Last-Minute Gift Ideas Under $50

Christmas is mere days away and in an ideal world, you would have been finished all your shopping weeks ago. However, it's not uncommon to find yourself suddenly scrambling last-minute, like when you receive an unexpected gift from a coworker that you want to reciprocate. If you find yourself in a similar situation, hopefully this post will give you some ideas. Bonus: everything is under $50!

For the person on your list who likes a good pamper sesh, the I LOVE Signature Selection Box ($24.99 CAD) features six miniature bottles (100 mL) of I LOVE... Cosmetics signature body washes. The set includes: Violet Dreams, Elderflower Fizz, Exotic Fruits, Glazed Raspberry, English Rose, and Vanilla Milk. You can find this brand exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

If you're looking for stocking stuffers or a little add-on to another present, get some face masks! I like these Renew You from 7th Heaven masks ($2.99 to $4.99 CAD), which offer affordable luxury in the form of 24-karat gold-infused sheet masks and under eye patches.

Another fun idea are Christmas crackers... but not just any old Christmas cracker. The L'Occitane Holiday Kit To Share ($34 CAD) features cute little "crackers" (they don't actually pull apart) that you can split up and hand out to four different people. Inside each one is a mini shower gel and hand cream. I bought these for my coworkers and they loved them!

You can't ever go wrong with a candle, in my opinion. My personal holiday favourite is the Voluspa Crushed Candy Cane Candle ($18 CAD). It comes in a few different sizes but the candy-striped "macaron" is the cutest!

Last but not least, for the person who's hard to shop for, a fancy water bottle is a great pick! After all, everyone needs to stay hydrated. The S'well Traveler Bottle ($45 CAD) features a wide mouth design which is perfect for a coffee but it can also fit ice cubes to keep your beverage extra cold.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and see you in 2020!

The Body Shop #ComeGiftWithMe

Last week I was invited on a fun VIP store visit to The Body Shop in Pacific Centre to learn all about their holiday offerings (thanks Heather!) and simply could not wait to share with you all.

This year's theme is all about playfulness with a portion of proceeds going towards the Peace Play Project in Lebanon, a fund that provides play and activities in a safe place for Syrian refugee children. All the seasonal gift packaging is interactive in some way; some gift boxes feature word searches and mazes while others like the Dial-A-Flavour Body Butter Trio ($15 CAD) have an arrow that you can spin to pick which one you're going to use.

For lip balm fans, you need to get your hands on the Kiss and Tell Born Lippy Wand ($18 CAD) or the House of Holland x The Body Shop Kiss Me Cube ($20 CAD). That's right -- The Body Shop has teamed up with House of Holland, the iconic British fashion line, on the colourful prints used on some of the limited edition holiday sets. I'm particularly obsessed with the House of Holland x The Body Shop Wonder Cube ($60 CAD), which is seriously fun to play with and features a different beauty surprise in each numbered compartment.

There are three limited edition holiday scents as well: Frosted Plum, Vanilla Chai, and Frosted Berries. I really like the hand creams, but you can find these scents in a range of products and gift sets. For something super special, the Festive Tin ($28 CAD) is modelled after a round ornament, while the Tin Of Delights ($45 CAD) is larger and shaped like a hatbox.

If you've got someone on your wishlist who loves a particular scent from The Body Shop's regular line (Satsuma, anyone?), a pre-packaged gift set is definitely the way to go. They come in a few sizes to fit your budget and are a great option if you aren't really sure what to buy someone on your list. The smaller sets make excellent stocking stuffers, Secret Santa gifts, or presents for your coworkers. Check out the Gift Cube ($10 CAD) and Gift Pouch ($15 CAD), which are apparently quite popular.

What I'm personally most excited about, however, is the Countdown to New Year! Advent Calendar ($69 CAD). Most of us are used to the typical advent calendars which count down from December 1 to Christmas (The Body Shop has some great ones), but this is the first advent calendar I've seen that counts down from Christmas Day to New Years Day.

Housed in a colourful star, each triangular box contains a product aimed at prepping you for any NYE parties you might be attending; for example, the Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Face Mask and Gold and Pink Glitter Dust for sparkle.

Find all The Body Shop holiday items in-store or online.

Holiday Offerings from L'Occitane En Provence

Following up on my stocking stuffers for beauty lovers post, I've got a bunch more reviews coming up as part of this year's holiday gift guide series. Today, it's all about L'Occitane En Provence!

L'Occitane puts together some very thoughtfully curated gift sets including the Shea Butter Collection ($79 CAD), which I was kindly sent to try out. Packaged in a sleek round box with a gold lid, it includes a Shea Butter Hand Cream (75ml), Foot Cream (75ml), Ultra-Rich Body Cream (200ml), and Extra Gentle Milk Soap (100g). I've reviewed the Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm before and I love how this set allows me to sample some of the company's other shea butter offerings. I was also pleased to find a coupon for $10 off any shea butter product from January 1-31, 2018 -- great bonus!

And, as if you needed another reason to splurge on this collection for yourself or someone else,  L’Occitane has partnered with UNICEF to help thousands of children around the world this holiday season. From October 25 to December 25, the company will donate $4 from each Shea Butter Collection and Shea Butter Deluxe Collection Gift Sets purchased to UNICEF, up to $120,000.

If shea butter isn't your thing, L'Occitane does have a range of other sets for those on your Christmas shopping list. Check them all out here here, but if you need a little guidance, I've rounded up a few of my picks for you too:

Terre de Lumière Collection ($89 CAD): Featuring L'Occitane's 2017 fragrance launch (reviewed here), this set includes a holiday limited edition Terre de Lumière Eau de Parfum (50ml), Gentle Shower Gel (50ml), Body Lotion (50ml), and Perfumed Soap (75g) wrapped in luxury silk gold tissue.

Advent Calendar ($69 CAD): You can't go wrong with a beauty advent calendar and this one is sure to please any crowd by revealing a surprise beauty essential on each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas.

Premium Advent Calendar ($134 CAD): New for 2017, this premium advent calendar includes 24 premium fragrance, body care, and face care products from many of L'Occitane's beloved lines, including Verbena, Shea Butter, Immortelle, Almond, Cherry Blossom, Rose, and more.

Crackers Collection ($34 CAD): A super fun alternative to your traditional holiday crackers, these contain cute L'Occitane minis. Now that's a cracker I want to pop open!

L’Homme Cédrat Collection ($84): For the men in your life, L’Homme Cédrat is the essence of escape, inspired by the sailors of Arles with a crisp freshness and aquatic notes. This set includes the signature L’Homme Cédrat Cologne Eau de Toilette (75ml), Shower Gel (250ml), After-Shave gel cream (30ml), and Cologne Soap (50g).

Stocking Stuffers for Beauty Lovers

Can you believe Christmas is in less than a month?! I've been working hard to get all my holiday shopping done early and thought I'd share some stocking stuffer ideas for any beauty lovers on your gift list this year.

Being by Sanctuary Spa is a new bath & body line from the UK catered towards millennials. Edgy messaging and unique scents are their M.O. with this Chilli Mango & Tonka Bean Body Mist being one of my faves. Find this in-store at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Next up, these Real Techniques Mini Miracle Complexion Sponges are super cute and perfect for travel or those on-the-go. Find this in-store at London Drugs.

Face masks also make great stocking stuffers and this 7th Heaven Charcoal Peel-Off Face Mask is a fun take on the traditional peel-off mask featuring pressed birch leaf, crushed witch hazel, and activated charcoal. Find this in-store at London Drugs.

If you're looking for some pre-made gift sets, Stila has released some really nice ones this season. The Play it Cool Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Set comes with three deluxe sizes of their beloved matte liquid lipsticks: Baci (nude pink), Patina (dusty rose), and Bacca (raspberry).

For those who are more into defined eye looks, the Stila Big Shots Set comes with full-sizes of their Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner & HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara. I've been a devoted Kat Von D Ink Liner user for years but this summer I received a sample of Stila's liner from a Sephora order and I think I'm going to make the switch -- it's so good!

Lastly, while not quite a beauty product, everyone could use a Saje Peppermint Halo Headache Remedy rollerball. I keep one of these in my desk at work for when I feel a headache coming on.

Showers Inspired by the South of France with Le Petit Marseillais

A few weeks ago, an exciting box arrived in the mail, decked out like a piece of foreign mail and sporting a large "Bonjour!" on the front. The contents? A whole collection of new body washes from the beloved French company, Le Petit Marseillais, which has just launched in Canada.

It's been a few years since I was last in France (Paris, to be exact) and one of the things I do recall fondly is the prevalence of French pharmacies full of personal care products -- many of which I had never seen before. Now, thankfully, North American consumers can get a little taste of the classic French pharmacy with this launch.

Le Petit Marseillais was founded in 1981, finding its beginnings in a simple honeysuckle-scented bar soap. Since then the brand has expanded into an extensive line of body washes inspired by the nature and culture of the south of France. Each body wash, or "shower crème", is gentle on the skin with scents formulated by top perfumers. The result is a truly sensory experience every time you hop in the shower.

Canadians can look forward to the following five scents, although from what I understand there are many more in France. Hopefully we will get a chance to try those one day... I'm dying to try the coconut one!

White Peach & Nectarine is my favourite. It's a fresh fruity fragrance that really does seem to be bursting with juicy peaches and nectarines.

Vanilla Milk is a close second. I love vanilla scents, and this one is a sweet vanilla with subtle hints of ylang ylang and pistachio.

Cotton Milk & Poppy is probably my least favourite of the five. I don't even really know how to describe it; I guess it's supposed to smell like poppies. I think this will appeal to people who don't like fruity or sweet scents though.

Orange Blossom is not an orange or even orange creamsicle scent, as I had initially hoped. Instead, it features notes of orange blossoms layered with jasmine, vanilla, and musk.

Lavender Honey is my boyfriend's favourite. It's a calming lavender that's sweetened heavily by the honey note so I actually like it too (just lavender on its own can sometimes be too much for me).

Stocking Stuffer Ideas from Arbonne, The Body Shop, and PC Home

You guys, today is November 25... that means Christmas is exactly one month away. Yikes! I've been trying to stay on top of my shopping list this year and get it done early but I'm still nowhere near finished. I figured it can't hurt to have a little bit of inspiration though, so if you're looking for some stocking stuffers or ideas for smaller presents, I've rounded up my top picks from a few favourite brands.

Arbonne, for example, always releases a great holiday collection -- so prettily packaged you don't even have to use wrapping paper, and this year's is no exception. Their sets are a little more on the pricey side but the company is known for their use of high quality, natural ingredients.

New for 2016 are the Olive Blossom & Eucalyptus Gift Set ($73), which includes a Cleansing Body Polish and Body Butter, as well as the Shea Butter Collection Hand Trio ($50), featuring three hand lotions in original Shea Butter, Lavender Mint, and Apricot Vanilla. Both are great for scent lovers! As well, Arbonne has brought back the Tahitian Coconut Lip Therapy Set ($50) that I reviewed last year; it's gotten a refresher  with the Lip Salve now coming in a squeeze tube (plus an $8 price decrease!).

Back in October, I also had the pleasure of attending a Holiday 2016 preview for The Body Shop (the same time I was introduced to their face mask line, in fact) and came away with a bunch of products which I'm not only loving, but are just perfect for gifting. Proceeds from selected Christmas gifts go towards their newest campaign too, meaning that for every gift bought, The Body Shop will restore 1 square metre of rainforest in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

I can't get enough of the Love Me Fruity Body Butter Trio ($15 CAD), which includes 50 mL versions of The Body Shop's signature Satsuma, Strawberry, and Coconut Body Butters. These travel-size containers are a serious lifesaver for me on my frequent work trips to Northern British Columbia with its cold and dry weather. The Merry Kiss-mas Born Lippy Lip Care Wand ($20 CAD) features the cutest packaging and five different lip balms (Strawberry, Raspberry, Satsuma, Watermelon, and Passionberry). You could also split it up and use individual lip balms as stocking stuffers -- saving $10 in the process! And if you get the chance, I recommend checking out the new limited edition Vanilla Chai scent... it's seriously yummy. The Vanilla Chai Treat Box ($10 CAD) contains a mini Body Butter and Shower Gel.

If bath and body products aren't your giftee's thing, there are also some really affordable options from PC Home (yes, President's Choice, the brand you can find at Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstore).

I love the idea of putting a nice ornament in someone's stocking and this Gold Geometric Star Ornament ($6 CAD) is super pretty. The PC Life At Home collection also has a couple different hot water bottle options (including some that are made with faux fur), but I personally think the Woven Buffalo Plaid Hot Water Bottle ($15 CAD) would appeal to most people. Plus, who doesn't want something cozy like this to curl up with during the cold weather? For the tea drinker, you can't go wrong with a cute tea pot like this Fair Isle Teapot ($19 CAD) and a lovely hostess gift would be this chic black and gold Bold Cocktail Shaker ($12 CAD).

The Body Shop Piñita Colada Body Butter

I've got a big sneak preview for an exciting range coming to The Body Shop this July... the new special edition Piñita Colada line! It's like the company read my mind and put together my ideal summer scent. I mean, piña coladas are my fave and who can say "no" to the mouthwatering combination of coconut and pineapple?

Lovers of all things tropical can look forward to four new products: Piñita Colada Exfoliating Body Scrub (made with real shredded coconut), Piñita Colada Body Wash, Piñita Colada Body Sorbet, and Piñita Colada Body Butter.

I was sent the Piñita Colada Body Butter and all I can say is I love it. I remember when The Body Shop's Lip and Body Butters were all the rage back in high school and since then, I have always gone back to the Coconut Body Butter time and time again. And now I've got a new favourite to add to my repertoire!

Unlike the Body Sorbet, which is meant as a lightweight moisturizer, Body Butters really pack a punch thanks to the thick texture that still absorbs easily. You really can't ask for anything more rich or hydrating -- especially for quenched skin that's been out in the sun all day.

The Body Shop Spa of the World Body Care

A few months ago, I was invited to preview some new collections from The Body Shop (including their holiday 2015 makeup) and while there was definitely lots to get excited about, I knew without a doubt that I would love their Spa of the World line the most. If you're like me and love a little pamper time, it's seriously all you need to turn your bathroom into a relaxing, blissful "spathroom."

Inspired by ancient beauty rituals from around the globe, each product is made with natural ingredients and features The Body Shop's new packaging (the company has revamped a lot of their product lines to look more sleek and modern).

I moisturize regularly and am always on the look out for the best body butters and creams to keep my skin in tip-top shape. The Hawaiian Kukui Cream ($35 CAD) features kukui seed oil which is supposed to be effective on even the driest of skins. For a more delicate floral scent, the Japanese Camellia Cream ($35 CAD) is a great alternative. Both creams feel velvety soft, absorb easily and feel super rich and luxurious.

The Egyptian Milk & Honey Bath ($20 CAD) is a new-to-me type of bath product. It's a creamy fragrant powder that you scoop under running water and swirl until it's dissolved for the ultimate in bath time relaxation.

If you're looking for a multi-tasker, there's the Polynesian Monoi Radiance Oil ($20 CAD), made with a scented blend of coconut oil and tiare flowers that has apparently been used by the women of the Polynesian islands for two thousand years. It can be massaged into damp skin or combed through damaged hair (similar to MoroccanOil).

Scrubs are a mainstay for me, especially in the winter months thanks to all the dry weather. I'm familiar with salt scrubs like the Dead Sea Salt Scrub ($30 CAD), which delivers exactly as I thought it would.

For something a little different, there's the African Ximenia Scrub ($30 CAD). Ximenia is a type of tree rich in oleic acid, often referred to as the "Tree of Life", and provides a much more gentle exfoliation than the Dead Sea Salt Scrub.

For a truly spa-like experience, the Spa of the World line also includes two very indulgent clay body masks. The Moroccan Rhassoul Body Clay ($22 CAD) tightens and firms, while the Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay ($22 CAD) features purifying charcoal for a radiant glow. Of course, it can be a bit awkward applying a body mask in the shower but The Body Shop is thankfully also offering a new Body Mask Brush ($10 CAD), which allows you to paint on thin layers of the masks in long strokes.

Overall, I really like this new line -- there is a lot of variety and the products feel high quality. The price point is a bit higher than The Body Shop's other offerings but nothing unreasonable. Plus, you get a lot for what you're paying... the tubs of creams and scrubs are huge. With Christmas coming up, something from Spa of the World would absolutely make a great gift or stocking stuffer for a spa-loving friend... or you might just be tempted to buy a treat for yourself instead!

Arbonne Holiday 2015

Can you believe Christmas is basically a month away? Craziness. I'm sure some of you have already gotten your shopping well under way, but if you're looking for ideas, apparently this week marks the launch of holiday gift guide talk on my blog (see previous post).

Arbonne is another company that has some really cute gift sets that are sure to delight those on your shopping lists -- especially if you're looking for products made with natural ingredients. I have three to share with you today, each of which comes neatly packaged in festive boxes.

The Good Cheer Shower Gel Set ($50 CAD) is perfect for anyone who loves a nice bath or shower (... so basically everyone). It comes with three shower gels featuring all-natural scents, each made with a blend of essential oils: Fig Blossom, Mandarin Pomegranate, and Ginger Citrus. These are not thick shower creams but true gels and a little goes a long way.

For a gift with a bit more variety, plus a delightful tropical scent, there is the Pineapple Papaya Gift Set ($54 CAD). It comes with a Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Moisturizing Lip Balm. The Shower Gel features mango fruit extract and orange flower extract, while the Body Lotion contains orange peel extract and avocado oil for optimal moisturizing.

Lastly, the Tahitian Coconut Lip Therapy Set ($58 CAD) would make a great small gift or stocking stuffer (although I realize it's on the expensive side), and is definitely my favourite of the three sets I'm featuring today. I love coconut and these two products will leave lips feeling extra soft, smooth, and hydrated. The Lip Smoother is a very gentle scrub with fine grains to exfoliate dry, flaky skin, and the Lip Salve is a hydrating balm with a slight shine that's not sticky or too glossy.

Find all of Arbonne's Holiday 2015 products online.

LUSH Holiday 2015 Party

A few weeks ago, I headed out to my first official holiday party of the season, hosted by none other than LUSH Cosmetics. The company always comes out with amazing products that are perfect for gifting and I love seeing what they come up with every year.

At the Soap Bar, we got a chance to preview the limited edition holiday soaps: Old Father Time, Snowcake, Reindeer Rock, Baked Alaska, and Yog Nog. I had no idea how detailed and intricate the soap designs are before they are cut. I mean, how amazing is Old Father Time? And Baked Alaska looks like a giant bath bomb on the outside!

The LUSH team also had lots of fun activity stations set up for us -- my favourite of which included making our very own bath bombs. Hot baths are, at minimum, a weekly occurrence for me in the winter time and LUSH can do no wrong when it comes to bath products. 

We also got to see how the fresh face masks are made with a demo for Don't Look At Me (which I have previously reviewed here). It's actually quite an elaborate process but was a great way to see just how fresh all the ingredients are.

In addition to Don't Look At Me, I was sent home with a pot of the Cranberry Festive Face Mask, inspired by traditional Christmas ingredients like cranberries and fennel. Cranberries are chock-full of antioxidants so this mask is a great treat for dull and dry winter skin.

If you're stumped on what to buy for certain people on your shopping list this year, I feel like you really can't go wrong with a LUSH gift set. I've both given and received them, and there's definitely something for everyone. Secret Santa would obviously be good for a Secret Santa gift exchange (shocker), while 12 Days of Christmas is a fun spin on the whole beauty advent calendar concept.

LUSH Cosmetics Halloween 2015

In what has basically become a blog tradition (see my posts from  2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014), I am super excited to share some new products from LUSH Cosmetics that have been released for Halloween 2015. Even better, they both smell like candy -- just like the kind you'd collect if you were going trick 'o treating!

Building on its popular Lord of Misrule Bath Bomb, which is thankfully available again this year, LUSH has released the new Lord of Misrule Shower Cream ($9.95 to $32.95 CAD) for those of you who prefer showers over baths. The herbal blend of patchouli, peppercorn, black pepper, and Fair Trade Vanilla Absolute is both sweet and a little bit spicy... it's perfect for lathering up as the nights get more chilly. The bright green cream features very tiny specks of shimmer and the organic wheatgerm oil provides a moisturizing treat for the skin.

For a bit of fun, there is also the Nightwing Shower Gelly ($6.95 CAD). It's a bat shape with the cutest face and a scent so fruity (thanks to the lime juice) that I wish I could eat it. I love to keep this in my fridge and pull it out in the mornings for a cool and refreshing rinse.

The Sparkling Pumpkin Bubble Bar from last year is also back, in addition to some cute Halloween-themed gift sets featuring all of these products. Find everything online or in stores.

Jealous Body Scrub

Coffee scrubs have been popping up all over the Internet these days so I was excited when Jealous Body Scrub asked me if I'd like to try their product. Not only was this my first foray into the world of coffee scrubs, but the company is also based in Vancouver and you know how much I love supporting local businesses!

One package of Jealous Body Scrub costs $17.95 and is made with 100% natural ingredients: premium Robusta coffee grounds, organic cold-pressed coconut oil, raw brown sugar, sea salt, vitamin E, and minerals to protect and repair the skin. The combination of these ingredients smells absolutely delicious. When I first opened the package I seriously could not stop sniffing it.

The company claims the product will reduce the appearance of cellulite, eczema, stretch marks, age spots, varicose veins, psoriasis and acne. However, you don't have to worry about dryness either as the cold-pressed coconut oil hydrates your skin at the same time (a lot of people use coconut oil as a moisturizer so this is no surprise). If you're interested in learning about how all the ingredients work, I suggest reading these FAQs, as Jealous has done a far better job explaining things than I ever could.

As for usage, this product should definitely be used in the bath or shower because it is messy. You wet your skin first so that the scrub actually sticks and rub it in circular motions, leaving it on for 5-10 minutes so it has time to do its work... After rinsing the scrub off, skin is left feeling super smooth and moisturized. I can see getting addicted to this for sure.

LUSH Valentine's Day 2015

Valentine's Day is creeping up again... which means some fun limited edition offerings from LUSH Cosmetics! As I have been indulging in regular bubble baths lately, LUSH kindly sent over a few new bath treats to try out.

Lonely Heart Bubble Bar ($7.95) gives off a kind of a woodsy vibe thanks to a combination of lemongrass, bergamot, jasmine, and ylang ylang. It's the perfect scent to cozy up with in a bath on a cold night. LUSH seems to be on a big gold lustre kick with its products lately... pretty much every new collection features a gold glitter bomb of some sort. While I do love the look, the glitter can be a pain as it gets everywhere.

Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar ($7.95) is my favourite of the three products I'm showcasing today. First off, how pretty are the rainbow swirls and embedded stars? Not to mention the fact that it's huge (see the size compared to Lonely Heart). You can easily break this into two or even three pieces to get more uses. Lavender, ylang ylang, and neroli also blend to create a really nice uplifting scent.

Cupid's Love Soap ($6.95) is a fruity soap scented with bergamot, rosewood oil, fresh figs, and passionfruit. I am almost positive this is the same as the Neon Love Soap from last year but sadly can't compare. However, I seem to recall a similar fragrance and the design is the exact same with the cute heart inlay.

A number of other 2014 favourites are back again too, like the Love Locket Bath Bomb and Prince Charming Shower Gel. Be sure to check out last year's post for a run-down!

Rocky Mountain Soap Company Opens in Vancouver

I first encountered Rocky Mountain Soap Company when I lived in Calgary (the company started in Canmore, Alberta), and then again when I attended the ChickAdvisor Showcase this past summer. As a Canadian-owned and -operated business, Rocky Mountain specializes in 100% natural and toxin-free products, using only the finest essential oils, pure natural beeswax, food grade vegetable oils, real grains, fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables.

With this philosophy, it makes perfect sense that the company has decided to expand to Vancouver where we obviously love everything green and environmentally conscious. This month sees the opening of two new concept stores: one downtown in the Bentall Centre and the other in Burnaby at Metrotown.

I was kindly sent a few products to test out and I have really been enjoying their addition to my usual skincare routine. At bedtime, I begin by applying 2 pumps of the Rosehip Transformative Cleansing Oil to a cotton pad. The oil is fairly good at wiping away makeup and dirt but if I'm wearing a lot of makeup, I do prefer to do a full wash with a cleanser first. Next, I spritz on the Aloe Vera Hydrating Toner and wipe it off with a cotton pad. I prefer natural toners like this one since many commercial toners contain alcohol which can be very drying. I usually alternate moisturizers depending on how my skin is feeling, but have been experimenting with the Pomegranate Day Cream every few days. The cream feels light but rich and absorbs quickly. The best part, however, is the scent which I can really only describe as "delicious" (ha ha, sorry that is so not descriptive).

Rocky Mountain Soap Company was founded in 1995 to make natural soap by hand so trying their soap is a must as well. The Sugar Plum Soap is a limited edition holiday product which would make a great stocking stuffer. The scent is subtle but a little spicy and the bar contains gorgeous purple swirls throughout, making it a pretty addition to your sink or bathtub as well.

L'Occitane En Provence: Arlésienne

L'Occitane En Provence has always been one of those brands I keep meaning to try more of but never get around to for one reason or another. It's a shame really because I actually do like the products I have tried -- especially their Cherry Blossom Hand Cream, which comes packaged in L'Occitane's iconic painter tube. That's all about to change, however, since their gorgeous new flagship store happens to be very close to my office (hello lunch break pit stop!). I was lucky enough to be invited to their recent opening event where I was able to admire the thoughtful store design, learn more about the brand, its history, and explore some of their collections.

For those not familiar with the brand, L'Occitane is a family-owned French company that prides itself on its unique ingredients and signature scents. As I went around the store testing out products it became apparent to me that if you're looking for a good fragrance that's delicate, well-crafted, and not overpowering, this is where you should come.

This winter, they've released a new line called Arlésienne for Holiday 2014. Inspired by women in the South of France, the fragrance subtly blends saffron, rose, and violet. I usually don't like florals but Arlésienne is definitely an exception. The scent is sweet and feminine without being cloying and is perfect for daytime wear. I wish there was a way to transmit scent over the Internet because I would if I could -- it smells so good!

Shower Cream ($22 CAD) and EDT ($48 CAD) (c/o)

Be sure to check out the new collection, as well as L'Occitane's carefully curated gift sets for those on your Christmas shopping list. And if you're in Vancouver, the new store at the corner of Robson and Burrard is an absolute must-see.

LUSH Cosmetics Halloween 2014

I've been posting about LUSH Cosmetics' Halloween collections for the past few years (see 2011, 2012, and 2013) so it should come as no surprise to anyone that I was excited to see what was new for 2014. Here are just a few offerings you should check out -- and be sure to get to them quick since they're limited edition...

Clockwise from left: Lord of Misrule, Sparkler Bath Bomb, Sparkling Pumpkin Bubble Bar

I wrote about  the Lord of Misrule Bath Bomb ($7.95 CAD) last year and apparently it was such a fan favourite that it's back again this year (though there does appear to be a $2 price increase). Featuring the world's first Fair Trade Vanilla Absolute, this bath bomb dissolves slowly to reveal a wine-coloured centre and popping candy. Add in a combo of spicy black pepper oil and soothing patchouli and it's a great treat for cold nights.

The new Sparkler Bath Bomb ($6.95 CAD) differs from LUSH's typical spherical bath bombs with its rod-like shape. Its centre is filled with gold glitter and popping candies so it creates the sound and appearance of exploding fireworks as it dissolves. Fun!

Also new for Halloween 2014 is the Sparkling Pumpkin Bubble Bar ($7.95 CAD). It reminds me a lot of the of Golden Egg bath bomb that was out this Easter since it's covered in PET-free gold luster. Unlike Golden Egg's caramel scent, however, this bubble bar is fragranced with Orange Flower Absolute, Blackcurrant Absolute, Juniper Berry and Lime Oils for a more citrus-y kick.

GIVEAWAY: Obiqo Skincare {CLOSED}

Since I'm away on vacation right now, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to host a giveaway! And what's better than some super luxe skincare to pamper your body in the summer heat?

Obiqo Skincare is a range of sea-inspired products coming all the way from New Zealand, which features ingredients such as nutrient-rich sea kelp and anti-ageing marine extracts. Since my skin has been feeling a little weather-worn these days from too much sun, I've been actively using the Silky Body Butter and Refreshing Body Wash, which I was sent by the company to try out.

Both products are made with marine extracts and sea lavender sourced directly from New Zealand. The body butter is super creamy and rich but still absorbs well into the skin. The body wash is great as well; my favourite part is the scent which I can best describe as being somewhat spicy. It's the same scent as the body butter but stronger and really awakens the senses on sleepy mornings.

Now for the fun part... Want to win your own Refreshing Body Wash and Silky Body Butter? Just enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway open to Canadian residents only (sorry!) and ends August 18. Good luck!

Reader Reviews: Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel

Last month, I shared my thoughts on the new Skintimate® Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel and offered some of my readers the chance to test out the product for themselves. They've been sending me their reviews over the past few weeks and it's pretty clear that this new shave gel is a big hit! Here's what they had to say:

I have used [the Mandarin Burst Shave Gel) a few times since receiving it and I really like it. Just a little bit of the gel foams up into a thick, rich lather that is easy to apply. My legs were left feeling soft and smooth with no irritation at all. I also love the smell of the Shave Gel. It has a lot of citrusy fragrance which I love. I would definitely purchase this in the future.
- Brenda

The Skintimate moisturizing shaving gel product was a pleasure to review! Luscious and refreshing! Skintimate moisturizing shave gel gave me a perfect divine shave. A great smooth and silky texture with a fresh spring scent. Only a very small amount turned into a terrific foam! What a cost saver. It left my skin feeling very well moisturized and soft and it had an unbeatable razor protection. The gel was very soothing and the Mandarin Burst scent was a luxurious scent that lasted for a while. As a first time user of this brand, I am now hooked!
- Amy

I have been complaining for what seems like forever about this winter. It has been harsh and drying on every part of my body. Lately, I saw some hopeful glimpses of Spring and my heart went all aflutter - until I realized... My legs are not the least bit ready!

To say I've been neglecting them since before the snow fell, would be a complete understatement. Shaving only when I absolutely had to, moisturizing on the rare occasion and exfoliating when I could bring myself to. My legs retaliated by becoming dry and prickly and are now begging for some moisturizing attention S.T.A.T!

I am equipped with a pair of handy dandy exfoliating gloves, a brand new blade in my razor and Skintimates Signature Scents Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel - I think I am adequately prepared! My husband thought his suggestion of the possible need for some hedging shears was pretty witty - I thought it was a bit of an exaggeration... :)

After a little exfoliation TLC I'm ready to put Skintimate's shave gel to the ultimate test. Mandarin Burst is the newest scent in Skintimates Signature Scents collection and it is a wonderful mixture of fresh mandarin, lemon, limes & maybe a touch of something a little floral. The blend of citrus is sure to be a great start to your morning shower routine it is bright and refreshing. Just a little shave gel turns into a foamy, rich lather that I can immediately feel the 6 moisturizers (including antioxidant Vitamin E and Olive Butter) soaking into my parched skin. One of the reasons I like to use a shaving gel is so I can make little paths with each swipe of the razor. This way I know exactly where I've shaved, it also helps protect from those little nicks and cuts that inevitably happen especially near that pesky ankle area! My legs feel soft and smooth and my heart is aflutter once again.

I finish the whole process by rubbing in an extra layer of cream on and then tada! my legs are almost shorts worthy. I might need to apply a little self tanner on though, if only not to blind my neighbors when the sun reflects off my pale, albeit smooth, hydrated, moisturized legs. ;)

I love the scent of the new Skintimate shave gel - it smells absolutely delicious! I also found that it was very hydrating and left my skin very soft. I will be purchasing some again. :)
- Donna

I received a Skintimate® Signature Scents® Mandarin Burst shave gel in the mail today and was so excited to try it. Shaving is part of my daily routine so having a gel that was tailored for women is always appreciated. I am all about the scent of products, and this scent was gentle and refreshing. A scent that will give me that energizing boost I need in the morning. I liked the nice pink colour, as well as the creamy lather the gel had. I find my skin can be very dry and itchy, and this gel has the moisturizing content I need to help with both these issues. The Skintimate® Signature Scents® Mandarin Burst gets five stars from me, I will definitely continue to use this product.
- Lori

The Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel has a clean citrusy scent that's very fresh and invigorating. The gel formula is incredibly easy to apply in an even layer - a lot easier than any other shaving gels I've tried! It doesn't get lumpy at all. While it coats my legs evenly, it's not too thick to be easily removed with one swipe of the razor. Result: no messy shaving! The scent of the shaving gel lingered on my skin after shaving, and it left my legs incredibly smooth. I always have razor bumps after shaving my legs, but I'm happy to say my legs were bump free after using this gel!
- Annick

It has been a few years since I have last used a shaving gel so I was excited to try it. I didn’t stop because I didn’t like them it was more that I didn’t have time to use it anymore – showering time is at a premium with 2 kids now.

I have used it twice this week and my favorite part is the scent. It was so refreshing.

Pros: The smell. It left my skin feeling smooth and soft. I like that it comes out as gel and foams up. A little goes a long way. The SMELL!

Cons: The metal can – I wish the bottom wasn’t metal because it tends to rust when left in the shower. I found that once it foamed it seems to run off my leg fairly quickly so I had to shave fast.

Overall, I would recommend the product.
- Angie

The Skintimate Signature Scents Mandarin Burst shave gel comes in a very colourful can that is eye-catching. It would catch my attention on a shelf with other shave gels. The product dispenses easily and evenly. I enjoyed the citrus smell of this shave gel. It's subtle and not too over-powering. The shave gel lathers up into a nice, rich lather. While shaving, my razor just glided over my skin giving me a close shave. I usually just use soap when I'm shaving and I realized how much better this shave gel was. There was no tugging or pulling of my skin like I sometimes get with soap and the areas I shaved felt soft and moisturized. Overall, I was very impressed with this shave gel and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others!
- Amy

The first thing that jumps out at me is the scent! It's so delicious and absolutely perfect for spring/summer. It's sweet but also fruity, citrusy and refreshing. The pump helps to dispense the gel and the gel foams very nicely without much effort. This shave gel helps me to get a closer shave so I am not left with a stranded hair! Overall it made my shaving experience easier, more fun, and more luxurious.
- Angela

I have used Skintimate shave gels before and I would purchase them again so it was nice to try this new scent. The mandarin scent is definitely nice. I like how it smells refreshing. This shave gel produces a nice lather and leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized.
- Tina

---

Huge thank you to these ladies for participating in this rate & review campaign! After inputting your names into a random number generator, I'm also pleased to offer a $100 VISA gift card to one of you...

Congratulations to Angie!!

New Lady Speed Stick Nutra-Skin Antiperspirant

With Spring finally here (and Summer kind of... sort of on the horizon), I've been on a major mission to repair and condition my skin after months of colder weather. If you're like me, not only are your hands and feet in need of some serious TLC but other parts of your body are also feeling the effects of a long Winter. This, of course, includes your delicate underarm skin, which has likely been parched from dry air, irregular shaving, and a season of tight knits.

However, thankfully there's now a solution to this problem! The new Lady Speed Stick Nutra-Skin antiperspirant, formulated with Vitamin E and over 30% skin conditioning agents, was specifically created to help soothe dry skin while providing 24-hour wetness and odour protection. Win-win, am I right?

Lady Speed Stick has always been a go-to brand of mine, and Nutra-Skin boasts the "24 hour efficacy in an invisible formula" that the brand is known for. Admittedly, I haven't yet had to put the "24 hour" wear time to the test, but it does appear to wear well throughout the day. The antiperspirant also features a new scent that smells incredibly fresh and clean.

Lady Speed Stick Nutra-Skin is now available at major retailers across Canada in two formats: roll-on (50 mL) and stick (45 grams). The suggested retail price is also only $2.99 CAD but there's currently a special offer on SnapSaves for $1 off so you can try it at even greater discount. Meaning: there's really no excuse not to try it for yourself!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all opinions, as always, are my own.

GIVEAWAY: Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel {CLOSED}

Launching this month is the Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel, a brand new scent in the Skintimate® Signature Scents® line. I typically use body wash to shave but when I was sent this new shave gel in the mail, I decided it couldn't hurt to give it a try.

Featuring the citrusy fragrance of mandarin oranges, lemons and limes, this shave gel smells great and rather refreshing. It's definitely a great pick-me-up for tired mornings. The product foams into a rich lather, and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth. This is probably due in large part to the moisturizers, vitamins, and olive butter in the ingredients. Perfect for smoothing out that rough Winter skin!

Want to try this product out for yourself? Well, I've got an amazing giveaway for you all! 10 readers will win their own cannister of Skintimate® Signature Scents® Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel to test out for themselves. Then, send me your review of the product and I'll randomly pick 1 of the 10 winners' reviews to win a $100 VISA gift card!

HOW TO ENTER:

1. You must follow my blog on Bloglovin'.
2. Leave a comment below with your name and e-mail address so I can contact you.

Open to Canadian residents only (sorry!). Giveaway ends March 18.