Mara Hoffman for Sephora presents the Kaleidescape Collection!

Sephora Collection has partnered with womenswear designer Mara Hoffman introduce Kaleidescape, a limited-edition collaboration that is a celebration of colour, travel, vitality, and femininity. The collection features good for your skin, ingredient based makeup essentials and travel-ready accessories in a Maristar design print in Lilac or Turquoise.

Colour Cosmetics - with formulas designed to respect the skin and emphasize natural beauty using simple and effective ingredients:

Kaleidescape Natural Oil Balm  - $38 -  a one-step solution for face and body to restore hydration
and glow, featuring fair trade shea butter, coconut oil, and organically-sourced manuka honey, lavender oil and jojoba seed oil.

Kaleidescape Tinted Lip Balm - $23 - a one-step solution to colour and care, it imparts an irresistibly sheer rosy-pink colour to the lips with nourishing ingredients like fair trade shea butter, organically-sourced manuka honey, and coconut oil.

Kaleidescape Lipgloss Set - $35 - with five wearable shades for every occasion including: Coral, Jasper, Clay, Rose Quartz and Dune - with a high shine formula is made from sustainably-sourced sunflower seed oil, green tea extract, organically-sourced manuka honey and apricot kernel oil to provide nourishing moisture to lips.

Kaleidescape Cheek Trio - $35 - create a beautifully illuminated veil of natural colour for cheeks and
face with this versatile trio including Sunrise - a universally-flattering shade of blush, Earthquake - a warm bronzer and Lunar - a highlighter for a flushed glow. The creamy formulas feature nourishing ingredients like rosemary leaf extract, shea butter and coconut oil and moisturizing, organically-sourced manuka honey.

Makeup Brushes:

Kaleidescape Charcoal Brush Set - $80 - a limited edition 5-piece set, housed in a beautifully designed keepsake box, including professional quality All Over Face, Cheek, Highlight, Crease and Shadow brushes for flawless application. The FSC certified wood handles feature the Maristar Turquoise print, while the brushes are made from cruelty-free synthetic fibers infused with the anti-bacterial benefits of Bamboo Charcoal.

Kaleidescape PRO Flawless Airbrush #56 - $30 - ideal for liquid and cream formulas, it has densely-packed, dome-shaped bristles that provide exceptional precision, control and coverage for an airbrushed finish. The FSC certified wood handle features Maristar Turquoise, while the brush is made from cruelty-free synthetic fibers.

Accessories:

Kaleidescape Foldover Clutch - $53 - a chic zippered case that is large enough to fit all of your beauty essentials, and doubles as clutch for a night out on the town. The coated organic cotton canvas exterior is water-resistant, easy to clean, and keeps your items safe and secure. Features rose gold accents and is available in both Maristar Lilac and Turquoise prints.

Kaleidescape Universalist - $61 - designed to be both roomy and portable, this soft-sided train
case has multiple compartments, including a brush holder to protect your favourite brushes and a
mesh net pocket to keep products organized. Offered in Maristar Turquoise on coated organic cotton
canvas.

Kaleidescape Reversible Overnighter - $38 - a medium size bag that opens wide for quick access to
all your daily essentials, and offers a versatile reversible design in coated organic cotton canvas so you get both the Maristar Lilac and Turquoise prints in one bag.

Kaleidescape Escapader - $25 - a roomy, travel-ready makeup bag that highlights rose gold accents and is available in the Maristar Lilac print on coated organic cotton canvas.

Kaleidescape Metal Train Case - $138 - for the ultimate wanderer, stock this generously sized train
case with everything you need. Designed for durability, this case contains two-tiered stacking trays, 16 compartments, a carrying strap and security locks, and is available in Maristar Turquoise on organic cotton canvas.

Kaleidescape Compact Mirror - $20 - a double-sided, travel-friendly mirror that offers standard and
2x magnification in one slim case, designed with both the Maristar Lilac and Turquoise prints on
cotton canvas with rose gold accents.
 
Available now for a limited time exclusively at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Dry shampoos that won't break the bank from Finesse, Batiste and Herbal Essences!

Finesse Keratin Protein Dry Shampoo - 150g - $2.99 - with a unique invisible formula that revitalizes hair and refreshes hair and scalp by helping to remove excess oil without leaving any residue. It contains Keratin Protein, a building block of healthy hair that provides added conditioning and shine, while strengthening the hair and helping to prevent splint ends

Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo - 200ml - $8.99 - with a coconut & exotic fragrance that makes hair smell great while it banishes oily roots, giving dull, lifeless hair the makeover it needs without water - for hair that feels gorgeously clean and fresh with added body and texture.

Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo - 140g - $3.99 - refreshes hair on days you don't wash with a natural tapioca formula that absorbs excess oil, transforming lifeless, oily hair into fresh hair with the crisp essence of citrus and mint.

All available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Azzaro Wanted

Azzaro Wanted - 50ml EDT - $72, 100ml EDT - $92 - a woody-citrus-spicy fragrance with top notes lemon duo and ginger; heart notes of Guatemalan cardamom and prickly juniper; and base notes of vetiver and tonka bean.

The fragrance is nice, I like the citrus aspects of it a lot  but I wish they had also added a bit of edginess to it because the bottle is fabulous and it feels like it should contain something a little dangerous!

I rather like the commercial too - very James Bondish - nothing beats a man in a tux! However I could live without the odd band aid over his eyebrow - I don't know what it's supposed to mean and it's a little too reminiscent of 90's Nelly weirdness for my taste...

Available now at Hudson's Bay stores across Canada and online at www.thebay.com.

- Lisamarie -

Quo Lip Velour - with swatches!

Quo Lip Velour - $12 - in 6 shades: Amazing, Drama Queen, Fired Up, Mango Tango, Razzmatazz and Tickle Me Pink - a radiant matte liquid lipstick that goes on liquid and then sets to a matte, creamy texture that lasts all day.

Mango Tango

Razzmatazz - this shade would have required 2 coats for opaque colour but I like the berry stained effect with 1 coat so didn't bother.

Available now exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

Eye Love Wednesday - Artdeco Most Wanted Eyeshadow Palette

Artdeco Most Wanted Eyeshadow Palette - $29 - in 3 shades each including 12 professionally coordinated colours: No 2 Smokey - combines intense black, smoky gray and vibrant ink hues; No 4 Nude - with subtle matte and softly shimmering shades of braown, gray and pink; and No 7 Brown - with warm bronze tones, sensual copper shades and soft beige in light to dark nuances - to match the full spectrum of eye colours and highlight the individual beauty of every woman.

There's a lot to like about these palettes: the colour payoff is impressive and they blend well - and go ahead and use them wet if you want to go deeper or use as a liner - the box didn't say I couldn't so I took that as explicit permission to go ahead and do it! They're also great if you like to travel with a lot of shadow options but lack the space - it's very portable. My only complaint is the cardboard packaging - I have to be careful I'm putting it down in a dry spot so as not to wreck it!

Available now at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Aveeno Ultra-Calming Nourishing Night Cream!

During the day, I totally avoid putting anything but the lightest moisturizer on my skin - it's just too damn hot for any extra layers anywhere including my skin - and save my intensive moisturizing for night with:

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Nourishing Night Cream - 48ml - $21.99 - with a gentle, oil-free, hypoallergenic formula that works overnight to help replenish the skin's protective moisture barrier as it significantly reduces the appearance of redness and irritated, dry skin in just one week thanks to calming feverfew and active naturals oat.

It's the perfect summer night moisturizer, not only does it replenish the moisture you lose during hot summer days but it also soothes the skin from the damaging and irritating effects of summer weather.

Available now at drug, food and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Achieve complexion perfection with Smashbox Color Correcting Sticks!

Smashbox Color Correcting Stick - $27 - in 4 shade that target an array of skin concerns: Don't Be Dull - lavender - brightens sallowness/yellowness, Look Less Tired - Dark - orange - illuminates and conceals dark circles and hyper pigmentation on deeper skintones, Look Less Tired - Light - peach - illuminates and conceals dark circles and hyper pigmentation on light skintones, Get Less Red - green to reduce redness.

The stick format makes them easy to use and offers precise application. While the creamy, buildable formula is infused with moisturizing vitamin E to blur the look of fine lines and pores for radiant, perfect-looking skin. Use wet for a sheer to medium coverage or dry for full coverage and just don't forget that they need to be used with foundation or concealer - nothing is less natural looking then green or purple skin! You can either layer the corrector underneath or mix a bit of the corrector with your concealer or foundation on the back of your hand and apply with a brush or finger.

Available exclusively at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel summer shades - with swatches!

Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel - $8 - in 4 vivid, summer perfect shades that offer up to 12 days of lasting colour:

Watermelon

Orchid Splash

Cosmic Blue

Coral Beat

And for a nail file as bright and pretty as your nails!

Avon Glass Nail File - $12 - with an ultra-fine grit that is gentle on nails.

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

- Lisamarie -

Avène cleansers offer essential care for pure, clear and radiant skin!

Pollution, make-up and other residue clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing. As a result, skin becomes dull, cells get stressed and skin ages prematurely.

Avène knows that cleansing and makeup removal is key to healthy, glowing skin and is ready to meet the needs of sensitive skin thanks to a complete line of cleansers and makeup removers with a range of textures and formulas to suit every skin type.

All skin types will love:

Micellar Lotion - 400ml - $24 - removes makeup from the face, eyes and lips in one easy step with a formula infused with Avène thermal spring water combined with an extra-gentle cleaning agent that boosts its moisturizing, soothing and makeup removal properties.

For dry skin:

Gentle Milk Cleanser - 200ml - $23 - with an extra rich formula to pamper dry skin in need of comfort containing mild cleansers, anti-dryness sodium hyaluronate along with Avène thermal spring water.

Gentle Toning Lotion - 200ml - $23 - highly concentrated in Avène thermal spring water and enriched with silicates for gentle comfort.

For Normal/combination skin:

Cleansing Foam - 150ml - $23 -offers clear, purified and mattified skin with a rich, airy foam containing glutamic acid to mattify and Avène thermal spring water to soothe the skin.

For sensitive eyes:

Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover - 125ml - $19.50 - gently removes makeup with a gel rich in soothing and anti-irritating Avène thermal spring water to protect even the most fragile eyes.

Available now at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Mascara Monday - Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara

Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara - $21 - in black and black brown - with an exclusive, all-in-one formula that delivers long, thick, voluminous lashes. 

With an extremely volumizing, super-thickening formula that creates the look for big, bold, separated lashes that lasts all day and is smudge, flake and clump resistant.

And it comes with new Smart Wiper technology that delivers the exact amount of mascara you need for maximum plumping - without the clumping.

I have to admit, lots of volume with only a couple of  coats and no clumps  - this one is a winner!

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

- Lisamarie -

Freshen up with a facial water from Ole Henriksen, Vichy and Bliss!

Ole Henriksen Truth Facial Water - 118ml - $28 - an energizing and hydrating facial mist that helps with dullness and uneven texture for normal to combination skin that features a citrus botanical blend of sweet orange and mandarin oils - to indulge your senses; antioxidant-rich red and white tea extracts - to help address free radicals which can cause signs of aging; and pomegranate extracts - to help support the appearance of a more even skin tone.

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water - 150g - $13 - a 100% pure and natural water charged with 15 active minerals and straight from the heart of the French volcanic region, that has been on a thousand year journey to make your skin look and feel better by: rebalancing - restores and preserves a steady pH, allowing the skin to fight against external aggressors and has a soothing effect that calms irritations and inflammatory reactions; strengthening - the skin’s natural defense system and makes the skin’s barrier stronger against external aggressors; and regenerating - accelerates the regeneration of skin, bringing the healthy glow of new cells to the surface quicker.

It's fragrance and preservative free, making it great for all skin types, even sensitive.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Bliss Triple Oxygen Radiance Restoring Mist - 100ml - $47 - an all-in one facial mist that offers multi benefits with radiance, protection, toning and hydration for glowing, healthy youthful-looking skin.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

And for super, cooing refreshment, especially on these hot days, any of these sprays can be stored in the fridge! 

- Lisamarie -

Pureology Colour Fanatic Instant Conditioning Whipped Cream

Love a mask but have fine hair that gets weighed down with intensive treatments? Then you are going to love:

Pureology Colour Fanatic Instant Conditioning Whipped Cream - 113g - $26 - an aerosolized, whipped rinse-out treatment that instantly replenishes and adds volume to fine to normal, colour-treated hair with a formula containing camelina oil that protects and conditions without weighing fine hair down while maintaining maximum body and movement and helping control static. 

Use it as your regular conditioner after shampooing to lightly condition or leave it in for several minutes as you would a mask for extra nourishing - either way your hair will be left soft, manageable and with lots of bounce!

Available now at fine salons across Canada - check out www.pureology.com to find one near you.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Calvin Klein Eternity Summer 2016

Still searching for the perfect summer scent that will evoke sheer elegance and exotic vacations - then check out:

Calvin Klein Eternity Summer - 100ml EDP - $98 - an exotic floral fragrance that evokes a tropical paradise with top notes of pear blossom and bergamot; a heart of exotic frangipani flower, jasmine and tuberose mist; and a base of warm and sensual musk, vanilla and blond woods.

Calvin Klein Eternity Summer for Men - 100ml EDT - $89 - bring the smell of refreshing, cooling tropical breezes with top notes of cilantro, lime and bergamot; a heart of a sage and basil; and base notes cedarwood, amber and musk.

Available now at Hudson's Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale store across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Needful Things - Marc Jacobs Air Blush Soft Glow Duo

Marc Jacobs Air Blush Soft Glow Duo - $57 - an ultra-lightweight, radiant powder in 5 shade duos: Flesh & Fantasy - ivory shimmer/goddess bronze, Lines & Last Night - creamsicle/deep tangerine, Kink & Kisses - pale petal/peachy rose, Lush & Libido - petal pink/orchid pink, Night Fever & Hot Stuff - cherry/deep plum -  that feature two shades that merge together for customizable color that delivers a sexy, natural-looking glow.

Created using an air whipped process for a silky-soft, cream-like texture that blends effortless with the skin and is infused with Japanese air powder making it nearly undetectable to the touch and gives skin a radiant finish.

I especially like that the shade bands extend beyond the surface and aren't just a colouring on top, making for even colour the whole way through. The two glowing shades complement each other: the lighter shade highlights and the deeper shade contours - making it easy to customize the colour by layering and blending to your heart's content - and it has 24-hour wear which for me at least means that my face doesn't eat my blush quite so fast!

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Avon Senses Starfruit & Coconut Body Care

Let your senses get swept away by the island breezes of Avon Senses Starfruit & Coconut collection - featuring clean, crisp notes of sparkling starfruit and refreshing coconut water that are enhanced with vitamins C and E.

Available in the collection:

Hydrating Shower Gel - 150ml - $6 - leaves skin feeling clean and fresh.

Refreshing Body Spray - 250ml - $10 - a scented mist that leaves skin refreshed.

Moisturizing Body Lotion - 250ml - $8 - to leave skin feeling velvety smooth.

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

- Lisamarie -

Eye Love Wednesday - Tria Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser

Tria Age-Defying Eye Wrinkle Correcting Laser - $285 - a breakthrough antiaging laser safe to use on all skin tones and types that is uniquely designed for treating around the eye area. It works by using thousands of microscopic laser lights to penetrate into the skin which triggers a natural process of cell renewal and natural collagen and elastin production that results in a significant improvement in visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area revealing brighter, more youthful-looking eyes.

There isn't a big time commitment involved just 1 minute on each eye once a day every day for 8 weeks for optimal results. I was a little worried that it would be painful since the skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive but it isn't bad at all - it's warm and there is a slight stinging sensation but nothing major. After using my skin feels a little tender but a generous helping of eye cream takes care of that. They recommend that you use it at night as the laser makes your skin sensitive to sunlight and, not that I've experienced it, but if there is any redness or swelling you'll have time for it to go away.

Keeping up the daily treatments is made easier thanks to the device's tiny size, making it super portable and it holds a charge a long time so can easily travel with you wherever you go without being a hassle.

Even after just a few weeks I am already noticing the results - the lines around my eyes seem smaller and less noticeable and my skin is brighter making me look like I got a good night's sleep even on the mornings when I didn't! 

Available at triabeauty.ca and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Olay Deeply Clean Pore Mineral Cleanser!

Sun after a long, cold winter is great for the spirits, bad for the skin! Between sunscreen, sweat and hot, humid weather my skin tends to end the day feeling gross and clogged which is why I am loving:

Olay Deeply Clean Pore Mineral Cleanser - 150ml - $8.99 - a daily cleanser specially designed for oily/combination skin types that lathers, refreshes and cleanses without over-drying skin thanks to a natural kaolin clay formula that controls shine and reduces the appearance of pores in just one use. With an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that is infused with a mineral complex, it has the purifying power of a mask to draw out impurities like a magnet for a deep, down-to-the-pores clean that leaves skin feeling refreshed and looking healthy and brighter.

Available at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation

Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation - 30ml - $56 - in 10 shades including: 3 Rose, 4 Neutral and 3 Golden - offers the ultimate alliance between makeup and skin with an intelligent foundation that adapts to each skin tone, recognizes skin conditions and synchronizes with the skin's individual qualities to beautify it instead of covering it up to leave skin beautifully vibrant, flawlessly undetectable and the ultimate version of your natural skin. It's also formulated with skincare ingredients to maintain the skin's health including: hypericum extract - diminishes roughness to help normalize turnover for a beautifully smooth complexion; mother of thyme extract - provides anti-oxidant protection against environmental stressors that cause dry skin; and hydro-sensing polymer and glyceline - moisturizing ingredients that keep moisture and help retain it.

I'm sure you can imagine how many foundations I try and it's not very often that one really wows me but this one really did! The way it perfectly melds with my skin to make it look like I'm not wearing any foundation is amazing - a lot of foundations claim to do it but this one really does - it perfects and enhances while feeling so light it's like I'm not wearing anything at all - truly amazing!

Available now at Shiseido counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Ceramic Glaze Nail Lacquer Botanical Oasis Collection - with swatches!

Ceramic Glaze Nail Lacquer Botanical Oasis Collection - $9.99 - in 8 fresh, beautiful new shades:

Heavenly

Urbane

Perfect Peony

Seize The Day

Impulsive (is actually matte but I used a shiny top coat)

Petal Pusher

French Rivera

Surf's Up

Available for a limited time exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -