This Week I'm Obsessed With... Benefit The POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Clay Mask!

Benefit The POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Clay Mask - 30ml - $26, 75ml - $49 - with a smooth, creamy formula that deep cleans to promote visibly refined, clear-looking pores and mattified, healthy-looking skin. 

 

It has a slightly gross quality to it that I'm not ashamed to love - as the mask dries down you will see little dots which is where the oil is being drawn out of your skin. I personally I find evidence of a beauty product actually doing something while it works incredibly gratifying!

 

If it sounds like something you would want to try I highly recommend checking out Shoppers Drug Mart (store or online) for the Benefit POREfessional Package Deal Value Set which includes small sizes of the mask, Tight ’n Toned AHA+PHA Toner - refines and tones the look of pores with a quick-absorbing foam formula and everyone's favourite Pore Primer for $44!

Available at Benefit counters across Canada and the set is available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

 

 

This week I'm obsessed with... Korres Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream!

I know firsthand that it's hard for oily and combination skin types to find a moisturizer that is light enough not to make oily skin feel worse while still adding necessary hydration - until now that is...

 

Korres Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream - 40ml - $46 - a lightweight gel moisturizer that blurs pores, controls shine, and hydrates skin all-day long with a powerful blend of hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, willowherb extract and the antioxidant-rich, santorini grape. 

 

Oily skin sufferers rejoice! A balanced and poreless complexion that feels great all day long is what you have to look forward to as well as skin so smooth, makeup just glides right on! You're welcome! 

 

The only thing I will caution is use less then you think you need - I find a little goes a long way with this cream, it really spreads out!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca, sephora.ca and korres.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

Polish skin to perfection with the Mary Kay TimeWise Microdermabrasion Plus Set!

Get the look of polished, younger skin and significantly smaller pores with:

Mary Kay TimeWise Microdermabrasion Plus Set - $60 - the same great formula with new packaging which includes:

TimeWise Microdermabrasion Refine - 70g - an advanced fragrance and oil-free exfoliator that immediately energizes skin by effectively removing dead skin cells from inside and around the edges of pores; and

The Pore Minimizer - 29ml - a nourishing serum that helps calm and comfort skin, reducing any appearance of redness and soothing delicate skin.

Just use 2 to 3 times a week and together, the duo significantly reduces the visible number of pores and dramatically improves skin texture for close-up-confident skin that just gets better over time.

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 -

Avon Anew Neutralize Anti-Pollution Collection

Pollution ages the look of skin faster than time alone with environmental pollutants like dirt, dust, smoke and smog which contribute to the look of dull skin, clogged pores, age spots and wrinkles which means that your skin needs something to visibly protect skin and keep it looking healthy fresh and youthful - like:

Avon Anew Neutralize Anti-Pollution - with a formula containing adaptogens - healing botanicals extracts that help protect the body from environmental stressors and visible signs of pollution-induced aging including: matcha - a form of green tea with vitamins, minerals and superfood antioxidants to help neutralize and visibly repair pollution damage; ginger - an antioxidant used for centuries to help visibly even skin tone and boost skin's ability to repair itself; and amta - Indian gooseberry with high levels of vitamin C known to support radiance.

Available in the collection:

Neutralize Anti-Pollution Serum - 30ml - $46 - creates an invisible shield to help block damaging pollutants that cause signs of premature aging - and don't be freaked out by it, it goes on black but rubs in clear!

Neutralize Anti-Pollution Charcoal Mask Stick - 50g - $30 - with a powerful combination of charcoal and kaolin clay to help absorb oil and toxins and soothe irritated skin, leaving it looking freshly clean and gorgeously glowing.

It comes in a clever no-mess stick format that makes it easy to target specific areas when applying.

Neutralize Anti-Pollution Charcoal Pore Strips - 6 nose strips - $16 - instantly removes dirt, oil and other pollutants to reveal fresh, clean skin.

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

- Lisamarie -

Skin is perfected with Guerlain Blurring Active Base!

Guerlain Blurring Active Base - 30ml - $52 - a makeup primer with an ultra-thin, non-greasy texture that allows the skin to breathe while prolonging makeup hold - while also doing so much more...

It offers: a blurring effect with a 2-in-1 action that instantly blurs the appearance of pores while refining the texture of the skin over time thanks to the PoreControl technology;

a mattified complexion to makeup application easier and last longer with silica beads that absorb serum throughout the day for a matte, shine-free complexion;

and protects skin with UrbanProtect Complex - which has antioxidant properties similar to those of vitamin E to fight pollution and protect the skin by targeting free radicals.

Available now at Guerlain counters across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Perfect summer primers from Physicians Formula, Hard Candy and Mary Kay!

Physicians Formula Argan Wear 2-in-1 Argan Oil & Coconut Water Primer - 30ml - $19.99 - a silky, super-lightweight mist with a refreshing and ultra-hydrating blend of 100% pure argan oil - to help improve skin's brightness, tone, texture and elasticity and 100% pure organic coconut water - to rebalance, rehydrate, control shine and provide a natural glow - that applies quickly and absorbs instantly to provide priming, hydrating and brightening benefits all-in-one!

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Pore-Defense Primer Serum - 45ml - $9.98 - a lightweight primer serum that instantly tightens pores and smooths skin with a gentle, long-wear, oil and alcohol-free formula containing pore tightening actives and astringents that absorb excess oil for all day flawless wear along with micro-fine powders that blur fine lines and colour corrects skin tone. For skin that looks and feels smoother, more uniform, and perfectly shine-free.

Available exclusively at Walmart stores across Canada.

Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen SPF 15 - 29ml - $22 - with an oil-free, lightweight gel  formula that dries quickly to a matte finish and perfects skin - diminishing the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, creating a perfect canvas to extend the staying power of makeup while adding a layer of sun protection - for skin that looks flawless.

Available until May 15th 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.

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 -

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.

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.

Cleanse deep with charcoal wonders from Mary Kay, Life Brand and Clinique!

Mary Kay ClearProof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask - 114g - $26 - with a triple-action formula containing activated charcoal that acts like a magnet to unclog pores, instantly absorb excess oil and reduce shine for skin that looks clearer after use. It has a gentle cooling sensation on the skin and smell great with extracts of rosemary and peppermint that deliver a fresh scent to awaken your senses.

Available now 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.

Life Brand Charcoal Nose Strips - 6 strips - $8.99 - a one-step cleansing treatment specifically designed to degunkify pores and quickly remove unwanted blackheads thanks to the charcoal containing strip which bonds instantly to dirt and oil, unclogging the pores. Also available as a 14 strip Face & Nose Strips Duo Pack for $13.99.

I love a pore strip and these ones do a great job but I will admit that I feel great satisfaction in seeing all the gross gunk that that comes out of my pores and with these dark coloured strips, that impact is gone!

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Charcoal Mask - 100ml - $33 -  with an oil-free formula that absorbs oil, impurities, and environmental pollutants to help detoxify skin for a clear, refreshed complexion. Charcoal powder draws out deep-seated debris to purify pores, while mineral clays soak up excess oil to leave skin feeling renewed and smooth with noticeably refined pores.

Available at Clinique counters across Canada including Hudson's Bay and select Shoppers Drug Mart locations.

- Lisamarie -

Take Control of your oiliness and pores with Ole Henriksen!

Ole Henriksen Control was created to help achieve a true mind/skin balance,  by controlling oil and refining pores without stripping the skin. Addressing two of the top five skincare concerns – oiliness and pores – Balance effectively reduces shine, minimizes pores, and evens skin texture for a matte, healthier-looking complexion.

Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser - 147ml - $30 - reduces excess oil and deeply cleanses pores. Formulated with Green Fusion Complex and neem seed oil, its deep cleansing action helps unclog and purify pores without stripping skin, while the invigorating eucalyptus scent awakens the senses. Powerful AHAs - glycolic and lactic acids - help loosen and lift dead skin cells that can cause pore-clogging build-up. Instantly, the complexion is refreshed and balanced with a healthy-looking glow.

Balancing Force Oil Control Toner - 193ml - $32 - effectively removes excess oil and refines pores, while refreshing with an energizing eucalyptus-peppermint scent without stripping skin. Formulated with Green Fusion Complex, a powerful blend of both BHA and AHAs - salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids along with neem seed oil, its gentle clarifying action helps unclog, purify, and minimize the appearance of pores for a complexion that is instantly fresh and invigorated with a matte, healthy-looking glow.

Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator - 50ml - $42 - with a lightweight, mattifying formula  powered by Green Fusion Complex, a proprietary blend of potent active botanicals with natural antiseptic properties - combined with neem seed oil and powerful AHAs, it helps keep pores clear and skin matte all day long while maintaining optimal hydration and a healthy balance. This formula also significantly improves the wear of foundation for up to eight hours, making makeup meltdown a thing of the past. The complexion is soft, smooth, and refreshed with a healthy-looking, matte glow.

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Celebrate 20 years of Bioré with a fresh face!

Bioré celebrates 20 years of pulling disgusting gunk out of your pores with fresh, new commemorative package design created by an up and coming graphic design student from Humber College, Katie Kavanagh.

There is special new packaging in varying colours for all the strip varieties including:

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips for the Face - 8 strips - $9.99 - with pore strips for your chin, cheeks and forehead - anywhere on the face where clogged pores may appear to lift away deep down dirt and blackheads.

I will admit that their pore strips are my guilty pleasure, there is nothing quite as satisfying as looking at a removed strip full of gross little black dots!

Available now at retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Pores disappear with amazing products from Bioré, NeoStrata and The Estée Edit!

Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser - 200ml - $10.99 - uses the power of baking soda to deep clean - removing dirt and impurities from the pores while naturally exfoliating away dead cells to reveal smooth, healthy-looking skin. Gentle enough to use everyday but also tough enough to make combination skin look beautifully balanced.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

NeoStrata Pore Minimizing Anti-Shine Hydrating Gel - 50ml - $29 - great for combination to oily skin to refine skin texture, hydrate and instantly reduce shine for a mattifying effect that lasts up to 8 hours. Contains 3% p-Refinyl - a botanical extract that refines skin texture and tightens dilated pores; 5% Matmarine - absorbs excess sebum to reduce shine and provide visible mattifying effect; and botanical extracts - to hydrate skin without adding a shiny finish. Over time, shine and pore size is also visibly reduced to help skin look great even when you have nothing on it!

Available at drugstores across Canada.

The Estée Edit Pore Vanishing Stick - 7g - $34 - glides on to blur the look of pores, even out skintone and minimize shine and oil. It has a dual-action formula - with an outer core of oil-absorbing powders and an inner core with a sheer pigment that fits all skintones. Portable and easy to apply, it can be used alone for a natural-looking, flawless finish, as a shine-busting primer under makeup or over makeup anytime during the day to refresh

Available exclusively at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Olay Deeply Clean Pore Mineral Cleanser!

Sun after a long, cold winter is great for the spirits, bad for the skin! Between sunscreen, sweat and hot, humid weather my skin tends to end the day feeling gross and clogged which is why I am loving:

Olay Deeply Clean Pore Mineral Cleanser - 150ml - $8.99 - a daily cleanser specially designed for oily/combination skin types that lathers, refreshes and cleanses without over-drying skin thanks to a natural kaolin clay formula that controls shine and reduces the appearance of pores in just one use. With an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that is infused with a mineral complex, it has the purifying power of a mask to draw out impurities like a magnet for a deep, down-to-the-pores clean that leaves skin feeling refreshed and looking healthy and brighter.

Available at drug, grocery and mass retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Estée Edit by Estée Lauder

Beauty gets a whole new attitude with Estée Edit by Estée Lauder - inspired by Guest Editors Kendall Jenner and Irene Kim for beauty junkies who love to play and create, the collection has something for everyone - from everything you need to create instantly flawless skin to wild colour - mix, match and blend to your heart's content - this line has no rules and is whatever you want it to be.

I really love:

Pore Vanishing Stick - $34 - blurs the look of pores, creates an even skintone and minimizes shine and oil. The dual-action, convenient stick contains a tinted inner core to help assure the formula is universal for all skintones and is surrounded by an outer ring that shuts down shine with oil-absorbing powders.

It's super versatile, you can use it alone for a naturally flawless look, or apply it either under or over your makeup for a velvety smooth finish and pores really do just disappear! My only tip is to apply and smooth it out with your fingers quickly, if you let it sit too long it tends to pill - which I find to be a common issue with primers - I'll let my friend Irene give you a sneak peak...

Skin Glowing Balm Makeup with Pink Peony - $42 - in 12 shades: Vanilla, Ecru, Dune, Chamois, Wheat, Chai, Amber, Sienna, Caramel, Truffle, Clove and Mink - sheer makeup balm that acts like a tinted moisturizer, leaving a dewy finish that let’s your skin shine through. It contains hydrating and conditioning ingredients, including shea butter, evening primrose oil and muru muru seed butter to leave skin feeling nourished with a healthy-looking glow.

Flash Illuminator - $35 - in 5 shades: Spotlight - pearly white, Morning Light - golden, Day Light - warm terracotta, Sun Light - rosy and Night Light - bronze - a high-impact, oil-free highlighting cream that instantly illuminates skin while providing skin care ingredients like the moisture magnetizing, hyaluronic acid.

Beam Team Hydrate + Glow - $58 - hydration with two levels of illumination in one product - it creates an instant change in how skin looks while simultaneously delivering skin care ingredients. The tube holds an amazing, illuminating moisturizer with hyaluronic acid that gives an instant glow, while the touch-on concentrate under the cap gives a high-impact shimmer.

Flash Photo Powder - $40 - an oil-absorbing, translucent, blue-hued powder that brightens skin to leave your complexion camera-ready with illumination for the look of flawless skin.

Hi Lo Stylo Contour + Highlight - $34 - a two-in-one contouring pencil with a creamy, blendable formula for the look of more sculpted features in an instant. Use the deeper shade of the double-ended pencil to contour and the lighter shade to highlight.

The Barest Bronzer - $36 - in 2 shades: Light/Medium and Medium/Deep - gives skin the perfect summery, sunkissed look year round with a natural-looking glow.

The Barest Blush - $32 - in 4 shades:  First Lover, Coy Coral, Purr Pink and Ember Glow - creates a gorgeous flush of colour that is infused with micronized pigments and sunflower seed oil.

Mattified Lipstick - $26 - in 12 shades: Miss You - light coral, Sunday Vibe - pinky nude, Maybe Later - bright pink, On Point - nude berry, Just Sayin' - bright fuchsia pink, Smash - deep fuchsia purple, Late Night - purple berry, Wrapped - raspberry, The Storm - blue/green teal, Killin' It - bright orangy/red, You're Welcome - true red and Marooned - merlot - that offer full-coverage and high-impact colour in one swipe and infused with 20% conditioning oils, including jojoba oil to leave a luxurious and light finish.

Lip Flip Shade Transformer - $26 - in Turn Up - yellow that brightens and Turn Down - black that deepens -  a full-coverage, satin-matte lipstick to lighten or deepen any lipstick for your perfect custom shade.

The Barest Lip Color - $26 - in 6 shades: Au Natural - pale peach nude, In The Flesh - petal pink nude, Exposed - light beige nude, So Bare - nude cinnamon, In The Buff - nude mauve and Nude Scene - blackberry nude - a lipstick and lip balm hybrid that cushions lips with a luxurious feel and nude color. Muru muru butter helps hydrate and real flower petal waxes from rose, jasmine and lavender create a silky texture.

The Barest Contour Lip Liner - $24 - in 6 shades that correspond with the Lip Colours: Au Natural, In The Flesh, Exposed, So Bare, In The Buff and Nude Scene - an automatic lip pencil that shapes, enhances and contours lips for a naturally full look.

Flash Photo Gloss - $23 - a high-tech gloss with subtle, cool blue micro-pearls to highlight the white of teeth and create a photo-ready, high-shine finish that can be worn alone or layered over your favorite lipstick.

The Edit Eyeshadow Palette - $60 - a portable eye palette inspired by Guest Editor, Kendall Jenner, for  multiple eye effects - you can wear it like she does: layered from dark to light, or create your own look. Use the shades from right to left for an intense smoky eye - start dark, diffuse with mid-tones, and then detail with light. Each duo was designed to be used alone or swirled together. The browns are Kendall’s go-to shades for a softer, no-makeup look, and the purple is her favorite for a pop of colour. The black is a full-on black shade that's deep matte, and it's just what you need for an edgy look. The two black light shade transformers feature sheer shimmer veils that create a low-key sparkle during the day and amp up the intensity under the blacklight.

Metallishadow Creme + Powder - $29 - in 3 shades: Black Star - highly pigmented black cream shadow with silver loose pearl, AquaNova - highly pigmented teal cream shadow with teal/peacock loose pearl and Scarlet Eclipse - highly pigmented red cream shadow with rose gold loose pearl - features a high-pigment cream eye shadow in the cap that’s the perfect base for the loose metallic powder in the package bottom. Layer these shadows for intense depth and an eye-catching foil finish. Or, just wear the metallic shadow alone on the face and eyes for a light, shimmering eye look.

The Edgiest Kohl Shadowstick - $26 - in 10 shades: Black Viper - jet black, Frost Bite - pearlized green/gold/grey, Guilt - pearlized champagne, Twisted - pearlized teal, Jaded - pearlized olive gold, Royal Scandal - royal blue, Iced - pearlized white, Grounded - pearlized chestnut brown, Spiced - pearlized garnet, Violet Taboo - pearlized purple - a shadow and liner in one that you can use on your waterline and that lasts up to 24 hours. Each comes with a built-in sharpener.

The Blackest Liner - $25 - an ultra-black, soft marker liner with a flexible, marker-like tip that offers 12-hour wear.

The Edgiest Up & Out Double Mascara - $28 - A 15-hour wear mascara with two brushes to create maximum impact: bristle for volume, molded for lift and curl - with a bristle brush to sweep on bold volume and a molded brush to give maximum lift and curl for an edgy, ultra-bold lash look.

More Than Brows - $26 - in 5 shades: Blonde, Light Brown, Rich Brown, Espresso and Black - an innovative, three-in-one pencil for brows, shadow, and liner.

Dissolve the Drama 2-in-1 Makeup Remover + Cleaner - $36 - an instant action long-wear makeup remover and cleanser with a cleansing formula enriched with jojoba oil, aloe and cucumber - that soothes skin as it gently yet thoroughly removes all traces of makeup, including pigmented and long-wear. When you add water, this luxe oil turns into a milky cleanser that rinses cleanly away, leaving skin clear, soft, and glowing.

Dissolve the Drama 2-in-1 LongWear Makeup Remover Wipes - 30 sheets - $18 - fast-working wipes that remove even the most stubborn, pigmented, and long-wear makeup - they contain an oil-free cleansing emulsion that leaves skin hydrated and soft.

Late Night Eraser Brightening Eye Balm with Pink Peony - $48 - a refreshing eye balm that improves the look of the delicate eye area, working to add radiance, soothe, and hydrate. Contains micro-powdered pearls for luster, pink peony, cucumber and apple to help soothe and perfect and hyaluronic acid for moisture - dark circles and puffiness look reduced and eyes become brighter.

Stress Relief Eye Mask - 10 pairs - $46 -  a revitalizing, 10-minute treatment to refresh the undereye area for a youthful look. With pre-moistened pads that hydrate and refresh skin with targeted anti-stress, anti-fatigue ingredients, including aloe vera, cucumber and caffeine to reduce the appearance of fine lines, brighten, hydrate and refresh the skin underneath your eyes.

Mega Chlorella Algae Cleansing Bar - $27 - with a soft, mild lather that leaves skin looking smooth and refreshed.

Rescue Balm for Face + Body - $58 - an allover oil-infused cream to rescue dry, dehydrated skin.
With a formula packed with over 20% fruit and nut oils - including coconut, avocado and mango - to drench skin with moisture and nutrients. Use it to moisturize cuticles, elbows and any other rough patches for smooth, hydrated skin.

Pink Peony Overnight Water Pack - $58 - with a water-gel formula that delivers glow-boosting antioxidants while you sleep: pink peony soothes and goji berry, blueberry, and cranberry combine with hyaluronic acid to infuse skin with visible energy. The quick-absorbing mask leaves skin radiant, smooth, and comfortable.

White Mud Exfoliating Scrub + Mask - $44 - a dual-action detoxifying and pore refining mask and exfoliating treatment that draws out impurities and removes excess oil and shine. The super-fine, creamy-smooth white porcelain clay formula slips on like silk and rinses off effortlessly. It refines and refreshes as it frees skin of flakiness and roughness with powerful jojoba exfoliating beads. Blackheads are removed and pores look refined for a soft, smooth complexion.

Available now at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner

StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner - 50ml - $109 - a daily, lightweight lotion that hydrates skin while instantly reducing the appearance of enlarged pores and refining texture for a smooth, even complexion.

the formula contains retinol, known to help improve cell turnover in skin, to leave pores visibly tighter and less noticeable. While patented NIA-114 technology nourishes the moisture barrier to provide visible age fighting efficacy as it limits the sensitivity common to retinol use. The powerfully effective blend purifies and refines both skin tone and texture, while delivering superior age fighting benefits for skin that is left looking mattified, fresher and more youthful.

Products for pores can be frustrating, most of them seem to be aimed towards young, acne prone skin, and contain ingredients - AKA - too much alcohol - that older skin might not appreciate - in this case though the retinol - makes it a great product for skin of all ages!

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

- Lisamarie -

Oily, acne-prone skin will love charcoal based products from Washbeautyco., Biore and Life!

Washbeautyco. Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Sponge - $14 - a simple to use, 100% pure konjac root fibre sponge packed with minerals and antioxidants that gently cleanses and exfoliates (even extremely sensitive) oily and acne-prone skin by sucking up daily impurities like dirt, blackheads and excess oil without stripping skin of essential moisture - leaving better, balanced, more radiant skin behind.

Available at Trade Secrets and online at www.washbeauty.com.

Biore Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips - 8 strips - $9.99 - cleanse pores while reducing oil for a full 24 hours, and absorbing it so you’ll see 3x less oil with the power of natural charcoal - along with proprietary c-bond technology, this powerful formula removes weeks’ worth of buildup and refines pores to diminish their appearance over time.

And while you're at it, check out the Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar - $9.99 - perfect
for the face or body - it draws out and binds to deep down dirt and oil for 2.5x cleaner pores than a basic cleanser. With a dual action formula equipped with jojoba beads and peppermint that gently exfoliates to remove dirt and oil and provide a tingly sensation, leaving skin feeling refreshed and smooth.

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Life Brand Charcoal Peel-Off Mask - 150ml - $6.99 - helps reduce the appearance of pores with activated charcoal powder - a detoxifying ingredient with deep cleansing and absorption properties - drawing oil, dirt and bacteria from the skin to help unclog pores and maintain a clear complexion.

And if your pores want even more Life Brand charcoal love, there is also a single use Detoxifying French Clay Face Mask - 15ml - $1.99, Charcoal Nose Strips - 6 strips - $8.99 and Charcoal Facial Cleanser - 200ml  - $6.99.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Clarisonic Deep Pore Decongesting Solution!

If you've ever looked in the mirror and all you can see is pores - welcome to my life! I'm sure I must have some kind of psychiatric condition so luckily I've discovered something a lot cheaper then therapy:

Clarisonic Deep Pore Decongesting Solution - $200 - includes a travel-friendly, two-speed Mia2 with a Deep Pore Cleansing Brush Head and a pair of pore targeting products: 177ml Deep Pore Daily Cleanser and 60ml Detoxifying Clay Mask - to reduce pore appearance, help control oil and improve skin clarity.

With Clarisonic's patented sonic technology that we all know and love to gently remove the impurities traditional cleaning methods leave behind, cleansing six times better than your hands alone. In just 60 seconds, its sonic action removes impurities from pores so that creams, serums, and moisturizers are more effective.

This is for everyday use for those with enlarged pores and oily skin, otherwise it was recommended to me that it be used in place of your usual Clarisonic a couple of times a week as a treatment with the included cleanser and mask.

First use the brush to cleanse with the invigorating, foaming Deep Pore Daily Cleanser which contains a powerful blend of pore refining ingredients to remove impurities and excess sebum without drying or irritating the skin. It is enriched with exfoliating keratolytic fruit acids and soothing peppermint to purify the pores while smoothing the skin.

Next, apply the creamy, non-drying natural mineral and botanical-based Detoxifying Clay Mask which gently removes impurities from pores to reveal smoother skin. It exfoliates dead skin cells and rids the pores of harmful, pore-clogging toxins while anti-redness ingredients aloe and chamomile help soothe, protect, and soften the skin. And here's the part I think is really cool - use the brush to cleanse the mask off your face - if you've used a clay mask before you know how hard they are to remove with just your hands and water - you splash water on your face forever and you still have bits of it sticking everywhere - a few seconds with the brush and it's gone - genius!

Once it's off, you won't believe how clean and smooth your skin will feel and all that dirt sitting in your pores that made them seem 10X bigger then they are, all gone!

And you'll be happy to know that if you already have a Clarisonic you don't need to buy the whole thing, the brush, cleanser and mask are sold separately and the brush fits all Clarisonic models so you are good to go!

Available now for your cleaning pleasure at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Anna Sui Cosmetics Collection Spring 2014

Protective Loose Powder - $48 - Limited Edition - a sebum absorbing powder that takes away excess shine and creates a silky smooth, touchable finish and an elegant glow with a combination of bright-up powder and fine red and gold pearls. The best part about it has to be the adorable vintage-inspired container which would look perfect on any dressing table!

Loose Powder Compact - $45 - now available in 2 limited edition shades: 300 Baby Pink - for a rosy complexion and 301 Apricot Pink - with silver pearls for a naturally glowing complexion - with trick powder - to scatter and diffuse reflected light and offers a soft-focus effect that expertly blurs and covers pores and unevenness and UV cover powder - protects from damaging UV rays and ensures a beautiful translucent  finish without the white cast typical of UV blocking products

Pore Smoothing Primer - $26 - a new and regular addition to the line that covers pores in just one swipe for smooth skin with ingredients that scatter and diffuse reflected light for a soft focus effect that expertly blurs and covers pores - with a gel texture that flattens and smoothes unevenness, oil absorbing powder to keep shine away and makeup from breaking down and a light pink base that makes skin appear translucent.

Lip Stick - $29 - in 3 limited edition shades: 01 Cherry Pink, 02 Coral Pink and 03 Deco Orange

Lip Crayon - $28 - in 3 limited edition shades: 302 Coral Pink - gold lame, 303 Rose Pink - silver pearls, silver, red lame, and 702 Peach Beige

Available now at select Hudson's Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix, Murale and Jean Coutu stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Rodial Super Acids - helps to regain your clear complexion and youthful glow!

Rodial has a new Super Acids collection of  products guaranteed to get tired and dull looking skin perked up and ready to party!

I especially like a couple of the products used one right after the other:

Rodial Super Acids X-Treme After Party Scrub and Hangover Mask - 75ml - $56 each - whether you're actually hung over or not, this miraculous combo will instantly have your skin revitalized, radiant and evenly toned.

First use the After Party Scrub - an effective combination of purifying bentonite clay beads and micro-scrub beads to buff away dead skin cells and unclog pores; glycolic and salicylic acids which work to deeply cleanse and retexture, diminishing the look of imperfections and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; along with vitamin E and shea butter to calm and soften the skin - which gets the skin ready for the Hangover Mask - a triple action resurfacing clay mask which deeply, cleanses, exfoliates and restores a healthy looking complexion to instantly erase all the terrible things the night before is leaving on your skin the morning after!

I probably wouldn't use both of these products together all the time as my skin can be sensitive and either of these products would do the job on their own under normal circumstances, the combo is for mornings when I can tell that just one is not going to cut it!

Also available in the collection:

Super Acids X-Treme Pore Shrink Pads - 50 pads - $48 - effectively removes makeup, sweeps away dirt and oil and visibly reduces the appearance of enlarged pores leaving the complexion instantly refreshed with increased skin clarity. Contains a blend of apple amino acids, olive oil and salicylic acid to deeply cleanse and soften;Evermat to shrink the appearance of pores and refine the skin's texture for a more toned appearance; and biotilys probiotic technology to help strengthen and protect skin from daily external aggressions by boosting hydration.

Super Acids X-Treme Acid Rush Peel - 50ml - $94 - contains a potent combination of azelaic, glycolic and lactic acids which effectively exfoliate and retexture to reveal a new layer of skin with the appearance of imperfections, fine lines, wrinkles age spots, skin blotches and uneven skin tone reduced to leave the complexion looking smooth, clear and with a renewed youthful glow.

Super Acids X-Treme Dark-Spot Sun Filter SPF 30 - 50ml - $56 - with a multi-beneficial formula that not only offers broad spectrum protection against harmful UV rays to combat visible signs of aging but also corrects the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone already existing.

The Super Acids collection is available now at Murale stores.

- Lisamarie -

Spend a little or spend a lot for instant skin perfection with Maybelline, Garnier or Lancome!

Ramen noodles go nicely with:

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser - 20ml - $10.99 - a transparent fragrance-free gel formula that goes on clear and instantly fills-in pores to optically smooth and disguise their appearance without clogging them. Can be used alone or under makeup to smooth and refine the skin's appearance and leave it with a matte finish.

Available now at drug and mass merchandisers across Canada.

Feeling a little more flush? Then try out:

Garnier Skin Renew 5 Sec Blur Instant Smoother - 30ml - $19.99 - instantly and visibly blurs flaws and signs of aging with a smoothing and correcting primer with optical effects to mattify shine, blur imperfections, fill in lines and wrinkles and hide pores. Apply it after your day cream, with or without makeup - all over the face or just on areas that you want to correct - in just 5 seconds, the face seems to gain back it's youthfulness!

Available now at mass and drug retailers across Canada.

Rolling in it? Might as well rub it all over your face with:

Lancome Visionnaire [1 Minute Blur] Smoothing Skincare Instant Perfector - 30ml - $69 - enriched with the Photo Smooth optical technology for an instant blurring effect and skin that appears perfected in 5 ways: appearance of pores is reduced; texture irregularities look blurred; tone appears more even; skin looks smoother and more radiant. As an added bonus, it also improves makeup application and wear!

 

Available now at Lancome counters across Canada.

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... L'Oréal Youth Code Texture Perfector Pore Vanisher Cream!

That's not really true, my pores are not a weekly obsession, but rather a daily one - how it is something so small can seem so huge is a mystery for the ages but is at least now fixable thanks to:

L'Oréal Youth Code Texture Perfector Pore Vanisher Cream - 40ml - $29.99 - helps provide the perfect looking skin that we all strive for by smoothing out all those nasty pores on 3 levels:

on the surface - with Aero-Gel which blurs for a soft-focus effect;

around the pore - with LHA to exfoliate skin's surface and Perline-P to absorb surface oil instantly;

inside the pore - with 3% Perline-P to support, strengthen and maintain the shape of pore walls - which is also what makes this product different from other similar perfector products - over time the size of pores are actually reduced!

The final result is an instantly improved, refined skin texture that looks smooth and feels freshly hydrated, while excess oil is absorbed for a shine-free, matte finish not to mention being the ideal foundation for makeup which will now glide on perfectly and smoothly.

Available now at mass market and drug retailers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Totally toned with Estée Lauder, Origins and Neutrogena!

If I'm going to bother with the extra step of a toner I want it to actually do something useful for my skin and that generally means getting rid of excess oil and keeping my pores nice and clean - here are a few that do a great job of helping to balance skin without overdrying it:

Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Toning Lotion/Refiner - 200ml - $28 - an exfoliating toner that buffs away surface dirt and impurities as well as facilitate the natural cycle of skin replenishment. With a skin refinishing complex that includes a rice ferment, glucosamine/bamboo blend that helps break the bonds holding dull cells in place and normalizes surface turnover - to leave skin refreshes, balanced and comfortable - the more you use it, the brighter and smoother your skin appears.

It also has a great scent which is unusual for a toner which generally smell like alcohol - instead you can enjoy the scents of pink grapefruit, peach, Turkish rose, jasmine sambac, orange blossom water, Moroccan spearmint, cashmere soft woods, tonka bean and musks.

Available at Estée Lauder counters across Canada and online at www.esteelauder.ca.

Origins Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner - 150ml - $25 - an invigorating, multitasking toner that uses natural ingredients to delete excess oil without overdrying skin. Formulated with skin-clearing saw palmetto, cooling mint, and pore-minimizing salicylic acid, to instantly reduce shine and remove excess oil to refine pores, reduce shine and refresh skin.

Available at Sephora and select The Bay stores.

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner - 250ml - $10.99 - visibly reduces the appearance of pores and refines skin with an oil-free alpha and beta hydroxy formula to sweep away dead surface skin without drying out skin and is dermatologist-tested to deliver visible results.

Available at food, drug and mass merchandisers across Canada.

- Lisamarie -