Fragrant Friday - Carolina Herrera Good Girl Dazzling Garden Holiday Collector

Carolina Herrera introduces the Holiday collector's edition bottle that is sure to be on every fragrance lover's wish list...

 

Good Girl Dazzling Garden - 80ml EDT - $178 - the stiletto shaped bottle is shimmering in metallic deep purple and accessorized with a festive glistening gold flower. With the same sweet but sensual scent that blends the aromas of jasmine, cocoa, tonka bean, almond and coffee to create a feminine yet mysterious bouquet. It's what holiday dreams are made of!

Available while they last at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart and Jean Coutu stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Nina Ricci Nina Le Parfum

There is a new intensity of Nina in the Nina Ricci range:

 

Nina Le Parfum - 50ml EDP - $112, 80ml EDP - $132 - a fruity woody floral fragrance with crisp top notes of red apple, apple, green Apple and Italian lemon; white flower heart notes of orange blossom, tuberose and gardenia; and warm base notes of vanilla and amber wood.

 

The first time I ever smelled the original Nina was years ago in the duty free at the airport - we were going on a cruise and I realized that I had forgotten to bring any perfume with me which of course would not do - it was love at first sniff for me and Nina! What I didn't know was that the signature component of the original Nina fragrance is recycled Italian lemon. The fruits discarded from the food industry due to their size or appearance are repurposed instead of being destroyed, serving as raw fragrance materials. Every part of the lemon, from the flesh to the peel, is utilized, achieving an extra tangy, citrus scent - no wonder I like it so much!

 

Nina Le Parfum still has the original lemon but the addition of apples gives it some tanginess, while the vanilla and amber wood give it some sweetness and warmth - all of which I like! Crafted of 91% naturally derived, vegan ingredients and in the classic apple shaped bottle which is 20% recycled glass - there is lots to feel good about with this fragrance!

 

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart, Hudson's Fay, Jean Coutu, Familiprix, Uniprix and Brunet stores across Canada.

 

- Lisamarie -

Great Gifting - Skincare Sets from Ole Henriksen, Nudestix and Trinny London!

If you are looking to try out new skincare or get travel sizes of your favourites, this is the best time of the year to do it - everyone has a gift set of some kind! They probably also make great gifts (if you like that kind of thing) so be sure to gift someone (like yourself) with one of these:

 

Ole Henriksen Radiance Retreat Skincare Favorites Set - $86 - has everything you need for a winter spa-cation:  Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum - 15ml - brightens and visibly evens skin; Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturize - 50ml - to hydrate and strengthen skin; and Banana Bright+ Eye Crème - 15ml -  to reduce the look of dark circles and crow’s feet - all vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free - and come inside this adorable house packaging! 

 

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

Nudestix Nudeskin 3-Step Citrus Renew Set - $39 - a collection of travel-size essentials for everything you need to get glowing skin on the go: Gentle Hydra-Gel Cleanser 3-in-1: Skin Cleanser + Skin Softener + Skin Brightener; Lemon-Aid Detox & Glow Micro-Peel 3-in-1: Deep Pore Cleanser + Cell Renewal Exfoliant + Skin Brightening Glow; and Citrus C Mask & Daily Moisturizer 3-in-1; Day & Night Moisturizer + Makeup Primer + Sleeping Mask - packed inside a clear carrying case - to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate the skin with simple, multi-tasking, vegan powered, cruelty-free skincare for a boost of fresh beauty that is free from sulfates, phthalates, gluten, parabens, synthetic fragrances and alcohol and is great for all skin types including sensitive skin.

 

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

Trinny London Superheros Serum Set - $128 - features starter sizes of: Plump Up Peptide+ HA Serum - 10ml - an advanced peptide and hyaluronic acid serum that is clinically proven to visibly firm and lift for plump, hydrated, bouncy skin; Boost Up 30% Vitamin C Serum - 9.5ml - a glow-giving Vitamin C serum that is clinically proven to dial up brightness and boost radiance while evening skin tone; and Overnight Sensation Retinal+ Serum - 9.5ml- a high-dose retinol night serum that firms, tones and visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles to bring energy and life back to skin that’s lost its oomph - all  inside an exclusive Mini Chepstow bag.

Available online at trinnylondon.com/ca.

- Lisamarie -

Great Gifting at Shoppers Drug Mart for everyone one on your list - Beauty - Electronics - Stocking Stuffers - Last Minute - and More!

Gone are the days of running around to a bunch of different stores to find something to please everyone on your list! Shoppers Drug Mart has a little bit of everything which is perfect for saving time, energy and collecting lots and lots of wonderful Optimum Points...

For the best friend:

 

r.e.m. beauty Naughty & Iced Cheek & Lip Set - $39 - includes 2 best-selling flight crew favourite products including a limited edition holiglitch shade of the best-selling lip & cheek stick and must-have highlighter in miss neptune - so pretty!

For the nephew (an added bonus if it will drive your brother/sister crazy that you got it for him):

 

Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle - $399.99 - this bundle has everything you need to start your Super Mario adventures, including a Nintendo Switch system with Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con controllers along with a download code for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game and a 3-month Nintendo Switch Online Individual membership.

For the sister that has a hard time making a decision:

 

Shoppers Beauty Derm Discovery Collection - $85 - a set of eight mini, best-selling anti-aging & hydrating serums: Avene Hydrance Aqua Gel, Ducray Keracnyl Serum, Jouviance- 3D-Retinol+, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum, Reversa Biomimetik Regenerative Serum, StriVectin Multi-Action Super C Retinol Serum, SVR Serum Ampoule Anti-OX [C], Uriage Age Lift Intensive Firming Smoothing Serum 10mL and Vichy Liftactiv B3 Serum - try them all, decide which one you like best and then redeem the enclosed certificate for a full-sized one! There is also an Eye Discovery Collection (I got it last year and loved it!).

Have a couple of these on hand in case you need a last minute gift - that you will love using if you don't need to gift them:

 

The Body Shop Nutty & Nourishing Shea Treats - $13 - includes a shower cream and body butter enriched with handcrafted Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana for some serious dry skin TLC. 

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

And be sure to keep an eye out for the Optimum Points deals - there seems to be a different one every week - as long as you are shopping for everyone else you might as well gift yourself with points!

 

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Paco Rabanne Fame Parfum & Phantom Parfum

Paco Rabanne Fame and Phantom up their fragrance game with female sensuality and sultry masculinity:

 

Fame Parfum Natural Spray - 50ml - $146, 80ml - $188, 200ml Refill - $256 -  an intense woody chypre blend with top notes of mango, pink pepper and bergamot; heart notes of sensual jasmine, patchouli and frankincense; and base notes of sandalwood, benzoin and addictive musk. The scent has a definite gourmand leaning on me - I smell more musk and sandalwood then I do jasmine - which suits me fine! The glossy black dress on the shiny gold bottle amplifies the sense of seduction and will keep you from getting this one mixed up with the original!

 

Phantom Parfum Natural Spray - 50ml - $122, 100ml - $158, 150ml - $188, 200ml Refill - $202 - an intense blend with top notes of cardamom, bergamot, lemon and rhubarb; heart notes of electrifying lavender, patchouli, geranium and cedarwood; and base notes of addictive vanilla, tolu balsam and enticing Haitian vetiver. I wasn't sure how I would feel about so much floral in a men's fragrance since I don't like it in a women's one - but these particular notes combined with everything else is actually really intriguing - I would even wear this myself! The iconic chest piece of the original bottle evolves from chromatic silver to matte black as a signifier of the danger within and reflects the assertive facets of masculinity.

 

Not only will you smell good, but can feel good about the sustainable ingredients - with 90% being of natural origin, not to mention they are refillable!

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

- Lisamarie -

 

 

This week I'm obsessed with... Joico Defy Damage Invincible Frizz-Fighting Bond Protector!

Looking for an easy way to keep hair frizz-free and soft? Look no further than...

 

Joico Defy Damage Invincible Frizz-Fighting Bond Protector - 180ml - $28.99 - a light-weight, multi-tasking conditioning spray that is a quick and easy way to protect hair from humidity-induced frizz and thermal damage, add a hint of holding power and a boost of shine and softness. 

 

It mists quickly onto dry hair and offers 24-hour protection against frizz and pollution with a formula of: vanillin - an extract from the vanilla bean that acts as a protective barrier for hair to help keep frizz at bay; moringa seed oil - a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins A and E, and silica - all fundamental to creating healthy, strong, damage-resistant hair while helping to boost shine and softness; arginine - a naturally occurring amino acid crucial to hair’s strength that helps protect hair and rebuild it from the inside out; and SmartRelease Technology - a one-of-a-kind liposome delivery system that packs a punch - continuously releasing rosehip oil, arginine and keratin - to help repair, strengthen and protect hair from the damaging effects of daily styling. 

 

As an added bonus it smells great so also makes a great hair refresher! 

 

Part of the Joico Defy Damage line that also includes Protective Shampoo & Conditioner and my other fave product from the line - the Protective Masque - for bond strengthening and colour longevity - it leaves my hair amazingly smooth!

 

Available online at chatters.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday Jean Paul Gaultier "Le Male" Elixir

There is a new addition to the Le Male line that you are going to want to get on board with...

 

Jean Paul Gautier "Le Male" Elixir - 125ml - $168 - a woody aromatic amber fragrance with top notes of sensual lavender and fresh mint; heart notes of sweet vanilla and benzoin; and base notes of honey, subtle tonka bean and tobacco.

 

I found it quite sweet at first but it dries down to something lovely that I could just not stop smelling! My husband didn't care for it at all but certainly appreciated how it kept me close to him sniffing at his neck so that's a good lesson that scent does not have to be to your taste as long as it is to the person smelling you!

 

And of course the bottle... the gold, very fit torso bottle sports an amber-coloured sailor's blouse that will have you saying Hello Sailor!

 

Available at Hudson's Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu and London Drugs stores across Canada.

 

- Lisamarie -

3 products my skin is loving from Belif, Trinny London and Ole Henriksen!

A change in weather means a change to my skin care - cold temperatures start to dry out my skin so it's time to break out more moisturizing products and here are 3 that will be in my winter rotation for sure:

Belif Moisturizing Bomb Toner - 200ml - $40.50 - a milky-textured toner that feels like a toner and serum in one with ultra-nourishing benefits thanks to a combination of: napiers moisture formula - reduces oils and provides moisture; comfrey leaf - an ultra-moisturizing herb that heals and soothes dryness; and a hydro-cream complex that contains nature-derived oil, shea butter and ceramide for moisture and to nourish the skin's barrier.

This is a truly cool product! It's like a super thin serum - and you can layer it. (I am already thinking about how great it will be for hot summer days when I would normally skip the moisturizer because even the lightest gel-cream seems like too much, but this would be perfect!)

If you are dry and like/need a thicker moisturizer follow it with Belif The True Cream- Moisturizing Bomb.

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

Trinny London Bounce Back Intense Peptide Moisturiser - 50ml - $88, 50ml refill - $70 - powered by a high-tech, 4-peptides complex that works to increase skin elasticity and firmness while visibly reducing the look of wrinkles along with hyaluronic acid - offers 24-hour moisture and restores plumpness to the skin while squalane and oat lipids help repair the skin barrier. our high-performing formulation visibly smooths wrinkles and brings vibrancy back to your complexion - for skin that feels plump, bouncy and full of life. 

It packs a really nice and lasting moisturizing punch without being too thick: if I use something too heavy my skin will let me know by breaking out in tiny red bumps and I am bump free with this one; or not thick enough: which is when my skin will feel tight and dry - this formula is Goldilocks approved - just right!

Available online at https://trinnylondon.com/ca/products/bounce-back.

Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment - 12ml - $30 - An advanced lip treatment with skin-supporting peptides and kokum butter that instantly hydrates and improves elasticity; smooths, brightens and revives dull lips; reduces the look of fine lip lines and quickly, visibly plumps for fuller looking lips in just one week.

It adds a lot of moisture and a little bit of shine so not recommended to wear under lipstick but is great if you are looking for a more natural day look or as an overnight treatment (it's replaced my Laneige Sleeping Mask). My very favourite thing about it though is the smell - it also comes in Lingonberry Jam option but as far as I'm concerned you can't beat the Original which is Citrus Sunshine and to me smells exactly like an orange creamsicle - yummy!

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... InfinitiPro by Conair DigitalAire Hair Dryer!

I've been looking at hair dryers lately, not only for myself, but also as a gift for a good friend. While I have been considering treating us both to a Dyson, the price just seems crazy-pants to me so I have been checking out other options and believe I have found the winner:

InfinitiPro by Conair DigitalAire Hair Dryer - $249.99 - with accelerated drying with 1,875 watts in a digital motor that spins up to 90,000 RPMs for up to 5x more speed and 75% more air pressure. It also offers honeycomb ceramic technology that helps prevent hotspots to minimize heat damage and an internal ionic generator which diffuses conditioning ions to eliminate frizz. With the added bonus of 3 heat and 3 speed setting for customized styling of every hair type and texture plus a locking cold shot button to set your style in place. Also included  are a couple of attachments: a concentrator for sleek, straight styles and a diffuser for volume, waves and curls.

 

One of my big concerns was the weight, but it's a lot of power without the heft, weighing in at just 1.2lbs - that's 30% lighter compared to other AC motor dryers! And of course it looks all sleek and sexy and is a lovely shade of ice-blue - looks great, works great - I'm sold!

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada and online at amazon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Jean Paul Gaultier - Gaultier Divine

Jean Paul Gaultier introduces a new fragrance that celebrates a new version of femininity that is everything unique and  divine...

 

Gaultier Divine - 100ml EDP - $192, 50ml EDP - $154, 200ml EDP Refill - $226, 200ml Body Lotion - $78, 200ml Shower Gel - $72 - an amber floral fragrance with top notes of calypsone, red berries and bergamot; heart notes of lily, jasmine and ylang-ylang; and base notes of meringue, musk and patchouli. 

 

The bottle reminds me of Madonna's cone bras from the 90s - for good reason of course as they were made by Jean Paul Gaultier - the scent isn't the least bit 90s though - a little sweet, a little musky and a little salty - I wouldn't wear the bra but I will wear this fragrance! I also like that it contains 90% natural origin ingredients that were responsibly sourced and is refillable!

 

Available now at Hudson's Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu and London Drugs stores across Canada.

 

- Lisamarie -

 

All the best in Spooky Season Accessories from Quo Beauty!

Whether you are looking for the perfect finishing touch for your costume or need something so you aren't an outcast for the dreaded Halloween dress up day at work/school check out the Quo Beauty Halloween stand where you will find lots of jewelry, makeup and accessories to complete your look:

 

Quo Beauty Bat Sunglasses -  $20.99 - these are so awesome that I would wear them all the time, not just Halloween!

Glow In The Dark Nail Colour in Sweet Treat and Ghoulish - $11.99 - they go on clear so don't worry about the colour in the bottle - wear them as a top coat over another colour or on their own for a bare nail surprise - just don't put a top coat over them or they won't glow!

Quo Beauty Blending Puff - $8 - create the perfect makeup look with the help of this ghostie!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca. There isn't a lot left online but I was at a store earlier today and there were still lots of choices - just look for the Quo Beauty rack in the Halloween costume section of your store.

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... EcoTools Dry Body Brush!

EcoTools Dry Body Brush - $14.99 - offers deep exfoliation without a messy scrub or harsh chemical. There are many benefits to dry brushing: helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores to leave skin feeling softer and smoother; boosts circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system; moisturizer works better because it won't have to fight its way through dead skin cells; and it will even help scrub off old fake tan, to avoid the patchy stage. 

 

How you dry brush is also important: start with the soles of your feet and legs - brush upwards towards your heart in short, firm strokes - and be sure not to  press too hard so the bristles don't scratch your skin. Use circular motions on your stomach and armpits, instead of short, firm strokes, then when you get to your arms, begin at your hands and work the brush upwards. Follow with a relaxing shower and be generous with the body moisturizer after (I highly recommend Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Body Moisturizer - 300ml - $40.50 - available at Sephora), you will be amazed at how easily it soaks in! You don't need to do it every day or even every other day, twice a week is probably all you need.

 

There are different styles, I've tried a dry brush with a handle before and other then the handle being useful for reaching the back, I find this palm style one with the hand strap is much better for ease of use and controlling the pressure. 

Available at Real Canadian Superstore locations across Canada and online at amazon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Avon Anew Platinum Sculpting Body Serum!

For skin that looks smooth and lifted all over check out:

 

Avon Anew Platinum Sculpting Body Serum - 200ml - $63 - formulated with effective anti-aging ingredients including: niacinamide - known to help refine skin's texture; panthenol (pro-vitamin B) - helps increase skin's hydration and elasticity; and peptides - known to help boost the skin's natural renewal process - leaving skin appearing firmer, smoother and more youthful-looking.

 

If you are used to using a lotion or cream on your body you might not be aware of the benefits (which are the same as they are for the face) - serums have smaller molecules that penetrate deeply and deliver a high concentration of active ingredients to target specific concerns!

Available online at avon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Korres Oceanic Amber

If you are looking to spice up your fall fragrance wardrobe:

 

Korres Oceanic Amber - 50ml EDT - $54 - an fougere Oriental fragrance for men with top notes of cedar and amber; heart notes of peppermint and apple; and base notes of cardamom and black pepper.

I'm a fan of Korres fragrances - I like the very sleek and simple bottles, high content of natural origin formulas (this one is 88% natural origin content) and usually the name tells you exactly what you are getting. I have to disagree with this name a bit though - Oceanic Amber - so I was expecting a fresh amber or even a briny amber but this was a spicy or even slightly sweet amber - don't get me wrong I like it - on my husband and even on myself but I didn't pick up anything ocean-y about it - I think a name change is in order Korres!

Available online at korres.com.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Trinny London BFF All Day Foundation!

Over the years, how much have you heard me blather on about foundation - lot's right? From full coverage to light, BB creams to CC creams, tinted moisturizer, powder foundation - and with the hundreds I have tried there has never been one that has been so good that it became my holy-grail-can't-live-without-it-must have... That might have changed though now that I've been wearing:

 

Trinny London BFF All Day Foundation - 30ml - $68 - in 18 shades from light to deep with a lightweight yet long-wearing formula that offers coverage without the cake. It's a breathable foundation that gives a modern, natural matte finish that stays put all day (or night) long. Enriched with pro-ceramide and vitamin B3 to bring out the best of your complexion, the formula smooths skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines for comfortable coverage you can rely on all day.

 

There are three things I love about it: the formula - it's matte without being chalky, I would describe it as a luminous matte - a normal matte tends to even out your skin but make it look very flat, this evens out your skin but also adds a bit of radiance so you don't get that unnatural look; the wear - it stays without becoming cakey or settling into my pores and fine lines; and the packaging - it's a tube AND a pump - my two favourite things! I would call the coverage medium and buildable - mostly I don't even need to wear a concealer with it. And for days when I just want a little bit of coverage it mixes perfectly with my moisturizer for easy skin perfecting!

 

And if you've been hunting for a new foundation brush check out the Complexion T-Brush - $50 - with 100% cruelty-free, dense and super-soft bristles with a dome-shape that helps you buff and blend your way to a seamless complexion. I like the flat bottom that makes it easy to just stand it on your dressing table or countertop and the sunny yellow handle is just so cheerful!

Available now online at trinnylondon.com/ca.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Carolina Herrera Bad Boy Cobalt

There's a new bad boy in town proving it's good to be bad:

 

Carolina Herrera Bad Boy Cobalt - 50ml EDP - $124, 100ml EDP - $158, 150ml EDP - $195 - an energizing fragrance of contrasts with pink pepper top notes that offer a fresh and aromatic opening, enhanced by a floral-yet-masculine geranium heart. The mineral accents of the truffle accord base are invigorated with smoky oakwood and infused with ethically sourced vetiver and sexy cedarwood. It's meant to smell a little mineraly and earthy - something like what the atmosphere smells like after a strong storm.

 

This is not your father's fragrance and it's quite a bit different from the original Bad Boy - the pepper is what does it for me - I love the spiciness it brings and it really does give me the air after a storm feel that is just a little bit electric and refreshing.

 

The lightning bolt bottle has gone bright blue and still amazingly, doesn't fall over! A great option for a fall scent or if you are starting your holiday shopping early.

 

 

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

- Lisamarie -

Experience the latest and greatest in everything beautiful with Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty+ !

It's that favourite time of the year again for me - right up there with Christmas and vacation is Shoppers Beauty+ - only the best time to pop down to my local Shoppers to discover :

 

Products that are new to me like: 

Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque - 212ml - $50 - a highly concentrated deep conditioning hair treatment that works to improve the health of your hair. The super-charged formula is infused with coconut, fig, shea butter, linseed and argan oil to strengthen and restore hair to its pure virgin state, delivering hydration from root to tip, repairing hair damaged by heat, styling, dyes and the environment and improving hair texture by targeting frizz, preventing split ends and adding gloss - Madonna would approve! On top of all of that, it smells amazing, like your hair is on vacation!

 

Brands that are new to Shoppers like: 

 

Drunk Elephant O-Bloos Rosi Drops - 30ml - $50 - adds a golden peachy-pink wash of colour that wakes up your face, while a nourishing mix of barrier replenishing omega oils and essential fatty acids keeps skin soft and soothed. Sappanwood bark, a vegan pigment, provides the warm pink tones in O-Bloos™, while powerful antioxidants (white tea, grapeseed, and cocoa extract) give skin a boost of free-radical-fighting protection. Free of silicones, drying alcohols, fragrance, and essential oils. 100% free of essential oils, silicones, and fragrance. Vegan and cruelty-free. Mix it into your foundation and use all over for a healthy-glow look or I like to apply a bit directly to the apples of my cheeks for that just got lucky look!

And of course all my perennial faves like:

Quo Beauty Glossy Lip Stain - $12 - it comes in 6 wonderful shades but I am partial to this hot pink shade called Drip - it goes on with some shine but even when the sheen wears off, the colour stays for that "sucking on a popsicle" look, of which I am a fan!

All of these also have the benefit of  part of the Thoughtful Choices at Shoppers Drug Mart lineup -  curated to help make it easier for you to shop consciously. 

 

And as an added bonus, Monday, October 2 to Thursday, October 5, 2023 you will get 30,000 bonus points when you spend $100+ on cosmetics, skin care or fragrances. 

 

Check out these and all the rest of latest and greatest at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Burberry Goddess

Burberry introduces their first-ever refillable fragrance:

 

Burberry Goddess - 10 ml EDP - $45, 30ml EDP - $120, 50ml EDP - $153, 100ml EDP - $206, 150ml EDP Refill - $206 

 

A lot of work went into creating this gourmand fragrance - during the process to create the perfect vanilla accord, the precious vanilla was wrapped with notes of bright lavender diva essence from Provence and earthy notes of cocoa and ginger roots, creating an aromatic balance to each vanilla. The Olfactive Pyramid Top: Vanilla Infusion and Lavender; Heart: Vanilla Caviar; Base: Vanilla Absolute. 

It is in one word: yummy! I loves me a vanilla scent and this one is chock-full of vanilla-wonderfulness, obviously sweet but not cheap sweet, elevated sweet like a sultry tropical evening - this is my new fall fragrance for sure!

 

I actually wasn't expecting a sweet fragrance because the bottle is so elegant - with an archive-inspired shape modernised with a gold medallion.

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppers.ca and sephora.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

Plump and firm skin with Isa Knox Anew, Korres and Vichy!

Pump your way to plump skin with:

 

Isa Knox Anew Clinical Collagen Booster Firming Cream - 50ml - $65 - fine lines and wrinkles are reduced and skin elasticity is improved with a formula of moisturizing and skin-plumping niacinamide and squalane. I especially love the hygienic, airless pump - just press down on the top and it dispenses just the right amount of cream without your fingers ever having to touch the rest of the product!

 

Available online at avon.ca. 

For skin that has lost its bounce:

 

Korres Black Pine Bounce Firming Moisturizer - 40ml - $70 - a plumping face cream that brings the bounce back to your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and replenishing hydration. Powered with a formula of black pine - packed with polyphenols, stengthening skin to improve the appearance of firmness, fine lines and wrinkles; 4D bio-shapelift - a powerful complex to visibly lift and firm the appearance of the facial contours; and spilanthes acmella extract - to provide a tensing effect that firms and lifts the appearance of the skin.

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

For skin that needs some resculpting help for the neck and face contours during menopause:

 

Vichy Neovadiol Phytosculpt Neck & Face Contours - 50ml - $61.95 - fights skin sagginess and lack of firmness in two key areas: the neck and face contours. Formulated with tensing phytosterol of natural origin and densifying proxylane - your neck and jawline with thank you for it!

Available at Vichy counters across Canada and online at vichy.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - DS & DURGA I Don't Know What

DS & DURGA I Don’t Know What - 100ml - $300, 50ml - $210, pocket - $75 - a fragrance enhancer with transparent radiance that gives any perfume a certain, as the French say - je ne sais quoi which translates to: I don’t know what - a wonderful tool for anyone who wants to play around with perfume. 

 

It's like a magic wand for fragrances - sure it can be worn as a modern wonderfully transparent aroma on its own, but it can also be layered over anything. If you like to wear fragrant oils like sandalwood, rose, jasmine, patchouli, oud, etc. - just spray this over them and it turns the oil into a perfume - extending the longevity and enhancing the scent. Or say you have a scent that you don't necessarily care for or has lost some of its power with age - just layer it on top and prepare to be amazed...

 

It does this because it is made with no notes but instead a secret combination of materials that perfumers use to highlight and enhance notes in a perfume. A Bergamot accord announces freshness, Vetiver Acetate a thin amber, Firsantol a lingering sandalwood, Iso E and Ambrox Super a radiance - together meant to layer and enhance everything else it touches.

 

I like it a lot on its own but decided to try it out on my nemesis fragrance - Chanel No. 5 - I know it's a classic and there are millions of people out there that love it, I'm just not one of them. It has an old lady smell to me that I just don't love. Somebody gifted me this bottle and I know it was expensive so I just don't have the heart to throw it out so I decided I would try to I Don't Know What it and see if it improved the scent for me. And actually it does - I would be willing to call it classic now instead of old lady - it still has too much floral to it to make it something I would want to wear on a regular basis but it does make it bearable and that is a high compliment for sure!

Available online at dsanddurga.com - but unless you are sure you want to spring for a full-sized bottle you should check it out on Scentbird - you can get a 30 day supply (0.27 oz vial) as part of your monthly subscription (which is $16.95/month) or as a one time purchase for $31.95 (all prices are in US$). 

 

And while you are at it check out the other DS & DURGA fragrance which is my current love - Pistachio - a sweet and creamy scent that just makes me happy!

- Lisamarie -

Needful Things - pink makeup from Fenty Beauty, Trinny London and Korres!

 

I went to see the Barbie movie a couple of weeks ago (excellent, highly recommend!) and while I was totally into the the whole dress all in pink thing to see the movie, I realized that my closet contains a whole lot of neutrals and no pink! 

 

No problem, my makeup collection has more then enough pink to make up for it - and this is what I went with...

 

Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Pink Limo Scene - $43 - a luxe and whipped liquid in vivid hot pink  with a velvet-matte finish that won't settle into fine lines or dry out your lips.

 

Available online at fentybeauty.com.

I balanced out the bold lip with a more subdued eye:

 

Trinny London Eye2Eye in Joy - a shimmering blossom pink moisture enriched cream shadow - I love this one (the whole line really) because I am such a lazy morning makeup person and all you have to do is swipe a bit of this across your lid with a finger and it adds perk and polish with zero effort! 

Available online at trinnylondon.com/ca.

Korres Gel Effect Nail Colour in Candy Pink - $15 - a uniform gel veil with sweet almond oil that dries in less than 60 seconds, without the use of a UV lamp, to become the dazzling shield of colour - I confess I put this on in the car - it really did dry fast and even with the hurried application there was no chipping for over a week!

Available online at korres.com.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Paco Rabanne Lady Million Royal & 1 Million Royal

Feeling regal? Then does Paco Rabanne ever have a new fragrance for you...

Paco Rabanne Lady Million Royal - 50ml EDP - $112, 80ml EDP - $138 - a fruity floral fragrance with a top note of pomegranate; a white flowers heart of jasmine, sambac, tuberose and orange blossom; and a woody, ambery and musky base of cashmeran.

I personally smell more of the fruitiness of the pomegranate in this and get less of a floral vibe, which is good for me as I'm all about the fruit - it dries down very warm on me with a hint of sweet so I'm a fan.

Paco Rabanne 1 Million Royal - 50ml - $112, 100ml - $142 - an amber woody fragrance for men with top notes of cardamom, tangerine and bergamot; heart notes of lavender, sage and violet leaf; and base notes of benzoin, cedar and patchouli. 

 

I tested this out on someone who is a fan of the original 1 Million but hasn't cared much for any of the follow up fragrances and he describes it as a more mature version of the original as well as having really impressive longevity!

Accents of regal red have been added to the iconic bottles which are bling-y enough for King Henry the Eighth himself but still sustainable enough for Alicia Silverstone - both formulas are totally vegan and comprised of 79% of ingredients of vegetal origin - cows happy, carrots sad!

Available at Hudson's Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora, Jean Coutu and London Drugs stores across Canada.

There isn't really a new commercial for them - just a tacked on blurb at the end of the original 1 Million/Lady Million one - and honestly the whole time I have been doing this, I've had Lorde's Royals song running through my head so here you go, it can live in your head too!

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with...Belif Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads!

Exfoliate, soothe and hydrate all in one clever little pad with...

 

Belif Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads - 150ml (70 pads) - $32 - diminish dry, flaky patches to reveal brighter and smoother skin with a formula of 2% polyhydroxy acid - smooths and exfoliates dead skin; bakuchiol - nature's retinol for the skin for fine lines; hyaluronic acid - to hydrate; and centella asiatica - to soothe.

The pads are double sided: the embossed side helps slough away dead skin cells and excess oil while the smooth side offers gentle skin refinement and hydration. 

 

Nothing feels better on your tired skin after a long day and of course the jar container means they are super portable - so take them everywhere! Just keep in mind if you have sensitive skin that you might have to work up to daily use, try using them just a few times a week at first until your skin adjusts.

Available now at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Scentbird - the best in fragrance subscription boxes!

Remember a few years back when subscription boxes were all the rage? I loved them - it was a great way to try new products that I might never have gotten around to because who wants to go all the expense of buying something full sized and hating it?! Sadly, ever increasing Canada Post rates drove most of the subscription services out of business here so I was thrilled to discover a wonderful fragrance service...

 

Scentbird - offering the perfect way to discover new fragrances without buying a full-sized bottle - and they deliver to Canada! Every month, they deliver a generous sized sample (each bottle is 8ml or about 120+ sprays - enough to apply 4 sprays daily for 30 days) of an authentic designer or niche fragrance of your choice straight to your mailbox! Once you start a subscription, you can browse all of the perfumes on Scentbird’s site and add different fragrances to your queue for future shipments. Each month a fragrance from your queue will be sent to you and if you leave your queue empty, Scentbird will just send you its Fragrance of the Month.

All you have to do now is pick some scents - having this much choice though can be hard! To help with this you can take the Scent Profile quiz which will then recommend a bunch of scents they think you will like. 

 

Or if you are like me and still find the choice overwhelming there are other fun ways to find fragrances you might like - I went with the Horoscope option which gave me 12 choices for Taurus in 2023 - several of which contained notes that I love - and as it turns out they were excellent choices for me once I smelled them - discover new fragrances is my favourite part - I am especially thrilled receiving English Laundry Oxford Bleu - a brand/fragrance I was not at all familiar with before and now don't want to live without!

No more spending $80+ on a bottle of fragrance that you might not like after the first few uses - the subscription cost is very reasonable: 1 item per month: $16.95 USD, 2 items per month: $27 USD ($13.50 USD per item) 3 items per month: $37 USD ($12.33 USD per item) And you’re not limited to just fragrances - there are also full-size makeup and skincare products for you to choose from as your monthly product selection. There are no hidden fees or shipping costs for subscribers in the USA and its territories. Subscribers in Canada will pay $4.99 USD for shipping.

 

They also have a great Instagram page - if you are around Monday (August 1st) be sure to tune into DS & Durga x Scentbird Instagram live takeover at 11:45 am EST (8:45 am PST). Come listen to the founders of DS & Durga David Seth Moltz and Kavi Ahuja Moltz talk about their collection, partnership with Scentbird, new product launches, and more.

 

Your fragrance adventure starts at scentbird.com - enjoy!

 

- Lisamarie-

This week I'm obsessed with... Maelys Get-Dreamy Overnight Toning Body Whip!

Ahhhh summer - of course I love it but it does have a downside - mainly that all of that skin that I got to hide with layers of  winter clothes now gets uncovered - and it may or may not be fit for public viewing... 

 

Here to help:

Maelys Get-Dreamy Overnight Toning Body Whip - 200ml - $64 - a clinically proven overnight toning whip that helps to smooth and tighten the look of skin, reduce the look of cellulite and reduce skin roughness.

 

The paraben, SLS and phthalates free formula contains milk thistle & uva-ursi leaf extract to help smooth the look of areas of concern; passion fruit seed oil to provide hydration to the skin and protection from environmental stressors;  and drops of melatonin and valerian to get you you in the sleeping mood. The premise is just to massage it into problem areas before bed and let it do its work while you sleep.

I can't argue with the name, the scent is dreamy and I am thoroughly convinced that it makes me sleepy but it is not a miracle worker that eliminated problem areas while I slept... it did however improve things by making my skin smoother and more moisturized which does help it look better - the cellulite and imperfections aren't gone but they are less noticeable and with regular use I expect to see even more improvement!

 

Available online at maelyscosmetics.com.

 

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Avon Haiku Sunrise

Avon introduces a new sun-inspired scent that is set to illuminate your life...

 

Avon Haiku Sunrise - 50ml EDP - $35 - a woody floral fragrance with top notes of wild fig, watermelon and Madagascar black pepper; heart notes of fresh coconut water, sweet rhubarb and marine accord; and base notes of warm cedarwood, cashmere woods and amber.

 

I'm not sure what a sunrise specifically should smell like but this could be it - it's very outdoors-y and fresh which would be a very logical way for a sunrise to smell and a perfect summer scent!

Available now at avon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Paco Rabanne Fame Blooming Pink

What's pink and gold and as joyful of an armful of blooming flowers...

 

Paco Rabanne Fame Blooming Pink - 80ml EDP - $165 - a warm floral fragrance with top notes of succulent, 100% natural origin mango and fresh bergamot; heart notes of bright jasmine from Grasse and olibanum; and sensual and warm base notes of incense - sustainably sourced in Somaliland, vanilla and sandalwood.

 

I like the top and base of the fragrance but the jasmine really stands out making it a little too floral for my taste - it smells very pretty and feminine which isn't my jam but jasmine lovers will likely appreciate it. On the other hand, do I love the glittery pink pastille dress on this collector edition bottle? You know I do!

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

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Fenty Beauty Match Stix Color-Adaptive Cheek + Lip Stick!

Your summer makeup routine just became a lot easier thanks to...

 

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Color-Adaptive Cheek + Lip Stick in Strawberry Pop - $42 - a hydrating multi-use gel-stick that uses color-shift technology to bring out the most flattering universal rosy color of cheeks and lips for all skin tones with a moisturizing formula that applies evenly and smoothly for a soft dewy finish.

 

These adaptive colour products are hard to do properly - I find you usually end up with either something too pale to show up on most or so vibrant that it looks scary on pale skin. Rihanna got it right with this one - I tried it out on several different skin tones (yes, people do scatter when they see me approach with the product du jour and that gleam in my eye) and it looked lovely on everyone - nothing crazy just a nice flush of colour! If you decide you need this in your life, don't delay, it's limited edition and I think it's going to sell out!

Part of the Fenty Beauty Summatime Collection the rest of which is also worth checking out:

Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain in Gem And I and Fuchsia Wife - $40 - for a wet-look shine and a soft stain of colour; and Fenty Icon Semi-Matte Refillable Lipstick in Nosy Rosy, Tropic Doll and Miss Candy Venom - $26 - long-lasting universal shades with a creamy, semi-matte finish - paired with a matching Summatime Edition Case - $20 - get it on the fentybeauty.com site and you can also score yourself a Summatime Water Bottle - $35 - staying hydrated has never been so pretty as with this lightweight aluminum bottle - it holds 500ml and has a clip fastener to help you not forget it!

 

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca and fentybeauty.com while it lasts. 

- Lisamarie -

Celebrate National Sunscreen Day with Isa Knox Anew, Belif and Blue Lizard!

As a beauty blogger I get asked a lot about what the best product is for anti-aging and I always answer: "that's easy, sunscreen!"And seeing as it's  National Sunscreen Day it seems like the perfect time to remind ourselves (and our future selves) that the best thing we can do for our skin is wear that sunscreen everyday - applied liberally and often! 

 

Here are a few I love:

 

Isa Knox Anew Solaire Active Face & Body Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunsreen - 80ml - $42 - offers advanced sun protection and luxury skin care in one easy water-light formula that blends quickly and evenly with no white cast that offers protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, with hydrating panthenol, niacinamide and peony extracts help keep skin feeling hydrated, soft and smooth. If your not a regular sunscreen user but want to be this is an easy way to add it to your routine by replacing your usual moisturizer with it!

 

Available at avon.ca. 

Belif Aqua Bomb Broad Spectrum SPF 50 - 50ml - $50 - a dual-functioning sunscreen and moisturizer both protects and hydrates the skin year-round without leaving behind a white cast or greasy residue, making it the new perfect addition to every skincare routine. It contains enriching antioxidants and ingredients such as marigold extract to reduce UV-induced oxidative stress and woodbine to activate the cells from antioxidant effects, along with sun-blocking benefits to protect against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Free from phthalates, sulphates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, synthetic organic dyes and animal originated ingredients. 

 

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca and thefaceshop.ca.

Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ - 89ml - $21.99 - a sheer mineral sunscreen that is easy to apply, leaving no visible residue. Created with zinc oxide and a blend of shea butter, antioxidants, and vitamin E to promote softer, healthier skin, it provides broad spectrum protection against aging UV rays and fights free radicals with cucumber and papaya extracts. It's water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes - and FYI, it also comes in a face formula!

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -