New Vichy Ideal Body Spa Showers

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Henna

In-shower body treatments are the new way to take care of yourself.  Not only can you get clean but increasingly, you can hydrate, self-tan, and exfoliate all without turning the hot water off.

I’m definitely more of a shower person myself – sitting in a bath just doesn’t appeal to me much.  I’d love it if I had the time, but after a bath I’m always wanting to take a shower anyway, so there’s no point in taking twice the time.

Vichy Spa Shower GelsThe latest addition to my shower is these Vichy Ideal Body Spa Showers – they come in a Gel-Oil and Gel-Cream formula, and while one looks milkier in colour than the other, the truth is that both of these are extremely hydrating shower gels that feel super smooth on the skin.  They leave skin more hydrated than the typical shower gel and have a soft floral clean scent.

I have The Body Shop and Morroccanoil soaps in my shower, but I’m reaching for these spa showers instead because they don’t feel as drying on my perpetually dry skin. For the record, I’m still following up with my regular moisturizer, but on the days when I’m not into it, I don’t have to worry about my skin being over dry from the shower.

$16.95 each on Vichy.ca or at Shoppers Drug Mart.

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New OPI Alice Through The Looking Glass Collection

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Henna

OPI Alice Through the Looking GlassIf you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I’ve been checking out a few colours from the Alice Through the Looking Glass collection from OPI.  The collection is a take off from the Disney movie that launched this weekend and features lots of bright colours mixed with some quirky dark additions to make for an eclectic collection.

OPI_ALICE-THROUGH-THE-LOOKING-GLASS_Display
One of my favourite colours ended up being this blue – “the i’s have it” – which got me so many compliments in real life.  It’s such an on-trend summery colour that still seems to be slightly difficult to find.  This colour went on so smoothly and looked amazing on my nails – people even asked me if it was a gel polish!  It was super shiny when topped with my OPI Infinite Shine top coat and lasted a full week without any chipping.

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It’s supposed to be a powdery blue, but it’s brighter than I thought it would be, especially in natural light.

IMG_1655OPI has also released a special shade in this collection – it comes in what would be a collector’s edition box. IMG_1656

The shade itself – What Time Isn’t It – didn’t seem that special to me.  It’s a dark grey with silver slivers… It chipped easily on me and I didn’t love it as much.

All the colours are available as GelColors as well.

Here are all the shades:

Through the Looking Glass colours

Colours are $12.50 each and the special edition colour is $18.75.

 

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Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Posted on May 28, 2016 by Henna

Truth: most days I’m reaching for this Neutrogena gel-cream for sun protection but because since it’s almost out, I’m looking for another light yet moisturizing sunscreen and Aveeno’s Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 is it.

Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer SPF 30Encased in a sophisticated pump bottle, this is a hydrating but lightweight cream that has stabilized SPF 30 to provide good daytime sun protection.  It’s not at all greasy, and doesn’t leave any tell-tale sunscreen cast or shine on the skin, but disappears, makes skin feel comfortable, and preps it for makeup.

I love that it absorbs so easily and the blackberry scent is delicious.

Now, I’m not sure about the “anti-aging” nature of the sunscreen – it’s not something I’m really invested in, but I do know that protecting my face from the sun on the regular will help defy aging, and so that’s what I’m using this daily moisturizer for.

Pick it up at drugstores now.

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Vitamin C Serum That Smells Good From Obagi

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Henna

Have you ever opened a vitamin C serum only to find that it smells so bizarrely weird that you don’t even want to apply it on your skin?

Yeah, me too, but I usually push on in the hopes of achieving better skin.

But if you use the Obagi Professional-C Serum you don’t have to compromise.  This serum smells vaguely citrusy and sweet with a scent that noticeably masks the original vitamin C scent but smells good too.  I’ve reviewed this serum before (in 2011), but I’ve since used other serums and loved coming back to this one because it smells so good!

Obagi professional C Serum

You also get, of course, the benefits of the Vitamin C – whether you get this serum in the 10%, 15% or 20% version.  Your skin will be clearer, brighter, and better able to defend itself against free-radical damage, leading to clearer and brighter skin in the long run.  Use it morning or night, and always use sunscreen to preserve the gains in clarity your skin makes.

This serum feels slightly oily going on, but absorbs into your skin in a few minutes.  It is a moisturizing base for vitamin C without being heavy or difficult to use.

I’m using the 15% version and although I noticed the benefits of using it, I didn’t experience any side-effects.  No tingling or burning, and no dryness either.  I’m ready for 20%!

Pick up Obagi products at medi-spas.

 

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Wishlist item: Kevyn Aucoin Neo Bronzer

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Henna

Kevyn Aucoin Neo BronzerKevyn Aucoin’s Neo Bronzer is a just-launched item that has a blush, bronzer and highlighter in one continuous palette.  I’m loving the transition from bronzer to blush to highlight because you can choose the depth of colour you want depending on your skin tone.  This would be perfect to take on vacation with you when you know that your skin tone could be changing.  It also seems like the perfect palette to use throughout the warmer months when you might go back and forth depending on the look you’re wearing or the amount of time you’re spending out of doors (even though you’re going to be wearing sunscreen, right?!).  

It’s available at Sephora for $82.  Worth it?  

What items are on your wishlist for the summer?

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Sun Bum Hair Care

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Henna

Sun Bum Hair CareIf you’re planning on spending more time than usual outside this summer, you may want to up your hair care game by investing in better conditioning products.  

I’m loving Sun Bum’s Beach Formula 3-in-1 Leave-In and Beach Formula Shine On.  Both products are a blend of ingredients, including coconut oil, which help condition hair and make it healthier from the inside out.  

I not only love the formula for these two products, but I also love the beachy scent – the blend of coconut banana is tropical and reminds me of the times when people would use sun tan lotion!  Hair care meant for the sun – it’s just what we wanted for this summer.

You can get Sun Bum products online or use their store locator to find a store near you.

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The Best Sunscreen for Very Oily Skin

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Henna

I’m all about sunscreens these days – I have them in my purse and in my car too because my new thing is to apply them on my hands when I drive so that I don’t get as many age spots… it will take years to know if it’s really making a difference, but I know that not wearing any has definitely had a negative effect, so I’m taking better care from now on.

I digress…

Skinceuticals Matte DefenseNobody likes sunscreens that make your skin feel oily or greasy especially if you’re going to add foundation on top or if your skin is already oily.

So, Skinceuticals has come out with their Matte UV Defense SPF 50.  It is extremely powdery and immediately mattifies your skin and prepares it for makeup or the day. It has a whipped texture, almost like those mousse foundations that are already on the market, and it goes on super smooth. It continues to absorb oil as the day goes on and keeps your skin very matte.  If you generally have oily skin, you will love it, but it’s not for anyone with normal to dry skin because this sunscreen is extremely unforgiving to any dry spots.  You’ll notice that they stand out more and you’ll have to exfoliate well beforehand.

This sunscreen is wisely tinted so that it doesn’t leave a whitish cast on your skin.  I have medium-toned skin and besides the mattifying effect, I couldn’t really tell that I had it on.

Now, it’s pretty dry indoors where I am, so I don’t use this on most days because it’s a little too matte, but when I’m at the cottage and sitting by the lake, and I know it’s going to be humidity central, this is the one that I’ll be turning to.

Skinceuticals is usually found at medi-spas so that’s where you can find this sunscreen for $44.

In case you’re wondering, it’s very close to this Avon sunscreen that I used, but more powdery and matte.  It was SPF 20 and $11, also good to use as a makeup base, but not as matte.

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Light Summer Hydration from The Body Shop

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Henna

Vitamin E Essence LotionYes, even if you have dry skin, it’s not a bad idea to switch to a lighter moisturizer as the weather gets warmer so that you don’t risk clogging pores when sweat and humidity get added to your skin.

I’ve discovered The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Aqua Boost Essence Lotion and it is life-changing!

This is an almost-watery but intensely-hydrating gel that adds a dose of moisture to the skin after cleansing.  Follow up with your regular moisturizer to really add moisture to your skin, or better yet, follow up with a sunscreen if you’re using this during the day.

If you’re like me and you have oily skin that feels dry right after cleansing, then this is the perfect addition to your routine.  A little bit will give your skin the dose of moisture it just lost, but without being at all heavy or greasy.

Ingredients include glycerine, hyaluronic acid, and a blend of oils in a blend that feels light and refreshing.

Pick it up at The Body Shop for $20.

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My Favourite Corrector: Stila Correct & Perfect All-In-One Palette

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Henna

This is the palette I reach for every single day when I do my makeup.  It has everything you need to make your complexion look better, and I use it even on the days that I’m not going to be wearing foundation. IMG_1122

What makes the palette so indispensable is that it has five colours of creamy correctors so that you can literally trouble-shoot your skin using makeup.  The larger peach shade is for under-eye circles – boy, am I glad that they gave us so much of this because I need it some days.  I mix it with the pale yellow and use it under my eyes to combat the darkness and brighten at the same time.  If you have darker skin tone or very dark circles, use the dark orange to correct under your eyes, and follow-up with concealer or foundation – then powder on top.  I use the pale lemon shade in the centre of my face (on top of foundation) to brighten my face, and I tap the green shade on top of any breakouts.

The pale yellow powder is perfect – it’s silky smooth and almost sheer so that it sets makeup without making it look too powdery.

The creamy correctors blend beautifully and look natural – but if you’re prone to creasing makeup, you will likely find that these crease too.  I find they sometimes crease slightly but I usually use on top of a primer and set with powder so I haven’t found it to be too much of a problem.

Also, a genius touch: covering the creams with a plastic cover so that none of the powder gets on them when you use it.  My creamy correctors have stayed very clean and neat thanks to the cover.

Notice, too, the large mirror inside the palette.  It’s thoughtful, high-end packaging, and I usually hold the palette in one hand while I do my makeup with the other, right by the window in my bathroom.

If you’re new to correcting, I would suggest picking up this palette so that you can experiment with different shades of correctors to see the difference they can make on your face.

Pick it up at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale, beautyBOUTIQUE.ca, Sephora and Sephora.ca for $59.

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New CoverGirl Katy Perry Matte Lipstick Review

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Henna

Katy Kat Matte - CDN Line upKaty Kat Matte lipsticksKaty-Kat-MatteI love a good matte lipstick. The staying power is usually better than your average lippie.

Now, matte lipsticks aren’t the easiest to wear. Because of their inherently dry texture, they end up being drying on the lips, and will accentuate any already dry spots. Needless to say, although the Covergirl Katy Kat matte lipsticks are more forgiving than your average matte, they still look best on lips that are already hydrated.

The formula is specially created by Covergirl for these lipsticks, so that they’re not a dry matte but more of a satin matte texture. That means that some of the colours have a bit of shine to them, which makes them look better on your lips. You won’t see every single fine line accentuated thanks to the bit of moisture these have in them. Though they’re mostly matte, the texture and feel has a bit of slip so that they’re moisturizing and comfortable to wear. It also means that the colour wears off on coffee cups and the like, but reapplication is so much easier than with a traditional matte lipstick.

Truly, Covergirl has hit it out of the park with these lipsticks and they are so fun.

Of course, the colours offered are to die, including a black colour – which, I did not try.

The colours I have are mostly pretty basic pinks. They are:

Sphynx (a nude pink so pretty and easy to wear that I keep it in my purse)

Pink Paws (light pink but with too much white pigment to really look good on my lips. It is really pretty on fair skin tones)

Catoure (brownish pink that reminds me of Kylie Jenner’s lip choices)

Kitty Purry (lilac pink).

All the colours were easy to wear with more of a moisturized matte finish. They looked slightly glossy when I swatched them on my hand, but were more matte when I put them on my lips. The colours glide on easily have have good pigmentation.

These lipsticks also have a lovely vanilla cupcake scent that you’re either going to love or hate… I love it and think it smells yummy without being cloying.

They are on par with most drugstore lipsticks, and give my Rimmel Kate Moss Matte lippies a run for their money! I actually loved Sphynx so much that I considered buying a backup.

Pick them up at drugstores.

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