Tom Ford Soleil Blanc

Posted on December 24, 2019 by Henna

I’ve been wearing this perfume this winter – and I’ve definitely noticed that the trend this year is for fragrances that smell beachy.  This is one of those.

Soleil Blanc is described as a gourmand and it definitely is.  It has notes of Bergamot, Pistachio, and Amber and it just smells sunny and yummy.  It’s easy to wear, and doesn’t have a very strong personality.  So if you’re a Tom Ford fan and want one of his newer scents, this might be for you.

Personally, I think that there are a lot of better sunny fragrances out there and I really liked Maison Margiela Beach Walk.

$297 for 1.7 oz in the Eau de Parfum version.

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Kevin Murphy Doo.Over Review

Posted on December 23, 2019 by Henna

I’ve added a bit of Kevin Murphy Doo.Over Dry Powder Finishing Hairspray to my regimen.  This is not your average spray.  It’s a combination of hairspray and powder, so not only does it help your style stay in place, but it also has tapioca starch in it which helps absorb excess oils.  You could use this as a dry shampoo or as a texturizer on already styled hair.  Or you could do even better, and restyle your second-day hair (give it a “Doo.Over” if you will) and then spray this on top to help keep that style or absorb oils.

I find that unlike most powder sprays, and most dry shampoos, this has a lot of hold to it and if you use to much, you’ll end up with stiff hair that’s not touchable.  It’s great for volumizing because you can spray it at the roots and it’ll give lots of hold. I love the hold and the powder but I make sure that I use this sparingly and then wash it out at the end of the day.  It’s not a product that you can layer and layer day after day.

I will say that the best thing about it is that it smells amazing!  Cedarwood and Patchouli make a great combo, and this smells earthy and fresh.  I reach for it because of the scent.

Pick it up in salons.

 

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I Love Bodywash

Posted on December 20, 2019 by Henna

If you’re into fun scented bodywashes, the way my kids are, then you’re going to want to check out the I Love collection that’s now available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

These are the smaller sizes, but the full size bodywashes are $9.99 each.

Check them out now! The brand is known for beautifully-scented products, and I can’t wait to see what they come out with next!

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Microdermabrasion

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Henna

Lets talk about a cosmetic procedure that’s quite common and can be done by people of almost all ages: microdermabrasion.

The old kind of microdermabrasion was done using aluminum crystals that were put on the skin and pushed around to slough off the dead skin. The crystals were then vacuumed off (and sometimes recycled to be used again).

You’ve probably heard of aluminum crystals before. Cosmetic companies began to use them in over-the-counter sloughing creams that were often used with a hand-held scrubbing device. Remember Susan Lucci? She used to shill for one on television. The problem with these over the counter creams was that the aluminum crystals are so small that they’re liable to clog pores. Since there’s no sucking that’s taking place, as in a professional’s office, this was something that many people using the drugstore “microdermabrasion” kits saw.

Microdermabrasion has changed now, namely in that there’s Diamond Microdermabrasion that is cleaner, and super efficient.

Now, there’s a ring-shaped head that’s attached to a machine that sucks up dead skins. The head has crushed up diamonds on it and they’re smoothed over the skin to take off dead skin which is instantly sucked up by the machine. Doing your entire face can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes and there’s virtually no redness or discomfort during or after the treatment. Your skin is instantly clearer and brighter.

Because you’ve taken off the top layer, any skin cream that you use afterwards will be more effective.

 

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The Oxygen Facial

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Henna

The Oxygen Facial is back – it’s non-invasive and leaves your skin feeling fresh.

It’s completely non-invasive and natural! The facial is done using a machine called the Intraceuticals Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen System. It “delivers therapeutic-grade oxygen under hyperbaric pressure to infuse a hydrophilically (water-loving) active serum to the deeper layers of the skin. The serum has a base of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient found naturally in the skin and renowned for its superior benefits as an ingredient carrier.” Basically, pressurized oxygen gets blown on to your skin with serum that contains hyaluronic acid as well as nutrients.

Well, now the facial is available in most major cities, and it’s great for revitalizing your skin.  It has become so popular that lots of spas in the city offer it.

I had a facial done and it was a great feeling – more than anything else, you will come out of there refreshed and rejuvenated. Your skin will feel great, and there’s absolutely no pain, and no breakouts like there are with most facials. You can also opt to include a line filler with your treatment (I didn’t) and that will leave you with skin that is instantly plumped.

The treatment is a must for this time of year – your skin is hydrated and looks amazing afterwards.  The facial takes an hour but I think you’ll find that it’s an hour well spent.

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Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Henna

I conclude my Dermalogica reviews today with the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

It’s a rice-based powder that you mix with water to form a paste which is then rubbed all over the face. It’s a truly gentle exfoliater that’s great for everyday use.
Please use this exactly as the instructions say to. Not following the instructions could result in a scrub that is entirely too harsh for anyone.

If you find yourself allergic to some scrubs or routinely find them to be too greasy, then definitely check this scrub out. It’s gentle but it works and used over time will leave your skin much smoother and clearer.

Needless to say, I’ve found all Dermalogica products to be truly excellent. They do what they claim to, and never over-dry or over-moisturize your skin. They often include plant-based ingredients and always smell amazing. Find a Dermalogica retailer near you, experience a face-mapping session, and pick up their recommendations the next time you have a chance.

$82 for a large bottle.

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Deciem Hylamide C25 Booster

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Henna

This is the vitamin C that I have in my routine right now and it’s life-changing.  It’s the most moisturizing vitamin C I’ve ever used.  The texture is on the oily side, but on my dry skin it absorbs in a few minutes.

The Hylamide C25 Booster is formulated to be a stable form of 25% vitamin C in a formula strong enough to actually brighten skin.  It is very potent but in a formula that’s moisturizing instead of being drying. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which is great for all skin types.  It helps prevent sun damage and hyperpigmentation, so your skin is more radiant after continued use.

Here’s how I’m using it: in the morning, I use my Biologique Recherche p50 toner, wait for it to absorb and then apply this Vitamin C generously.  I then top that with my tinted sunscreen.

At night, I’m using my prescription-strength Differin retinol first, and then I’m using a generous amount of this Vitamin C and I’m waking up to better and better skin.  I’ve also started to use it on the back of my hands, and I don’t notice any brightening so far, but my hands have never been softer which is amazing. The Differin makes my skin pretty dry because I just started using it again, so this vitamin C is exactly what I need on top.

Vitamin C is a great antioxidant to incorporate into your skincare routine – it’s even been shown to improve collagen levels in skin so it’s a great anti-aging ingredient.

You can find this one online. $29.

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Sunscreen for Your Face

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Henna

I have been receiving many emails from readers asking me to recommend a sunscreen for their face. Some of you may be wondering why you even need a different sunscreen for your face, and the answer is that sunscreens that are formulated especially for the face are often less greasy, stay on better, and tend not to wash out your complexion. They will probably also work better with any makeup you choose to wear on top.

One of the best-loved sunscreens on the market is the Elta MD sunscreen and I’ve tried it.  It is the OG of sunscreens and it’s highly recommended by lots of dermatologists and skincare specialists.

I have to say that I really love the texture and feel of this sunscreen. It’s oil-free and sets to a matte finish. If you’re looking for something that’s specifically for your face and you have oily or combination skin, you should try this sunscreen.

The sunscreen is about $40 online and in dermatologists’ offices.

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La Mer

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Henna

La Mer moisturizer is pretty expensive for most people and so I’m expecting that many of you are going to be looking forward to this review.

Go to any department store, and when you ask for a top-of-the-line moisturizer, they’ll try to sell you on La Mer. There is just so much hype about this product. Jennifer Lopez uses it by the boatload and if it’s good enough for her, well…

The great thing about the original Creme de la Mer is that it’s good for every skin type. Even a combination-skinned gal like me can use it, and I know that people with very dry skin love it as well. It makes a great base for makeup and does moisturize all day. It’s a great barrier for you skin and helps protect it against the elements.I think that a jar of Creme de la Mer would make a great Mother’s Day gift if you can afford it. It might be something your mother wants to try anyway, and it’s a luxurious product both in feel and in touch.

It absorbs and then just leaves your skin so nice and smooth.  It’s not greasy but it’s definitely meant for drier skin and not oily skin.  It’s not something I need to use everyday but I’ll reach for it if my skin is dry.

Available at La Mer counters in department stores.

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Boscia Botanical Besties Gift Set

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Henna

Got this Boscia Botanical Besties Gift Set from Shoppers Drug Mart and it is the best thing ever. Proof that the best time to try new skincare is in December when all these gift sets come out.  The set includes travel sizes of: Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil, Purifying Cleansing Gel, Luminizing Black Mask, and the Charcoal Pore Pudding.

If you have problematic skin then these products are amazing. They seem to help clean your skin so that it’s not so oily and they decongest pores so that you’re not breaking out as often.

The Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil didn’t really feel cooling on my skin but it’s a nice liquidy oil that does break up any and all makeup and then washes it away completely clear.

The Purifying Cleansing Gel is a warming foaming but slippery gel cleanser that takes off all oils on your skin but conditions it too. This was my favourite product in the set. It smells amazing and leaves a bit of moisturizer behind on your skin even though it’s foaming and cleansing. I also like that a little goes a long way with this cleanser. You need half a pump on your whole face, whereas I like to use 2 pumps of the Cleansing Oil to make sure that it really does a good job.

The Luminizing Peel of Mask is also nice but I find peel off masks such a pain to use. They need to dry for at least 20 minutes (the instructions on this one says 30 minutes) and then they only peel off if you’ve applied them thickly enough. This one left my skin noticeably smoother and brighter, so taking off that top layer of dead skin isn’t a bad thing, if you can stand the tugging and the mask itself.

The Charcoal Pore Pudding is basically another mask that helps draw impurities. It really makes your skin feel super clean.  You can see that it’s a beautiful blend of charcoals that go on to skin smoothly and absorb oil.  Charcoal is a great ingredient for oily and blemish-prone skin because it really absorbs impurities.

The mask also smells amazing so it was beautiful to put on to your skin and have it on for the 20 minutes required.  I jumped into the shower afterwards and washed it all off and my skin felt so much smoother and cleaner.

You can get the entire kit and all Boscia products at Shoppers Drug Mart.

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