THE BODY SHOP Body Yogurt Collection

Have you ever been in such a rush that you hopped out of the shower and decided to skip the body cream? Some formulas take forever to absorb while others leave you feeling so slick and moist you can’t even pull up your favorite pair of jeans.

For busy mornings and dry skin, The Body Shop has created a delectable selection of Body Yogurts ($16.00 ea) that are lightweight, fast absorbing and 100% vegan! The delicious formulas smell like ripe fruit and sweet flowers on a sunny spring day. If you are sensitive to strong fragrances you might want to take a whiff before purchasing but I think the scents are lovely.

After showering, apply the non-sticky refreshing gel on damp skin to soften, smooth and hydrate for up to 48 hours. Each formula is enriched with organic almond milk from Spain and sustainably sourced natural ingredients from Rwanda.

Strawberries don’t last very long in my house and although this scent smells more like candy than fruit, the whole family enjoys the indulgent aroma.

Moringa is a plant that contains a variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This luscious blend smells like a bouquet of fresh flowers enveloping you in nourishment.

The Mango Yogurt reminds me of peach lollipops (resist the urge to eat it).

British Rose is uplifting and fresh but not very floral. It reminds me of an amazing hair conditioner, the kind you put on and can’t stop smelling.

Almond Milk is my favorite because the scent is mild and the formula is safe for sensitive skin. To treat dry flaky patches, apply generously. There is no build-up or residue so use as much as you like.

These cute jars make great gifts and stocking stuffers for all the ladies on your holiday list. The collection is available at THE BODY SHOP stores and online at thebodyshop.ca.

Winter Skincare and Powerful Anti-Aging Serums

To combat the drying effects of winter and indoor heating you may need to increase hydration levels by drinking more water and using nourishing skincare that prevents moisture loss. I favor products that protect my complexion from environmental elements and rejuvenate cells with a powerful dose of anti-aging ingredients. 

When it comes to wrinkles, lines and firmness I seem to have inherited my mother’s awesome genes. She doesn’t have one crease, crinkle or ripple and fortunately I don’t either. Genes are only part of my secret, I’ve also been using anti-aging formulas since my early 20’s while living by a simple philosophy – it’s easier to prevent than treat. I like creams and serums that keep my skin supple, youthful and vibrant so I’ve rounded up a few great products.

If you need serious winter rescue the Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator ($61.00) is probably your best bet. The gel actually gives your skin the power to hydrate itself so at the end of a long day your complexion feels as good as it did when you first applied the cream and almost twice as hydrated (even after washing your face). I like to re-apply after cleansing but the texture is refreshing, lightweight and soothing with quick absorption and no greasiness. A blend of caffeine, aloe water and humectants reduce water loss, seal in moisture, plump, soften and smooth for a dewy glow. (Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Clinique counters nationwide and online at clinique.ca).

To feed your skin with organic goodness Juice Beauty’s Signal Peptides Firming Serum ($140.00) can be layered under any moisturizer. This luxurious, lightweight formula shields skin from external aggressors while restoring firmness and elasticity. A potent mixture of plant lipids, rice peptides, vitamins, antioxidants and fruit extracts replenish, lift and rejuvenate while shea butter, olive oil, sunflower and hyaluronic acid hydrate and fortify. The serum sinks in deeply and efficiently with a supple finish and no residue. Juice Beauty is available at Murale Stores – February 2018.

One indicator of dehydration is how dry your lips are and the Veneffect Lip Treatment ($95.00) revives chapped peeling skin while reducing and preventing the appearance of lines. It also smooths the lip area, moisturizes, plumps, promotes a rosy glow and prolongs the wear of lipstick. Those with sensitive skin will love this gentle hypoallergenic formula - it is free of gluten, parabens and fragrance. Veneffect is available at Murale and beautyboutique.ca.

The Filorga NCTF-Intense Supreme Regenerating Serum ($120.00) is amazing! This booster is highly concentrated with vitamins, amino acids, minerals, co-enzymes, antioxidants and more than 50 anti-aging ingredients derived from aesthetic medicine to yield visible results. It contains Retinol with a DNA Complex and Vitamin C to homogenize melanin production and enhance radiance. Since I began using Filorga my complexion is clear, smooth, bright and even plus my pores are smaller and blemishes appear less noticeable. The serum smells fantastic and deeply hydrates without residue so you can use it before applying makeup or in the evening layered with moisturizer. The brand is available at Murale and beautyboutique.ca – February 2018.

Mark Rebel + Ice Bath & Body Collection by Avon

This season Avon is transporting you to the new South West with a collection of irresistible body products and fashion accessories inspired by tranquil blue skies. Rebel + Ice is fresh and invigorating with notes of cool mountain air, winter iris and white birch wood.

The pretty packaging, billowing scarf and crisp scent reminds me of sailing in Saint Tropez as the brilliant blue water sparkled beneath the sun and the Mediterranean wind whipped around the boat. 

After a long, cold day, relax with a warm shower and the Rebel + Ice Body Wash ($10.00) to soothe tired muscles and deeply cleanse. These fragrant shower gels (available in various scents) are some of my favorites from the brand because they lather well on my bath puff and create a lush foam that rinses away impurities without drying out the skin.

Follow up with the extra-rich Body Lotion ($10.00) that quenches, softens and heals dry skin with layers of silky hydration. This formula also works well on hands and feet or any areas that need more nourishment to combat frigid temperatures.

Finish with the energizing Body Mist ($14.00) which enhances the wonderful scent and lightly locks in hydration with castor oil.

The What a Scene Scarf ($18.00) has the same pretty print as the bottles featuring shades of blue and hints of crimson. This limited-edition set makes a great care package to help friends and family survive winter.

 Avon is available online at avon.ca or through independent consultants

No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil Review

I went outside today and within a few minutes my face froze. Don’t get me wrong I love winter, I was born on Christmas Eve after all but this weather wreaks havoc on the skin. Going from harsh cold and whipping winds to warm indoor heating is very drying and this time of year I have to layer the moisturizers on heavily and reapply before bed. To help counteract Canadian snow squalls, the No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil ($25.00) provides an intense surge of hydration plus anti-aging benefits to tone, smooth and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Admittedly, wrinkles are not a concern for me yet and I don’t have fine lines. I aim for clear, radiant skin that is relatively blemish-free, even and healthy. With a nourishing blend of Rosehip and jojoba, the formula mimics the skin's natural oils to enhance absorption and lock in moisture. I like the lightweight, non-greasy finish, it provides a supple sheen and layers well with my other night care to soften and restore.

You only need a few drops to alleviate and heal dry, itchy skin and I even use it on my nails and cuticles to promote growth and prevent brittleness. Before bed I pat some on my lips for a luscious pout and for a dewy complexion add a drop to foundation. The oil also provides a boost of shine for dry hair – simply dab some on rough ends for a little glossiness.   

No7 is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, online at beautyboutique.ca and at Ulta Beauty in the U.S.

Hand Chemistry Hyaluronic Concentrate and Triple-Function Hydrator

Many of my recent posts have been dedicated to battling dry winter skin and I'm happy to report that I am winning the fight! Nothing spoils a beautiful manicure like dry, chapped skin so today I am featuring a couple of nourishing products to get your hands and body in tip top shape.

When the weather warms up and the gloves come off I want my hands looking soft, supple and moisturized and the Hand Chemistry Concentrate is made to do just that. Formulated with “extraordinarily” high amounts of hyaluronic acid suspended in a base of skin-enhancing red algae and tamarind, the concentrate helps improve hydration and texture.

If you don’t know what hyaluronic acid is don’t let the “acid” part scare you off. It is actually quite safe and one of the most popular ingredients right now in skincare and beauty for its ability to distribute and absorb thoroughly. It also hydrates more than most components by increasing the skin’s ability to retain water which is imperative for people with parched skin.

The concentrate comes in a larger bottle so that you can also use it on your entire body for optimal results. This product is designed to absorb quickly to provide long-lasting hydration while alleviating uncomfortable tightness.

Although the treatment has a gel consistency when I rub it onto my hands or body it feels similar to a light lotion. For a few minutes after application there is a slight residue but it seems to dissipate quickly for non-sticky coverage.

Although I like the nice light scent and extra protection from environmental elements, for me the moisturizing effects of the gel did not last as long as the creams and I needed to reapply it more frequently.  It is however great for those who prefer light-weight products to creams or heavy body butters. The concentrate retails for $30.00.

I have been using the Hand Chemistry creams for a few months now with great results and I even gifted them at Christmas! The Triple-Function Hyaluronic-Rich Hydrator comes in a convenient purse size and hydrates below and above the skin’s surface.

For those who frequently hand wash or for repeated exposure to harsh climates, dish soap and all the other drying ingredients you may encounter throughout the day this cream provides rich, instant relief.

The formula moisturizes with invisible glove-like protection for soft, supple hands and long-term results. With a skin quenching base of liquid mango butter, Brazilian Acai and nourishing oils this is a wonderfully thick, indulgent cream that takes care of dry, flaky skin and rough cuticles. It retails for $9.00.

You can find these and more great products online by clicking HERE or at Shoppers Drug Mart. 

**Disclaimer: were products provided for review

Mark Moon Chill Berry Bath and Body Collection

Since the weather has gone from chilly and crisp to cold and icy I have been pampering my skin with some amazing products from mark. Many of these bath and body products have become some of my favorites and nothing hydrates and moisturizes my skin like the thick, luscious body butters that are on my must-have holiday list!

The Moon Chill Berry Collection is the perfect way to unwind on a blustery winter’s night and the decadent scent of chilled berries, frosted blossoms and moonlit musk is enough to put me in the mood for some hot cocoa and gift wrapping!

The collection includes:

*Moon Chill Berry 3-in-1 Body Wash ($12)

This fruity formula lathers richly for a wonderful aromatic clean that makes skin smell amazing. You can use it as shampoo or shower gel and if you want to soak away the stress of a long day you can also use it as a foamy bubble bath!

*Moon Chill Berry Body Scrub ($14)

To slough away some dry, winter skin the scrub is infused with sugarcane extract and walnut for smooth supple results. You can use the scrub in the shower and the gentle exfoliating beads smell wonderful!

*Moon Chill Berry Shimmer Body Cream ($15)

For luminous shimmer, the lightly scented body cream is a great option. The shimmer is very subtle for a healthy glow and great hydration.

*Moon Chill Berry Body Butter ($14)

If you suffer from dry skin this body butter will help you battle the winter weather with a luxuriously rich, ultra-hydrating formula that melts into skin. When it comes to long-lasting moisture and soft, supple skin this butter is number one on my list this season! Although it is thick, creamy and smooth it doesn't have a greasy residue and the results are long-lasting.

*Moon Chill Body Mist ($14)

All of the products above will leave your skin looking and smelling great but the body mist adds the finishing touch. With a light musk scent infused with sweet, juicy berries the mist smells good enough to eat! The scent lasts a few hours before dissipating so I would love a purse-sized version!

*Moon Chill Berry Hand Cream ($14)

During the winter my hands need extra moisture so this hand cream is great for use on the go and takes care of dry cuticles and rough patches all season long.

This collection makes a great holiday gift or you can mix, match and pair items together to create smaller gifts, gift baskets or stocking stuffers. You can find the collection by clicking HERE. 

**Disclaimer: products provided for review