Prevage City Smart Double Action Detox Peel Off Mask

Peel to reveal a brighter, smoother, virtually poreless-looking complexion with:

Prevage City Smart Double Action Detox Peel Off Mask - 75ml - $98 - acts like a liquid magnet to lift and remove impurities instantly while resurfacing skin and enhancing its natural detoxification system.

Instantly, smart polymers gently lift away dirt and oil to gently resurface skin, tree mushroom extract minimizes the look of pores and powerful antioxidants fight environmental aggressors to ease aging signs. It's not all instant gratification, over time, a botanical blend promotes skin's natural detoxification system.

Just apply a generous layer to the skin, leave for 20 minutes and peel off - I must admit, I love peel off masks, it's like pretending to be a snake - a snake with really smooth and glowy skin of course!

Available now at Elizabeth Arden counters across Canada.

- 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 -

Smooth away wrinkles with a treatment from Estée Lauder, Prevage, Avon Anew and Jouviance!

Estée Lauder New Dimension Expert Liquid Tape - 15ml - $78 - with a powerful concentration of pro-collagen technology, enriched with fast-acting polymers to help firm and tone key areas that creates a tighter feel and instant mini-lift sensation, while giving  skin and facial contours a more sculpted and lifted appearance. It's especially great for the eye area to give that extra boost to make you look awake and refreshed.

Available at Estée Lauder counters across Canada.

Prevage Anti-Aging Wrinkle Smoother - 15ml - $90 - immediately fills and eases the look of fine lines and wrinkles to give skin a smoother, air-brushed look with a targeted treatment that delivers an intensive dose of idebenone, hyaluronic acid derivative and potent amino acids while providing environmental protection and formulated with a biomimetic peptide and a vitamin A derivative shown to support skin's vital collagen and elastin to fight the appearance of fine lines and crow's feet with continued use.

Available at Elizabeth Arden counters across Canada.

Avon Anew Clinical Pro+ Line Eraser Treatment - 30g - $35 -with a formula powered by encapsulated time-release A-F33+ Complex for a triple-action wrinkle-fighting that visibly repairs and fills fine lines; plumps the look of even deep wrinkles; and smooths and retexturizes skin so wrinkles appear diminished in days.

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

Jouviance Pro-Collagen Wrinkle Filler - 10ml - $24 - a magical make-up base with an exceptionally silky, ultra-fine formula that goes on easily for a barely there texture that fills and covers fine lines and pores perfectly. Enriched with a stimulating collagen complex, it delivers both immediate skin moisturizing and filling benefits and cumulative effects when used daily to give skin a radiant and youthful glow.

Available at drugstores in Quebec and online for everyone else (for now) at www.jouviance.com.

- Lisamarie -

Show your neck some love with StriVectin, Elizabeth Arden Prevage and Avon!

StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream - 50ml - $99 - a clinically proven anti-aging neck and jaw line treatment that visibly restores firmness, shape and contour for 50+ women who are experiencing loss of firmness, elasticity and want a skin care product to visibly correct sagging, laxity and thin, crepe skin. Containing a breakthrough three-tiered technology that: tightens - neck immediately feels tighter; fortifies - skin's supportive matrix is fortified and neck looks firmer; and strengthens - NIA-114 molecule strengthens skin's hold on natural collagen and moisture - resulting in a neck that regains lift and contour.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Hudson's Bay stores across Canada.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging neck and Décolleté Firm & Repair Cream - 50ml - $142 - with a luxurious formula that helps correct and protect the appearance of the dry, delicate, vulnerable skin on the neck and décolleté. With a formula that supports skin's vital collagen and elastin containing idebenone technology to help fight lines, wrinkles and crepiness for firmer, more lifted, smoother, younger-looking skin and a protein restoring complex that with continued use, fights dryness and reduces the appearance of existing dark spots and sun damage.

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

Avon Skin So Soft Firm & Restore Neck & Chest Treatment Cream SPF 15 - 100ml - $16 - gives skin a firmer, more radiant appearance, restores moisture and reduces the look of fine wrinkles with a skin correcting formula containing babassu oil and caffeine.

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

- Lisamarie -

This is the week to celebrate the power of Prevage!

Elizabeth Arden invites you to join them in celebrating the Power of Prevage Week - from now until May 29th you will receive a full size Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment Boosting Cleanser (one of my faves) with the purchase of any Prevage serum at all fine retailers!

If you aren't already a Prevage convert and need a good reason then let me let you in on the secret of Prevage - Idebenone - a super-powerful antioxidant that is proven to defend your skin against three types of free-radical assaults which are what can damage DNA, collagen, elastin and lipids - causing premature wrinkles, age spots and discolouration - all the nasty visible signs of aging!

Prevage products with Idebenone don't just add moisture, even skin tone and smooth wrinkles and lines, they also target premature signs of aging to leave skin more radiant and healthy looking both immediately and over time!

Find Prevage products now at Elizabeth Arden counters across Canada including Shoppers Drug Mart, Hudson's Bay, Sears and London Drugs.

- Lisamarie -

Take the day off with Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment Boosting Cleanser!

Now that serious sunscreen wearing weather is here, I find myself applying it more often during the day, which means by the end of the day I have a face full of sunscreen that needs to come off and my regular cleanser just hasn't been cutting it - so I'm happy to have stumbled upon:

Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment Boosting Cleanser - 125ml - $59 - with a light-foaming formula which provides a multi-dimensional deep cleansing experience which not only gets your skin super clean, but also prepares skin to receive maximum benefits from your treatment and moisturizer.

The cleanser utilizes a three-dimensional approach to cleansing: a surfactant system cleanses dirt and impurities from the skin's surface; a combination of active enzyme and natural bamboo beads removes dead skin cells and promotes cell renewal; and detoxiquin - a mushroom extract and hexapeptide complex that purifies skin cells, supporting natural exfoliation and leaving skin more receptive to further treatments.

Skin is left clean, smooth, soft and glowing - ready for your serum or moisturizer and a good night's sleep! It's really gentle so you could use it twice a day if you wanted to but I have just been using it at night, my skin doesn't need the exfoliation twice a day, just at night when there is sunscreen and makeup that I want off my face.

Available at Elizabeth Arden counters across Canada including Shoppers Drug Mart, Hudson's Bay, Sears and London Drugs.

- Lisamarie -

Eye Love Wednesday - Prevage Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Eye Serum

Prevage Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Eye Serum - 15ml - $155 - with a light, silky formula in an airless pump dispenser that reduces the impact of environmental assaults and visible signs of aging resulting from chronic inflammation around the eyes with ingredients that offer immediate benefits including:

Idebenone, Arazine and Thiotaine - that neutralize and protect against free radical damage; Moisture Trap Technology - a complex of hyaluronic acid, barley and sea plant extracts that help lock in moisture to plump and smooth skin's texture; and Optical Diffusers and Soft Focus Silicones - to deliver a soft focus effect that scatters light and diminishes the appearce of fine lines and wrinkles for immediate bright and luminous skin.

And ingredients that offer benefits with continued use including:

Idebenone, Arazine and Thiotaine - help improve the visible signes of aging caused by free radical damage and cellular inflammation; Biomimetic Peptide Blend and Retinyl Linoleate - evens skin tone and supports skin's own natural collagen to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles as well as firm the look of skin; and Vitamin B3, Masterwort and Ash Tree Bark Extracts - reduce the look of puffiness and dark circles and increase skin radiance.

Available at Murale, Hudson's Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sears and London Drugs.

- Lisamarie -

Eye Love Wednesday - Prevage Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum

Prevage Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum - $115 - protects your lashes and brows from breakage, brittleness and loss due to aging, lack of nutrients and environmental threats and works to boost every stage of your brows and lashes’ natural growth cycle, creating longer, fuller lashes and brows.

Results before, at two weeks and at four weeks from the clinical trial.

It's easy to use, just use the applicator brush to apply a line along the base of the upper eyelashes once a day at bedtime and you're done. If you want you can also use it on your lower lashes as well as your brows.

Here are my lashes before...

and again at four weeks - as you can see, improvements to both length and thickness are visibly noticeable.

I did try taking pictures without mascara but my lashes are so light that you couldn't see anything at all. I used the same defining mascara both times which doesn't lengthen or thicken so the improvements you see are from the serum, not the mascara. Ignore the picture colour, I messed up the camera setting, my skin isn't really orange!

Available now at Elizabeth Arden counters.

- Lisamarie -

GlossyBox - beauty brought right to your door!

Germany's GlossyBox beauty subscription service has finally made it's way to Canada for your sampling pleasure! Working pretty much the same way the other sampler services do - they deliver 5 deluxe (and sometimes a special 6) samples to your door every month at a cost of $15.

February's inaugural box came packaged beautifully in pink and ribbons and chock full of some really great products. My preference when it comes to these services, is to get products I haven't tried from brands I know, or have at least heard of. And on that score, this box hit a home run!

Included in February's box were:

Ahava Mineral Hand Cream - sample, Elizabeth Grant Skin Care Moisturizing Stick - full size, Essie Nail Enamel in Neo Whimsical - full size, Oscar de la Renta Live in Love Body Lotion - sample, Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream - sample and Beauty So Clean Sanitizing Wipes and Mist - sample.

My particular loves from this box are the Ahava Hand Cream (so needed these days), the Elizabeth Grant Lip Balm and how can I not love the Essie polish - so pretty!

It will be interesting to see as the months go by if they can keep up this level of brand quality, I have my fingers crossed for them!

The service also encourages you to review the products you receive and to get your friends to drink the GlossyBox kool-aid. In return they reward you with GlossyDots - 20 for every product you review (up to 5 a month) and 200 for every friend who joins. When you reach 1,000 GlossyDots that month's box is coming your way free!

You can check out all the GlossyBox details and their blog at www.glossybox.ca.

- Lisamarie -

New in sun protection: Prevage Triple Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen Sheer Lotion

Even though it's winter the sun still shines and does bad things to your skin if you aren't using your sunscreen which means I'm still been keeping my eyes open to what's new and exciting in the world of sun protection! Check out:

Prevage Triple Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen Sheer Lotion - 50ml - $95 - delivers triple environmental protection against the visible effects of oxidative stress from sun, pollution and against exposure to UVA, UVB and Infrared-A (IRA) rays which can accelerate skin aging and can damage skin at the cellular level. These environmental factors cause 80% of the visible signs of aging; Helps to even skin tone and correct the appearance of existing sun damage like fine lines, wrinkles; and restores skin’s natural defenses to help fight environmental assaults.

The sunscreen's formula combines Idebenone, the most powerful antioxidant, with Thiotaine to combat visible aging signs caused by exposure to UVA, UVB, and also from Infrared-A radiation. This one-ups most traditional SPF products which only protect against UVA and UVB rays.

I've never heard of Infrared-A (IRA) radiation but apparently new research has identified it as a serious source of long-term damage to skin. IRA penetrates deeply into the skin, attacking skin cells and causing cumulative damage to collagen, elastin and protein structures over time.

Art Pellegrino, Elizabeth Arden Vice President of Research and Development explains: “UVB rays penetrate the epidermis causing sunburn, while UVA rays effect the dermis and lead to lines, wrinkles and signs of premature aging. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays but don’t shield skin from chronic, long-term IRA damage. The Idebenone complex in new Prevage Triple Defense SPF 50 provides this essential IRA protection.”

Prevage Triple Defense Technology Antioxidant protection delivers a powerful antioxidant complex to combat all three levels of free radical assaults. Helping to pre-empt environmentally induced damage, including IRA, to help fight visible aging signs.

This complex includes:
Idebenone Ester - the single most powerful antioxidant with an EPF rating of 95 out of 100, which also helps neutralize damage caused by IRA rays. The Idebenone Ester technology is an advanced delivery system that fuses Idebenone with a skin compatible ester to provide a time release reservoir of Idebenone within the skin. Resulting in an effective and more gentle level of performance.
Thiotaine - an effective antioxidant not found in the body. It complements Idebenone to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone, allowing Idebenone to concentrate on repairing the look of visible signs of aging caused environmental assaults.
Vitamin E Acetate - a stable form of Vitamin E with proven abilities to fight free radical damage and restores skin’s natural defenses.
Soy proteins and peptides complex - works on skin’s surface layer to help support skin’s healthy barrier to promote moisture retention.

As well as broad spectrum sunscreens:
SPF 50 UVA/ UVB sunscreens - provide high level sunburn protection.
Avebenzone -UVA absorber to help protect from UVA rays
Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone) - UVA/UVB absorber that helps protect from both UBA and UVB rays
Octisalate - UVB absorber
Octinoxate - a strong UVB absorber
Octocrylene - a strong UVA/UVB absorber

Now that we've covered the scientific crap, what you really want to know is how it feels... It has a super lightweight formula that leaves skin with a soft, matte finish that you can use alone, over your moisturizer and/or under makeup. What makes it new and different is that it comes in a specially designed tube with its own built-in brush. The unique brush applicator is meant to ensure more even coverage for optimal protection. Just click open, squeeze and apply to create complete coverage, even in hard to reach places.

I have tried a sample of the sunscreen itself which I agree is super light and soaks in easily. I have not actually seen/tried the brush aspect of it and I am slightly skeptical of it. It seems to me that the brush might get kind of gunky and would be hard to clean but without actually trying it, it's hard to say. I would probably be more likely to just squeeze the product out and apply it with my fingers but I'm lazy like that...

Find it at your local Elizabeth Arden counter and see how you like a brush/sunscreen combo for yourself!

- Lisamarie -

Make your skin happy with these gift sets from StriVectin, Ole Henriksen and Prevage!

I know they're called "gift" sets and they do make great gifts for the skincare junkie in your life, but I must admit that I actually usually end up buying them for myself! They're great for trying new brands -you get an assortment of the brand's products all together to try out and of course they're great for buying your favourites as well because you're getting a great deal! Here are a few that I'm eying:

StriVectin Holiday Blockbuster Kit - $114 - it's a hell of a deal with all the StriVectin top sellers together in one handy travel-friendly bag (with the best hot pink liner)! Included in the kit are: Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles - 60ml - clinically proven to improve the appearance of stretch marks and facial wrinkles in just 2-8 weeks as well as improves visible discolourations and hydrates throughout to improve overall elasticity, texture and tone of skin; Eye Cream - 7ml - fights aging around the eye area as well as targeting dark circles, puffiness, crow's feet and lost elasticity; Tightening Neck Cream - 30ml - a big dose of firming and moisture for the neck and jawline; Tightening Face Serum - 7ml - provides firming actives to give instant-gratification tightening while also improving skin's texture and tone; and Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles for Sensitive Skin - 22ml - all the benefits of the original without any fragrances, oils or other irritants that can harm sensitive skin. With a retail value of $218, you can't beat the $114 price tag! And my friend swears by the Concentrate - she had those horrible scunchy worry  lines that you get across your forehead when you have kids and after using it for a couple of months you could barely see them anymore! Available at selected Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale stores.

Ole Henriksen Truth Revealed - $94 - Truth Serum Collagen Booster - 30ml - provides a potent vitamin C complex that firms, brightens, hydrates, and neutralizes environmental damage from UV rays and pollutants to protect your skin from premature aging; Truth Revealed Super Creme SPF 15 - 30ml - is a super concentrated day crème with micro algae, vitamin C and omega 3 extracts to elevate your skin to a new level of textural refinement and firmness; and Total Truth Eye Creme SPF 15 - 15ml - with omega 3 extracts nourishes, hydrates and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I am absolutely in love with the texture and smell of the serum which I actually discovered through one of their sets last year which I am now out of and since I have been wanting to try the Super Creme this would be a great way to stock up and try something new! Available at Sephora and sephora.com

Prevage Face Serum Premium Holiday Set - $250 - the silver deluxe train case contains: Face Advanced Anti-Aging Serum - 50ml; Eye Advanced Anti-Aging Serum - 5ml, Day Ultra Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 - 15ml; and Eye Ultra Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 15 - 5ml. If you've never tried the line it's a great starter set or if you have and already love it, this has some great travel sizes - I absolutely adore the Prevage body cream so I am thinking I need to check out the face and eye products! Available exclusively at The Bay.

- Lisamarie -

New and Notable at Shoppers Drug Mart - Diesel, Guess, Clarins, Marcelle, Pur Minerals, L'Oréal and Lise Watier!

Diesel Loverdose - 30ml - $54, 50ml - $69, 75ml - $93 - how would you like a fragrance that possesses molecules that stimulate the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for attraction and lust? This floral–spicy fragrance has top notes of star anise and mandarin; heart notes of Sambac jasmine, licorice and gardenia petals; and base notes of amber, vanilla and woody notes.

I don't know about stimulating lust, but I sure do love the way this one smells! It's warm and sweet and exactly the kind of scent I love best!

Guess Seductive I'm Yours -  50ml EDT - $69, 75ml EDT - $85 - with top notes of of passion fruit and vanilla; heart notes of of magnolia and tiare; and base notes of various woods and musk.

Guess Seductive Homme - 50ml EDT - $59, 100ml EDT - $75 - with top notes of cardamom milk, mandarin pulp and pink pepper; heart notes of vanilla orchid, violet leaves and vetiver; and base notes of patchouli, sandalwood, amber and musk.

Prevage Day Intensive Anti-aging Moisture Cream SPF 30 - 50ml - $160 - works to protect and hydrate dry skin and is proven to help: Infuse dry skin with intensive moisture; Smooth, soften and retexturize skin; diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; Restore skin’s natural resilience for a firmer look; and give skin a brighter, even toned, more radiant appearance.
Prevage Night Anti-aging Restorative Cream - 50ml - $160 - helps to fight the visible effects of environmental damage from the day and enhance skin’s natural moisture and restorative, working to minimize the appearance of lines, wrinkles, discolorations and the effects of sun damage and is proven to help: Reverse dryness with intensive moisture; Enhance skin’s own natural nighttime restorative process; Smooth, soften and retexturizeskin’s appearance; Restore skin’s natural resilience for a firmer look; Fight the visible effects of daytime environmental assaults –lines, wrinkles, discolorations and sun damage; and give skin a rested, restored, more radiant appearance.

Clarins Vital Light Serum - 30ml - $95 - an anti-aging serum that prevents and reduces the appearance of dark spots; minimizes wrinkles, firms the skin and restores deep-down luminosity. As well, it has a smoothing effect and improves skin hydration.

Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel - 50ml - $23.95 - refreshing gel has an alcohol-free cooling sensation that intensely moisturizes skin for 24 hours. Protects skin against external stressors thanks to proven antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E as well as green tea. Suitable for all skin types but if you are especially dry, check out Hydra-C Moisturizing Cream 24H + 15 SPF - 50ml - $23.95 - a rich and velvety cream that is designed specifically for dry skin. Enriched with shea butter, canola oil and aloe vera extract as well as a synergistic amino acid complex which rebuilds and compensates for impaired natural moisturizing ability for soft, supple skin.

Pur Minerals Liquid Metal Eye Shadow Sticks - $28 - set of 4 smudge proof, water resistant colours: true cobalt, steel envy, midnight chrome and iced bronze - metallic hues with iridescent shimmer.

I spent quite awhile playing with these and love the soft creamy texture and the light shimmer. I might have to dispute the smudge proof claim though, they wiped off easily for me with a tissue, I did have hand lotion on but they had set long enough that I would have expected something that was supposed to be smudge proof to at least leave some colour behind.

L'Oréal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes - $13.99 - features an innovative formulation offering two different fibers including rayon and nylon to delicately wrap and lengthen each lash for a dramatic lash look. With a 4-dimensional brush that is specifically angled to envelop each lash and control where you put the mascara so that you can achieve a luscious lash look that boasts lots of volume, length and curl in minimum time.

Lise Watier Ampoules Flash Lift Radiance Vials - 7 x 1ml - $28 - contain a concentrate of smoothing agents - silk and wheat germ proteins - and moisturizers - hyaluronic acid and allantoin - for a lifting effect and instant radiance.

- Lisamarie -