 206 Pop Pink - sheer, 207 Candy Pink - opaque, 208P Pearly Lilac Pink - opaque, 209 Fuchsia Pink - opaque, 300P Pearly Golden Pink Coral - sheer, 301P Pearly Nude Coral - sheer, 302P Pearly Golden Coral - sheer, 303P Pearly Coral - sheer, 304 Red Coral - sheer, 305 Orange Coral - sheer, 306 Orange - opaque, 400 Orange Red - opaque, 401P Pearly Red - sheer, 402P Pearly Golden Red - opaque, 403 Red - opaque, 404 Raspberry Red - opaque, 405P Pearly Plum - sheer, 406 Burgundy - opaque, 500 Lilac - opaque, 501 Purple - opaque, 502P Pearly Beetle - opaque, 503 Black - opaque.
208P Pearly Lilac Pink
404 Raspberry Red

The gloss certainly has the lasting power promised, it easily stayed on for hours - downside is the tackiness, which of course is what makes it stay. I don't mind a sticky gloss but if I had long hair on a windy day I might...

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

 - Lisamarie -

Swap your way to healthy skin with Consonant!

Consonant wants to prove to you that you don't have to give up anything to get great results from skincare products with 100% natural, healthy formulations free of toxic chemicals and carcinogens.

Between May 25th - 31st bring in any non-Consonant product, including face wash, face cream, eye cream mask or sunscreen - new or used - to trade in for 50% off an equivalent Consonant Skincare product! (limit of one per person)

You can do you swap in-store at either location:

2479 Yonge Street, Toronto - 416-925-2855

or the new location in the Richmond-Adelaide Centre PATH
120 Adelaide Street West, Toronto - 416-504-2855.

Can't get to the store? No problem! Just take a picture of the product you want to "swap" and upload the picture to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the following message:

Facebook: "Hey @consonantskincare I want to swap this (eye cream, face cream, face wash, mask or sunscreen) for Consonant 100% natural skin care. #healthyskincare"

Twitter: "Hey @consonant I want to swap this (eye cream, face cream, face wash, mask or sunscreen) for Consonant 100% natural skin care. #healthyskincare"

Instagram: "Hey @consonantlife I want to swap this (eye cream, face cream, face wash, mask or sunscreen) for Consonant 100% natural skin care. #healthyskincare"

Then give them a call at 416-925-2855 to place an order for the equivalent Consonant product at 50% off!

- Lisamarie -

May 20, 2015

Eye Love Wednesday - Hard Candy Look Pro! Instructional Eye Shadow Palettes

Hard Candy Look Pro Instructional Eye Shadow Palette - $7.98 - in 3 shade collections: Natural Eyes - for acomplete natural look; Sassy Eye -  for a complete sultry look; and Smokey Eyes - for a complete smokey look.

Each tin includes 9 professionally coordinated eye shadows, an Eyes the Limit Long Wear Eye Shadow Primer, a mini Take Me Out Liner in Soy and a dual ended eye shadow applicator - all housed in a reusable collectible tin along an instructional card that gives tips on 3 start to finish natural looks, appropriate for any occasion.

Available now exclusively at Walmart.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Tweezerman Floral Sorbet Mini Slant Tweezer!

Tweezerman Floral Sorbet Mini Slant Tweezer - $19 - if we must torture ourselves pulling hair out of our heads by the roots, why not do it with something cute and colourful in a floral spring pattern?!

This extra-portable version of the beloved slant tweezer comes in durable stainless steel and is adorned with a bright and uplifting pattern for spring. With an angled tip that rests comfortably against your skin for easy, painless (ha!) plucking and has carefully calculated tension to ensure ultimate precision - while its mini size ensures it easily fits in your purse or anyplace else you need it on the go.

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

May 19, 2015

Lise Watier Teint Lumière - for skin that glows!

Lise Watier Teint Lumière - 26ml - $39 - comes in 8 shades from light to deep with an innovative, oil-free formula that offers ultra-light, adjustable coverage with an undetectable second skin effect and SPF 15 to protect skin from the sun. Formulated with a Diamond Lumière Complex - with light reflective pigments that render the optical properties of the diamond, it blends into skin to even out skin tone and bring radiance to the complexion.


The foundation looks really natural on the skin and has a nice glow to it - what I didn't expect to like was the dropper applicator. I usually prefer a pump but the dropper gives you much better control over how much foundation you use - and unless you have a giant face you won't need more then 3 or 4 drops of foundation to cover the whole face. You can either apply the foundation from the dropper directly to your sponge or brush or if you prefer to warm the foundation up a bit first, drop it onto the back of your hand and dip your brush or sponge into it from there.

I prefer a brush for applying foundation and for even overall results, it's recommended to apply Teint Lumière in circular motions, starting at the center of the face with the the Lise Watier Perfecting Foundation Brush - $35 - which has a kabuki shape and tightly packed, flat bristles for easy application and a perfectly airbrushed, even finish.

Available now at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Formula X Sheer Strength Nail Color - with swatches!

Formula X Sheer Strength Nail Color - $16 - a complete, nutrient-enriched nail strengthener with a touch of sheer color that strengthens, nourishes, and protects in one step. Available in 10 sheer shades: - Cloud Nine - sheer ivory porcelain, Mighty - sheer taupe porcelain, Enduring - sheer sand porcelain, Marvelous - sheer nude porcelain, Tenacious - sheer linen porcelain, Energetic - sheer rosy nude porcelain, Exhilarating - sheer bubble gum porcelain, Fierce - sheer lilac porcelain, Powerful - sheer pale pink porcelain, Wondrous - sheer pink porcelain.
Enduring
Wondrous

Basically it's a multivitamin for your nails - enriched with botanical extracts, keratin, and natural hydrators to  assist with building strong, healthy, and beautiful tips while also preventing splitting, cracking, and peeling. And to make it pretty, it's infused with Shinexcel - an advanced luminescent ingredient that enhances color and overall shine.

My problem with sheer shades tends to be that they go on streaky and the finished product looks terrible but that wasn't a problem at all as you can see from the pictures so if you are looking for a little colour and a lot of strength and shine, this is a great choice!

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

May 18, 2015

Get sheer sun protection for the face from Neutrogena, La Roche-Posay and SkinCeuticals!

If you're like most people who don't wear their facial sunscreen because it feels too heavy, problem solved! Get sun protection that feels so sheer, you won't know you're wearing anything at all - so no more excuses!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen SPF 60 - 88ml - $14.99 - with an ultra-lightweight, waterproof and sweetproof formula that is gentle enough even for sensitive skin. With helioplex technology which provides high, photostable UV protection from the sun and defends skin against both UVA and UVB rays and includes the antioxidant benefits of vitamins A, C and E. Absorbs quickly into skin for a fresh non-greasy feel that works well alone or under make-up.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid Lotion SPF 60 - 50ml - $28 - with powerful UVA/UVB protection for sun sensitive skin and an ultra light, non-oily formula that absorbs fast with a clean, matte finish and no white residue that feels weightless on the skin.  It's water resistant, paraben and fragrance free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

Available at drugstores across Canada.
SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 - 50ml - $38 - a paraben-free fluid that  has an ultra-sheer texture which is sheer and matte and offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection to protect against aging and burning. Contains mineral filters making it ideal for post-procedure or sensitive, intolerant skin.

Available at select dermatologist offices, medical spas and high-end spas - visit www.skinceuticals.com to find one near you. 

- Lisamarie -

Mascara Monday - Rimmel ScandalEyes XX-Treme Volume & Length Mascara

Rimmel ScandalEyes XX-Treme Volume & Length Mascara - $7.99 - adds extreme high-impact volume and endless dramatic length for lashes that are stretched to their max.
The dual action brush offers an arched side to volumize and load up lashes for while the flat side defines and lengthens lashes from root to tip. 
The formula is super-dark and quite liquid so it spreads easily with no clumps.
A lot of mascaras that are supposed to lengthen and volumize tend to do one or the other but not usually both - this one actually does! Unless you are looking for super-crazy volume - in which case stick with something that strictly volumizes, but if you like a bit of both, this one is a great choice!

Available now at drug and mass market retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -