Fake some colour with St. Tropez, Vitatanz, Olay, Pretend Tan and Dermaglow!

I'm used to being white and pale all year round but when I begin noticing that everyone around me is starting to get that sickly winter pallor, it's time for an intervention! Here are a few products to not only help you get some healthy colour in your skin, but to make the job as easy and effective as possible!

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Anti-Ageing Multi-Action Face Cream - 50ml - $44 - a multi-action moisturizer that helps to prolong youthful skin while creating a luminous, sun-kissed glow. The latest edition to the Gradual Tan Plus line combines their innovative Vegatan Premium Technology - a blend of natural DHA and melanin that naturally enhances the colour of the skin with Matrixyl Synthe 6 - an advanced active that boosts collagen to firm, plump and visibly lift fine lines and wrinkles, Hyaluronic Acid - to rejuvenate and intensely moisturize skin for 24 hours and Omgea 3, 6 & 9 - work to improve skin firmness and elasticity with antioxidant protection.

And you'll be happy to know that as with their other self and gradual tan products, this one also has the Aromaguard fragrance technology which reduces the tell tale tanning aroma of DHA by up to 70%!

Available now at Sephora, sephora.ca and select salons.

Vitatanz Organic Spray On Tan - 60ml - $35 - if you're looking for an organic way to glow, this is a great choice with a streak free spray on formula that is quick and easy to use and even comes with applicator gloves so you don't get the dreaded orange palms and a body blending puff to make sure that you get an even application. Not only is it free of oil and alcohol, it also seems to be free of the self-tan stink and smells very natural - possibly the green tea that it contains is what I'm smelling. Can be used on the face and/or body.

Available at www.vitatanz.ca.

Olay Quench Plus Touch Of Sun Body Lotion + Gradual Sunless Tanner - 200ml - $10.99 - in light or medium/dark tones to give skin a sun-kissed glow - with a scent that is slightly floral it's an excellent moisturizer in it's own right due to high levels of glycerin. I tried the light tone for my pasty white legs and it took about 5 days to start seeing noticeable colour and about 7 days to get to a colour that I liked. Once I achieved the tone I wanted, I used the lotion 2 days on and 2 days off to maintain the colour - which kept it from getting to dark for my taste or becoming patchy.

Pretend Tan Pre Tan Enzyme Exfoliator - 265ml - $35 - a highly effective enzyme exfoliating treatment for the face and body helps create visibly smoother, clearer and clean skin while leaving it looking instantly revitalized, smooth and healthy.

The best thing way to prep your skin for self-tanning is to start with a smooth even surface which makes an exfoliator your best friend! I have a soft spot for this one because of it's tropical pineapple scent which makes me able to pretend that I am someplace warm!

Available at The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com.

Dermaglow Glycolic 10% Body Cream - 200ml - $34 - exfoliate while you moisturize and target areas of dullness, roughness, patches of discolouration and pigmentation and in 24 hours expect to notice increased hydration and softer, younger-looking skin. Especially great for knees, elbows, heels and other rough, dry areas!

Not only is it great to use when you are prepping your skin for self-tanning, it's also perfect afterwards -  helping the colour to maintain evenly and last longer!

- Lisamarie -

Beat the heat with a spritz of Dermaglow, Avene, LUSH and Etival!

Have you ever noticed that when it's really hot out and you're walking by kids playing with a hose they can somehow sense that you want them to spray you with the hose and of course then they never do - the little monsters will only spray you when it's 30 below or you're wearing silk which means any water spraying that's going to happen in your life needs to come from you and who knows where your hose has been so why not try one of these instead - store it in the fridge and you will really be thanking me on hot days!

Dermaglow Energizing Beauty Mist - 100ml - $40 - a multi-mineral blend cooling complex with hyaluronic acid  that gives your skin an instant pick-me-up that is suitable for all complexion types. Offering the benefits of a toner and a serum, it increases hydration while removing excess oil and helps to tighten the appearance of pores. The exclusive blend of peppermint, basil and grapefruit essential oils wakes up your skin with a burst of freshness and smell amazing!

Not only is it great for instant freshness, I've also been using a spritz of it to set my makeup!

Avene Thermal Spring Water - 150ml - $16.50 - rich in silicate and trace elements that help cool, soothe, protect, purify, calm and soften the skin and is especially beneficial for hyper sensitive, allergic and irritated skin with a low salt mineral content that won't dry it out.

LUSH Breath Of Fresh Air - 100ml - $8.95, 250ml - $19.95 - with a blend of ingredients inspired by the sea including fresh seawater which gently cleanses, seaweed extract to soften and provide essential vitamins while minerals and rose absolute and aloe vera soothes dry areas. Suitable for all skin types, but is particularly beneficial for faces that have been ravaged by the elements. A gentle spray refreshes you when you need it most and brings all the nutrients of the sea directly to your skin.

Available in-store as well as online at www.lush.ca

Etival Ener-C Mist - 120ml - $25 - an ultra-hydrating spray that improves the texture, energizes the look and helps to minimize the appearance of pores. As well, it brightens dull skin and protects it from environmental stresses. uses MULTI-PRO, Vitamin C Ester and Ginseng Extract to stimulate cell turnover, improve cell function, facilitate the removal of toxins and increase oxygen availability to the skin.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

Stem cells revolutionize skin care from NeoStrata, Dermaglow and The Body Shop!

Stem cells - so controversial yet extremely beneficial - you hear about them everywhere these days, with many differing opinions on the subject. What makes stem cells amazing is their ability to replenish themselves and thus play a central role in the replenishment of dying cells and in the repair and regeneration of skin tissue - which gives them all kinds of medical uses, and as it turns out, they also help in the fight against aging!

Don't worry though, these anti-aging products are controversy-free, all the stem cells here are from fruits or plants!

NeoStrata Anti-Aging Gel with Fruit Stem Cells - 30ml - $65 - not only delays the signs of aging, it corrects existing multiple signs of aging. With: PhytoCellTec - protects and stimulates skin stem cells so skin's aging is delayed and skin looks and behaves like younger skin; Matrixyl 3000 - reduces the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles through stimulation of collagen synthesis, improves the barrier function and reduces skin roughness; Retinol - fights the appearance of wrinkles and skin crepiness, reduce wrinkles and evens out skin tone and promotes smoother skin texture with more uniform colour and reduction of fine lines; Dermican - to firm and plump the skin as well as stimulate collagen synthesis; and Quintescine - a peptide with stonrg antioxidant properties that protects against DNA damage due to photo-aging and also helps fight glycation.

In a smooth, quick absorbing, oil-free gel with a light floral (which is weird, I was expecting it to smell fruity) scent. I expect oily and combination skins will especially enjoy the feel of it!

For more info - www.neostrata.ca

Dermaglow SynchronAge Cream - 50ml - $70 - contains anti-aging science in the form of apple stem cells that focus on the cell's master clock - which skin cells follow in order to replenish and renew themselves - eventually they become desynchronized and this slows down their renewal process and results in the premature aging of skin. Reprogram the clock and voila - the natural protection and repair properties of the skin cell are synchronized which boosts the skin's restorative action precisely when it is needed most! Look forward to an increase in skin vitality which results in the dramatic reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increased hydration and a more youthful look.

This creamy formula has almost no scent and comes in a clever pump - great for drier skin and those who don't like to stick their fingers in a jar!

For more info - www.dermaglow.ca

The Body Shop Nutriganics Drops of Youth - 30ml - $30 - harnesses the power of plant stem cells
with its rich concentration of minerals, trace elements, enzymes and vitamins - in a nourishing formula that has 98% of its ingredients derived from natural origins - 25% of those organic. It works by enhancing surface skin renewal, the skin’s natural process of replacing the uppermost dead cells with the new ones beneath. Silicone and paraben free.

A lovely light serum that smells botanical and is perfect for layering under a moisturizer if you tend to be dry or wear it on it's own if you prefer to go light.

For more info or to order - www.thebodyshop.ca

- Lisamarie - 

Perk up tired looking skin with masks from Dermaglow, MyFaceWorks, Mary Kay and IQ Derma!

Traveling, not sleeping well, working too hard and stress can all make your skin look dull, tired, dry and just plain blah! An easy way to make it look more alive instantly is a mask that packs a moisture punch and will add some needed life to skin that seems to be without it - here are a few of my faves:

Dermaglow Rejuvenating Moisture Mask - 50ml - $30 - a deeply moisturizing mask for dry, dehydrated or aging skin. Immediately skin will look and feel smoother and fine lines will appear less visible. Then due to an advanced moisturizing complex rich in water-binding properties, the hydration effect lasts a full 24 hours while the wild pansy extract helps prevent water loss in the skin.

This has been my go-to mask with the crazy weather lately - one day it's cold the next day it's nice - my skin is confused and looks it. This mask has been perfect for balancing everything out after being in the cold!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

MyFaceWorks I Need to Replenish Mask - box of 6 - $55 - brightens, clarifies and makes skin appear more youthful within minutes.

What's fun and different about these is that they are sheet masks - a soft, cloth-like material soaked in nourishing ingredients and designed to perfectly fit your face - which make them perfect for travel or use on the go. As an added bonus, they have a very "Jason" like effect when on which make them perfect for sneaking around corners and scaring the crap out of your husband!

The masks also come in 12 other formulas to solve just about every skin issue you can think of! Available at ebeauty.ca

Mary Kay Timewise Moisture Renewing Gel Mask - 85g - $26 - with a super hydrating, age-fighting formula that nourishes and pampers skin while firming, smoothing and refining skin texture. Skin appears less stressed and pores diminished.

My favourite thing about this mask are the botanical extracts that make it smell amazing and are meant to relax you. I like to use this mask while in the tub - 20 minutes later, I am blissfully relaxed head to toe!

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

IQ Derma Essentials Glacial Hydrating Gel Mask - 50ml - $35  - deeply hydrates moisture-deprived skin to maintain softness and suppleness as well as preserve and protect skin against environmental free radical attacks. Plumps and hydrates to reduce the appearance of dull, dry skin and preserves and protects skin against environmental free radical attacks.

I love how ultra-soothing it is, how my skin looks visibly plumped after using and is so soft to the touch. You only need a really thin layer of this one for it to do its thing which means this tube is going to last me for ages!

Available at ebeauty.ca in Canada and dermstore.com in the US.

- Lisamarie -

New and Notable at Shoppers Drug Mart - CoverFX, Dermaglow, Biotherm, Olay, Marcelle, Burberry and La Roche-Posay!

Cover FX Mint Tint FX - 3ml - $22 - tinted anti-aging lip glaze in 7 shades: Opal, Pearl Lily, Coral Chablis, Pink Copper, Mocha Blush, Merlot, Cabernet Red - protects, volumizes and fortifies lips resulting in a long-lasting youthful appearance. Infused with lip freshening peppermint.

Dermaglow Youth Active Moisturizer - 50ml - $62 - contains Thoitaine - a powerful new antioxidant that prevents future signs of aging caused by external factors; encapsulated Vitamin C - that ensures slow release for long term results on skin radiance and luminosity; and lentil seed extract - a superior pore minizing ingredient that helps to absorb excess oils and tighten pores to provide and smooth and uniform appearnace to skin.
Dermaglow Youth Active Eye Cream - 15ml - $39 - triple action formula fights the first signs of aging in the delicate eye area and prevents future appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Improves firmness and elasticity while decreasing puffiness and offers protection against free radicals to prevent environmental damage.

Biotherm Beurre Corporel - 200ml - $35 - with a rich creamy texture that penetrates instantly leaving no greasy feeling on the skin and at 20% - with the highest concentration of repairing and nourishing shea butter. The best part of it though is the amazing citrus scent - if you love the Corporel Lait, you will love this come winter!

Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution - 50ml - $38.99 - a moisturizer that utilizes optics-based skin care to smooth skin and relax the appearance of wrinkles in an instant - by combining optical skin care technology and advanced micro fillers - a blend of three different-sized light manipulating particles or micro fillers that fill the valleys between fine lines and wrinkles to remove the shadowing that creates the contrast of a wrinkle, as well as Peptamide Y6 - a hydrating peptide, Amino Peptide + B3 complex (Vitamins B3, B5 and E) and Humectants - glycerin and propylene glycol that deeply hydrate the skin's surface. Its chronic anti-wrinkle complex hydrates to reduce the appearance of even deep eye lines in 14 days and instantly smoothes the appearance of eye wrinkles.

Marcelle Revival Brown Spot Corrector Roll-On - ml - $29.95 - paraben, alcohol and oil free, to clarify, correct and reduce the look of brown spots.

Burberry Body - 35ml EDP - $75, 60ml EDP $95 - with top notes of absinthe, peach and freesia; heart notes of rose absolute, iris and sandalwood; and base notes of cashmeran, vanilla, amber and musk

La Roche-Posay Derm AHA Intensive Resurfacing Serum - 30ml - $49.50 - preservative and fragrance free, it exfoliates to stimulate the regeneration of new cells to improve the skin's appearance and texture to make skin look younger and more radiant.

- Lisamarie -

New and Notable at Shoppers Drug Mart - Guess, Justin Bieber, L'Oréal and Dermaglow!

Guess Seductive Wild Summer - 50ml EDT - $69 - with top notes of red berries, pear and litchi; a heart of sensual orange blossom, jasmine and rose; and a base of Cashmere wood, vanilla and musk. I am very taken with the smell of this one - it's like fruity sex - hmmmm, maybe that came out wrong but you know what I mean...

Someday by Justin Bieber - 30ml EDP - $42, 50ml EDT - $52 - with top notes of juicy mandarin, pear, wild berries; a heart of fresh jasmine and creamy flowers; and a base of vanilla and soft musk it smells sweet and a little fruity just like Justin - Here I am sounding like a dirty cougar but that Justin is a cute little thing and I quite like the way this fragrance smells. I also really like the fact that he is donating all of the proceeds of his fragrance to charity - you can find more info on this at www.gbbrands.com - cute and charitable, what's not to love about JB?! I have to say though, the bottle really reminds me of Lola!

L'Oréal Visible Lift Smooth Absolute Foundation - 30ml - $ 20.99 - infused with Hydra Collagen Complex to keep skin smooth and instantly improve your skin's elasticity. In 8 shades: Natural Buff, Classic Ivory, Nude beige, Creamy Natural, Buff Beige, Natural Beige, Sand Beige, Sun Beige.

Dermaglow Cellixir Repair Serum - 30ml - $91 - based on gene technology to reduce sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types.

- Lisamarie -

Introducing Dermaglow's new Essentials line!

I noticed something disturbing lately at my local Shoppers Drug Mart - all of the Dermaglow products have been marked down 50% and are disappearing off the shelves without being replenished. I wondered if I had missed a memo and the whole line was being discontinued but not to worry, it's just a facelift for the line in the works - Dermaglow will be back and better than ever.  They will be starting their re-launch with an Essentials line of cleansers and moisturizers:

Exfoliating Cleanser - 150ml - $30 - non-drying gel cleanser for oily, blemish-prone skin with an antibacterial formula that not only removes oil and dead skin cells, but also helps to reduce the appearance of pores with a combination of zinc and salicylic acid.  Also contains marine algae and aloe vera extracts to calm and soothe even the most irritated skin.

Foaming Cleanser - 150ml - $45 - a soap-free cleansing foam that is powerful enough to remove dirt, oil, makeup and sunscreen but also gentle enough to soothe and soften sensitive skin.

Micellar Water-Based Cleanser - 200ml - $26 - a fresh, water-based formula that deeply cleanses by removing excess oil and impurities while reinforcing the skin's natural moisture barrier. Formulated with rose water which not only makes it smell amazing but also helps to heal skin irritations with its anti-bacterial and soothing properties.

Hydrating Milk Cleanser - 150ml - $36 - an emollient-rich milk specifically for dry skin that that gently removes makeup and impurities. Contains an exclusive Argan oil complex to help reduce the appearance of the signs of aging as well as soothing extracts of green tea and horse chestnut.

Daily Moisturizing Cream - 50ml - $45 - ideal for normal to dry and sensitive skin it contains mineral clay, rich shea butter and soothing botanical extract to provide hydration and reduce the appearance of inflammation, redness, dryness, stinging and other signs of discomfort.  Along with hyaluronic acid, aquaporins to stimulate water retention in the skin to provide intensive hydration.

Daily Moisturizing Lotion - 50ml - $45 - for normal to combination and sensitive skin it's infused with mineral clay, horse chestnut and and zinc to provide soothing hydration while simultaneously reducing the appearance of shine, inflammation and redness.  Also includes hyaluronic acid, aquaporins to stimulate water retention in the skin to provide optimal hydration.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and major drug retailers across Canada as of September - but keep your eyes open I have seen a couple of the new cleansers in-store already!

- Lisamarie -

Happy Canada Day to our favourite Canadian beauty brands! Marcelle, Lise Watier, NeoStrata, Cover FX,Dermaglow, Annabelle and Vasanti Cosmetics!

Canada Day seems like a great day to not only proclaim your love for our country, but also your favourite Canadian cosmetic companies!  Hope everyone is enjoying a great day, so put down your drinks for a minute (or drink while you read) and check out my most beloved product pick (right now) from each great Canadian company!

Marcelle - not only do they have a kick-ass blog but great limited edition collections and skin care products at incredibly reasonable prices! My newest love is the Lux Gloss Creme - it's shiny like a gloss but with more pigmentation like a lipstick! Check out the whole Marcelle line at: www.marcelle.com

Lise Watier - make my heart sing every time a seasonal collection comes out - they are so clever and innovative and of course pretty! I am absolutely obsessed with the fragrance from the summer collection - Bora Bora - it smells sweet and delicious, just like summer! To make it even easier to get your Lise Watier fix, you can now order online - www.lisewatier.com

NeoStrata - comes out with the most innovative skin care products - just about any skin care concern or issue you might have, they have a product to fix it. My true exfoliating love is still their Skin Resurfacing Duo - the two step process gives you smooth skin worthy of a baby's butt! Find out more at www.neostrata.ca

Cover FX - really understands that there are more skin tones out there then most companies care to admit to and offer a really great range of options! I am in love with Natural FX Water Based Foundation these days, it is the perfect texture for hot, sticky summer days! Find all the info at www.coverfx.com

Dermaglow - has a fresh new look for their product line and I have been happily discovering their cleanser line!  I'll have a post on all of them soon but here is my fave cleanser right now the Exfoliating Cleanser, a gel cleanser which has been helping me deal with the summer oilies without drying out my skin! You can check out their website at www.dermaglow.ca

Annabelle - if you are looking for on-trend, colour cosmetics at a totally reasonable price point this is the place to go.  As a pale person I've tried a lot of really unsuitable bronzers and I always end up coming back to my Zebra Bronzer! Check out all their pretties at www.annabellecosmetics.com

Vasanti Cosmetics - not just a Canadian company but the products are even made here - you don't see that very often any more so I was happy to discover they aren't just Canadian products but GREAT Canadian products including this perfect shade of coral - Rockies Micronized Silky Blush!  Check out the whole Vasanti line at: http://vasanticosmetics.com/ca/

Is there anything more patriotic than makeup? I think not! What are you up to for Canada Day?

- Lisamarie -

New and Notable at Shoppers Drug Mart from L'Oréal, Maybelline, Escada, Dermaglow and CoverGirl!

L'Oréal Magic Smooth Soufflé - 20ml - $21.99 - in 12 shades: 510 Light Ivory, 512 Classic Ivory, 514 Natural Ivory, 516 Nude Beige, 518 Natural Buff, 520 Creamy Natural, 522 Natural Beige, 524 Buff Beige, 526 Sand Beige, 528 True Beige, 530 Sun Beige, 532 Classic Tan - if you've been thinking about a new foundation this is one to check out - the texture of the foundation is amazing and feels so light on the skin that if feels like you aren't wearing anything.

But the best part is the finish, the foundation contains a new technology called mati-crystal which is an active mattifying gel which has a transparent structure that absorbs shine to mattify the complexion and lastingly maintain clarity - never before have you been able to have a foundation that is both matte and luminous. Ordinary mattifying foundations contain mattifying powder that absorbs the oil found in sebum to provide matte results but the complexion stays dull.  The mati-crystal technology in Magic Smooth Soufflé allows light to pass through and captures sebum to restore exceptional luminosity.

The best comparison I can make from foundations I have tried is the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation except the texture and coverage is way better.  I am also pleased to note that the Magic Smooth Soufflé doesn't turn orange on me the way the Maybelline Mousse is prone to do.

Maybelline Volum' Express One by One Mascara - $9.49 - one-on-one attention to every lash at every angle.  The brush has over 300 elastometic bristles that work together to grab and detangle every single lash and the formula contains Vitamin C and fruit AHAs that condition the lash cuticle for smooth, silky, flawlessly voumized lashes

Escada Taj Sunset - 50ml EDT - $61, 100ml EDT - $80 - Escada's summer offering is Indian inspired this year. It has top notes of Alphonso mango, nectarine and blood orange, a heart of aquatic flowers with raspberry, pomarosa and Malay apple and a base of coconut, sandalwood and musk. I look forward to the Escada fragrance every year and this one does not disappoint me for it's super fruity wonderfulness, this is most certainly on my shopping list!

Dermaglow Wrinkle Release Serum - 30ml - $70 - up to 50% reduction in appearance of wrinkle depth for - deep wrinkles and expression lines - significantly reduces appearance of deep wrinkles in only 30 days and instantly relaxes the look of expression lines and wrinkles especially in the forehead and around the eyes.

CoverGirl NatureLuxe Collection - Gloss Balm - $9.49 - SPF 15 in 12 sheer colours with a hint of shine - Silk Foundation - 30ml - $17.49 - in 12 shades that are infused with jojoba and cucumber.

- Lisamarie -

Creams that worry about gravity so you don't have to - from Lierac, Lancôme, Olay Professional Pro-X, Avon Anew and Dermaglow!

Although I haven't made it to the lifting cream point yet, I have been noticing that my jaw line isn't quite as tight as it was when I was 20 so I thought it wasn't a bad idea to start doing my homework and check out what's out there...

Lierac Cohérence L.IR Extreme Age-Defense Firming Care - 50ml - $95 - helps reactivate the synthesis of collagen fibers.  Featuring a unique combination of collagen III accelerating vectors and micronized tourmaline crystals, it produces a virtual "face-resculpting" effect.  Skin looks visibly "lifted" and regains optimum firmness.  The oval of the face appears ideally redesigned. You can find Lierac products at Rexall or go here to find locations to purchase nearest you.

Lancôme Rénergie Lift Volumetry - 50ml - $110 - Formulated to help support cellular communication and provide a lifting effect: Immediately hydrated, skin feels firmer and more toned. Skin's surface contours look more defined and plumped up, and a more youthful-looking shape is revealed. Inspired by research on cell communication Lancôme highlights the essential role that cellular messengers play in maintaining the skin's support structure

Olay Professional Pro-X Intensive Firming Treatment - $59.99 - a professionally designed two-step regimen that combines a hydrating mask and a tightening serum formulated to firm skin's appearance by helping to restore skin's natural fulness, elasticity and tension.  For optimal results you are meant to apply the serum in the morning and mask in the evening for five consecutive days - after that you just use the serum morning and night.

Avon Anew Platinum Serum - 30ml - $60 - contains an extra peptide designed to help restore collagen's youthful structure, overnight, skin on the face and neck feels lifted and deep wrinkles appear reduced, after 2 weeks, the look of deep horizontal lines in the neck area are reduced.  Lifts and firms the look of sagging skin under the chin and neck.  Increases skin softness by over 40% when used with Avon Anew Platinum Night Cream - 50ml - $39 - combats serious signs of aging.  After 2 weeks, neck and jawline look more defined and sculpted, wrinkles appear dramatically reduced.  After 4 weeks, the cheek area looks lifted and reshaped.  The appearance of sagging skin is dramatically reduced.  Available through your Avon rep 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca

Dermaglow Anti-Gravity Cream - 50ml - $61 - contains acetyl dipetide -1, argan extract and mango butter - for sagging skin and loss of firmness - an optimal facial-lift application method is supplied for you on the box to improve appearance of firmness and skin density.  Skin contour becomes more resilient and the appearance of facial contour is lifted and refined.

Any experts on skin firming creams out there want to share their wisdom?  I'm all ears!

- Lisamarie -