Essential oils you need in your life from Thursday Plantation, Lotus Aroma and The Body Shop!

Thursday Plantation Peppermint Essential Oil - 25ml - $14.99 - 100% pure and used in aromatherapy to help relieve joint and muscle pain associated with sprain, strain and rheumatoid arthritis, soothes cough and colds, settles an upset stomach - providing digestive discomfort relief, destressing and calming nerves, while alleviating headaches and has an initial cooling effect on the skin followed by warmth to aid in comforting muscle pains.

Use it topically, as an inhalant, in a bath or in a diffuser.

Available now online at abundancenaturally.com and well.ca.

Lotus Aroma Balsam Fir Essential Oil - 15ml - $14 - 100% pure and traditionally used as a respiratory antiseptic, cough suppressant, air antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, tonic and general stimulant in the perfect form for a diffuser to prepare your home for the upcoming indoor season.

Available now at select drug and health food stores across Canada.

Not actually an essential oil but I didn't think this post would be complete without adding in my favourite scent ever...

The Body Shop Satsuma Home Fragrance Oil - 10ml - $6 - a zesty home fragrance oil with essential oils and Community Fair Trade grown soya oil from Brazil that will fill your living space with the crisp, citrus aroma of satsuma for a fresh, scented atmosphere at home.

Available at The Body Shop stores across Canada and online at thebodyshop.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Lotus Aroma Soothing Facial Mask!

Lotus Aroma Soothing Facial Mask - 100ml - $17 - a soothing, lightening and anti-oxidant pink clay facial mask with a 99.5% natural  formula derived from pure, top-quality, red and white clays - which revive, soften and brighten the complexion and 7 major active ingredients: argan oil - high in essential omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E and polyphenols, with a wealth of moisturizing, antioxidant and restorative attributes; cranberry oil - a source of omegas 3, 6 and 9; avocado oil - rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins A, B, C, D and E, it's a very gentle, softening oil that restores elasticity to dry, fragile skins; rosewater - that is soothing for sensitive skin, a tonic for normal to dry skins; rosewood - excellent for fragile, irritated, tired skin, it regenerates the tissues and revitalizes mature skin to reduce scarring while soothing sensitive skin; true lavender - soothes, heals and regenerates the epidermis; lemon -  stimulates microcirculation (helpful for rosacea) and revitalizes the tissues for youthful-looking skin.

It cleanses, matifies and brightens, giving it radiance and suppleness while protecting it from external environmental stresses - and of course it's pink, what more do you need to know...?!

Available now at select drug and health food stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Lotus Aroma Arnica Gel

Lotus Aroma Arnica Gel - 100ml $19 - with a comforting warming action that relieves the aches and pain of muscles and joints associated with backache, lumbago, strains and sprains (involving muscles, tendons, and/or ligaments) and arthritis - not to mentions sore legs from too much holiday shopping!

It has a 99.5% natural formula that contains: arnica montana - an anti-inflammatory that relieves pain and reduces inflammation,  eucalyptus globulus leaf oil - an analgesic that relieves muscle pain along with aloe barbadensis leaf juice and a bunch of essential oils: balsam fir, cypress, lemon peel and peppermint leaf - to provide a soothing sensation that gradually changes to warmth and which need I say, all makes it also smell great!

And as with all their formulas, it's vegan and free of gluten, sodium lauryl, sufates, irritants, parabens, silicone, dyes, synthetic fragrances and phthalates - and only contains food grade preservatives.

Available now at select drug and health food stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Lotus Aroma Ambiance Mists welcome nature into your home!

Lotus Aroma Ambiance Mist - 199ml - $16 - in 6 aromas: Cypress & Cinnamon - lively and spicy; Eucalyptus Globulus - soothes sore lungs, throat and sinuses; Lavandin Grosso & Grapefruit - calms and soothes; Sweet Orange & Mandarin - energizing; Pine & Balsam Fir - festive and comforting; Rose & Indian Geranium - romantic - that enhance the atmosphere of your home, office or even car with a 99.9% natural formula that allows the mist to gently clear the airways, drawing from the traditionally recognized attributes of essential oils and instantly cleanse and perfume the ambient air.

These are especially wonderful in the months when it's too cold to open up windows to get fresh air into the house - I am a big fan of the Sweet Orange & Mandarin - it smells like taking a trip to an orange grove!

Available at fine pharmacies and health food stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Lotus Aroma Youth Anti-Wrinkle Night Serum!

Love the idea of using a night time product on your skin but find that most night creams are too thick for your oily skin - or maybe your usual night cream isn't giving you all the results you want and are looking for something to boost it? Then check out:

Lotus Aroma Youth Anti-Wrinkle Night Serum - 30ml - $46 - smoothes out unevenness and rejuvenates the complexion thanks to a 100% natural formula rich in natural AHA's - made of citrus and maple sugar that coat and improve the skin; BHA's - extract from white willow bark that promotes cell renewal and impairs the skin's aging process; along with vitamin E-rich hyaluronic acid - moisturizes the skin deeply, filling lines and wrinkles for an even and rejuvenated complexion; Witch Hazel Floral Water tones and soothes; and  German chamomile extract - an exceptional skin revitalizing agent.

Just two or three drops at night on a clean face and neck every night and the result is skin that becomes visibly balanced, hydrated and more supple, rested, silky and glowing - and it can be used alone or in combination with your usual night cream.

Available at fine pharmacies and health food stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Perfectly moisturized skin that smells great from Lotus Aroma, A-Derma and c. Booth!

Lotus Aroma Velvet Body Lotion - 200ml - $16 - in 4 synergistic scent blends: Ho Wood, Cedar and Exotic Verbena; True Lavender; Sicilian Mandarin; and Exotic Verbena, Orange and Lemon -with a 99.5% natural formula rich with the toning power of essential oils and plant extracts including vitamin E, shea butter, moringa oil, sea buckthorn oil and inca inchi oil - penetrates instantly to envelop the body in a light, protective, non-sticky or greasy film to nourish, soothe, repair, heal and protect all skin types, even the driest and most sensitive - preserving the skin's natural hydration and elasticity and leaving the skin feeling fresh and delicately scented - I am particularly partial to the Sicilian Mandarin - fruity wonderfulness!

Available at fine pharmacies and health food stores across Canada.

A-Derma Moisturising Body Lotion - 400ml - $31 - softens and moisturizes delicate skin with a light, refreshing and deeply nourishing formula that glides over the skin with ease, its light texture absorbing quickly to quench thirsty skin. The paraben free formula contains Rhealba Oat, chosen for its soothing and non-irritating properties to relieve tightness and irritation for skin that is left soft, moisturized and lightly scented and dries quickly with a non-sticky feel, allowing you to dress immediately after application.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

c. Booth 4-in-1 Lemon Sugar Body Lotion - 946ml - $9.99 - exfoliates, hydrates, nourishes and firms all in one rich, non-greasy cream that hydrates the driest of skin. With a paraben, sulfate, mineral oil and petrolatum-free formula containing: lemon extract - to repair skin's natural balance; sweet almond oil - for intense hydration; shea butter - to improve elasticity, tone and maintain hydration; cocoa butter - improves elasticity and restores hydration; caffeine - works as an anti-inflammatory to firm and tone skin; alpha hydroxy acids - exfoliates; vitamin E - protects from sun damage and aging; and vitamin A - refines skin tone and helps fight free radical sun damage.

As far as I'm concerned though the best part is the scent - sweet, sweet lemonade - yum!

Available at Walmart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Dry hands find relief with Bella Vita, Avon and Lotus Aroma!

Bella Vita Miracle Balm - 80g - $15 -heals chapped or cracked skin and provides total care for hands or any dry spots on the body. It contains the healing and protection of propolis - a blend of bee secretions, pollen and tree resin which is created by the bees to protect their hives from infection and it's natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties are equally beneficial for people; along with emu oil, castor oil and comfrey for additional restorative and soothing properties.

Available in health food stores across Canada.

Avon Planet Spa Blissfully Nourishing Hand, Elbow and Foot Cream - 75ml - $10 - contains African shea butter harvested from the tropical regions of Africa which is rich in vitamins to perfectly nourish, moisturize and renew dry skin.

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

Lotus Aroma Intensive Hand Repair Cream - 50ml - $15 - available in Citrus Zest, Exotic Verbena and Unscented - specifically designed to relieve damaged, dry and chapped hands with a silky textured formula containing: organic shea butter - to protect, nourish and regenerate; organic cupuacu butter - to moisturize and soothe; organic baobab oil - to soften, rejuvenate and heal; cranberry extract - an antioxidant; organic cranberry oil - an antioxidant that is anti-aging for sensitive skin; aloe vera juice - to moisturize, soothe, nourish and firm; vegetable glycerin - to moisten and moisturize; and oligoline 2C - a red algae extract that  protects, moisturizes and smooths.

Available at fine pharmacies and health food stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Massage your way to a better mood with oils from L'Occitane, Escents and Lotus Aroma!

Get relaxed with:

L'Occitane Relaxing Massage Body Oil - 100ml - $36 - made with naturally derived ingredients that combine the benefits of botanical active ingredients for well-being, harmony, revitalizing and soothing effects.

Available now at L'Occitane boutiques across Canada.

Get romantic with:

Escents Love Massage & Bath Oil - 100ml - $15.95 - with skin soothing sweet almond oil and long-lasting, moisturizing jojoba oil to absorb quickly and not leave a greasy feel - scented with rose and jasmine.

Available at Escents stores in British Columbia and Alberta and online at escents.ca.

Get better with:

Lotus Aroma Eucalyptus Globulus Massage Oil - 180ml - $19 - offers muscle relaxation and easy-breathing with pure and natural eucalyptus globus essential oil in a formula that is non-greasy and won't stain.

Available at fine pharmacies and health food stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Gentle and effective cleansing with a water from Lotus Aroma, Nivea, Caudalie and Bioderma!

A question that I often get is what the difference is between a micellar (water) cleanser and a regular cleanser that you use with water? Regular cleansers move dirt and impurities around and hopefully off your face while water cleansers use micelles to capture dirt and impurities like a magnet and immediately off the skin so no rinsing is required - and since you don't need to do any sort of rinsing or aggressive scrubbing, they are a great choice for sensitive skin. Here are a few that your skin will love:

Lotus Aroma Refreshing Micellar Solution - 200ml - $18 - cleans and thoroughly removes makeup and impurities from facial skin. Its pliant formula — free of soap and alcohol — is ideal for the sensitive areas around the eyes and lips. It goes on cleanly and leaves no greasy film. Rose and Melilot Floral Waters eliminate toxins while oxygenating and firming the skin. Grape seed Extract protects the skin against free radicals and environmental pollution and delivers a clearer, more youthful complexion. With a single stroke of a cotton pad, this rinse-free solution traps dirt to leave the skin cleansed and refreshed. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Available at pharmacies and health food stores across Canada - go to www.lotusaroma.com to find a location near you.

Nivea Sensitive 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water - 200ml - $9.99 - a mild but still highly effective fluid that cleanses, removes eye make-up and moisturizes to soothe the skin with Dexpanthenol and Grape Seed Oil and helps reduce signs of sensitive skin: redness due to dry skin, skin tightness and dryness - with no added parabens, colorants or perfume.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleansing Water - 100ml - $16 - with a gentle, soap-free formula that removes makeup from the face and eyes as it soothes, moisturizes, and softens skin without stripping. The improved formula is now more natural, more effective, and gentler on skin. The fresh fragrance includes orange and lemon blossom, watermelon, and mint leaves.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

Love your micellar water but find it a pain to travel with? Then you will appreciate:

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Dermatological Wipes - 25 large wipes - $14.95 - enriched with an active micellar solution formulated with gentle physiological cleansing agents for perfect cleansing and make-up removal for sensitive skin and eyes. Enhanced with soothing ingredients, they prevent the skin form feeling the irritation often caused by cleansing. The cloths are alcohol free, soap free and super soft so extremely gentle on even the most sensitive skin.

Available now at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Sleep your skin's problems away with SkinCeuticals, Filorga, Optimera and Lotus Aroma!

SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E Antioxidant Night Concentrate - 30ml - $165 - boosts skin's internal antioxidant defense system with a trio of antioxidants: 1% Resveratrol, 0.5% Baicalin and 1% Vitamin E - to help maximize its nighttime reconstruction potential with comprehensive visible repair for accumulated damage that neutralizes age-accelerating internal free radicals; strengthens functionality to resist new damage; and promotes skin's natural repair to diminish the signs of accumulated damage so you can wake up to skin with improved firmness, smoothness and overall radiance.

Available at select dermatologist offices, medical spas and high-end spas - visit www.skinceuticals.com to find one near you.

Filorga Sleep-Recover Fatigue Correcting Night Balm - 50ml - $95 - softens lines and reduces the signs of fatigue with a formula of Silk tree extract combined with Indian horse chestnut extract to reduce dark circles, puffiness and drawn features;hyaluronic acid to visibly reduce wrinkles caused by fatigue; and NCTF to revitalize the skin and prevent signs of fatigue from becoming permanently established for skin that looks refreshed and well rested come morning.

Available at Murale and murale.ca.

Optimera Night Cream - 30ml - $125 - dramatically reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, aging or loose skin, discolouration and enlarged pores with SAL-14 extract - a synergistic combination of various botanicals including Bidens Pilosa and Aloe Barbandensis Leaf Juice along with Centella Asiatica - which helps with the appearance of toning and tightening.

What makes it different to other night creams I've tried is how it feels on the skin - if you've ever used a clay mask or tightening serum then you know exactly the feeling I am talking about - and they say it is to lock in your skin's moisture as you sleep. When you rinse your face in the morning the feeling goes away and you're left with soft, glowing skin!

You can also buy the Night Cream with the Day Cream for $188.

Available online at www.nerium.com.

Lotus Aroma Youth Anti-Wrinkle Night Serum - 30ml - $46 - smooths out unevenness and rejuvenates the complexion with a formula rich in natural AHA - made up of citrus and maple sugar that coat and improve the skin; BHA extract from White Willow Bark that promotes cell renewal and impairs skin's aging process; Vitamin E-rich Hyaluronic Acid - to moisturize the skin deeply, filling lines and wrinkles for an even and rejuvenated complexion; Witch Hazel Floral Water - tones and soothes; and German Chamomile extract - an exceptional skin revitalizing agent. Wake up to skin that is visibly balanced, hydrated and more supple, rested, silky and glowing.

Available at pharmacies and health food stores across Canada - go to www.lotusaroma.com to find a location near you.

- Lisamarie -

Tenderize your tootsies with Soap & Glory, Lotus Aroma, Avon and Montagne Jeunesse!

Soap & Glory Heel Genius - 125ml - $16 - an amazing foot cream loaded with macadamia oil, bilberry, orange and lemon fruit acid smoothers, glycerin and menthol. For best results, slather on at night, cover with a pair of cotton socks and wake up to smooth soles. You will also like this one if you aren't a fan of minty smelling foot creams - it's free of any kind of mint scent!

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Lotus Aroma 3-in-1 Foot Repair Balm or 2-in1 Moisturizing Cream - 75ml - $16 - the balm restores  with AHA to heal, strengthen and revitalize while the cream soothes and smooths - both prevent the occurrence of calluses, odour and fungi. Meant to be used together with the balm being used the first 4 days and the cream the next 3 with the result of perfectly smoothed, moisturized and beautiful feet, just in time for sandal season!

Available at pharmacies and health food stores across Canada.

Avon Foot Works Ginger & White Tea Collection - refresh and revitalize with the scent of warm ginger and white tea: Nourishing Cream - 100ml - $7.99 - with rich 24 hour moisturization; Smoothing Scrub - 100ml - $7.99 - give your feet a polished glow; and Clay Mask - 100ml - $7.99 - with oil-absorbing kaolin clay to help exfoliate dry, rough skin to leave feet and legs feeling soft.

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

Montagne Jeunesse Foot Lotion - 80ml - $4.99 - Give your feet some TLC with zinc salt to help eliminate any nasty odours, while chopped spearmint leaves the feet tinglingly smooth and refreshed. 

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

- Lisamarie -

Balmy for BB - Lotus Aroma Perfection BB Cream

Lotus Aroma Perfection BB Cream - 30ml - $32 - with a 99.8% natural formula that provides beautiful coverage for bright skin and a healthy looking complexion. With a rich, pulpy and non-greasy texture, this tinted moisturizing cream blends plant ingredients and mineral pigments together to replenish the very structure of the epidermis - includes mamaku extract, vitamin E rich hyaluronic acid and exotic vegetable oils including: acai berry, Amazonian babassu, Mexican avocado and South Sea Islands brassica napus extract. It also contains mineral filters to provide  15 SPF UVA/UVA protection.

Use it as a foundation base or on its own for an even and enhanced complexion, visibly reduced redness, minimized pores and dark spots and for help controlling imperfections - for skin that is hydrated with improved elasticity and enhanced luminosity.

One-shade-fits-all products don't usually work that well for me as they seem to be geared more towards a light/medium complexion and I'm a light/light, but this one blended right in so I suspect there is very little actual colour to it - so plan to use it more as a primer then an actual foundation replacement!

Available at pharmacies and health food stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -