Ombrelle Sunscreen 50+ UVA & UVB Weightless Body Lotion

Lounging by the pool, bike riding through the park, backyard barbecues and soaking up some sun at the beach or cottage is what summer is all about but sunscreen is a must when enjoying the great outdoors. When it comes to formulas I prefer subtle scents, lightweight textures and creams that prevents excess shine so my skin doesn’t look greasy or sweaty as the day heats up. Although I travel a lot and face UV exposure frequently many sunscreens tend to clog my pores and cause severe itching, irritation and occasional redness. Thankfully Garnier has released a new broad-spectrum formulation for sensitive skin and quick absorption.

The new Ombrelle Advanced Sunscreen provides SPF 50+ protection to shield against both UVA and UVB which is important when choosing a lotion as UVA can also penetrate deeply. This hypoallergenic cream is lightweight, fragrance-free and doesn’t coat the skin in a sticky, thick residue or that awful white film. The finish is quite matte and although the active ingredients still give off a slight sunscreen scent it isn’t as overwhelming as others I’ve come across.

With up to 80 mins of water resistance you can say yes to that beach volleyball game or splash around in the pool with confidence that you have a reliable barrier between you and painful sunburn and when packing your beach bag this season sunscreen should be at the top of your list!

Kids love to play outside with no awareness of how damaging exposure can be so before they build sandcastles and play tag layer on the 50+ sunscreen formulated specifically for their sensitive skin. This lotion has the same non-irritating formula, water resistance and broad-spectrum protection so the whole family can enjoy summer safely.

Both sunscreens retail for $19.99 each at drugstores and mass market retailers so make sure to stock up for Canada's Day tomorrow and July 4th! 

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Arbonne Cosmetics Review: Smoothed Over Lipsticks & Glossed Over Lip Gloss

Lipstick fanatics and gloss lovers be warned! Today’s review may leave you craving the luxurious, show-stopping new lip colors from Arbonne Cosmetics. When dressing up your summer outfits the perfect lipstick makes a bold, statement, brightens the complexion and evokes the same sense of confidence and style associated with strutting in sexy heels. With Arbonne it’s more than just gorgeous pigment and luscious lipstick, the products are also enriched with fabulous natural ingredients to pamper your pout!

I've seen Arbonne’s chic, embossed symbol before but I’ve just begun to discover the amazing variety of skin-safe, innovative products. If you are unfamiliar with the brand then you are in for a treat! Arbonne has been around for 35 years and each of their products contain carefully selected, botanical based ingredients that are rigorously tested for excellence. They are also free of preservatives, synthetic dyes, formaldehyde, by-products and artificial flavors. The company has a fabulous independent consultant program and a strong dedication to health and wellness.

The new Smoothed Over lipsticks are available in 16 exciting new shades that range from nude, subtle, bright, deep and sultry to match all your moods. The packaging is simple yet sophisticated and the formula is buttery, lavishly smooth and infused with: watermelon extract, apple extract, meadowfoam, jojoba, mango butter and flower extract.

Peony

Camellia

The rich formula is ultra creamy which I love because of the fluid way it glides across the lips without any pull and blankets the skin in gorgeous, vivid pigment. The extracts also produce a volumizing effect and the butters and oils deeply nourish for long-lasting hydration.

Guava

Flora

The pigmentation can easily go from playful and light to full-coverage glam with a hint of brilliant shine for a satin-gloss finish. There is also a selection of durable, smudge-proof, creamy lip liners in complimentary hues should you desire full-impact, professional results and more definition. 

Hibiscus

~Shades from left to right: Flora, Guava, Camellia, Hibiscus and Peony~

My favorite shade is Hibiscus because it is flattering on most complexions and the beautiful coral tones are perfect for the season. Since the lipsticks are very soft and creamy they do tend to sweat. I recommend storing them in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them in the car or sun. I also make sure my lips are exfoliated and smooth prior to application and using a lip primer helps prolong the color and enhance the finish although it is not required as they can produce up to 6 hours or wear. The lipsticks retail for $28.00 each and the liners are $24.00.

When you lust for sexy shine the gloss provides a soft, alluring finish with a boost of plant extracts fruit oils and peptides to quench parched skin. The non-sticky, lush formula also has a smooth, creamy consistency without being too thick and it glides on for instant hydration and sumptuous color!

I never shy away from vibrant, punchy hues and I love that the gloss isn’t too tame for my taste. They provide the perfect amount of pigment- not bold enough to straddle the line of lacquers but not translucent, flat or boring either. They beautifully reflect light, amp up dull skin and there is a shade for every season. The brush applicator delivers just the right amount of gloss and depending on the color you can go from translucent to medium coverage or wear them over lipsticks for an extra blast of supple moisture. The gloss retails for $24.00 each.

 You can find Arbonne Cosmetics by clicking HERE

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Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Gloss Review

The beloved Baby Lips Collection and its playful rainbow hues has been a cult favorite among women of all ages and a staple in my purse for years! The sugary scented balms with SPF 20 provide mega moisture for battling parched skin and now the fabulous lip quenching formula has been glossed-up for a shiny new look!

With a smooth, brilliant finish the tantalizing gumdrop hues are enriched with nutritive oils and vitamin E to soothe and soften for up to 4 hours so lips never feel dry. The gloss is available in 12 shades and 3 fabulous finishes including: shimmer, cream and jelly.

Although some of the colors looks quite pigmented in the tubes they are all translucent for a sheer wash of non-sticky, radiant shine. The scent among each gloss is pretty much the same and reminds me of the sweet, deliciously fruity cereal from my childhood. The applicator is a standard design and easy to use with great glide. 

Although the formula is quite simple it feels super comfortable on the lips and alleviates chapped, peeling skin without being too thick or gloopy. They also seem to have all the lip loving, conditioning elements of a good balm with just a hint of color or sparkle and the consistency is lightweight, moist and nourishing so you can layer them over lipstick.

The shades I have from left to right are: 40 Tickled pink (cream finish), 05 Just a Glimmer (purple shimmer with a clear base), 60 Berry Chic (jelly finish), 20 Lilac Lumi (purple shimmer), 55 Fab & Fuchsia (Jelly finish) and 25 Taupe with me (nude with a cream finish).

If you are a Baby Lips fan and a gloss junkie you will enjoy the new collection! The gloss retails for $5.99 and will be available in drugstores and mass market retailers this July!

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Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Fix Makeup & Prime + Anti-Shine Balm Review

It’s time to get primed for summer and test out another concelaer formulated for a world consumed with selfies! The PhotoReady Insta-Fix stick is designed to retouch the skin for a smooth poreless finish and comes in handy for quick touch-ups anytime, anywhere. Essentially this product helps camouflage blemishes with light filtering technology and SPF 20 for bonus protection.

The world of drugstore concealers and foundation has always been rather hit or miss for me, if I find a formula I like I usually have hard time with color matching. I do however like the stick design for ease of application without a brush and the ability to focus on specific spots that need extra attention. It also makes swiping product under the eyes quick and simple.

The concealer is available in just 9 shades so I think it’s safe to say that some complexions will be left out. I have the stick in 180 Rich Ginger the second deepest color which is actually quite light. On my skin it works to cover, brighten and highlight and although it doesn’t completely diminish blemishes it does fade them enough to help my foundation do its job more efficiently. Because the formula is quite rich and creamy you’ll want to avoid layering it too heavy under the eyes or letting it rest in creases without a bit of blending. It helps blur the look of dark circles, redness, scaring and uneven skin tone and once set with a good finishing product it is quite long-lasting. There may be some who don’t care for the coverage and consistency but I definitely make it work for me.

Up next is the PhotoReady Prime + Anti-Shine Balm in 010 clear/transparent which can be worn alone or under makeup. At first glance the compact may look like a setting powder but it is in fact a balm which can make application a bit tricky. I found that using the sponge provided didn’t quite get the job done so I swirl two fingers in the balm until the top layer begins to loosen into a creamy paste.

You can rub the balm into the skin similar to moisturizer and I love the lightweight texture that smooths and mattifies to prevent grease and shine as the day wears on. It also helps blur the look of pores and evens the skin’s surface for a more refined effect without that slick silicone feel. As far as primers go this one will definitely help you survive the summer sun.

Another honourable mention for glowing summer skin is the Revlon Highlighting Palette in Bronze Glow. There are three complimentary shimmer compacts available for a radiant, sunkissed effect and these babies are wonderful! The highlight has 5 varying color strips from silver, rose gold, mid-range gold and bronze which you can mix together for a luminous finish and a bit of sculpting. The pigmentation is great and the texture is luxuriously soft and silky for easy application and seamless results. You can go sheer or build up to your desired effect but this highlight is a drugstore must-have this season!

Also from Revlon I’m loving the powder blush in the shade 004 Wine Not. This fun berry hue is ravishing for all complexions and lightly defines the cheeks. Although the color looks quite deep it is actually very subtle with a pink base and a beautiful faded finish for a natural rosy flush. The texture is a bit coarse but for the season it looks great!

Revlon lip products I’m currently crushing on:

*The ColorBurst Lacquer Balm in the shade 115 Whimsical is a trendy pink-berry hue. These pigments are creamy and hydrating with balm-like comfort and although this color contains a bit of shimmer once applied it isn't very noticeable. 

*ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in 035 Backstage is a deep plum/wine with golden undertones more suited for brisk fall evenings. The moisturizing lush formula and smooth application makes it totally swoon worthy!

Revlon products are available at drugstores and mass market retailers across Canada & the U.S

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Trinitae Bath & Body Products: "Love Yourself First"

A couple weeks ago I attended the Hello Gorgeous event in Toronto and I was introduced to an amazing new line of products made in Jordan and infused with some of the most delectable natural scents I’ve come across. From Luxury soap, Dead Sea Mud, body lotion, invigorating scrubs, essential oils and rich butters this brand is truly indulgent and makes everyday a spa day!

The new shop in Toronto is located at 254 Niagara Street (just south of Queen st West) and as you walk in your senses will be tantalized with amazing botanical aromas!

The rich soaps are lovingly made to get the most out of each nutritive ingredient and the hydrating lotions thoroughly condition the skin for a supple, silky finish. 

Soothing Lavender Soap

Uplifting Verbena Soap

One of my favorite new discoveries was the body and foot loofas! Fragrant soap is infused deep into the loofa fibers so you can cleanse and exfoliate at the same time. The foot loofas are perfect for sandal season to buff away rough, flaky skin.

Body Loofa

The mineral Dead Sea Salt crystals can be added to a warm bath to remove dead cells, improve circulation and enrich the skin with potassium, magnesium and calcium. They also contain cold-pressed grape and olive oil to deeply condition, nourish and soften. When added to boiling water they can be used to steam the face, open pores and rejuvenate. I love the menthol eucalyptus salt because during a terrible cold or allergy season it helps open and clear the nasal passage so you can breathe more freely.  

The soaps retail for $12 and the loofas range from $7-$15, you can visit the website by clicking HERE and gift sets are also available.

Avon Metallic Fringe Top Coat Review

Just like a scrumptious doughnut everything is better with sprinkles! This summer glitter addicts can unleash their creative side with the new Metallic Fringe Top Coats by Avon. These fun lacquers glam-up your manis with sparkling foil strips and can be layered heavily for a textured look, used for accent nails or applied sparingly to the tips. I’ve also seen these polishes labelled as “Magic Effects” Fringe Nail Polish.

The flashy effects range from silvery tinsel to combinations of blue-silver, black-gold and blue-gold which is my personal favorite. The tiny strips jazz-up all your favorite polishes and add an edgy flare without much effort whether you've mastered the art of nail design or not. The base is translucent so the underlying color still shines through and they help prolong the life of your manicure.

The formula is easy to work with and builds nicely for an opaque coat of fringe without becoming too thick. I also like that the strips apply in every direction so you end up with an interesting, sprinkle finish that doesn’t take very long to dry. For more protection and added shine I like to lock in my design with another quick drying top coat but it isn’t necessary.

You can find these bodacious beauties at Avon.ca and through independent consultants.

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Yves Rocher Serum Vegetal Rides & Lifting V Shaping Care

I have tried and tested many beauty products to find fabulous formulas and I will admit to using creams and serums for women much older than me and for correcting skin issues I don’t yet have. Call it good genes, vigilant skincare or sheer luck but I’m happy to report that preventative measures do work and I don’t have fine lines or wrinkles. Be that as it may I cater to women of all ages here on my blog and Yves Rocher is a brand that paves the way to healthier skin with innovative new creations and the power of natural extracts.

The new Serum Vegetal Collection takes advantage of the skin’s ability to absorb key ingredients by optimizing the assimilation of active botanicals that benefit and recharge the cells. You can think of this range as food for the skin, infused with a powerful extract from the Ice Plant- also called the Life Plant which is used for its ability to deeply penetrate and fortify the skin.

Yves Rocher uses responsibly sourced natural ingredients from around the globe to bring you the most intensely effective extracts, herbs, vitamins and antioxidants for the health of your complexion.

The Ice Plant originates in the South African Desert and is known for its ability to adapt and survive in extreme conditions. It has an enhanced ability to repair, grow and thrive in harsh environments making it a natural anti-wrinkle treatment that reactivates cellular mechanisms. The extract is suitable for all skin types and meets the needs of every woman including: radiance, firmness and lifting.

Ice Plant

*Photo by Dan L. Perlman, source: Ecolibrary pg DP266

The Wrinkles & Lifting range includes:

*V Shaping Serum

*Wrinkles & Lifting Supra Life Mask

*Lifting Eye Cream

*Day Cream

*Night Cream

The day cream has an oil-free, light, velvety texture made with 89% natural ingredients that work well under makeup to prevent the buildup of excess shine and oil throughout the day. It moisturizes and eradicates dryness with hyaluronic acid to leave skin soft, supple and silky with a faint luminous finish and no residue. It also works to enhance collagen and elasticity which reduces skin slackening and the look of wrinkles. The entire collection has a very strong perfume-like fragrance but the scent is quite pleasant and tends to dissipate with wear. The day cream retails for $58.00.

The Night cream is considerably thicker and richer, similar to a corrective overnight mask that can be applied over the face and neck for intense hydration, softness and sculpting. It eradicates dry, flaky patches and deeply nourishes with a formula free of oils, artificial colorants and parabens so you wake to healthy, radiant looking skin! (Retail price: $58.00)

Although the moisturizers do a great job keeping your skin dewy and conditioned Yves Rocher didn’t stop there, they enhanced the effectiveness of the collection with the Wrinkles & Lifting Mask that comes with a massaging brush to plump cheeks, contour the face, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and increase firmness. The brush also acts like a micro-exfoliant that instantly boosts the complexion with soy oil, cornflower water, seed extracts and organic shea butter. To use: simply apply the mask to cheeks, the entire outline of the face and under the chin in a upwards motion and rinse with water after 5 mins. (Retail price: $37.00)

The Serum can be used on its own or with the night cream before bed to improve and magnify the lifting, toning and anti-aging effects. It envelops skin in a light film of moisture to restore and revive resiliency. (Retail price: $58.00)

Proper skincare would not be complete without a great eye cream and this regenerating formula is refreshing, hydrating and lifting for a more youthful, rested appearance, it retails for $44.00.

This line along with the Wrinkles & Radiance Collection and the Wrinkles & Firmness range is available at Yves Rocher stores and at Yvesrocher.ca.

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