3 steps to glowing skin with Conair, StiVectin and Alya Skin!

Start your glowing skin regime with...

 

Conair True Glow Facial Sauna - $49.99 - cleanses, hydrates and refreshes skin with a warm steam  moisturizing mist that loosens dirt, oil and blackheads for a complete deep cleansing while promoting overall skin health and protection by improving skin tone and elasticity that brings out skin's natural beauty and glow. It has 7 timer settings making it great for all skin types and is also great for reducing nasal congestion during colds and allergies.

I was a little worried when trying this, my skin is prone to redness and I thought I might turn out less glowy and more boiled lobster but no worry needed - my skin pinked up a bit but did not boil!

Available at mass retailers across Canada and online at conaircanada.ca.

After steaming, this is the perfect time to exfoliate and get rid of any lingering embedded dirt and to slough off dead skin 

StriVectin Advanced Resurfacing Pro Glowfoliant Mix-In Microderm Crystals - 36g - $49 - finely textured, dermatologist-grade microdermabrasion crystals plus a gentle blend of AHAs offer results comparable to a professional microdermabrasion treatment.

 

It's very easy and versatile - just mix a bit with any cleanser to thoroughly exfoliate dulling, pore-clogging dead skin cells for visibly renewed, ultra-smooth glowing skin in just 15 seconds without disrupting skin’s barrier. The "any cleanser" part is what I really appreciate about it - a lot of exfoliants are too thick and heavy for my taste but this one mixes easily into my light gel cleanser so I get all the exfoliating benefits in a texture of my choice!

Available at drugstores across Canada.

And now that your skin is perfectly smooth and soft finish it off with some Vitamin C to keep the glow going - I would recommend...

Alya Skin Vitamin C Supercharged Serum - 35ml - $41.99 - boosts the skin with a blend of Kakadu Plum, Desert Lime, Finger Lime Caviar and Lilly Pilly. These Australian natives are packed full of Vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant which plumps, brightens, and increases collagen production to brighten and even skin tone. 

 

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

When my skin feels this clean and soft I hate to put on makeup, but if I have to it is amazing how easily foundation glides on and how much better it looks -  just add these 3 steps to your routine twice a week and admire the glow with and without foundation! You will also definitely want to add this to your special event prep or for anytime you want to look especially good!

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Fenty Skin Pre-Show Glow!

You know the way your skin feels after a really good facial and how easily your makeup glides onto perfectly polished skin? That's exactly the same feeling you will get with... 

Fenty Skin Pre-Show Glow - 30ml + Reusable Applicator - $52, 30ml Refill - $42 - a powerful exfoliating treatment loaded with 10% AHAs - glycolic, citric and lactic acids - help fade the look of pores and dark spots and improve skin's moisture content; rooibos - rich in AHAs and zinc to help revitalize and renew the appearance of skin; pomegranate, papaya, and cranberry enzymes -  help to visibly digest, lift, and loosen damaged surface cells.  The reusable applicator delivers gentle physical exfoliation, leaving skin feeling ultra-soft, looking radiant, and makeup-ready - with no redness or irritation, so no downtime. 

 

I like to do a little research before actually trying new products to get an idea of what other people think and the most complaints seemed to be about the smell and the bottle size. For me, neither was a concern - it's described as a a light, fruity-floral scent inspired by pomegranate and hibiscus and that's exactly how it smells to me - not the least bit objectionable. As for anyone complaining about the size - they must be using too much - I have been using it twice a week for over a month now and I have barely made a dent in it! You really just need a very small amount on a wet applicator. All I can think is they were doing it with the applicator dry in which case you would need a lot to make it wet enough to use - so just remember, wet face, wet applicator, a little bit of product and scrub face for 30-60 seconds - rinse face and prepare to have your skin feel just like a baby's butt - follow with your serum/moisturizer and makeup and admire the glow!

 

Part of the Clean at Sephora collection so free of all the crap that we don't want or need in our beauty products and available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

Soak dry skin (and your cares) away with Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution!

Dr Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution - 1.36kg - $9.99 - with a rich skin caring formula that combines pure epsom salt - to help ease sore, achy muscles; with extra rich and hydrating shea butter extracts; almond oil - to relieve and soften dry skin along with natural essential oils, known for their ability to help soothe the senses and clear the mind.

To enjoy, just pour at least 2 cups under warm, running bath water, immerse yourself and relax for 20 minutes while letting the rich minerals soak away discomfort. It also makes a great exfoliator - just mix a handful with your favourite body wash and gently massage mixture onto skin to slough away dry patches, revealing a healthier-looking complexion!

Available at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Instant Refinishing Facial!

There aren't a lot of beauty products out there that offer instant gratification so you have to love:

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Instant Refinishing Facial - 75ml - $70 - a gentle, yet effective, high performance exfoliating treatment that sweeps away dry, dulling surface cells so skin looks brighter, smoother, softer and more radiant. Pores and skin texture are instantly refined as the dual action formula physically buffs and micro refinishes skin's surface.

I find it easiest to use it in the shower twice a week, just apply a thin layer to clean, damp skin - massage gently using circular motions - then rinse thoroughly.

Available at Estee Lauder counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Pad your skin care routine with Indeed Labs, No7 and First Aid Beauty!

Indeed Labs noAcid Pads - 30 pads - $19.99 -  a non-acid based exfoliator that exfoliates, retexturizes and revitalizes the skin. Powered by active probiotics and natural extracts from yarrow and Japanese cedar buds, they gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and strengthen the skin’s barrier function for a more radiant and even complexion and work gently, yet effectively to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin texture without leaving the skin feeling dry and irritated - just noticeably brighter and youthful. 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at indeedlabs.com.

No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum Activating Pads - 60 pads - $26 - enriched with a 10% glycolic glow complex containing both AHAs and PHAs to exfoliate skin and remove dead skin cells for skin that instantly appears brighter, clearer and more even with a healthy and youthful glow while lines and wrinkles appear smoothed and the skin's surface is prepped and primed for serum application.

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

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - 60 pads - $42 - a daily treatment pad that effectively exfoliates, tones, and brightens with a formula containing glycolic and lactic acids - alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate skin, helping it appear brighter and with improved texture; lemon peel - a natural extract that helps brighten skin's appearance; and Indian gooseberry - a natural extract that helps tone skin. Regular use will improve skin’s texture, enhance natural glow, and provide a smooth canvas for flawless makeup application.

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Mary Kay Naturally - skincare sourced from nature, created for you!

Mary Kay introduces Naturally, their first ever natural-certified skin care line - where naturally derived ingredients meet exciting product forms. With effective, versatile products and gentle formulas that are suitable even for the most sensitive skin.

Available in the collection:

Naturally Purifying Cleanser - 127g - $29 - a creamy cleanser that helps remove dirt to leave skin feeling refreshed, hydrated and comforted for skin that looks healthy and feels nourished and soothed with a 99.49% natural origin formula containing:

cornflower floral water - to calm, soothe and condition skin;

glycerin - replenishes as it attracts and retains water to help boost moisture levels and give skin a soft, smooth feel;

sweet almond oil - to soften, smooth and soothe skin as well as help moisturize and relieve dryness; and

vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against environmental damage.

The formula is also free of silicone, mineral oil, alcohol and any ingredients that have been genetically modified.

Naturally Exfoliating Powder - 74g - $39 -  gently exfoliates skin and leaves it looking healthy without feeling over scrubbed and feeling smoother and softer with a100% natural origin formula containing:

baking soda - a natural, traditional method to soothe and cleanse dry skin and promote a more comfortable feeling;

citric acid - for its beneficial effects similar to other exfoliants but is gentler to skin;

hydrogenated castor oil - that has been processed into fine, wax beads to provide exfoliating benefits, which help skin cell turnover; and

rice starch - a soft white powder often used in cosmetic products due to its high absorbency benefits.

The formula is also free of talc, surfactants, silicone, mineral oil, alcohol and any ingredients that have been genetically modified.

This is my favourite product from the line because it is super customizable. I like to add a bit to my cleanser but you can also use it with the oil - the more powder you add to your preferred liquid, the more scrub you get!

Naturally Nourishing Oil - 29ml - $55 - This quick-absorbing oil leaves skin feeling hydrated and looking revitalized with 100% natural origin formula containing:

olive oil - a nutrient-rich natural emollient that works to soothe and moisturize while it provides antioxidant benefits to help protect skin;

sesame oil - helps provide nourishing moisturization benefits, provide antioxidant protection and help support skin’s natural lipid barrier;

squalane - an excellent moisturizer to help support the skin barrier and reduce dryness to help minimize moisture loss and gives a soft, supple feel to skin;

sweet almond oil - softens, smooths and soothes skin with it helps moisturize and relieve dryness; and

vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against environmental damage.

The formula is also free of silicone, mineral oil and alcohol or any ingredients that have been genetically modified.

Naturally Moisturizing Stick - 10.8g - $32 - offers immediate relief from dryness in a portable, targeted balm for skin that feels nourished, soothed and softer after use with a 100% natural origin formula containing:

beeswax - an excellent protectant of the skin barrier that helps lock in moisture and leave skin feeling soft;

candelilla wax - has protective properties that allow it to help prevent moisture loss from skin; and

carnauba wax - provides emollient properties to help leave skin with a soft, hydrated feel.

The formula is also free of silicone, mineral oil, alcohol and any ingredients that have been genetically modified.

As well, all of the Mary Kay Naturally products are also free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes and SLS/SLES

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

- Lisamarie -

Renew rough skin with the Artistry Signature Select Polishing Mask!

Artistry Signature Select Polishing Mask - 100g - $40 - for instantly softer, smoother skin with a healthy glow.

With a skin-refining formula and sugar scrub texture that immediately and gently buffs away flaky, dead skin to reveal a smoother, softer, even complexion for skin that looks instantly polished with a healthy, youthful glow.

Containing natural sugar cane crystals - that gently exfoliate dead skin cells to even and refine skin’s texture; nutrilite-sourced black currant extract - which helps boost antioxidant protection; and a light fragrance that blends crisp notes of black currant, red citrus and green florals - so it smells amazing while the purple tint makes it super-fun to use!

The Polishing Mask is part of the mix, match and multi-mask collection that also includes: Purifying Mask - dense french clay with citrus; Hydrating Mask - whipped souffle with green tea; Brightening Mask - silky mousse with white chia seed; and Firming Mask - honey-like gel with pomegranate - to help you target different zones of your face with different masks to treat multiple skin concerns at once!

Available from your Amway rep or online at amway.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Smooth skin made easy with Garnier, Mary Kay and Neutrogena!

Garnier SkinActive Deep Pore Exfoliating Scrub -150ml - $10.99 - with a 97% naturally-derived and 100% vegan formula that decongests skin - even sensitive - and mattifies with green tea and gently exfoliates to reduce the appearance of pores and leave skin smoother with a refined texture.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Mary Kay Botanical Effects Invigorating Scrub - 88ml - $21 - exfoliates to remove dead and dull skin, leaving pores feeling deeply cleaned with an antioxidant-packed formula containing dragon fruit extract - to help fight skin-damaging free radicals, aloe extract - for an added boost of antioxidants and natural exfoliating fruit seeds to help unclog pores to leave skin looking smoother with a well-rested radiance and healthy glow.

Available 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.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Cooling Gel Scrub - 119g - $10.99 -  with cooling gel formula that unclogs pores with gentle exfoliators and salicylic acid - getting rid of trapped dirt, make-up and oil that can cause breakouts while it helps to preserve skin’s essential moistue without leaving skin feeling stripped - just soft and deeply purified.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Test Driving - NowMi Pro Complete Facial Solution

Going to the spa is one of my favourite things but sadly time and money prevent me from doing it as often as I would like to - so I love discovering at-home treatments that make me feel all the spa relaxation and effectiveness without the time-suck and price tag!

NowMi Pro - $240 - an advanced anti aging facial solution that enables you to deeply cleanse skin on a daily basis and also perform a weekly skin rejuvenating facial - all performed in the comfort of your own home. Designed for today’s busy lifestyle, the treatment takes only 5 minutes and can be carried out anywhere, anytime - and best of all, it costs just a fraction of its professional spa equivalent!

On one side, the device offers daily cleansing with silicone micro-fingers which emit 6,000 sonic pulses per minute to help the cleansing gel penetrate and thoroughly remove all unwanted makeup, dirt and oil - for highly effective cleansing that is also very gentle on the skin and doesn’t cause any irritation. As well as cleaning there is also the benefit of facial massage which boosts blood circulation, increasing the production of collagen and elastin - both key proteins which restore the skin's elasticity and firmness.

To be used with the included NowMi cleansing gel with a formula which includes: vitamin E - a powerful anti-oxidant that helps the skin keep hydrated and plays an important role in skin healing; vitamin B3 - an anti-oxidant that is known for its anti-aging qualities and for its ability to protect the skin from damaging UV light; vitamin B5 -  enables the skin to retain greater quantities of water and as a result stay moisturized as well as helps the skin repair itself and reduces inflammation; and Dead Sea minerals - the richest source of healing minerals in the world to infuse skin rejuvenating minerals such as zinc, calcium, chloride and sodium chloride.

The other side of the device is used in conjunction with vitamin C effervescent tablets and lubricant gel for weekly spa-like treatments which easily performs 4 skin actions:

Sonic Exfoliation - performed primarily by the effervescent tablet which has a slightly coarse surface. When massaged into the skin, the effervescent tablet gently removes the outer layer of the skin leaving it incredibly soft and smooth and facilitates the optimal penetration of vitamins and minerals into the skin - and enhanced by the sonic energy which emits 6,000 sonic pulsations per minute which ensures the thorough cleansing of all pores.

Sonic Nourishment - during treatment the skin is infused with pure vitamin C - a powerful anti-oxidant that helps the body to neutralize free-radicals and slow down the signs of aging. It also reduces skin inflammation and pigmentation; vitamin E - helps the skin protect itself from extrinsic factors such as pollution, smoke, unhealthy food and more, anti-aging attributes as well as its skin hydration and scar reducing qualities; and hyaluronic acid - a powerful antioxidant that  The Hyaluronic acid plays a major role in hydrating the skin. It helps the skin to retain water and as a result slows the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The Hyaluronic acid also helps the skin repair itself faster and reduces skin inflammation - the sonic energy dramatically improves the effectiveness of the infusion since it helps the ingredients reach deeper and faster into the skin.

Sonic Oxygenation: when the effervescent tablet comes into contact with the lubricant gel a chemical reaction occurs which creates a C02 rich environment. As a result, the body responds by sending 02 infused blood cells to the area. By doing so, it creates a natural facial oxygenation effect from within the skin which helps the absorption of the vitamins and minerals - the sonic energy further increases the oxygenation process- it degases the C02 microbubbles which significantly boosts the oxygenation effect.

Sonic Protection: replenishes the skin’s vitamin C supply and enables it to protect itself from extrinsic factors and repair damaged skin - the sonic energy plays an important role in the protection of the skin since it exponentially increases the infusion of the vitamin C.

It's very easy to use and after 6 weeks I can really see the results:my skin looks and feels smoother and fine lines are less evident;
my skin is more hydrated and plumper;
but what I really notice is the radiance, my skin glows - like really, really glows!

What's also nice about the device, it doesn't require a lot of upkeep - it's highly hygienic since it's made of nonporous silicone which is resistant to bacteria buildup and is also completely waterproof so can be used in the shower or bath. And once you fully charge it up, it has enough power to supply a month’s worth of treatments which makes it a great travel buddy!

Each kit contains:
 NowMi Pro applicator (powered by sonic energy)
Vitamin C effervescent tablets for 6 weekly treatments
100ml NowMi lubricant gel
100ml NowMi facial cleansing gel for daily use

Score yours now at: https://nowmi.com/product/nowmi-pro/

- Lisamarie - 

Experience the powder of exfoliation with Indeed, Clarisea and Biore!

Customize your exfoliating experience with a powder - what makes them great is you can add as much or as little water as you desire to help create different strengths or even save yourself a step and add to your cleanser! Great choices include:

Indeed Labs Facial Powdered Exfoliator - 75g - $19.99 - gently exfoliates skin without any rough pieces that can damage skin by creating microtears - just add water to create an active foam that  features a micro-powder, skin polishing formula made up of bamboo extract, rice bran powder, okinawa red algae, hyaluronic acid, and bromelain - and watch as the enzymes activate right before your eyes and becomes a creamy, foamy lather and washes clean away without redness or breakouts. For skin that instantly looks refreshed, healthy, youthful and with a radiant glow.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

ClariSEA SeaSalt Solutions Instant Glow Powder Exfoliant - 41g - $18.95 - a 100% natural powder exfoliant that gently buffs away impurities and dead skin cells with nourishing ingredients including: the natural astringent properties of rose and orange peel powders - to cleanse skin; almond flour - to brighten; powdered Pacific Ocean and Himalayan pink sea salts - to first exfoliate, then clarify and help heal as they dissolve into skin - to reveal a healthy layer of vibrant skin.

Available at Murale stores across Canada.

Biore Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub - 128g - $8.99 - a concentrated powder scrub that foams up on contact with water, gently exfoliating and diving deep into pores to break up oil and impurities while exfoliating dry, flaky skin.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Cool down with refreshing summer bodycare from L'Occitane!

Looking for a way to feel cool and smell great this summer? You can't go wrong with the L'Occitane Verbena and Citrus Verbena Collections - both with some great new products!

Citrus Verbena Refreshing Exfoliating Sugars - 175g - $44 - gently exfoliates the skin, softening and refreshing. Enriched with menthol and verbena extract from Provence, it intensely refreshes the skin, leaving behind a delicate, zesty, invigorating scent.

Citrus Verbena Hair & Body Mist - 50ml - $19 - provides an instant feeling of freshness, enriched with cooling menthol with a light and non-sticky mist that is the perfect compliment to a summer day!

Citrus Verbena Moisturizing Body Foam - 150ml - $34 -  an amazing chantilly-like foam that moisturizes and refreshes the skin through a voluptuous and soft texture enriched with verbena extract.

Verbena Fresh Shower Gel - 250ml - $22 - cleanses the skin and provides an intense feeling of freshness

Verbena Icy Body Gel - 150ml - $44 - a moisturizing body gel that melts on the skin and helps provide an instant feeling of coolness that hydrates and refreshes the skin - for an even more intense ice-cube effect, can be kept in the fridge before use!

Verbena Icy Fragrance Touch - 14ml - $24 -  a pocket-size, ultra-fresh, mentholated gel to apply to warm body points for an instant icy effect and easily travels with you in a pocket or purse.

Available now at L'Occitane stores across Canada and online at  https://ca.loccitane.com.

- Lisamarie -

Quo Lip Balm & Scrub

Fix up wind and sun damaged lips and make them soft and smooth with:

Quo Lip Balm & Scrub - 2 x 3g -  $14 - in 3 flavours: Watermelon, Mango and Pomegranate - in a double sided jar - one side contains a gentle exfoliator to smooth out lips while the other side contains a  balm containing shea butter, jojoba, rose hip oil and avocado oil to help seal in moisture and soften - and as an added bonus, leave them smelling delicious!

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Guerlain Gommage de Beauté Skin Resurfacing Peel!

Guerlain Gommage de Beauté Skin Resurfacing Peel - 75ml - $74 - a grain-free, non-abrasive, melting gel peel designed to gently exfoliate and refine the look of even the most sensitive skin.

Ideal for all skin types, it delivers the perfect concentration of three naturally derived exfoliating acids to gently remove dead cells to correct dullness and uneven texture - the acids brighten, soften, calm redness, lift away impurities and maintain essential moisture levels for skin that looks and feels smoother, more refined and radiant; along with nigella oil flower extract - for it's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

For optimal results apply over the whole face and leave on as a mask for 5-10 minutes - before removing, massage the centre of the face and the t-zone with small circular movements - rise thoroughly and enjoy your glowing skin!

As an added bonus it smells great - white tea, musky notes and a touch of jasmine.

Available now at Guerlain counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Needful Things - Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intense Exfoliator

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intense Exfoliator - 60ml - $102 - dual-action exfoliator that works both physically and enzymatically, smoothing and polishing to help with dullness and uneven texture, pores, dark spots and skin tone to reveal a glowing, radiant complexion

Formulated with face scrubbing natural exfoliants to deep clean clogged pores without over-drying skin including lactic acid and fruit enzymes - papaya, pineapple and pumpkin - to reveal smooth skin and a brighter, healthier-looking complexion in as little as one use.  

I was a little worried by the "intense" title, thinking it would be one of those super scrubby, rough exfoliants that always end up leaving my skin red and uncomfortable but that is not the case at all - it's really gentle while still doing a remarkably thorough job!

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Radiance Shot

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Radiance Shot - 30ml - $29 - treats  skin to a fast-fix of radiance with a concentrate of exfoliating acids to reveal natural looking luminosity along with aloe vera and allantoin to care for the skin.

The formula contains:

glycolic acid - to retexture and resurface the skin revealing smoother, softer and radiant skin;
fruit acids - to stimulate skin cell renewal, resulting in skin that appears younger and fresher; and
amino acid derivatives - to reduce the appearance of pigmentation.

And for some instant gratification, it has a beautiful pearlescent blue tint, which when applied to the skin turns to a golden luminosity adding an instant glow to the skin!

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Refining Sugar Cleanser

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Refining Sugar Cleanser - 104ml - $32 - a natural sugar, multi-tasking cleanser that mildly exfoliates to gently rejuvenate, hydrates and refines skin.

It starts off as a lightly textured sugar that gently removes dead skin cells and surface dirt that then transforms into a creamy, foaming lather that leaves skin smoother, refreshed and energized.  The best part about it aside from making skin feeling smooth and amazing is the cookie scent! Am I worried that one day someone will want to eat my face off? Maybe a little...

The formula contains anti-aging Matrixyl Synthe’6 peptide, bioactive plant extracts along with hyaluronic acid to help keep skin hydrated - but is also notable for what it doesn't contain including: GMO, gluten, parabens, petroleum, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, ureas, artificial fragrances or colours.

Available at Murale stores across Canada and online at beautyboutique.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Resurfacing Micro-Exfoliant!

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Resurfacing Micro-Exfoliant - 90ml - $69 - fights dryness, dullness and uneven texture and skin tone with an intensive spa-grade micro-dermabrasion that helps resurface to reduce the appearance of fine lines and even skin tone, revealing smoother and younger looking skin. An alternative to conventional chemical dermabrasion, this effective formula made with certified organic ingredients, clay, and micro-particles of grape seed and jojoba gently resurfaces, smoothes and softens.

The vegan formula is a great, more natural alternative to conventional chemical dermabrasion - it removes dead skin cells, instantly resurfacing and refining with exfoliating organic grapeseed micro-particles; replenishes, restores, and renews with a proprietary blend of fruit stem cells, which have been infused into an organic resveratrol-rich grapeseed base; while vitamin E softens and moisturizes and chamomile and aloe soothes post-exfoliation.

And you can feel good about what's not in it including: plastic beads, petroleum, silicone, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances - just look forward to your smooth, super soft skin!

Available at Murale, Holt Renfrew and Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... The Estée Edit White Mud Exfoliating Scrub + Mask!

The Estée Edit White Mud Exfoliating Scrub + Mask - 75ml - $44 - a dual-action detoxifying and pore refining mask and exfoliating treatment that draws out impurities and removes excess oil and shine making it perfect to deal with my post-winter dullness, uneven texture, scary pores and oiliness.

It has a super-fine, creamy-smooth white porcelain clay formula that when applied to clean skin and left for 15-20 minutes works as a mask - or for added benefits, before removing, apply a little warm water and massage to take advantage of the powerful jojoba exfoliating beads that will gently banish skin of flakiness, roughness and blackheads for a soft, smooth complexion.

Available now exclusively at Sephora, sephora.ca and esteelauder.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Needful Things - Bella Vita Miracle Soap

Bella Vita Miracle Soap - $15 - in citrus, lavender and fragrance free varieties - a baked natural clay pellet filled with a delicate Marseille soap base that when wet, lathers to soften the exfoliating action of the stone.

It has lots of great uses:

Removes hard skin on elbows, knees, hands and feet - calluses disappear;

removes the most stubborn stains - including  those left by hair dye, self-tanning cream and ink;

and exfoliates non-sensitive parts of the body and helps reduce ingrown hairs when used before epilation.

 Just lather up the wet stone with a few drops and water and scrub gently - and for optimal life of the stone, don't leave it in water and it should last from 6 - 10 months!

Available now at fine health food stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Cuticles are perfected with Deborah Lippmann, Avon and Sephora!

Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Remover - Exfoliating Cuticle Nail Treatment - 15ml - $24 - an exfoliating cuticle treatment with a fast-acting formula that gently loosens and removes dead or dry skin in the cuticle area, making it easier to push cuticles back and maintain healthy nails.

Available at Murale stores across Canada.

Avon True Color Cuticle Conditioner - 12ml - $8 - with a fast-absorbing formula containing vitamin E and evening primrose seed extract for instantly healthy looking nails - just brush on and massage into nails and cuticles.

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

If you can resist cutting cuticles, that's what the experts always recommend but I'm a fan (and addicted) to cutting mine - so I look for something very precise that won't butcher my cuticles like:

Sephora Cut To The Point Cuticle Nipper - $30 - a professional-quality precision cuticle nipper crafted from salon-quality stainless steel for easy cleaning and sanitation. The handles feature fine-tuned tension to maximize grip for precise control, and the blade angle has been designed for precision cutting.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -