Great Gifting - Last minute gifting for problematic people made easy at Shoppers Drug Mart!

Gone are the days of having to brave the malls to pick up last minute gifts - there is a Shoppers Drug Mart on practically every corner and they are all chock-full of amazing gift options - the problem of course is what to get for the problematic giftee... hope this helps!

We all have that friend who is a trend-setter who you dread buying for because you know whatever you give them they are secretly judging your lack of with-it-ness - take this you judgey bitch!

Quo Beauty Cooling Cryo Mask and Headband Set - $20 - includes a cryo mask and an adorable bow headband. Just chill the cryo mask in the fridge for a refreshing, depuffing effect that helps invigorate your skin. Paired with a soft headband to keep hair away from your face during pampering sessions, this set offers gentle cooling refreshment.

No matter what you get this friend she/he is never satisfied. Gino knows where it's at, Jasmine loved hers so this is sure to be a hit! And if all else fails at least it vibrates...

 

Oral-B iO Series 2 Rechargeable Electric Powered Toothbrush in Night Black - $114.99 -combines powerful, but gentle micro vibrations with Oral-B's dentist inspired round brush head to deliver 100% cleaner teeth versus a regular manual toothbrush. Features automatic pressure to protect gums; 3 cleaning modes; 2 minute timer; and a long-lasting battery with a low-charge indicator. Includes 1 gentle care brush head.

Your mother-in-law sighs no matter what you give her and then re-gifts it back to you for your birthday so you might as well buy her something you will love - although she might just end up keeping this one... 

 

Estée Lauder Glow Authorities Repair + Lift + Hydrate - $60 - a daily regimen for stronger, radiant, deeply hydrated, healthier-looking skin with a 4-piece set of deluxe travel sizes including: Advanced Night Repair Serum - 15ml - helps skin look smoother and less lined, younger, more radiant and even toned with continued use; Revitalizing Supreme+ Creme Moisturizer - 15ml - significantly improves skin’s firmness and elasticity for a firmer feel and more lifted look; Immediately triple skin’s moisture for a visibly healthy look with Futurist Watery Glow Primer - 15ml - wear alone or under foundation for skin that’s plumped, dewy, glowing; and Revitalizing Supreme+ Eye Balm - 7ml - helps reduce the look of lines and dark circles with continued use. Leaves the eye area looking radiant and more youthful.

Teachers, Babysitters, Hairdressers, Yoga Instructors, etc are all sick of boxes of chocolates and mugs - treat them to something that will ensure no "B"s for the kids or baby-bangs...

 

Jason Wu Pearl Darling Posh Palette - $50 - an exquisite 15-color matte shadow palette, meticulously crafted to suit every occasion with 5 neutral, 5 cool and 5 warm nude shades– all in a stunning, pearl encrusted compact. There is also a Diamond Darling Sublime Palette option that is covered in crystals that contains shades that aren't all matte if you think that would be more their jam.

And if you're looking for something better then a bow to decorate your packages or stuff your stockings with there are lots of Quo Beauty options - everything from tiny eyelash curlers that sparkle, the softest puffs of pink and mini sets of all the best products - a yearly fave of mine...

Quo Beauty Cosmetic Crackers - $20 - 6 gold crackers, each one filled with a gloss surprise!

Happy shopping at your local Shoppers Drug Mart - and if you're buying for me, don't worry, I'm not the least bit picky!

 

- Lisamarie -

Great Gifting - skin care sets for every budget from Vivier, Clinique and BYOMA!

Vivier Hydration Gift Set - $332 (a $426 value) - a luxurious collection of hydrating and rejuvenating products to deeply moisturize, enhance elasticity, and promote a radiant, youthful complexion. Includes: C E Peptides - 30ml - designed to reduce any further signs of aging with a serum that contains 10% vitamin C, vitamin E, and a combination of 3 peptides to protect, correct, brighten and nourish the skin; Daily Age Defying Moisturizer - 55 ml - a lightweight moisturizing day cream formulated with antioxidants and moisturizers to increase smoothness while diminishing the signs of aging; and Ultra Hydrating Mask - 60ml - a nourishing mask formulated with vitamin E, sweet almond extract, and shea butter to soothe and protect the skin from dehydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - along with a card with information on exactly how to use the products.

If you aren't familiar with the Vivier line this is also a great set to buy for yourself - this is a nice intro set to 3 of their best products - especially the moisturizer, it is amazing - hydrating without being the least bit greasy - it just soaks right in like a dream!

Available exclusively at participating clinics in Canada and the US - find one near you here.

Clinique Ready, Set, Refresh - $85 (a $212 value) - with 6 skincare and makeup staples for a fresh-faced look including: Take The Day Off Facial Cleansing Mousse - 125ml - a silky mousse-to-foam cleanser that conditions as it rinses away face makeup, dirt, and other impurities; Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator - 50ml - fights back against life’s daily dehydrations. Sinks into skin for deep, lasting hydration, for skin that feels more resilient and looks glowing; Clinique Pop Plush Lip Gloss in Black Honey Pop - 3.4ml - hugs lips with high shine and all-day hydration; High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara - 10ml - amps up lashes for 230% more volume, instantly; Totally Tugless Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes + Lips - 50ml - dissolves long-wearing makeup, even waterproof mascara; and All About Eyes - 5ml - helps reduce the look of puffiness and undereye circles over time. Everything is allergy tested, 100% fragrance, paraben and phthalate free.

 

All the skin care basics with a little bit of makeup glam thrown in? Yes please! I especially enjoyed the introduction to the Black Honey Lip Gloss - it looks really dramatic in the tube but is much more wearable on the lips - my lips but hotter!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada as well as other participating retailers and online at clinique.ca.

BYOMA Barrier Boosting Heroes - $30 - contain 5 go-to essentials for achieving that radiant, dewy glow with each product being crafted to suit all skin types, making them the perfect building blocks for the ultimate hydration-focused regimen in sizes perfect for holiday travel - includes: Creamy Jelly Cleanser - 30ml - effectively dissolves dirt, oil, and makeup without compromising skin's integrity. With key ingredient green tea - for skin-soothing + balancing, with anti-inflammatory properties; Hydrating Serum - 15ml - super lightweight, it delivers a powerful moisture boost for bouncy, glowing skin while strengthening the skin barrier. With key ingredient squalane - a skin-compatible hydrator that prevents moisture loss + plumps skin; Gel Cream - 15ml - for targeted hydration that quenches thirsty skin, with key ingredient niacinamide - to brighten skin + balance oiliness while improving tone + texture; Rich Moisturizer - 15ml - melt into your complexion for deep nourishment and improved texture with key ingredient bakuchiol - a natural alternative to retinol that improves overall tone + appearance; and Eye Gel - 5ml - designed to brighten and soothe dark circles and puffiness with key ingredient vitamin C to brighten and reduce inflammation. Use AM + PM for dark circles and puffy eyes. 

 

With these hydrating heroes, your skin will glow all season long! Plus, they’re dermatologist-tested and approved, alcohol and fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free - the perfect gift for everyone! 

 

I already loved the Creamy Jelly Cleanser so scoring a size that I could travel with was great and gave me a chance to try other items from the line and discover the joy of the Gel Cream which is perfect for those of us with combination skin!

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Shoppers Beauty Bundles!

If you love a sampler set as much as I do be sure to check out your local Shoppers Drug Mart right now for several bundle options including the one the skincare junkie in me loves the most...

 

Shoppers Beauty Skin Protect Beauty Bundle -  $70 - a curated kit chock full of 15 deluxe samples that will help protect skin and act as a barrier against environmental aggressors like sun damage, pollution and blue light - valued at over $175 including: Biotherm Cera Repair Barrier Cream with Ceramides, Clarins Hydra-Essential Silky Cream, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum, Estee Lauder Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask, It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cleanser Cleansing Gel, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, Lancôme Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum, Nudestix NudeSkin Citrus-C Mask & Daily Moisturizer, Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores, Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer + Hydrating Primer, The Body Shop Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate, Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray and Lise Watier Sublimessence High Hydration Probiotic Serum. 

 

Each sample contains enough product to be able to try it out for a week or two to give you get a good idea of how well it works for you before springing for the full size - so far the Estee Lauder mask and The Body Shop serum are on my to-buy list! And if your skin leans more towards the sensitive, there is also a Shoppers Beauty Derm Sensitive Skin Beauty Bundle for $45 full of products to nurture and soothe.

 

If you want to try the latest and greatest products of the year then check out the Shoppers Beauty Viral Trends Beauty Bundle -  $70 - containing 10 beauty products: 1 full-size lip oil, and 9 deluxe samples including: Butter London Mellow The Yellow Nail Brightening Treatment, Buxom Power Line Plumping Lip Liner, Clinique Almost Lipstick In Black Honey, Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops, Kylie Cosmetics KyLash Volume Mascara, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur, Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau De Toilette, NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder, R.E.M. Beauty Essential Drip Lip Oil (FULL SIZE!) and Virtue Labs Virtue Healing Oil. 

 

Or if you are looking to spread the beauty love grab a Shoppers Beauty 7 Days of Love Beauty Bundle -  $55 - which contains 7 Hearts, 7 Beauty Products and 7 Notes of Gratitude to Express Your Love - whether you gift it to one special person in your life or unpack the gift set and gift it to 7 special people in your life! Each heart contains one deluxe sample of the following: Lancôme Lash Idole Mascara; Smashbox The Original Smooth & Blur Primer; Too Faced Deluxe Lip Injection Extreme In UC; Lise Watier Waterproof Eyeliner Brun Noir; NARS Orgasm Blush 1.2g; Shisiedo ModernMatte Powder Lipstick; and Nudestix Mini Nudies Matte All Over Face Bronzer - SunKissed. You can also feel good that 10% of the proceeds of this Beauty Bundle will go towards supporting Shoppers Foundation For Women's Health - which is committed to fostering health equity for all women in Canada in collaboration with over 360 charities by increasing awareness of women's health issues and ensuring equitable and accessible care so all women in Canada can live healthier lives.

 

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

 

- Lisamarie -

Great Gifting - Skincare Sets from Ole Henriksen, Nudestix and Trinny London!

If you are looking to try out new skincare or get travel sizes of your favourites, this is the best time of the year to do it - everyone has a gift set of some kind! They probably also make great gifts (if you like that kind of thing) so be sure to gift someone (like yourself) with one of these:

 

Ole Henriksen Radiance Retreat Skincare Favorites Set - $86 - has everything you need for a winter spa-cation:  Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum - 15ml - brightens and visibly evens skin; Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturize - 50ml - to hydrate and strengthen skin; and Banana Bright+ Eye Crème - 15ml -  to reduce the look of dark circles and crow’s feet - all vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free - and come inside this adorable house packaging! 

 

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

Nudestix Nudeskin 3-Step Citrus Renew Set - $39 - a collection of travel-size essentials for everything you need to get glowing skin on the go: Gentle Hydra-Gel Cleanser 3-in-1: Skin Cleanser + Skin Softener + Skin Brightener; Lemon-Aid Detox & Glow Micro-Peel 3-in-1: Deep Pore Cleanser + Cell Renewal Exfoliant + Skin Brightening Glow; and Citrus C Mask & Daily Moisturizer 3-in-1; Day & Night Moisturizer + Makeup Primer + Sleeping Mask - packed inside a clear carrying case - to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate the skin with simple, multi-tasking, vegan powered, cruelty-free skincare for a boost of fresh beauty that is free from sulfates, phthalates, gluten, parabens, synthetic fragrances and alcohol and is great for all skin types including sensitive skin.

 

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

Trinny London Superheros Serum Set - $128 - features starter sizes of: Plump Up Peptide+ HA Serum - 10ml - an advanced peptide and hyaluronic acid serum that is clinically proven to visibly firm and lift for plump, hydrated, bouncy skin; Boost Up 30% Vitamin C Serum - 9.5ml - a glow-giving Vitamin C serum that is clinically proven to dial up brightness and boost radiance while evening skin tone; and Overnight Sensation Retinal+ Serum - 9.5ml- a high-dose retinol night serum that firms, tones and visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles to bring energy and life back to skin that’s lost its oomph - all  inside an exclusive Mini Chepstow bag.

Available online at trinnylondon.com/ca.

- Lisamarie -

Great Gifting at Shoppers Drug Mart for everyone one on your list - Beauty - Electronics - Stocking Stuffers - Last Minute - and More!

Gone are the days of running around to a bunch of different stores to find something to please everyone on your list! Shoppers Drug Mart has a little bit of everything which is perfect for saving time, energy and collecting lots and lots of wonderful Optimum Points...

For the best friend:

 

r.e.m. beauty Naughty & Iced Cheek & Lip Set - $39 - includes 2 best-selling flight crew favourite products including a limited edition holiglitch shade of the best-selling lip & cheek stick and must-have highlighter in miss neptune - so pretty!

For the nephew (an added bonus if it will drive your brother/sister crazy that you got it for him):

 

Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle - $399.99 - this bundle has everything you need to start your Super Mario adventures, including a Nintendo Switch system with Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con controllers along with a download code for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game and a 3-month Nintendo Switch Online Individual membership.

For the sister that has a hard time making a decision:

 

Shoppers Beauty Derm Discovery Collection - $85 - a set of eight mini, best-selling anti-aging & hydrating serums: Avene Hydrance Aqua Gel, Ducray Keracnyl Serum, Jouviance- 3D-Retinol+, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum, Reversa Biomimetik Regenerative Serum, StriVectin Multi-Action Super C Retinol Serum, SVR Serum Ampoule Anti-OX [C], Uriage Age Lift Intensive Firming Smoothing Serum 10mL and Vichy Liftactiv B3 Serum - try them all, decide which one you like best and then redeem the enclosed certificate for a full-sized one! There is also an Eye Discovery Collection (I got it last year and loved it!).

Have a couple of these on hand in case you need a last minute gift - that you will love using if you don't need to gift them:

 

The Body Shop Nutty & Nourishing Shea Treats - $13 - includes a shower cream and body butter enriched with handcrafted Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana for some serious dry skin TLC. 

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

And be sure to keep an eye out for the Optimum Points deals - there seems to be a different one every week - as long as you are shopping for everyone else you might as well gift yourself with points!

 

- Lisamarie -

Stuff your stocking with tiny treasures from the Quo Beauty Holiday Collection!

The Quo Beauty Holiday Collection is back with so many wonderful things, it will be hard to decide what to get! Included in the collection are plenty of pint sized products perfect for stuffing the stocking of the beauty lover in your life (and make sure when you shop it's one for them and one for yourself!) Here are my stocking sized faves:

 

Quo Beauty Pout Perfection Lipstick Set - $25 - a dazzling set of 4 must-have matte lipsticks. Smooth, bold colour with comfortable wear and light to bold shades that will take you from morning to night.

Quo Beauty Eyeshadow Palette - $25 - create endless holiday eye looks with palette of 12 luxurious matte and shimmer eyeshadow shades with smooth, blendable textures.

Quo Beauty Euphoric Holiday Brush Set -$18 - touch up your makeup on-the-go with a collection of four limited edition brushes and a shiny pouch to hold all your essentials. With easy to clean 100% synthetic fibers, the set contains: Powder Brush, Eye Cream Brush, All-Over Shadow Brush, Liner Brush and a pouch.

Quo Beauty Let It Glow Skincare Set - $25 - a 3-piece travel-size set that will keep skin in tip-top condition for every holiday celebration this season! Set includes: Hydrating Facial Serum - formulated with hyaluronic acid; Banana Cleansing Balm - formulated with banana extract to help melt away make-up and moisturize thirsty skin; and Purifying Glow Mask - formulated with Bentonite, Kaolin Clay to help clarify and calm the skin.

Quo Beauty All Dolled Up Fluffy Bowtie Headband - $12 - an adorable way to keep hair out of the way while cleansing, masking, applying make-up or whatever. And of course it's pink and fluffy - two of my favourite things in life!

 

Get them while you can - they are limited edition and always go fast - available at Shoppers Drug Mart Stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

Shoppers Drug Mart glowing skin must haves from Dr Roebuck's, Versed and No7!

Dr Roebuck's No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer - 50ml - $60 - a silicone-free, non-comedogenic daily moisturizer formulated with: hyaluronic acid - an anti-aging active that smooths and plumps skin, helping to retain moisture and aid in decreasing the appearance of fine lines; macadamia oil - an essential fatty acid that works to heal, nourish and hydrate the skin; and rosehip oil - a vitamin and antioxidant rich skin protectant. 

 

Part of The Thoughtful Choices at Shoppers Drug Mart lineup, curated to help make it easier for you to shop consciously for products that are cruelty-free as well as paraben, phthalate, SLS/SLES, formaldehyde, BPA and aluminum salts-free; and mindful of our planet.

Versed Weekend Glow Brightening Solution - 120ml - $24.99 - a powerful brightening toner for dark spots and post-acne marks. With an exfoliating formula that includes a four-acid complex of lactic, glycolic, azelaic, and kojic acid; along with bearberry extract and vitamin C to deliver a glowier complexion without any of the tingle. Also part of the The Thoughtful Choices at Shoppers Drug Mart lineup.

No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Night Cream - 50ml - $29 - a multi-tasking night cream that targets the three key signs of aging: reducing wrinkles; firming skin; and evening skin tone - while sleeping, nourishing and restoring skin's moisture overnight. In just 2 weeks, wrinkles are reduced, skin appears lifted and firmed, while the unique lightening complex helps to fade stubborn pigmentation and dark spots for a more even skin tone. After 3 weeks, you will awaken to rested, more radiant and healthy-looking skin.  

 

All available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Enjoy the sun and a great read this long weekend with Blue Lizard, Physiogel and Behind The Read Door by Louise Claire Johnson!

The last long weekend of the summer is the best time to soak up the last of the summer sun and relax with a good book (and a cocktail)!

Enjoy the sunshine but don't forget to protect yourself from it with:

 

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 - 89ml - $14.99 - offers head-to-toe sun protection with a zinc oxide based mineral formula that provides broad spectrum protection from 97% of the sun’s burning rays. Great for sensitive skin as it contains no skin-irritating chemical sunscreen ingredients, no parabens and no fragrances and is made without oxybenzone or octinoxate to help protect fragile reef ecosystems and is water resistant up to 80 minutes. The bottle also acts as a great reminder to reapply - the cap turns blue in harmful UV light! It also comes in a Baby formula that I love - it's even gentler!

Available online at well.ca and amazon.ca.

When your sun worship is over be sure to moisturize - your skin will thank you - and using a regular moisturizer for sensitive skin is way more effective then the typical after-sun lotions - I particularly like:

 

Physiogel Calming Relief A.I. Lotion - 200ml - $59 - offers triple, long-lasting relief from dryness, itchiness and irritation for all sensitive skin (even babies) with an advanced hypoallergenic formula containing skin-soothing essential lipids and B that is free from fragrances, preservatives and colourants - to soothe and protect dry, irritated skin.

Can be used on face or body and also comes in a cream formula if you prefer a thicker texture - Physiogel Calming A.I. Cream - 100ml - $59.

 

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

 

The perfect book to go along with a weekend of horizontal activity:

 

Behind The Red Door - How Elizabeth Arden's Legacy Inspired My Comping-of-Age Story in the Beauty Industry - Louse Claire Johnson - $38 - there aren't a lot of books that I sit down to read and can't put down until it's done, but this is one of them! A unique blend of biography and memoir, it's about two women a hundred years apart, and follows both women as they turn themselves into the success stories they once dreamed of becoming. Historical and modern all at the same time with lots of behind the scenes looks at the beauty industry - this was right up my alley. It's a great weekend read and see if it doesn't leave you satisfied and inspired!

 

Available at bookstores across Canada and online at indigo.chapters.ca.

 

- Lisamarie -

Follow your Bliss to amazing skin!

Bliss holds a special place in my heart - a zillion years ago when Sephora first opened their first Canadian store in Toronto my very first purchase was a pair of Bliss Glamour Gloves (I still have them!) and I continued to buy and love their products ever since - well almost ever since... some years ago the products became harder to come by here - but no longer - Bliss has arrived in Canada and you can now find it at Shoppers Drug Mart!

 

Now that I can Bliss to my heart's content I've been on a mission to try everything out and see what I like best and have come up a top 3 fave list:

 

Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Toner + Serum - 130ml - $19.99 - a game-changing treatment, clinically proven to deliver clear, calm skin in 14 days by combining the benefits of a toner with all the joys of a serum to purify pores, tone skin and deliver concentrated ingredients for ultimate clarity without over-drying or irritating skin. Powered a proprietary CLARITY 5 COMPLEX containing BHA (salicylic acid), witch hazel water, niacinamide, zinc PCA & cica. Masking has been giving me some issues that I thought were behind me in my non-teenage years - and this has sorted things right out and so quickly too without giving me the dry patches that I usually suffer from when I use stronger ingredients - yea!

 

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting Serum - 30ml - $32.99 - this collagen-protecting and brightening serum boosts brightness and elasticity in one use with a high concentration of the most effective, non-irritating form of clinical-grade vitamin C plus tri-peptide to brighten, diminish the look of dark spots and visibly firm skin. I am super-obsessed with vitamin C these days and love that this one comes in serum form that absorbs quickly making it easy to layer and with none of weird smells that some vitamin C products have!

 

Bliss Incredi-peel 10% Glycolic Acid Spa-Strength Resurfacing Peel - 15 facial treatments - $29.99 -with a spa-strength formula that gradually releases the 10% glycolic acid formula overnight to target fine lines, discoloration and imperfections for smoother, brighter skin by morning. Also great for travel (if we can ever do that again) thanks to the convenient, single-step, no-rinse peel pads that are individually packaged.

 

Bliss also goes above and beyond to ensure its products are clean and safe. The brand uses only ethically-sourced, high-quality ingredients and has thoughtfully formulated its products to be 90% vegan and 100% clean, cruelty-free and blissfully free from the bad stuff including parabens, phthalates, SLS and SLES. I also appreciate how accessible the line is to everyone - nothing will set you back more then $32.99!

 

Go to your favourite Shoppers Drug Mart store across Canada or online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca to try my favourites or discover your own!

 

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Alya Skin Australian Pink Clay Mask!

Alya Skin Australian Pink Clay Mask - 120g - $49.95 - detoxifies all skin types by extracting dirt and pollutants and tightening pores to help keep skin clear and bright.

 

Just apply a thin layer to clean skin and relax for 10 minutes before removing with a warm, wet towel - you will not believe how soft and smooth your skin will feel afterwards! 

 

And unlike some clay masks, I don't find this one uncomfortable, it doesn't get all dry and hard, making it impossible to remove or flake all over the place!

 

 

For the ultimate in soft skin, use the Alya Skin Pomegranate Exfoliating Facial Scrub before the mask - it gets rid of any dead skin to help the mask absorb better and follow the mask with the Alya Skin Australian Native Berries Moisturizer - to lock in the moisture - made super easy and cost efficient thanks to the Ultimate Skincare Bundle that includes all 3 products for $95.95!

Available online at alyaskin.ca.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Zero 100% Natural Face Scrub!

Zero 100% Natural Face Scrub - 100ml - $26.99 - a daily facial scrub suitable for all skin types that gently removes excess oil, dead skin, pore-clogging surface debris and other impurities with a naturally scented blend of plant-based oils: sacha inchi oil, sweet almond oil and coconut oil that work to nourish and soften, while finely ground apricot seeds help to smooth and brighten the complexion.

It's very gentle, not a harsh scruby-scrub and does not have the fake scent that I find is added to a lot of scrubs - it smells very clean and natural. Best of all skin feels smooth and clean after using, not dry and tight!

The scrub is part of a newly arrived to Canada natural UK. beauty line which is all 100% natural, vegan and plant-based - for your skin and sustainably packaged and full recyclable - for the planet! The scrub is my favourite item from the line which also includes:

Zero 100% Natural Day Cream - 50ml - $34.99 - deeply moisturizes and soothes skin with a formula enriched with shea butter and coconut oil to hydrate and nourish skin all day long.

Zero 100% Natural Night Cream - 50ml - $34.99 - nourishes and rejuvenates skin while you sleep with a powerful blend of naturally healing shea butter; regenerating green tea extract that restore and hydrate skin to leaving it looking fresh and well rested every morning.

Zero 100% Natural Eye Cream - 25ml - $29.99 - with a rich formula enriched with shea butter and deeply moisturizing coconut oil to hydrate and nourish the delicate skin around the eyes.

Zero 100% Natural Face Wash - 100ml - $26.99 - gently washes away all traces of makeup, excess oil, pollution particles and other daily grime with a unique blend of coconut oil sweet almond oil and sacha inchi oil to leave skin feeling refreshed,, soothed and deeply hydrated.

Zero 100% Natural Hand & Nail Cream - 50ml - $19.99 - a luxuriously rich, yet easily absorbed cream enriched with sweet almond oil, coconut oil, sacha inchi seed oil and shea butter to help heal and restore dry and hands and maintain soft skin - especially useful in these high hand washing days!

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

- Lisamarie -

Rediscover your best skin with the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Collection!

Looking for an ingredient that is most likely to make a major visible improvement in your skin? Look no further then retinol!

What makes retinol great? It's a powerhouse form of vitamin A that encourages collagen production so skin looks firmer and smoother; it's clinically proven to speed cell turnover which enhances brightness, tone, texture and youthfulness; all while intensely hydrating skin!

Enter the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal collection - featuring tri-active technology containing a fast-acting retinoid, time-released retinol and a retinol booster to help fight lines/deep wrinkles - that is great for all ages and skin-types - even sensitive!

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum - 30ml - $115 ($89 USD) -  with a super-light formula that delivers an instant dose of retinol and a dose of retinol over time to minimize irritation and prolong benefits to improve the look of lines and wrinkles in as little as two weeks; helping to increase skin's resilience and improve the look of youthful contours is swertia flower extract; along with hyaluronic acid to visibly plump and minimize dryness.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum - 15ml - $111 ($82 USD) - with a restorative formula offering 360° application to quickly and dramatically improve the look of lines and deep wrinkles all around eyes, including the lids; as well as visibly lifting and firming for more youthful-looking yes with marine kelp complex and delivering up to 24 hours of hydration with cotton wool grass extract.

Both the face and eye serums have a super light texture so you don't need to give up your favourite moisturizer - go ahead and layer it on top - just make sure it doesn't have any active ingredients that might react badly with the retinol. The other important thing is to make sure you apply your  sunscreen when going out - while using, retinol can make the skin especially sensitive to the sun!

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream - 30ml - $107 ($82 USD) - with a nurturing formula, gentle enough for nightly use that rapidly helps minimize the signs of aging you can see, and the ones you can’t see yet - all while supporting the skin’s natural protective barrier with niacinamide and picolinamide - so you wake up with firmer, more supple skin with radiance and glow.

Available in Canada at Sephora and sephora.ca and in the US at Sephora, Ulta and other select retailers as well as online at murad.com and sephora.com.

- Lisamarie -

Great Gifting - Boscia's Botanical Besties

Boscia's Botanical Besties - $49 - a 4-piece set with all the essentials needed to purify, detox, and cleanse away makeup and impurities in a travel-friendly kit.

The set includes:

Thermal Black Cleanser - 50ml - a warming gel cleanser that deeply cleanses and refreshes skin as it reduces the appearance of pores and purifies dirt-filled skin - apply to clean, dry skin and gently massage onto face in a circular motion for gentle exfoliation - rinse clean with warm water.

MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil - 50ml - contains hydrating skin nutrients that deep-cleans and refreshes as it melts away stubborn makeup and impurities without leaving an oily residue - apply to dry skin and gently massage onto the face in a circular motion - a unique cushioning effect will allow  fingers to glide without pulling or tugging - add water to emulsify into a milky cleanser, continue to massage into the skin and rinse clean with water.

Luminizing Black Mask - 30g - an innovative peel-off mask that removes dirt and impurities, minimizes the appearance of pores and absorbs excess oil to reveal a healthy, luminous complexion - apply a thick, opaque, even layer to clean, dry skin and leave on for 30 minutes or until completely dry - gently peel-off mask from outer edges and rinse off any residue with warm water - use once or twice a week.

Charcoal Pore Pudding - 25ml - contains black and white charcoal to help minimize the appearance of pores while balancing skin - scoop onto fingertips, apply to face and blend together to distribute thin opaque grey layer all over or targeted areas as needed -leave on for 15-20 minutes then rinse clean with warm water.

Available now at Shoppers Drug Mart and Hudson Bay stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Absorb goodness from your skin care routine with The Care Principle!

Introducing The Care Principle - a plant-based skin care line that was  developed by media personality Dina Mirkovich as self-care in a bottle (or 4) - making it easy to do something great for your skin twice a day in just minutes with 3 essential steps:

Infinite Glo Serum - 30ml - $60 - hydrates and revives tired skin with a nourishing boost of vitamin E, marula seed oil - to target dullness, brighten skin and improve uneven texture and a blend of safflower, apricot kernel, avocado, organic jojoba seed, camellia seed and  rosehip seed oils - to keep skin soft and supple all day - with a lightweight texture that feels feathery light on the skin and makes it a nourishing primer for makeup. This is my favourite product from the line - it soaks right in and makes my skin feel perfect - during the summer I don't think I will even need moisturizer on top!

Infinite Glo Day Cream - 30ml - $40 - a lightweight, skin-repairing, anti-aging day cream that's infused with premium, organic moisturizers to soften skin and visually improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and a precise blend of fatty acids to bring out skin’s natural radiance and keep it soft and hydrated all day long - with a lightweight and velvety texture that absorbs quickly into the skin leaving a feathery light, silky finish for skin that glows.

Infinite Glo Night Cream - 30ml - $40 - an intense anti-aging moisturizing treatment that soothes, repairs, and brightens skin while sleeping with an antioxidant formula fortified with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to help smooth wrinkles, improve skin's firmness and boost elasticity - that helps detoxify and replenish the skin during sleep - when it’s most receptive to restoration and renewal - with a feathery light texture that allows the skin to breathe while eliminating dryness.

Infinite Glo Eye Cream - 30ml - $30 - with a hydrating blend of wrinkle-smoothing botanicals, antioxidants and non-irritating moisturizers that brighten and depuff to help wake up tired eyes, minimize fine lines, firm and restore a more youthful appearance - with a silky formula that feels feathery light on the skin that makes it a great and nourishing primer for eye makeup.

There's a lot to love about the line - all the products are formulated in Canada with premium, plant-based ingredients that are always free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates - no animal testing ever and are effective for all skin types: dry, oily, normal, combination and even sensitive!

I know, it all sounds great and you want it all - luckily you can pick up the whole 4 piece collection bundle for a special price of $140!

Available online at thecareprinciple.com.

- Lisamarie -

Holiday travels made easy with Lano, Ole Henriksen, Quo and Mary Kay!

Lano Jet Set Travel Essentials - $36 - a trio of essentials for a daily face routine in travel-approved sizes including: 30ml Face Base Vitamin E Day Cream - formulated to deeply replenish and restore moisture to keep skin hydrated all day; 30ml Face Base Gelcream Glycerin Cleanser - deep-cleans like a gel but is gentle like a cream to cleanse skin without stripping it of it's essential natural oils; and 30ml The Aussie Flyer - a leave-on recovery mask for dried out, dull, jetlagged skin to bring back moisture, glow and radiance.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

Ole Henrriksen 3 Little Wonders - $33 - targets visible signs of aging in one easy trio - including: 15ml Truth Serum - an anti-aging serum that helps brighten, firm skin, and deliver all-day hydration with vitamin C and collagen; 7ml Sheer Transformation - a whipped, silky moisturizer that gently refines uneven skin tone and texture, containing multifruit acids and antioxidants to deliver weightless hydration and luminous perfection; and 7ml Night Transformation Gel - a retexturizing gel that smooths skin with a concentrated multisource AHA complex.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

Quo Glam On-The-Go Brush Set - $25 - includes 6 mini brushes: powder, foundation, fluffy crease, all-over shadow, smudge and pointed liner - that feature show-stopping glitter handles and fit perfectly into a metal canister to help provide the chicest way to store and protect brushes while traveling.

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

Mary Kay Travel Roll-Up Bag - $40 - easily organizes all your favourite beauty essentials at home, for vacations and special events with four clear, removable, zippered compartments that beauty products and supplies organized, a swivel hook that makes for easy hanging and a velcro strip for ease of opening and closing - with an adorable heart pattern that makes it even easier to love!

Available now for a limited time 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.

- 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 -

Balance, boost and defend skin with Rodan + Fields Recharge!

Rodan + Fields introduces Recharge -  a simple and effective 3-step skincare regimen that visibly improves skin with the first use.

Each step works together to balance skin tone, texture, moisture level and oil; boost skin's defense system; and defend against daily stressors including pollution, blue light and UV rays - for skin that looks healthy, hydrated and glowing.

Recharge 3-in-1 Super Cleanser - 125ml - $47 - an exfoliating, gel cream cleanser that lightly lathers to remove makeup, oil, sweat and environmental aggressors as it unclogs pores, smooths and boosts radiance. Containing superfruit Australian lime pearl extract - which  exfoliates for the appearance of smoother, brighter, more even skin and electrolytes - to rebalance moisture levels for overall healthier skin.

Recharge Ultra Boost Moisturizing Treatment - 50ml - $93 - a weightless, fast-absorbing gel cream that instantly moisturizes and softens skin as it defends against visible signs of stress to achieve a lasting, healthy-looking glow. Containing glyceryl glucoside - to defend skin against pollutants to reveal healthy-looking skin; Electri5 Complex - a unique blend of antioxidants, electrolytes, prebiotics, peptides, superfruits along with RFA+ technology - to supercharge and visibly improve skin with first use.

and my favourite product from the line:

Recharge Protect + Blur Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen - 40ml - $56 - a 2-in-1 primer and  sunscreen virtually disappears into skin to defend and perfect with oil-free, 100% mineral UVA/UVB protection that gives you a visibly poreless matte finish, creating the perfect base for makeup or for leaving skin good-to-glow without it. Containing RFA+ and carnosine - to defend against visible signs of stress for healthy-looking skin; and zinc PCA - moisturizes skin and  reduces the appearance of shine and visible redness.

If it sounds like exactly what your skin needs right now for a limited time as a launch special, you can get all the products in a kit that also includes a hairband and stickers for just $156!

Available from your Rodan +  Fields rep and online at rodanandfields.com/ca.

- Lisamarie -

Get skincare as individual as you are with Universkin!

It's possible to get bespoke everything these days so why not also for your skincare - a concept that Universkin has brought to life with pharmaceutical-grade serums that are tailored just for you. Just remember that personalized skincare is not for the faint of heart - or for those short on time - it's a process...

First - take a quiz:
Before you even go in to to meet anyone, they have you fill out  an online quiz  - the questions cover everything from the skin itself to your lifestyle to really understand what they are working with before even meeting you and get an idea of what active ingredients might work best.

Second - the consult both personal and AI:
I made my way to Sovereign Skin in Toronto for a personal consult with aesthetician Samantha Tajik who also does the marketing for the clinic - she checked out my quiz and then put me in their Visia Skin Analysis machine for an objective measure of my skin's health and appearance and to get a baseline so we would be able to tell without a doubt how well the serums work.

Third - whip up a custom serums for day and night:
Each custom serum includes up to three active ingredients from a choice of 19 pharmaceutical-grade actives, available in a total of 57 concentrations - for almost 1,200 possible formulations. For my custom day serum we decided to work on skin redness, pigmentation and anti-aging with vitamin B3, arbutine and vitamin C. While we picked out ingredients for the night serum to deal with hydration, redness and texture from vitamin B5, rutine and glycolic acid

With the actives decided on, Samantha mixed my serums right before my very eyes. Each individual  ingredient comes in its own container and is added on the spot to the nourishing base formula that includes vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, biomimetic peptides and omega-3 camelina sativa - and then the complete formula is placed in a centrifuge for a thorough mixing.

Fourth - test driving said serums:
They are extremely easy to use just 4 or 5 drops morning and night of the corresponding formula followed by a moisturizer if needed. The only thing you can't do is use other active ingredients on top of your serums - so no retinols, AHA's, etc. You just have to remember to give the bottle a good hard shake before using to make sure it's well mixed.

Finally - the results:
After using for a couple of months I went back in to see Samantha and get checked out again with the Visia. Comparing the results:
Spots - 37% to 53%
Wrinkles - 44% to 71%
Texture - 87% to 52%
Pores - 84% to 47%
UV Spots - 15% to 33%
Brown Spots - 32% to 68%
Red Areas - 63% to 67%
Porphyrins - 18% to 9%

What the percentage number means: out of every 100 women your age with your skin type - your skin is better then that % of them - so the higher the number the better.

As you can see from the numbers, my skin dramatically improved in the areas of wrinkles and all spots, got a bit better for redness and worse for texture and pores. Bad numbers, no worries, the nice thing about a personalized formula is that on the next round you can choose to focus on different issues or change ingredients or strengths to make the serum more effective - making it ever-changing, just like your skin!

Universkin P Magistral Serum - 15ml - $235 - is available at select dermatologists, cosmetic surgery clinics and medispas - find one near you on the website: universkin-canada.com. Or if you're in the GTA I highly recommend Sovereign Skin - 59 Hayden Street, 7th Floor in Toronto - 647-343-0801 - www.sovereignskin.com.

- Lisamarie -

Great Gifting - Ole Henriksen O.M.G. (Oh My Glow) Brightening Set

Ole Henriksen O.M.G. (Oh My Glow) Brightening Set - $64 - includes a 4-piece set of vitamin C favourites:

15ml - Banana Bright Face Primer -improves and extends makeup wear all day while delivering skincare benefits, too;

7ml - Banana Bright Eye Crème -inspired by makeup artist must-have “banana powder,” instantly illuminates and addresses all eye area concerns;

15ml - C-Rush Brightening Gel Creme - loaded with three sources of vitamin C and rose of winter extract, instantly delivers a burst of energizing hydration and targets fine lines and wrinkles; and

30ml - Truth Serum - formulated with True-C Complex and collagen, helps brighten and firm skin.

Together they fight dullness, uneven texture, fine lines, wrinkles and dryness with targeted ingredients and whether you are gifting someone else or stocking up on your own favourite skin care it's a great deal - $123 worth of products for only $64!

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

- Lisamarie -

Fight skin dehydration with Arbonne Bio-Hydria!

The weather is changing and so are our skin care needs. Any skin type -  balanced, dry or oily - can become dehydrated. A mix of external elements such as diet, environmental factors like pollution and sun exposure, along with internal factors such as age can all play a role in sapping hydration from the skin leaving it dull and gloomy.

Arbonne Bio-Hydria to the rescue! A brand new skin care line designed to pump up dehydrated skin with refreshing hydration with a formula  featuring edulis cellular water - a powerful moisture-magnet succulent with leaves that have the super-power ability to manage and maintain water absorption, formulated to leave skin plump and super-duper moisturized; and sustainably sourced aloe vera - contains vitamins and minerals taken from the inner part of the leaf, to help moisturize and support skin’s natural ability to maintain a healthy-looking glow.

Available in the collection:

Bio-Hydria Gel Cleanser - 125ml - $24 -  lathers into a delicate foam that cushions skin as it rids the surface of makeup and impurities with gentle, plant-based surfactants for mild yet effective cleansing. Includes organic witch hazel in the formula to help moisturize, soothe, soften, tone, refresh and revitalize the skin so it’s left feeling comfortable, not tight.

Bio-Hydria Liquid Serum - 30ml - $45 -  a lightweight serum that boasts a crushed jelly texture that cools and soothes skin that while providing immediate hydration and replenishment. The formula includes organic witch hazel, cultivated in the south of France that moisturizes to soothe, soften, tone, refresh and revitalize the appearance of the skin• for a healthy-looking glow and a dewy finish.

Bio-Hydria Eye Gel - 15ml - $42 - a soothing gel that deeply hydrates and perks up tired under-eyes with pearlescent pigments that help visibly brighten the appearance of dark circles.

Bio-Hydria Gel Cream - 50ml - $40 - with a pudding-like, lightweight texture that absorbs quickly to soothe and moisturize skin leaving it feeling incredibly soft and supple for up to 48 hours. The formulas includes organic witch hazel, cultivated in the south of France which moisturizes to soothe, soften, tone, refresh and revitalize the appearance of the skin• and support skin’s natural ability to maintain a healthy-looking glow.

This is my favourite product from the line, the texture is just amazing! I have combination skin so generally everything that is super-hydrating feels way to heavy but this cream is so light but still adds so much moisture, it's amazing!

Bio-Hydria Herbal Infusion Tea - 20 x 1g - $18 - contains a caffeine-free antioxidant blend of chamomile, rosemary, and thyme that supports skincare with hydration from the insi.de out

Available now from your Arbonne rep - you can locate a consultant or shop online at www.arbonne.ca.

- Lisamarie -