May 5, 2014

Celebrate Melanoma Monday with a great sunscreen from Neutrogena, Aveeno, Be.better and L'Oréal!

Today is Melanoma Monday - yes, that really is a thing! And if you've ever wondered how savvy you and other Canadians are about sun protection then the above survey will either disturb you or make you feel smugly sun-smart! We're hoping for the later but it is never too late to educate yourself and start doing the right thing by your skin!

And because we want to make sure you aren't among the one in four Canadians that don't use sunscreen here are some great choices for protecting yourself each and every day:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 45 - 88ml - $14.99 - a waterproof, sweatproof, oil and PABA free lotion that absorbs throughout the UVA/UVB spectrum with innovative helioplex protection to help provide consistent protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays with dry-touch technology to provide an ultra-light, non-shiny finish that won't clog pores.

Available at food, drug and mass merchandisers across Canada.
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 - 81ml - $14.99 - a water and sweat proof lotion that is fast-absorbing, oil free and delivers broad-spectrum and photostable protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays and formulated with skin-soothing Active Naturals Oats to relieve dry skin and leave skin feeling healthier than before sun exposure with all day hydration and a great light scent. Also available in SPF 45 and SPF 60 formulas.

Available at food, drug and mass merchandisers across Canada.
Be.better Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 - 237ml - $11.99 - a lightweight and non-greasy, fast absorbing lotion that protects against harmful UVA/UVB and is made of an innovative formula which uses natural ingredients including green tea extract, moistening aloe vera, safflower, and vitamin E to promote healthier skin. While Oleosomes technology uses a unique emulsifier and delivery system found naturally in plant seed which means it has fewer active chemicals and more natural ingredients that protect, nourish and moisturize skin.

Available exclusively at Rexall stores across Canada.
L'Oréal Sublime Sun Silky Sheer SPF 50 Lotion - 88ml - $14.99 - a lightweight, non-greasy, non-sticky water resistant lotion formulated to provide broad spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays and contains vitamin E and white grapeseed extracts for up to 8 hours of hydration.

Best part though is the fragrance - aloe vera, coconut milk, ylang-ylang, white peony, fig milk and tonka bean - delicious! Also available in SPF 15 and SPF 30.

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.


- Lisamarie -

Honour Mother's Day and all your Nivea memories by entering the Nivea contest!

Funny how smell is such a powerful thing and how certain scents can really trigger memories of specific people. There are a few that remind me of my mother and grandmother - one of those definitely being Nivea!

So it only seems right that Nivea is celebrating Mother's Day by giving away limited edition samples to 15,000 lucky winners on their Facebook page.

Just go to www.facebook.com/NiveaCanada - like the page and share your best Nivea story, memory or tip and you could win 2 samples, one for yourself and one to share!

- Lisamarie -

May 3, 2014

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 -

May 2, 2014

Skin lost its bounce? Then we need you to test drive La Roche-Posay Substiane [+] Serum!

As the years go by, you'll notice that skin loses volume and gradually becomes thinner and more fragile. Looking for some visible improvements for these issues? Then you need to check out:

La Roche-Posay Substiane [+] Serum - 30ml - $78 - fights overall loss of volume in mature and sensitive skin with a light, non-greasy gel-based formula that creates a rich, creamy, melt-in texture that easily penetrates skin to get to work quickly.

The formula combines the efforts of LR2412, a derivative of jasmonic acid which protects the skin's barrier function and Pro-Xylane which recreates skin's density deep down - together creating a brand new way to restore substance and structure to the depths of skin cells for skin that is denser, feels full to the touch and is re-plumped, radiant and comfortable.

Sound like something your skin is desperate for? Then we need you to test it out for us!

We're looking for 4 outspoken Canadian Beauty Crazed readers with mature and sensitive skin who would like to try out a 3-step La Roche-Posay skin care routine including: Physiological Foaming Water, Substiane [+] Serum and Anthelios Ultra-Fluid SPF 60 and then tell us what you think of them!

It's easy peasy to get in on this - just leave a comment letting us know that you want to be a La Roche-Posay guinea pig and that you are willing to try the products and send back your thoughts on them back to us 2 weeks after receiving the products.

Once you leave your comment, send us an e-mail at info@beautycrazed.ca with your full name and address, if you would also include your age and any skin concerns you have that you think make you a better guinea pig then everyone else that would be helpful. You have until May 7th to enter at which time we will pick 4 readers who are enthusiastic about the trial and giving us the scoop!

- Lisamarie -

Keep colour from fading with the Vidal Sassoon Pro Series ColorFinity Collection!

The Vidal Sassoon Pro Series ColorFinity Collection provides a full regimen of advanced technology hair care and styling products that help lock in long-lasting vibrant colour, prevent shade shifting, and maintain the precision of vibrant, dimensional hair color - to help keep hair looking bold for more than 40 washes!

Available in the collection:

ColorFinity Shampoo - 750ml - $6.99 - the formula includes antioxidants that combat free radicals found in water (copper) in order to help eliminate chemical reactions on the hair’s surface that speed up the colour processing and result in less vibrant initial colour. By reducing free radicals, colour processing can take place inside the hair cortex rather than at the surface, providing optimal pigment uptake for long-lasting, vibrant hair colour.

ColorFinity Conditioner - 750ml - $6.99 - contains moisturizing agents that help prevent water fading by sealing in moisture without weighing hair down.

ColorFinity Smoothing Cleansing Conditioner - 500ml - $6.99 - offers one step cleansing and conditioning with a low-lather formula that contains gentle cleansers that leave coloured-hair looking and feeling clean, while smoothing out the hair cuticle. The cleanser contains a moisture-rich formula that helps protect hair and colour intensity.

ColorFinity Dry Shampoo - 140g - $5.99 - in Rich Darks and Intense Blondes - contains a tailored to the shade amount of tapioca starch, an absorbent ingredient that effectively refreshes hair without leaving excess white, visible residue.

ColorFinity 2 Minute Shade Precision Treatment - 58ml - $6.99 - contains durable silicones, a hydrating ingredient that helps protect hair from colour fading. The silicones mimic the layer of hair lost during the colouring process, and thereby help restore hair’s waterproofing properties.

ColorFinity Finishing Hairspray - 397g - $6.99 - provides the long-lasting hold and volume for up to 24 hours without weighing hair down. Its extra strong hold formula is resistant to humidity and helps prevent flyaways for fashionable control all day long.

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Fragrant Friday - Mugler Les Exceptions

If there's anything better then one new fragrance, it's a whole collection of new fragrances where you are sure to find the one that is perfect for you - so you will be excited to hear about a unique  new collection of five fragrances from Mugler by renowned Perfumers, Olivier Polge and Jean Christophe Herault - crafted around the major themes of traditional perfumery and Canada is the first country to get their hands it!

Mugler Les Exceptions - 80ml EDP - $185, 80ml Source Refill - $127

Chyprissime - based on a traditional blend of bergamot orange, oak moss, cistus labdanum and patchouli with a surprise guest ingredient of  a fruity and juicy accord with pear accents - for a reinterpretation of chypre that is pure, resonant and radiant.

Supra Floral - the soliflore, reinvented around a remarkable flower, rare in perfume making, the hyacinth. A fluid, profound and richly-faceted flower, velvety, green and crisp with the unexpected ingredient being incense - for a sensual fragrance with unsuspected mystery and depth.

Fougere Furieuse - typically in men's fragrances, the fougere accent traditionally reveals a wealth of aromatic, woody notes. With its floral facets borrowed from feminine perfumes, neroli challenges the masculine character of the fougere accord along with coumarin and amber notes - for a addictive fragrance that can be worn by both men and women.

Over The Musk - adds the animal nature back to the modern musks more mellow and transparent notes to add instinct, character, sensuality and depth with ambrette seeds - for a fragrance with sex appeal and sophistication like precious cashmere.

Oriental Express -a tribute to oriental perfumes - balms, resins, vanilla and powdery effects to create an intensely sensual and addictive blend with a startling and unusual base of carrot, seed and wood to add an unexpected twist - for an extraordinary blend that is green and creamy.

The fragrances aren't geared specifically towards men or women but are rather meant to have more of a universal appeal so either sex can choose any fragrance - even the Art Deco-inspired bottles have a simple sleek look that will appeal to all.

And don't think this is a grab and go kind of thing, this is a total experience my friends! At the consultation table, the Mugler ambassador guides, gives personalized advice and takes the time to introduce the story behind each Exception. Once you decide on the one meant for you, it will be filled and put together before your eyes.

Available exclusively at select Hudson's Bay Thierry Mugler Parfums Counter including: Montreal - Downtown, Toronto - Queen, Toronto - Yorkdale and Vancouver - Downtown.

- Lisamarie -

May 1, 2014

Balmy for BB - L'Oréa Sublime Sun Silky Sheer BB Face Lotion

L'Oréal Sublime Sun Silky Sheer BB Face Lotion - 50ml - $14.99 - an ultra-lightweight face lotion that contains an SPF 50 as well as colour-equalizing pigments to correct,even, smooth and brighten skin to leave it soft, with a matte finish.

The SPF 50 makes it perfect for the sunny, hot weather we have headed our way any day now (please, oh please) while the oil-free, non-greasy, non-pore clogging texture means you will enjoy wearing it every day like you know you should - throw in water resistance and the fact that it won’t clog your pores and you have the perfect summer multi-tasking product!

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Glam glosses from Stila, Pupa and mark. - with swatches!

Stila Stay All Day Vinyl Lip Gloss - $32 - in 6 shades: Melon Vinyl, Poppy Vinyl, Fuchsia Vinyl, Hot Pink Vinyl, Nude Vinyl and Scarlet Vinyl - a high-shine, high-pigment, high-performance gloss with a long-wear formula that isn't drying thanks to an infusion of moisturizing and nourishing ingredients including seaweed extract - to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and seal in moisture; and organic green coffee oil - helps hydrate lips while increasing elastin and collagen production.
Melon Vinyl- super-pigmented colour and shine!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale stores across Canada.
Pupa Glossy Lips Lip Gloss - $20 - Available in 16 glossy shades: 100 Princess Crystal, 101 Star White, 200 Chiffon Pink Nude, 201 Pink Diamond, 202 Cupcake Pink, 203 Fuchsia Paillettes, 204 Fuchsia Potion, 300 Very Nude, 301 Glam Strass, 302 Golden Caramel, 400 Golden Orange Illusion, 401 Lollipop Orange, 402 Coral Constellation, 403 Shimmering Ruby, 404 Love Me Forever and 405 Fairy Tale Red - that offers amazing shine with a wet effect and lacquered, super bright colour for absolutely irresistible lips.
With a shiny, plastic texture that is comfortable and never sticky.
400 Golden Orange Illusion - more colour, less shine!

Available now at Rexall Pharma Plus.
mark. Juice Gems High Shine Lip Gloss - $12 - in 8 shades: Snow Peach, Mango Tango, Juicy Fig, Raspberry, Apple Spice, Cherry Bomb, Raisin Rush and Plum Crazy - gives lips a smooth, glassy appearance and leaves them feeling moist and conditioned.
Raspberry - lots of shine not a lot of colour!

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

- Lisamarie -