October 27, 2023

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 -
 

October 20, 2023

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 -

October 18, 2023

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 -

October 11, 2023

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 -

October 6, 2023

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 -

October 4, 2023

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 -