Canadian Beauty

The Wild Rose Beauty Balm from Neal’s Yard Remedies

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Henna

Ok, anyone read The Goldfinch? And did the constant mention of locations, brands, and other real-life details hook you as it did me? And did anyone catch the mention of Neal’s Yard Remedies? Just me? Maybe it’s because I’ve had their Wild Rose Beauty Balm on my bedside table for the past month, and it’s turned into a product that I turn to for absolutely everything.

First, let me back up a little.

Neal’s Yard Remedies is an ethical and organic brand from England which, until now, has not been available in Canada. They opened their first store in Calgary last month, and it’s a wonderful place to get organic and ethically-sourced beauty products as well as made-to-order tea blends and custom oil blends. If you don’t live in Calgary, don’t worry – you can also check them out online at www.nealsyardremedies.ca.

The Wild Rose Beauty Balm ($69) can be used as a moisturizer, a cleansing balm, or even applied with a wet cloth to use as an exfoliator.

It is so rich in Rose Seed Oil that it’s the first ingredient on the list, followed by Jojoba Oil, Beeswax, and Shea Butter. It’s rich and hydrating and lasts on your skin for a long time. After spending the summer in the sun, it’s just the thing my parched skin needs, and I make sure to apply it to overly dry spots before I go to bed.

The Calgary location of the store also offers facials and massages, and has many products including options for men and baby. The store is located at:

#130, 2207 4th Street SW
Calgary AB T2X 1S1
403.460.8400

Posted in Skin Care | Tagged #yyc, Calgary, Neal's Yard Remedies | Leave a comment

Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor Reader Reviews and Winner

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Henna

Ok, so thank you SO MUCH to all my readers who won the razor and then sent me their feedback on the Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor.

In case you’re interested in trying it, here is a snapshot of what people thought:

B.G. said:

“…it reminded me of old skool electric shavers from the 70’s.”

In fact, most of my readers thought that the shaver was rather bulky and not something they could easily store, but many conceded that it was easier to have around than a can of shaving cream.

but

“…it is a nice shaver to take travelling since you don’t have to carry along a can of shave cream.”

Another reviewer said that:

“The actual razor itself is very ergonomical and the weight was distributed nicely. I have arthritis in my hands, so this is very important to me. I had no issues holding this razor!”

But some A.C noted that it was:

– awkward in some areas, i.e. knees
– did not give a close shave

In fact, some other people also said that they didn’t get a close shave, while some said that they had no problems and had smooth skin afterwards.

D.D. put it best when she said:

“Overall though, I would definitely purchase this razor. I loved the time-saving aspect in not having to utilize shave cream and I loved the way my legs felt after using it. ”

And now for what you all have been waiting for: the winner of the $100 Visa Gift Card!

The winner is Elisa! Please check your email and thanks again to everyone who entered this contest.

Posted in Summer 2014 | Tagged Giveaway, Schick, Winner! | 3 Comments

14 Best Face Scrubs

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Henna

Exfoliation is a key step in any good skin care routine. Not only does it get rid of dead skin cells, promoting smoother, more even-toned skin, it also can help your other skin care products work better. To make it easy for you to choose one, we rounded up a list of the best face scrubs, according to our reviewers.

See the best face scrubs now

Posted in Cleansers | Leave a comment

Splurge vs. Steal: The New Liquid Foundations from Lancome and Maybelline (and others)

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Henna

…or why you need to spend less for a better foundation.

Ok, so I have to admit that I’m totally a department store foundation girl, by which I mean that foundation is definitely a justified splurge for me. But then I tried the Maybelline Dream Wonder Liquid foundation, and so things have changed some.

Check out the video I made describing the foundation and how it compares to Lancome’s Miracle Air de Teint.

Posted in Fall 2014 | Tagged Face, Foundation, Lancome, Maybelline, Review | 5 Comments

Nars new Audacious Lipstick

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Henna

Hello wonderful readers!

If you watched my Favourite Lip Products video you know that I’ve recently become a fan of lipstick. It’s just longer wearing and more opaque than lipgloss, and on a perfectly moisturized lip there’s nothing better.

I know I’m not the only one because brands keep launching lipsticks, and a perfect example is Nars new Audacious lipstick collection. It pays hommage to Francois Nars’ original launch of 12 lipsticks 20 years ago! Like other famous makeup mavens, such as Bobbi Brown, Nars got into the game with the perfect shades of lipstick.

The Audacious Lipsticks are so much more though – they come in 40 colours and in a rich creamy matte formula. The lipstick is super super pigmented and very very long-wearing. When I swatched a couple of colours on my hands, I actually had a tough time washing it off, and that’s a good thing! You’ll need actual makeup remover to get these off, not just your usual soap and water.

Also, my daughter got into one of these, and ended up smearing it all over her face and hands…. two days later, I was still finding streaks behind her ears and under her chin… yeesh!

The beauty of a pigmented lipstick is that you need such a tiny amount to cover your lips and so the wear is slower and more even too. An overly creamy lipstick that doesn’t set will wipe away when you eat and drink, and with this lipstick, the wear will be quite minimal.

Pick them up at Nars counters starting September 1st for $37.

Posted in Fall 2014 | Tagged lipstick, Nars | 1 Comment

Prada Candy Florale

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Henna

Forget syrupy sweet candy, this is a fun fragrance on a whole other level.

“Prada’s latest fragrance evolved from the concept of an imaginary flower created especially for Candy.”

Candy being the persona created for this fragrance.

The idea of imaginary flora was used to create Prada Candy Florale. Think “white Cosmos” with airy and powdery notes, with hints of warmth and honey.

I repeat: this fragrance is not sweet!

The scent is beautiful. It is a slightly sweet floral that’s light, airy, and long-wearing. There is a hint of sweetness in the drydown, but it’s wearable and not what you think of when you think of “candy”.

Of course, the packaging cannot be beat. A tall glass bottle with a girly pink band and golden accents – very reminiscent of the clean lines of a Prada purse.

30 ml for $65 (exclusive to Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale), 50 ml for $85, and 80 ml for $115.

Available September 2014 at Holt Renfrew, Hudson’s Bay, Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale, Nordstrom, and Ogilvy.

Posted in Perfumes | Tagged Prada | Leave a comment

July Favourites Video

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Henna

HI guys!

Check out my July Favourites video. I focussed on skincare in this one because I did get a comment asking me for some skincare tips. My skin is oily and sometimes acne-prone, so most of the suggestions are for that, but there’s a new line of skincare I tried that has options for different kinds of skin concerns.

I hope you enjoy it!

Posted in More Than Beauty | Tagged July Favourites, Video | Leave a comment

Nars Revamps Their Nail Polish

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Henna

…and it is this side of amazing.

The new line includes a base coat and top coat, and everything looks shiny and fresh stays on for 5 days without chipping, and all without calling itself a gel nail polish!

Let me say this again: it’s amazing.

The base coat does work to help the nail polish go on smoothly, and stay on without chipping.

The top coat dries quickly and is shiny – it’s pretty close to being my favourite top coat.

The colours are amazing – there are tons of creams to choose from, sparkly top coats, brights, and deep dark colors as well.

Here’s my Nars mani:

I used the base coat, the top coat, two coats of Bad Influence, and one coat of the sparkly Arabesque (which was a pain to remove at the end of the week).

Pick these up at Nars counters now. If you’re looking for a good quality nail polish, this is what you need to try out now.

Posted in Summer 2014 | Tagged Nars | 1 Comment

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Henna

Hmmm, I’m trying to think when was the last time I had really good hair and it was 100% due to the shampoo and conditioner I used, and it hasn’t happened in a while.

Like every other person on the Internet, I too have fallen in love with the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil line. I’ve been using the shampoo and conditioner, and wow, do they ever moisturizer. My dry hair is left with a sheen, but more than moisturizing, the shampoo and conditioner together have given my hair some manageability. When it dries, it’s less frizzy, handles nicely and isn’t as dry and tangled.

While I still love using the Oxygen Moisture styling products, the Dry Oil shampoo and conditioner is what I like using in the shower.

The shampoo and conditioner are silicone-free, and I think that has a lot to do with my hair feeling more moisturized and less brittle to the touch. Instead, the line is enriched with African Macadamia Nut oil – it leaves the hair less tangled and healthy-looking.

Pick it up at drugstores and mass merchandisers this summer for $6.97. There’s also a dry oil serum for $11.99.

Posted in Hair | Tagged Dove | 1 Comment

New Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Henna

Daisy was one of the first Marc Jacobs fragrances, and I think that it’s the best one. Powdery and Musky notes blend to make a scent that’s fresh, young, fun, and still slightly sophisticated.

Daisy Dream is absolutely a lovely late summer flanker to the original Daisy. It has more pronounced fruity notes such as blackberry, grapefruit, and pear, but you still smell the heart (jasmine, lychee, blue wisteria), and the unchanging drydown (white woods, musks, and coconut water). It’s an amazing scent and perfect for summer and fall.

The bottle design is amazing too, and makes the purchase worth every penny even if you already have Daisy.

It’s a light blue clear glass bottle, with white daisies on it. The three-dimensional daisies add a luxe feel to the bottle, rather than them being painted on. The bottle cap is super pretty as well. Silver with more three-D white and gold plastic flowers.

The collection

Eau de Toilette

10 ml Rollerball $30 *SEPHORA EXCLUSIVE
50ML $85.00
100ML $105.00

Body Lotion
150ML $50.00

AVAILABLE ACROSS CANADA AT SEPHORA, HUDSON’S BAY, SEARS, SHOPPERS DRUG MART, OGILVY, and JEAN COUTU

Posted in Perfumes | Tagged Marc Jacobs | Leave a comment