LiveClean sunscreens-for the first day of summer!

*I received these products for review-opinions and thoughts are mine all mine.

I am so.over.dreary.weather. Who’s with me?

While my favorite season is officially fall, I am in need of some sunshine.  All the vitamin D supplementation in the world just cannot compare.  I’m hoping to use this sunscreen when spring finally decides to roll around….and at this point I think Mother Nature will skip it and full steam ahead to summer.  Which at this point, is fine with me.  Today was sunny, which made me smile.  I’m hoping this is the new trend because after all, it actually IS the first day of summer.   While I do embrace my pale, when I’m outdoors or away on a ‘cottage weekend’, I apply sun protection.  Liberally.

(more…)

Alba Botanica-for when summer finally decides to arrive in Ontario!

I received these products for review.

I feel like I’m going through some type of cruel Mother Nature deja vu.  Last year around this time, my parents were preparing to visit me for the very first time since I moved here and I was looking forward to some fairly decent (and sunny) weather.  What ended up happening was cold, rainy days and even a brief period of snow.  Fast forward to today-here I sit, looking out the window with my winter boots still sitting by the door.  My gosh-it’s MAY-the greenery that confidently pushed out of the ground is now shivering and trying to withstand the wind.

Nevertheless, warmer days are to come-so why not be prepared?  Fair skinned or not, the sun’s rays are NO JOKE.  Alba Botanica has got your largest organ (your skin) covered with two new (and one not-so-new) sun care products.

alba BOTANICA SPORT Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 50+

This new sunscreen gives maximum broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection at SPF 50+.  It’s emollient and moisturizing, eco-friendly and air-powered with no chemical propellants .  This 100% vegetarian formula is water-resistant, perfect for exercise and sports.  MSRP  $16.99 CAD

 

alba BOTANICA KIDS Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 50+ 

This sunscreen absorbs quickly and is gentle on kids’ skin.  As with the SPORT spray, this broad spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen is eco-friendly, air-powered and free of chemical propellants.  and water resistant.  MSRP $16.99 CAD

 

The alba BOTANICA Facial Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 isn’t new-but my #protip is DO NOT FORGET YOUR FACE THIS SUMMER.

This gentle & effective broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection is fast absorbing and won’t clog pores. Botanicals, like Aloe Vera, Ginseng, Lavender, and Calendula, hydrate and nourish delicate facial skin. MSRP $9.99 CAD

So let’s all put our most positive thoughts together and collectively bring on the warm & sunny days! Don’t forget your SPF!

 

*alba BOTANICA does not use animal products or by-products of animal killing and does not test on animals.  Products are formulated without: parabens, phthalates, artificial colors, propylene glycol, aluminum, mineral oil, petrolatum, oxybenzone, PABA, nano-particles, DEA, MEA, TEA, PEGs, PEG derivatives, ethoxylated ingredients, GMO’s 

Find alba BOTANICA

on the web

on facebook

on instagram

 

 

My picks for great lips! Best lip scrubs & lip prep products for mature lips

I notice that as I age, there are ‘changes’ in my skin.  Gravity starts to take its tool, my skin is thinner in some places than others and my lips….oh my lips.  My top lip is noticeably disappearing (sadness) and my lips are DRY DRY DRY.  I love a matte lipstick but there is no way that I could wear one without getting my lips ready.  Please see below for my product picks to prep your lips for lipstick.  One of these products is actually a 2 in 1-I call it ‘the best of both worlds.’

(more…)

Local business alert- atma things

Before I officially ‘start’ my blog post, I am going to make a concerted effort to visit local business several times a month and write about them.  It’s important to me to support local ideas!

I discovered atma things upon one of my many The Store On Queen online browses (TSOQ is on my ‘list’ of places to visit btw), was intrigued as TSOQ spoke very highly of the ‘crystal-infused’ skincare products.  If you did not know this about me, I do have a mid-sized crystal collection and believe it crystal energy (this does not replace my religious beliefs just in case you were wondering).

(more…)

First Impressions-beauty sponges from Real Techniques & Eco-Tools

I received these products for review.

I am a HUGE fan of the ‘original’ Real Techniques sponge (the orange one).  I’ve preferred it over the Beauty Blender for years mainly because of the flat side option on the sponge.  Real Techniques and Eco-Tools have come out with some new sponges, so I thought I would introduce them.

(more…)

My favorite foundations for ‘mature faces’-spring edition

I can’t be the only person that switches products for the season.  Where I live, spring is finally starting to come around.  I can actually say that this year, I am glad to see winter retreat.  It dragged on for far too long.  I’m not looking forward to allergy season though.  This is the point during the year that my skin starts ‘talking’ to me-it starts out with a gentle reminder-a bit more oiliness and (if I don’t listen to it and adjust) then the pimples.   I usually start digging through my makeup drawers at this point, and lamenting over the fact that I forgot to buy sunscreen.  Again.  I also have neglected to schedule my spring facial treatment-super important to have a professional go over your skin.  I like to start with the best, cleanest canvas that I can!

(more…)

Spring into a new beauty routine! #beautyunited

 

*I received these products for review*

Spring in your step, spring forward, spring cleaning-I’m cool with spring.  This year, I got started a bit early with my spring clean and am 80% ‘done’ (just 2 more closets to tidy up and those are going to be doozies!).  Spring is also a great time to make some changes to your beauty routine.  Check out the products below-these are some great additions to my spring regime!

Herbal Essences Repair argan oil of morocco shampoo & conditioner

Raise your hand if you wish they would bring back the Herbal Essence commercials of the 90’s-I KNOW you all know what I mean (but in case you don’t, check out one of the original commercials here).  I never completely fell ‘out’ of love with this line-the ‘naked’ shampoo is a great clarifying shampoo that I slip in 2 times a month.  I tend to use salon professional shampoos & conditioners, but I did try this one and it is quite nice.  It is incredibly hydrating, and leaves my strands feeling nourished.  I find myself wanting to touch my hair more after using these.  The scent is beautiful-it’s what I would term an ‘exotic floral’

Fun fact:  The shampoo & conditioner are made in a plant that matches electricity with renewable wind credits.  

Olay ultra moisture shea butter body wash

I love body washes that have that ‘extra’ hydration component.  The ‘lock in moisture’ technology infuses skin with moisture without leaving it feeling greasy.  Spring is the perfect time to incorporate a product like this into your routine-your skin is still trying to recover from the dry, bitter winter temperatures.  I still apply a lotion post shower but find that adding a hydrating body wash helps keep me flake free all day.

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Concentrate & Olay Regenerist Micro sculpting cream

Okay so up front I’ll tell you, I’ve used the Micro Sculpting cream before and rather like it.  The concentrate is ‘new’ to me.  This is a great time of year to give your face a spring cleaning too by helping your skin cells turn over.

From the Olay website:

The Miracle Boost concentrate:

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Concentrate is an advanced anti-aging, ultra-lightweight formula booster which is designed for use with a Regenerist moisturizer. Infused with advanced Amino-Peptide Complex II, Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Concentrate skin hydrating booster enhances skin absorption.
Its fragrance-free formula has a consistency and feel like a face serum.

  • Each Drop Immediately Renews a Million Skin Cells to Instantly Smooth Skin Texture
  • Delivers 60% more anti-aging ingredients when paired with Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
  • Infused with Advanced Amino-Peptide Complex II, Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Concentrate skin hydrating booster enhances skin absorption
  • Helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting skin’s natural surface cell regeneration
  • Fragrance-free Formula with a consistency and feel of a face serum
  • Recommended use: after cleansing, Use this to prep your skin, before you use your moisturizer

The Micro sculpting cream:

Regenerist is Olay’s Advanced Anti-Aging Skin Care Collection. Micro-Sculpting Face Moisturizer Formula is designed with Advanced Anti-Aging ingredients for visible wrinkle results starting day 1.
Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Amino-Peptides and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), this Moisture-Binding Formula Instantly Plumps & Lifts Surface Cells. The luxurious-feeling moisturizer immediately leaves skin hydrated, softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles and firms the look of skin with plumping hydration, to help take years off your skin age.

  • Hydrates skin better than ten of the top creams – even the $440 cream – proven by Good Housekeeping
  • Visible wrinkle results start day 1
  • New formula with Amino Peptide Complex II, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) regenerates surface cells to help take years off your skin age
  • Anti-aging moisturizing formula penetrates deep into skin’s surface to improve texture and elasticity

Crest 3D White Supreme flexfit whitestrips

I’m all about the pearly whites year round but when I want to wear my spring lipsticks, having my teeth be their best shade of white is important.  Dental bleaching kits from the dentist are great-but they cost big $$$$.  These Crest whitestrips do the trick and are easy to apply.

Unleash a brilliantly dimensional smile with your beauty “must have,” Crest 3D White Supreme FlexFit Whitestrips. These whitening strips are formulated with the same enamel-safe ingredient dentists use and whiten as well as a professional treatment.

  • Deliver whitening results as effective as a  professional teeth whitening treatment
  • Give you results that last 18 months and beyond- (I haven’t tested this yet but will let you know)
  • Exclusive FlexFit technology design stretches and molds to custom fit your unique smile for a comfortable, no-hassle teeth whitening experience at home
  • Use the same enamel-safe whitening agent that dentists use
  • Advanced Seal™ Technology’s no slip grip stays put. No slipping, no sliding!
  • Whitestrips are so easy to use: you can whiten while you walk, talk, work, even drink water
  • The strips mold to the shape of your teeth and come off cleanly

And there you have it.  I’d love to hear about your ‘spring cleaning’ routine (in regards to beauty).