NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil Review

When people tell me that they avoid oil based beauty products because they clog pores, feel heavy and causes breakouts I often ask if they are using organic oil which tends to penetrate and nourish rather than cause flare-ups and pimples. Natural oils are deeply hydrating and the botanical benefits can help you achieve a supple, radiant complexion while soothing and regenerating.

The luxurious dry oil by NUXE has been a French beauty secret since 1991 and if you are unsure what “dry oil” means, it refers to the lightweight, non-greasy, ultra silky texture that leaves no residue or annoying stickiness behind. In fact you can think of this oil as more of a bountiful elixir, enriched with a fabulous blend of Macadamia, Hazlenut, Borage, Sweet Almond, Camellia and St. John’s Wort. The thin, wonderful texture also makes it suitable for warm weather and if you plan to show some skin this season it adds a healthy, luminous sheen.

The oil is available in the classic clear bottle, the limited edition “so chic” black lacquered bottle which evokes red carpet elegance, glamour and Parisian style and the classic formula + gold shimmer.

Huile Prodigieuse has a spray applicator to deliver a gentle mist of fragrant oil that lightly blankets the skin. I like to rub it in for better coverage and since the formula is 97.8% natural and free of preservatives it doesn't irritate or feel slick. The best thing about the elixir is that it can be used on the face, body and hair for head to toe hydration!

For use on the face and body I simply spritz it on, let the mist settle and massage in, the oil is actually lighter than many of my body lotions and feels more comfortable on hot summer days. To alleviate dry, peeling lips I like to exfoliate first and then dab the oil on or mix a drop with my lip balm or gloss. You can also blend a bit with foundation for a smoother glide and a more dewy finish. If dry hands are an issue the oil helps diminish roughness, brittle nails and damaged cuticles and it works wonders on the feet to get you ready for sandal season!

I also apply it to both damp and dry hair focusing on the ends to eliminate dryness, brittleness and damage. It makes a great finishing product if you crave luminous shine and you can use it as a hair mask prior to shampooing. For curly hair fashionistas who want to tame frizz without weighing down those sexy spirals dry oil definitely helps and for straight, sleek styles it keeps flyaways under control. The lavish vitamin E enriched formula helps soften, repair, moisturize and condition hair and skin all year round!

If you want to awaken the golden goddess in you and play up the bronzed, sunkissed look then the shimmer formula is a must! It has all the same nutritive properties as the original plus the infusion of gold sparkle dust to illuminate and highlight the body so you can gleam with confidence!

The oil also acts a light, summery fragrance with top notes of orange blossom, bergamot and mandarin, middle notes of rose, gardenia and magnolia and base notes of vanilla and tropical coconut. The scent is very warm, calming, rich and kind of delicious!

With no parabens or heavy mineral oil I absolutely love this moisturizer and I can see why it has been a cult favorite for so long! The 100 ml bottle retails for $45.00 and NUXE products can be found at Hudson's Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu & Murale. 

*Press samples featured

Beauty Box Five June 2015

It’s that time again, another little blue box has landed on my doorstep and this month’s theme is all about making a statement with your eyes, nails and complexion no matter where your travels take you. As many of you know I am an avid globetrotter so I was excited to see what goodies were in store for me this month!

Before I delve into the box let’s review how the service works. Beauty Box Five is a subscription that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. In this box you will receive a mix of luxury items and common brands with products for: hair, skin and nails as well as fragrances and beauty accessories. The box contains 5 products and usually includes 1-3 full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of new brands.

*LOL Rotational Eyeshadow Palette in the shade 06 Power to the Purple (Full size included: $3.00)

I love purple so I’m quite happy with the varying shades in this bold little palette. For just three dollars I expected the shadow to be more dollar store quality than drugstore but I was pleasantly surprised with the intense purpleness! This goes to show you that you can’t always judge a palette by it's price tag and I’m all for trying a new brand.

The shadows have good pigmentation with a lovely gradient of silvery purple to grape and full-on rich purple power! Some shades have an intense shimmer finish but the deeper hues don’t have as much making them perfect for the crease. You can create awesome summer looks with these pretty hues and with a good primer they last all day.

*Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (Sample size included)

I’ve received quite a few mascaras in past beauty boxes but as an Urban Decay fan I have high hopes for this one. The packaging says the mascara is “so intense you may need a safe word” and I’m all about the glam! With an ultra-creamy volumizing formula the triple-black pigment coats and deeply nourishes for “bigger, badder lashes.” I haven’t given this mascara a full-day test yet but so far I like what I see.

*Nails Inc. Nail Polish in the shade 104 Royal Botanical Gardens (Full size included: $9.50) &

*Simple Skincare Micellar Cleansing Water (Sample packet included)

This is the second or third time I’ve received a baby blue, milky polish from BB5 and I have to admit that it isn’t my favorite hue. I like how it looks on some people but I was hoping for something brighter and more appealing for the season. The polish is from a UK brand and formulated to provide high-quality coverage and mega staying power.

The Micellar Water by Simple is one I have tested before and I love the formula! Even after I think I’ve cleansed thoroughly the solution always finds makeup I’ve missed without drying out my skin. The only downside is that this sample is way too small! For a full review of the Micellar water click- HERE.

*Herbal Essences Body Wash (Samples included)

I haven’t used this brand since I was a kid but I love the sweet, juicy sent and rich lather. Although products like these don’t seem all that amusing when featured in a blog post you’d be surprised how handy these little samples are! On my last trip a few weeks ago I had a whole zip lock bag full of these little body products because I’ve ended up at my destination without my luggage more times than I’d like to remember. Having mini essentials on-hand eliminates the need to make an immediate panicked trip to the local store.

Overall I think this box is pretty good, the eye products were a hit and if I could replace the polish with another shade it would have been a total success! The box also included a bonus $20.00 gift card for Gorge Hair.

For more info on this beauty subscription click- HERE

*Press samples featured

Father’s Day Gift Ideas: Anew Men by Avon

It’s all about the men this Sunday as many strong, successful, amazing guys celebrate Father's Day with the family and stock up on the latest fashions, accessories and gadgets. Women who crave radiant, hydrated skin have been indulging in the silky serums and lush creams from Avon's Anew range for years and the growing interest in men's health and manscaping has led to the release of Anew Men! From shaving to moisturizing the collection features everything our burly fellas need to achieve an awesome complexion. 

The chic packaging is simple yet masculine and the fresh, invigorating scent is clearly formulated for both the youthful, modern man on the go and those with a more mature, sophisticated style. The gift set includes all the basics a man needs to pamper rugged skin.

2-in-1 Gel Cleanse ($12.00): 

The oil-free cooling gel cleanses deeply to remove dirt, excess oil and impurities while preparing the skin for moisture absorption. It provides a smooth touchably soft finish.

Protective Shave Gel ($12.00)

 Infused with aloe and vitamin E the shave gel provides a close, comfortable shave, great lather and is gentle enough for daily use. It leaves skin feelings refreshed and supple so he can begin his day on top of his game while looking sharp.

2-in-1 After Shave Balm ($12.00)

  The soothing balm cools on contact to rejuvenate and calm the skin.

Daily Moisturizer ($35.00)

This lightweight formula provides 24 hours hydration with SPF 50 and broad spectrum protection ideal for summer. It contains Avon’s most advanced antioxidant complex with plant extracts, coconut seed butter and protein.

Skincare products are always a hit when searching for the perfect gift because they are integral to daily grooming and chances are he already owns enough ties, shoes and socks! You can purchase items from this collection to create a wonderful gift set and pair them with other manly essentials to keep him looking his best. The products are available at Avon.ca and through independent consultants. 

*Press samples feaured

Strauss WaterBar Review

As a beauty writer I spend a lot of time reviewing fabulous makeup and skincare products to help women look and feel great but today it’s time to talk about one of the most important elements of health and wellness- water, the liquid of life! Many of you are already aware of how essential water consumption is to our well being. Our bodies are comprised of 65% of it making it vital to biological functioning, elimination of toxins, circulation, the transportation of nutrients, digestion, organ function and healthy skin, hair and nails. Strauss WaterBar has designed a chic new machine that makes getting your daily dose of hydration quick, safe and easier than ever!

The Strauss Waterbar is a stylish dispenser that hooks up to your main waterline to deliver a never ending supply of cool, clean water at the touch of a button. This system eliminates 99% of bacteria making it cleaner than tap water and even healthier than some bottled options! Unlike other filtration systems the WaterBar can be programmed to your individual needs by simply adjusting the temperature and glass size. It instantly dispenses boiling water for cooking and delicious hot beverages like coffee and tea.

For those who like to hit the gym, run, cycle and pump iron having a source of rejuvenating water on-hand is key to replenishing your joints, muscles and energy level. I like to take my water bottle everywhere I go and I often keep it at my desk to refuel throughout a long day. The WaterBar makes a great addition to an office work space and comes in handy when hosting parties and events.  

This innovate new appliance may be the way of the future, it takes healthy living to the next level and there are a variety of striking designs to match your decor. One of the best features is that there is no wait time for great tasting cold or hot water and no refrigeration or boiling is necessary. The sleek, trendy unit and easy to use features makes the WaterBar fun for the whole family while inspiring everyone to drink more and stay hydrated! You can quickly fill a glass, jug or water bottle, hydrate your pets, water your plants and use it to wash your face to avoid absorbing the harsh elements in unfiltered water.

I love that the company installs the WaterBar for you and they even keep track of your filter usage and UV light to automatically send new ones when it’s time for a change. I usually purchase my reverse osmosis water from a special water store and the jugs are large, cumbersome and heavy! This system eliminates the need to leave your home for fresh, chlorine-free water or filters and it may save you time and money.

With summer upon us it is even more imperative to stay cool, quench your thirst and prevent dehydration. This filtration system eliminates dangerous micro-organisms without stripping the beneficial minerals the body needs. It is also more energy efficient than a kettle, environmentally safe, and child-friendly with a hot water safety lock.

Right now infused water and tonics are all the rage and clean water is the base for smoothies and all fruity concoctions. While testing the fabulous WaterBar I also indulged in some delicious herbal-fruit recipes loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. 

No need to buy expensive, organic fruit drinks or use bland, artificially sweetened power crystals to flavor your water when you can make it right at home! With the WaterBar you can get creative and try something new everyday! By simply adding fruit puree and a bit of cold water from the machine you end up with a delectably refreshing drink that energizes you for the day ahead.

Rental plans are available and for more information or to contact Strauss visit: Strauss-water.ca

Vacationing in The South of France & The Italian Riviera: Photos, Tourism & Sightseeing!

If you crave travel, culture and relaxation by escaping to exotic destinations that tickle the taste buds and appeal to your adventurist side then you probably have a list of dream vacation destinations you can't wait to explore. When I perused the streets of Paris, Venice and Rome I knew I had toured some of the most beautiful cities in the world, but France is a gorgeous country with exciting terrain and rustic hideaways that offers much more than the iconic Eiffel Tower and Louvre. If you seek a holiday that delightfully overloads your senses and appeals to your every whim then I strongly suggest moving the French Riviera to the top of your bucket list. Côte d’Azur is a must for thrill seekers, beach combers, history buffs, art lovers and those looking to indulge in a lush oasis of tranquility 

I began my journey in Sainte-Maxime, a small, charming town on the French Riviera conveniently situated across the bay from Saint-Tropez. My hotel was luxuriously nestled into a quiet street a couple blocks from the sea with lovely views. Many travellers choose to stay in Sainte-Maxime instead of Saint-Tropez which is popular among celebrity elite and yacht owners for its quiet exclusivity. Although the vibe is laid back and as mellow as the Caribbean it is more accommodating and offers travellers a bit extra in terms of seaside dinning, shops and picturesque evening strolls.

Sainte-Maxime

Best Western Hotel Montfleuri 3 Avenue du Montfleuri Sainte-Maxime, FR

The Bateauxvert ferries cross the bay frequently so getting to Saint-Tropez is quick and easy. The ride provides fantastic views of the port and impressive yachts bobbing leisurely on the deep blue sea. Once across I toured the town by foot, stopping at the local boulangie to pick up some food for a romantic picnic overlooking the old city of Saint- Tropez. 

Saint-Tropez

If you fancy some retail therapy there are both high-end and mid range shops where you can purchase anything from couture to souvenirs and I recommend having some ice cream as you make your way to the castle on the hill for a bird’s eye view of the harbor.

Despite all the hype and lavishness surrounding this little sanctuary it is calm, peaceful and rather quiet before the throngs of tourists arrive and crowd the small streets. Saint-Tropez makes for a great day trip especially if you arrive early as you don’t need much time to cover the points of interest.

Getting around

There are a few modes of transportation available when making your way around the Riviera including boats, local buses, tour buses, taxis, cruise ships and the train. I think the best way to see the coast is by renting a car and making unexpected stops along the way at your own leisurely pace. Like most cities car rentals can be picked up at the airport and signs along the coastal roads and main highways are easy to follow; we navigated with a good old fashion map and a sense of adventure! Be aware that there are highway tolls and traffic can be quite tiresome in the cities. Tourists must be extra vigilant, especially if it is your first time maneuvering the steep, narrow European streets and motorcyclists don`t adhere to many road rules. (Also note that an international drivers license may be required to rent a car, our Canadian licenses were acceptable as they are written in both English and French). 

We drove from Sainte-Maxime to Marseille which took approximately 3 hours. The city is beautiful with a Middle Eastern- French Fusion and a great port. It has everything a tourist seeks in terms of history, art, food, shopping and sightseeing although the streets can get a bit congested with pedestrians and unsavory scents. Although spending the day in Marseilles was energetic and interesting you need at least a few days to cover any real ground and it didn’t quite make my list of top dream destinations.

Marseilles 

Saint Vincent de Paul Church, Marseilles

Next we headed up the coast to Monaco and the drive was breathtaking! The view of Monte-Carlo from above, nestled into the mountain slope and jutting down towards the sparkling Mediterranean Sea is unforgettably dazzling! 

Monte-Carlo

Monte-Carlo is extravagant! It’s where people go to play, enjoy the nightlife, soak up some sun on the boardwalks and beaches, shop and be pampered. Although it is popular with the rich and famous who often drive their yachts right up to seaside restaurants for dinner it is also a must-see for travellers and it gets a honorary place at the top of my list for its unique lavishness and interesting design.

While exploring this side of the coast I stayed in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin which is located between Monaco and Menton. Hotel Victoria is perfectly situated for touring both the French and Italian Riviera and it is just steps away from the beach with sprawling mountain views. I highly recommend it you'd like to stay close to Monte-Carlo.

Paris was my favorite city to visit until I ventured into Nice and became completely smitten! On one side of the city there are rolling green hills adorned with colorful towns and striking buildings iconic of Southern France. In the heart of the city you have all the gorgeous architecture of Parisian streets with artistic, intricately designed buildings, churches, museums, cafes, patios and more restaurants than you can count! The smaller side streets that dive deeper into the city are lively, bustling and as charming as the narrow alleys of Venice with local treasures to discover around every corner.

Nice

On the coastal side of Nice you find the boardwalk, one of the nicest I’ve seen including Venice Beach in L.A, South Beach in Miami and even my beloved Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. This stunning boardwalk runs between a splendid beach and lovely hotels, cafes and many gelaterias. Then there are the gardens, parks, fountains, palm trees and all the little nooks and crannies overflowing with vivid flowers and fabulous places to sit, relax and take in all the sights and sounds. 

Musee d'Art et d'Historie Palais Massena, Nice

On our way back from Nice we stopped in Villfranche-sur-Mer which of course is also magnificent! 

Villefranche sur-Mer

I ended the trip on a high note driving from France to the Italian Riviera and onto Sanremo. 

Sanremo Italy

Russian Orthodox Church, Sanremo

Sanremo is also known for its local market so I had to stop by and pick up some fresh honey! 

One thing is certain- I have to go back to the Riviera and do a lot more exploring! If you have any questions or comments please leave them below and I will try my best to reply.

~Happy travels!