OGX Hydrating Body Care & Coconut Curls Finishing Mist

Lately I’ve been using a lot more body cream and nourishing oils because no matter how much I slather on, it never seems to be enough. The weather goes from bitter cold to slightly pleasant and back again. It’s like Mother Nature can’t make a decision and takes pleasure in our ashy elbows.

After another light snowfall it seemed like a good time to test my OGX Body Care. The formulas are loaded with natural emollients and the large bottles last a long time.

The Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Hydrating Body Wash ($8.99) is described as rich, creamy and decadent (just what I need this time of year). The silk proteins are supposed to make your skin feel soft, silky and smooth while gentle cleansing agents rinse away dirt, oil and pollutants.

I read a few reviews claiming that the brand has reformulated this product and apparently people aren’t too happy about it. Since I’ve only ever tried this version, I have nothing else to compare it to within the collection but no complaints here.

I really like the scent. It smells fresh and clean – similar to a wonderful shampoo that you can’t stop sniffing. Despite not having any harsh sulfates, the luscious gel lathers well on my bath puff and envelops me in fluffy bubbles that don’t dry out my skin or leave behind residue. Even on the coldest winter days, I am not rushing to dunk myself in cream after I towel off so I’d say the argan oil is working.

The Eucalyptus Mint Body Lotion ($8.99) smells like a spa or an essential oil diffuser - very botanical and natural. Infused with tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus, the lightweight formula feels cooling, soothing and invigorating, especially after a relaxing shower. I like that it melts in quickly with no greasiness and leaves my skin feeling touchably soft all day. It’s no wonder this stuff sells out fast!

I also tried the Locking+ Coconut Curls Finishing Mist ($9.99) which tightens your tendrils and provides frizz-free hold without the crunch. It smells like a delicious tropical breeze and keeps my spirals neat, bouncy and shiny with no stickiness and minimal stiffness. I detect a hint of alcohol behind the sweetness (similar to hairspray) but it works well with my leave-in conditioners.

OGX is available at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu and Loblaws. Visit the website at ca.ogxbeauty.com

Mary Kay Spring 2019 Color Collection: Review and Swatches

Here in Toronto the weather went from -20˚C to 10˚C overnight so it’s safe to say that spring is just around the corner. To celebrate sunny skies and warmer weather, Mary Kay has launched a new collection of makeup to help you sculpt, highlight and accentuate your best features.

The Limited-Edition Lip Tints ($21.00 ea) were designed for versatility. They have a lightweight water-based formula that provides a vibrant splash of sheer buildable color.

The pigment applies effortlessly with a pointed precision applicator that glides around the lip contour to create the perfect shape and outline. For consistent coverage with minimal patchiness, allow each coat to dry before swiping on more color. Blotting seems to remove some of the excess and helps prevent seepage into your mouth. For best results, make sure your lips are exfoliated, clean and dry (no lip balm as it diminishes adhesion). The tints do not provide much moisture so don’t expect dryness relief or suppleness.

To intensify the color, apply several layers or use the tint as a primer to enhance lipstick. They smell great and look like felt markers – the kind you sniffed and colored with as a kid. Shortly after application there may be some transfer but the pigment is quite durable and lingers for a long time with gradual fading. The deeper shades (Desert Flora and Magenta) go on evenly but Canyon Coral is a tad spotty and removal may be tedious.

The packaging definitely needs more work. There is no way to manually saturate the applicator with more color so the felt will probably dry out quickly. There is also no way to tell how much pigment is actually in the tube so you're not really sure how much you're getting.

The illuminating Drops ($25.00) are reminiscent of a “desert glow” and can be worn on bare skin or over foundation for more dimension. They come in 3 shades to suit a variety of skin tones - Silver Sands, Golden Horizon and Bronze Light.

Apply a little or a lot (depending on the effect you want) and use a beauty blender to create a seamless natural finish. Unlike shimmery powders or glitter highlighters, this lightweight liquid does not settle on the skin’s surface or accentuate fine lines. On warm days, use it on your arms, shoulders, or décolletage for head-to-toe radiance!

After the winter we've had, my complexion definitely needs a boost and the new Mary Kay At Play Sticks ($17.00 ea) help you achieve the skin you’ve always dreamed of!

The contouring sticks come in 2 shades for light to medium skin and medium to deep. The colors are creamy, smooth and buildable but blend well to eliminate streaking.

The Rose Gold Highlighter Stick has a beautiful peachy sheen but if you over-blend the particles may disperse too widely. I like to apply a concentrated amount and pat lightly with my finger to adjust transparency.

There are also 2 correctors. Ditch Dullness has a lavender camouflage to conceal dark circles, bruises, blemishes and sallow/yellow undertones. Wipe Out Redness has a green tint to cover acne and rosacea.

I was really looking forward to some bright matte lip colors for spring but Mary Kay decided to go a different route with 3 Matte Nude Lipsticks ($20.00 ea) instead. The available shades are: Bellissimo (deep rosy nude), Perfetto (medium warmth) and Baccio (light beige).

I refer to these hues as true nudes because they are very flesh-tone. I prefer neutrals with more depth and maybe a splash of pink or a dash of cinnamon so I don’t look washed out. With the right eye makeup, I might be able to pull off Bellissimo because it brightens the face.

The formula is light, comfortable, creamy and buildable but you may need a few layers for full-coverage.

Last but not least we have another Magnetic Palette ($25.00 unfilled). This one has a stylish design for busy women on-the-go and you can customize it with your favorite pigments before slipping it in your bag or suitcase.

The spring collection is available at marykcay.ca and through independent consultants.

Vichy LiftActiv Collagen Specialist and Hyalu Mask Review

Aging is an inevitable part of life but there are many ways to mature gracefully while looking and feeling your best.

Growing old is an accomplishment – a precious gift that should be celebrated and appreciated. Unfortunately it is also a gateway to sagging skin, wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation – the undesirable side effects that creep up while you’re living life to the fullest.

Genetics, pollution, stress, UV damage, improper care and hormones are key factors in how well skin ages but we all have one thing in common – gradual collagen loss.

The Importance of Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in the body, providing strength and structure for connective tissue. It is essential to the healthy functioning of skin, blood vessels, muscle, tendons, bone, ligaments and the digestive system. At age 20, collagen starts to deteriorate and by age 40 we lose about 1% each year.

I always tell my readers that early prevention is the most effective way to outsmart Mother Nature but certain products can also fortify and protect your skin.

Vichy’s new LiftActive Skincare is infused with 2 types of peptides capable of targeting collagen synthesis. It also includes 15 replenishing minerals and powerful anti-aging ingredients.

Collagen in Creams and Serums

There is a lot of controversy and contradicting theories about how our bodies absorb, breakdown and use collagen, but after doing some research, I understand how it all works.

When applied topically, collagen molecules are too large to absorb directly into the skin but they can produce superficial benefits that visibly diminish common signs of aging. When used daily, the peptides seem to fill in gaps and spaces between lines and wrinkles to blur their appearance, plump and firm.

For long-lasting results I take Sproos Dietary Collagen Supplements mixed into a berry smoothie. I also apply collagen enriched skincare with a Jade Roller to tighten and lift. These methods target skin concerns from every angle. 

The Benefits of Vichy

LiftActive Collagen Specialist ($59.95) is a fragrant lightweight cream that smooths, moisturizes and tightens slack skin to improve sagging, texture and discoloration. The silky finish works well under makeup and creates a non-greasy barrier that shields against external aggressors. When used frequently, blemishes begin to fade and your profile may appear toned and defined. I don’t have wrinkles or fine lines but my complexion definitely looks even and hydrated.

The LiftActiv Hyalu Mask ($59.95) combines the regenerating power of Hyaluronic Acid and Agave Extract for instant replenishment, suppleness and radiance. If your complexion is dry, dull or fatigued, apply a thin layer of gel on clean skin, wait 5-10 minutes and remove the excess with a cotton pad (no need to rinse). Occasionally I layer the mask over the cream before bed and wash my face again in the morning. The rejuvenating layers lock-in moisture so I awake with a fresh dewy glow.

Vichy is available at drugstores nationwide. You can also visit the website at vichy.ca

SensatioNail Gel Manicure Kit With LED Light

Like most women I have a lot of makeup, skincare and beauty products I no longer use. Some of the items I receive for review purposes are gifted to friends, family and charities but false lashes and nail polish are often tucked away and forgotten.

I love a fresh mani but I don’t always have the time or patience to clip, file, buff, prime, shine, paint and dry (life’s too short). Usually my nails start chipping in a day or two and it’s a hassle to remove everything and start from scratch.

To solve this issue, SensatioNail has created an express one-step system that provides professional long-lasting manicures without a trip to the salon.

To use the lacquer you need the LED Lamp ($37.97 at Walmart) or the Complete Manicure Kit which comes with 1 color, manicure stick, double-sided buffer and lamp. The polishes retail for $12.99 each and the chrome finishes are $13.00 at Shoppers Drug Mart and beauty.shoppersdrugmart.com.

All of the bottles are black so you can’t see the color without opening them or referring to the sticker swatches which are usually a true match.

The Lamp plugs into the wall and comes with a USB cord which is handy for travel. To preserve the bulbs, the device it will not turn on until you place your hand underneath and the lights are supposed to cure/dry gel polish in just 30 seconds.

There are a variety of shiny shades to choose from (including a few Pantone color trends) and the formula has a built-in base and top coat. The brand also makes Pre-Glued Artificial Nail Sets if those are more your style.

Once you apply the first coat of polish, cure for 30 seconds, apply a second coat and repeat. There is no dry time and the durable pigment lasts up to 10 days without chipping, dulling or fading. I’m not sure if the LED light works with other gel-based brands but logically it should.

I decided to use the SensatioNail Chrome Gel which has a stunning mirrored finish. It is more work to apply this formula and you need white or black polish for a base.

I applied one coat of the dark Bordeaux Gel Polish under the chrome powder but the texture was thick, runny, gloopy and difficult to work with. The color is not opaque and does not apply evenly so you need at least 2 coats for full-coverage. Even when used sparingly, the polish kept pooling around the sides and cuticles. I also noticed a lot of bumps and bubbles even though I prepared my nails by buffing and using acetone as suggested.

It took a while to apply the first coat and after curing for 30 seconds, the surface still felt a bit sticky. For people who have long fingers like me, the depth of the LED machine is a tad short.

The chrome gel powder looks like loose eye shadow. There is a lot of fallout and it is difficult to clean up the excess. After all that work, the finish on my left hand looked totally different than the one on my right because the powder did not blend consistently. My nails ended up looking messy and rough around the edges which was no easy fix. This was my first time using the kit so maybe it takes more practice.

I tried to remove the polish because I was displeased with the results but it would not come off. I guess that’s a good thing if you want your manicure to last a long time but removal is extremely tedious. I tried to dissolve the gel with salon quality 100% acetone and it did not budge or breakdown at all. It took almost 2 hours of continuous soaking and using a sharp kitchen knife to scrape and lift off all the layers. The brand also sells removal pads but they are not included in the kit.

If you have brittle nails, removing this lacquer may be too harsh and damaging. It sets very quickly (which is awesome) but no amount of rubbing will get this stuff off easily. Thankfully I did not damage my nail beds or skin but the entire process is time consuming which kind of defeats the purpose.

Maybe you’ll have better luck than I did so if you’d like to try this system, SensatioNail is available at Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart.

The Food District: Square One Shopping Centre - Opening Spring 2019

I was born and raised in Mississauga so I know how important Square One is to the community. In recent years the mall has undergone impressive changes and renovations including spacious retail expansions, trendy eateries and 40 new stores.

Yesterday I slipped on a hard hat and safety shoes to tour the new Food District which is still under construction. This food lovers paradise will span over 34,000 square feet and feature a variety of gourmet artisan shops that provide a unique space for guests to meet, eat and purchase specialty products. It will also create over 250 full-time and part-time jobs which kicked-off with a career fair in early March.

Churro Cake

At the media preview I talked to some of the vendors and sampled their delicious food.

Brisket Burger

BRØD Specializes in authentic Danish pastries drizzled in chocolate, topped with nuts or stuffed with delicious fruit filling. These flaky treats go great with coffee and make a light dessert.

I am no stranger to Sweet Jesus Ice Cream and now I don't have to travel far to get my fix. At this shop it’s all about the toppings!

The Macaroon Boutique reminds me of my trip to Paris – strolling down the Champ Élysées while happily munching delectable sweets. Foodie tip: try the hazelnut and floral flavors (you’ll thank me later).

If you need something healthy to balance your meal, pop over to Village Juicery for yummy cold pressed blends loaded with antioxidants and vitamins.

The District Kitchen will be an interactive demonstration space with cooking classes, corporate events, dinner parties and more!

Here the chefs are preparing meat filled dumplings seasoned to perfection!

Before the official grand opening I attended another media event at Square One to sample more amazing food and finally see the finished space. I also met John Catucci, my go-to food guru for the best restaurant recommendations in town. To help plan your next dinner date, check out John's show - So You Gotta Eat Here on The Food Network.

The Box Donuts are unlike anything you've seen at your local coffee shop. They are beautifully decorated, stuffed with cream and adorned with fruit, chocolate and edible silver flakes. I wasn't a big donut fan but they've totally converted me with their soft melt-in-your-mouth dough.

Plancha serves traditional Mediterranean food with a diverse menu that also incorporates flavors from Portugal, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt. Their soft pitas are served straight from the oven.

Don't know what to make for dinner? Stop at Arvinda's for fresh spices and recipe ideas. While you're at it, try some fragrant chai tea.

Pasta is one of my favorite foods and over at Dal Moro's they make it fresh. After a long day of shopping, stop by and get your noodles to go.

Drummond Farms sells non-waxed, straight from the farm local apples and cider.

Craft Chippers whips up fresh made-to-order chips right before your eyes. Try the traditional potato, casava, plantain or taro. 

Tao Tea Leaf - 100 varieties of tea including some award winners.

Chocolatta Gourmet specializes in homemade Brazilian brigadeiros, similar to truffles.

Kingston Olive Oil Co. offers  a variety of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic. 

Get your gifts and floral arrangements at Blossom Moments.

The Food District will open on April 1, 2019 so stop by and experience the culinary delights! For more information please visit shopfooddistrict.com.

Anew Hydra Fusion Skincare by Avon

As I write this article the temperature outside is -20˚C with icy winds and I’m wearing the warmest sweater I could find. Like a true Canadian I love winter and snow but it is very easy to become dehydrated without even realizing it.

In the summer, heat and humidity makes you feel parched and reminds to you drink more but when it’s cold, you may not feel as thirsty. One sign that you need to increase your water intake is dry peeling skin that looks ashy and rough. It is also a good idea to nourish your complexion from the outside with products that lock-in moisture and protect from environmental aggressors.

To help maintain your youthful glow, Avon has created an easy 5 step system that provides up to 72 hours of hydration. The collection is infused with Hyaluronic Acid which holds more than 1,000 times its weight in water and antioxidant-rich Raspberry Extract to keep skin healthy and radiant.

Step 1: Cleanse

After using a makeup wipe or oil based emulsifier, I double-cleanse with face wash and use the Hydra Fusion Micellar Water ($16.00) to remove remaining residue, oil, dirt and pollutants. The gentle solution eradicates blemish causing debris and clarifies pores with a refreshing blend of plant and fruit extracts. It also moisturizes without leaving behind a sticky film and prepares skin to efficiently absorb serum and cream.

Step 2: In-Shower Mask

Masking has become an important beauty ritual for most people and Avon has made it possible to renew your complexion without waiting 20 minutes for the treatment to work.

The new Hydra Fusion In-Shower Mask ($28.00) can be used at the end of a shower to instantly moisturize and fortify dry skin. Simply pat on the cool liquid and allow it to dry (no rinsing required).

After the shower steam opens your pores, the refreshing formula absorbs quickly and locks-in moisture to smooth, energize and create an even canvass for makeup application.

Although the mask is a great first step for eliminating dryness, it isn’t hydrating enough on its own and needs to be layered with other products.

Step 3: Rejuvenate

The Anew Hydra Fusion Replenishing Serum ($45.00) can be used day or night to plump and soften. The water-based texture is weightless and liquid-y so it distributes evenly and seems to disappear into the skin leaving it smooth and repaired.

To really put this formula to the test I used it on my husband’s hands which are rough, chapped and severely dry. The serum instantly seeped into the cracks, lines and crevices to hydrate and heal damaged areas. After just one application his skin and nails looked healthier and the results were long-lasting.  

Step 4: Moisturize

If you really want to see how amazing this collection is, layer the Hydra Fusion Gel ($35.00) over the serum and watch the dryness disappear before your eyes. Not only does my skin feel super silky and nourished, but the dry patches around my mouth are completely gone and my complexion appears bright and dewy.

The calming gel is cool and refreshing (especially if you pop it in the fridge before use) and it alleviates discomfort without clogging pores. I love the uplifting fragrance and when applied generously, the treatment doubles as a regenerating night mask that invigorates and quenches dry skin as you sleep.

Step 5: Eye Care

The Hydra Fusion De-Puffing Eye Serum ($35.00) is infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidants and Caffeine to reduce the look of under eye bags and hydrate dry lines so they appear less noticeable. Use it morning and night to perk-up the eye area and look well rested. The cold ceramic tip feels amazing at the end of a long day.

Avon is available online at avon.ca.

Pixi Hello Beautiful Face Case Palettes: Review and Swatches

Pixi Beauty is well known for their nourishing skincare infused with rose water and hydrating botanicals but their gorgeous makeup palettes should also be on your radar.

When it comes to velvety color and exceptional quality, Pixi definitely delivers. Their mineral pigment is creamy, dense and highly saturated for effortless blending and buildable coverage that doesn’t quit!

The new Face Palettes ($34.00 ea) – English Rose and L.A. Angel, are trendier renditions of the classic “nude trend” that is still going strong. They contain easy to use everyday shades that are universally flattering, soft and feminine with a versatile combination of smooth mattes and vibrant shimmers.

English Rose is on the cool side of the color spectrum featuring taupe, dusty pink, lavender plum and deep charcoal brown. The larger pigments at the bottom can be used as highlighter and all of the shadows are buildable, non-creasing and radiant.

While playing around with the colors I did notice that the bright silver in the second row is a tad flaky but the chrome effect is pretty despite the fallout.

L.A. Angel is little more my style. I love the flattering gold hues, coppery garnet and sunset mattes but I wish the bottom colors were a bit more interesting (I already have enough beige in my collection).

These shades are soft, silky and long-wear with stunning color payoff and fabulous coverage. The simplicity of these palettes is a bit deceiving because the pigments brighten and accentuate much more than anticipated. The rich texture and stunning brilliance is comparable to high-end formulas.

If you want your look to last even longer, make sure to use a good base like the Pixi Eye Bright Primer. The water resistant, crease-proof formula enhances color and holds it in place all day.

Since it is freezing outside, you might want to condition and prep your pout with Pixi’s Shea Butter Lip Balm ($10.00). They are available in 4 wearable tints (3 neutrals and one bright) that soften, moisturize and soothe.

Pixi Beauty is paraben and cruelty-free. You can find these great products at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.