This week I'm obsessed with... IDC Hydra-Seal Integral Hydrating Cream!

When the weather gets colder I always feel like I have to give up all the great benefits of my summer serums for something more intense and hydrating - but not any longer thanks to:

IDC Hydra-Seal Integral Hydrating Cream - 50ml - $48.50 - with triple-level hydration that helps to lock in moisture, maximizing the effectiveness of other products used and provides a moisture barrier that protects skin against external aggressors and helps preserve the softness and suppleness of skin.

This moisturizer features ingredients that work in synergy including: squalane - a plant-based ingredient that retains water molecules in the skin to help combat dehydration and skin aging thanks to its antioxidants; abyssine - an ingredient derived from a micro-organism that lives in the depths of the ocean and possesses outstanding adaptation and survival skills. It acts as a seal, increasing the natural defenses of the skin and maximizing the efficiency of skincare products; and shea butter - a plant-based ingredient from the fruit of African shea trees recognized for its nourishing, emollient properties and used to help deeply moisturize skin.

I really do feel badly for how much trouble you might have getting your hands on it - normally I would tell you to check out Shoppers Drug Mart for your IDC products but this one seems to have been discontinued since I got it last year - I'm still seeing it at some other online stores though so I am going now to snag myself another one before they disappear forever!

- Lisamarie -

Layer your way to total sun protection with Vichy, Coppertone, IDC and Prevage!

The biggest mistakes most people made when applying sunscreen is either not applying enough or missing spots - an easy fix - just use a couple of different products and layer! The lotion will help add moisture which the sun loves to strip away and the spray will fill in any missed or hard to reach areas! My go-to combo right now:

Vichy Ideal Soleil Sport Ultra Light Refreshing Lotion SPF 60 - 200ml - $29.95 - with a light refreshing formula perfect for active people - not only does it protect them from UVA and UVB rays, it's resistant to water and sweat for over 80 minutes! And to make life even easier, it can be applied directly to wet or dry skin and absorbs quickly without leaving any white traces.

Available at drugstores across Canada and online at vichy.ca.

Coppertone Clearly Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 - 142g - $9.97 - with a lightweight, moisturizing matte formula that feels lightweight on the skin, won't clog pores and a has fresh, clean scent - provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage and is water resistant for 80 minutes.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

As for the face, if you have dry skin and need to wear a moisturizer under your sunscreen anyhow, use one with an SPF - there is no harm is doubling up on it and chances are, you aren't wearing enough sun protection anyhow so this way you will be entirely covered! If you are oily/combo skinned you probably don't need both so make sure you really slather on the one you do use!

Here's a great duo and what's interesting about both of them is that they aren't just offering protecting from sun damage but also the aging effects of pollution - ongoing exposure contributes to skin’s lack of oxygen, loss of moisture and compromised natural anti-oxidizing actions - with visible signs that may include dullness, dryness, greater sensitivity and intensification of fine lines - which means yes, there is now something new to worry about!

IDC + Hydra UV Protect Anti-Pollution Moisturizing Cream SPF 30 - 50ml - $50.99 - the power of intense hydration comes together with natural mineral sun filters and an anti-pollution complex to protect skin from UV rays and a variety of pollutants including desert gold (jojoba) extract - quickly penetrates the skin, where it intensely hydrates and nourishes to help restore evenness and radiance resulting is soft, silky, protecting skin.

Available now at beautyboutique.ca.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 Lotion - 40ml - $85 - with a sheer, hydrating, invisible formula that offers a new level of skincare defense by combining pollution and UV protection with a DNA Enzyme Complex to strengthen skin and support natural repair systems, protect against skin dulling pollutants with smart polymers that form an invisible skin shield and defend against 98% of harmful UVB rays with a broad spectrum formula containing 100% micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide -and a powerful antioxidant blend - to  maintain optimal skin health and visibly improve skin's condition to help it look  younger, longer.
Available now at Elizabeth Arden counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Discover 3 ways to perfectly cleansed skin from IDC!

IDC Integral Moisturizing Micellar Cleansing Milk and Makeup Remover - 200ml - $25.99 - offers all the benefits of micellar technology with a creamy texture in a clever, multi-tasking 4-in-1 formula that  gently cleanses, removes all traces of makeup from the face, eyes and lips, hydrates and soothes while  protecting it with its anti-pollution action. 

The 100% natural oat complex calms even the most sensitive skin, while an innovative cosmetic ingredient derived from algae found in French Polynesia delivers protection and restores glow to the complexion.


IDC Perle Purifying Cleansing Gel - 100ml - $25.99 - with a 4-in-1 sensitive skin formula that cleanses, removes makeup from the face, eyes and lips, purifies skin and protects it from external aggressors. 

Formulated with natural milled pearl extracts, it removes impurities embedded deep within the pores and delivers gentle micro-exfoliating action with every use while linseed extract protects skin and increases its hydration by strengthening the cutaneous barrier. 

And my new favourite that I use a few times a week after either cleanser:

IDC Trilogy Triple Exfoliation Mask - 40ml - $29.99 - delivers three types of exfoliation in one formula: chemical (AHA) from a combination of fruit and floral acids - stimulates epidermal cell renewal while releasing dead cells and removing excess oil, enzymatic from marine micro-organisms  - relies on enzymes that promote the shedding of skin cells to real new layers of healthy skin; and mechanical with bamboo beads - unclogs pores and completes the process of eliminating dead cells and eliminating all remaining traces of impurities.

Available now at beautyboutique.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Mornings made easy with IDC Regen Express Perfection!

IDC (Integral Dermo Correction) Regen Express Perfection - 30ml - $59.95 - a tinted multi-benefit moisturizer for that face, eyes and neck that combines correction, hydration, protection and coverage in a single, easy step - so you can say goodbye to your concealer, pressed powder and foundation and save time every morning.
 
With multi benefits that help target different areas to achieve different results. For the face it helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, firmness, evenness, radiance and hydration; for the eyes it helps improve wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles and firmness; and for the neck it helps with wrinkles, firmness and dark spots.

Formulated with patented REGEN-16 technology -  composed with beneficial ingredients that work on the signs of chronological aging; Matlake Opa - a natural, soft-focus pigment derived from opal that helps deliver correction by scattering light to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, diminish shine and make skin flaws less visible; Photolite - a smart photochromic pigment capable of adapting colour to surrounding light, for a natural-looking complexion in winter and summer, both day and night; and  100% mineral sun filter SPF 15 sun protection that helps provide broad spectrum coverage from UVA+UVB rays.

There are a few things to really love about this product, not the least of which is it will save you a ton of time in the morning by not having to slather on multiple products! If you have oily to combination skin you really won't need to use another moisturizer although dry skins might need a bit more of a boost. The tint self-adjusts for light to medium skin tones (but won't work on darker skin). And I really love that it's made in Canada! The only downside is the SPF15 which isn't nearly enough protection - but this small issue can easily be solved with a layer of another IDC product - IDC SPF 50 Facial Sun Protection Creme - 50ml - $29.50 - a water-resistant, hypoallergenic cream that protects skin without clogging the pores that is fragrance, aluminum and paraben free.

Available now at beautyboutique.ca and theshoppingchannel.com.

- Lisamarie -