The Body Shop all in one BB cream. It’s ‘almost’ everything I ever wanted!
*I was sent these products for review-my thoughts are my own! Please be wary when reading blogger reviews-it is NOT a requirement to disclose whether one has received a product for review or not in Canada, but it IS good manners and ethics 🙂 *
Catch your interest? I won’t make this post long and fluffy. Basically, I adore this BB cream for more than one reason.
Details:
All-In-One BB cream transforms from a white cream to suit your skin tone. Pigment-filled capsules burst when applied to the skin, releasing the colour inside. Just blend for a perfect match and an even, undetectable finish. It’s make-up and skincare in one.
- Adapts to your skin tone
- Light to medium coverage
- Even finish
- 24-hour hydration
- Non-clogging
It also smells terrific-I get honey when I sniff it.
So yeah, I do like it-it’s a good match for me (even now when I have ‘summer color’). Here’s how it blends out:
Okay so overall do I recommend this product? Sure….but here’s what it’s lacking:
-SPF! WHY BODY SHOP WHY? I need the SPF!!!! Great coverage, more ‘natural’ then the average drugstore or prestige brand BB, but no SPF!!! WAH.
Eh, it’s not the end of the world-I use this AFTER applying sunscreen to my face. I suppose adding the SPF would make the product less ‘natural.’ I still wish it was in there though. It would be ‘HG’ worthy (Holy grail).
Caprina Goats Milk Soap and Hand lotion
*I was sent these products for review-my thoughts are my own! Please be wary when reading blogger reviews-it is NOT a requirement to disclose whether one has received a product for review or not in Canada, but it IS good manners and ethics 🙂 *
Full disclsoure: I didn’t fall down and faint with excitement when this packaged showed up in the mail. Ho-hum another lotion and soap. Big deal, right?
Fast forward to almost 2 weeks later…..how about I tore my bedroom apart because I couldn’t find the lotion? YES ITS THAT GOOD. I use it exclusively on my hands right now because I don’t want to waste a drop! I’m sure I don’t have to tell you the skin on the back of your hands is thinner then the rest, and therefore shows age MORE QUICKLY. It’s important to keep your hands moisturized, hydrated, and nourished.
Caprina body lotion contains Fresh Goat’s Milk (did you know a lot of products that contain Goat’s milk use a powdered version?). Fresh Goat’s milk is a highly effective skin moisturizer. Orchid Oil adds extra moisturizing properties to fresh goats milk.
-Helps restore the skin’s natural moisture level
-Non-greasy and absorbs quickly
-Dermatologist tested
-Finished product-not tested on animals
-Paraben free!
Sounds like a winner to me….if the soap is half as good as the lotion, I’ll be thrilled! I don’t doubt it, as it contains shea butter! I’ll keep you posted!
Need it, Get it, GIFT IT! Craveworthy skin with Vichy!
Far be it from me to be talking about gifts for anyone-heck, I have been so inconsistent with gifting you dear readers with a post. But I must tell you…..if you have a beauty lover in your life, please please PLEASE do yourself a favor and check out these skincare sets from Vichy (and no, I’m not getting paid to talk about them). These are a GREAT value and let’s face it, everyone wants beautiful skin!
Aqualia Thermal Gift Set, $38.50 CDN
Ideal for the person looking for a boost of hydration
Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Gift Set, $57 CDN
Wrinkles?! Pffft, not if she has this set!
ProEVEN Gift Set, $57.50 CDN
Looking to even out the skin tone, and get rid of those pesky dark spots? Try this!
Vichy Normaderm Gift Set
includes: Normaderm Hydrating Acne Care, Normaderm Cleansing Gel and travel size Normaderm Hyaluspot
Price: $39.95 CDN
this is a personal favorite (I wrote about it here)
Vichy Homme Sensi-Balm Gift Set, $29 CDN
Because he needs great skin too, right?!
Vichy has something for EVERYONE on your list and at these prices??? Your wallet and your skin will thank you!
Any of these sets caught your eye? I’m picking up the Homme Sensi-Balm for several people on my list!
Phantom Glass-is it really the last screen protector you’ll ever need?
Yeah yeah yeah….I’ve certainly heard this before-big talk, big claims. But can the Phantom Glass screen protector stand up-and walk the walk? Let’s find out. I’m fairly to moderately rough on my phone and am a VERY heavy user in terms of talking and data usage.
From the website…..
Phantom Glass is an easy to apply, non-bendable glass screen protection system that is superior to today’s many screen protection options, based on:
- 0.2mm thim tempered glass material as the base.
- Easy and perfect installation each time through the use of a unique silicone nano-adhesion layer – eliminating the traditional “air bubbles”, characteristic of traditional screen protectors.
- The ability to remove and re-apply the protector numerous times, making it reusable.
- Not leaving a residue or glue and dirt on the screen of the device when removed.
- Being washable as it can be removed, washed, and then re-applied without issue.
- A unique lyophobic coating that creates a user surface that inhibits bacterial growth.
- A unique oleophobic coating that makes fingerprints fully removable with a light wipe.
- A more responsive and smoother touch when activating on-screen functions.
- Complementing the existing design aesthetic of the device it is applied to.
- Ensuring perfect image quality and operation of the device it is applied to.
- The ability to fill and remove typical surface scratches on a device’s screen
Installing Phantom Glass takes under two minutes. After wiping your device’s screen clean with the included cleaning cloth and alcohol swab, line up the top edge of Phantom Glass with the device, and Phantom Glass’ silicone nano-adhesion layer takes over and finishes the job.
Where typical screen protectors use glues to adhere to the surface of the device, Phantom Glass is simple to remove, and is guaranteed to leave absolutely zero residue. The ability to remove and re-install the screen protector without eroding its quality is another feature that makes Phantom Glass the last screen protector you will ever need.
So like I was saying, I’m a skeptic and don’t believe all the ‘hype’-did this product live up to me and my rough-housing?
Let’s get down to business:
Application
Honestly I don’t do the application because I have the patience/attention span of a gnat. My other half did it. Was it easy? According to him (and I quote), “That was one of the easiest things I’ve ever done in my life”-a little extreme perhaps? Yes, but we can check the “Takes under 2 minutes to install” off the list.
Usage/Operation
D*mn it Phantom Glass-you are SO FRIGGIN’ awesome. Since applying, I’ve dropped my phone 3 times, 2 of those on tile surfaces. I even got the charger tangled up in my office chair and the phone flew off my desk and hit the cubicle wall. Normally, that’s at least a scratch/crack. NOT a dent.
Wiping the fingerprints off? easy-peasy-cross that off the list too. The screen seems brighter and it’s smooth….again, cross it off the list. The anti-bacterial stuff? Honestly, I don’t want to know what’s on the surface-although it’d probably keep my phone bill down.
Overall, if you’re a klutz (like me) or often have a case of the drop-sies (like me), you may want to consider this screen protector. I was certainly very pleasantly surprised!
Find Phantom Glass for YOUR device:
on the web
on facebook
on twitter
What’s on my mind now….red lipstick
Fall brings along the start of many things…..shorter daylight hours, everything pumpkin, warm cozy fires, and beautiful foliage. Fall is also when I start wearing red lipstick again. After a summer full of balms and gloss, I’m happy to dig through the lipstick drawer and pull out a nice red…..
If you’re like me and love your reds…..L’Oreal Paris has got you covered. Check out these 3 Colour Riche Reds that I snagged during tiff at the L’Oreal Beauty Lounge.
They all look delicious, don’t they…..but let’s take a peek at each one individually.
This is Frieda’s Pure Red-and I have to say the first of the three that I was ‘drawn’ to….it’s a blue based red that leans pink, right up my fair skinned alley.
Next up, Blake’s Pure Red….definitely more brick-ish in terms of red. This is the type of lipstick I’d wear after having my teeth whitened. I like this color-it’s rich and has a ‘come over here’ type vibe about it. Very sex kitten in my opinion.
And finally, J. Lo’s red-what I’d term a ‘neutral’ red or ‘true’ red’ -this is neither warm or cool toned. IT’S JUST RED. And I love it. This red is the type of red I’d wear with a t-shirt and jeans but also put this on for drinks with the ladies. This red will take you from day to night for sure.
So what’s your story? Do you love to rock a red lipstick in the fall/winter like me? Or do you wear reds all year round?
I’m an adult-why am I still breaking out? Vichy Normaderm, help me please!
*I was sent these products for review-my thoughts are my own! Please be wary when reading blogger reviews-it is NOT a requirement to disclose whether one has received a product for review or not in Canada, but it IS good manners and ethics 🙂 *
I thought I was through with breakouts after I hit 30. Fast Forward to my 40’s-Yeah, wrong. Granted, I do get breakouts less frequently….but they still come. When they DO come, I feel that they are more ‘severe’ than they were when I was young. It’s a different type of breakout too. Different breakout, different approach yields different (and better) results.
Normaderm by Vichy is not a brand spanking new line. It’s the first time I’ve used it though. So far, I’m pretty happy! My face feels fresh, clean -and NOT tight or itchy! WIN!
Deep cleansing purifying gel
Details:
Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid, Totarol, a new purifying ingredient, and Eperuline to regulate inflammations. Cleanses and unblocks pores deep down and immediately soothes skin. Ingredient Innovation: Together Salicylic Acid 0.5% + Totarol, a new purifying active ingredient, limit the proliferation of propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne, and thus prevent the formation of imperfections. Eperuline, a new soothing ingredient of natural origin, helps regulate inflammations. Glycyrrhizinate Acid soothes skin and helps reduce redness. In a lightly scented refreshing gel. Results: Double purifying and anti-irritant action. Dermatological Standards: Allergy tested. Soap free. Tested on sensitive skin under Dermatological control. Non-comedogenic.
How to use:
Use twice daily. Wet face, work product into a lather; massage onto face avoiding the eyes. Rinse well.
My thoughts:
Love this! I liken the fragrance in this product to a shampoo that I used to use in the 80’s called Aquamarine (which according to one of my YouTube subscribers, you can find in Dollarama-cool!). This product lathers well and rinses off easily.
Purifying pore-tighetning lotion
Details:
The intensive formula ensures clear skin with salicylic acid concentrated at 0.5%. Totarol, a new purifying ingredient , inhibits the proliferation of propionibacterium acnes, which are the bacteria responsible for acne. Eperuline, a new soothing ingredient of natural origin, regulates inflammation. Impurities are eliminated, and the appearance of pores are reduced for a more even skin surface and a matte effect.
How to use:
Using a cotton pad, cover the entire complexion with a thin layer one to three times daily. If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.
My thoughts:
Well, I was ‘Toner-challenged’ until recently. I was using toner once a day (at night) maybe 3 times a week. Um yeah, how about I’m supposed to be using it the morning AND at night and every other day. Because I’m mid-breakout, I’m doing well with the 2x daily. Should I experience dryness, I will use the toner once daily in the evening.
Hydrating acne-care Salicyclic Acid lotion
Details:
This lightweight, oil-free lotion is clinically proven to clear skin of acne imperfections in 7 days. In just 1 week of application, clinical results show significant reduction in inflammatory lesions by 20.10%, and reaching to a 63.92% reduction by the 4th week.
How to use:
Cleanse the skin thoroughly before applying product. Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer, one to three times daily. Because too much drying of the skin may occour, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three more times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor. If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce appication to once a day or every other day.
My thoughts:
I’ve been using this in the evening. Can’t say I hate it or love it yet, but I WILL say that I enjoy waking up to my blemishes shrinking significantly during the night.
I have high hopes and good vibes about the Normaderm line-and I’m going to continue using it! If you have oily skin and experience breakouts as an adult (I’d say 25+ years old types), give this a shot.
Passport to Revlon Shake It Up in Shanghai-giveaway!
China has always been on my ‘travel bucket list’ -and even though I know I won’t be jetting off anytime soon, Revlon’s ‘Shake it Up in Shanghai’ Collection has the travel bug inside me ready to go, go, go! Be sure to check out my Instagram for a chance to win all 8 products in the collection!
The Look:
Revlon Color Stay ShadowLinks in Moss and Khaki
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Jade
Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara in Blackest Black
Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy in Checkmate, Blackjack and Diamond Top Coat
Nothing excites me more than a Smokey Eye that IS NOT greys or black….in the Shanghai collection, it’s a Deep Green.
Dare to Wear a Deep Green Smokey Eye:
-Apply shadow in Moss on the lid from the inner corner to the center of the eye. On the outer edge of the eyelid, apply the Khaki shade. Fade the colours together.
-Line lashes from inner to outer corner. Create an extra smokey effect by moving the liner’s sponge tip in a circular motion. Finish with mascara.
-Dab Shanghai Sizzle onto lips for colour intensity.
-Alternate nail shades on every other nail, and be sure to seal with the top coat.
Do you see yourself jetting off to any exotic location anytime soon? Go to my Instagram account, like and comment on the below photo for a chance to win the ‘Shake it Up in Shanghai’ collection! Winner picked on October 16th, 2014!!! *Giveaway open to Canadian residents over the age of 18!*
Toronto shenanigans with Kelly McKelly!
Who’s so lucky? I’m so lucky!
I got to meet Kelly McKelly while she was here in Toronto and we went all over Toronto. Well, not really….but we certainly got around.
Here is our day in a few words and mostly photos. Yup. PHOTOS.
First stop, the Face Shop (Eaton Centre). No photos inside the store, but here’s my portion of the haul. Keep in mind, Kelly went back the next day and picked up more items! How could you not….look at all the goodness:
Then how lucky were we to bump into the amazing and fabulous Myles Sexton-so we did what we had to do-a selfie. Isn’t he gorgeous?
We also spent time at the Illamasqua counter at the Bay. I picked up one of their new-ish Matte lip liquid glosses and am kicking myself for not also picking up one of their *new* nude collection lipsticks.
As we wandered through the PATH system with the ‘goal’ being to make it to the subway, we hit up my favorite Rexall and I scored these gems (and said hi to Jenny, the manager):
*please note, the Marcelle products are going to a wonderful gentleman in Florida named Lewis*
Then we went into The Body Shop and said hi to Anita the manager. I had been eying several products but settled on the body sorbet. Anita was kind enough to give us some samples of a blur type product for eyes and face (Kelly only slightly scoffed at the size or lack of size of the samples). I’ll be going back for what I originally went in for, the dry oil:
Phew! Finally made it to the subway. We ended up dining at John and Sons Oyster House. Neither of us had Oysters but Kelly enjoyed some Fish and Chips and I had the shrimp tacos. Just to be scandalous, we also SHARED the homemade donuts. They were worth every bite!
Then, a brief stop at the New Balance store (and declarations that we were in fact the COOLEST customers in the store), off we went to Me and T studio. How could I NOT take Kelly to Me and T studio? I think she was slightly impressed. Her hands and feet looked amazing, we partook in the candy bar, gushed over the LoveFresh products. And of course, let’s not forget these 3:
3 faves from Me & T
We ended up back on the subway and decided to take a load off at the Toronto Hilton. There was an interesting encounter with a gift shop clerk during a search for overpriced Gravol, and then it was time to meet up with Jill and Melissa for dinner at the fabulous Montecito. I’ll tell you right now I am SO glad I booked that restaurant. It’s definitely going to be a tiff hot spot and it was nice to see what they would have before they are booked through next year. Get your drool bib out, here come the food photos:
and now the desserts….because if you go to Montecito, you go ALL OUT:
Stay puft marshmallow man baked Alaska. I ate it all. NO SHAME.
Chocolate torte with gingersnap and raspberries?
Chocolate chip cookie Ice cream sandwich
And because Melissa was gracious enough to take the above photo, I will post the next photo so you can see how wonderful SHE is!
Is that enough for you? It certainly was for me! I left my house that morning, arrived in Toronto at 10:30. I got home at midnight. Long day much? No matter it was TOTALLY WORTH IT. Hope Kelly can say the same…..
#beautyunited Olay fresh effects Acne control scrub-another weapon in my adult acne battle!
*I was sent these products for review-my thoughts are my own! Please be wary when reading blogger reviews-it is NOT a requirement to disclose whether one has received a product for review or not in Canada, but it IS good manners and ethics 🙂 *
Ah the continuing saga of adult acne & breakouts! I’m still going through it-even in my 40’s-something I thought I would never say! In addition to changing up my cleanser, toner, and treatment lotion, I’ve also added a scrub to the mix. In this case, it’s the Olay Fresh Effects Acne Control Scrub.
I’ve used Fresh Effects products before, despite being out of their ‘preferred age range’-apparently this product line is suited for the 20-somethings. But I have been known to bend the rules and scoff at society (*gasp, no not YOU Meredith*), so I thought this would be a perfect addition to my ‘oily skin’ routine. I was also curious as to whether this product had any similarities to my beloved ‘Out of this swirled’ fresh effects scrub.
Details:
Olay Fresh Effects Acne Control Scrub Salicylic Acid Acne and Blackhead Clearing Exfoliant with mandarin orange and green tea essence is formulated with salicylic acid. It penetrates pores to eliminate most blemishes and blackheads. The exfoliating microbeads then exfoliate to clear dead skin cells that can clog pores. Exfoliating microbeads clear up most blemishes and blackheads.
Usage:
Apparently this product CAN be used daily, even twice daily. However, I’m using it 2-3 times a week. It does remind me of the ‘Out of this Swirled’ but I liken it to the Clean & Clear morning burst line. You’ll see why after I show you this photo:
Looks the same as Clean & Clear doesn’ it? Anyway I adore this scrub and am glad to have it to use. The exfoliating particles truly are MICRO-beads so my fear of scrubbing my skin off is gone. The scent is pleasant and the scrub rinses off clean.
I recommend you give this a try-it’s a great product to have in your shower or on your counter top. I use it 2-3 times a week-and when my skin is acting out, I use it everyday! It really does work!
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