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L’Oreal Paris Hot Hues and Wild Ombre!

Did you know approximately 58% of Canadian women color their hair?  And that these women color there hair at home on average 6 times a year?

Eric Delmonaco and Christophe Robin of L’Oreal Paris spoke to myself and several other bloggers recently about the Hot Haircolor Hues for 2013.

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“2013 is the year to get playful with color, especially if you’ve never colored before.” ~Eric Delmonaco

Christophe Robin shares his insight into the hottest haircolors for 2013:

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The Mascara Project-week 2 results (yes, late)L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Carbon Black

L’Oreal Paris sent me this mascara for review….I am not paid to review!  My opinion is mine, I own it!

This mascara is a cult favorite for a reason.  I won’t say too much about it other than I absolutely loved it.  It’s a performance based love:

A great big brush and formula that delivers:

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Results? Nothing but gorgeous….

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I will be descending upon my local HG drugstores and Walmart scouring the shelves for the waterproof version of this…is there such an item?  That’s my only “con” -that it isn’t waterproof!

 

 

Caryl Baker Oxygen facial breathes life into my skin!

If I had won the lottery like that psychic said I would, then I would certainly have taken a chunk of my winnings and devoted to finding the fountain of youth.

Thankfully, you don’t have to be a millionaire to treat your skin well!  Caryl Baker has introduced their oxygen facial and it is beyond worth it!

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What Caryl Baker says about the treatment:

Indulge in a luxurious 60-minute treatment that combines the use of deeply hydrating collagen and cell boosting pure oxygen.  Fine lines and wrinkles are noticeable diminished.  Leaves your skin looking and feeling soft and rejuvenated.

My treatment was performed by the lovely Kiki and started off with a consultation.  Afterwards, I got a mini microdermabrasion then the oxygen facial commenced. My skin was thoroughly cleansed, masqued and then the oxygen was applied via airbrush. I also was treated to a hydrating collagen mask which really helped lock moisture into my skin. Afterwards, my skin felt clean and refreshed.  It looked like I had woken up from a restful slumber (which I really COULD use by the way-oh if only).

If you are anywhere near a Caryl Baker Visage, give them a call and book this treatment. It’s appropriate for all skin types and will make your skin feel AMAZING!

Stay tuned for a post with some of the items I purchased after my facial including a super duper eye cream that I swear by!

The Mascara Project week 3 results L’Oreal Waterproof mascara.WHOAH-I never posted second week results!

I purchased this mascara with my own funds and am not compensated to like or hate it!

Wow. Can’t believe I didn’t post about the 2nd week results.  I thought that was kind of weird when I saw a lot of photos in my camera.  Usually I snap a pic, import and delete!

Yikes!  So a mark against me then.  I will have to go back and do a post about week 2….which was the carbon black voluminous.  geeeeez.

In the meantime, here is week 3 results.  I actually threw away the package for this mascara and have no idea what this mascara is called.  Either way, I was NOT impressed. L’Oreal, I expected more…..

This is my first waterproof mascara from L’Oreal.  My favorite waterproof at the moment is Essence 24h stays no matter what but I won’t get too much into that as I have gone on and on about it already several times.  I just didn’t appreciate this mascara.

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The packaging is “Classic L’Oreal” and the brush is a bit of the same.  I did notice upon first opening the product, that it was a bit clumpy on the brush.

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I wanted to like this mascara so much! L’Oreal makes great mascaras, but this is a ‘miss’ for me.  Why, you ask?

Well…..

1. Putting it on required a ton of effort for less than stellar results

2.  Tons of transfer on my browbone

3. In order to get my lashes the deepest darkest black , I would most likely have to apply the entire tube.

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It just wouldn’t apply properly for me-look at that application!

SAD FACE.

Suffice it to say that I do not recommend this mascara, whatever it’s called…..

Next up?  Voluminous False Fiber mascara-and I’m not a fan of fiber mascaras either so I’m not expecting this to bode well.

 

Everything’s better in HD! My HD brow treatment at SITAMAA day spa!

I have struggled with my brows for a loooooooong time.  I’ve asked for help with my brows from several makeup counters and even taken a workshop on my brows.  Has that gotten me into a better brow routine? Nope!  The furthest I go with my brows is to pencil them in and hope for the best.

image from winning at everything.com

image from winning at everything.com

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Absinthe really DOES drive me crazy (in a good way)! The Body Shop Absinthe collection…

 

Absinthe Purifying Hand Care range. Infused with refreshing absinthe extract and moisturizing Community Fair Trade Shea butter… our Absinthe collection hydrates hands and leaves them smelling as good as they feel. Now that’s entrancing!

I have 2 products in the collection-a “his” and “hers” so to speak.  I am leaning towards the hand wash as well but since I am well stocked at the moment, will leave it alone!

In case you missed my video on the Absinthe:

And a nature shot of the two products I purchased:

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Absinthe Purifying Hand Cream

A pure sensation for hands. This ingenious everyday cream with absinthe extract moisturises hands and leaves them feeling soft and super-fresh.

  • Moisturizes
  • Leaves hands feeling fresh
  • Heady Fragrance notes of bergamot, petit grain and neroli

Absinthe Purifying Hand Butter

A pure sensation for hands. This rich butter with absinthe extract moisturizes hands and leaves them feeling soft and super-fresh.

  • Intensive moisture
  • Rich and buttery texture
  • Leaves hands feeling fresh
  • Heady Fragrance notes of bergamot, petit grain and neroli

Absinthe Purifying Hand Cleansing Gel (not pictured)

A pure sensation for hands. This super-fresh gel cleanser with absinthe extract is perfect for purifying hands on the go.

  • Rub-in cleanser
  • Leaves hands feeling fresh
  • No need to rinse
  • Heady Fragrance notes of bergamot, petit grain and neroli

Absinthe Purifying Hand Wash (not pictured)

A pure sensation for hands. This soap-free cleanser contains absinthe extract and leaves hands feeling squeaky-clean and super-fresh.

  • Soap-free cleanser
  • Leaves hands feeling fresh
  • Heady Fragrance notes of bergamot, petit grain and neroli

I absolutely love this line of products all the way from the fragrance to the deep moisture.  It absorbs fairly quickly and doesn’t leave me with greasy hands.  My other half is actually using it-so like I mentioned in my video, the tube is a great ‘guy’ option. The Body Shop is usually  having some kind of promotion so I highly recommend you go and at least try this (another thing I like about TBS-everything is out and available to try). These aren’t the kind of products that leave your wallet in flames either and you can feel good about not harming the environment as The Body Shop is environmentally responsible.  I have the Body Shop rewards card as well so I scored big time on these 2 items!

 

The Mascara Project-March (featuring L’Oreal Paris mascaras)

I have a lot of makeup…or rather I have no shortage of makeup. Obvious, yes?

I am incredibly excited to add what I hope to be an interesting series on my blog….The Mascara project.  You see, I love mascara.  I love it to the point that I stopped getting lash extensions.  I love applying it, I love how it looks-I’m sure you get the picture.

So I’ve decided that every month starting NOW, I’ll be reviewing a different brand of mascara.  This month, it’s L’Oreal Paris-who just happens to make some of my very favorites.  I’ve decided to review one mascara a week and while I do feel a tad guilty about not using one mascara until it’s finished, I’ve decided I will just work these into my weekly basket rotation (go to my YouTube channel people!).

Here’s what I’m using this month:

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I’ll be starting off with Voluminous Power 24H Black Smoke.  According to the package this mascara produces a smokey matte lash.  I’m interested to see what that is exactly…..

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Stay tuned for a review at the end of the week!

 

A balm like no other-Kona Kare Essensual lip butter balm!

Living in Canada has afforded me the opportunity to try many different kinds of lip treatments/protectants. In addition, because my lips are on the ‘dry’ side-it is 99% likely for me to be carrying some kind of lip product on my person at all times. While I am not necessarily searching out “natural” products, I do focus more on ingredients when I am considering a lip balm/lip treatment. I try very hard *NOT* to wear products that contain petroleum (which I consider to be a ‘wool over the eyes’ type bandage solution). Petroleum jelly sits on top of my lips and doesn’t do anything else.  Unfortunately, that limits me from using the majority of lip treatments.

Until now….enter Kona Kare Essensual Lip Butter Balms!  100% Wonderfully natural and Made in Canada to boot!

Using only the finest oils and butters from all corners of the world, our lip butter balm is truly unrivalled!  Blended with Monoi de Tahiti oil, our lip butter balm not only moisturizes and protects your lips from dehydration, but also acts as a lip primer and offers natural, brilliant shine.”

Tempted yet? Well, take a look at the packaging:

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So if you’re impressed…you should be.  These balms apply like a dream. One pass/go-round the lips is absolute perfect.  Smooth, hydrated, moisturized.  Fantastic.

Kona Kare Essensual Lip Butter Balms are available in  and retail for

For more information on Kona Kare, check out:

their website

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Jetting off to Saint-Tropez? Care for your skin too-Dermalogica style!

Oh wouldn’t we all just love to take a respite to a warm place right now? Even though we can’t all click our heels 3 times and magically be transported to a land of palm trees and sunshine, if you ARE planning a vacation, you CAN avoid making some of these common skin care mistakes (courtesy of the lovely Charmaine Cooper of Dermalogica).

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1.Rushing out too quickly for “Fun in the Sun”

-Right after a flight, skin is more dehydrated…making it more vulnerable.

-Immediate sun exposure for unprotected skin is the WORST kind of start to any vacation.

Solution:  Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water! Always wear your sun protection!

2.Too much Sun exposure!

Prolonged exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from the skins surface, which is why sunburned skin requires more moisture than unexposed areas.

Solution:  Where possible, limit the time spent in direct sun exposure.  Be sun smart! Don’t be a vampire but protect yourself from UV rays by seeking shade, wearing UV protective clothing.

3.Sun damage – not a light thing!

Skin damage should be treated seriously.  Did you know that with immediate attention, the skin health can be recovered and renewed?

Solution: Using a powerful serum like AGEsmart Multivitamin Power Serum, to reverse Cellular damage is a phenomenal way to keep the skin looking and feeling its best. Use a small amount nightly, underneath your moisturizer.

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4. So, you got sun kissed! Kiss your skin with hydration!

Vacationers covet the “sun kissed” look but usually end up with a “skin dehydrated” look!  No matter what your age, the Sun is the number one way to dehydrate the skin.

Solution: Dermalogica AGEsmart Antioxidant Hydramist is a favourite way to restore the lost moisture, essential to your skin.  Mist the skin anytime of the day and night with cooling hydration, and a shield of antioxidants.

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5. Play hard but play fair!  Be good to your skin.

Start and finish your vacation right!

Solution: Wear SPF at all times –  SPF 20, SPF 25, SPF 30, or even SPF 50! We recommend, re-applying, often. We recommend, re-applying, often. Try Dermalogica’s Solar Defense Booster SPF 50. It can be applied on its own or mixed into your favorite moisturizer.

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6. Look great but also be great in your shades!

Sun glasses are always a cool accessory for your vacation. Glasses sometimes are not enough to protect those peepers.

Solution: Don’t forget to care for your eyes with an appropriate eye moisturizer that contains SPF.  UV rays can be attracted to the skin around the eyes, especially with dark glass frames. Be wise and good to the eyes! Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15 is a great option.totaleyecare

 

So there you have it folks!  Return from your time away looking refreshed both inside AND out!

Enjoy your vacation!