What Are the Best Skincare Options Today?

The question of what the best skincare options are is not an easy one to answer for one simple reason. Everyone’s skin is different. If there was one magical skincare procedure that would fix every skin problem for every person right away then people wouldn’t be spending hundreds of billions of dollars on various skincare procedures annually. But there are certain skincare procedures that do tend to work well for a lot of people. It’s definitely worth familiarizing yourself with all of them when you’re looking into ways to make your skin clearer, tighter, and healthier.

Lasers That Treat the Surface of Your Skin

Among the most popular ways to treat the skin are lasers. One reason that they are so popular is that they are very versatile. They come in different models and strength levels. Some of them, known as ablative devices, are onsidered to be quite strong and can offer you almost instant results.

The reason that many people prefer ablative laser treatments is that they perform cosmetic laser repair on and close to the skin’s surface. That means that they create a visible change on the skin’s surface almost right away.

Lasers Capable of Treating Lower Skin Layers

Ablative lasers are great for treating surface blemishes, or even performing skin resurfacing procedures. However, some people prefer non-ablative laser treatments, which concentrate their efforts on lower skin layers. Not only do they leave the skin less open to potential infection, but they can also get the body to repair all of its skin cells by directing more collagen and other healthy materials to the areas where they are needed.

Lasers That Trigger Collagen Production Through “Injury”

Another form of laser treatment, which came out in the early 2000s, is called fractional photothemolysis (Fraxel). A Fraxel laser treatment targets many different sections of skin and drills microscopic columns of damage in those areas. Not only does that trigger internal repairs to begin in the body, but it also creates conduits that can be useful when applying medicated creams, healing the skin in two different ways.

Non-Laser Ways to Correct Skin Issues

Of course, there’s nothing that says that you have to have laser treatment in order to correct your skin. In fact, you should prepare for the possibility that your clinician or dermatologist might recommend against laser treatments, depending on the condition of your skin. That’s why it’s important to explore your other options as well.

Among the many other skincare options available are LED light treatments, ultrasound (ultherapy), and radio frequency treatments. Procedures like micro-needling, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels are also valid options, depending on the condition you are trying to treat. You just need to keep in mind that some of them, like chemical peels, are a bit harsh and may have more side effects. Others, like radio frequency treatments, are very mild, but that means that they might not cure your skin problems right away. Multiple treatments might be required. What it all comes down to is that they type of skincare treatment you need depends on your skin’s condition, how severe your skin problems are, your short-term and long-term goals, and your budget. Your dermatologist or clinician can help you to assess all of those things and make a final decision about how to approach your skincare needs.

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MAC’s Make Up Art Cosmetics Collection: Get it Before It’s Gone!

MAC has a Make Up Art Cosmetics collection that’s on counters until February 16th, so you’re going to want to check it out before it’s gone.

The collection features edits of makeup and limited edition products from three separate well-known makeup artists: Diane Kendal, Kabuki, and James Kaliardos.  Now, I know all three, and have been following them for a decade, so I was excited for this collection.  It was clearly created with makeup nerds like me in mind.  I still remember seeing James Kaliardos backstage at a show and watching him teach his team how to do makeup, and oh, look at that, I wrote about it on the blog too!

Anyway, I’ve checked out the Diane Kendal and the James Kaliardos collections and they’re both awesome because they have some must-have products and some products that are better left for makeup artists.

The Diane Kendal Collection includes the following:

ENHANCE ME / CASUAL COLOUR LIP & CHEEK X 6
Petulant deep reddish-brown
Contrary bright red-orange
Valiant light pinky-nude
Fiery deep scarlet red
Heavenly bright mid-tone bluish pink
Marvelous deep pinky-beige
SRP: $40.00 US/$48.00 CAD
GLAMOURIZE ME / CREAM COLOUR SHADOW X 6
Glowing light gold pearl
Dynamic reddish-bronze with pearl
Alluring royal purple with pearl
Enigmatic reddish-plum with pearl
Daring navy blue with pearl
Rebellious deep blackened-brown with pearl
SRP: $40.00 US/$48.00 CAD
OPULASH MASCARA
Flighty deep burgundy
SRP: $18.00 US/$21.00 CAD
COVER ME / M·A·C STUDIO CONCEAL AND CORRECT PALETTE
Lightest very light beige
Light light beige
Light Medium light beige
Medium medium beige
Medium Dark dark beige
Darkest deep beige
SRP: $40.00 US/$48.00 CAD

KAJAL CRAYON
Flourish Me Deep rich black
Flourish Me Beautiful deep purple-plum
Flourish Me Bold bright indigo blue
Flourish Me Vibrant bright teal
SRP: $18.00 US/$21.50 CAD
M·A·C STUDIO QUIKTRIK STICK
Radiance / Shadow pure white pearl /
matte mid-tone neutral brown
Sheen / Smoldering very light pinkish champagne
shimmer / matte deep warm brown
SRP: $32.00 US/$37.00 CAD
BRUSH
230SE Multipurpose Detailing Brush SRP: $25.00 US/$30.00 CAD

 

The highlight of the Diane Kendal collection is the Conceal and Correct palette which would be my desert island concealer palette – it can do everything from highlight to contour, to work as a foundation.  The colours are creamy and look like real skin when you blend them in.

I also like the QuikTrik sticks – my colour is Sheen/Smouldering because it has a more subtle brown to contour, and a more golden highlight colour so it looks more natural.

Here’s what’s in the James Kaliardos collection:

LIPSTICK
Almondine lippy pink (lustre)
Bloodstone bluish mid-tone red (amplified)
Jasper deep reddish-brown (satin)
Coral Bliss frosted light coral (cremesheen)
SRP: $17.00 US/$21.00 CAD

The lipsticks are beautiful – especially Almondine which is a very wearable pretty pink.  It’s going to be my go-to this spring.  I’m saying goodbye to matte lippies!
TRICOLOUR LIP GLOSS
Stratagloss Pyrite mid-tone pinky beige with fine gold reflects
Stratagloss Opalite sheer light peachy-pink
with gold and blue fine reflects
SRP: $20.00 US/$24.00 CAD
INTO THE WELL EYE SHADOW
Matte Galena mid-tone cool blue (matte)
Midnight Tryst deep warm brown (matte)
SRP: $20.00 US/$24.00 CAD
JUMBO PENULTIMATE EYE LINER
Rapidblack true black
SRP: $21.00 US/$24.00 CAD

Also: the pressed pigments are so good!  They are majorly glittery and work really well layered on top of eyeshadow.


PRESSED PIGMENT
Black Grape deep aubergine with multi pearl (frost)
Light Touch high pearl powder in light shade (frost)
SRP: $23.00 US/$27.50 CAD
HAUTE & NAUGHTY TOO BLACK LASH
Black
SRP: $23.00 US/$28.00 CAD
LASH
50 Lash
SRP: $17.00 US/$20.00 CAD

I’m also loving the Moons of Saturn Full Face Kit.  The colours are totally wearable, even though I don’t like the glitter that’s in the highlight.  I love the idea of a full face kit so much that I’m going to make it work.  The Rhea blush is just right – coverage and colour in one product, and the sculpting powder is totally matte and so very wearable.  I’d take this on vacation with me.


MOONS OF SATURN FULL FACE KIT
Rhea bright pink-coral (cream colour base)
Gypsum light golden champagne pearl
with fine silver reflects (cream colour base)
Natural Sandstone matte
light golden bronze (sculpting powder)
SRP: $40.00 US/$50.00 CAD

The Moons of Jupiter Kit would be suitable for someone with a darker skin tone – the blush is darker than it looks in the pictures.
MOONS OF JUPITER FULL FACE KIT
Ganymede rosy bronze pearl with pink
and gold fine reflects (cream colour base)
Callisto mid-tone reddish-plum pearl (cream colour base)
Galaxite matte deep reddish brown (sculpting powder)
SRP: $40.00 US/$50.00 CAD
BRUSH
246SE Synthetic Fluffy Eye SRP: $25.00 US/$30.00 CAD
178SE Duo Fibre Angled Face SRP: $42.00 US/$51.00 CAD
(ONLINE EXCLUSIVES)
LASH APPLICATOR
SRP: $20.00 US/$24.00 CAD
LIP PENCIL
Vino intense violet purple
Subculture underground pink
SRP: $17.50 US/$21.00 CAD
EYE BROWS
Stud deep rich blackened brown
Fling light taupe ash blonde
SRP: $17.50 US/$21.00 CAD

Overall, I think this collection really has something for everyone.  Pretty colours that are wearable, but also nice innovative formulas that are interesting for makeup artists to use.  I love multi-purpose products because they’re great for traveling or for keeping at the office, and this collection seems to have many of them in formulas that really work.  I love that the contour colours are always matte – as they should be – and the highlight is a real highlight that you can see.  I also love that so many of the products – from the Cream Colour Bases to the Pressed Pigments – truly work well when applied with your fingertips so you can really get in there and play with your makeup.

Check out the whole collection on counters while you can.

 

Posted in Spring 2017 | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Gifts to your Valentine from L’Occitane

If you’re interested in gifts a little off the beaten path this Valentine’s day then head to L’Occitane because they make some unique fragrances for men.  You may not think of them immediately when it comes to mens’ scents – they’re known more for their amazing hand cream (which has 20% shea butter in it) and for their lip balm, but their fragrances are well formulated.

What I’m loving about them is that they often focus on a single note – it makes it a little bit easier to choose a scent because you think of what’s associated with that note and then whether that image appeals to you or not. 

For example, there’s Cedrat, which is a cirtus fruit, and so Cedrat combines a citrus element with something fresh and watery while still being masculine.  It’s aquatic and a touch spicy, but mostly made for those days that you want to smell something fresh. 

Another favourite is the original L’Occitan Eau de Toilette.  This has top notes of lavender which is unusual for men’s fragrances, and combines it with notes Black Pepper, Nutmeg, Burnt Woody Notes. It’s very French, very sophisticated.

Finally, there’s the Cade Eau de Toilette.  This is said to be for the outdoorsman – it’s spicy and woody because it has notes of cedar wood and pink pepper. 

And the nice thing about all of these?  They also scent complementary products like shower gel, shaving cream, or deodorant, so if there’s a scent that you like and you’d prefer it layered, there is that option too.  

Check out all the options online at L’Occitane.ca or in stores.

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MAC RetroMatte Fluid Lip Colour

Lips are definitely having a moment right now, and I love it because it means that you can focus on just clean skin and a good lip, and some how the look just seems to come together.

Although people might be getting tired of matte lipstick, I don’t think that it’s ever really going to go away because of its longevity.  It’s nice to know that you can put a lip on and not have to worry about it until much later in the day. The best is when you look in the mirror and get the nice surprise of seeing your lipstick right where you put it.

Now, MAC has 12 new shades of its RetroMatte Fluid Lip Colour in muted in deep tones – think about the greyish pinks and purples that we’ve been seeing more of, as well as more daring shades of browns and teals that are for the truly fashion-forward.

The shades are:

CARNIVOROUS blackened red
YOUNG ATTITUDE blackened teal
DASH O’ SPICE yellow-beige
ESS-PRESSO deepened chocolate brown
SIMPLY SMOKED brown taupe
FLESH STONE greyed neutral brown
AU CHIC greyed beige
BURNT SPICE creamy dirty rose
SO ME greyed plum
TOPPED WITH BRANDY deep dirty rose
UNIFORMLY FABULOUS blackened grape
CHOCOTEASE warm chocolate brown

$21.00 US/$25.00 CAD at MAC counters and online.

Posted in Spring 2017 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Go-to makeup: Bright Lipstick

I love love love wearing a smoky eye, but with two little kids, I’m finding that I don’t have the same amount of time that I used to have to stand in front of the mirror and work on my lining and contouring.  Especially on a week day.  Especially when I’m being watched by the said two kids, and I know that they’re going to think that it’s normal to spend that much time in front of the mirror.  Besides, the problem with a smoky eye is that it shows people how much time you’ve put into your look.  There’s no way to be subtle about it, that’s the point.  And sometimes I don’t care, like when it’s a special occasion.  On those days I like people to think that a makeup artist might have done my makeup, even though it’s just me, but for most days, it’s better to look effortlessly chic without really sacrificing the things you love. 

That’s why my makeup look these days involves a really bright lip.  Yes, it draws attention to you but not in a way that says you’ve spent lots of time in front of the mirror.  Rather, it means that you care about how you look, and yes, you can pull off this colour. 

So after doing the foundation and contour and/or blush, I rim my eyes with eyeliner and then smudge it out with a brush so that it looks lived in.  My eyes are defined but not too much.  It’s not as much work as a cat eye, and it also looks more casual. 

Then, I wait until I get out of the house and into the car, and that’s when I do my bright lip.  I use a long-wearing matte lipstick because they last longer and wear to a beautiful stain instead of just coming right off.  They’ll last through cups of coffee and lunch, after which you can just reapply a coat without even looking into a mirror as long as you stick mainly to the centre of your lip.  

The ones I love right now:

Stila Stay All Day Matte’ificient Lipstick in Soiree.  It’s a bright fuchsia pink that adds just the right amount of brightness to your look.  It’s slightly blue-based so it makes your teeth look whiter which is always a nice perk.  The name Stay All Day is slightly misleading, but this does stay for a good 6-8 hours with just a little wearing.  You’ll notice it on your coffee cup, but that’s ok, it’ll also be on your lips too.  

My other favourite is the Nars Sarah Moon Matte lipstick in Rouge Improbable.  It’s a berry based red that’s quite bright, like a cherry red, and the formula is a dry matte that feels comfortable without being slick, so it does adhere to my lips and lasts quite a long time.  Again, I touch up after lunch, or at that point, I might just switch to a clear gloss and have more of a brighter lip going on.  

Also: Nars Fearless Red.  A tad more orangy and bright than the other two, this one seems to work so well too. Here’s an image.

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So that’s my way look these days.  Appropriate for almost any situation: a night out, the grocery store, park, work, meetings, just maybe not for play dates.  

Also, here’s the full lineup of the Nars x Sarah Moon Matte Lipsticks.  They’re skinnier than a regular lipstick so that you can apply them more precisely and they go on super smoothly and pigmented but also dry which means that they kind of set on your lips and last a very long time.

img_2849

These came out in the winter, but they’re still available online and at some stores, so if you’re in the market for a good stay-put red, then these are good options in a variety of undertones.

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Laneige Sleeping Masks

At the end of last year, I got a trio of Laneige sleeping masks, including one for the lips which is pure sorcery.  Read my review of it here.  I don’t know why it works so well but it does, and it’s basically now my go-to lip balm because it completely works every single time!

Laneige is a Korean skincare brand and it seems to really make good hydrating products.  If you have dry skin, even occasionally, I suggest that you check this brand out.

I also got the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask and the Laneige Firming Sleeping Mask.  Both of these are basically like intense moisturizers that not only provide immediate hydration and relief, but they also stay on top of the skin to hydrate while you sleep.  

The Water Sleeping Mask ($30) has a gel texture, and a nice rose, sandalwood, and orange flower scent.  I like scented products, but if you’re sensitive to those, then you would want to be careful of that.  The gel is watery and immediately sinks into my skin – I put on lots and it still absorbs, and because it’s not greasy, I don’t feel like it rubs off on my pillow.  The next morning, my skin is fresh and hydrated – glowy – and it stays that way.  I use exfoliators and scrubs on the regular so I occasionally need to give my skin some TLC, and this mask does just that.  I don’t use it daily – I don’t need it for that, but I like pulling it out when it’s too cold outside, or when my skin feels dry and tight. 

The Laneige Firming Sleeping Mask ($39) is a bouncy mask, and I love the texture and formula, but digging some out this jelly of a mask is a little awkward so I don’t enjoy that.  That said, this mask is again super moisturizing and not as strongly scented as the other mask.  It sinks into your skin without being sticky and provides immediate relief and lasting hydration.  This mask is light enough that it will work even on combination or oily skin for a blast of hydration.  It’s not greasy or sticky and helps your skin feel more smoother.

Laneige is available at Sephora stores!

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Nars Unfiltered I Palette

It’s so hard to not fall in love with a Nars product, but truth be told, I’m having a love/hate moment with blushes right now.  The winter has made me so pale that I feel like any and all blush is so obvious, and I’m liking just a bit of blush as a contour and then a tough of highlight on my cheeks.

Then I see pictures of myself where I’m wearing a nice pink blush, and I just look so fresh that I want to go back to a pretty pink blush.  It’s truly a toss up right now, and I think that I’m done with my NYX cheek palette and have moved on to this one.

The Nars Unfiltered Cheek Palettes feature six blushes that can be worn separately or blended together.  The Unfiltered II Palette (which I do not own) features all pinks, but I have the Unfiltered I Palette which is decidedly more daring and unusual. 

Colours are: (left to right, top row three and then bottom row three)

Watch Me (opalescent gold sheen), Me First (apricot sheen), Takeover (copper rose sheen), Out There (deep russet matte), Chic (rich raspberry matte), Exhibit A (red matte)

The mattes are so pigmented and out there, that the only way I can wear them wearable is to dip my brush into setting powder, then the blush, and then into setting powder again, before blending on to fully powdered skin. They are nice and very long-lasting but also very dramatic and not to be used when you’re in a rush because otherwise you’ll end up with a messy cheek.

Takeover (in the top right-hand corner) is the one I’m having a moment with right now.  It’s pretty, shimmery, and just easy to wear on the tops of my cheeks.  I like the shimmer – it’s not natural, but it’s pretty.

The palette is available at Sephora for $76.

Posted in Spring 2017 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

New Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip

Bright lips are a definite pick-me-up any time of the year, and I love that brands are experimenting with formulas other than the matte smudge-proof lip products that we saw last year.  Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip are intensely pigmented paint-type glosses that don’t dry to a matte or stay-put finish.  These are so intense that you can tap a little on to your lips like a lipstick, or put on lots to have it look like a wet pigmented gloss. 

The colours that the Acrylip come in are super bright so they’re perfect if you’re looking for a bright lip. 

Because these are glossy, they wear more like traditional lipstick.  They last on the lips, and stain too, but if you eat or drink anything, do so with the knowledge that your lip colour is going to come off.  

I like the intense poppy red of the Acrylip and although I prefer a matte lip, I can wear this as a stain, which I love just as much, because it doesn’t look as deliberate.  

Available at Sephora stores, $29.

Posted in Spring 2017 | Tagged | Leave a comment

My Most Favourite Protein Powder

I’m kind of into working out and taking care of myself right now. I aim to hit the weights at least four times a week, and in my need to refuel quickly, I’ve turned back to protein powder.

I know people shy away from using it because they think that it tastes bad or that it has an after-taste, but you just have to look for the right kind.

I’ve started using this Genuine Health Proteins + powder.  It’s made with fermented Greek Yogurt and is chock full of probiotics which makes the protein a little bit kinder on my tummy, and the vanilla flavour tastes so good that I can put it into smoothies or pancake batter and still have it taste amazing.

Yes, I said pancake batter.  If you want an easy way to incorporate more protein into your diet, you need to try adding this into baking or cooking, but of course, it tastes just as good blended with a banana and peanut butter, or with some strawberries and milk.  Try it for yourself!

I’m also in love with the protein bars from this same brand – they actually taste good, with no funny after-taste!  I’ve tried a couple of flavours of the Quest bars that everyone loves, and I couldn’t get behind them, but these I could gobble up and quite enjoyed.

Visit www.genuinehealth.com to find a store near you.

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OPI’s New Updated Infinite Shine ProStay

I absolutely swear by the long-wearing primer and topcoat system that is OPI Infinite Shine.  Whether used with Infinite Shine colours or just regular polish, I find that the final effect is that my nail polish really does stay on for a full week with hardly a chip in sight.

Of course, when they launched a whole new Infinite Shine ProStay system, I had to jump on board.

I’ve used it now three times – twice with an Infinite Shine polish and once with a different brand of nail polish.  All three times, I had really long-wearing nail polish and I was happy with the performance of the system as a whole.

The biggest difference that I can see is that the ProStay top coat feels and looks a little bit thicker and is much shinier than before.  It’s an awesome effect, because my nails seem to even stay shiny after I use the top coat.

OPI promises that the system can give you up to 11 days of shine, but I think after 7 days, an at-home manicure just starts to look old.  Either you do have some wear on your nails, or the shine is minimized, or your nails start growing out and your polish line looks really obvious.

Pick this up at salons and spas or at The Bay.

Posted in Spring 2017 | Tagged | Leave a comment