London Drugs #LDBeauty: Fall/Winter 2018 Launches to Look Out For

Last week was an absolute whirlwind... not only did I get married (more on that to come), but just a few days before the wedding I also headed up to Whistler for the #LDBeauty event where we got to preview a ton of exciting beauty launches coming to London Drugs.

The event took place over two days, with a "trade show" (where we got to go around meet all the different vendors and learn about their products) followed by a dinner sponsored by Cover Girl on the first day and a Neostrata workshop on the second day. We came home with a ton of different products which I'm looking forward to trying and reviewing on the blog over the next while but in the mean time, I wanted to share a few of the launches I'm most excited about.

Do you remember when Juicy Couture launched its first eponymous fragrance back in 2006? The gorgeous glass bottle was everything. I bought it as soon as it came out but for some reason my body chemistry didn't really agree with the fragrance blend which was a major bummer. However, the 2018 Juicy Couture Oui is right up my alley. It's light and fruity with top notes of watermelon, acai berry, tea, and pear - yum! Also, I'm loving the 2000s throwback vibe... brings me right back to middle school/high school which was such a fun and carefree time.

I've posted about KISS products a number of times before (here, here, and here). The company is best known for its lashes and nail products, of which there are some very exciting new designs coming out including chrome nails! However, they're now moving into skincare with a line of face masks. Check out the 24K gold peel-off mask!

Skincare seemed to feature most prominently in the launches at #LDBeauty this year which I loved since I became pretty obsessed with my skin in the lead up to the wedding. I'm also in my 30s so keeping my skin in tip-top condition is now a major priority.

The Prevage Progressive Renewal Treatment is being touted as an at-home chemical peel that's safe to use and considerably cheaper than going to a dermatologist (I believe the price was around $243 for the box).

Retinol is also super big right now (or maybe it just piqued my interest the most since I have been loving the addition of retinol to my skincare routine). StriVectin S.T.A.R. Light™ Retinol Night Oil is a fast absorbing dry-finish oil that works overnight. The Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules, another night treatment, deliver potent doses of retinol through single-use capsules.

For those interested in more natural skincare, look out for Derma E which was a new-to-me brand. They offer a seriously impressive range of products to target whatever concern you might have. Even better, they're packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and botanicals so you can feel good about what you're putting on your skin.

I know it's only October but in the beauty world, Fall also means holiday launches! I often post about offerings from Burt's Bees (see here and here), and it looks like this year won't disappoint. If you're on the hunt for a beauty advent calendar, look no further than the NYX Sugar Trip Advent Calendar packed with 24 days of amazing products from lipsticks and glosses to blush and highlighter. It would make the ultimate present for someone... or even yourself!

London Drugs never ceases to amaze me with the amount of beauty and skincare products they sell. In fact, I feel like the brands they offer just keep getting better and better as each year passes. Plus, how convenient is it that the store is also a one-stop shop for food, home products, electronics, and everything else you might need? If you don't live in Western Canada, don't forget you can also shop online.

Di Morelli Skin Care

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a special VIP lunch at Market by Jean-Georges at the Shangri-La hotel with Di Morelli Skin Care. The brand was founded by Dr. Robert Morell of the Medical Rejuvenation Centre here in Vancouver and features a range of "cosmeceuticals" (a combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals with biologically active ingredients).

While we dined on some seriously delicious food, Dr. Morell and his staff walked us through a few of the key products in the Di Morelli Skin Care line aimed at targeting certain key concerns like anti-aging and brightening. Dr. Morell explained why he decided on which ingredients to include in each product, which I should also note are 100% Canadian developed, manufactured, and warehoused.

Since I am especially concerned with sun protection, it was interesting to learn about the differences between basic drugstore sunscreens, which only protect the skin from UVB rays (burning) versus cosmeceutical sunscreens, which also protect the skin from UVA rays (a cause of premature aging).

SPF 35 is made with micronized zinc oxide to protect against both UVA and UVB, and dries to a matte finish, making it an acceptable base for makeup. I have been using this daily and I like it a lot although it does smell like your typical sunscreen (no fancy scents... it's all business with this one).

I can't wait to try out more products from Di Morelli and lucky for us all, the brand is now available at Nordstrom Vancouver.

FOTD: Kiss New York Professional Cosmetics & Natural Flourish Blooming Lash

Aside from Makeup Revolution, one of the other hot new launches I got to preview at the London Drugs Beauty Event (#LDBeauty) a few months ago was Kiss New York Professional Cosmetics. If the logo looks familiar to you, you might recognize it from the company's popular lineup of false nails and false lashes; and now they've released a line of makeup as well!

I received a selection of products to play with and decided to create a full face look since I haven't done one in a while.

On my eyes, I am wearing the Single Eyeshadow in "Insomnia" which is a shimmery copper shade. Kiss Pro Cosmetics offers a staggering array of single eyeshadows (literally every colour of the rainbow) and I was really impressed with the pigmentation and formula. Next, I used the Top Brow Sculpting Brow Pencil to shape my brows and then filled them in with the Top Brow Fine Precision Brow Pencil. The Fine Precision Brow Pencil is the closest dupe I have found to my fave Anastasia Brow Wiz and at half the price!

To add some dimension to my face, I used the Contour Kit in "Light". It features a highlighter, bronzer, and contour shade and also comes with a free brush. This kit is probably a little too light for my summer tan but a great option if you're on the paler side.

On my lips, I applied the Moisture Tattoo Lip Stain in "Pink Punk". In the tube it looks like it's going to be creamy so I was surprised once it was finally on. The result is a glossy pout that dries down to a natural-looking pink stain with wear.

To finish off the look, I decided to experiment with some falsies I received last week at the Kiss Fall/ Holiday 2016 Preview. This Fall, Kiss is launching a line called Natural Flourish Blooming Lash. All the lashes in this collection feature a 3-level variation on a single lash band to mimic the way lashes normally grow and create a more multi-dimensional look from the side when worn. Each package comes with adhesive and they do feel quite light and comfy on. I'm wearing the style "Jasmine."

Find Kiss New York Professional Cosmetics at London Drugs.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Vancouver"

I've already shared my excitement about Makeup Revolution, a new line coming to Canada that I was introduced to at the London Drugs Beauty Event (#LDBeauty) last month. However, we also got the opportunity to play with some new launches from brands that are already well-established here.

Those brands included one of my faves, NYX Cosmetics, and their new Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Vancouver" was definitely one of the stars of the show.

Thanks to Jenn from A Beautiful Zen for snapping this pic of me getting my swatch on!

The Soft Matte Lip Creams are a unique formulation: neither a lipgloss nor a lipstick. While they come in lipgloss-style packaging (tube and doe foot applicator), the texture is very creamy like a mousse and sets to a pigmented semi-matte finish. It's not a typical matte if you are looking for that type of look but the formula does mean it feels quite comfortable on the lips.

The shades are all named after cities around the world so it was very fitting that "Vancouver" was being featured at #LDBeauty. It's a gorgeous deep purple shade which honestly seems a bit weird for a Vancouver-themed beauty product. We have such a mild climate with next to no snow and I view this as being very Fall/Winter.

I'm not complaining though! I actually love wearing deep gothy lip colours like this and you can bet I will definitely be rocking this in the cooler months.

Find this Soft Matte Lip Cream along with other NYX Cosmetics at London Drugs.

A Pinterest-Worthy Picnic with President's Choice Insiders Collection

Since I'm recapping events this week, I wanted to share some images from a very Pinterest-worthy picnic I attended with President's Choice last month. The event showcased some must-try products from the PC Insiders Collection which can be used for all those fun summer events you've got planned -- whether it's a picnic, BBQ, or road trip.

We started our own "road trip" with a bike ride around the Seawall (I bike the Seawall often and it's one of my favourite summer activities) from Yaletown to Stanley Park. Once in Stanley Park, we then headed over to the Stanley Park Pavilion where we happened upon this gorgeous outdoor picnic setup.

Nothing better than dining al fresco, am I right? Us lucky attendees were fed a veritable feast made using products from the PC Insiders Collection, including fresh salads, salmon and bison burgers, lamb flatbreads. and more. Even better, most of the recipes and serving ideas can be found on the PC Insiders website (grouped by activity choice), making entertaining easy for all of us home cooks who want to recreate them.

Also, Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream, you guys. I am so stocking my freezer with this and I'm betting a lot of you will too. Yum!

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.

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.

Simply Summer

Last week was jam-packed with events, including the London Drugs #LDBeauty Preview, a nail art tutorial with Rita Remark of Essie, a picnic with Almay, and live reviewing products at the ChickAdvisor ShowCase. I also saw Aaron Carter in concert for the second time (because, you know, reliving my pre-teen years is always fun). I'm now finally getting a bit of a reprieve from the craziness - just in time for the official start of summer! This also means I've been embracing some pretty simple dressing... a comfy black dress (with some peekaboo action) and sandals are A+ in my books.

P.S. Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram for real-time updates of everything I'm getting up to!

Dress: Wilfred Free (Aritzia) / Sandals: French Connection (here)

Bracelet: Zara (similar) / Sunglasses: Michael Kors (c/o) (similar)

LE CHÂTEAU New Concept Store at Richmond Centre

Yesterday, LE CHÂTEAU debuted its newly renovated concept store at Richmond Centre, which I was excited to check out since it's been a while since I last shopped there.

The new store is super nice, with glass display cases and so many clothes to choose from. The layout is also really easy to navigate, with three separated sections: womenswear in the centre (featuring a range of casual to dressy), menswear on the left, and special events (think prom/cocktail parties/formals) on the right. 

Of course, I couldn't say "no" to a little shopping of my own... I am obsessed with this wrap-style dress (left) that I purchased, which will be perfect for work. I passed on the blouse (middle) though I loved the pop of citron, but did end up picking up the striped maxi (right) for summertime wearing. Unrelated: is it just me or are fitting room selfies really hard to take?!

If you happen to be in Richmond, be sure to check out the new LE CHÂTEAU! Lots of great Spring/Summer pieces are in-store and, in my opinion, it's never too early to start getting ready for the warm weather ahead.

Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliqués: Royal Burgundy

One of the beauty collaborations I'm most excited for this Fall is the limited edition Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliqués™ Collection, set to come out this October. Collaborating with Revlon, Marchesa founders Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman have translated their couture gowns into a set of eight intricate textured nail appliqués that I'm pretty sure many nail art addicts will want to get their hands on.

As you can see, the rich metallics, intricate prints, and lavish colours are accented with opulent jewels and dainty beads. Very Marchesa and very gorgeous.

Lucky for this nail art addict, I received a set of the Royal Burgundy appliqués from the #blogvancity event I recently spoke at (see recaps on J's blog and Sheila's blog) and figured that my (belated) birthday party this past weekend warranted just the occasion to wear them. I'm sure I'm not the only one who loves "special occasion nails"!

Unlike the more complicated processes of some other nail wraps (example), I found applying these relatively hassle-free. All you need to do is start with clean nails, apply the stickers that fit, and file off the edges. To make the process even easier, included in each pack is a mini nail file and cuticle stick. Since I wear my nails short, I also used scissors to cut off the excess sticker before filing.

With minimal work, my nails ended up looking perfectly Fall-appropriate with this beautiful burgundy and gold design inspired by this dress. I haven't been able to stop staring at them!

Wear time on these nail wraps was okay but they did start showing tip wear on the second day (the overlay rubbed off to reveal white underneath). I'm not sure if this is because of my vigorous filing or not, but because the designs are so intricate it actually wasn't very noticeable.

The Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliqués™ are limited edition and will be available at drugstores and mass retailers for $8.95 CAD. I know I'm planning on collecting a few designs... who else is with me?

Insta-Life / Insta-Beauty

Can you believe it's already August? I feel like time has just flown by. Since things were so busy at the beginning of summer (my trip to Hawaii, moving, work, and life in general), I'm really hoping to make the most of what's left. So while I'm relaxing this long weekend (Happy BC Day!), here's a recap of what I've been up to lately...

Early birthday present from my boyfriend: Biria CitiBike 700C Step-Through 7 Speed... just need to get a wicker basket!

A little something from Louis Vuitton: monogram vernis key pouch in Pomme D'Amour

Adding some fun to my drink with these heart-shaped ice cubes

Gorgeous trees during a hike at Lynn Valley in North Vancouver

Kamei Baru grand opening party

Warming up with some ramen on a cool summer night

Last month I also introduced a new "Insta-Beauty" round-up blog feature, and have another set of products that I've been experimenting with to share with you all.

Firstly, Revlon's #DareToWearBlue campaign presented the fun challenge of creating a bold blue eye look with the PhotoReady Primer + Shadow palette in Avant Garde plus a few other products. The Lash Potion mascara comes in some of the prettiest mascara packaging I've ever seen but unfortunately the formula is too wet to hold a curl in my straight Asian lashes. The PhotoReady Kajal Intense Eye Liner + Brightener pencils are double-ended so that you can line with the darker side and use the lighter side on your water line. I've been loving blue liner lately so I particularly like Blue Nile.

Schick recently introduced their new Hydro Silk Disposables, a disposable version of their popular Hydro Silk Razor (which I previously reviewed here). These razors are almost identical to the originals, featuring the same moisture-replenishing benefits and Water-Activated Moisturizing Serum, except they have the added bonus of convenience/portability. The next time I travel somewhere these will definitely be my razors of choice.

Another exciting nail polish launch is on its way this September from AVON as well. Urban Splatter will feature six sheer colours with matte black & white flecks that can be worn alone or over another nail polish. The bases are quite sheer so I prefer to layer these but they're an interesting take on the standard glitter polish. They actually remind me a lot of the Maybelline ColorShow Polka Dots collection I've been seeing a lot of lately.

As always, don't forget to follow me on Instagram if you're not doing so already! My username is @alison_elle.

Insta-Beauty: AVON Fiji Paradise, Lise Watier Something Sweet & Sun Destination, Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spa Masks, London Drugs Fall Cosmetics Preview, and Philosophy Turn Back Time

In reviewing some of my recent Instagram snapshots, a common theme emerged: beauty, beauty, and more beauty. So without further ado, here's a product-themed round-up!

Summer collections, as I mentioned in this post, have been simply amazing this year and AVON Fiji Paradise is no exception. I've especially been loving the All-Over Face Powder (a gorgeous gradient blush) and the new Speed Dry+ Nail Enamels (Teal Appeal is the perfect pedi colour).

Lise Watier, one of my favourite Canadian brands, has also been churning out some really interesting products lately. Their new perfume, Something Sweet, is a gourmand scent that's actually quite fresh at the same time. The fragrance is exclusive to Shoppers Drug Mart, with a roll-on set to be released next month. Rounding out the collection is the adorable macaron-inspired Sweet Lips lip balm which comes in three flavours: Berries, Chocolate, and Pistachio. Yum!

To keep my Hawaiian tan alive, I've been using Lise Watier's limited edition Sun Destination Collection. The Sun Bronzing Powder is gigantic and reminiscent of some much more expensive Guerlain bronzers, plus the Illuminating Bronzing Gel mixes well with makeup bases to give a nice glow.

Montagne Jeunesse, a drugstore staple brand, has been my go-to for skin pampering lately. The new Clay Spa masques are infused into natural bamboo fabric to allow for deep cleaning without the typical mess (once you're done, the clay gently lifts away with the fabric). Supplementing these masques is the new Exotic Fruits collection, which contains "freshly squeezed" ingredients and smells delicious.

In addition to testing out all of these wonderful products, I've also been busy attending a few fun beauty events/product launches. Here's a peek at what I've been up to...


London Drugs Fall Cosmetics Preview

London Drugs sure knows how to throw a party, as those of us invited to their Fall Cosmetics Preview quickly found out. Whisked away on helicopters, we were flown to a private airplane hangar where we got the scoop on the upcoming product launches at London Drugs (trust me when I say there's a lot to get excited about).

Representatives from many different beauty brands were present to give makeovers, tips, and demos. We also got a chance to play with the new products before they even hit the shelves. For a beauty blogger, this was seriously like being a kid in a candy store!

Here are just a few of the things you can look forward to seeing at London Drugs over the next few months:

Mineral Fusion nail polish, NYX, Maybelline

Revlon Skinlights, Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Ibiza, Maybelline Fit Me Stick Foundation, Layla Pro Nail Polish, Annabelle Twist Up Lipstick

Philosophy Turn Back Time

Last week, I also attended the launch of Philosophy's latest product, Time in a Bottle. This age-defying serum is formulated with a breakthrough DNA renewal complex and high-potency vitamin C8 activator (which you mix in yourself using a mini funnel). I'm consistently impressed with Philosophy so I can't wait to try out this product.

Phew, that was a jam-packed post! Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more of my beauty updates - my username is @alison_elle.