NeoStrata Acne Clear Review

I love when my skin is clear, smooth and radiant and although I don’t have many issues with blemishes every so often those pesky hormonal pimples pop up and I need a treatment that is fast and effective. Whether you suffer from occasional pimples like me or repeated breakouts that dull the complexion and cause uncomfortable redness the Acne Clear line will help exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent future blocked pores.

Step 1 Deep Cleanse:

One of the best things you can do for you your skin is clarify dirt, excess oil makeup residue and counteract environmental aggressors with daily cleansing. The Gel cleanser contains 2% Salicylic Acid and Hydroxyl Acid that helps eradicate pimples while reducing breakout severity to allow skin to heal. The gel produces an invigorating cooling effect with a rich non-irritating lather that refreshes. I only use the gel to replace my regular cleansers when I have pimples and for even more cleansing action I like to use it with my Clarisonic. The gel retails for $24.50.

Step 2 Unclog Pores:

The Clarifying Solution also contains Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyl Acid and Glycolic Acid to remove dead cells and resurface the skin. This formula is similar to an astringent and tonner so I apply it to a cotton pad and wipe my face thoroughly focusing on the problem areas. If you are new to using Glycolic Acid it is recommended that you start with one application per day and gradually increase to twice per day until your skin builds a tolerance. I also like using it as a spot treatment before bed or under makeup as it does a fantastic job at drying up and shrinking zits. Since the solution targets excess oil, dirt and other pore cloggers it is quite drying. I recommend not using it on broken skin (like after you squeeze your pimple) or after using gritty exfoliators as it can sting. The Clarifying Solution retails for $29.50.

Step 3 Moisturize & Renew:

After completing steps one and two my skin feels very dry which is common with many acne products. The final step replenishes to revive parched skin and resurfaces to even out the complexion for smooth, youthful results. The Glycolic Renewal Lotion comes in two concentrations- 5% and 10%. Again if you are new to this ingredient you must build up a tolerance but the formula is designed to work without causing irritation and is safe for sensitive skin.

Glycolic Acid has been called a miracle worker when it comes to skincare for its ability to penetrate deeply, and treat fine lines, acne, blackheads, discoloration, age spots, dullness and oiliness. These light, non-greasy creams help you achieve that polished, radiant finish which is more evident with repeated use and they are suitable for all ages. The moisturizers retail for $39.00 each.

You can pick up these great products at all major drugstores across Canada.

Cargo Limited Edition Shanghai Nights Eye Shadow Palette Review

Online shopping has become a very popular method of purchasing everything you crave with a simple click of a button from stores all over the world! I love sitting in the comfort of my home (especially during the winter) and simply adding products to my virtual shopping cart without having to deal with traffic, long lines and crowds. This holiday season you can battle for a parking spot or sit back, relax and browse the fabulous variety of online merchandise.

I love when I can find a great selection of beauty products in one convenient location from makeup to skincare, fragrance and beauty tools. Recently I discovered Scarlet & Julia- an online retailer that offers a wide range of popular brands including: Gucci, Michael Kors, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Nuxe, Neo Strata, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Lise Watier and many more of your faves! I was very impressed with the fast and efficient shipping and my order was delivered to my door well packaged with some nice bonus samples!

I decided to use my gift card on the Cargo Shanghai Nights Eye Shadow Palette because the dazzling shades are attractive and versatile. Since I haven’t used Cargo eye makeup in years I was excited to add one of their limited edition items to my collection. The beautiful colors are inspired by the seductive lights and enchanting vibe of one of China’s most magnificent cities and these glimmering hues are suitable for all seasons. The shadows are housed in a beautiful palette that resembles a water painting of Shanghai’s glitz and glamour and comes with a decent sized mirror, dual ended brush and magnetic closure.

Most of the pigments have a beautiful shimmer finish but there are a few shades (Wai Tai, Bund and Hu) that have a smooth, creamy matte finish. All 12 of the shadows have a high quality velvety texture that feels soft and luxurious and the pigmentation is very good with buildable coverage. I always prefer to use a good eye primer to enhance saturation and longevity but these shades are suitable for a wide range of complexions and trendy looks.

The colors are stunning with a fabulous selection of deep sultry blue (Skyline), grey/silver (Street Style), beautiful gold (Ginger), frosty pink (Lychee), flattering purple (Bar Rouge), midnight black (Night Life), deep Jade and a few more complimentary hues that can be used for the lids, crease or highlighting. I had no issues with creasing or fading and the pigments stay put all day.

With this palette you can go bold, neutral or glam for any occasion or event including upcoming holiday parties! It also makes a great gift and is handy for travel. You can pick it up for $46.00 Canadian by clicking HERE.

Visit Scarlett & Julia on their website- HERE.

*Press samples featured 

Vacationing in Dubrovnik Croatia & Montenegro: Photos & Tourism

After visiting the busy city of Istanbul arriving in Dubrovnik was a nice break from the hustle and bustle. The stunning views of the old coastal town are a painter’s dream and the beautiful sea gleamed as we toured the historic cobblestone streets.

Dubrovnik is also one of the shooting locations for the popular Game Of Thrones series which I am a huge fan of!

As I gazed at the beautiful buildings and lost myself in the narrow alleys I was transported back in time to a society that I only get to experience on TV. It was like being a part of a medieval kingdom where kings battled for power, knights rose to glory and townsfolk made a living at the market.

We stayed at the Radisson Blu, a large resort perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea and boasting 3 pools, a shopping promenade and a wonderful spa.

photo from: picsant.com

We didn’t spend too much time at the resort but I absolutely loved exploring the shops and harbour. Dubrovnik is often referred to as “the pearl of the Aegean” and “one of the Europe’s best kept secrets”  which makes it an amazing destination for a quiet getaway.

Great pizza in Dubrovnik- Pizzeria Mirakul

 

From Dubrovnik we also took a day trip to Montenegro because I just had to see the Town of Kotor nestled into the mountains and adjacent to the sparkling sea. Our tour bus took us on a winding, exhilarating ride around the steep cliffs on the Serpentine Road- one of Europe’s most dangerous due to the height, sheer vertical drops and countless turns and twists into the clouds! This trip may not be for the faint of heart but it is an adventurists dream!

Local beer in Montenegro

Kotor

Montenegro is not a place I ever thought I’d visit because it never occurred to me until I began researching things to do in the area but I am glad I got to experience some of the most spectacular 

views I’ve ever encountered on my travels.

To check out my previous post on my visit to Turkey click HERE and stay tuned for my photos of Munich Germany!

L’Oreal Paris Color Riche La Palette Nude 2: Eye Shadow Review

This year nude palettes have made a big comeback and on the other side of the spectrum bold, smokey shadows are also very popular. When you find a palette that combines the best of both worlds- (deep + neutral) like L’Oreal’s Nude 2 it is a match made in makeup heaven and gives you the versatility to create many stunning effects! It seems that almost every brand has launched a collection of soft everyday hues but as far as drugstore products go L’Oreal is at the top of my list when it comes to quality pigments.

The brand has released two nude palettes that have been a hit among beauty gurus and makeup junkies and the second palette has a beautiful selection of trendy, wearable shades from mauve, rich brown, bronze, sandy silver, gold and champagne. If you haven’t added a palette like this to your collection you definitely should! These warm, rich shades are essential for sculpting the crease, defining, enhancing the lids and highlighting plus they compliment any outfit.

For $29.99 (Canadian) the price range sits somewhere in the middle but the quality holds up against some higher-end formulas and each shadow is quite large. The packaging isn’t fancy but it is simple and sturdy with a long mirror and a double ended brush - sponge applicator.

The texture of the shimmer pigments is silky, soft and very fine for super smooth, buildable application. The matte hues have more of a rich, creamy texture and I like that they can be buffed out to create a beautiful fade that appears expertly blended. The velvety finishes pair well with the satin hues for great dimension and depth and there is a fabulous balance of matte and metallic. I find that the shadows look best paired with a good primer and although a couple of the buttery matte shades apply inconsistently and a tad patchy blending them out helps corrects this.

This palette may be called nude because of the range of soft hues and basic browns but you can also use it to create deep smokey looks which make it great for travel and on-trend for fall. It also makes a nice gift because anyone can pull-off these colors no matter what skin tone.

This palette is available in drugstores nationwide.

*Press sample featured

L’Oréal Professionnel PRO FIBER Review: Professional Hair Damage Science

It’s time to step away from the blow dryer, drop the flat iron and chat about hair restoration since 51% of women report some level of damage. Heat styling, chemicals, over-processing, the environmental, poor care and other factors can lead to dry, brittle hair, split-ends and a lackluster finish. Although all women crave a gorgeous, flowing mane many of us are unwilling to sacrifice our styling methods so L’Oréal’s latest scientific breakthrough can help strengthen your stressed strands for shiny salon quality results in just 6 weeks!

First let’s get the science part of out the way and break it down so you understand how the PRO FIBER formula is different from any other on the market. L’Oréal has developed a molecular complex called APTYL 100 which deeply penetrates and anchors within the hair fiber for long-lasting results. When this nifty little molecule locks into your follicles it fortifies from within and instantly resurfaces to smooth, soften and protect. After treatment hair is revived as it begins to recover and become stronger and more resilient. Now here is the best and most intriguing aspect of the new system; unlike many treatments that wash out when you shampoo this fortifying molecule stays within the hair fiber for up to 4 shampoos! You can simply reactivate the molecule for another cycle using the hairdresser prescribed shampoo and auto-regenerate recharge product. This process yields fabulous results that last and in just 6 weeks of treatment hair fibers may be renewed from root to tip so that hair looks as if it was never damaged!

The first step of the treatment is getting assessed and to do this you simply head over to a L’Oreal Professionnel Salon. A hair stylist will be able to identify the degree of damage sustained by the hair fiber using the specifically designed PRO FIBER assessment tool. After your initial consultation and treatment the stylist will then recommend a personalized at-home hair care routine with products from the collection.

I visited the Taz Hair Salon in Yorkville and I learned a lot about my hair! Apparently I have been doing a great job repairing the heat damage of a few years ago so my hair has very little damage and is quite healthy! Since I always buy products for extreme damage I was happy to hear that my hair is thriving and growing long and strong!

There are 3 levels of damage and each formula in the collection responds accordingly.

Level 1 (for slightly damaged hair): This is the level of care that was recommended for me, the Revive Collection targets mechanical damaged caused by heat styling tools and resurfaces the hair fiber.

Level 2 (for damaged hair): This category includes damage from coloring and styling tools. The Restore Collection for moderate to badly damaged hair is designed to repair the fibers.

 Level 3 (for very damaged hair): This level is for hair that has suffered repeated coloring, frequent heat styling and a lot of mechanical and chemical stress. The Recover Collection restructures the hair fiber to help reverse these effects.

As the stylist was shampooing my hair (which felt divine) the calming, warm aroma smelled amazing and I couldn’t resist sniffing my hair throughout the day! The shampoo is a clear, pinkish gel that foams to rinse away build-up and excess oil while resurfacing for a smooth finish and easier detangling. I don’t usually use shampoo that contains sulfates so I only apply it on my scalp and let the suds trickle down instead of lathering my ends which tend to get dry. The shampoo retails for $27.50.

After shampooing the lush conditioner nourishes weakened strands and makes hair feel silky and revitalized with a lot of slip for getting rid of those pesky tangles without causing breakage. It definitely makes my hair feel soft, glossy and healthier. It retails for $28.50.

The Resurfacing Mask is my favorite but I may be a bit bias since a good deep treatment is my splurge of choice. My long thick hair including my parched ends just loves this stuff! The rich, texture coats each strand in a blanket of super creamy conditioner to help undo some of the damage and soften dry, brittle areas. After treatment my hair feels amazing and looks shiny, bouncy and full of body! It retails for $28.50.

Although my hair was diagnosed as having very little damage I also use the Recover Mask which is in the third or highest level of damage because my ends need extra attention. This treatment really helps reduce breakage and seems to increase my hair's resiliency to styling.

The Resurfacing Serum in Jelly is a light milky leave-in that decreases frizz, poof and dryness. It protects from heat styling up to 230 degrees C˚ and you can also apply it to damp hair and style as usual, it retails for $28.75.

The Re-Charge Serum works with all three of the collections to reactivate the APTYL 100 molecule and boosts its effectiveness after every 4 shampoos. It doesn’t replace the entire treatment process but it does buy you several more days of gorgeous hair while reinforcing the strengthening benefits. It retails for $35.00 per box of 6.

One of the things I like most about the products is that the formulas only targets the damaged areas so it doesn’t weight down my hair and you can also download the PRO FIBER app at the Apple Store or Google Play to help your stylist assess your level of damage. The active molecule that provides all the fabulous results does decrease more substantially if you use a different shampoo or brand so it is most effective and longer-lasting if you use the products together and as prescribed. The entire treatment process at the salon can take as little as five minutes and I will definitely continue until my hair reaches its optimal potential!

The products are available exclusively at L’Oréal salons and you can check out the website for more info and salon locations by clicking HERE. Get the PRO FIBER app HERE. 

*Press samples featured

NSPA Beauty Rituals Review: Award Winning Skincare

I review and use many high-end skincare products that work wonders on the complexion but you don’t always have to shell out big bucks for radiant skin. For fashionistas on a budget who crave spa results and healthy skin at more affordable prices there are great options available at your local drugstore! NSPA is a brand you may have seen while browsing the shelves at Walmart and the spa inspired collection pampers the skin in luxurious, award winning formulas that are gentle yet effective.

There are a lot of great products to choose from including eye creams, moisturizers, face masks and cleansers and the formulas contain natural extracts that help restore, protect and prep your skin for the coming winter.

Melting Cleansing Gel ($8.27)

This cool, lightweight gel is infused with grape seed and neroli oil to draw out impurities, remove makeup and clarify the skin. The refreshing formula emulsifies into a soft cleansing milk as you massage it in and I like that it doesn’t cause excessive dryness like soapy cleansers. It is also packed with moisturizing ginseng, antioxidants, vitamin E, avocado and apricot so you can start your morning right!

Deep Cleansing Face Wash ($8.27)

If you need a more thorough cleanse after a long day in pore clogging makeup and you like that fluffy foaming action this wash is excellent at gently removing excess oil, build-up, dirt and impurities while brightening the skin. It is also infused with a moisturizing blend of vitamins, antioxidants and natural conditioning agents so skin feels clean but not stripped.

Skin Renewal Gel ($13.97)

This gel can be used after cleansing to gently melt away dead cells for exfoliating results without the harsh gritty particles. It utilizes the power of fruit acids and essential oils to leave skin soft, radiant and smooth. You massage it into the face and neck for 1-2 mins, leave on for a moment and massage again until the gel turns into a smooth oil.

Brightening Detox Scrub ($9.97)

If you want a little more resurfacing results this gentle scrub contains micro-exfoliating beads to smooth skin texture, hydrate and draw out impurities. The formula is a rich cream that buffs away dead skin cells and de-clogs pores for fresh, supple skin. It also contains essential oil and fruit extracts.

Replenishing Moisture Mask ($15.97)

Although I like mineral masks I often follow up with a rich moisture mask to counteract some of the drying properties of the clay. This vitamin packed formula replenishes dehydrated skin with sweet almond oil, neroli, ginseng and vitamin E. Simply apply it over the face and neck, relax for 10-20 mins and rinse.

Ultra Hydrate Cream ($13.97)

If you like rich, skin conditioning formulas this cream is soothing and concentrated with ginseng, vitamin E, vitamin B5 and maca root for a lightweight boost of moisture that alleviates tight, parched skin efficiently for up to 12 hours. Because of the silky, supple finish it works well under makeup and absorbs quickly.

Oil-Free Moisture Gel ($13.97)

For a non-greasy concentrated layer of moisture this product is great for intense hydration when you don’t want to use a moisturizer. It has a matte finish which is great for oily and combination skin and it helps keep your face shine-free.

Youthful Eye Cream ($15.97)

I always finish my night time routine with a great eye cream and this little jar contains anti-aging collagen to firm, fruit peptides to brighten and grape seed oil for radiance. The sensitive formula is perfect for delicate skin and it plumps to help you look well rested.

If you look at the packaging on each product you will notice that they all have numbers which lets you know which step of your skincare routine they fit into and when to use what. All of the formulas in this post are suitable for sensitive skin and they have a very mild pleasant scent suitable for everyone. As mentioned you can find this fabulous collection at Walmart.

*Press samples featured