Does Vichy lift-activ retinol HA advanced concentrate plump you up?

*I have received this product for review.  I like to state this at the beginning of the post out of respect for my readers.*

Is it just me or are there a LOT of wrinkle filler products coming out now? Or maybe it’s just that I know that I need them and THAT’s why I’m noticing them more?   Either way I’ve seen a few….this is only one of the ‘few’.  Take a look at what the website says about this product a.k.a. ‘product claims’

vichy lift activ

New generation daily wrinkle-filler treatment. The highest concentration* of Retinol. Meet our ultimate 1-2 Punch before going to extremes. Clinically tested double action Advanced Concentrate with Pure Retinol x2** + LR2412. 1. Visibly fills deep wrinkles. 2. Plumps and smoothes skin for younger looking facial expressions. This lightweight, fast-absorbing retinol serum has a velvety finish with proven efficacy on deep wrinkles.

After 10 years of research and 20 molecules screened, Vichy identifies an internationally patented pioneer technology: NEW LR2412. Combined with Pure Retinol in our highest concentration, in addition to Hyaluronic Acid, in a hydrating formula that acts on the appearance of wrinkles by helping to plump the skin and visibly fill the look of even deep lines.

I have been using Vichy Lift-activ HA advanced concentrate for about 3 weeks now.  I’m just going to give you the lowdown on it right here and right now.

If you’ve seen me on YouTube or read my blog for some time, then you will know my stance about topical products and their limits.  If you’re a new reader or subscriber, welcome!  Basically, anything you put on your face (be it cream, gel, liquid) can only do SO much.  This product is no different.  However, let me tell you what it will do.

What this product CAN do:

-Help prolong your next trip for fillers/Botox

-Temporarily diminish the appearance of fine lines

-Help improve the appearance of your skin’s texture

-Provide a temporary ‘plumping effect’ and provide hydration to applied area (when used daily)

 

What this product can NOT do:

-This product is not a substitute for dermal fillers or Botox

-Will NOT give you long lasting results like dermal fillers or Botox

 

This product absorbs quickly, and is paraben free!!!

(on a side note, it has a light fragrance-most Vichy products do)

*Also please note! If you are using a retinol product, the instructions state to not use this product in combination!*

I love using this product with my  Vichy Idealia serum.I think they complement each other quite nicely (this product is applied on top of the serum).  I do find that since Vichy products contain high concentrations of ‘effective ingredients’ such as retinol and Hyaluronic Acid (which is an ingredient in dermal fillers and is naturally made by the body. It’s a sugar), that they do produce more visible results than a product that costs less.  While the product is limited because it IS topical, if you have a great skin care routine and stay on top of your facials/microderms/peels, you will probably find this product quite helpful.  My skin feels ‘better’ when I apply this product with the serum.  My skin looks and feels refreshed.  No one is specifically stopping me to exclaim “Oh my you look so young” or anything like that but if my age comes up in conversation, people are surprised when I tell them!

I’ve read some other reviews from bloggers who did experience breakouts when using this product so despite it being for sensitive skin, you may want to try a sample first….and some people are just sensitive to retinol products overall.

This product retails for $49.50CAD so I urge you to read up on it before your purchase.

Find Vichy:

on the web

on facebook

on twitter

What do you use to plump up? Tell me in the comments below!!

Off topic, I am just itching to get to the Vichy spa….yes, I certainly am.

Being awesomer…..with Joy McCarthy

In the spirit of trying to ‘be better’, I thought I’d share this book with you.  I actually know this woman and have been to several of her workshops/talks.  I’m sharing it with you because if you really want to make a change, this is a great place to start.  Should you not want to invest in the book, scroll down to the bottom of the post for website information, where Joy shares recipes and tips for better living.

joymccarthyFrom:amazon.ca

Joyous Health is a fresh new approach to eating that will change the way you think about food and what you eat, offering a simple and practical path to creating a healthy lifestyle. Holistic nutritionist Joy McCarthy, creator of the popular blog Joyous Health, explains how to eat and live joyously with amazing results, both inside and out:

• improved digestion
• increased energy and zest for life
• sleeping like a baby
• glowing skin and shiny hair
• balanced hormones
• weight loss and increased libido
• lowered blood pressure and cholesterol
• feeling fabulous every day
Joyous Health celebrates eating delicious, clean whole foods. Featuring beautiful color photography, the book contains 80 recipes with pure ingredients and tasty combinations, including Carrot Cake Smoothie, Coconut Flour Banana Pancakes, Thai Beet Soup, Curry Chicken Burgers and Double Chocolate Gluten-Free Cookies.
I personally love this book-and I’ve done a 10-day detox with Joy (online) that was fantastic.  While some of her suggestions are a bit extreme, I’ve found that starting slow and making small changes has made a big difference in how I feel physically AND mentally.
You can find Joy:
on her website

My so called life-Adventures in……hair modeling

Haircare & maintenance can be costly-especially if you desire, healthy, shiny, glossy hair. I won’t admit or divulge how much my hair “costs” a year but be advised, it’s a 4 digit number.  EXPENSIVE.  Since my financial situation has changed, I’ve been searching out new ways to have the hair I want at a lower price point.  Easy? No.  Possible? YES.

I’m no supermodel….well, at least not yet.  Believe me, I’m working on it!  But have you ever heard of hair modeling?  Hair modeling is a service offered by salons or hair academies/schools/institutes (often trendy ones!) that offer a complimentary or reduced price service (or services). You offer up your head for several hours, and get a hair service! Sounds good, right?

Is hair modeling for you?  Maybe….I suggest that you be an open-minded  individual.  Hair modeling isn’t necessarily for someone who wants a trim.  This type of opportunity is for someone who is willing to change-whether it be an edgy style or a color change.  Sometimes, an educator will use a hair model in front of salon staff to demonstrate new colour/cutting/styling techniques so if you’re shy, hair modeling may (also) not be for you.

I stumbled upon an opportunity at worldSALON in Toronto!

 

photo credit: worldSALON world.ca

WorldSalon_220x150

From worldSALON website:

 worldSALON is an award-winning beauty hot spot which has been heralded as one of Canada’s top salons, frequented by the cognoscenti of the business, film and television communities.  worldSALON is the only salon in North America to use solar panels to heat the water. Our green achievements include: Award from Greenest City, certificate of achievement from the Ontario Power Authority, and the Green Circle Award for Environmental Stewardship. We are also a producer of the unique plant-based multi-use skin and hair care line, worldPRODUCTS.

I met with Marc (the educator) from La Biosthetique Canada on a snowy afternoon to come up with a ‘plan.’  This was to be done over 2 days-color was done in advance due to time allotment for training/education.  We had a great conversation and he told me a little about the line (which I had never heard of-shocking, yes?).  Stay tuned for a future post about products…..this salon has products that are very different from any other salon  to include the owner’s own creations (Brian Phillips).

I left the salon with a fresh color and actually started getting a bit anxious about the “cut” portion.  The color looked so wonderful-why do I need a cut, I thought.

The next day came and off I went to worldSALON.  There was a chair in the middle of the salon and then 5 other chairs arranged in a U-shape around this chair.  I took my spot in the chair and away we went! Here was my view:

The beautiful people of worldSALON!

The beautiful people of worldSALON!

I thought, well now is a great time to learn about hair cutting and styling…..and my takeaway from that was….

There really needs to be  a “Thank a stylist day” -so much for me listening.  The educator started speaking and it went right over my head.  I consider myself a fairly savvy, educated individual but after listening (and being a participant in that demonstration), I KNOW NOTHING.  I wish I could show you the guides that the educator had given out to the staff….they had all sorts of shapes, and color combinations.  He was speaking of where, how, and why he was applying color in particular places on my head.  I always thought it was “foil and go”-how wrong I was! It was NASA level formulas/informations, in fact I was surprised it wasn’t stamped “CLASSIFIED”

the amazing Marc the educator!

the amazing Marc the educator!

So while he was cutting away, I went off to my happy place 🙂

What I’m trying to say here is I had NO idea that level of complex information was required to cut and style my hair.  Incredible.  And the staff sat there and observed it all, asking questions.  The educator himself asked questions at the end of the demonstration and the staff were quick to answer.  I thought, “I can not believe they retained that” -because I had no idea what the educator was saying.  I only knew that my hair felt and looked wonderful! As Marc was finishing up, more hair models arrived as the staff was now going to practice what they had just learned…..so absorbing this information was key!  Here’s a link to worldSALON’s facebook page so you can see for yourself!

Saying goodbye to the fried, split ends that made up my 'old' style!

Saying goodbye to the fried, split ends that made up my ‘old’ style!

I won’t get into worldSALON much here, but I will be posting separately about the salon as it is worthy of it’s own post! They carry lines/brands of hair products that I had never heard of before going there!  I also want to update on my hair and something I noticed right away about the color! Thank you to Marc Riese of La Biosthetique, Brian Phillips of worldSALON, and the staff of worldSALON for allowing me to participate, I’m very happy!  Special shout outs to Emily for reading my email!!

So, would you hair model?  Why or why not? Tell me in the comments section below!

 

I’m curious about….Marcelle Spring 2014 products!

Oh I love me an interesting press release. Check out some of the new products from Marcelle for Spring!

*Please note, I don’t have any of these products (yet)-I’ve just received a press release.  I’m highlighting the most interesting (in my opinion) products from the press release!*
ultragentle
Marcelle is introducing the NEW Ultra Gentle Cleansing Gel, an ultra-mild and non-foaming facial cleanser which is gentle enough to be used on the eyes to remove make-up. Enriched with aloe vera and glycerin, the gel is gentle and protects the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Benefits:
-Suitable for all skin types, ideal for sensitive and dehydrated skin – SUITS THE WHOLE FAMILY!
-Gentle, hydrating and non irritating
-May be used as a facial cleanser and make-up remover
-Formulated with aloe vera, glycerin and glyceryl oleate for superior hydration and soothing effect

My initial impressions: YES YES YES-I can not WAIT to try this.  I love a cleanser I can use on my face AND eyes! I’m wondering about the texture since it’s non-foaming. 

In terms of cosmetics, Marcelle is focusing on the eyes!

marcelle.eyes

NEW – Marcelle® Xtension Plus + ProLash Growth Complex Mascara
$14.95
9 mL

This is the Marcelle® Xtension Plus Mascara (winner of the 2013 ELLE CANADA/ELLE QUEBEC Beauty Grand Prix in the Best Mascara Under $20 category) infused with a multifunctional conditioner to stimulate the growth of healthy lashes. The soft polymer brush, with a row of longer bristles, reaches even the shortest lashes and stretches them from root to tip to reach their maximum lengthening potential for a lash-extension look.
Benefits:
-Lengthening formula with glycerin, panthenol, vitamins, amber extract and peptides
-Prevents breakage and visibly enhances growth
-Visibly noticeable changes within 2 weeks
-Specially shaped dual-sided brush
-No clumping or flaking
-Tested under ophthalmological control
-Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
-Paraben free
-Hypo-allergenic and perfume free

My initial impressions:  Well, I do like the Xtension plus mascara….and now this version may nourish my lashes.  Pass it over!

NEW Marcelle® Eyebrow Pen

$13.95
1,4 mL
Create the perfect brow shape, an ultra-natural look and a long-lasting impact!

Benefits
-Felt pen glides on skin and hair to enhance eyebrows or cover-up grey hair
-Results look natural
-Slender tip creates soft strokes that imitate natural hair and look of brows
-Easy to use pen and fast-drying formula

Benefits:
-Long-lasting (12 hours + ) and smudgeproof formula
-Tested under ophthalmological control
-Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
-Paraben free
-Hypo-allergenic and perfume free

My initial impressions:  My brows are my biggest makeup hangup-I have so much trouble filling them in properly…..and I do prefer a pencil.  Hmm, maybe. Wonder if it will step up to my Anastasia Brow Whiz?

New shades – Marcelle®2-in-1 Retractable Eyeliner
Here’s a good make-up tip: the easy-peasy creamy and already-sharpened tip of this waterproof eyeliner. Use the integrated soft sponge to turn any line into a smoky eye.

Key features
$10.95
Now in 6 hues!

-Waterproof, long-lasting (12 hours + ) and smudgeproof formula
-Integrated sharpener and sponge
-Tested under ophthalmological control
-Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
-Hypo-allergenic and perfume free

My initial impressions:  I’m a fan of the smudgers.  Smokey eyes are so much easier when I don’t have to work so hard.  I could be talked into the purple liner. 

 

And there it is? Anything you see here that you’re interested in trying? Let me know in the comments below!

 

Tea lovers! David’s Tea-romance & spice coming your way!

I love David’s Tea and swear by several different types that will be a permanent fixture in my cupboard (just in case you want to know what teas those are: Le Digestif, Organic Cold 911, and Mother’s little helper). I received an email in my inbox that I wanted to share with you regarding some new tea, a tea that’s being brought back, and a new product.
*Please note-I have not received any products from David’s Tea.*

New Tea- The Spice is Right!

the-spice-is-right-10432_lt1

Using a green tea base instead of the traditional black tea adds an unexpected hint of freshness that pairs perfectly with spicy cinnamon, cloves, hot chili peppers and sweet orange peel. It’s just so warm and comforting at this time of the year.  This is a great time to enjoy citrus fruits, as oranges are ‘in-season’ in Florida.  Oranges are also considered to represent luck and wealth (Happy Belated Chinese New Year everyone).  In other cultures, the orange is considered a symbol of fertility and seduction, shared between new couples to help love blossom. Oranges were even supposedly given as a wedding gift between the Roman gods Juno and Jupiter. Could there be a better Valentine’s Day gift?

Bringing it back-Cherry Blossom

cherry-blossom-10212_s

This tea was from a collection in 2010 and disappeared from shelves too quickly if you ask me.  It’s made up of white and green tea, cherries, coconut and rosebuds, it’s lightly fruity, subtly floral and incredibly romantic.  Apparently it’s coming back but may disappear again-just like the Disney movies we all know and love.  I hope David’s decides to keep this one-I’ll definitely be picking it up.

 

New product-tea flavored chocolates

chocolate-hot-lips-dark-990108_s

These make me so curious I am going to have to try them. David’s Tea has teamed up with a Montreal based Chocolatier to make chocolate bars flavored with their actual loose leaf teas.  Interesting, don’t you think? Flavors available include:  Dark Chocolate with Hot Lips, Dark Cocolate with Cream of Earl Grey, Milk Chocolate with Coco Chai Rooibos and White Chocolate with Matcha Matsu. I want them all.

 

See anything that’s tempting your taste buds?  What would you like to try? Tell me in the comments below!   I’ll be a tea-sampling fool every time I pass by!

David’s Tea is a Canadian company-but you can also find them online (yes they have an online store!).  Check online to find a location near you!