Spring 2019 Beauty Faves

The weather is finally turning (this week it's supposed to go as high as 17 °C!) and Spring is officially around the corner. What better time to review some of my current beauty faves, especially since they're all products that will be taking me into the new season?

My absolute superstar #1 fave that I used all Winter long is the StriVectin S.T.A.R. Light™ Retinol Night Oil. I first shared this back in October as part of my #LDBeauty recap and have been using it ever since. In short, it is AMAZING and I don't think I'll ever be able to live without it going forward. It's the only retinol that has made a significant difference in my skin texture, especially on my forehead and chin which are areas I've been trying to deal with for quite some time now. The oil feels super luxe and absorbs quickly.

To help my StriVectin retinol oil and other serums sink in, I've been using my Herbivore Rose Quartz Facial Roller. I was first introduced to the concept of facial rolling at Glow Dermal Therapy (I started getting professional facials in the lead-up to my wedding and continue going every so often for "maintenance" purposes), and I've noticed facial rolling seems to be all the rage right now. No surprise why... I just can't get enough of that cooling sensation!

I always apply sunscreen under my makeup but I've always struggled with the concept of re-applying throughout the day. Do I remove my makeup and do it all over again or do I put sunscreen on top of my makeup? Both options aren't great so I was super excited when I discovered this Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist with SPF 50. You can spritz it over your makeup to refresh your UV protection and it doesn't mess up anything. I take this on all my trips and it was so useful on my recent trip to Kauai.

To maintain my post-Hawaii glow, I've been spritzing on St. Tropez Bronzing Water Face Mist. The naturally derived DHA tans your face in a very subtle way and the tropical scent is incredibly refreshing.

Keeping on that tropical note, I've also thrown out all my other deodorants and am exclusively using Kopari Coconut Oil Deodorant. It's aluminum-free, vegan, and paraben-free, and it smells soooo good. I love everything coconut so this is right up my alley.

Last but not least, Slip Silk Scrunchies (I prefer the skinny version since I don't have a ton of hair) Made from pure silk, they've been saving my hair from breakage and creasing. I often wear a high ponytail for the gym and they actually keep it up instead of slipping too, which I thought was  kind of surprising since they are made of silk which is a slippery fabric.

Korres Wild Rose 15% Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C has been popping up in skincare products for a number of years now and for good reason; it evens skintone, fights aging, and improves hydration. I've consistently kept some sort of Vitamin C product in my routine and my latest addition is this KORRES Wild Rose 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum.

KORRES is a Greek skincare brand inspired by homeopathic traditions and specializing in natural ingredients. I seem to recall it used to be sold in Canadian Sephora stores back in the day (I believe it is still sold in American Sephora stores) but is now carried exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart. Their Wild Rose Brightening line is arguably their most popular, with this 15% Vitamin C Serum being the newest addition.

This bi-phase (oil and water) serum contains 15% Super Vitamin C, the highest concentration of clinically effective stabilized Vitamin C. This potent ingredient increases skin’s absorption of ascorbic acid by 1,000%. Other key ingredients include 10% Wild Rose Oil, Bisabolol & Ginger Root Extract, Vegetable Squalene, Pro-Vitamin V5, and Vitamin E. Together, this combination targets dark spots and discolouration, reduces fine lines, combats pollutants, and provides maximum moisture to the skin.

The product is comes in a glass bottle with a dropper applicator. It must be shaken before use due to its bi-phase nature and can be applied morning and/or night for an intensive treatment.

I've never been the biggest fan of rose scents but since this one contains no synthetic fragrances, you get a fresh rose scent that doesn't tickle the nose. I'm also kind of obsessed with how this serum feels on my skin. Upon first application it seems a little oily but it absorbs quickly leaving my face feeling ultra hydrated and "plumped". With regular use, my skin texture also appears to be improving and it hasn't caused any horrendous breakouts.

At $99 CAD/30 mL, the price is steep. However, a little goes a long way and I think the bottle will actually last quite a while. Find it online or exclusive at Shoppers Drug Mart (and collect those PC Optimum points with your purchase).

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex

The Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair line is, I think, my favourite from the brand (the Intensive Recovery Ampoules are serious skincare saviours). I just love the idea of incredibly potent products that are meant to work their magic while we're sleeping so we can wake up looking more youthful and refreshed.

Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex is a new treatment for the eye area that helps repair the visible impact of lack of sleep, UV, pollution, and even blue light from all those screens we're constantly looking at. It's the first of its kind specifically targeting blue light pollution and I bet we'll be seeing a lot more products coming out with this in mind in the near future.

I was lucky enough to take home the Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex after a recent event (love the cute plastic globe it came in!) and have been putting it to the test ever since. It retails for $80 CAD which is quite pricey for an eye cream but a little goes a long way and you do get 15 mL in the container.

The texture is a lightweight GelCreme which feels luxurious on the skin and absorbs quickly. It doesn't leave a tacky finish either which can be annoying when you are trying to apply eye makeup on top. There is a slight perfumed scent, however, which may irritate sensitive eyes... I would just caution to be careful not actually get this too close to your eyes and concentrate just on the delicate skin around them.

Although I don't typically have bags unless I haven't been getting enough sleep, I have noticed that my undereye area does look brighter in general. Plus, it doesn't hurt to keep up with preventative measures! If you're in the market for a new eye cream/serum/treatment, definitely give this one a look.

EcoTools Facial Mask Mates

As an avid masker, I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy my "pamper time" and recently purchased a facial mask brush from Origins (you may recall it was on my Sephora VIB Sale Wishlist). At $20 CAD, however, the price for the Origins brush is a little steep... especially when you can get the even more affordable EcoTools Facial Mask Mates set for less than $10.

Also Pictured: 7th Heaven Dead Sea Mud and Coconut Cream Masks

The set contains a mask applicator brush for easy application of any cream, gel, or clay mask. Using a brush rather than your fingers makes the whole process mess-free and also allows you to conserve product because you can control how much you're layering on your face.

Once ready to remove the mask, you can then use one of the three mask remover sponges included in the set. I usually use a wash cloth but a sponge is a great way to do it too. EcoTools recommends another use for them as well: with your cleanser as part of your everyday skincare routine to remove dirt, oil, and makeup.

In case you were wondering how the two compare, the Ecotools mask applicator brush is a pretty decent alternative to the more expensive Origins brush. Both have synthetic bristles and are similar in shape (Origins is a little wider but they are about the same level of density). The Origins brush does feel a bit weightier and more substantial but both get the job done just the same.

If you have to pick, the EcoTools set is a no-brainer! It's definitely made my masking routine even more enjoyable and is a great buy that you can find at your local drugstore (London Drugs, Rexall, or Pharma Plus, to name a few).

Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers from Burt's Bees

You guys, how is Christmas in 1 week?! Craziness. If you're scrambling for any last-minute presents, the drugstore can be a lifesaver -- especially for stocking stuffers. I've already featured a few ideas in this post but wanted to dedicate a separate one to a brand I've been using for years (seriously, check out this post from 2010), Burt's Bees.

I feel like lip balm is always welcome no matter who you're giving it to (even my fiance often requests it, so it's totally a unisex gift!) and Burt's Bees has some fabulous little sets out right now. Plus, they're all super affordable which is great if you're on a budget.

For the frequent flyer, the Skin Essentials set ($9.99 CAD) features a small pack of Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract, a Strawberry Lip Balm, and a Vanilla Bean Lip Balm. For fans of the classic Peppermint Lip Balm, get a set of four with the Beeswax Bounty ($12.99 CAD) which comes in a cute square box. And for something festive, there's the limited edition Ginger Spice Lip Balm ($4.89 CAD). I thought it would smell more like a baked good given the gingerbread-themed packaging but in my opinion, it's just a clean ginger scent. Nonetheless, still a fun holiday treat!

Fresh "Color Me" Gift Sets

Clearly interactiveness is a theme with holiday gift sets this year. First it was The Body Shop with its game and puzzle-based packaging, and now it's Fresh with its gorgeous"Color Me" Gift Sets.

The Best of Beauty Bundle ($90) is sure to be a coveted gift, containing a selection of the brand's bestsellers: Soy Face Cleanser, Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask, Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex, Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate, and a Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy. The products slide out of the box by pulling the white ribbon loop on the side, and you can use the two pencil crayons to personalize the fun orange grove pattern.

You'll also find pencil crayons included in the Sugar Lip Prep 'N' Paint ($47) which can be used not only to personalize the heart-covered packaging but the rolled up love note contained inside. This set includes everything you'll need to prep, perfect, and paint your pout: Sugar Lip Polish, Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy, Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment, Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy, and Sugar Cream Lip Treatment Buff.

If you're looking for a small gift that packs a punch, Facial On The Fly ($41) is the way to go. It contains three skincare products that are perfectly sized for travel: Soy Face Cleanser, Rose Face Mask, and Lotus Youth Face Cream with Super 7 Complex.

Aren't these sets the cutest? If you've got a girly girl or a beauty lover with an artistic side in your life, they will absolutely love unwrapping one this Christmas.

Check out the full selection of Fresh gifts here.

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.

For Beloved Girl Cloud-Silk Masks

With colder weather slowly creeping in, I have fully been embracing my less busy schedule with some cozy pamper nights at home. This means candles, hot baths, and face masks!

I was recently sent some new masks to try out from For Beloved Girl, a new sister line from Taiwanese cosmeceutical company, For Beloved One. It's aimed at a younger demographic and offers a range of "cloud-silk masks" at a very reasonable price point of $12.99 CAD/pack of 3.

So what exactly is this "cloud-silk" technology? Crafted from top-grade cotton and textile technology, cloud-silk is transparent and invisible, with a high degree of elasticity. According to the brand, the ultra-fine cotton fibres in the masks lock in more serum for complete absorption within the skin. This mask is unlike anything I've ever used before. Unlike those thick and opaque white sheet masks most of us are probably used to, the material is super thin and, when pressed down on the skin, essentially see-through. Because of how malleable and soaked in serum the mask is, it is actually bit more difficult to work with since the cloud-silk folds over and sticks to itself but you can easily play around with it to get it into place.

For Beloved Girl Cloud-Silk Masks are also packed with minerals such as copper, iron, and zinc to target specific skin concerns. I received the Extreme Moisture Mineral Cloud-Silk Mask made with Hyaluronic Acid (Na) for extremely dry skin and the Skin Renewal Mineral Cloud-Silk Mask made with Calcium Lactate (Ca) to cleanse pores. Each mask apparently contains, on average, the equivalent of 1.88 bottles of mineral spring water spray. Talk about a luxurious treat for the skin!

For the Winter months, I know I will be reaching for the Extreme Moisture Mineral Cloud-Silk Mask (above) a ton. There's no heavily perfumed scent and it leaves my skin feeling ultra plump and hydrated.

For Beloved Girl offers six different masks to choose from and they can be found in-store at T&T or online at YesStyle.ca.

The Body Shop Amazonian Saviour Multi-Purpose Balm

This summer, The Body Shop launched their innovative Amazonian Saviour Multi-Purpose Balm inspired by communities in the Amazonian Rainforest that have relied on natural oils for centuries to care for wounded and tattooed skin. The product is intended to revive the appearance of tattoos, nourish severely dry skin, and improve the appearance of skin marks.

100% vegetarian, the balm is made with only 9 ingredients: Community Trade Organic Babassu Oil, Organic Andiroba Oil, Candeia Tree's Bisabolol, Sunflower Seed Oil, Community Trade Beeswax, Sunflower Wax, Cera Bellina Wax, Vitamin E, and Citric Acid from Citrus. In the pot, it has a hard waxy texture with no discernible fragrance (it honestly just smells like wax).

I don't have any tattoos so I first decided to test out its efficacy on my fiance. We both noticed that his tattoo looked a little more vibrant after application although I'm not sure if the balm acts more as a protectant for fresh tattoos (his is at least 5 years old and not in an area that's sun-exposed). I, on the other hand, have been using the product on dry areas like like my knees and elbows and it's really helped keep them moisturized. I will definitely be keeping this in my bag for winter time!

At only $15 CAD, I'd say the Amazonian Saviour Multi-Purpose Balm is a real steal. You use such little product each time that it will last for ages.

Find it online or in-stores.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask

Last Fall I talked about The Body Shop's (then new) line of Expert Facial Masks. This year, they've added a few new ones to the mix, including a recent skincare obsession: the Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask.

The Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil line has always been one of my favourites; their blemish stick was a go-to of mine back in middle school and high school. Plus, I love the scent -- it's one I never get sick of.

The texture of the Tea Tree Mask is hard to describe...  I would liken it to Jello because when you poke your finger into the product it kind of bounces back. The scent isn't overwhelming and once applied on your face, it feel cooling and refreshing (for an extra cooling sensation, you can put the mask in the fridge).

This new mask is meant to be used last in your skincare routine and worn overnight while you sleep. It works its magic by reducing imperfections and controlling excess oil. With continued nightly use, it also reduces the look of associated concerns such as pores, blackheads and blemish marks.  You know when you're having a bad breakout? This is the product you'll want to turn to. Not only that, it's 100% vegan, formulated without alcohol, non-comedogenic and won't stain your pillows!

Check it out for $21 CAD online or in-stores.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

Last month, I had the great fortune of attending a fun yacht party (#dropitlikeitsyacht) hosted by Smashbox in celebration of its new Photo Finish Primerizer and was gifted one to take home and try for myself.

Harkening back to to the true early days of this blog with these posts from 2010, 2012, and 2013, you'll see that I've been a longtime user of the iconic Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. I love the way it smoothes pores and creates an overall flawless base for any foundation.

The new Primerizer adds something different to the Photo Finish line. While I personally love a matte look, many people really love having dewy/glowy skin since it tends to look more youthful and fresh. This product is made with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide and injects your skin with intense hydration to prep your skin for foundation. And, of course, you can skip moisturizer since this is a primer + moisturizer in one!

At $42 CAD for 30 mL bottle, Primerizer does seem a bit pricey but you only need 1-2 pumps for full coverage and a little does go a long way. The product has a milky, slightly tacky texture but once you rub it into the skin, it's dries fairly quickly and isn't sticky to touch. My skin feels very plump and hydrated afterwards, and is perfectly prepped for locking in my makeup.

With colder weather coming up, I would definitely recommend this for your seasonal product switch-up, especially if your skin is on the dry side.

Spring Skincare Refresh

The cherry blossoms are officially blooming which means Spring is finally in the air... and it also means a little change-up to my regular skincare routine. I've received a few new products over the past few months to try out and they've made some quick and easy additions to my "pamper time."

I have previously raved about the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules and the company recently introduced an Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask. The packaging is quite unique; the mask pads are separated from the serum and you press down to break the seal and infuse the dry pads. It's kind of a luxe treatment at $14 CAD/pack but what a treat! Plus, you can refrigerate the pack beforehand for some extra refreshment.

In keeping with the treatment theme, face masks continue to be my favourite. Earth Kiss is the organic line from Montagne Jeunesse (which I've reviewed before)  of cruelty-free and 100% natural mud masks infused with Himalayan Shilajit, a rare form of powerful mineralized organic matter. The masks are also super cheap -- only $2.99 CAD/pack. For something more unconventional (and more expensive), there is Bliss Mask A-'Peel'. These cost $15 CAD for a one time use but I'll admit it is kind of a fun concept for an at-home facial. You add water to the powder mixture, stir it up with the enclosed spatula, and apply the thick paste to your face. Once on the skin, it dries to a rubberized texture which you then peel off after 15 minutes.

Lastly, I've been experimenting with EcoTools Polishing Facial Cloths ($10.99 CAD). I have never been a wash cloth kind of girl (I just use my hands to apply cleanser and wash my face), but these muslin cloths are a nice way to really clean your skin and remove all traces of makeup without feeling too harsh.

Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil

Since I'm about to head off on a tropical vacation, I wanted to talk about something else tropical that I love... coconut! Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I love coconut everything, whether it's in my food or in my beauty and skincare products. In my household, we typically go through a case of coconut water every week (it's one of my favourite drinks) and cook with coconut oil on the regular (it's especially good with roasted veggies). Honestly, coconut oil is such a versatile product, so it's no surprise that companies have been bottling it up into cute packaging and marketing its various uses.

I have seen bottles of Skinny & Co. coconut oil while browsing through the products on display in the checkout line at Sephora, but it turns out the company has a wider product range than I was aware of. The key linkage: everything contains 100% pure raw coconut oil, cold-processed from from wild-harvested, handpicked coconuts. 

I was sent a couple of products to try a while back, including the regular Coconut Oil, Facial Oil (with Roman Chamomile Extract, Lavender Extract, and a proprietary blend of essential oils), Sugar Scrub (with coconut sugar and vanilla bean), and Oil Pull (infused with peppermint).

I mean, seriously, what can't coconut oil be used for? You can eat it, use it as a moisturizer for dry skin, even clean your teeth (that's what the Oil Pulling one is for). 

All in all, I have been absolutely loving Skinny & Co.'s line up.  If you haven't had a chance to try it yet, I definitely recommend you pick up a jar of your own. I'm betting you'll quickly become a coconut oil convert if you aren't already!

Winter Skincare Saviours to Apply Before Bed

Vancouver just got another snowfall (after barely being able to handle the last one) throwing our city into chaos yet again. While I dream of tropical vacations, back in reality, I've been upping my skincare regimen with a few key items to battle the harsh weather.

I received a bottle of Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules at a product preview in early Fall not realizing how much I'd end up reaching for it. It's pricey at $135 CAD but you're not meant to use the ampoules everyday -- only when your skin is over-stressed and really needs the help.

To use, you twist off the top of the ampoule to open and dispense the oil into your palm. It's applied before bed between your serum and moisturizer. The first time I used this in my routine, I was completely shocked at how plump and soft my skin felt the next morning. Plus, no breakouts! These ampoules may look tiny but they are potent. I'm obsessed.

L'Occitane En Provence Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm ($40 CAD) has also been a go-to these days. Specially formulated for "Very Dry" skin, this is the product you need if your hands are in need of some serious TLC. Plus, it also comes packaged in L'Occitane's signature paint tube... except giant-sized (150 mL). So cute!

I love that the Intensive Hand Balm is made with only five ingredients: 25% organic shea butter, allantoin (to soothe), coconut oil, sunflower oil, and glycerin. You really notice the effects after only a few days but I will say, since the product is so intensely moisturizing, it doesn't absorb completely (although it's not sticky either). I personally like to apply it right before bed so I don't have to deal with touching things and getting fingerprints everywhere. In terms of scent, there's a standard "cream" scent that's nothing special but not overly perfumed or offensive.

Armed with these two products, I've been able to keep my skin (face and hands) fully moisturized, but let's hope Winter ends sometime soon. This girl is ready for some warmer temperatures!

Holiday Gift Sets from Burt's Bees and Fresh

The Christmas countdown is officially on and I wanted to share a few gift sets with you that I received from PR in case you're still stumped for ideas. I personally think you can't go wrong with a beauty or skincare gift set -- after all, who doesn't love sampling products? Plus, they're usually wrapped up in cute packaging to invoke some holiday cheer.

Burt's Bees, for example, has a ton of great gift sets under $25 featuring a selection of their natural skincare products and lip balms.

The Burt's Bees Face Essentials set retails for just $22.99 CAD and includes: Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream, Peach & Willow Bark Deep Pore Scrub, Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract, and a Coconut & Pear Moisturizing Lip Balm (my favourite Burt's Bees lip balm other than their classic one).

I've already covered stocking stuffer ideas, but another great pick is the Burt's Bees Beeswax Bounty which comes in a cute giftable snowflake box for $12.99 CAD. There's a version which features four of Burt's Bees classic Vitamin E & Peppermint lip balms, and then this Assorted Mix which includes the Vitamin E & Peppermint, Vanilla Bean, Pomegranate, and Mango. Yum!

I'm also loving the above Fresh Rose Skincare Ritual: Daily Essentials ($78) set. You get a tube of Soy Face Cleanser, small tub of Hydrating Gel Eye Cream, a tub of Rose Face Mask, and a bottle of Rose Floral Toner. They're all travel-sized as well -- perfect for the skincare loving jet-setter on your list.

If you've got more money to spend on a present, Fresh's holiday packaging is always on point and they're offering a wide selection of curated skincare and lip products. For example, (this amazing lip treatment I reviewed a few years ago is back again (in a new iteration) for $70.

Imbue Goods Skin Recovery Mists

I spent last week up in northern BC for a hearing, which means my skin took a bit of a beating from the cold, freezing fog, and snow. Conducting a hearing is also a stressful time so I was glad to come home to this set of skin recovery mists from local Vancouver brand, Imbue Goods.

These skin recovery mists are made with a blend of distilled water, Rose Water, Vitamin E and various essential oils and can be used for a wide variety of purposes: setting makeup, as a calming mist at work, pre/post workout, as a hydrating travel mist, pre-bed ritual etc. I have personally been using these mists to revive my skin from the aforementioned harsh Winter weather and love how lightweight and refreshing they feel on my face.

Plus, as I've written before, I am a huge fan of aromatherapy and there really is nothing better than a good scent to lift your spirits. Imbue Goods currently offers 4 blends to choose from:

Lust  - Essential Oils of Orange, Patchouli, Rosewood, Indian Neroli, Bergamot, Cardamon, Cedarwood, Champa & Vetiver. This is a smoky, woody floral.
Soothe - Essential Oils of Bergamot, Grapefruit White, Lavender, Marjoram, Tea Tree, Spearmint & Chamomile. Reminiscent of a mojito, this is minty, cool, and calming.
Muse - Essential Oils of Grapefruit, Bergamot, Orange, Lime & Mandarin. Like a Gin & Tonic, this has refreshing citrus notes.
Heaven - Essential Oils of Tangerine, Jasmine, Rose, Neroli, Ylang Ylang, Vanilla & Lime. Summery and fresh like a French 75 cocktail.

It's hard for me to pick a favourite since I really like them all but I think I like Muse the most. A 60 mL bottle retails for $22 CAD, or pick up the full set for $78 CAD on imbuegoods.com.

The Body Shop British Rose Plumping Face Mask

The Body Shop recently launched a line of Expert Facial Masks featuring five different face masks inspired by traditional beauty remedies from around the world. Being the face mask fiend that I am, I really can't wait to try these all out.

Each mask is made with natural ingredients (vegan/vegetarian) and contains zero parabens, silicones, mineral oils or paraffins. I had the chance to test out the Ethiopian Honey Deep Nourishing Mask in-store recently and was impressed to find it wasn't sticky as expected despite being a "honey mask". Instead, it was more of a jelly-like consistency, similar to the British Rose Plumping Mask which I was given a full-size of to take home.

If you like roses, the British Rose Plumping Mask will definitely appeal to you since it's quite heavily scented (though not in an obnoxious way). On the skin it feels light, cool, and refreshing. This particular formula also appears suitable for sensitive skin since it was quite gentle and left my skin feeling moisturized once I washed it off.

As you can see, the masks come packaged in a 75 mL plastic jar for $28 CAD. I'm told there should be enough product for 20 uses so it actually works out to less than $2 per mask session -- very reasonable! To make application easier, The Body Shop is selling a Facial Mask Brush for $18 CAD, which intrigues me a bit, although you can definitely get by with just using your fingers like I've been doing.

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.

BIO BEAUTÉ by NUXE Body Care Line with Corsican Citron

This June, BIO BEAUTÉ by NUXE (of cult classic Rêve de Miel Lip Balm fame) is launching a new range of certified organic body care. The range will consist of three products and today I have two to share with you.

The main ingredient that remains consistent throughout the line is Corsican Citron extract which apparently has excellent toning properties. Created by macerating the whole lemon in an organic sunflower oil for 12 hours, the Oil Extract of Corsican Citron used in all the products contains essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants to totally treat your skin.

The Toning & Nourishing Satin-Touch Oil absorbs quickly, providing nourishment and leaving skin with a satin feel. I don't really like oils but for those of you that do, this is definitely one to try. Might also be fun to use for a massage!

The 24Hr Refreshing Deodorant (my personal fave from this new range) contains no alcohol or aluminum salts which is perfect because it means no unsightly white marks or staining of clothes. Instead, it's made with starch powder to reduce moisture and smells super fresh.

In addition to these two products, there is also a Toning & Exfoliating Gel for a refreshing face wash.

Look for these products exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada.

Suncare Essentials from Avène and Rodan + Fields

Vancouver has been getting some amazing sunny days lately which means I've been getting outside more. I was even able to go on my first hike this year (Instagram proof), which ended up being the perfect opportunity to test out some new suncare products.

First up, a new face sunscreen from Avène! I am picky with face sunscreens because they can often feel heavy or clog pores. I tend to prefer a more milky formula and thankfully the Haute Protection Emulsion SPF 50+ fits the bill.

This sunscreen is a recent addition to the Haute Protection line and features Pre-tocopheryl, a powerful antioxidant that's a pre-cursor to long-release Vitamin E, as well as Avène's famous thermal water that acts as a soothing anti-irritant. I love the tube pump which makes application both easy and hygienic, and was pleased with how well this blended into my skin.

I did get a bit shiny as the day went on but this is expected with my oily/combination skin. However, it was nowhere near as bad as some other face sunscreens I have tried in the past. I am definitely going to keep using this product as the weather heats up even more.

For my other suncare needs, I have been experimenting with Rodan + Fields, a new-to-me brand of dermatalogist-created skincare.

The Essentials Line features everyday dermatological necessities, including Lip Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 25. It's so important to protect your lips from sun damage and this balm not only contains SPF, but also moisturizing lipid molecules and peptides to help boost collagen production and smooth lip texture. The formula is nice and doesn't leave any white residue like other SPF lip balms; however, I personally find the scent quite obnoxious. I don't know how to describe it... it's citrus-y but in a really weird, somewhat unpleasant way. Thankfully it's not noticeable once actually on your lips.

The Essentials Line also includes a great Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Body Sunscreen. It's water resistant up to 40 minutes and is a very lightweight cream that blends in quickly. There's no special scent either -- this a very much a basic sunscreen, but sometimes that's just what you need.

Overall, I'd say Rodan + Fields is a rather no-nonsense "medical" skincare company that's clearly aimed at results rather than frou-frou scents and packaging. However, if you're looking for anti-aging products developed specifically by dermatologists, it's definitely worth checking out.


P.S. I also reviewed a bunch of other sunscreens last year so if you're interested in a comparison, be sure to check that post out here!