Great Gifting - Life Brand Charcoal Skincare Collection

If mask wearing is playing havoc with your skin too? Charcoal might be just the ingredient your skin is longing for! Check out this Life Brand collection that gives you a chance to try out a bunch of charcoal based cleansers and masks - and at a price so affordable, you'll want to pick up extras to stuff the stockings of everyone you know!

 

Life Brand Charcoal Skincare Collection - $14.99 - a revitalizing collection of skincare products formulated with charcoal that help promote a renewed, refreshed complexion - including:

Charcoal Facial Cleanser - 200ml - a gel-like cleanser formulated with charcoal powder to deeply cleanse skin, removing oil, dirt and makeup and reducing the appearance of pores to leave skin looking and feeling soft and smooth;

Purifying Facial Cleansing Wipes - 25 pre-moistened wipes with charcoal that gently cleanse face to remove all traces of impurities including dirt, oil and makeup;

Detoxifying Bubbling Mud Face Mask - 15ml -  infused with bamboo charcoal powder and tea tree oil to help detoxify skin by removing excess oils and deep cleansing pores - the fun thing about it though is that it bubbles when applied, creating an oxygenating foam layer on the skin;

Detoxifying Mud Face Mask - 15ml - infused with activated charcoal and ivy extract in a deep cleansing formula to help protect the skin's moisture barrier by removing unwanted impurities from the skin;

Purifying Bubbling Facial Sheet Mask - infused with charcoal and witch hazel to improve appearance of pores and lifts away impurities with a unique gel texture that transforms into foamy bubbles (!) when applied;

Purifying Facial Sheet Mask - formulated with Japanese Binchotan white charcoal from the ubame oak tree to help absorb excess oil and impurities and sage oil to help skin fee fresh and clean;

and also includes a bonus headband to really help out with the spa experience!

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -

Lip protection made easy with Blistex, Shiseido and Life Brand!

Blistex Superfruit Soother Lip Balm SPF 15 - $3.99 - chock full of antioxidants and fatty acids to ensure lips stay healthy and moisturized, especially when the weather starts to turn with a blend of cloudberry and acai berries, providing lips with a nourishing combination of vitamins C and E, helping to protect and revive damaged lips along with SPF 15 to protect lips from harsh UV rays and a hint of mint to soothe.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Shiseido UV Lip Color Splash Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - $30 - in 4 shades: Miami Pink, Nairobi Orange, Tahiti Blue, Uluru Red - soothes chapped or rough lips and protects against dryness with a moisturizing wash of fresh, transparent colour, clear defense technology for a high level of UV protection, safflower oil to moisturize, comfortable, makeup-like texture with no uncomfortable fragrance or taste. With its high transparency, the product shows clear color and shine and when under light, the glow becomes brighter, and creates fresher looking lips that are perfect for the outdoors.

Available at Shiseido counters across Canada.

Life Brand Moisturizing Hydrogel Lip Mask - 2 masks - $4.99 - helps rehydrate dry lips with a formula infused with a blend of vitamin E, collagen and berry extracts to help leave lips softened and refreshed.

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

- Lisamarie -

Dry hand must haves from Korres, Jowae and Life Brand!

Korres Pure Greek Olive Blossom Hand Cream - 75ml - $20.50 - a non-greasy lotion that saturates the skin with moisture to soothe dry, cracked hands in an instant with a fortifying formula containing: cretan olive oil - naturally rich in fatty acids and full of Vitamins A & E; almond oil - to smooth; calendula oil - to heal, soothe and moisturize; shea butter - to moisutrize and restore skin  elasticity; vitamin E - to protect skin from environmental and oxidative damage; and aloe vera - with a light fresh scent.

Jowae Hand & Nail Nourishing Cream - 50ml - $10 - dry and damaged hands with love this rich and creamy 96% natural origin formula containing protective antioxidant lumiphénols, camellia oil, shea butter and nourishing coconut oil - leaving skin soft, moisturized and silky - lightly scented with freesia, magnolia and water musk.

After a long day out in the cold slip your hands into these for instant nourishment:

Life Brand Nourishing Hand Mask - 1 pair - $4.99 - specially formulated with intensely moisturizing ingredients - shea butter, avocado oil, jojoba oil and sweet almond oil - which help to reverse the effects of dryness and leave hands feeling beautiful and silky smooth in just 20 minutes.

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

- Lisamarie -

Eye Love Wednesday - Life Brand Brightening Hydrogel Eye Masks

Life Brand Brightening Hydrogel Eye Masks - 2 pairs - $4.99 - Specially formulated with gold and sodium hyaluronate to help brighten and restore the skin's natural barrier through hydration.

They're easy to use just apply to a clean, dry under-eye area, leave on for 10-15 minutes, gently peel off and massage in any excess product. For an extra cooling treat on hot summer days chill for 1 hour before use and look forward to eyes that look radiant and refreshed.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Purify and detoxify summer skin with a mask from Neutrogena, Life Brand and Montagne Jeunesse!

Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying 100% Hydrogel Mask - 30g - $3.99 - instantly hydrates and  refreshes skin with something so not your typical paper mask: it has 100% hydrogel material with seaweed extract that contains 50% more essence than ordinary paper masks, contours to the skin and seals in the formula for optimal absorption leaving skin purified with a healthy glow.

It's easy to use, just apply the gel mask to your face and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Remove the mask and massage remaining product into face and neck, then rinse with water.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Life Brand Detoxifying Mud Mask - 15ml - $1.99 - with a paraben formula containing a special blend of minerals and herbal extracts including Montmorillonite clay, charcoal and ivy extract to detoxify and purify skin.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

Montagne Jeunesse 7th Heaven Charcoal + Black Sugar Peel Off Mask - 10ml - $1.99 - with  cleansing purified activated Charcoal to draw out deep down dirt and impurities mixed with a spoonful of black sugar to revitalise, hydrate and smooth skin along with witch hazel to soothe for glowing skin that feels squeaky clean and sensationally soft.

Available at select Brunet, Familiprix, Guardian, IDA, Jean Coutu, Lawtons Drugs, Pharma Choice, Pharma Plus, Pharmasave, Rexall, Uniprix and Value Drug Mart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Life Brand Micellar Water!

Life Brand Micellar Water - 400ml - $9.99 - with a gentle formula that lifts away oil, dirt and makeup without over-drying skin - and it doesn't need to be rinsed off making it great for all skin types, even sensitive!

I've been using it as a first step before my Clarisonic - I use the water to wipe off grime and makeup to keep it from gunking up the the brush so I get a better clean!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Needful Things - Life Brand Exfoliating Foot Mask

Curious about foot masks but haven't been able to stomach the thought of paying $15 for them? Here's a much more budget friendly option:

Life Brand Exfoliating Foot Mask - 1 pair - $5 - with AHA, salicylic acid lime caviar and citrus extracts to help remove dead skin cells, revealing a new layer of skin for improved texture along with peppermint oil and sugar cane to revitalize - leaving feet soft, revitalized and refreshed.

If you haven't yet had the disgusting fun of them, they're easy to use: just slip on the plastic socks, add the liquid packet and chill for 15-20 minutes, then remove socks and rinse feet well with lukewarm water.

Approximately 3-7 days after use your feet will start to peel and can continue for 3-5 days - the hardest part will be resisting the urge to pull at the dead skin yourself - you are supposed to let it naturally fall off!

My best tips - put a pair of cotton socks over the plastic booties to keep them snugly on, the adhesive strips don't do a great job and don't moisturize your feet during the peeling phase - you don't want anything to interfere with the exfoliating!

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

You're 3 steps closer to clear skin with Neutrogena, Life Brand and NeoStrata!

In these hot summer months breakouts can be even more of a problem which is why you need a good acne treatment regime - to be really effective, it should involve several steps including the removal of excess oil from the skin, the unblocking of clogged pores and treatment of the bacteria associated with acne - there's a delicate balance though of doing all of that without drying out the skin - so here's are a few trios that will help clear you up the right way:

Neutrogena Rapid Clean Stubborn Acne Solution Kit - $29.99 - a 3-step regimen to actively and effectively fight size, redness and number of acne breakouts for visible results in just 4-hours. The set includes:  

Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser - 125ml - a refreshing facial cleanser that lathers into a rich, creamy foam that quickly dissolves pore clogging dirt, makeup and oil without over drying  for skin that feels clean and fresh and appears shine-free for hours.

Rapid Clear  Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask - 56ml - with a gel formula that vanishes instantly into skin, allowing acne medicine to absorb deep down, killing acne-causing bacteria and keeps working all day to fight both current breakouts and the acne forming under the surface of the  skin. When used daily, it helps keep breakouts away to control stubborn acne, all without over-drying skin. Unlike traditional masks, this is not a wash off - instead, it stays on the skin, allowing the acne medicine to work hard hour after hour. It also dries clear so it can be used under moisturizer or makeup. 

Moisture Oil-Free Sensitive Skin Lotion - 120ml - a lightweight, water-based, alcohol-free  moisturizer that vanishes into skin providing gentle yet effective moisturization for even the most sensitive skin without leaving it greasy or shiny.

Available now at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

Life Brand Clear Action Active Anti-Acne Treatment Kit - $19.99 - a 3-step acne system that targets the root causes of acne: oil production, bacteria and dead skin cell build-up.

Step 1: Renewal Cleanser - 118ml - gently removes dirt, oil and dead skin cells, while preventing and killing acne bacteria to leave skin without over-drying it.

Step 2: Revitalizing Toner - 118ml - cleans, conditions, and rejuvenates skin with an alcohol-free formula containing witch hazel, aloe vera and chamomile to restore skin's natural balance. 

Step 3: Repairing Treatment - 59ml - with benzoyl peroxide that fights acne and penetrates pores to control acne pimples - treating active breakouts and preventing future ones.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

NeoStrata Acne Clear Clarifying Gel Cleanser - 200ml - $24.50 - with 2% salicylic acid, it deep cleanses and penetrates pores to wash away bacteria, oil and impurities, unclog pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, dry and help clear up acne pimples, while soothing skin.

NeoStrata Acne Clear Clarifying Solution - 200ml - $29.50 - highly concentrated in glycolic acid and salicylic acid to unclog pores, dry and help clear up acne pimples to leave skin even more exfoliated and clear.

NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal 10% Smoothing Lotion - 50ml - $42 - the perfect daily oil-free moisturizing lotion for combination to oily skin that features 10% glycolic acid to hydrate and  exfoliate the dead cells on skin’s surface while maximizing skin renewal - to help reveal a smoother, even, more radiant and visibly younger looking skin.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Also keep in mind that acne treatments can make the skin sensitive so make sure you don't forget the sunscreen - go for  a non-comedogenic one with full-spectrum UVA and UVB of at least SPF 30 - like this one:


Avon Sun + Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 40 - 88ml - $9.99 - a lightweight lotion with an oil-free formula that absorbs quickly and is water-resistant for 80 minutes.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Solving problems one sheet mask at a time with St. Tropez, NeoStrata and Life Brand!

Sheet masks are the perfect way to get all the benefits of a mask without the mess of traditional formulas - instead of goopy mess out of a tube, all the benefits are packed into a paper or cloth sheet that is applied to the face and whatever is left over after your 5-15 minutes just gets rubbed into your skin (don't forget your neck and décolletage) and your good to go! Here are a few must haves:

Need some glow?

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Face Sheet Mask - 1 mask - $10 - with a fast-acting formula that fuses hyaluronic acid and self-tanner to instantly revitalize your complexion with an ultra-hydrating dewy glow that develops into a long-lasting golden tan. The mask has been designed to work with the face’s natural contours, and the fibers ensure that it doesn’t slip resulting in a streak-free, even finish. What's really great about this mask is your ability to control the colour level: leave on 5 minutes for light colour; 10 minutes for a medium glow; and 15 minutes for dark bronzed beauty!

A few tips for a better experience: apply a non-oil based moisturizer around hairline to prevent the tanner from discolouring your hair (especially if your hair is light); make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and lots of soap after applying the mask and blending; and if your skin has any areas of severe dry skin, dark pigmentation or areas of enlarged pores, blend a little moisturizer over top to help even things out.

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

Skin dry and/or dehydrated?

NeoStrata Hydrating & Plumping Sheet Mask - 1 mask - $8.50 - provides fast-acting relief for dehydrated skin. Featuring 0.15% pure hyaluronic acid, as well as a blend of botanicals, to fully rehydrate the skin and replenish its moisture barrier, while also enhancing its protection against external aggressions. On a plane ride with a seat mate that won't shut up? Slap this baby on and not only will buddy leave you alone, you will deplane without the usual parched skin caused by dry cabin air.

Available now at drugstores across Canada.

Need a deep clean?


Life Brand Deep Cleansing Facial Sheet Mask - 1 mask - $1.99 - with rose oil, cherry blossom and other botanical ingredients infused into a sheet mask to remove impurities, revealing a brighter, youthful complexion and leaving skin feeling hydrated, soothed and cleansed. Skin actually feels so clean after using you will really notice how much quicker and easier your usual skin products will soak in!

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Cleanse deep with charcoal wonders from Mary Kay, Life Brand and Clinique!

Mary Kay ClearProof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask - 114g - $26 - with a triple-action formula containing activated charcoal that acts like a magnet to unclog pores, instantly absorb excess oil and reduce shine for skin that looks clearer after use. It has a gentle cooling sensation on the skin and smell great with extracts of rosemary and peppermint that deliver a fresh scent to awaken your senses.

Available now through your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant - if you don't have one you can find one at - www.marykay.ca or 1-866-455-5454.

Life Brand Charcoal Nose Strips - 6 strips - $8.99 - a one-step cleansing treatment specifically designed to degunkify pores and quickly remove unwanted blackheads thanks to the charcoal containing strip which bonds instantly to dirt and oil, unclogging the pores. Also available as a 14 strip Face & Nose Strips Duo Pack for $13.99.

I love a pore strip and these ones do a great job but I will admit that I feel great satisfaction in seeing all the gross gunk that that comes out of my pores and with these dark coloured strips, that impact is gone!

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Charcoal Mask - 100ml - $33 -  with an oil-free formula that absorbs oil, impurities, and environmental pollutants to help detoxify skin for a clear, refreshed complexion. Charcoal powder draws out deep-seated debris to purify pores, while mineral clays soak up excess oil to leave skin feeling renewed and smooth with noticeably refined pores.

Available at Clinique counters across Canada including Hudson's Bay and select Shoppers Drug Mart locations.

- Lisamarie -

Lifting and firming for the face with RoC, StriVectin and Life Brand!

Roc Pro-Define Anti-Sagging Firming Fluid - 40ml - $49 - a light fluid that helps tighten and enhance skin's firmness through boosting elastin production to restore skin tone and elasticity levels. Contains THPE and bugrane - to influence the visible effect of elastin levels in the skin, helping th hold and tighten the skin; shea butter - to provide comforting moisture; zinc gluconate - to promote healthy looking skin and visibly reduce skin imperfections; copper gluconate - enhances visible effect of fibroblasts responsible for collagen synthesis; magnesium aspertate - acts as a skin conditioner that aids inthe absorption of other minerals; and ononis spinosa - helps reduce the appearance of inflammation, calming the skin. To leave skin looking tightened, contracted, toned and lifted with a soft, velvet surface.

Works great under your regular moisturizer or it also comes in a cream format that dry skins will especially enjoy.

Available now at drugstores across Canada.

StriVectin-TL Tightening Face Cream - 50ml - $99 - instantly tightens skin and improves tone and texture with cumingil leaf extract, pullulan and sorghum; an exclusive blend of peptides and algae extract stimulates collagen and elastin in the long-term to fortify and firm the skin's foundation; while NIA-114 offers on-going benefits by strengthening the skin's barrier to tighten its hold on improved collagen and help regain skin's lift and contour. Week by week, skin is firmed and lifted while texture and skin tone is improved.

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

Life Brand Eye Lifting Serum - 15ml - $25.99 - a hydrating and firming serum designed to smooth and brighten the skin around the eye area and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

Eye Love Wednesday - wake eyes up with Vichy, Avon Anew and Life!

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Awakening Eye Balm - 15ml - $36 - offers long-lasting hydration and instant freshness to the delicate skin around the eye area that is showing signs of dehydration, looking tired and dull  thanks to an association of sugars, Hyaluronic Acid + Aquabioryl +  Carragheenans along with caffeine, which for optimal moisture to smooth the look of dehydration lines for skin that is plumped and hydrated.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Avon Anew Vitale Eye Gel Cream - 15g - $30 - a hydrating gel cream formulated with ProEnergy Complex - to strengthen skin's foundation and reduce the damage that can lead to puffiness - helping skin look energized and fighting the signs of fatigue in the eye area. Skin immediately looks brighter and over time, the appearance of fine lines, dullness and fatigue virtually disappears.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

Life Brand Moisturizing Eye Roller - 15ml - $16.99 - with a non-irritating formula that contains caffeine and pro-vitamin B5 to help decrease the appearance of under-eye puffiness and dark circles leaving the eye area looking brighter and feeling moisturized. And if you have extreme puffiness, throw it in the fridge for 10 minutes before using - it will get rid of the puff and feel amazing!

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

After sun saviours from Bioderma, Sun Bum and Life!

Bioderma Photoderm Refreshing After-Sun Milk - 200ml - $23.95 - soothes and moisturizes skin after sun exposure to help preserve the perfect level of moisture in the epidermis and protect from risks of cellular damage to combat premature aging and restore the skin's original softness and suppleness - as an added bonus, it even helps prolong your tan.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Spray - 177ml - $16.49 - a continuous spray dry touch body oil enriched with soothing and cooling aloe vera, cucumber extract and vitamin E making it perfect for sunburn, chafing, skin peeling, windburn, itchiness and dry and dehydrated skin - to help restore and protect skin after exposure to the sun and other outdoor elements to leave skin feeling silky smooth.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Life Brand After Sun Aloe Vera Gel - 470ml - $7.49 - soothes and cools skin while protecting against the drying effects of the sun. Relieves itching due to dry skin and replenishes skin moisture making it great for softening and nourishing skin.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

Oily, acne-prone skin will love charcoal based products from Washbeautyco., Biore and Life!

Washbeautyco. Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Sponge - $14 - a simple to use, 100% pure konjac root fibre sponge packed with minerals and antioxidants that gently cleanses and exfoliates (even extremely sensitive) oily and acne-prone skin by sucking up daily impurities like dirt, blackheads and excess oil without stripping skin of essential moisture - leaving better, balanced, more radiant skin behind.

Available at Trade Secrets and online at www.washbeauty.com.

Biore Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips - 8 strips - $9.99 - cleanse pores while reducing oil for a full 24 hours, and absorbing it so you’ll see 3x less oil with the power of natural charcoal - along with proprietary c-bond technology, this powerful formula removes weeks’ worth of buildup and refines pores to diminish their appearance over time.

And while you're at it, check out the Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar - $9.99 - perfect
for the face or body - it draws out and binds to deep down dirt and oil for 2.5x cleaner pores than a basic cleanser. With a dual action formula equipped with jojoba beads and peppermint that gently exfoliates to remove dirt and oil and provide a tingly sensation, leaving skin feeling refreshed and smooth.

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Life Brand Charcoal Peel-Off Mask - 150ml - $6.99 - helps reduce the appearance of pores with activated charcoal powder - a detoxifying ingredient with deep cleansing and absorption properties - drawing oil, dirt and bacteria from the skin to help unclog pores and maintain a clear complexion.

And if your pores want even more Life Brand charcoal love, there is also a single use Detoxifying French Clay Face Mask - 15ml - $1.99, Charcoal Nose Strips - 6 strips - $8.99 and Charcoal Facial Cleanser - 200ml  - $6.99.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

Itchy skin gets relief from Avon, Life and Aveeno!

Avon Moisture Therapy Calming Relief Anti-Itch Spray Lotion - 60ml - $10 - infused with collodial oatmeal and menthol for calming, temporary relief of dry, itchy and painful skin.

Available now from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

Life Brand Skin Relieving Moisturizing Lotion - 354ml - $9.99 - specially formulated with shea butter and oat essence to protect and relieve itchy, dry skin with moisturizing that nourishes extra dry skin on contact and lasts all day - to help prevent and temporarily protect chapped, chafed and cracked skin.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment - 8 x 42g - $13.99 - contains 100% pure natural colloidal oatmeal milled into an ultra-fine powder - which when dispersed in water, forms a soothing milky bath that works as a natural cleanser to provide temporary skin protection and relieve irritation and itching due to poison ivy/oak/sumac, rashes, insect bites, and eczema as well as soothing prickly heat, chicken pox, hives or sunburn. It's soap and fragrance free making it gentle enough even for sensitive skin.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

After the sun with Life Brand, Avon and Mary Kay!

Even if you wear your sun protection (and especially if you don't), sun, wind and surf can still play havoc with your skin, leaving it feeling dry and uncomfortable. These skin helpers will rehydrate, relieve and refresh, leaving your ready for more fun in the sun:

Life Brand After Sun Aloe - 470ml - $7.49 - cools and soothes skin and protects against the drying effects of the sun while relieving itching due to dry skin and replenishing skin moisture. Perfect for summer and using year round for softening and nourishing skin. Also available in a 150ml size for $3.49.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Avon Sun + Cooling After Sun Aloe Gel - 250ml - $7.99 - a lightweight, non-sticky, oil-free, after sun cooling gel with aloe vera to moisturize the skin.

Available from your Avon rep- 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

Mary Kay Sun Care After-Sun Replenishing Gel - 192ml - $16 - an ultra-light, oil-free, cooling gel suitable for all skin types which contains soothing botanical extracts including: camellia sinensis leaf extract, rhodiola rosea root extract and vanilla tahitensis fruit extract which help skin feel hydrated, smooth and refreshed following sun and wind exposure.

Only available for a little bit longer - until June 15th - so get on the horn to your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant right away - if you don't have one you can locate one at - www.marykay.ca or 1-866-455-5454.

If you've missed any of the other posts in our CDA National Sun Awareness Week series, be sure to check out:

Monday's post on lightweight sunscreen options! 

Tuesday's post on great SPF 40+ options! 

Wednesday's post on spraying your way to sun protection!

Thursday's post on double duty moisturizer/sunscreen options!

Thursday's Prevent and Protect contest from SkinCeuticals!

Friday's post on out of the ordinary sunscreen texture options! 

- Lisamarie -

Life (and sunscreen) begin at 40 (SPF) with Alyria, Aveeno, Life Brand and Avon!

Today for CDA National Sun Awareness Week we investigate the wonderful and confusing world of sun protection factor, otherwise known as SPF - numbers that were introduced in the 60's to measure a sunscreen's effect against UVB rays.

To determine a sunscreen's SPF scientists measure the amount of UV rays it takes a test group to burn without sunscreen. Then they redo the test with sunscreen. The "with sunscreen" number is divided by the "without sunscreen" number, and the result is rounded down to the nearest five. This is the SPF.

For example, if you burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure, an SPF of 30 will allow you to be in the sun for up to 300 minutes without burning. This of course is assuming that you apply enough sunscreen to begin with which most people don't... an ice cream scoop amount is what you should be using for proper coverage!

If you burn after 10 minutes, these sunscreens will allow you 400-450 minutes of sun exposure:

Alyria Sunscreen Lotion - 75g - $57 - with physical sunscreens - zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and botanical extracts - buriti fruit oil - helps nourish, moisturize and repair, rosemary extract - an anti-inflamatory and Vitamin E - helps protect and repair skin at a cellular level - which combined protect skin from the multiple harmful effects of the sun. In a formula that contains tiny micronized particles that are easily absorbed and allow for transparency so that no thick, white layer is left on the skin.

Available exclusively at doctor's offices - check out www.alyria-med.com to find one near you.

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion - 88ml - $14.99 - with a fast-absorbing, oil-free and non-comedogenic dermatologist-recommended formula that delivers broad-specturm and photostable protection that is waterproof and sweatproof and provides all day hydration with skin-soothing Active Naturals Oats to leave skin feeling healthier than before sun exposure.

Avon Sun+ SPF 40 Sunscreen Face Lotion - 88ml - $12.99 - with a lightweight, oil free formula that absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling moisturized which offers broad spectrum protection against the sun.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca. 

Life Brand Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45 - 220 ml - $10.99 - features an oil-free, non-greasy, water-resistant formula with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

If you missed Monday's post be sure to check out the lightweight sunscreen options!

- Lisamarie - 

After the sun with Korres, Biotherm and Life Brand!

Time spent in the sun calls for some serious moisture afterwards - if you're doing crazy things like tanning, moisture will help the tan last longer, and if you're doing crazier things like burning, moisture will help you peel less and make you feel less like a boiled lobster!

Even if you've been wearing your sunscreen like a good girl and spent the day wearing a big hat you'll love the sparkle version for a night out!


Korres Yoghurt After Sun Cooling Gel - 150ml - $31 - an ultra-cooling cream-gel that can be used on the face and/or body and contains edible yoghurt - inspired by the long-lived Greek tradition of applying yoghurt onto sunburned skin because it's a natural source of lactose, proteins, minerals and vitamins and instantly hydrates and relieves dry skin areas.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora.

Biothem Sun After Oligo-Thermal Sparkle Cream - 200ml - $35 - brighten up your skin with this iridescent moisturizing cream - made from minerals, botanical oils - currant seed oil and apricot kernel oil -  as well as moisturizing, nourishing active ingredients which help restore optimum moisturization and nourishment to the skin for a luminous, even, long-lasting tan.

Not only is the smell is wonderful, this cream looks great on the legs with a skirt or shorts - it adds just the right amount of shimmer to look festive without being glittery!

Life Brand Sunthera3 Face Hydrating After Sun Mask - $2.49 - formulated to restore skin's moisture and soothe discomfort caused by sun exposure through its cooling and moisturizing ingredients. The mask is pre-moistened, enriched with aloe vera and green tea extracts and is suitable for all skin types.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

Do your skin a favour with an SPF 60 from Bioderma, Vichy, Life Brand, L'Oréal and Neutrogena!

This long weekend is sure to be a good reminder of why sunscreen is so important - it's going to be a hot and sunny one and if you don't wear it, you'll be feeling it Tuesday! Just remember to apply it 30 minutes before you go outside so the sunscreen has time to fully  penetrate the skin; apply it everywhere, even under your clothes as the sun's UV rays can penetrate through fabric and be sure to reapply every 2 hours for maximum protection.

The fairer you are, the higher the SPF you should use. Being amongst the pale, I usually go with a SPF 60 and there are lots to choose from this year - here are a few of my faves:

Bioderma Photoderm SPF 60 Cream - 40ml - $20 - offers maximum photo-protection for skin intolerant to all types of sunshine especially for those of us that are very fair with freckles - with an invisible moisturizing, non-oily texture that is highly resistant to water and sweat with an ideal UVA/UVB ratio that provides the same level of absorption across the entire UV spectrum as well as the highest level of protection on the market to protect against extreme sun exposure and help prevent benign summer light eruption. Fragrance free and hypoallergenic.

Available at drugstores.

Vichy Capital Soleil Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel Face and Body - 150ml - $29.95 - with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection that is photostable and enriched with Vitamin E. What's most notable about it though is the dry-touch texture - if you avoid sunscreen because you don't like the way you can feel it on your skin then you will love this stuff, it feels like you aren't wearing anything at all - it's also very water resistant! Hypoallergenic, paraben and fragrance free.

Available at drugstores across Canada - check out www.vichy.ca for more info

Life Brand Sunthera3 Sport SPF 60 Sun Protection Lotion - 180ml - $9.99 -a blend of broad spectrum UVA and UVB filters to provide non-oily and water-resistant protection against sunburn. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

L'Oréal Ombrelle SPF 60 Complete Waterproof Lotion - 120ml - $17.99 - the newly enhanced formulas provide an ultra-light texture with a photostable UVA and UVB filter system but still the same effective sun protection as it did previously. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and suitable for the body and face.

Available at mass-market retailers and drugstores.

Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunscreen SPF 60 - 88ml - $14.99 -broad-specturm SPF face protection and anti-aging benefits together in one convenient, multi-purpose product - with photostable UVA/UVB sunscreen filters for consistent protection against the sun's harmful rays, as well as skin conditioners to help protect against the damaging effects of other environmental aggressors that can make your skin look older. In a lightweight non-greasy, skin-conditioning lotion that hydrates and replenishes moisture to leave skin feeling soft and supple. Also waterproof, sweat-proof and non-comedogenic.

Available at drug, grocery and mass retailers.

- Lisamarie -