January 31, 2020

Needful Things - Lanolips Rose Gold 101 Ointment

Lanolips Rose Gold 101 Ointment - $23 - a 98.7% natural multipurpose balm with rose-gold pigment for hydrated, dewy rush of natural-looking flush that mimics the effect of blood rushing to the lips and cheeks and containing pure lanolin for natural moisture.

The colour is lovely - a pinkish red with a subtle shimmer that isn't glittery and they don't skimp on the pigmentation so if you're fair, go easy on the cheeks or you could end up with a lot more colour then you want!

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

January 29, 2020

This week I'm obsessed with... J.R. Watkins Grapefruit Hand Cream!

J.R. Watkins Grapefruit Hand Cream - 95g - $10.49 - a carefully crafted formula that whips together ingredients that are 98% natural including shea and cocoa butters and jojoba oil along with more than 10 other natural oils and extract and 100% natural fragrance for an ultimate moisturizing experience that was designed to protect, soothe and condition hands, while also being strong enough to soften up rough heels, knees and elbows too.

A rich but not greasy hand cream is a definite winter must-have - and this one fits the bill - with extra bonus points for coming in my very favourite citrus scent - grapefruit! 

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

January 27, 2020

Rediscover your best skin with the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Collection!

Looking for an ingredient that is most likely to make a major visible improvement in your skin? Look no further then retinol!

What makes retinol great? It's a powerhouse form of vitamin A that encourages collagen production so skin looks firmer and smoother; it's clinically proven to speed cell turnover which enhances brightness, tone, texture and youthfulness; all while intensely hydrating skin!

Enter the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal collection - featuring tri-active technology containing a fast-acting retinoid, time-released retinol and a retinol booster to help fight lines/deep wrinkles - that is great for all ages and skin-types - even sensitive!

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum - 30ml - $115 ($89 USD) -  with a super-light formula that delivers an instant dose of retinol and a dose of retinol over time to minimize irritation and prolong benefits to improve the look of lines and wrinkles in as little as two weeks; helping to increase skin's resilience and improve the look of youthful contours is swertia flower extract; along with hyaluronic acid to visibly plump and minimize dryness.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum - 15ml - $111 ($82 USD) - with a restorative formula offering 360° application to quickly and dramatically improve the look of lines and deep wrinkles all around eyes, including the lids; as well as visibly lifting and firming for more youthful-looking yes with marine kelp complex and delivering up to 24 hours of hydration with cotton wool grass extract.

Both the face and eye serums have a super light texture so you don't need to give up your favourite moisturizer - go ahead and layer it on top - just make sure it doesn't have any active ingredients that might react badly with the retinol. The other important thing is to make sure you apply your  sunscreen when going out - while using, retinol can make the skin especially sensitive to the sun!

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream - 30ml - $107 ($82 USD) - with a nurturing formula, gentle enough for nightly use that rapidly helps minimize the signs of aging you can see, and the ones you can’t see yet - all while supporting the skin’s natural protective barrier with niacinamide and picolinamide - so you wake up with firmer, more supple skin with radiance and glow.

Available in Canada at Sephora and sephora.ca and in the US at Sephora, Ulta and other select retailers as well as online at murad.com and sephora.com.

- Lisamarie -

January 22, 2020

Eye Love Wednesday - Rodial Vit C Eye Souffle

Tired for looking tired? Revive the look of worn out eyes with:

Rodial Vit C Eye Soufflé - 15ml - $99 -  a brightening eye cream that works to rejuvenate and replenish the undereye area.

The formula is fortified with 2% Vitamin C - a brightening and antioxidant ingredient, and has a rich cream texture that melts into the skin, releasing its nourishing and illuminating benefits to leave the delicate eye contour firmer and looking visibly brighter and more even toned.

Available at Murale, select Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique and Saks stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

January 21, 2020

Needful Things - Quo Rose Quartz Facial Roller & Massager

Show your skin some love with rose quartz - said to be the crystal of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, a rose quartz roller is the perfect tool to incorporate into your beauty regime:

Quo Rose Quartz Facial Roller & Massager - $25 - in a travel friendly size, the rose quartz facial roller and facial massaging tool gently stimulate circulation to help relieve tension and the appearance of puffiness, improve elasticity, tighten and reduce pores, even skin tone and it stimulates blood circulation to bring more oxygen to the skin, clearing away toxins and impurities to leave skin glowing and looking renewed.

Gently move the roller along the contours of the face from the center outwards. Use the facial massager on the chin and neck using gentle but firm pressure.

What's so special about rose quartz? Well crystal-ly people will tell you that it is connected to the heart and helps to balance and strengthen the heart and circulatory system. The vibrations of love emitted from the stone help unblock the energy that clogs the heart chakra, letting go of stress and negativity that can cause tensions in the muscles the create fine lines and wrinkles.

And for a little something extra, you can store the roller in the refrigerator to provide an extra cooling effect that helps refines pores, soothes away sinus congestion, headaches and assists in lymphatic drainage!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

January 20, 2020

Lise Watier Sublimessence High Hydration Probiotic Serum


Add a boost to your winter skincare routine with:

Lise Watier Sublimessence High Hydration Probiotic Serum - 28ml - $60 - formulated with 90% naturally derived ingredients including:
probiotic - balances skin flora;
hyaluronic acid - plumps and moisturizes;
Labrador tea - a powerful antioxidant that evens and illuminates the complexion and fights free radicals caused by pollution and UV rays;
Gaspé algae - moisturizes deeply; and
ginseng - protects skin against digital pollution.

By targeting the cutaneous microbiome, it balances and strengthens skin's natural protective barrier and with each application, a powerful dose of hydration is released - for skin that is smoother, more hydrated, plumped, luminous and radiant.

What's nice about it is you don't have to give up your regular skincare routine or favourite products - just add before your usual moisturizer to enjoy all the benefits!

Available at Lise Watier counters across Canada and online at lisewatier.com.

- Lisamarie -

January 17, 2020

Love Beauty & Planet Smooth & Serene Shampoo and Conditioner



Love Beauty & Planet Smooth & Serene Shampoo and Conditioner - 400ml - $12.99 - boosts moisture and adds nourishment to smooth out hair with a 100% vegan formula infused with argan oil - sourced from a women's co-operative of local Berber women along with ethically sourced French lavender and free of colourants, silicones and parabens.

The shampoo delivers a nourishing cleanse that gently removes dirt while lightly moisturizing and infusing your hair with a decadent scent of French lavender.

After which the conditioner seals moisture into hair to keep frizz at bay for enviably smooth, glossy hair. It also has fast-rinse technology for light weight conditioning which also saves water since the conditioner breaks down faster.

The wonderful scent comes partly from French lavender, grown using the traditional ‘prefane’ technique - the lavender is cut by hand and left to dry in the fields for 2-3 days - adding to the unique fragrance of soft, floral notes balanced with slightly fruity overtures that are rounded out by sweet balsamic notes.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

January 16, 2020

Needful Things - Nivea Body Wash Care & Roses

Nivea Body Wash Care & Roses - 500ml - $5.99 -  a silky shower cream with the delicate scent of white rose petals to indulge the senses and a hydrating pH balanced formula containing almond milk that nourishes skin with a rich lather and leaves it feeling soft and moisturized, even after towel drying.

This is one of my favourite textured body washes that I've tried in a long time - it's rich while still being light and it foams just the right amount - I don't like it when there's no lather but I also don't like it too bubbly - I have issues, I know - it also smells really soft and feminine - an all around win!

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -


January 15, 2020

This week I'm obsessed with... Boscia Matcha Magic Super-Antioxidant Mask!

Boscia Matcha Magic Super-Antioxidant Mask - 77ml - $50 - a nourishing antioxidant treatment mask designed to protect, purify and balance skin while diminishing the signs of aging.

With an antioxidant-rich, alcohol-free formula containing high grade Matcha green tea extract which helps to revive stressed and tired skin, absorbs excess oil and minimizes the appearance of redness all the while helping to fight free radical damage; along with willow bark, jojoba and willowherb - which helps treat inflammation to reduce the appearance of redness while improving skin tone and texture and helps minimize the appearance of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles so skin looks visibly younger over time.

Just apply a thin layer all over the face avoiding the eye area, leave on for 20 minutes and remove with warm water - or need a quick pick-me-up? - apply for 10 minutes before your makeup routine for instant tightening and radiant skin!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques and Hudson's Bay stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

January 14, 2020

Cold weather must-have - Modèle Plump Collagen Lip Treatment

We all know that dry lips are a fact of winter life - not only do lips become dry and cracked but the lack of moisture also makes them lose their fullness. Lip balms are great for healing and relieving dryness, but don't do much for volume - wouldn't it be great if there was a way to volumize lips back up to be not only hydrated, but also bring back the plumpness? There is:

Modèle Plump Collagen Lip Treatment - 4g - $29.99 - visibly increases lip volume up to 40%, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves hydration - can be used alone or as a lipstick base.

Apply three times a day for a minimum of 30 days and then use regularly to maintain results.

Available now at select Rexall, Pharma Plus, Pharmasave, Jean Coutu, Familiprix, Brunet and Guardian IDA stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

January 13, 2020

Super charge your skincare routine with Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate!

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate - 50ml - $129, 30ml - $90 - a fast-absorbing serum for all skin types that hydrates, visibly strengthens and firms and defends against daily damage while boosting the effects of any moisturizer layered over top.

A featherweight, non-greasy fluid that acts as an invisible shield by combining powerful Japanese botanical extracts with breakthrough technology to defend skin against the visible signs of aging, environmental aggressors and stress. The paraben and mineral oil free formula is infused with antioxidant reishi mushroom and moisturizing iris root extract for 28% stronger skin in just one week while a natural cocktail containing gingko, shiso, thyme and lotus germ visibly firms and smooths for skin that’s both radiant and resilient - use as a pre-treatment to supercharge any serum or moisturizer and prime the skin for makeup.

Not only does it make the skin feel great but the light floral fragrance with hints of rose and lotus helps relieve stress and soothe the senses.

Available at Shiseido counters across Canada including at Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

January 10, 2020

Cold weather curly hair must-have - Sebastian Professional Twisted Mask!

I sometimes cover curly hair products but don't generally have much to say about them because my straight hair couldn't hold a curl if my life depended on it! So I am thrilled to be able to recommend a product that come winter and cold weather, my curly haired friend swears by:

Sebastian Professional Twisted Elastic Treatment For Curls Mask - 150ml - $24.95 - nourishes and strengthens the hair fiber while shielding against humidity, fighting frizz and adding moisture.

Part of the Sebastian Professional Twisted collection - with ingredients inspired by the hidden depths of underwater plants to infuse curls with Flexi-Alg Complex - a breakthrough technology that gives curls the same elasticity and ability to resist environmental forces as underwater plants with a unique blend of carrageenan extract, red seaweed, elastic polymer and glycerin that form an elastic coating around each individual hair strand to to achieve optimal elastic flexibility, bounciness, moisutre, anti-frizz and definition for up to 48 hours. Making it easy create the perfect custom curly hair regimen for your exact curly hair type - whether you have natural curls, or use hot tools to change your look with waves and curls.

Available now at participating hair salons and specialty boutiques across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

January 9, 2020

Enjoy an exotic getaway in your bathroom with Soap & Glory Call Of Fruity!

Bring paradise inside with the latest scent from Soap & Glory - Call Of Fruity - a tropical and exotic scent with notes of exotic hibiscus, juicy cantaloupe melon and cedarwood along with body-loving actives including coconut oil, coconut butter and coconut shell. Available in this tropically fabulous range:

The Way She Smoothes Softening Body Lotion - 500ml - $16 - with a refreshing and hydrating formula containing a blend of mango and coconut oils, papaya, passion fruit and algae extracts to leave skin feeling utterly soft and revitalized.

No Woman No Dry Hydrating Body Butter - 300ml - $18 - with an intensely moisturizing formula containing coconut oil, coconut butter, passion fruit, aloe extracts and vitamin E to provide a huge hit of hydration and leave skin velvet-soft.

Bubble In Paradise Refreshing Body Wash - 500ml - $16 - makes washing an energizing experience with super-refreshing ingredients including exotic-cool formula - for a cooling effect, juicy mango and mandarin extracts to leave skin feeling clean and refreshed.

Hand Food Hydrating Hand Cream - 125ml - $10 - full of super-nourishers like macadamia oil, shea butter, mashmallow extract and vitamin E for soft and hydrated hands.

And my fave from the line:

Summer Scrubbin' Cooling Body Scrub - 300ml - $18 - features an exoti-cool formula - a refreshing blend to help smooth with naturally exfoliating coconut shell and pink jojoba buffing balls to reveal fresh, glowing skin that feels totally smooth and silky!

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

January 8, 2020

Eye Love Wednesday - Rimmel Brow This Way Fibre Pencil

Rimmel Brow This Way Fibre Pencil - $9.99 - in 3 shades: Light, Medium and Dark - takes arches from skinny and sparse to full and fabulous without looking fake thanks to a creamy formula that  deposits tiny integrated fibres adding realistic volume to sparse areas or lean-looking arches while the highly-pigmented pencil softly fills in brows to give them intense yet believable colour - for brows that appear fuller and more impactful - without that harsh, drawn-on effect.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Instant Refinishing Facial!

There aren't a lot of beauty products out there that offer instant gratification so you have to love:

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Instant Refinishing Facial - 75ml - $70 - a gentle, yet effective, high performance exfoliating treatment that sweeps away dry, dulling surface cells so skin looks brighter, smoother, softer and more radiant. Pores and skin texture are instantly refined as the dual action formula physically buffs and micro refinishes skin's surface.

I find it easiest to use it in the shower twice a week, just apply a thin layer to clean, damp skin - massage gently using circular motions - then rinse thoroughly.

Available at Estee Lauder counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

January 7, 2020

Add targeted glow with a stick from Milk Makeup, Nude by Nature and Avon!

Milk Makeup Highlighter Stick in Lit - $37 - a dewy, everyday, champagne-pearl-hued cream highlighter stick that glides on for a natural glow. It’s infused with micro-shimmer and hydrating ingredients like mango butter, peach nectar, and avocado oil along with Milk Melt Technology which  helps it instantly absorb and blend upon contact with body heat, leaving you looking lit-from-within.

The buildable, velvety formula imparts a natural-looking, iridescent glow on cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of the nose or anywhere you want to add luminosity - want something less natural looking - go ahead and layer it on for a blinding highlight!

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.
Nude by Nature Touch Of Glow Highlight Stick in Champagne - $28 - a versatile, easily blendable stick for quick highlighting, creating points of light, intense colour and luminous sheen.

The glide-on cream-to-powder texture is composed of active natural ingredients, including the native Australian Kakadu Plum, known for its abundant Vitamin C content, Quandong and Desert Lime to help provide antioxidant defense - with a fragrance-free formula composed of soft natural waxes including Carnauba Wax and Vitamin E to help perfect the complexion.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Avon True Color Illuminating Stick in Champagne - $14 - with a luminous pearlescent finish perfect for lifting brows, brightening eyes and highlighting cupid's bow and add a dewy effect that's perfect for dry or mature skin.

The mango seed and cocoa butter cream-to-powder formula locks in moisture, blends easily and melts into the skin leaving behind a luminous glow.

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

- Lisamarie -

January 6, 2020

Just 4 weeks to rejuvenated skin with StriVectin!

StriVectin Skin Reset 4-Week Intensive Rejuvenation System - 4 x 9ml - $149 - totally rejuvenates and visibly transforms skin in just 4 weeks with a breakthrough system that delivers dramatic results without dramatic intervention by resetting fatigued, unresponsive skin to a youthful-looking, optimal state.

It's easy to use - each formula is used for a week - just a pump or two morning and night followed by your usual moisturizer:

Week 1 - Rebuilds skin - by replenishing its protective layer - you’ll see visibly luminous, hydrated skin; signs of dullness and fatigue will be eliminated as hydration levels improve and the skin barrier is strengthened. 

Week 2 - Boosts skin - to improve elasticity and visibly relax fine lines and wrinkles; skin will feel softer, smoother and visibly plump. 

Week 3 - Balances skin - for a more radiant and even-toned complexion and youthful clarity - skin  prone to redness or inflammation, will look calm and soothed. 

Week 4 - Restores resiliency - deep lines and wrinkles will be visibly diminished and skin will appear smooth, soft and plump - with healthy-looking tone and texture and totally rejuvenated results.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Hudson's Bay stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and thebay.com.

- Lisamarie -

January 3, 2020

Treat your tresses to Voir Haircare!

Washing your hair just became a much more pleasurable experience thanks to:

Voir Haircare Sunrise Rituals: Signature Shampoo - 240ml - $30 and Sunset Rituals: Signature Conditioner - 240ml - $30

A botanical-infused duo that is formulated with a breakthrough blend of of hyaluronic and lactic acids (think skincare, but for your hair and scalp) and annatto seed extract - to protect against sun and pollutants.

The shampoo gives you everything you need for flawless hair: body, volume, hydration, strengthening, smoothness and shine, while the creamy conditioner nourishes each strand to smooth frizz, boost moisture and restore shine.

The two things about the pair that really stand out to me: the volume claim is no lie as proved by the oomph my straight, fine and rather limp locks now enjoys; and the scents are amazing - the shampoo is bright and citrusy while the conditioner has a softer warm scent - definitely worth checking out!

Available at select beauty retails including some Hudson's Bay stores across Canada and online at voirhaircare.ca.

- Lisamarie -

January 2, 2020

MD Beauty Clinic - for a better looking you!

Times change and the way we feel about beauty changes too - many of us have realized that chasing youth is unrealistic and have embraced looking like a better, not younger version of ourselves! Recognizing this shift in mindset, the Plastic Surgery Skincare Clinic has unveiled a new name and brand - MD Beauty Clinic. The new brand and clinic spaces feel more accessible and the message of "better, not younger" is an aspirational reflection of what they aim to for their clients!
Botox has been a mainstay of the business in all its incarnations so I thought that would be a great thing to experience myself in one of their newly renovated treatment rooms.

I met with Sasha, a Nurse Injector at the clinic who was very honest and direct with me about the wonders and limitations of Botox. He's not a fan of over-injecting it but rather goes with the less is more school of thought for it's application - smooth out the lines but retain some natural movement for a pretty, rested look minus the frozen face - his work lives up to the hype, the lines in my forehead are gone but I can still raise my eyebrows a bit!

Other services include fillers, the Miracle 10 Facial Peel, tattoo removal, laser hair removal, Coolsculpting and much, much more - a full list and more info can be found at mdbeautyclinic.ca.
And while you are there, be sure to check out the newly revamped Miracle 10 body care line that also includes a newly added, much-needed product to help combat harsh winter weather:

Miracle 10 Body Intensive Hand Repair - 100ml - $39 - stops dry and cracked skin with a formula containing: lactic acid - smooths the appearance of the skin and allows for better hydration; hyaluronic acid; colloidal oatmeal - a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-irritant ingredient that works to calm and heal the look of the skin; 2% Niacinimide - the highest percentage that can be used in a skincare product and provides significant increase to the moisture content of the skin; and powerful anti-oxidants to leave hands ultra soft and hydrated even after multiple hand washings.

There are 2 MD Beauty Clinic locations in the GTA:

in Yorkville at 67 Scollard Street or Mississauga at 1421 Hurontario Street - 289-299-5271 for both.

- Lisamarie -

January 1, 2020

Eye Love Wednesday - Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate

Like there wasn't enough in life to worry about already - turns out that the modern lifestyle causes us to rub our eyes frequently without realizing it. Because the skin around the eyes is thinner, friction can cause more damage and age the skin - making something that defends against damage caused by this type of friction necessary:

Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate - 15ml - $85 - a lightweight serum that helps prevent the look of five major eye concerns including: roughness, wrinkles, dark spots, puffiness and loss of resilience.

With a 24-hour moisturizing formula containing: Smoothing Defense Complex - protects skin from friction like a shield; ImuMoisture Complex - sustains a strong moisturizing effect and helps prevent oxidation; and ImuGeneration Technology - featuring botanical extracts of reishi mushroom and iris root to continuously fortify skin’s ability to defend itself - skin around the eye is left looking smooth, radiant, and firm.

Available at Shiseido counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... 7th Heaven Renew You 24K Gold Firming Sheet Mask!

7th Heaven Renew You 24K Gold Firming Sheet Mask - $4.99 - rejuvenates, moisturizes and firms up skin with a sheet mask infused with real 24K gold, powerful amino acids and star anise to leave skin feeling tighter, radiant and with a new vitality.

The skin-hugging fabric sheet closely molds to the skin, optimizing the delivery of key ingredients, and looking in moisture to replenish thirsty skin - and let's face it, is there anything cooler then walking around the house for 15 minutes with a gold face - it really freaks the husband/cats out!

Part of the new Renew You product range that also includes:
Gold Collagen Eye Mask - $2.99 - targets puffiness and dark circles, soothes and replenishes skin;
Detox & Replenish Hydrogel Mask - $4.99 -  hydrates, soothes, restores and repairs skin

Available at select Pharmasave and Guardian IDA stores across Canada and also coming to Rexall Pharma Plus in April 2020 - as well as online at www.farleyco.ca/Montagne-Jeunesse/Products.html.

- Lisamarie -