Neutrogena Hydro Boost for the body!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost brings their advanced facial hydration expertise to body care for clinically proven supple, hydrated skin. The dermatologist-tested, paraben-free, moisturizing formula is powered by hyaluronic acid, found naturally in skin and capable of holding up to 1000x its weight in water, to boost skin cells' hydration and then lock it in, resulting in smooth, hydrated skin.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream - 453g - $17.99 - in formulas for normal to dry skin and a fragrance-free one for sensitive & dry skin replenishes skin - with a unique and ultra-light gel-cream formula that absorbs instantly with a non-greasy feeling and continuously releases moisture to give skin the daily boost of hydration it needs as well as help improve the look and feel of dry skin over time.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Whipped Body Balm - 189g - $10.49 - designed for dry to extra-dry skin - with an ultra-light, luxurious, velvety, non-greasy whipped texture that is fast absorbing to instantly boost hydration, helping to improve the look and feel of dry skin over time.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream - 85g - $10.49 - a non-greasy, absorbs instantly with no residue to instantly quench and replenish dry, thirsty hands and moisturize for 24 hours, leaving them noticeably softer and smoother. 

Available at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Fight the itch with Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D!

Immediately soothe itch, add long lasting nourishment, restore the barrier and re-balance the skin's microbiome with:

Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D available in:

Lipid-Replenishing Cream - 200ml tube pump - $27, 400ml pump bottle - $36 - for dry skin

Lipid-Replenishing Balm - 200ml tube pump - $27, 400ml pump bottle - $36 - for very dry and atopy-prone skin

With a soothing formula containing: I-modulia - a biotechnological active ingredient that has a direct action on itching sensations, redness and skin defenses;
Avene thermal spring water - for soothing, anti-irritating and softening; and cer-omega - skin-like lipids that act on dryness and restore the skin's barrier.

And all the products are contained in a totally hermetic, zero contamination pump and contain absolutely no alcohol, parabens, preservatives or fragrance so it's perfect for even the most sensitive of skin!

Available now at pharmacies across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Soothing relief for extra dry skin from Aveeno Eczema Care!

Soothe irritated and red extra dry  skin with Aveeno Eczema Care - a line that harnesses the soothing power of Active Naturals colloidal oatmeal to intensely moisturize and helps relieve dry, itchy, irritated skin.

Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Care Itch Relief Balm - 311g - $14.99 - with a high level of glycerin, this protective balm intensely moisturizes and leaves skin feeling comfortable and protected all day long without leaving a greasy feeling behind and is gentle enough for everyday use on the body and face, even on sensitive skin.

Prefer something lighter?

Aveeno Eczema Care Moisturizing Cream - 166ml - $11.99 - includes ceramides and panthenol, which help maintain the skin carrier and provide moisturization for a full 24 hours and helps strengthen the skin barrier to prevent the recurrence of irritated, extra dry skin.

Available at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Products worth stealing from the family from Jack Black, Live Clean and Aveeno!

Steal this from the boy:

Jack Black Protein Booster Skin Serum - 60ml - $69 - an advanced anti-aging serum with a silky texture that offers a daily-dose of anti-aging defense with a formula containing organic omega-3 fatty acids to help brighten dull looking skin and give it the hydration boost it needs. Use it under your usual moisturizer or if you have oily skin you might even find it to be enough on it's own!

What you really have to love about men's products is they are a much better value - women's serums come in a bottle half the size of this one for the same price - a great product at a great price, yes please!

Available at Sephora and Hudson's Bay stores across Canada and online at getblackjack.ca.

Steal this (and candy) from the baby:

Live Clean Baby Gentle Moisture Tearless Shampoo & Wash - 300ml - $7.99 - with a clinically tested, tearless formula that gently cleanses without drying to leave skin and hair feeling soft and nourished. Featuring a coconut based surfactant, purified water and enriched with certified organic botanicals of chamomile, lavender and aloe, it's free of harsh chemicals and preservatives, it has a  unique formula that rinses clean with a gentle, soothing scent.

This is a great space saver for travel or the gym but what I love the most is the scent, it's so relaxing you'll want to curl up in your crib and take a nap!

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and other drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

Steal this from the eczema sufferer in the family:

Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Care Itch Relief Balm - 311g - $14.99 - harnesses the soothing power of Active Naturals colloidal oatmeal to create a protective balm that intensely moisturizes and helps relieve dry, itchy, irritated skin due to eczema without leaving a greasy feeling behind - while  also helping strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier to help prevent the dry, itchy skin from coming back and is gentle enough for everyday use even on sensitive skin.

As soon as the weather starts to get cold there are certain body parts (shins especially!) that body lotion isn't enough to cut it anymore but many body balms are too heavy feeling and never feel like they soak in - not so with this Aveeno one though and because it's meant for eczema prone skin, it is just what my dry and sensitive skin needs!

Available at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

La Roche-Posay Lipikar helps your body say goodbye to dry, itchy skin!

La Roche-Posay Lipikar wants to rid you of itchy days and sleepless nights caused by dry and very dry skin - while scratching offers temporary relief, it eventually makes things worse by messing with the skin's barrier, making it even more irritated leading to even more itching - give your fingers a rest and instead check out these products that contain a patented, active ingredient - aqua posae filiformis - with two-fold action that works on the two factors of atopy-prone skin:

1. on the skin's surface: it helps rebuild the microbiome's balance in a long-lasting way - so it can work during flare-ups and be stabilized during periods of remission to avoid relapses.

2. in depth: it re-establishes the skin's long term barrier function - soothes irritation and stimulates the skin's defense mechanisms to prevent pathogenic agents responsible for new bouts of irritation from entering the body while helping with the reconstruction of the skin's protective barrier.

For dry sensitive skin there is:

Lipikar Gel Lavant - 400ml - $21 - a soothing and protecting, soft and creamy foaming, soap-free, paraben-free shower gel

Lipikar Fluide - 400ml - $29 - with a lightweight, fluid texture for soothing, protecting, hydrating, fragrance and parapen-free care.

Or for extra dry, atopy-prone skin go with:

Lipikar Synet - 200ml - $16 - an anti-irritation, cleansing body cream-gel with fluid and creamy texture that is soap, paraben and fragrance free.

Lipikar Baume AP+ - 400ml - $33 - a lipid-replenishing balm, for soothing, anti-itching care that spaces out flare-ups of severe dryness with paraben and fragrance free care.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Tata Harper for body smoothing and redefining!

Tata Harper Smoothing Body Scrub - 150ml - $68 - with spa-strength exfoliation and moisture featuring a multi-particle polishing complex including: organic sugar, apricot seed powder, Himalayan pink sea salt, Hawaiian sea salt and cranberry fibers - to deliver a micro polish effect that gets rid of even the smallest dead skin cells and build up along with argan and jasmine essential oils to nourish and moisturize the skin for deep hydration and revitalization and their proprietary, organic farm-grown beauty complex of calendula, alfalfa, borage, meadowsweet and arnica to provide essential nutrition and promote oxygenation to deliver anti-inflammatory and antiaging benefits to all skin types.

It's scrubby without being rough - if you like/need an intense scrub use it on dry skin or if you're more of a wimp (like me) wet your skin down first - you'll still get plenty of exfoliation in a more gentle way!

Tata Harper Redefining Body Balm - 150ml - $110 - a stretch-mark minimizing elasticity treatment with an elasticity enhancing complex made up of palm extract mixed with six exotic butter from different fruits and nuts grown throughout the world: murumuru, cupuacu, kokum, cocoa, shea and mango - which contain a unique composition of esential fatty acids proven to help restore, protect and reinforce elasticity and flexibility in the skin along with their proprietary, organic estate grown beauty complex of calendula, alfalfa, borage, meadowsweet and arnica in combination with rosehip and tamanu oil to provide vitamins and minerals, promote oxygenation and reduce the appearance of scars.

Buy the balm, admire the balm, sniff the balm - but unless you have really dry skin, put it away until October! It has a lovely rich texture that most skins just don't need yet - of course if you are taking care of stretch mark issues go ahead and use it, you just won't want to slather it on the way I'm going to this winter!

Both products are 100% natural, nontoxic and have a lovely scent that reminds me of an expensive spa.

Available now at Murale stores across Canada and online at www.murale.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Itchy, dry and sensitive skin finds relief with Avene, Cliniderm and Aveeno!

Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm - 200ml - $28 - a fragrance and paraben-free balm that nourishes very dry skin and soothes itching sensations in infants, children and adults due to dry skin, while soothing redness and irritations caused by skin hyperreactivity, allowing skin to protect itself once again. Contains CER-OMEGA -  to repair and nourish the skin while strengthening the protective hydrolipidic film along with Avène Thermal Spring Water: - to soothe, reduce sensations of discomfort and soften the skin - for skin that is soothed, nourished and comfortable.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

Cliniderm RosaCalm Cream - 30ml - $29 - rosacea sufferers will especially appreciate this paraben, dye and perfume-free treatment designed to immediately reduce the appearance of redness and restore a more uniform, healthy-looking complexion while preventing future damage. With medicated ingredients which provide anti-itching and anti-irritation benefits in a formula that also protects the skin barrier, promotes cell renewal, accelerated would healing, stimulates collagen synthesis, protects from environmental aggressions and contains anti-inflammatory properties. The cream also contains a green pigment which works to immediately conceal redness.

I especially like that there is a version with SPF - Clinderm RosaCalm Cream 30 - 30ml - $31 - with all the same great benefits along with an SPF 30.

Available now at major drugstores across Canada.

Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Hand Cream - 97ml - $9.99 - a fragrance-free cream that relieves and soothes extra dry, itchy, cracked skin with a formula that combines natural colloidal oatmeal with rich emollients in a fast absorbing formula which provides a protective barrier against the elements for 24-hour moisturization and naturally beautiful skin.

Available now at food, drug and mass merchandisers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Dry, sensitive skin finds relief with Bioderma, A-Derma and Cliniderm!

Bioderma Atoderm Gel Douche Gentle Shower Gel - 500ml - $15 - a soap and preservative free foaming cleanser for dry, sensitive skin that softens and protects the skin while soothing and reducing the feeling of tightness with moisturizing ingredients that rinse off completely and leave the skin feeling perfectly balanced with a subtle fragrance.

Available now in drugstores across Canada.

A-Derma Exomega Emollient Balm for Face and Body - 200ml - $28 - free of ingredients known to be irritating to eczema sufferers, it combines rhealba oat plantlets extract, filaxerine and Vitamin B3 to moisturize, protect and offer long-lasting relief from dryness.If you  love the A-Derma Exomega Cream but find that that it's not quite moisturizing enough, you appreciate the rich, non-sticky texture - even the Eczema Society of Canada has given it their Seal of Approval.

Available exclusively in drugstores across Canada.

If you're OCDish and need your products to match check out this dynamic duo with amazing soothing and nourishing properties for extremely dry, irritated skin:

Cliniderm NutiComfort Gentle Body Wash - 200ml - $17.75 - cleans surface impurities and reinforces the skin's barrier function with: allantoin - to relieve skin itchiness and sooth the skin by neutralizing irritants and sensitizing agents as well as promotes cell renewal and accelerates wound healing by maintaining the skin's integrity; and shea butter - to moisturize and build skin lipids to nourish and repair extremely dry skin.

Cliniderm NutriComfort Soothing Body Balm - 200g - $27 - clinically proven to deeply nourish and repair extremely dry skin  with: shea butter - provides protection by forming a barrier on the skin's surface to retain moisture, repel bacteria and help the skin heal; phytodefense - a magnolia tree bark extract with calming and soothing properties that reduces skin redness; tocopherol - provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits; allantoin - to provide relief from itchiness; and stratixyl - a corn derivative that reinforces the skin barrier function and helps hydrate by improving and preserving the skin's lipid structure.

Available at drugstores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Do something good and thick for your skin with Lise Watier, Bio-Beaute by Nuxe and L'Occitane!

You would think with all of the layers of clothing that we swaddle ourselves with during the winter that the body on our skin wouldn't feel the cold so much but it does, and reacts by letting us know just how dry it feels! Make it more comfortable with one of these great picks:

Lise Watier Age Control Supreme Ultimate Body Butter - 200ml - $70 - prevents dryness of the epidermis by hydrating deeply for up to 48 hours after a single application to protect skin from dehydation and keep it feeling comfortable.

Contains a concentrated extract of Labrador Tea which is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, trace elements and ursolic acid which offer restorative powers and anti-aging properties along with shea and argan butters for a velvety rich texture that soothes even the driest skin.

Available now at drugstores across Canada.

Bio-Beaute by Nuxe Anti-Tightness High-Nutrition Balm - 200ml - $29 - 98.9% natural with a thick, melting butter texture, it provides intense nourishment and soothes sensations of skin tightness for 24 hours to protect even the most sensitive skin.

Contains a natural version of cold cream - you know that stuff your grandma used to clean her face with - but in this natural-origin version of it, the mineral oils have been replaced with equally effective sweet almond oil - rich in mineral salts, vitamins A, D & E and essential fatty acids that give it its high emollient and moisturizing properties. Not only that, but also makes it smell great - naturally!

As well it contains: organic beeswax - to reinforce the skin's barrier and reduce dehydration; organic rose water - to refresh, moisturize and soften; organic jojoba oil - to encourage repair of the skin; shea butter - to regenerate and protect; and coconut oil - to intensely nourish and protect.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate - 200ml - $59 - a re-launch of a favourite product with a new formula that offers stronger firming benefits thanks to tightening walnut and almond extracts - to help protect the elasticity of the skin and stimulate cell renewal; combined with almond proteins to help visibly tighten and smooth the skin for long lasting hydration - its rich, deliciously fragrant care that helps nourish and visibly soften the skin.

Available at all L'Occitane boutiques across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Garnier Body Repair - making dry skin comfortable again!

Fall is pretty much here, you can feel it in the air and probably even your skin! You (probably) can't control the weather but you can keep summer going in your skin with:

Garnier Body Repair Reparative Balm - 200ml - $7.99 - contains shea butter and a high concentration of glycerin in a heavier textured cream for immediate and intense reparative action that provides 48 hours of intense nourishing hydration which regenerates the moisture barrier and leaves dry skin feeling completely repaired after just four weeks.

Garnier Body Repair Intensive Repairing Lotion - 250ml - $5.99 - enriched with Canadian maple extract which serves as the binding agent to repair smooth and rough skin - it has a smooth, silky texture that absorbs quickly and keeps you moisturized and nourished for 24 hours.

I like that there are 2 different formulations in the line because the skin on my body isn't the same all over so I can mix and match the products to suit the area - I use the balm on my calves, knees and elbows which tend to be drier and the more normal parts get the lotion - that way everything is happy with the optimum amount of moisture! Only disappointment, the maple extract does not make the lotion smell maple-y!

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Lancôme Accord 3 Roses - for beautiful body hydration!

When I think of Lancôme I can't help but think of roses because of their logo - with their new Accord 3 Roses body range I can't help but smell them too!

Using 3 essential rose extracts for everyday skin hydration: Rose Centifolia to soothe, Rosa Galica to protect and Rosa Canina to reinforce all while offering a high performance of hydration and helping skin to regain a smooth texture and soft and silky feeling.

In two formulas:

Lait Corps Fraicheur Body Milk - 350ml - $46 - a silky milk that turns into a light transparent gel for an intense feeling for freshness, it offers instant and light hydration that penetrates quickly allowing for easy dressing directly after application and is perfect for all skin types.

Baume Corps Confort - 150ml - $36 - designed to intensely hydrate skin, this velvety textured body balm nourishes, soothes and protects skin for skin that appears more supple and soft like a rose petal and is instantly refreshing for dry skin.

Available now at all Lancôme counters and online at www.lancome.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Get Creamed Body - getting creamed has now become something to aspire to!

If you've been looking for bath & body products that are not only luxurious but also truly all-natural and chemical-free you will be thrilled with our very own Canadian Get Creamed Body! Developed to provide a fresh alternative to the chemical-laden beauty products typically found at beauty departments and drug stores they are proud to manufacture all products fresh, in small batches on a regular basis to provide their customers with the highest quality products possible.

Knowing how much I love natural products as well as yummy scented products, you can imagine how thrilled I was to discover this line!

Inside each product you'll find only high quality natural ingredients such as: creamy cocoa butter; nutrient rich shea butter; vegetable or fruit source oils; antioxidants such as vitamin E, rosemary extract and others; and natural essential oils or natural food flavourings (if scented)

And you'll also be happy to know that none of the products contain: parabens; synthetic fragrances or parfum; phthalates, SLS or sulfates; chemical preservatives; phenoxyethanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol (all forms of anti-freeze!); alcohol (which can cause long term skin damage); or mineral oils or petrochemicals

Whipped Body Cream - 225ml - $28 - if you're looking for super-duper moisture, you've come to the right place. Not only do they moisturize like a dream though, they come in amazing scents! I am absolutely in love with Pink Citrus Paradise, with Orange U Smellin Good running a close second (I know, go figure) - if you are less of a citrus fanatic check out Killa Vanilla and Coconut Cream Pie - and if you just aren't fan of fragrance (the horror!) there is also a Bare Naked Natural unscented one!

Moisturizing & Detoxifying Spa Body Scrub - 225ml - $26 - contain Dead Sea Salts to clean, detoxify the skin and impart vital minerals as well as shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba and natural antioxidants which all get together to polish and clean the skin leaving it hydrated and silky smooth! It comes in Macha Grapefruit (yes, more citrus) with grapefruit and green tea is absolutely decadent or you can check out Purple Zen with lavender and bergamot or Vanilla Cocoaccino with vanilla and coffee.

What I really like about the packaging for both the scrub and cream is that each jar comes with a spatula so  you don't have to stick your fingers in the jar - no worries about contaminating the product that way. Even cleverer, there is a spot in the cap to keep said spatula so you don't have to worry about where to keep a sticky spatula!

This Is The Balm - 70g - $22 - a multi-functional solid moisturizing balm that soothes any place you have dry skin - feet, hair, body, you name it - and it has no scent so it can be used in even the most sensitive of places - and of course the format makes it perfect for throwing in your purse or gym bag!

Get Creamed Body also offers Lip Balms - 10g - $12 - in Loco for Coconut, Peppermint Twist and Raspberry Chocolate Truffle and Cocoa Butter Bath Chocolates - 42g - $24 - a package of 5 chocolates that can be added to your bath to add moisture and a light scent.

Available at some retail locations in Vancouver and online at www.getcreamedbody.com.

- Lisamarie -

Get your 4 healthy (skin) fruit servings from June Jacobs, mark., Upper Canada Soap and Kiss My Face!

Maybe this isn't exactly what the Canada Food Guide has in mind when it talks about getting enough fruit servings each day but it sure works for me!

June Jacobs Spa Collection Papaya Body Balm - 210ml - $57 - You'll love how it moisturizes the hell out of your skin with shea butter and squalane, sunflower, jojoba and sesame oils - as well, a blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with hoji berry, pomegranate and grapeseed extracts help to neutralize free radicals, protect the skin from environmental toxins and combat the visible signs of premature aging. You'll even love how it's paraben, sulfates, synthetic dyes and preservative free - but what you'll really love is how amazingly fruity it smells - papaya heaven!

Available at eBeauty.ca

Upper Canada Soap Naturally Hand & Body Lotion Goji Berry Hemp - 325ml - $16 - fights free radicals and dry skin thanks to Goji Berry fruit extract's powerful antioxidants and Hemp Oil which is rich in essential fatty acids. Contains no parabens, mineral oils, synthetic dyes or SLS. I don't know that I've ever seen or smelled an actual goji berry but I'm likening this smell to cranberry - it's a bit sweet and a bit tart all at the same time!

Available at selected The Bay, Sears, Trade Secrets and gift shops as well as online at www.uppercanadasoap.com

mark. Pear Blossom Whipped Up Body Butter - 200ml - $12 - if you aren't a fan of how heavy body butters usually are, you'll like the whipped texture of this one, it leaves your skin super soft without feeling like there is a layer of moisturizer sitting on the top of your skin. Pear isn't usually my favourite fruit scent but this one is very soft and sweet and totally to my taste. If you like to layer, you'll be happy to know that the same scent is also available in a body cleanser and body mist.

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

Kiss My Face Peaches & Creme Ultra Moisturizer - 473ml - $13.99 - contains: 4% Alpha Hydroxy Acids to gently help unblock pores and exfoliate; Peach Fruit Extract which is emolient and soothing; and Shea butter to moisturize and help retain skin elasticity. What's most amazing about it is the peachy smell which has me coming back to it again and again!

Finding it seems to have become a little more complicated. You can still find it at various health stores but the last time I purchased something Kiss My Face had a Canadian webstore with all of the prices and shipping in Canadian dollars. When I went back to the site recently, it seems to just be US now. So Americans, get your fix at www.kissmyface.com. Canadians can still buy online at well.ca so no worries!

- Lisamarie -

Nip + Fab - the British sensation is now at Shoppers Drug Mart!

Nip + Fab is the new skincare line created by Maria Hatzistefanis - the founder of Rodial, and I'm pleased to tell you, Nib + Fab is a lot more affordable then Rodial is!

It's a clinically tested range for the face and body that delivers 11 targeted treatments and are crammed with breakthrough natural and technologically advanced skin smoothing, boosting and firming ingredients.  Here's what's in the lineup:


Clean Fix Facial Cleansing Oil - 120ml - $11.95 - a multi-purpose 2-in-1 cleanser and make-up remover that gently removes daily dirt, grime and all traces of make-up, even stubborn mascara.  Enriched with skin caring essential oils including neroli oil to soften and rejuvenate the skin and calming mandarin for it's purifying, decongesting properties - it cleanses without disrupting the skin's natural balance.
Scrub Fix Facial Polish - 50ml - $13.95 - a triple action facial micro-exfoliant that exfoliates, stimulates and gives your skin a natural glow.  Contains bamboo micro-particles to refine, polish and maintain moisture levels, salicylic acid to resurface and brighten the complexion and plant-based polysaccharides to renew and decongest.
Moisture Fix Facial Daily Moisturiser - 50ml - $19.95 - specially formulated with hyaluronic acid filling spheres which bind up to 1000 times their weight in water to visibly fill and plump the skin, noticeably smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.  Contains grape seed oil for its mild astringent qualities to help tighten, tone and improve the sin's elasticity, meadowfoam seed oil to help fight the signs of aging and protect against everyday environmental stresses as well as jojoba seed oil, evening primrose oil, rose hip oil, glycerin, lanolin and mica.
Lip + Nip Fix Healing Multi-Purpose Balm - 15ml - $9.95 - a rich, soothing, healing balm that is perfect for use on the lips, nipples and any other dry damaged area of your skin.  Contains pure lanolin, renowned for its ability to prevent moisture loss, repair the skin's natural barrier, protect against environmental aggressors, soothe irritation and it has hypoallergenic/bacteriostatic properties.
Eye Fix Brightening Concealer - 2ml - $11.95 - 2-in-1 eye cream and concealer in a twist pen form that is enriched with hydrating, plumping hyaluronic acid, softening glycerin and cucumber extract to reduce the appearance of puffiness.  Also contains light reflecting particles to hide imperfections and dark circles.
Shower Fix Cleansing Shower Oil - 200ml - $15.95 - enriched with gentle oils which cleanse, nourish and protect the skin's natural moisture balance and toning as well as mandarin renowned for its ability to activate circulation and refine fine lines.
Multi-Fix Oil Skin Healing Oil - 100ml - $14.95 - contains bio lipids to target scars and stretch marks, borage oil to nourish and moisturise, safflower oil to replenish and soften and blackcurrant seed oil renowned for its brightening and lightening properties.
Cellulite Fix Body Sculpting Gel - 150ml - $19.95 - contains CellActive - SHAPE - a complex enriched with a powerful combination of Indian forskolin, natural caffeine and the Essential Cell Boost-Factor to activate fat breakdown, promote the removal of waste substances and improve tissue firmness.
Bust Fix Plumping Treatment - 100ml - $17.95 - a high performance bust serum to visibly plump, smooth and firm the skin around the bust and decollete - perfect for skin which has lost its elasticity.  Contains CellActive - FORM - a plant-based complex of active ingredients which support the natural process of lipid deposition, lending fullness to the bust, it will reshape the contours of the cleavage area to optimally accentuate.
Dry Leg Fix Instant Leg Smoother - 100ml - $12.95 - an intensive balm to immediately smooth dry, flaky skin and nourish with a moisturising and restructuring hydra concept called Aquaxyl - which boasts scientifically substantiated benefits to improve the water reserves in the skin, limit water loss and visually improve the surface of the skin.
Tummy Fix Daily Ab Toner - 100ml - $19.95 - to help tone, smooth, tighten and slim the tummy area. Created with a revolutionary formula AmaraShape - a highly effective combination of fat burning actives to refine body contours such as waist, thighs, buttocks and hips.  With active substances of caffeine and synephrine - which both activate the breakdown of lipids in fat cells of the body fat tissue.

Check out your local Shoppers Drug Mart to get your Nip + Fab fix!

- Lisamarie -

mark. Fair Trade Body Collection - body care that cares!

It's a refreshing change in these days of inflated profits and corporate greed when a company does the right thing instead of the more profitable thing.  Don't get me wrong, I don't think that companies should stop trying to make money, I just wish that sometimes they would stop and realize that they are making it on the backs of other people - making sure that those people are treated fairly is good for everyone!  Avon's mark. line has the right idea - this collection helps farmers around the globe help themselves through fair prices, direct trade, community development, and respect for the environment.  All products are certified by TransFair USA (www.transfairusa.org)

mark. do the right thing smoothing body lotion SPF 15 - 200ml - $15 - formulated with Fair Trade Certified cocoa butter, honey and hibiscus. 

mark. fresh approach hydrating body cleanser - 200ml - $12 - formulated with Fair Trade Certified honey and white tea

mark. total comfort body creme - 200ml - $15 - formulated with Fair Trade Certified cocoa butter, olive oil and chamomile

mark. the big fix 15-in-1 big benefits balm - 10g - $12 - formulated with fair Trade Certified cocoa butter, olive oil and vanilla - a travel-friendly multifunctional moisturizing balm that you can use anywhere that you are dry - knees, elbows, heels, cuticles - wherever!

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

- Lisamarie -

If you're a busy woman you might also want to be a Mèreadesso Woman!

There's a report that just came out on Tuesday that states that Canadians, particularly women, are caught in a time crunch, without enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done.  Between their job(s), family responsibilities and everything else women have to deal with on a daily basis, many things, such as friends, their health and "human needs" are falling by the wayside.  Since I can't think of a more human need then beauty, I highly suspect that this is taking a backseat in many women's lives due to a lack of time and energy.

While I'm not offering to babysit your kids, although that would free up some of your time to get a facial, I will tell you about a company that aims to pare down your beauty routine into something that even the busiest woman should be able to handle. Mèreadesso Woman has a line of skincare that consists of just 3 products - a cleanser for your face and neck, a toning gel for your face and neck and their latest addition, a body balm to moisturize everything below your neck. 

No more skin types, zones, layered steps or time of day.



Beautiful Body Balm - 200ml - $54 - a high performance , non-greasy, all over body balm, hand moisturizer and foot cream for mean and women of all ages and skin types.  Blended with 8 vitamins and minerals, along with 28 globally sourced botanical extracts and the most wonderful citrus scent!  My skin has been doing weird things adjusting itself to the temperature change from winter to summer and parts of me have actually been drier and flakier then they were when it was cold out!  It was also smart to tell me that this could be used on my feet as well because it made me remember to actually moisturize my feet everyday which I really should be doing now that it's sandal season and they are on display!  The balm feels very luxurious going on, absorbs easily and dries immediately!

The other two products in the line are:

Face + Neck Cleanser - 120ml - $45 - a non-foaming all-in-one makeup remover, mask, scrub and toner that will even conquer waterproof mascara.  Effective as a deep cleanser but gentle enough for use around the eye area.  Comes with a specially designed cleansing cloth.

Face + Neck Toning Gel - 50ml - $120 - a complete multi-vitamin, antioxidant and mineral supplement for the skin.  Sourced from around the world, there are 16 botanical extracts, 7 minerals, a complex of vitamins and enzymes and over 20 different antioxidants all combined in a light weight gel-lotion.

Linda Stephenson, the founder and creator of Mèreadesso Woman and a 21 year veteran of the beauty industry was kind enough to share some tips on taking your face from winter into summer:

As we go from winter to summer with the temperature rising, you may want to "lighten up" on moisturizers - with Mèreadesso users, if you use 2 pumps of the Face & Neck Toning Gel in the winter, you may only need one.  Also, a big part of the summer skincare is sunscreens.  If you are planning to apply sunscreens - they tend to be heavy, so you should always try to use those that have been designed for the face and not the body.  Also, test your sunscreen on your jaw line - sometimes, people experience breakouts from their sunscreens because of the heavy bases.  And finally, even if you wear very little make-up during the summer months, if you are using a sunscreen, it is still very important to thoroughly wash your face at the end of the day - especially if using waterproof/sports versions.  Sunscreens as beneficial as they are, still contain lots of chemicals that you don't want on your skin for 24 hours. We highly recommend our Face & Neck Cleanser which will remove all makeup and sunscreens gently.

In terms of makeup - especially if you "get a little sun", foundations that you use in the winter can suddenly look chalky and unnatural - I always recommend using a bronzing powder in summer- easier to control and blend when your skin may have gotten a little uneven in colour/tone.

Mèreadesso Woman products are available at select salons across Toronto as well as on their website here and can be shipped to both Canada and the US.

- Lisamarie -