The Benefits of Probiotic Skincare: Korres Hydra-Biome Probiotic Superdose Face Mask and Lise Watier Sublimessence High Hydration Probiotic Serum

I try to practice a healthy lifestyle by avoiding processed food, eating a balanced diet and living a happy, (relatively) stress-free life. I’ve also been taking probiotics for more than 5 years. The capsules maintain healthy digestion, boost the immune system and even help fight off food poisoning.

Thanks to Korres you can now use the power of probiotics to maintain a radiant complexion. They’ve created the first-ever Probiotic Superdose Mask ($63.00) made with real Greek yogurt, hyaluronic acid, marine algae, sweet almond oil, squalane, shea butter, aloe, apricot oil and flower extract.

Canadian winters can be extremely harsh so it is important to protect your skin from environmental elements. This gentle formula treats dullness and dehydration while re-balancing the microbiome – a fragile system of invisible microorganisms that shield the epidermis from daily aggressors.  

Whether you’ve pulled an all-nighter, had one too many cocktails or spent the evening dealing with traffic and pollution, The Superdose Mask will rejuvenate your complexion and reduce irritation.

The best way to prevent dry, flaky, tight skin (aside from drinking lots of water) is to use a rich moisturizer layered with serum or oil and lots of hydrating facial spray throughout the day. I also do weekly treatments and Hydra-Biome is one of my favorites! The whipped, creamy texture feels cool, refreshing and soothing after a long day of press events and travel.

In less than 15 minutes it alleviates discomfort, improves textures, deeply hydrates, nourishes and softens without getting crusty like a clay mask. I usually leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse with warm water. After each treatment my skin has a natural glow and blemishes appear less noticeable.

The shelf-life is only 6 months but there should be enough to last the whole winter (depending on the condition of your skin and how much you use). The mask is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

After pampering my skin with a replenishing facial, I apply the Sublimessence High Hydration Probiotic Serum ($60.00) by Lise Watier. This powerful concentrate is formulated with 90% naturally derived ingredients that also strengthen the cutaneous microbiome.

The serum contains:

*Probiotic - balances skin flora

*Hyaluronic acid - plumps and moisturizes

*Labrado tea - evens and illuminates

*Gaspé algae - deeply hydrates

*Ginseng - protects against digital pollution

Apply morning and night as the first step of your beauty routine. It makes skin feel silky, renewed, soft and resilient.

Before bed I layer on lots of moisture and the HydraForce Protective Comforting Creme ($47.00) works well with the serum. The star ingredient is Gaspé algae - an antioxidant rich seaweed found along the Atlantic Coast. This aquatic plant has the ability to survive in severe conditions and its extract is used to shield against external elements including UV and harsh weather. Alage is also known to firm and stimulate cellular regeneration so it may reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

The texture is lush, luxurious and lightweight. It absorbs quickly and makes skin feel supple, smooth and plump with no greasiness. In the morning my face always looks dewy and energized – like I just returned from a relaxing spa.

Lise Watier is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, department store counters (including The Bay) and online at lisewatier.ca.

Korres Wild Rose Skincare Review

If you read my blog frequently and follow me on social media then you’ve probably seen me rave about the Korres Wild Rose Collection. I’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of brands but this range is my top pick for evening the complexion, boosting hydration and enhancing radiance.

Korres is a modern Greek Apothecary founded in Athens. The company is cruelty free and uses high quality pure ingredients, pharmaceutical grade water and medicinal herbs that are environmentally friendly and inspired by ancient traditions. The products are also free of mineral oil, silicone and parabens.

This is my second bottle of the Wild Rose Foaming Cream Cleanser ($32.00) which is perfect for winter. The gentle formula is 94.5% natural and can be used to remove makeup, impurities, pollutants, dirt and oil without dehydrating the skin. Infused with Super Vitamin C (1,000% better than pure ascorbic acid) and an abundance of plant extracts, the cleanser also minimizes the appearance of discoloration and wrinkles while refreshing and balancing pH. It works well with my Clarisonic of Foreo device and purifies pores while adding nutrients.

Tip: For travel keep the stopper clip that clamps down on the dispenser to prevent liquid from pumping out.

After cleansing I apply the Wild Rose Smoothie Brightening Priming Moisturizer ($56.00) to minimize pores, smooth and hydrate. The key to achieving an even complexion is to use this product daily before applying makeup or at night under the Wild Rose Serum. Overtime I’ve noticed that blemishes have faded and my skin looks more luminous. The weightless cream is enriched with fruit extracts and luscious oils that absorb quickly with no greasiness so skin feels incredibly silky.

Before bed I like to layer my skincare but I never forget to apply the Wild Rose Serum or Oil. The textures are relatively similar but the Spotless Serum ($99.00) contains 15% vitamin C to brighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, dullness and acne scars. It also has Provitamin B5, Bisabolol (an essential oil derived from German chamomile) and ginger for even more antioxidants and hydration. The gentle formula treats problems areas without lightening or altering your natural complexion and the supple finish makes skin look dewy and plump.

If your skin is feeling extra parched this winter you’re not alone. I’ve started using moisture masks several times a week and sleeping with my cool mist humidifier on full blast. Dry air, cold weather and indoor heating can make your complexion appear dull, dehydrated, tired and rough. A great way to keep your face cool and protected is by using the Korres H2Rose Hydrating Face Mist ($44.00). The formula contains water, hyaluronic acid, light oils and aloe to soothe, refresh, energize and set makeup. I use it throughout the work day, before bed and during long flights.

You’re probably tired of reading my reviews on the Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil ($75.00) but this miracle worker is a bestseller for a reason! Infused with real rose petals, antioxidants, rich fatty acids and potent herbs, the healing elixir diminishes discoloration while softening, moisturizing and restoring radiance. I’ve been using it as a jet lag recovery concentrate for years as it is particularly effective for alleviating irritation, bumps, redness and common skin ailments.

I also wanted to mention a couple products from the new Olive Collection because they are very hydrating and smell wonderful! The Nourishing Hair Mask ($30.00) is 92.0% natural and totally rejuvenates dry, brittle hair with extra virgin olive oil, antioxidants and a long list of butters fruit oil and plant extracts. Use it 1-2 times per week to resurrect weak strands, reduce breakage, soften, tame and smooth.

The Olive Blossom Hand Cream ($18.00) contains all the good stuff – shea butter, sweet almond oil, aloe, olive and sunflower oil to deeply moisturize and heal rough hands, damaged nails and ragged cuticles. This stuff is always in my purse!

Korres is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, korres.ca and beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca

Korres Black Pine 3D Sculpting, Firming & Lifting Skincare Review

I talk a lot about skincare and probably have more lotions, potions and serums than any woman actually needs, but it’s important to find products that work for you. When people ask how I achieve a healthy complexion, I usually mention a few trusted brands and Korres is always among them for one simple reason – their formulas actually work!

For this collection Korres has harvested the rejuvenating power of Mediterranean back pine. The tree contains powerful polyphenols that helped it survive the ice age and the products are enriched with active ingredients that lift and define the facial contour.

The products smell okay but don’t expect a forest-y pine needle scent. I start my routine with the 3D Intensive Firming Serum ($88.00) for an instant boost of radiance and protection from free-radical damage. The formula is lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing so it penetrates deeply and disappears into a silky finish. Usually I apply serum before bed, but this versatile fluid can be used under makeup during the day and layered with any night care to help tighten and rejuvenate sagging, sallow skin. The anti-aging complex supports elastin and collagen production so with repeated use your profile should begin to appear bright, smooth and firm with improved texture and tone. To help combat dryness, I recommend laying the serum with moisturizer for more hydration.

The Black Pine 3D Sleeping Facial ($82.00) improves the architecture of the face by plumping, diminishing wrinkles, fortifying and replenishing lipids for intense hydration and softness. The texture is rich and creamy but absorbs deeply with no reside. After a couple weeks my skin looked clear, bright, supple and healthy but I also noticed tingling and discomfort with each application. In one particular area of my face it felt like I was being pricked with a small needle and the sensation persisted until the products wore away. The odd pain in my muscle was quite unpleasant so I discontinued use. This was the first time I experienced an adverse reaction to any Korres product.

Haggard eyes are usually the first telltale sign of exhaustion, aging and stress so I’ve also been using the 3D Sculpting Firming and Lifting Eye Cream ($64.00). Many online reviews claim that that the scent is too strong but it didn’t bother me at all and after a few days I noticed an improvement in dark circles and smoothness. If you suffer from bags and puffiness, the remodeling complex is formulated to tighten, brighten, and decrease sagging so skin looks renewed and youthful.

Unfortunately I cannot continue using the black pine products but I can recommend an amazing formula I think you will love! The Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil ($75.00) is the reason I fell in love with this brand and it is also a bestseller.

Infused with real rose petals, antioxidants, fatty acids, fruit oils, ginger and herbs - the healing elixir diminishes discoloration, scars, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. Layer it with the Wild Rose Targeted Tone Corrector ($60.00) for a flawless complexion that seems to glow from within. The oil smells divine and although it does leave behind a glistening sheen, the finish absorbs quickly to help alleviate skin discomfort and restore natural radiance. I’ve been using Wild Rose for years and it has been my go-to jet lag/travel recovery oil to calm irritation, even skin texture and help get rid of bumps, roughness and blemishes. It even seems to prevent pimples and keeps my complexion velvety soft.

Korres is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and beautyboutique.ca

Korres Winter Skincare: Golden Krocus Elixir & Castanea Arcadia Day Cream Review

If you’re thinking this is going to be another routine skincare review raving about  new products that I love then you’re sort-of right. I am going to give these amazing items the attention they deserve but there is nothing ordinary about them. Korres is definitely one of my favorite brands due to the visible improvements in my complexion and the superior level of moisture I get from the creams. They also use some of the best ingredients on the planet and harness their potency effectively for amazing results.

It may be true what they say about good things coming in small packages because the Castanea Arcadia Wrinkle Rewind Day Cream is a dry skin savior! Castanea Arcadia refers to the chestnut tree leaf extract from Greece’s Arcadian Forrest which has never been used in cosmetics until now! This powerful ingredient has amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits along with regenerative properties that penetrate deeply to repair wrinkles and enhance elasticity. Along with hyaluronic acid the formula is enriched with a nourishing blend of sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, honeysuckle and other extracts to deeply moisturize and soften for fresh, polished looking skin.

Although the cream is lush and quite rich, it is non-greasy, lightweight and void of petrolatum, mineral oil, silicone and parabens. Upon application my skin feels instantly reinvigorated, replenished, smooth and extremely supple plus the scent is amazing! If you are looking for a fabulous moisturizer for all skin types I highly recommend trying this one. It retails for $65.00.

The first time I tested the Golden Krocus Ageless Saffron Elixir I knew I had to have it! If you’ve ever purchased saffron or used it in a recipe you may be aware that it is the most expensive spice on earth and is even more expensive than gold! The saffron used in this powerful serum blooms once per year in the Greek town of Kozani which is known for the highest quality of saffron in the world! Because the spice is picked fresh, the powerful antioxidants are at their maximum levels and when combined with peptides and amino acids they strengthen skin’s resistance to daily damage. The ultra silky, lightweight elixir is beautifully fragranced and helps fight all signs of aging including wrinkles, lines and sagging. I’ve also noticed that it helps correct imperfections so that my complexion appears even and the subtle infusion of shimmer creates a radiant glow. I usually layer a few drops of elixir under the moisturizer to boost the reparative benefits and create a wonderful night mask. It retails for $130.00.

Korres can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart and beautyboutique.ca

Korres Wild Rose Brightening Skincare Review

It is difficult to achieve flawless makeup application if you don’t have an even canvass to start with. Blemishes, discoloration, environmental aggressors, aging, hormones and many other factors can taint the complexion and cause skin to appear tired and dull. Before buffing on heavy foundations, concealers and correctors, why not get to the root of the problem by treating the epidermis with natural active ingredients.

Recently I’ve been trying the Korres Wild Rose Brightening Collection and I love the results! The Tone Corrector is an intensive facial treatment that helps prevent and diminish all types of discoloration for an even, balanced complexion.

The annoying acne marks left by pimples you popped, or hyperpigmentation that seemed impossible to get rid of will slowly begin to lighten and blend into the color of your natural skin tone without altering it. The serum feels more like a creamy moisturizer, infused with nourishing emollients like coconut, apricot and sunflower oils to refresh and revive.

Aside from smoothing the texture of my skin, it provides layers of lush, rejuvenating hydration that lasts all day and makes my face incredibly supple, soft, toned and resilient! I enjoy it so much that I’ve been using it every morning and when applied heavier it also works as a repairing overnight mask.

Another great thing about this formula is its seasonal versatility. The light texture is comfortable on hot, humid days without causing excess oil production or greasiness but the invigorating layers of velvety moisture is perfect for cold, dry climates and helps prevent flaking and peeling.

The active skin brightening ingredients include: Cold Pressed Wild Rose Oil - (a powerful antioxidant that evens skin tone, repairs fine lines and heals), Sea Fern Extract (to decrease pigmentation) plus Vitamin C and Sand Lily Extract to significantly reduce dark spots. The serum contains no parabens, sulfates or phthalates and is safe for vegans. You can pick it up for $43.00.

If you love face oils as much as I do the Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil is a fabulous night treatment that won't clog pores or feel slick and greasy. As seen in the photo below, the oil is infused with actual wild rose petals (that float around in the bottle) and a luxurious blend of omega acids, vitamin A and powerful antioxidants to firm, repair and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

The silky anti-inflammatory oil delivers a dewy fresh glow so you awake to healthy, radiant skin and it also protects against free radicals and UV damage. Before bed, I use a few drops on top of the serum for extra moisture and together they soak in and rejuvenate my complexion for the luminosity I crave! It also makes a fabulous treatment for rough cuticles and dry nail beds. The oil retails for $54.00.

You can find Korres at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and Sephora