March 17, 2023

Fragrant Friday - enjoy an embarrassment of scent choices with Solinotes!

Solinotes offers so many options in fragrance that it really makes it soooo  easy to find the scent that suits you and your mood whatever it might happen to be that season/month/day or even minute!
 
With 19 choices with everything from sweet to floral to fruity, with each fragrance being designed around a key note:
 
Almond: A sweet scent for a surprising and delicious moment of well-being. A Floriental with notes of sweet almond, composed like a cloud, for a soothing effect.

Cherry Blossom: A fragrance that leaves a languorous trail of sensuous sensations. In the garden of delights, this scent as gentle as a spring day exudes myriad notes of Citrus, Rose, Cherry, Blackcurrant, Raspberry and more. The Musk base will stimulate the senses, accentuated by invigorating Lemon, Mandarin and Cardamom notes.
 
Cotton Blossom: The fragrance of Cotton Flower is like wearing a cozy fluffy blanket. Its pure and delicate scent wraps around you for an instant sense of well-being. Floral top notes of Bergamot and Rice Powder flow over mid notes of Violet, Jasmine and Rosebud that are gentle and soothing. A cloud of Musk and Vanilla at the base brings a touch of innocence.
 
Fig Blossom: A trail of woody and fruity notes that conjure up the Mediterranean coast. Its fleshy clusters of hundreds of tiny flowers make Fig a popular aroma among perfumers. A sensual and delicate fragrance bursting with sunshine that blooms profusely in summer.
 
Freesia: A luminous fragrance with fruity notes to let your happiness burst forth. Freesia and Jasmine caress you with their harmonious nuances for a revitalizing effect. 

Iris: A flower which is a symbol of prestige. An extraordinary aromatic treasure that is a harmonious blend of zesty Mandarin and powdery Iris and Violet notes. A mysterious flower named after a goddess, smooth and sensual to reveal its contrasts between seductive Musk and precious Tonka Bean.
 
Jasmine Blossom: One of the two “queens of flowers” in perfumery, generous and romantic, Jasmine has enhanced feminine beauty since ancient times. A light and seductive fragrance accentuated by a floral trail imbued with notes of intense cedar and warming amber. Sensual and timeless.
 
Magnolia: A poetic and elegant white floral perfume with solar accents. Magnolia is an olfactory journey to soft, mellow spring days. Its white, pink and cream blooms embody sensuality and femininity. A heady heart of Arabian Jasmine enhances the accord of notes and infuses Magnolia with an intense power of attraction. 
 
Musk: A fragrance with body and soul, feminine and captivating. Musk in its raw state is the scent of virility, ambery and sensual without overdoing it, striking the perfect balance of spicy and sweet. This fragrance refreshed on the top by Lemon and Bergamot accents enhanced by notes of Jasmine and Rose is as glamorous and enveloping as you’d expect.
 
Orange Blossom: This fragrance instantly transports you to the shade of Orange Blossom in bloom. A bright and radiant perfume that reveals the full magic of Orange Blossom. A heady heart of Water Jasmine and Rose lends a sweet, tender touch. A blend of Honey and Musk creates a gourmand and captivating base.
 
Pink Grapefruit: A refreshing and zesty fragrance bursting with sunshine. This perfume bursting with passionate energy dazzles on the skin to reflect your own sparkling personality. With top notes of citrus, Pomelo is a soft fusion of fruity – Melon, Blood Orange, Grapefruit – and floral – Jasmine, Iris, Musk – aromas. Base notes of Cedar and Vetiver bring depth and intense woodiness.
 
Pomegranate: An emphatically feminine fragrance bursting with energy and exotic sensations. Tangy and dynamic green notes are sure to unveil the more sparkling aspects of your personality. Intense, spicy and incredibly juicy, Pomegranate is the summer classic with a twist of freshness. Sandalwood brings a warm and powerful base.
 
Rose: A love story in a fragrance, romantic of course, tender obviously and poetic naturally, Rose can also be resolutely modern and contemporary that is at once sparking and fresh.
 
Tiare: Inhaling the irresistible Tiare flower takes you to the heart of Tahiti. Its intoxicating solar notes tell a story of exotic climes, white sandy beaches and the vibrant colours of the ocean. Its soothing and nourishing properties easily transport you to the Pacific. A base of Vanilla and Rosewood vie for attention to bring gourmand and elegant harmony.
 
Tonka Bean: With a range of scents which has a smooth and intoxicating aroma with powdery, vanilla notes. Sun-ripened gems from the tropics of the Caribbean, Tonka Beans bring accords of Mandarin Flower and Vanilla wrapped around a core of velvet. Unrivaled for its versatility, Tonka Bean successfully marries woody notes with the sensual notes of Musk and Amber.
 
Vanilla: They don’t come any more sensual than vanilla with its floral and exotic facets that never fail to bring a smooth and gourmand feel. The subtle spicy base will soon whisk you off to the islands of the Indian ocean and the splendor of Madagascar.
 
White Tea: An intimate and discreet fragrance that beckons relaxation. Its delicate and fresh character has made it much sought-after in perfumery. Notes of Cardamom and Bergamot bring light and warmth. At its base, Musk is blended with the peachy-apricot aromas of Osmanthus.
 
Ylang: A unique, sensual fragrance with notes of exotic flowers. Ylang-ylang has the power to transport us, in a single inhalation, to a faraway tropical paradise. Breathe in the scents of islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans, notes of Jasmine and Peach Flower over a delicate base of Vanilla and Orange Blossom for softness and light.
 
Yuzu: A fusion of wild Mandarin and zesty Lemon. Citrus and Yuzu are the tonic duo that promise energy and refreshment when you need it most. With zesty notes, a touch of zing, white flower petals and eau fraiche, Yuzu oozes energy and elegance. 

The vegan formulas are clean with only essential ingredients: alcohol from natural origins (except for the body mist which is water based and alcohol free), perfume, a little bit of water and that's all! 
 
My favourites are Tonka and Yuzu - which are wonderful on their own but also layer nicely together - I can be sweet, fruity or sweet/fruity depending on the day!
 
Available as a: 250ml Body Mist - $16 or 50ml EDP - $28 - available now at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

March 15, 2023

This Week I'm Obsessed With... Benefit The POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Clay Mask!

Benefit The POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Clay Mask - 30ml - $26, 75ml - $49 - with a smooth, creamy formula that deep cleans to promote visibly refined, clear-looking pores and mattified, healthy-looking skin. 
 
It has a slightly gross quality to it that I'm not ashamed to love - as the mask dries down you will see little dots which is where the oil is being drawn out of your skin. I personally I find evidence of a beauty product actually doing something while it works incredibly gratifying!
 
If it sounds like something you would want to try I highly recommend checking out Shoppers Drug Mart (store or online) for the Benefit POREfessional Package Deal Value Set which includes small sizes of the mask, Tight ’n Toned AHA+PHA Toner - refines and tones the look of pores with a quick-absorbing foam formula and everyone's favourite Pore Primer for $44!

Available at Benefit counters across Canada and the set is available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -
 
 

March 1, 2023

Share your purple manicure and help empower on International Women's Day!

Share the power of purple this International Women's Day (March 8th) and paint your nails with purple polish and share it on your socials with the hashtag #PurplePolishProject to empower others to take a stand ans peak out against gender-based violence.

I'm a fan of this fmg Glimmer Nail Polish from Avon in Lost Galaxy Plum ($14 at avon.ca) because for every one purchased from March 1 to 28, Avon will donate $2 to the Avon Foundation for Women Canada's Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Program, to support Women's Shelters Canada - which supports shelters and transition houses to ensure women and children fleeing violence receive the support they need while playing a critical role in the efforts to end gender-based violence - visit endvaw.ca to learn more.

- Lisamarie -

February 15, 2023

All the best in retinol for day, night and eyes from Avon Isa Knox Anew, Marcelle and StriVectin!

Avon Isa Knox Anew Clinical Line Eraser [1.0%] Advanced Retinol Serum - 30ml - $72 - a high-performance serum that dramatically reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots while it visibly refreshes skin's texture for a smoother, brighter look.
 
Available online at avon.ca
Marcelle Retinol³ + Probiotic Night Serum - 30ml - $39.95 - with a potent blend of ingredients in a paraben and phthalates-free serum to refine, soothe and renew skin and reveal a supple and more radiant complexion: Retinol - reduces the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of aging; bakuchiol - targets fine lines, reduces acne marks and improves skin texture without any risk of sensitization; soothing probiotics - nourish the good bacteria found naturally on the skin and allow them to thrive; while citric acid - exfoliates and helps clean pores for breathable skin. To experience optimal results, gently massage two to four drops at night on the face and neck while avoiding the eye area. This Marcelle Retinol Plus Probiotic night serum is paraben-free and phthalates-free, making it safe for use on sensitive skin. 

Available at drugstores across Canada.
StriVectin Advanced Retinol Multi-Correct Eye Cream
- 15ml - $85 - with an ophthalmologist tested and fragrance free formula that offers the power of retinol that is gentle enough even for the delicate eye area thanks to expertly engineered Optimized Surface Release Retinol - that limits irritation and Retinol-mimicking Rambutan - to help visibly rejuvenate skin around the eyes. With regular use it improves the appearance of volume, texture and depth of wrinkles around the eyes to visibly reduce wrinkle complexity.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

February 8, 2023

Get Red-y for Valentine's Day with Fenty Beauty, Physician's Formula and Chanel!

Fenty Beauty introduces a new Red Collection of Fenty Icon Semi Matte Refillable Lipstick that’s made be to seen and make the ultimate statement - just in time for Valentine's Day! 
 
Available in the new line: Fenty IconThe Case - MVP Edition - $15 - in Fenty Icon’s most iconic shade, MVP and  Fenty Icon The Fill – The Reds - $25 - in 3 shades: Freak-Went Flyer - poppy red; Danger Dan'r - tomato red; and Kissin' Kutie - deep red - so that everyone can find their “perfect” red  that offers precise application, high pigment color, and a lightweight feel. The semi-matte, creamy formula hugs lips with a smooth, plush texture and long-lasting iconic wear thanks to its formula packed with moisture-plumping hyaluronic acid, conditioning vitamins C & E, and lip-loving amino acid technology. 
 
Best of all of course, it’s refillable! Once you go empty, just purchase a new fill and you're good to go by popping it into your favorite Fenty Icon case. 
 
Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca and fentybeauty.com.
Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Rose - $16.99 - brush on a radiant blushing glow with an ultra-soft and blendable blushing powder that features a fresh and vibrant mix of blushing tones infused with a pop of color to create a healthy glow while multi-reflective pearls provide a soft iridescence to highlight contour and add radiance to cheeks. 
 
The really cool part though is the mood boosting effect: infused with a happy boost blend featuring happy skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of endorphins and helping protect the skin from environmental stress while the sweet scent of violet provides a feeling of joy each time you apply.  
 
Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Chanel No 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum - 30ml - $192 - concentrated with the revitalizing properties of red camellia extract, the anti-aging serum prevents and corrects the appearance of the five signs of aging - wrinkles appear diminished, pores are visibly refined and the skin's elasticity is improved. It feels more comfortable and glows with vitality.

With a quick-absorbing formula that contains 95% naturally derived ingredients and 76% camellia-derived ingredients. Immediately after application, the skin appears healthier and better protected from environmental aggressors.
 
Available at Chanel counters across Canada.
 
- Lisamarie -

February 1, 2023

New and Nifty - MAËLYS body essentials now at Shoppers Drug Mart!

Good news - it has become even easier for Canadians to get their MAËLYS fix - the line is now available at Shoppers Drug Mart
 
With a solution for any body-part issue - butt, boobs, stomach, thighs and overall body - you might be facing - not to mention it's the perfect time to start getting summer body ready - the names are fun and the expected results are impressive!

I'm a fan of B-Tight Lift & Firm Booty Mask - 100ml - $70.99 - a leave on mask that reduces the appearance of cellulite and visibly improve the look of skin around the butt and thighs. 

And having watched the Pamela Anderson documentary, you can bet I will be trying: B-Perky Lift & Firm Boob Mask - 100ml - $70.99 - a leave-on mask that helps to give an overall healthy glow and improve the appearance of the bust area. 
 
Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.
 
- Lisamarie -

January 25, 2023

Smooth, shiny and fragrant hair made easy thanks to Avon, The Knot Dr. For Conair and Yves Rocher!

Avon Chi Essentials Revive Keratin + Bonding Collection - helps rebuild, revive and protect hair from damage while dramatically improving the look and elasticity, helping prevent breakage and adding intense hydration to help restore softness and shine. Available in the line: Restoring Shampoo - 355ml - $35 - cleanses, moisturizes and protects against split ends and frizz; Restoring Conditioner - 355ml - $35 - helps restore dry, damaged and brittle hair; and Protecting Serum - 88ml - $59 - adds smoothness, shine and UV protection to wet or dry hair. All products are free of sulfates and parabens and are pH balanced so great for even coloured hair.

Available online at avon.ca.

The Knot Dr. For Conair All-in-One Mini Oval Dryer Brush
- $64.99 - provides salon performance  to style, dry, detangle, de-frizz and volumize - with a travel-friendly compact design that does it all at home or anywhere else. Featuring painless Knotectomy detangling with 120 flexalite bristles with epoxy tips and the perfect spacing for painless detangling; a tourmaline ceramic coated barrel along with advanced Ionic Conditioning to leave hair luxuriously smooth, shiny, and frizz free; and a choice of settings from cool, low or high heat along with a cool shot to lock in your look. gliding down your hair. 
 
I've always been a regular hair dryer person that I use with one hand while I brush with another - a hard thing to do on yourself if you aren't a pro - the dryer brush really is a game changer - smooth hair with a minimum of effort!
 
Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.
And so it smells as good as it looks:
 
Yves Rocher Energizing Perfumed Body and Hair Mist in Peach Star Anise - 100ml - $16 - To top up your energy, our Botanical Beauty researchers have combined Star Anise essential oil* and a Peach extract to create a mist with an energizing perfume to spray on your body and hair. Our commitment: • This formula contains more than 97% ingredients from natural origin • Colorant free • Vegan** • Recyclable bottle containing recycled plastic
 
Available at Yves Rocher stores across Canada and online at yvesrocher.ca.
 
- Lisamarie -

January 11, 2023

This week I'm obsessed with... The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Collection!

The Face Shop is helping you fight the ravages of cold weather on your skin with moisturizing skin care containing eco-friendly mineral-enriched, gently exfoliating rice extract and rice bran, from pristine Yeoju in South Korea, and ceramide to help skin retain moisture. 
 
Available in the collection:

Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Toner - 150ml - $12 - gently balances and moisturizes dry skin with a toner that feels like an essence and provides superb moisture to the face. 
 
Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion - 150ml - $12 - a water-based lotion with a milky, non-sticky texture and a semi-liquid consistency that replenishes moisture instantly and gets even more moisturizing as the time passes. 
 
Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Cream - 50ml - $13 - helps give skin a visibly translucent and healthy glow while gently moisturizing dry skin.
 
The products are all non-irritating and contain the key ingredients of rice extract and rice bran oil - to help moisturize and nourish skin while gently exfoliating; and nano ceramide water –- to help naturally accelerate the absorption of moisture and strengthen the moisture barrier to prevent moisture loss - and are free from 4 potentially harmful additives: paraben, tar, mineral oil and talc.
 
Mix and match them in whatever way works for your skin - extra dry skin will love the cream layered of the emulsion for an extra boost of moisture!
 
Available at The Face Shop stores across Canada and online at avon.ca.
 
- Lisamarie -

January 4, 2023

This week I'm obsessed with... Fenty Beauty The Navy Collection 5-Piece Lip, Eye + Accessories Set

Looking for something to help beat that post-holiday letdown and winter blues - let Rihanna cheer you up with:
 
Fenty Beauty The Navy Collection 5-Piece Lip, Eye + Accessories Set - $74
A limited-edition set of Navy Crew essentials featuring: 
 
Wish You Wood Longwear Pencil Eyeliner in a set-exclusive shade - My Navy - with an intense pigment, high-performance longwear formula that lasts all day and features an airtight cap to keep the waterproof formula fresh and a sharpenable tip for precise application that is sweat-, fade-, smudge- and transfer-resistant;
 
Take it all to go in a never-before-seen makeup bag and mirror designed by LA Artist, Obi Arisukwu;
and my fave items from the set: Fenty Icon The Fill: Semi-Matte Refillable Lipstick in bestselling shade, The MVP - with a creamy, semi-matte finish and high pigment with a lightweight feel. Packed with moisture-plumping hyaluronic acid and conditioning vitamins C & E along with lip-loving amino acid technology for a plush texture and is completed with the Fenty Icon The Case in a set-exclusive colour - The Navy Edition - and it looks totally amazing with the lipstick which is the perfect red!

Available now while it lasts at fentybeauty.com and sephora.ca

- Lisamarie -