Last-Minute Gifts That Won’t End Up in a Junk Drawer from Quo Beauty, Cowbell Brewing Co. and Good Luck Socks!

We’re officially down to the wire. Christmas is 2 weeks away and while I’m sure the ultra-organized among us had all their gifts wrapped and labelled back in November, the rest of us are panic-scrolling and whispering “it’s fine” into our coffee mugs. 

 

Some people are easy to shop for - they’ll hand you a list, a link and possibly a coupon code. Others are vague, mysterious and fully expect you to read their mind. But the hardest gifts? The people you don’t know super well but still feel obligated to buy for. You know the ones: your hairdresser, yoga instructor, kids’ teachers, gift-exchange randoms… and yes, somehow your spouse still ends up on this list! You could of course go the gift card route but to me, any gift card under $50 is kind of cheap so physical gifts are preferred for this.

 

The goal here: thoughtful, useful gifts that won’t live forever in the back of their closet. Bonus points if they feel a little indulgent - let’s go! 

 

Quo Beauty Gift Sets (aka: one-stop shopping salvation) 

 

Quo Beauty has seriously stepped up their gift-set game. What started as mostly makeup and brush sets has expanded into a little bit of everything, making it dangerously easy to grab all your gifts in one Shoppers Drug Mart run. Personally, I’m obsessed with: 

 

Quo Beauty 12 Days of Bath - $27 

An advent calendar, but make it self-care. Open a door a day and uncover bathy, spa-adjacent goodness designed to turn even the quickest rinse into a moment of calm. 

Inside you’ll find: 

A Bath Mesh Sponge for extra-foamy, luxurious lather 

A Fuzzy Scrunchie because cozy hair accessories are elite 

A Satin Sleep Mask for beauty sleep (or blocking out family chaos) 

30ml Shower Gel with a holiday-inspired scent

30ml Hand Cream for winter-ravaged hands  

30ml Bubble Bath to transform bath night into spa night 

 A Nail File for tidy tips all season 

2 Bath Fizzers for a fragrant, fizzy soak 

A Shower Steamer to make even a shower feel fancy 

Spiral Hair Bands that don’t pull or crease 

A Sparkle Hair Clip because a little shimmer never hurt anyone 

It’s cute, practical, and universally appealing - the trifecta of gifting success!

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada, Real Canadian Superstore and I've also seen it at Loblaws. 

 

Alternatively, check out the Hand Cream Collection - 5 x 50ml - $15 - because the scents are amazing and let's face it, everyone has hands (probably at least 2)!

When in doubt… alcohol! 

 

I firmly believe you mostly can’t go wrong with alcohol (unless the recipient is under 19, in which case parents tend to get weirdly opinionated). Instead of defaulting to a basic bottle of wine, mix things up with something more fun: 

 

Cowbell Brewing Co. Winter Mixer 2025 - $21.95 6 x 473ml featuring: 

 

Hazy Days Juicy IPA, Absent Landlord Kölsch, Shindig Lager, Cerveza Mexican-Style Lager, West Coast IPA, and Chocolate Raspberry Pudding Cake Stout. 

 

From hop-forward IPAs to a full-on dessert stout inspired by holiday chocolate treats, this pack is perfect for beer lovers who like variety. Standouts include: 

West Coast IPA – crisp, citrusy, piney, and unapologetically bitter (as it should be) 

Chocolate Raspberry Pudding Cake Stout – smooth, decadent, and basically dessert in a can

 

Available at LCBO stores across Canada and online at cowbellbrewing.com. 

 

Socks: the glow-up we didn’t see coming... 

 

Socks used to be the universal “I tried… barely” gift. Not anymore. These days, you can find literally any colour, pattern or personality imaginable! Grab a pair as a stocking stuffer, or go big with: 

 

Good Luck Sock – Sock of the Month Club - 6 months - $80 | 12 months - $160 

 

Truly the gift that keeps on giving. One fun, quirky pair of socks delivered straight to their mailbox every month - with free shipping across North America. It’s practical, fun and makes it seem like you put in way more thought than you actually did!

 

Check it out at goodlucksock.ca. 

 

There you go: thoughtful gifts, minimal effort, maximum appreciation. Now go forth and conquer that last-minute shopping like the festive procrastinator you are!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Great Gifting - Skin Care Sets from La Rosee, Olay and Clarins!

Dare I say - I live for holiday skin care sets! They’re perfect for testing out new brands, dabbling in new products and mentally justifying splurges that would otherwise make my credit card quietly weep. Here are just a few of the ones that have caught my eye this season…

 

New brand (and yes, I was absolutely seduced by the packaging):

 

La Rosee Nourishing Face Routine Set - $67 - when the packaging is this pretty, resistance is futile. This perfectly paired duo brings together the Nourishing Stick Mask (50ml) and the Face Moisturizer with Organic Shea Butter (60ml) to comfort, soothe and deeply hydrate dry skin. Used daily, the rich yet comforting moisturizer keeps skin feeling soft, plump and happy, while the targeted mask swoops in to rescue extra-dry areas. The result? Skin that looks fresh, radiant, and very well taken care of!

New product - because somehow I have lived my life without trying this classic:

 

Olay Regenerist Duo Pack - $45.99 - I know, I know - everyone knows Olay. But I’ve never actually tried the legendary Micro-Sculpting Cream… until now that is. This duo pairs the Detoxifying Pore Scrub Cleanser (150ml) with the iconic Micro-Sculpting Cream (50ml) for a mini spa moment at home. The cleanser gently exfoliates and deep-cleans to prep the skin, while the cult-favourite cream swoops in with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and amino-peptide complex II to plump, smooth, and hydrate. Wrinkles look softer, skin looks brighter and honestly? I get the hype now! Especially with the (frigid) weather being the way it has, this cream has been instrumental in keeping my skin from looking like a cracked and flaking mess!

Super luxe, budget busting and unapologetically fabulous:  

 

Clarins Precious The Complete Ritual - $371 - This is not a gift set… this is a statement. Clarins’ most luxurious anti-aging ritual comes wrapped up in a four-step routine designed to prep, treat and transform the skin. You start with the hydrating Lotion-Essence (30ml), refresh the eye area with La Crème Yeux (4ml), firm and smooth with the silky Le Sérum (10ml) and finish with La Crème (15ml) - a peptide-powered masterpiece that helps restore density and youthful bounce. Is it extravagant? Yes. Is it glorious? Also yes. Consider this skin care for your most precious skin (and your most serious self-care moments).

 

And just remember, if it comes in a gift set, it doesn’t count as a splurge. That’s just festive math!

 

All sets are available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

 

- Lisamarie - 

This week I'm obsessed with... Infiniti PRO by CONAIR Steam Therapy Hair Steamer!

At first glance the INFINITI PRO by CONAIR Steam Therapy Hair Steamer looks like it’s firmly Team Curly. Steam therapy? Diffuser attachment? Curl reactivation? None of this is speaking directly to my pin-straight, fine-but-plentiful, goes-limp-if-you-look-at-it-wrong hair. 

 

But curiosity got the better of me. Before passing it along to someone with actual curls, I figured… why not see if it could do anything at all for my tragically straight strands? 

 

Dear Reader, I'm here to tell you - it did. 

 

My hair looks its best on wash day and steadily declines into limp territory by day two or three. I refuse to overwash, which means dry shampoo and I are in a very committed (but not always fulfilling) relationship. So on a no-wash day, I skipped the aerosol cloud and gave my hair a full steam session instead - and wow! Instant perk-up! I got back some volume and that elusive “just washed” look without the dull, powdery aftermath that dry shampoo loves to leave behind - consider me impressed! 

 

 I also tried pairing the steamer with a hair mask to see if that whole “better absorption” promise would prove itself. Jury’s still mildly out - my hair always feels great after a mask - but the logic checks out, so I’m happy to keep very diligently steaming my head before masking. For science, of course.

 

And for balance, I also recruited a friend with very curly hair (you know, the actual target market). She loved it. Her one pro tip: if you’ve got longer hair, definitely use the diffuser - and give yourself a little time to get the hang of the technique. Once she did, though? She would not shut up about how defined, bouncy and full her curls looked!

 

Did I let her keep it? Absolutely not! 

 

This steamer has earned its place in my routine - curls or no curls - because if loving a curl steamer is wrong, I don't want to be right!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca for $179.99, online at conaircanada.ca for $129.99, or online at amazon.ca for $109.99 - and if you buy it right now it's a Black Friday deal for $76 - I don't know how long that price will last though!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Great Gifting - Briogeo Healthy Hair Delights Gift Set

The holidays might mean decorated trees and marathon baking sessions for everyone else, but for me - it means prime gift-set season, baby - my own personal Super Bowl! Just don't wait to take advantage - whether you're itching to try something new or want your ride-or-die favourites in perfectly packable travel sizes - now is absolutely the time to pounce! One of the first things I added to my Sephora cart because I already knew I loved the oil and have been wanting to try the shampoo and mask...

 

Briogeo Healthy Hair Delights Gift Set - $61 - A scalp-to-strand transformation trio that basically says, “Hey, let’s give your hair the holiday it deserves!”

Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil - 100ml: your scalp’s soon-to-be soulmate. Use it pre-wash or let it work overnight like a tiny moisture-infusing elf. It soothes dryness, balances cranky scalps and nourishes thirsty strands - all with a tingle-free rosemary formula that strengthens the scalp barrier without the “my head is on fire” vibe.  

Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo - 59ml: this weekly scalp scrub gently buffs away flakes and buildup with a plant-based dissolvable exfoliant (science, but make it spa-day). Coconut, mint and tea tree oils team up to leave your roots fresh, clean and so smugly moisturized. 

Deep Conditioning Mask - 59ml: a rich, reparative dream cream for your hair. Packed with protein and moisture, it helps strengthen, soften and future-proof your strands. Scientifically proven to cut breakage in 10 minutes and double the strength after three uses - basically the gym membership your hair will actually use! 

 

And the cherry on top: the products are 98% naturally derived, vegan and Leaping Bunny certified to be  cruelty-free. Hair happiness and good karma? Holiday miracle achieved!

 

Available while they last at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

 

- Lisamarie - 

Slather these on like your skin depends on it (it does) - body lotions from BYOMA, Nivea and Keri!

Winter in Canada: the season where your skin tries to crack itself into a million pieces and you start buying body lotion like you’re prepping for the world’s softest apocalypse. If they sold moisturizer in vat form - like hop-in, simmer-for-20-minutes style - I’d be first in line with a ladle, but until that blessed day arrives, here are some big, beefy, budget-friendly pump bottles to keep your skin from going into full lizard mode...

 

BYOMA Hydrating Body Lotion - 400ml - $19.99

Meet the hydration hero that practically melts into your skin faster than you can say “bone-dry shins.” Powered by their tri-ceramide complex (science! but make it cute), this buttery-soft lotion slathers on like a dream - no awkward air-drying chicken-flap dance required. Beta glucan + shea butter = smooth + nourished skin that stays supple long after your morning coffee. 

 

I will say that while I really love the feel of this lotion, it has a powdery scent to it which I don't care for, luckily the smell fades fast so it still made the list! 

 

Also available in the BYOMA body lotion line is a Brightening Body Lotion and Sensitive Body Lotion - both 400ml and $19.99.

 

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

 

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk - 625ml - $14.99  

She’s big, she’s nourishing, she’s basically the Costco pack of moisture. With 72 hours of hydration - and honestly, in Canadian winter, that feels like witchcraft! Stuffed with hyaluronic acid, almond oil and a special deep care serum, it’s fast-absorbing and non-greasy. Bonus points: the bottle is made with 50% recycled plastic, so you can hydrate and feel virtuous. 

 

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada. 

 

Keri Original Intense Hydration Lotion - 900ml - $11.99

Now this is a unit. Nearly a litre of lotion - the kind of bottle that says “I’m moisturized AND fiscally responsible.” Packed with aloe, sunflower seed oil and vitamin E, Keri’s HydraShield formula keeps your skin soft, smooth and actually happy about existing. Slather generously after your shower and proceed to glide around like a freshly buttered croissant.  I like the scent but if you prefer, it also come in a fragrance-free version!

 

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada. 

 

If winter is coming for your moisture barrier, consider this your personal armory. Stay soft out there people!

 

- Lisamarie - 

The Night Shift: Beauty Products That Work While You Snooze from Virtue, NURISH and Kerasal!

Everyone knows about night cream for the face - but why stop there? While you’re off in dreamland, there’s a whole cast of beauty heroes that can quietly get to work on everything else. Hair, lips, nails - consider this your overnight glow-up lineup:

 

Virtue Correct Overnight Scalp & Hair Elixir - 50ml - $84 - while you snooze, this little miracle worker is pulling the night shift on your scalp and strands. Think of it as a lullaby for tired hair - packed with alpha keratin 60ku, hyaluronic acid, and nutrient-rich goodness to rebalance, smooth and strengthen. By morning, your scalp’s happy, your hair’s silky and you’ve basically had a scalp-to-ends spa night without lifting a finger. 

 

Available exclusively on line at Shoppers Drug Mart - beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

NURISH Lip Balm Night Mask - 20g - $30 - meet your new bedtime lip ritual: fruity, silky, and downright delicious. With 99.9% natural ingredients and antioxidant goodness, this balm works overtime to soothe, soften and plump. The texture? Buttery perfection. The scent? A pomegranate-kissed dream. The result? You’ll wake up with lips so smooth, you’ll forget what chapped even felt like.

 

For even better results - prep with the Exquisite Pomegranate Lip Scrub - 20ml - $30 and remove all the dead skin so the mask can really sink in and in the morning apply the Bioactive Lip Oil - 6ml - $32 to lock in the moisture and add shine.

 

Available at Jean Coutu and Brunet stores across Quebec, select stores across Canada and online at nurish.ca. 

 

Kerasal Nightime Renewal Nail Patches - 14 patches - $33.99 - because your nails deserve beauty sleep, too, just pop on these overnight nail-reviving patches and let them get to work on discoloration, roughness and thickness while you’re counting sheep. After 8 hours, nails look fresher, smoother, and more polished (literally). Keep using nightly for 3–6 months if your nails need a full fairy godmother moment. 

 

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

 

All of this just feels to me like proof that the best self-care happens with zero effort when you’re horizontal!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Fragrant Friday - Guerlain’s Florabloom: The Floral I Didn’t See Coming!

Guerlain is at it again, serving up another stunner in their Aqua Allegoria line - this time inspired by the rare natural wonder known as a superbloom. Imagine it: vast desert plains suddenly bursting into carpets of colour after a rainfall, every bloom vying for attention. That’s the magic bottled in: 

 

Aqua Allegoria Forte Florabloom - 75ml EDP - $165  - this fragrance is a lush, full-bodied bouquet that practically hums with life. It opens with the intoxicating warmth of tuberose at sunset, dances through a sensual swirl of Grasse Centifolia rose and settles into powdery whispers of violet and iris. Beneath it all, sandalwood and velvety moss lend depth and a touch of mystery - because what’s beauty without a little intrigue? 

 

Now, you’ve heard me say it a hundred times: florals aren’t usually my thing. I’m a sweet-and-fruity kind of girl through and through. But this one? Total exception. The moment I smelled it, I was transported straight back to my childhood - to a scratch-and-sniff book I adored, with a page that smelled like a flower market in France. One whiff of Florabloom and suddenly I’m transported there again, standing in front of the box overflowing with blooms, grinning like a kid. Isn’t it wild how scent can do that!? 

 

You can find Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Forte Florabloom now at Shoppers Drug Mart stores and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca. 

Bonus: the holiday sets are in and they’re offering a gorgeous gift set featuring the fragrance, a 7.5ml mini and a 75ml body lotion - the perfect excuse (as if you needed one) to treat yourself or I guess as a gift...

 

- Lisamarie - 

Treat your hot flashes with cool products from Marcelle, Justice and Nivea!

Menopause, it's the plot twist no one asked for.... but here we are... It's a word that strikes fear into the hearts of women everywhere. Sure, there are perks. No more periods - imagine being able to wear white pants whenever you want! But then there’s the… let’s call it less glamourous side: hot flashes, mood swings, rebellious skin - you name it, it could happen.

 

Amanda Thebe, bestselling author, menopause educator and advocate for women's health offers some great advice: “The worst things you can do for yourself during menopause are to ignore your symptoms, try to power through in silence and neglect the changes your body is going through. I know from experience how isolating and confusing that can be. I spent years misdiagnosed and struggling with symptoms like dizziness, depression, dry & irritable skin, without realizing they were connected to perimenopause.” 

 

While it's true that lot of it is out of your control or at least more in control of a medical professional - the personal care side of it is something you can help yourself with, once you find the right products of course! 

 

The biggest project can be your skin which suddenly goes haywire and starts doing the opposite of what you are used to - Amanda agrees finding that her skin has lost elasticity and has become much drier, dull, and more sensitive as a result of menopause, so finding the right hydration & product was a priority. Using science-backed products designed specifically for menopause like Marcelle’s Revival+ Vitality collection has been a game changer for her. The collection uses a breakthrough formula, made with antioxidants, vitamin D, turmeric, hyaluronic acid, urea and squalane, leaving skin feeling firmer, more hydrated and just healthier overall. Amanda feels that "it’s lovely to see visible concrete results while knowing the formula was co-created with 400 Canadian women in menopause with sensitive skin."  

 

Revival+ Vitality Redensifying Day Cream - 50ml - $39.95 

This comforting, hydrating cream is like a support bra for your face - it lifts, firms and helps counteract all those delightful effects menopause brings. It’s been tested and recommended by Canadian women in menopause with sensitive skin and it helps restore comfort, hydration and bounce for plumper, happier skin. 

Also worth grabbing: Revival+ Vitality Redensifying Eye & Lip Cream - 15ml - $39.95 - because crow’s feet and fine lines have had enough fun, thank you very much.

 

Available at drugstores across Canada and online at marcelle.com. 

 

And let’s not forget the mane event - thinning hair. If you’re not ready to commit to the “re-growth journey” and just want fuller, thicker-looking hair now, reach for:  

 

Justice Hair Care Volume Boost Shampoo & Conditioner - 250ml - $28.99 each 

Specially made for fine or thinning hair, this duo cleans without weighing it down. Cotton extract, hibiscus vinegar, and soy proteins keep hair hydrated and shiny without build-up, while adding body and bounce. Think of it as your hair’s daily pep talk. 

Top it off with Volume Boost Texture Spray - 250ml - $28.99 for that “oh, this old volume? I woke up like this” finish. It adds lift from the roots, protects from pollutants, and leaves hair feeling soft, full, and alive again. 

 

Available at Healthy Planet stores across Canada and online at well.ca. 

And because menopause loves to suck the moisture out of everything - yes, even your lips - keep your lip balm close, I like: 

 

Nivea Vanilla Buttercream 24H Moisture Nourishing Lip Balm – 2 x 4.8g – $4.99 

It’s basically dessert for your lips! The shea butter, avocado, and jojoba oil formula melts in like frosting, keeping your lips soft, smooth and hydrated for a full 24 hours. Sweet, creamy, and totally mood-swing approved!

 

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada. 

 

At the end of the day, you can't avoid menopause so your best defense is to arm yourself with information and educate yourself - there are so many great books and blogs out there! A few you might find useful:

 

Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too! by Amanda Thebe

 

Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause and Life's Next Period by Lauren Tetenbaum, LCSW

 

The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health With Facts and Feminism by Dr. Jen Gunter

 

All are available on amazon.ca.

 

- Lisamarie - 

The Glow-Getters: 3 Serums That Punch Above Their Price Tag from Nivea, Evio Beauty and Marcelle!

Despite what every glossy ad featuring a 17-year-old model would have you believe, you don’t need to auction off a kidney to afford a serum that actually works. Yes, my friends, you can absolutely snag a hardworking skin-saver for under $40. Don’t believe me? Behold these three wallet-friendly heavyweights that will have your skin glowing without your credit card catching on fire:

 

Nivea Q10 Dual Action Serum - 30ml - $36.99 - Wrinkles? Meet your match. This little overachiever comes loaded with Pure Q10 and something called Glycostop (which sounds like it should also prevent late-night snacking, but alas, only works on wrinkles). In fact, in just two weeks, 96% of women swore their complexions looked better! It glides on like a dream, plays nice under makeup and basically does everything but your taxes.  

 

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada. 

Evio Beauty Revitalizing Oil Serum - 30ml - $38 - Think of this one as your skin’s green juice - but the kind that actually tastes good. Packed with omegas, vitamins and more plant-based goodness than your favourite smoothie bar, it hydrates, calms, and keeps the bad stuff out while locking the good stuff in. Bonus: it’s non-sticky, vegan, cruelty-free, and each purchase supports domestic violence survivors. Honestly, if this serum were a person, it would be the one who rescues puppies on weekends and remembers to water their plants. 

 

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

Marcelle 2% Hyaluronic Acid + Probiotic Serum - 30ml - $36.99 - Dry, dull skin? This silky potion says: not on my watch! With hyaluronic acid for plumping, probiotics for calming and niacinamide for “I actually look like I slept eight hours,” it’s basically a spa day in a bottle. Works on all skin types, even sensitive ones, and is fragrance-free so your face won’t smell unappetizing. Hydrated, radiant, soft-as-baby-skin vibes incoming!

 

Available at drugstores across Canada and online at marcelle.com. 

 

Moral of the story: amazing serums under $40 aren’t a myth - they’re just hiding in plain sight. Your skin (and your bank account) can thank me later!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Points, Pouts & Perfect Skin: The Beauty+ Event Haul You Need Now at Shoppers Drug Mart - from Curel, Origins, Kylie Cosmetics and Bed Head!

PSA: The Shoppers Beauty+ Event is officially on  - now through October 3rd - an annual tradition that my beauty bag looks forward to all year! It's the perfect time to buy your fall beauty, hoard your points and thank me later when your PC Optimum balance looks like a phone number!  

 

Here’s what’s made it into my autumn glam survival kit:

 

Curel Intensive Moisture Foaming Facial Wash - 150ml - $29.99 - think of this as your skin’s therapist in a bottle: it listens, it cleanses, it doesn’t strip your ceramides bare like a bad ex. It’s fragrance-free, colourant-free, pH balanced and basically soft skin in foam form. I love it because it gets rid of the grime without leaving me with that tight, “why is my face one size too small?” feeling. 

✨ Deal: Get 10,000 PC Optimum points when you buy 2 participating products. (Translation: cleanser basically pays rent for itself.) 

 

Origins GinZing™ Energizing Gel Cream - 30ml - $38, 50ml - $53, 75ml - $69 - fall hits and suddenly my skin is like, “Moisturize me or we riot.” This gel cream is the Goldilocks of hydration - juicy enough to fight the dry air but light enough not to clog your pores. Plus, it makes you look less “I just survived a Zoom meeting marathon” and more “I got 9 hours of sleep and a green juice (FYI: I would NEVER drink anything green unless it was a Shamrock shake).” 

✨ Deal: Get 10,000 PC Optimum points when you spend $100+ on participating products. 

KYLIE COSMETICS Glossy Lip Kit - $47 - kit contains: - Precision Pout Lip Liner 1.1 g - Supple Kiss Lip Glaze 3 ml - with 6 colour options: Candy Pink, Coconut, Comes Naturally, Dolce K, Espresso and Kylie - Since fall = time for lips to shine like a disco ball (instead of my skin for a change) - this kit gives you a liner sharper than your comebacks and a gloss so juicy it could double as lip jewelry. My fave? Comes Naturally, a soft pink nude that whispers “effortless chic” (even when I’ve got 3-day-old dry shampoo in my hair). Bonus: when the gloss wears off, the liner keeps holding the fort - like Spanx, but for lips. 

✨ Deal: Get 20,000 PC Optimum points when you buy 2 participating products. (That’s enough points for… more lip kits, obviously.)  

Bed Head Ego Boost Split End Mender - 237ml - $27.47 - the summer fried my hair like a churro (note to self: buy a hat, not just SPF). Enter this leave-in which works overtime, smoothing frizz, mending split ends and generally tricking people into thinking I treat my hair better than I treat my inbox. Lightweight, soft, and smells like a fresh start. 

✨ Deal: Get 3,000 PC Optimum points when you buy 2 participating products. Plus, score a free Bed Head Masterpiece Hairspray (57g) with any Bed Head product.

 

So go forth, collect those points, perfect that pout and give your skin the fall refresh it deserves - because beauty looks even better when it comes with bonus rewards!

 

Available now until October 3 at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

 

- Lisamarie - 

Beauty Emergency: You Have 48 Hours to snag a beautiful deal (Sept 8–9 Online Only!) - and three products worth the rush from Watier, St. Tropez and Juicy Couture!

Stop everything: Shoppers Drug Mart’s online beauty sale is here September 8–9, and yes, it’s time to treat yourself!

 

For just 2 days - you could get $15 off any beauty purchase when you spend $60 or more - from skincare to makeup to fragrance, the choice is yours. 

 

Need some inspo? Here are just a few of the standout products worth snapping up before the clock runs out...

 

Watier Perfection Glow-Boosting Tinted Serum - 30ml - $62 - in a range of 14 glorious shades - this isn’t just makeup, it’s magic in a bottle - this skin-loving serum-foundation hybrid is here to turn “meh” mornings into “did you get a facial?” moments. 

It's science-y but sexy: It’s made with 98% naturally derived ingredients and fancy patented microdroplet technology (translation: your skin’s about to look filtered IRL). With a silky, lightweight formula that glides on giving you buildable light coverage that looks dewy, fresh and so smooth you'll look like a baby seal (minus the blubber) Powered by Canadian ginseng: like a double-shot latte for your skin - this natural-origin antioxidant boosts glow, energizes, and makes you look like you actually slept; along with vitis flower: a hydrating, soothing, “nothing’s-going-to-harsh-my-mellow” ingredient that protects you from the evil outside world. 

 

Why I'm obsessed: it blurs my imperfections like a soft-focus filter; it feels like I'm wearing nothing (but better); stays put all day; and leaves me with that “I drink enough water” glow (I totally don’t)!

St. Tropez Sunlit Skin Bronzing Tint + Tan - 30ml - $49 -  forget “just got back from vacation” - this is “just got back from the Amalfi Coast and my ex saw me looking radiant” energy. This genius two-in-one bronzing tint is your shortcut to instant golden-hour skin with a medium, natural-looking tan that develops fully in just 3 hours. Offers instant bronze now as well as a tan that lasts: It’s the beauty equivalent of having your cake and eating it too (which has always struck me as a stupid expression - if I have cake of course I'm going to eat it!)

 

Why I'm obsessed: it offers quick-dry, no-rinse magic (aka: no bed sheet drama); I can wear it solo for that fresh “no-makeup” glow or layer it under foundation (it looks great paired with the Watier Perfection!); and it works on every skin tone (yes, even my sickly pale face)!

Juicy Couture Just Moi Eau de Parfum - 10ml - $43, 50ml - $143, 100ml - $177 -  basically your permission slip to be that girl - the one who walks in, smells incredible, and suddenly everyone else is rethinking their life choices. It opens with lush magnolia, delicate cacao blossom and a sweet little kiss of plum nectar; the heart is crème de cacao and jasmine sambac; and it dries down into rich cacao bean, vanilla-ambrox, creamy sandalwood and warm musk - combined it will leave them thinking about you for days! 

Why I'm obsessed: it smells like confidence, with just a hint of mischief; works for day and night and the bottle is chic enough to live rent-free on my vanity!

 

Tick-Tock - don't wait on this deal - not only is it time limited there are limited quantities of the offer available so don't miss out! 

 

Use the code: ONLINEBEAUTY15 - and you can get $15 off when you spend $60 or more on select beauty online or the Shoppers Drug Mart App. Offer details at shoppersdrugmart.ca/onlinebeautyoffer

 

- Lisamarie - 

Lazy-Girl Glam: The 3 Lip Products That Make You Look Alive (Even If You’re Not) from Nivea, e.l.f. and Maybelline!

Even when I’m just bumming around the house with zero intention of seeing another human being, I always do something with my lips - just a little swipe of something hydrating and pretty. It’s the easiest way to look slightly more alive, with approximately the same amount of effort it takes to make a piece of toast. The good news? Perfectly lined lips and precision lipsticks are out - easy, swipe-and-go lip products are very in. 

 

Here are three that are permanently living in my pocket, purse, car cup holder and probably the dryer...

 

Nivea 24h Moisture Tinted Lip Balm in Strawberry Shine - 2 x 4.8g - $6.99 - meet your “no mirror required” BFF. This is lip care disguised as a cute pop of colour - think juicy, just-bitten lips that also happen to be protected from wind, cold and dry air. It smells like fresh strawberries, adds a subtle glossy shine and keeps your lips soft for 24 hours. Plus, it’s vegan, made with ethically sourced shea butter, and comes in a recyclable stick - so you can look good and feel smugly eco-friendly. It also comes in Watermelon Shine or Pearly Shine if you just want a bit of shimmer and no colour.

 

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada. 

e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil - 7.6ml - $10.99 - if a lip gloss and a serum had a very chic baby, this would be it. The giant plush applicator makes you feel like a glamorous 1950s movie star every time you swipe it on and the minty scent is fresh without being toothpaste-y. It’s non-sticky (praise be), super hydrating and gives just the right amount of sheer colour. Wear it solo for a “my lips but dewier” look or layer it over lipstick when you’re feeling extra - it comes in 16 shades - I'm partial to Princess Cut (shown) - a nude-y, rosy shade with a glimmer finish.

 

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

Maybelline Superstay Teddy Tint - 5ml - $20.99 - it's your lips but in soft-focus and slightly flirtier. It offers a blurred matte finish that somehow lasts through snacks, coffee and mild emotional crises (12 hours of wear, no transfer, no smudge). The formula is light and comfortable - not that cakey, dry matte situation we’ve all regretted - and comes in 10 buildable shades you can wear as a whispery stain or full-on bold moment. Bonus: you can dab it on your cheeks for a quick “I woke up like this” flush - shade 55 Kneehigh (shown) is absolutely perfect for doing double duty!

 

The morale of the story is: even if you’re rocking pajamas and a three-day-old messy bun, a quick swipe of any of these will convince the world you’ve got your life together - or at least your lips do!

 

- Lisamarie - 

Pink, Playful, Perfect: Inside the Barbie X Quo Beauty Collab from Shoppers Drug Mart!

Stop everything and grab your pink convertible, because Barbie X Quo Beauty have teamed up - and the result is a beautiful pink love-child! 

 

Introducing their new 23-piece collection - and it’s not just makeup, it’s a lifestyle! They've got hair accessories shinier than Ken’s six-pack, hot tools that could power the Dreamhouse, lashes that say “I don’t do subtle”, nails (real and fabulously fake - because plastic is always fantastic) and storage so chic even Skipper would stop borrowing your stuff. This collab is basically like living inside Barbie’s dream closet - minus the rent.

 

Colour cosmetics? Check. Glam accessories and storage options? Double check. Enough pink to make your ex cry? Triple check. Because let’s be real: Barbie doesn’t just wear confidence, she invented it. And now you can too - one fabulous Quo Beauty x Barbie makeover at a time. Life in plastic? Still fantastic!

 

And even though I do hate to pick favourites here are few things from the collection that I especially love...

 

Barbie X Quo Beauty Blush in Pink Passion - $14 - enriched with emollients and Vitamin E, the soft pressed powder leaves a radiant, youthful glow on any doll.Vegan and Cruelty Free. 

Barbie X Quo Beauty Powder Puff - $9 - if this fluffy fluffy puff doesn't just scream Barbie's dressing table at you, I can't help you... perfect for applying loose powders and bronzers!

Barbie X Quo Beauty Peptide Lip Tint - in two new shades: Iced Mocha and Watermelon - $13 - enriched with peptides and emollients and a sheer wash of colour and glossy shine to keep lips soft and moisturized - and the tube is decorated with an adorable Barbie charm.

Barbie X Quo Beauty Compact Dryer and Scrunchie Set - $18 - the folding handle and compact size makes it perfect to take on your next travel adventure - includes a bonus Barbie scrunchie.

 

These and much more available now exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix and select Loblaw-owned Real Canadian Superstores in Ontario and Western Canada as well as online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

 

- Lisamarie - 

Scalp savers from Flexitol, Briogeo, Ouai and CeraVe - (and one to skip from L'Oreal)!

Your scalp called - it wants in on your skincare routine! 

 

Because healthy, happy hair doesn’t start with your ends, it starts with the skin hiding under it all. We baby our faces with steps galore, but the scalp? Usually forgotten - until it’s itchy, dry, or throwing a tantrum. 

 

Sun, styling, and life in general can leave your scalp begging for some TLC and these serums are here to save the day...

 

Flexitol Scalp Relief Serum - 60ml - $15.99 - ​​moisturizing, soothing and packed with colloidal oatmeal, Canadian willowherb and menthol. Translation: instant “ahhh” for dryness and itchiness. Works on wet or dry hair, so no excuses. 

 

Love it for: the affordable price point!

Pairs well with: Flexitol Scalp Relief Shampoo & Conditioner - 210ml - $15.99 

 

Available at drugstores across Canada. 

Briogeo Scalp Revival - 100ml - $44 - rosemary, castor oil, and tea tree walk into a bottle… and your scalp walks out happy! Perfect as a pre-wash or overnight treatment, this lightweight oil nourishes thirsty strands while calming irritation for a dry, itchy scalp - no greasy residue and no awkward “tingle.”  

 

Love it for: the amazing rosemary scent! 

Pairs well with: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo - 236ml - $57 (or try it out first with the 59ml travel size for $21)! 

 

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

Ouai Scalp Serum - 60ml - $80 -  pricey, yes. Worth it? Also yes. With adaptogens, hyaluronic acid, peptides and red clover extract, it hydrates, soothes, and makes hair look thicker. It’s basically self-care in serum form.

 

Love it for: the added hair thickening bonus!

Pairs well with: Ouai Detox Shampoo - 300ml - $49 (or try it out first with the 89ml travel size for $23)!

 

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

 

Important note: a dry, itchy scalp does not necessarily mean dandruff. These serums won’t fix flakes - that’s a good dandruff shampoo’s job. Try: CeraVe Anti-Dandruff 2in1- 355ml - $15.99 - it gently removes flakes, soothes itching and restores your scalp's barrier with 1% pyrithione zinc, ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid - that cleanses, hydrates and is suitable for all hair types. 

 

I don't usually do this but here's one to skip: while sourcing products for the post I found something that I could simply NOT recommend - I had a friend complaining about the opposite problem of dryness - instead she constantly has an oily scalp so I found something that seemed like it would help - L'Oreal Hair Expertise Hyaluron Pure Oil Erasing Treatment - 102ml - $14.99 - Claims: oil-free roots for 72 hours. Reality (per my friend): made her scalp and roots greasier than a drive-thru fry basket. She gave up and embraced hats. You should too - at least before wasting your money buying this...

 

Bottom line: treat your scalp like the VIP of your haircare routine. Feed it, soothe it, hydrate it - and it’ll repay you with good hair days (and fewer hat days).

 

- Lisamarie - 

Supplement your health and beauty with Orange Naturals, Vega and Great Lakes Wellness!

When it comes to looking and feeling your best, there’s no one-size-fits-all magic potion (damn) - but there are inside-out wellness boosters that will keep you glowing, strong and ready for whatever your day (or workout) throws at you. From skin-plumping hydration, to muscle-fueling protein, to collagen that supports you head-to-toe, these three picks have you covered:

 

Orange Naturals Hya Skin For Hydration - 30 pills - $28.99 - locks in moisture with hyaluronate + biotin, silicon, lysine & C. 

 

Think of this as your skin’s personal water bottle - except instead of sipping, you’re popping one pill and letting the hydration magic happen from the inside out. Packed with hyaluronate (a smaller, speedier version of hyaluronic acid), this formula dives deep beneath the skin’s surface to plump, smooth and get collagen production humming.  As well, it contains beauty VIPs like biotin, silicon, L-lysine, and vitamin C - because your skin deserves an entourage. 

 

You may ask - why bother? As we age, our natural supply of hyaluronic acid takes a nosedive, leaving skin looking dry, fine-lined, and a little “meh.” Hyaluronate can slip past that top layer, lock in moisture below, and help build the kind of healthy, bouncy skin that just glows. 

 

As an added bonus: hydrated skin isn’t just pretty - it’s tougher, too. It’s your body’s first line of defense against everyday germs, cuts and cracks. And because this blend also promotes collagen, it’s working on firmness, hair, and nails while it’s at it. 

 

Glow up, drink up… just skip the straw and go straight for Hya Skin - it doesn't get any easier then taking a pill for great looking skin!

 

Available at Fortinos and Healthy Planet stores across Canada and online at orangenaturals.com and amazon.ca.

Vega Performance Protein + Creatine Powder - 864g - $49.99 - in vanilla or chocolate flavours - helps build lean muscle, boost strength and power and recover faster.

 

Your new gym buddy doesn’t spot you, but it will help you crush your workouts. With 30g of plant-based protein, 3g of creatine monohydrate, and 5g of BCAAs, this powerhouse blend fuels muscle growth, speeds recovery and keeps you ready to lift, sprint and flex on repeat. 

 

Why it works: Protein + Creatine = Dream Team - protein builds muscle while creatine powers them up. Together, they support lean mass, recovery and the kind of workout performance that makes you want to add “beast mode” to your resume. 

 

And if you are as unfamiliar with creatine as I was - it boosts ATP production (aka your body’s fast fuel) so you can push harder during those short, intense bursts. Think extra reps, extra weight, extra glory. 

And it also helps reduce muscle damage and inflammation so you bounce back faster between sessions. 

 

Since I clearly don't lift anything heavier then a mascara wand I had my husband test it out - he added a scoop to his daily smoothie and assured me that he "made gains" in his weightlifting routine - I don't know what that means exactly, but I am pretty sure it's a positive thing. He said that the powder mixes smoothly and doesn't clump but he prefers the chocolate flavour to the vanilla - he found the vanilla flavour very strong and it drowned out the taste of any other ingredients added.

 

As well all the formulas are free of dairy, lactose, sugar, alcohols and artificial fillers. 

 

Go ahead - fuel up, lift heavy, and let Vega Protein + Creatine be your “I can totally do one more rep” insurance policy!

 

Available at various retailers across Canada go to myvega.ca to locate one or to order online. 

Great Lakes Wellness Sustainable Marine Collagen Powder - 227g - $29.99 - an easy wellness boost that supports the 5 signs of aging well: skin, hair, nails, joints and digestion.

 

Your morning coffee just got an anti-aging side hustle. This MSC Certified marine collagen is sustainably sourced from 100% wild-caught whitefish, dissolves faster than gossip and disappears into your drink without a smell, taste or suspicious clumps - no lumps, no fishy vibes, just silky-smooth sipping.

 

Every scoop delivers 12g of hydrolyzed collagen to help keep you looking and feeling great.. Whether you’re chasing glow, smoother moves, or nails that double as mini weapons (in a good way), this clean, high-quality blend has your back. I was a little skeptical having taken Omegas (which are made from fish oils and aren't supposed to taste fishy - they are!) in the past in a liquid form and could not stomach it. A scoop of this in my morning juice disappears like magic and it really adds no change of taste or texture to my drink - genius!

 

It also has all the clean creds: Keto, Paleo, Kosher, Non-GMO tested, glyphosate-free, and preservative-free. Mix it into coffee, tea, smoothies or any recipe you fancy. Honestly, you won’t taste it - but you’ll definitely notice the difference. If you don't like the marine vibe it is also available in a grass-fed bovine formula,  glow on, gorgeous!

 

Available online at greatlakeswellness.com.

 

- Lisamarie - 

Bridal Beauty Blunders: A Cautionary Tale - with much better alternatives from Vivier, Kylie Cosmetics and Sensodyne!

Is it just me, or is there something shamefully wonderful about reading online wedding beauty disaster stories? You know the ones - botched brows, last-minute lip fillers gone rogue, a “refreshing” facial that leaves the bride looking like she’s been stung by bees. I feel bad, I really do… but also, I kind of live for them!

 

We're in the heart of wedding season, which means the internet is flooded with stories of brides who just had to try something new right before the big day. So let’s make a pact: don’t do anything drastic before your wedding - especially to your face. Choose the right partner, wear the perfect dress and keep your skincare in its lane. Because those photos? Yep, they’ll be around forever! 

 

Here are three beauty swaps to keep you looking radiant and still totally recognizable as yourself:

 

Microdermabrasion? - Nope.

Gentle scrub? - Yes please! 

Try: Vivier Vitamin C Scrub - 150ml - $60

 

This face and body scrub is your pre-wedding glow-up hero - minus the trauma. It gently buffs away dullness, thanks to biodegradable beads (mother earth says thanks) and adds a dose of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to calm, brighten and hydrate. Translation: you’ll look fresh and smooth, not frazzled. It will also create the perfect base for your wedding makeup!

 

Available at spas and derm offices across Canada and online at vivierskin.ca. And elbows up, it's a Canadian brand!

Lip Fillers? We're begging you - no!

Plumping Lip Products? Always!

Try: Kylie Cosmetics Plumping Powder Matte Lip - $30 - in 6 shades of puffed-up pout perfection: Chocolate Teddy - brown; Craving Cherry - deep blue-red; Girls Girl - warm pink nude (shown in pic - an excellent wedding shade that screams "I do"); Nude Mood - light peachy nude; Special Energy - warm nude; Sweet Talk - deep warm berry

 

This is the bridal go-to lip product you'll want for creating a plump pout with a lightweight, high pigment,  matte finish. It smooths lines, doesn’t feather, blurs like a filter and lasts 12 hours, even through all those champagne toasts and awkward aunt kisses. And it has a secret weapon ingredient - Hot Flux - that plumps without pain (or regret). 

 

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

Extreme teeth whitening? Nah.

Teeth brightening that won't make you weep? Definitely.

Try:  Sensodyne Clinical White Toothpaste - 75ml - $10.99  

 

It whitens by up to 2 shades and protects sensitive teeth 24/7 - so you’re not wincing every time you smile. The triple action formula contains clinically proven whitening ingredients that whiten, polish and help protect teeth from future stains. Safe for enamel, great for your breath and approved by dentists everywhere. In other words: it’s just what your teeth need to get wedding-photo ready!

 

Available at drugstores across Canada.

 

The moral of the story of course is save the big beauty experiments for after the honeymoon. Stick with tried-and-true glow-getters, plumpers and polishers, and you’ll walk down the aisle looking like the best version of you - not the victim from a cautionary IG story!

 

- Lisamarie -