Holiday 2023: The Most Sought-After Gifts This Holiday, According to a Beauty Editor

NYX Cosmetics Pull to Sleigh $89.97 Cad. Sold in-store and online at Walmart Canada

• The most viral holiday gift of the season has arrived for an interactive unboxing that will bring all the holiday spirit and flamingo fun! 

• NYX’s first-ever pull-to-open surprise box features 24 best-selling, limited edition products and makeup accessories. 

• Once out of the box, hang or hold away from you and pull the strings to open for a burst of products to add to your makeup bag. From eyeshadow, to lip gloss, to blush, and highlighter, there's a surprise for everyone to create any holiday makeup look! 

• And don't forget! Look out for a secret QR code on one of the products that takes you to an interactive digital experience. Trust us- you'll wanna scan this one!

MILK MAKEUP’S PORE ECLIPSE MATTE + BLUR SET | $54

• Make your party makeup last! This is a new fave duo of mine - this set contains a full-sized Pore Eclipse Primer and a travel-sized Pore Eclipse Setting Spray. The mattifying primer and alcohol-free setting spray control shine, blur pores, and lock in makeup for up to 16 hours.

Caudalie Pores & Glow Duo Minis Set,  $27.00 with a $37 dollar value. 

• I’m all about little luxuries - even better when they’re French! This duo helps to get flawless skin. First with the pore-targeting mask that draws out visible impurities and sebum and the elixir (loved by celebrities and makeup artists for its many different uses) preps skin, sets makeup, and leaves skin looking glowing. Plus it smells amazing!

Grown Alchemist Giving Hands Set, $49. More than an $102 value.

• This is the hostess gift that will be the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This Grown Alchemist Hand and Body Set Contains a 300 mL Hand Wash (sweet orange, cedarwood, and sage) and 300 mL Hand Cream (vanilla and orange peel) 

Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick Holiday Limited Edition, $38

• I’m all about dressing up the classics for the holidays. Clinique’s cult classic lip shade, Black Honey, is now even more iconic in a limited-edition, crystal-covered case designed to dazzle!

Rouge Dior Minaudière Clutch And Lipstick Collection - Limited Edition, $370 at Holt Renfrew. 

• This is a jaw-dropping holiday gift - reserved for those on the ultra nice list! The Rouge Dior minaudière clutch, a couture case containing 1 Rouge Dior lipstick and 3 refills. Limited edition inspired by the Tuileries Garden. Dior has created a sophisticated clutch that reflects the savoir-faire of the House. 

• With a detachable chain strap for versatile wear, this refined accessory includes a Rouge Dior lipstick and 3 refills for festive holiday makeup looks. 

• This clutch contains a Rouge Dior lipstick in shade 999 velvet finish accompanied by 3 refills: 100 Nude Look matte finish: the House of Dior's contemporary nude, 772 Classic matte finish: a bold pink, and 720 Icone velvet finish: a velvety rosewood.Set Includes: Rouge Dior lipstick

Summer 2023 Beauty Survival Kit - The Musts That Keep You Looking Put Together All Summer Long

1. A smooth skin must: Gillette Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin. $31.49 available at mass market retailers. This razor-meets-trimmer is specifically designed to prevent common shaving irritations in the bikini area, like ingrown hairs and bumps, razor rash, redness, etc. It is so convenient because it’s actually a razor and precision trimmer in one. 

2. A cure for split ends: Pantene Miracle Rescue Shots. $9.99 for 4.  Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.  If you're spending a lot of time in pools or at the beach this summer,  one of these conditioning ampoules is amazing to bring hair back to life and split ends even appear silky.   Each ampoule contains the most concentrated Pantene Pro-V formula that transforms even the most damaged and dry hair into visibly healthier, stronger, and shinier hair. Helps deeply repair signs of hair damage, restore moisture and even helps prevent split ends. You'll feel see a visible transformation after just one use. Small but mighty and great for travel!

3. Keep hair frizz-free while taking a break from hot styling tools:  Herbal Essences Jojoba Oil Air Dry Shampoo and Conditioner. $9.99 each available at mass retailers and drugstores.  A budget-friendly shampoo and conditioner that's especially designed to air-dry your hair - aiming to keep your hair frizz-free without the use of any hot tools!Everyone knows how heat styling tools can really damage your hair, so I am going to give my hair a break this summer and add the Sulfate-free Herbal Essences Jojoba Oil Air Dry collection to my beauty survival kit. The products in this collection are designed to allow hair to air dry while staying smooth and healthy-looking with no frizz. It is also such a time saver! What I love about this is that it has pure plant ingredients and real botanicals and you can really feel the difference this makes on your hair – it nourishes the hair but it doesn’t weigh hair down

4. A multipurpose daily SPF: La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50. $54.95 available at all mass drugstores and larocheposay.ca  An anti-aging SPF 50 is essential for summer. This is  amazing for sensitive skin and everyday use - with the added benefit of improving fine lines and skin texture over time. The new Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50 is a daily anti-aging multipurpose cream that corrects and protects while reducing signs of aging. Formulated with Fragmented Hyaluronic Acid, PHE Resorcinol, and Niacinamide to help refine your skin's texture, reduce hyperpigmentation and replump your skin while adding an extra layer of UVA & UVB protection. When used daily the new La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50 is clinically proven to; provide 24 hour hydration, reduce fine lines & wrinkles, promote skin elasticity, brighten skin and reduce dark spots by 26% in 4 weeks.

5. A way to get glowing skin from the inside out - (from a Canadian-owned company!): Bend Beauty’s Renew + Protect Softgels. $80.00 available at  BendBeauty.com   Healthy summer skin isn't just about what we put on our skin, it's also about our diet and lifestyle. Another way to help keep skin healthy from the inside out is Bend Beauty’s Renew + Protect. Most of us don't get enough omega 3s from diet alone - we know that omega 3s are key to reduce inflammation, and fight free radical damage.  This supplement uses 6 active ingredients including all-essential omega 3s, vitamin D and the beneficial antioxidants lutein & zeaxanthin. You take 4 capsules daily -  by the way it has a mint flavour!  Over time, it is clinically proven to help your overall skin barrier health, elasticity and firmes and reduces skin roughness and redness from inflammation. All that, and it's a canadian company! 

6. Get the most mileage out of your makeup: NEW Revlon ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick, $14. Available at drugstores and Amazon. These long-wear lipsticks don't fade or throughout the day so your makeup holds up to sizzling temperatures.  NEW Revlon ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick delivers vivid, comfortable matte color in a no-transfer formula in 12 vivid shades. This innovative lipstick blends concentrated pigments and antioxidant Vitamin E with a unique longwear polymer complex.  The formula includes a built-in primer that smooths and bonds the formula to your lips, while gripping color pigments to extend wear and prevent transfer. 

Welcome to Spring 2023! Meet The Affordable Spring Beauty Finds That Are So Good - You'd Swear They Were Luxury

Not only are many of us looking to save money, we’re also looking to do so in a responsible way. Meet two must-have have facial cleansers with a mindful twist.   Many of us are making more mindful shopping choices when it comes to our beauty products, so I brought a couple of facial cleansers from the Thoughtful Choices at Shoppers Drug Mart lineup. If no animal testing is important to you, consider trying one of these. These cleansers are vegan-friendly and made with naturally derived and sustainable ingredients. You can find them at Shoppers Drug Mart in store and online. 

1. There's a hot new import from the UK that everyone needs to know, called Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser ($17.49) from Shoppers Drug Mart
   The Creamy Jelly Cleanser from Byoma breaks down dirt and makeup without drying or harming your skin. It’s a hydrating formula with a Tri-Ceramide Complex to give your skin barrier a boost. I also like that the packaging is fully recyclable and made with 90% recycled content.

2. Next is a tried-and-true cleanser find specifically for oily skin for your clearest skin yet  Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser ($21.99) from Shoppers Drug Mart. This Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser is a gentle, low-lather formula that deep cleans and minimizes pores without stripping moisture away, so your skin does not feel dry or tight. It includes essential niacinamide and panthenol to preserve the skin’s natural barrier, and it’s great for sensitive, acne prone, combination to oily skin.

3. Blush is one of the biggest booming categories in beauty right now and I found a way to get in on the trend for less than your morning latte. Essence Baby Got Blush (3 shades. $5.99 each)  Blush sticks to fresh up your look in an instant. Soft creamy texture applies and blends easily. Perfect size for everyday use and travel. Shades are #10 - Tickle Me Pink, #20 Peaches and Cream and #30 - Rosé All Day

4. Speaking of makeup, we finally have one of the biggest trend-setting brands, Glossier, available in store in Canada now. One of my fave products is the mascara  and it's as good as mascaras that are twice the price  Glossier Lash Slick Lift and Lengthening Mascara, $23. - now available in Canada at Sephora. One of my favourite low-key mascaras for every day and now it’s available in brown.  Enhanced with tiny clinging fibers for a lash-extension look, this weightless, flexible formula leaves your lashes looking shiny and sleek. The tapered comb brush ensures a precise, even application every time.

5. Finally, "Skin Streaming" is a big trend right now - aka streamlining your routine with fewer products but maximum results. There's a new Made-in-Canada 3-step affordable acne routine available that prioritizes skin's barrier and doesn't use overly harsh or drying ingredients. Ph-In Healthy Skin System, $84 for 3 piece cleanser, moisturizer and mask. From the makers of Indeed Labs, comes pH-In (pronounced ‘fin’). It’s a pH-balancing acne system that combats blemishes in a healthy way. With 3 simple steps to healthy skin, pH-In™ is transforming the acne market. Traditional acne treatments blast skin with harsh ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide temporarily controlling a breakout but potentially damaging your skin in the long run.  pH-In™ combats blemishes differently with ingredients that balance skin, not blast it, in formulas that work smarter, not harsher.  pH-In™ introduces a healthy way to combat blemishes, with microbiome supporting ingredients that work to balance skin, not blast it. With 3 simple steps, pH-In™ gives skin the power to treat itself. 

Personalized Perfumes, Skincare Stocking Fillers, and Affordable Makeup Finds for Every Beauty Lover on Your List

Best Value Gift Sets
Everyone is looking for the ultimate bang-for-your buck deals right now and Sephora has lots of amazing value sets this holiday season.

First Aid Beauty makes giving the gift of skincare easier than ever with this  FAB Skin at the Disco set,  full of skincare staples. The set includes five beloved First Aid Beauty skincare products to help you smooth and visibly brighten your skin. Normally valued at $175.000, it’s just $75.00 CAD at Sephora Canada.

The Ultimate Healthy Hair Power Couple by Briogeo is the ideal gift set for those wanting to restore and maintain the health of their hair this holiday season. This set includes an award-winning duo of scalp-revival shampoo and a deep conditioning mask. While it’s valued at over $100.00 CAD, this set is available for o $78.00 CAD. 

Sephora Collection’s Holiday assortment offers really great beauty at a really great price. These sets are budget-friendly and there is truly something for everyone.
The Sephora Collection Mini Mania is the perfect skincare stocking stuffer consisting of six Sephora Collection mini skincare products to enhance your daily skincare routine. This mini set is available for only $34.00 CAD. I love the sleek vinyl pouch it comes in - great to reuse for travel. (Product is: Sephora Collection Mini Mania) 

TheSephora Collection Wishing You Blockbuster Multi-use Makeup Palette is a large palette with 88 shades for eyes, cheeks, lips, and eyebrows retailing at $48.00 CAD. This multicolor and multipurpose palette will allow any makeup lover to create an infinite variety of looks for the holiday season.love to give gifts that make you seem really generous - and that’s definitely the case with this mega makeup palette. It’s a really great gift at a great price. It’s fun for a makeup novice or makeup pro alike.

Personalized Perfume:
Customized gifts always go so far in showing a loved one that you put in the extra effort. A very special way to do this is with personalized fragrance! Buy the bottle, and you can get a custom engraving done on the spot. 
The YSL Libre Eau De Parfum is the perfect gift for any fragrance lover on your list. With Sephora Canada’s FREE Custom Engraving service, you can personalize a fragrance or select other products purchased at Sephora with engraved initials, a name, or a special message of your choice. Within minutes you’ll have a gift that will be all the more meaningful. 

TheGucci Flora Gorgeous Gardeniais another beautiful fragrance option. It is a signature floral scent: a delicious potion of joy built around the gardenia flower, blended with solar jasmine absolute, cheerful pear blossom accord, and sweet brown sugar accord. The perfect festive scent for the holiday season.
Product to try: (The YSL Libre Eau De Parfum and the Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia) 

The Top Trending Fall 2022 Beauty Products

Trend #1: Retinol Resurgence
Even though retinol has been around, it’s having a complete resurgence on TikTok - there’s nearly 2 BILLION videos on the subject. But finding one that’s right for beginners/sensitive skin is a challenge. Product to try the trend: Strivectin NEW Advanced Retinol Nightly Multi-Correct Serum, $129 available at Shoppers Drug Mart . It doesn’t irritate at all and results are fast - you see improvement in fine lines in a week thanks to the ultra-concentrated, potent night serum for smoother, visibly healthier, youthful-looking skin. What makes this formula different is that the retinol is boosted by Polyglutamic Acid & Ashwagandha - so there's no dryness & no irritation – just real, visible results.

Trend #2: Skincare-meets-makeup
A big trend right now is skincare-infused makeup - with skincare benefits and applicators being built right into makeup. It’s almost like makeup is the last step of your skincare routine. Product to try the trend: COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Triple Action Concealer . $15.99 available at mass market retailers. It conceals, depuffs and has skincare ingredients in the formula - and the applicator is totally unique. It’s not a brush but a smooth ceramic wand (think of it like a jade-roller for under your eyes that depuffs as it conceals). The cool thing about the concealer is that it touches on the viral trend of using a jade roller to depuff thanks to the new ceramic wand. You get kind of a 2-in-1 routine - ideal for busy moms on the go. It glides easily without tugging & pulling the sensitive under-eye area. Formula covers dark circles, evens skin tone, and brightens skin to give a well-rested, refreshed-looking eye area

Trend #3. Customized haircare
A huge trend that will define this era in beauty is customization. Product to try the trend: PROSE Custom Haircare.  It’s new to Canada and all of the products are 100% bespoke and made-to-order. (Formulas are customized for each consumer after taking the online consultation that asks a series of questions about hair needs and goals, lifestyle, and environment). Quiz helps to understand and consumer’s unique hair needs and goals, lifestyle, and environment so they can formulate your custom haircare products. Prose also provides a recommendation of products based on your hair’s needs and your preferred routine length

Trend #4: The 90s-Supermodels-inspired Blowouts are back!
Think big, bouncy hair with tons of volume and shine. An easy way to achieve the look is with the brand new Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete, $749 in the limited edition Vinca blue and Rosé. This special holiday edition launches in Canada on Sept 26. When you purchase a special holiday edition Dyson Airwrap multi-styler in Vinca blue and Rosé comes with an additional gift with purchase, being the case, travel pouch and brush set.. The AirWrap never uses extreme heat. - it has Intelligent heat control built right in to ensure hair isn’t exposed to extreme heat and promotes healthy hair and natural shine.

Trend #5: Rose (fragrance) is Reborn
Tiktok is driving another huge trend: rose-based fragrances. Product to try the trend is AERIN Rose De Grasse Joyful Bloom eau de parfum. $165 available at Holt Renfrew - a very modern take on rose.   Aerin Joyful Bloom is in honour of her 10th anniversary in the beauty world.  She encompasses all her fragrances from travel or family memories. Rose are her favourite flower and such a classic symbol. Joyful Bloom is a modern rose in full bloom, exuberant, vibrant and colourful. Joyful Bloom notes are Bergamot,  Blackcurrant Bud, Geranium Leaf. Rose Bourboniana, Rose Centifolia from Grasse, Pink Pepper and Sandalwood.

Trend #6: Eco-friendly makeup remover
Siren Eye Makeup trend is huge on red carpet and on the runway. This is defined by Loads of eyeliner (think cool girl lines that extend into a cateye on both the top and bottom lash line. The trick is to removing this type of intense eye makeup fast is with a micellar cleanser. Product to try the trend: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water $12.99. Available on Amazon.ca , Shoppers It is an easy way to remove makeup, cleanse and soothe the face (face, eyes, lips) in one easy step. Micelles act like magnets to fully remove makeup, oil and impurities. No harsh rubbing needed!

Get Ready For Summer 2022! Hair, Makeup and Skincare to Covet all season long

A fresh, at-home spin on an in-office skin treatment: Dermaplaning is a secret weapon of spa therapists as it's a way to safely exfoliate dead skin with a blade on your face. Now you can try it quickly (Safely!) at home and reveal your best glowiest, smooth skin by gently exfoliating and sweeping away fine hairs. Try the Schick Hydro Silk Dermaplaning Wand, $19.99 (available at major retailers across Canada). It’s an at-home dermaplaning tool that immediately improves the look and feel of facial skin. It’s beginner friendly and safe and delivers 7 skin benefits: removes peach fuzz, brightens, evens skin tone, smooths, minimizes pores, softens skin, younger-looking skin. - smoother makeup application as well. Micro guards to help protect skin and dermatologist tested and each box comes with 6 refill blades.

Scalpcare is the new skincare! This summer,  there’s been an absolute explosion of haircare launches like scrubs, oils and serums that borrow from the skincare world - aka treat the scalp like the skin on your face with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane and more. The Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Hydro Boost Shampoo & Conditioners. $11.99 (available at Loblaws) are great for dry scalp and hair - formulated with powerful skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and it's clinically proven to cleanse and moisturize your scalp without stripping strands.

High-drama lashes are a must this summer. There's now a way to treat your lashes *and* get full volume with the Cover Girl Simply Ageless Lash Plumping Mascara. $13.99 (at mass market retailers).  It’s a 3-in-1 Serum + Lash Primer + Mascara that’s infused with Hyaluronic Complex and Bamboo Serum Instantly plumps and volumizes lashes and has a Curved, soft brush to catch even the sparsest of lashes. You get back to youthful, plumped lashes; easy to remove to avoid fallout.

Take Your SPF Knowledge Up a Notch. Most of us have the memo to apply sunscreen before a day out in the sun - but it can slip our mind to reapply. New UV detection stickers allow you to be aware of when it’s time to reapply. Check out the SPOTMYUV Detection Stickers, $11.99 - it’s like your sunscreen’s BFF. SPOTMYUV Detection stickers reacts to sunlight just like your skin does and tells you when to reapply sunscreen. The Spot indicator is clear when working, and changes to a purple colour when it’s time to reapply your sunscreen. The unique Dermatrue technology reacts to sunscreen just like your own skin does.

The Most-Hyped Beauty Buzzwords and Products You'll See Everywhere Spring 2022

My predictions for the biggest beauty buzzwords and trends that you’re going to see everywhere this spring - and the rest of 2022!
Trending Buzzword: “Instant gratification” skincare 

The biggest innovations in ckincares this year promise to deliver results in a flash so you see results now, and in the long-run like the Dermalogica New Awaken Peptide Eye Gel. $77, Available at dermalogica spas and dermalogica.ca.  It aims to energize your eyes for a more well-rested look with a lightweight gel that hydrates, firms and smooths the delicate skin around our eyes. The gentle formula uses tetrapeptides, caffeine and soothing Rosemary Leaf Extract to minimize puffiness, dark circles and fine lines with no irritation.

Trending Buzzword: Zero-Waste haircare
“Bring your own Water” is having a moment! The latest solid shampoo bars are zero waste and are much more luxe than their “granola” predecessors. Garnier Whole Blends Shampoo Bars. $6.99, available at mass market retailers.  Offered in four key blends for each hair type, each bar is formulated with 94% plant-based ingredients and blended free of preservatives, silicones, soaps and dyes..There’s zero plastic waste and each bar is 97% biodegradable. 

Trending Buzzword: Micro-Dosing skincare 
With powerful skincare ingredients like retinol trending, beauty brands are getting more creative with formulations to “micro-dose” these potent ingredients. Micro-dosing these ingredients means they’re better tolerated, by even the most sensitive skin types. Take the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum Capsules. $45, available at mass market retailers.  Each fragrance free serum capsule contains a precise dose of pure retinol, a dermatologist proven form of Vitamin A, and leaves skin feeling hydrated, nourished and supple. The capsules help visibly improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and skin elasticity in 4 weeks. The lightweight non-greasy formula leaves skin feeling softer, smoother, and more radiant looking in just 1 week.

Trending Buzzword: Vegan 2.0
Gen Z is driving this trend of cruelty-free and vegan consciousness, with more plant-based cosmetics, nail polish and skincare choices than ever at the forefront.  We’ve seen this in skincare and makeup, and now we’re seeing it with nail polish, like the Quo Beauty Evergreen Plant-Based Nail Colours, 13.99. It’s an eco-friendly formula with ultra long wear that’s vegan and cruelty-free. There are lots of colours to choose from including trending colours for 2022 like purple, deep red and green, vibrant blue, orange and yellow. The Quo Beauty Ever Green Plant-Based Nail Colours are brand new this season – and are exclusive to Shoppers Drug Mart (in store and online).

Trending Buzzword: Refillable Revolution 
Leading luxury brands are creating everything from refillable moisturizers to game-changing refillable lipsticks, reducing packaging and product waste.  Fenty Beauty Icon Semi-Matte Refillable Lipstick,  10 shades. Case: $15. Lipstick Refill Bullet is $25. Available at Sephora. Creamy, semi-matte finish. Curated by Rihanna—a lineup of reds & neutrals for all It’s made to be refillable. High pigment with a lightweight feel Lipstick bullet shape inspired by Rihanna’s cupid’s bow,.

Physicians Formula Butter Dream Team Face Palette $24.49  Available at drugstores nationwide

Features an assortment of six Butter formula bronzers (including OG Butter Bronzer), blushes, highlighter, and face powder all-in-1 formulated with rich and hydrating Murumuru, Cupuaçu, and Tucuma Butters that nourish and condition the skin. Lusciously creamy and formulated especially for sensitive skin, each buttery soft makeup powder applies smoothly, is easy to blend, and creates a warm beachy look any time of the year.

The Best Holiday 2021 Beauty Gifts!

Batiste Dry Shampoo: Holiday Bundle (Original and Rose Scent). $14.99 Available at mass-market retailers 
Is there any beauty product that is more beloved year-round than dry shampoo? From busy moms to teachers, teens, gym-lovers and more, dry shampoo is the beauty cheat that we need to get through the week - and holiday season! It’s the no-brainer stocking stuffer that’s always a crowd pleaser. Batiste has launched a holiday bundle including two of their most popular scents: Original and Rose Gold . This gift pack is the perfect stocking stuffer for beauty lovers! Refresh your hair in 3 easy steps, shake & spray, massage into hair, brush through for hair that feels clean & fresh, with added body and texture.

Finishing Touch Flawless Brows. $30, available at mass market retailers. 
A must for holidays: affordable tools for grooming at-home! Save time and money with this DIY brow groomer that never allows you to overdo it thanks to how precise it is (even though 90s-inspired skinny brows are trending again!)  Flawless Brows is a revolutionary hair removal device that removes unwanted hairs and shapes brows instantly and painlessly – also great to extend the period between salon visits. The innovative device is a perfect gift for beauty and makeup lovers who enjoy testing out new products – and looking for easy-to-use at-home solutions. The device is discreet, portable and rechargeable so you can use it anytime, anywhere.

Shoppers Beauty Deluxe Fragrance Discovery Collections. $115 available at Shoppers Drug Mart and shoppersdrugmart.ca. 
When you don’t know what to give someone - the gift of choice makes you seem extra generous.  Beauty lovers will fall in love with these to-die-for 7 mini-designer fragrance bottles, and then be able to trade up for a full-size of one they love the most.  Shoppers Drug Mart makes it easy with their Shoppers Beauty Deluxe Fragrance Discovery Collections, each featuring 7 popular fragrances in beautiful mini bottles. The recipient can try out each scent and then use the enclosed certificate to get a full-size bottle of their favourite! Choose from these limited-edition perfume or cologne sets now available at Shoppers Drug Mart and shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Revlon Wave Master Jumbo Waver. $44.99 available at Walmart. 
Styling full, beachy waves has never been speedier than with this 3 barrel wave styler - it won't damage even the most fragile hair and you’ll get party-ready hair in a snap.  It features tourmaline ceramic-coated technology for less damage and the three prong jumbo barrel offers fast styling. and 30 Variable Heat Settings for customized temperature.

First Aid Beauty Your Future is FAB Gift Set. $64 available at Sephora.
Winter is coming -- and when you want to play it safe with skincare that won’t irritate or cause red flare-ups, reach for a gift set that’s tailored to even the most sensitive skin types.  The First Aid Beauty Your Future is FAB Gift Set will visibly brighten and smooth skin from head to toe, with a kit of five effective, sensitive-skin-safe products at an amazing price of only $64, valued at $148. You can shop for all things beauty this holiday season in one of Sephora’s many stores across the country, or through Sephora.ca or the Sephora App with a variety of pick-up and delivery options available, including Same Day Delivery that launched just in time for the holidays!

Sephora Collection Wonderful Wishes Eyeshadow Palette. $11 available at Sephora.
This eight-pan eyeshadow palette costs less than a couple of coffees, and you can create countless looks with shimmer and matte finishes. Plus It’s a dupe for a palette that costs 6 times as much! The quality is fantastic. Sephora is your holiday gifting destination for all things beauty, with a huge assortment of holiday value sets and other perfectly priced gifts. 

Fall 2021 Beauty - The New Musts for Your Beauty Bag!

It’s officially fall, so it’s time to reboot your beauty bag for this season!

A huge trend for fall 2021 are hybrid complexion products -- ones that marry skincare and makeup together for a flawless face. Think of it like tinted moisturizer 2.0. One to try is the Quo Beauty Unisex Tinted Hydrator. $20 Available at Shoppers Drug Mart. Available in 4 shades: Light, Medium, Tan, Dark. It is the perfect blend of skincare and makeup – it moisturizes, brightens, and evens skin tone with plant-based phytopigments for a sheer, lightweight natural finish. This multitasker product is ideal for the upcoming fall and winter seasons – it includes ingredients such as shea butter, squalene and hyaluronic acid for skin that is left plump, smooth, and hydrated. Vegan and cruelty free 

For Fall 2021 - there’s a new era of the proven anti-aging ingredient retinol.  Revamped versions are easier to tolerate and make quick work of wrinkles with no irritation like the Strivectin NEW Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer, $89. It’s really the next generation of retinol. StriVectin’s new Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer is a powerful night-time formula that features Retinol and Retinal - one of the most potent forms of Retinol – for visible improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, texture, radiance and even enlarged pores. Retinol is one of the most studied and most popular skincare ingredients thanks to its proven efficacy. But some avoid retinol because of irritation concerns. Not an issue with Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer. Thanks to StriVectin’s patented form of Niacin (NIA 114) and other skin-soothing ingredients, the formula is gentle enough for nightly use. In clinical trials, 100% of respondents reported that their skin did not look or feel irritated.  

Layering skincare products is the best way to get potent anti-aging benefits. Thankfully you don’t have to break the bank to get smooth, hydrated skin. One of the biggest trends we’re seeing this fall is affordable skincare serums like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum. $48, available at mass-market retailers. It’s preferred to the Number 1 Luxury Night Serum (aka effective skincare can be affordable!). Plus it reveals younger-looking skin, stat. In just 1 week – you can wake up to smoother, firmer, more radiant skin with the look of wrinkles. This Anti-Aging Serum that’s dermatologist-backed ingredients and allergy-tested which means it’s Effective for all Skin Types and Tones, including sensitive skin. The star ingredients are antioxidant complex featuring Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid. It’s also Lightweight fast-absorbing 

Another big trend for 2021 is waterless beauty products that contain concentrated ingredients with little to no H20 so you’re saving on packaging size and water waste. Here’s a sneak peek of the Duckish Body Wash Bar. $9.99. Available for pre-order on duckish.ca. Available in early October. (scents: citrus, lavender, and unscented). Duckish is an east coast waterless skincare company and they believe water should be used for the essentials - not as filler in beauty products. The formulas use gentle coconut cleansers, organic shea butter, rice protein and panthenol to clean and moisturize your skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. Plus The eco-friendly 60 g bars last for 50-75 washes and can replace up to 3 16oz body wash bottles. These natural, concentrated skin and body products help reduce water and plastic consumption - which is a win for the planet. 

ONe to watch: Cheek out Cheekbone Beauty, which just dropped at Sephora today! Their new sustainable Cheekbone Beauty Blush/Bronzer Duo, $24 comes in three shades (Fair, Medium and Deep). It’s a talc-free blush/bronzer duo with sheer, buildable coverage that leaves the skin looking naturally sun kissed. Available in: Fair, Medium, and Deep. Launching this week at Sephora Canada. Cheekbone Beauty is an Indigenous-owned and founded, digitally-native, Canadian cosmetics company established in 2016 by Jennifer Harper. Cheekbone Beauty is known for creating high quality, cruelty-free beauty products such as liquid lipsticks and complexion products including contour and highlight palettes. Keeping in line with her Anishinaabe roots, Jenn’s Cheekbone Beauty launched a less-waste line of lipsticks in 2020, called SUSTAIN, with zero-waste goals for 2023.  Cheekbone’s aim is to not only make a difference in the lives of Indigenous youth through our donations addressing the educational funding gap. But mostly to create a space in the beauty industry where Indigenous youth feel represented and seen. 

Summer 2021 Cottage Bound Beauty Bag Musts!

BITE Beauty Power Move Soft Matte Lipstick.  $37CAD  available at Sephora and Sephora.ca 

Meet Power Move Soft Matte Lipstick, BITE’s much-anticipated new clean lipstick collection, nearly three years in the making. Power Move Soft Matte Lipstick is a clean, vegan, hydrating matte formula with nourishing cocoa butter that gives instant bold colour. Contains Nourishing cocoa butter helps moisturize and condition lips, while tapioca pearls and fatty acid waxes create the velvety matte finish. Offered in 20 crave-worthy shades— from necessary nudes to iconic reds and bold berries.

Pantene (Nutrient Blends) Miracle Moisture Boost with Rose Water Collection. $11.49 each available at mass market retailers. 

The Nutrient Blends Miracle Moisture Boost with Rose Water collection provides the hydration your hair needs to keep it moisturized and soft during the hot summer months! It is also free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oils and dyes. My fave is the Pantene (Nutrient Blends) Miracle Moisture Boost Hair Mask. my fave is the hair mask because the nutrient-infused rinse-off mask with rose water provides intense hydration, leaving even the driest and most brittle strands petal soft on your driest hair days. And it has no-weigh down!

Duckish All-Natural DIY Pedicure Kit. $21 available at duckish.ca. 

Duckish is an east coast waterless skincare company. They believe water should be used for the essentials - not as filler in beauty products. These natural, concentrated skin and body products help reduce water and plastic consumption - which is better for the planet.  In the summer our feet are exposed and can take a beating. To fix your feet woes- Duckish’s all-natural pedicure kit will keep your feet looking great. Duckish’s bath salts combine Dead Sea, Himalaya and Epsom salts for a luxurious soak. A quick scrub with the pumice stone and your feet are ready for the Ultra Rich Body Cream which is made of 75% shea butter and a combination of emollient oils. During the day, if you see your feet are getting dried out in your sandals - use the Mini Lotion stick to give your feet that boost of moisture and banish white, flaky skin on the spot. 

Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturizer $52 Cad. 

A must for oily/combo skin! This silicone-free, daily gel moisturizer for dewy, hydrated skin, this lightweight formula features natural prebiotic grape water to nourish skin’s microbiome for healthier-looking skin, while aloe vera soothes and retains moisture. Ideal for normal to combination skin, its lightweight texture melts into the skin with no greasy finish. It’s got Organic Grape Water: enriched in polysaccharides and minerals, it's proven to moisturize and soothe dry sensitive skin. Naturally prebiotic, it helps rebalance skin’s microbiome for healthier-looking skin, plus Organic Aloe Vera: moisturizes, soothes and retains water in the skin

Limited Edition Breaking Beauty Podcast Scrunchies:

Baby Scrunch, The Just Right Terry Scrunch, The Super Terry Scrunch 
These perfect, slip-free accessories for fine or short hair, medium and long hair are amazing by the lake, pool or beach. They’re super soft, made with 90% sustainable organic bamboo. 10% polyester

The Most Googled Summer 2021 Beauty Questions, Answered

Inquiring minds want to know the answers to these beauty queries!! Read on for the solution to some of the most Googled Summer 2021 beauty topics.

Googled topic: How to use retinol?
By now we know that retinol is a super buzzy skincare ingredient du jour, but not knowing how and when to use it can be confusing - so no surprise that it’s an often-Googled topic. A great budget-friendly retinol find is from L’Oréal Paris - it’s their Revitalift Night Serum with Pure Retinol ($44.99 available at mass retailers).
The formula has 0.3% retinol and iteduces wrinkles, even deep ones. With 0.3% PURE retinol, it’s recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association. Plus it contains no fragrance, no parabens, no mineral oils, no colourants and no silicone - so it’s potent anti-aging without the extras.

Googled topic: What is the best lightweight and hydrating foundation?
Summertime means that we want glowing, gorgeous skin that looks flawless. Enter L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Foundation ($19.99 available at mass retailers.)  This is basically a moisturizer in a foundation thanks to it’s 80% moisturizing care with hyaluronic acid. It seamlessly blends with skin – don’t see where your foundation starts and ends. Plus it’s available in 45 shades to perfectly match skin tone + texture.

Googled topic: How to shave your legs fast? 
Last minute cottage invite? No problem. Get your legs smooth in a hurry with the Schick Intuition Razor ($14.99 at mass-market retailers). It lathers and shaves in one simple step (no need for shave gel) so you have more time for “me time.” 

Googled topic: How to fight frizz  
When the humidity hits, it’s no surprise that
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo for Frizzy Hair ($5.97 available at mass market retailers).  Formulated with marula oil and keratin protein, TRESemmé Expert Keratin Smooth provides long lasting frizz control – up to 72 hours – and leaves your hair looking and feeling super smooth!  The anti-frizz formula is perfect for those humid summer days where you can’t seem to get those fly aways under control and together, the shampoo & conditioner will leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and super light.

Googled topic: How to Treat Skin Redness
In light of the pandemic, many people are dealing with new-to-them skin irritations like bumps and whiteheads which usually ends up with them trying to play Dr. Google and self-diagnose that they have mask-ne or acne. But the truth is that it could actually be rosacea causing redness, bumps and more, and treating it as acne could potentially cause more flares. A great resource is FaceUpToRosacea.ca - they have great info to help you get a personalized guide that will help prepare rosacea sufferers for their next conversation with their doctor or dermatologist. 

Googled topic: What’s the best eye cream?
We all want an eye cream that can do it all so no surprise that “best eye cream” ranks as one of the most consistently searched beauty terms.
The latest offering from StriVectin Intensive Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles PLUS. ($75 available at Shoppers Drug Mart, beautyboutique.ca and at strivectin.com) really does the most. It’s formulated to address all types of lines in the eye area including crow’s feet, under-eye lines and even those “elevens” (vertical lines between the brows) which are notoriously difficult to mitigate. And this eye cream gives results ASAP - in clinical testing, the eye cream demonstrated visible improvement on wrinkles, puffiness, luminosity and overall eye appearance starting in as little as five days.

April 2021 Spring Beauty Refresh (a new drugstore self-tanning breakthrough, a zero-waste innovation and a new and improved cult serum!)

As seen on CHCH Morning Live April 15 2021!

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Glow Drops, $17.49 
This is the first face self tanning product in the mass market. It’s amazing because you can completely customize your tan. To use, simply mix 4 or 5 drops with your fave moisturizer and then massage onto your skin, and don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards! It gives you a gradual glow and provides natural-looking and customizable tan level. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid to keep skin plump and hydrated and it’s fragrance-free.

PREVAGE™ by Elizabeth Arden Anti-Aging Daily Serum 2.0, $215.
This iconic serum has been given a new and improved makeover. It’s formulated with the supercharged antioxidant, Idebenone, now has 4x the antioxidant power and is now boosted with the addition of 10 powerful ingredients to visibly reverse aging signs and help protect against environmental damage for younger-looking skin. In a study, 90% of participants showed a clinical improvement in the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, firmness and elasticity.  This age-defying serum works instantly and over time to correct, protect and perfect the look of skin.

REN Skincare Ready, Steady Glow Daily AHA Toner, $50
This iconic toner exfoliates, visibly brightens and tightens, and hydrates for a smooth, even-, and energized-looking complexion that‘s all glow. This effective, skin-resurfacing toner exfoliates and brightens the complexion, while being gentle enough for daily use: Lactic Acid and Willow Bark extract smooth, tone and help reduce the appearance of pores, while Azelaic Acid brightens and helps even out the skin tone for the perfect glow. 

Another reason to love REN is their journey to being a zero waste brand by end of 2021, meaning their goal is to use only packaging that’s recycled, recyclable or reusable: for example this Bottle is made from 100% Post-Consumer Recycled plastic and they are part of the newly launched Loop refillable program at Loblaws where you can have your REN products refilled and delivered. Check out https://loopstore.ca/ for more info!

Pantene Nutrient Blends Hydrating Glow Collection with Baobab Essence, $11.49 each

Baobab Essence It is rich in vitamin E and revives extremely dehydrated hair, restoring hair’s softness and glow, it is also free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oils and dyes. My fave is from the collection is the  Glow Milk to Water Serum with Baobab Essence - a saviour for dry ends to help split ends look more polished.  It can be used on both wet and dry hair, either fresh out of the shower to lock in hydration or between washes to give hair a hydrating boost!

Quo Beauty Tie Dyed and True Complexion Brush Set, $40. Available in-stores and online at Shoppers Drug Mart
This limited-edition brush set contains four must-have brushes you need this spring to help achieve any contour, sculpting or highlighting technique. The handles are a beautiful iridescent colour.  Set includes: Liquid Multi-Tasker (for foundations and liquid blush, bronzers), Pointed Detailer (for concealer and to blend smaller areas of your face), Angled Powder (for blush and powders) and Angled Contour brushes (use for powders and eyeshadows to contour and shape).

KISS Magnetic Eyeliner & Eyelash Kit, $24.99, KISS Magnetic Eyeliner, $15.99 and KISS Magnetic Lashes, $10.99 - $11.99. Available at Walmart, Jean Coutu, London Drugs and KISSusa.com 

This magnetic lash make application so easy. Simply shake the bottle of liquid liner before use, and then carefully line eyes with KISS Magnetic Eyeliner along the lash line and wait until formula is dry.  Apply Magnetic Eyeliner Lashes onto the applied eyeliner.  To remove, wet a cotton swab with an oil-based makeup remover, and gently wipe away eyeliner. These lashes are amazing because they have the strongest hold- 5 Double-Strength Magnets on each Lash. They’re also Paraben Free & Dermatologist Tested Long-Lasting & Reusable.

Spring 2021: The Beauty Trends Making A Comeback and that You're Going to See Everywhere in 2021

Batiste Limited-edition Wonder Woman Dry Shampoo. $10.99, available at mass-market retailers. 

Bangs are making a huge comeback and the number one styling must is a dry shampoo to keep bangs from falling flat. Batiste instantly refreshes hair, and is the perfect solution to extend the period between washes. In celebration of the iconic Wonder Woman film, Batiste has partnered with Warner Bros. to release their own limited-edition Wonder Woman Dry Shampoo. The limited-edition scent is made with the classic Batiste formula and a floral, feminine and daring scent. To use: shake well, hold can 30cm from dry hair and spray. Massage thoroughly, and brush through your hair.

Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide24 Hydrating Moisturizer. $39.99, available at Shoppers Drug Mart and all mass retailers. 
The Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide24 Hydrating Moisturizer is formulated to penetrate your skin’s surface, delivering tried-and-true ingredients like Collagen Peptide and Vitamin B3 to visibly firm your skin in two weeks! It’s also got Olay’s highest concentration of peptides and proven to hydrate better than $400 creams! And it has been clinically proven to reduce lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture.

TRESemme Keratin Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. $6 each, available at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws  
The Keratin Repair system is designed with smart Bond Plex™ Technology, which builds new hair bonds with every wash. The shampoo & conditioner work to create 20X stronger, healthier-looking hair that is protected from future damage.

Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream, $98. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
This is a great solution for “tech neck!”  It visibly diminishes deep creases and crepey textures, while tightening and firming the neck  and décolletage(chest)  Being oil-free it is easy to consider to use two times a day to really showcase results! The trio of hero ingredients (NeoGlucosamine, NeoCitrate and Pro-Amino Acid) help to reduce discoloration.

Fresh Kombucha Cleansing Treatment with Prebiotic Inulin. $58, available at Sephora 
In one clean sweep, the no-rinse cleanser and treatment in one removes pollution, impurities, makeup, and sunscreen while treating the skin’s microbiota with prebiotic inulin. The Kombucha Cleansing Treatment can be used morning and night—and comes in extra handy on days you feel unmotivated to wash your face. To use, simply sweep a cotton pad over your face and eyes and repeat until the cotton pad comes away clean – no-rinse required. 

Quo Beauty Flash Dry Nail Colour, $10.99 at shoppersdrugmart.ca

At-home manicures are a must right now. This fast-dry formula is long wearing, chip resistant and creates a hard finish on nails. Best applied with 2 coats. In 7 new shades: Lexie Love, Bare Bones, Rose, Morning Fog, Crocodile Tears, Fierce, Kiwi Kisses

Holiday 2020 Beauty: The Best Bang-for-your buck Holiday Beauty Gifts

SEPHORA COLLECTION Gilded Wishes 6 Piece Brush Set - $52.00 ($93.00 value)

These brushes are made with soft, synthetic, vegan, cruelty-free bristles that are perfect for any formula or holiday makeup look. Sold exclusively at Sephora, Sephora.ca and on the Sephora App

Flawless Brow. $30, available at mass market retailers.

Flawless Brow is a hair removal device that erases unwanted brow hair instantly and painlessly without the irritation that comes with plucking or waxing. This precision eyebrow hair remover is an at-home salon alternative for the time between shaping, waxing or threading. Its built-in LED light makes it easy to see and erase unwanted hair, and is discreet and portable, s you can use it anytime, anywhere

Flawless Face. $30, available at mass market retailers Flawless Face is the revolutionary facial hair removal device that erases hair instantly and painlessly without the irritation that comes with shaving, plucking or waxing. It takes just seconds to get your whole face done and is the perfect at-home salon alternative.

Fragrance Sampler Set & Certificate Collector’s Edition. $105, available at Shoppers Drug Mart 
This Fragrance Sampler set from Shoppers Drug Mart is the perfect gift because it includes seven mini fragrances to try in beautiful little bottles, and then they can redeem the enclosed scent certificate for a full-sized bottle of their favourite one! It’s great for someone who enjoys fragrance but you’re not quite sure which one to choose for them – and it’s available in two different collector’s editions if they prefer perfume or cologne. And you can even order it from Shoppers online, from the comfort of your home. Some of my favourite scents in the red set include YSL Libre, Chloé. and Marc Jacobs Daisy Love.

Batiste Holiday Pack. $15, available at Shoppers Drug Mart. 
The Batiste Holiday Pack is the perfect stocking stuffer for friends, family, or any hair-obsessed person in your life! The pack includes Batiste Original and a limited-edition fan fave that was available a couple of years ago and has been brought back just for the Holiday season – Rose Gold! Batiste Dry Shampoo is the perfect solution to freshen up your hair during the Holiday season. The Dry Shampoo is extremely easy to use – shake well, hold can 30cm from dry sectioned hair, spray and massage thoroughly.

Soap & Glory Best Washes Body Wash $14. Soap & Glory Scrub for Joy Body Polish $18. Both Available at Shoppers Drug Mart 
A new luxurious duo of mood-boosting bath and body care products from Soap & Glory in a citrus, fruity floral scent with notes of grapefruit and rhubarb – specifically designed to uplift the senses, enhance happiness and start (or end) your day on a high note. (We all need this right now….) Soap & Glory Scrub for Joy Body Polish gently exfoliates dead skin cells leaving softer, smoother skin.  Pair this with the Soap & Glory Best Washes Body Wash – a gently cleansing and revitalizing body wash that leaves skin feeling invigorated, refreshed, and revitalised. Vitamin B5 to soften and keep skin healthy, Vitamin C to brighten and improve the appearance of skin and Vitamin E to nourish and keep skin hydrated.

Charlotte Tilbury  CHARLOTTE'S BEJEWELLED CHEST OF BEAUTY TREASURES. BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR, $250.00
This magical gift includes: FULL SIZE Hollywood Beauty Light Wand in Spotlight: FULL SIZE NEW! Colour Chameleon In Copper Lights: FULL SIZE Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk Original: TRAVEL SIZE Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray: TRAVEL SIZE Goddess Skin Clay Mask: TRAVEL SIZE My Magic Cream: TRAVEL SIZE My Magic Serum Crystal Elixir: TRAVEL SIZE Wonderglow primer: TRAVEL SIZE Rock ‘N’ Kohl eyeliner in Barbarella Brown; TRAVEL SIZE Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! mascara: TRAVEL SIZE Lip Cheat lip liner in Pillow Talk Original: TRAVEL SIZE Supermodel Body.

First Aid Beauty All That Fab skincare set $64.00. ($167.00 value)

Celebrate with FAB skin this season with this five-piece limited edition set (including four full-sized products) of FAB skincare essentials that help promote a smooth, radiant and hydrate complexion. This Set Contains: Pure Skin Face Cleanser, Facial Radiance Pads, Ultra Repair Cream, Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream, Ultra Repair Lip Therapy

2020 Self-Care Musts to Shine This Holiday Season!

The Body Shop's Soothing Almond Milk & Honey Ultimate Gift Bag. $60, available at The Body Shop  ($92 Value)
The Body Shop's Soothing Almond Milk & Honey Ultimate Gift Bag is gentle, but effective and packed with six creamy and caring treats for showing dry, sensitive skin some love to keep you glowing throughout the holiday season. Set includes: Almond Milk & Honey Shower Cream, Almond Milk & Honey Cream Scrub, Almond Milk Body Yogurt, Almond Milk & Honey Body Butter, Mediterranean Almond Milk with Oats Instant Soothing Mask, Almond Milk & Honey Hand Cream.

Flawless Finishing Touch Brows. $30, available at mass market retailers 
Flawless Finishing Touch Brow is a hair removal device that erases unwanted brow hair instantly and painlessly without the irritation that comes with plucking or waxing. Micro-precision trimming blade doesn't causing any pulls, nicks, redness or irritation on your skin. Its built-in LED light makes it easy to see and erase unwanted hair, and is discreet and portable, so you can use it anytime, anywhere. Flawless Brows is designed to be held like a pencil and used like an eraser for stunningly beautiful brows! ALso check out the Finishing Touch Flawless Face. $30, available at mass market retailers - a facial hair removal device that erases hair instantly and painlessly without the irritation that comes with shaving, plucking or waxing. It takes just seconds to get your whole face done and is the perfect at-home salon alternative.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Gilded Wishes 6 Piece Brush Set - $52.00 ($93.00 value). Sold exclusively at Sephora, Sephora.ca and on the Sephora App

Sephora is your go-to destination for holiday beauty gifts, with gifts at every price-point that offer amazing value. Choose from one of their many limited-edition value sets for the season, including SEPHORA COLLECTION’s Gilded Wishes 6 Piece Brush Set. These brushes are made with soft, synthetic, vegan, cruelty-free bristles that are perfect for any Zoom party or holiday makeup look.

NEOSTRATA Bionic Oxygen Recovery. $78, available at Shoppers Drug Mart. 
This foaming facial delivers molecular Oxygen and Polyhydroxy Acid to target visible signs of photoaging, and revitalize and rebalance stressed skin. Skin instantly appears more radiant and feels soft & silky. To use it, massage a generous layer on damp skin. Allow an oxygenating foam to form and dissipate over 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Foreo Bear Facial Toning Device, $399.00
This microcurrent device helps to lift and tone the skin - use for 3 minutes per day. First apply a water-based serum to “conduct” the current. Then select the guided full-facial routine via the “FOREO For You” app or operate the device manually with the universal button. Quickly press the universal button until desired intensity level is selected. Glide BEAR across the face and neck in slow, controlled upwards motions, making sure both metallic spheres are touching the skin at all times.

Soap & Glory Best Washes Body Wash $14. Soap & Glory Scrub for Joy Body Polish $18. Both Available at Shoppers Drug Mart  and shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Soap & Glory is all about self-care and can help you enhance your spa-at-home environment. A new luxurious duo of mood-boosting bath and body care products from Soap & Glory in a citrus, fruity floral scent with notes of grapefruit and rhubarb – Soap & Glory Scrub for Joy Body Polish gently exfoliates dead skin cells leaving softer, smoother skin.  Pair this with the Soap & Glory Best Washes Body Wash – a gently cleansing and revitalizing body wash that leaves skin feeling invigorated, refreshed, and revitalised.

Vitamin B5 to soften and keep skin healthy, Vitamin C to brighten and improve the appearance of skin and Vitamin E to nourish and keep skin hydrated.

Organika Effervess Marine collagen and vitamin C effervescent tablets. $17, available at organika.com 

Easy on-the-go beauty bevvy that adds a boost to your water with marine collagen, vitamin C, and a delicious flavour (with zero sugar!) Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in our body, providing us with strength, elasticity, tone, and structure. It acts like the ‘glue’ that holds the body together. Inside the body, three types of collagen run the show, benefitting the health of skin, hair, nails, and bones (type 1); cartilage and connective tissues (type 2); and muscles and internal organs (type 3). Effervess uses sustainably sourced Marine Collagen, which contains Type 1 collagen (benefitting the health of skin, hair, nails, and bones)

Summer 2020 Staycation Beauty Essentials

Garnier Ombrelle Complete Sensitive Advanced Body And Face Lotion SPF 60. $23, available at mass market. 
This Hypoallergenic sunscreen was developed for body and face by Canadian Dermatologists, using Ombrelle's patented formulation of Mexoryl technology. It’s a lightweight lotion that is gentle, non-greasy and provides effective broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash Shea Butter. $8, available at mass market. 
Skincare shouldn’t stop at your neck! Olay’s NEW body washes with Vitamin B3 Complex treat dryness at the source. Vitamin B3 (also known as Niacinamide) is one of the most multi-tasking vitamin when it comes to skin care and Olay is bringing it to the rest of the body.

Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration® Weightless™ Line of Products SPF 30. $16.50 each, available at mass market retailers.
Weightless Daily Sunscreen feels as if it’s barely on your skin. It offers 12 hours of moisturization and Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection and it’s dermatologist tested.

Olay Retinol24 Night Collection, $40 each

This retinol is safe and gentle and effective enough for use every single day. Retinol is the gold standard for smoother, brighter skin - results you’ll see when you wake up in the morning.

Revolution Highlight Reloaded. Available in 4 shades. $11.00, Available online at ShoppersDrugMart.ca 
Glowing skin is always a gorgeous summer beauty look. We’re seeing a lot of strong lips and neon eyes for summer, so a highlighter can help balance out the rest of your face. Even if you’re not wearing a lot of makeup, a highlighter can add a little something to brighten up your complexion. One of my favourite products for a beautiful glow is this Revolution Highlight Reloaded – it’s an intensely pigmented powder with a flattering shimmer. It is available in 4 different shades depending if you want more rose or golden highlights. – Shades: Dare to Divulge, Just My Type, Make an Impact, Raise the Bar. Apply this to the cheekbones and inner corners of the eyes, and also to the bridge of your nose for an all-over glow

Schmidt’s Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant. $7.99, available at mass market retailers. NEW Schmidt’s Lavender + Sage is a natural deodorant that actually works! Free of aluminum, propylene glycol and artificial fragrance, and is certified vegan & cruelty-free

NEW Batiste Waterless Cleansing Foam. $11.50, available at mass market retailers. The Batiste Waterless Cleansing Foam is a no rinse shampoo in the form of a lightweight foam. It instantly refreshes hair all over, dries in 60 seconds with no rinsing or brushing required and leaves no residue

• Available in 4 different scents that cater to different hair needs:

  • Coconut – Shine-enhancing formula leaves hair looking radiant

  • Hibiscus – Lightweight formula leaves hair looking smooth

  • Cactus – Hydrating formula leaves hair feeling soft

  • Almond Oil – Strengthening formula nourishes hair

Look Like An A-Lister With These Red Carpet Beauty Musts

YSL Beauty, ROUGE VOLUPTE ROCK N SHINE, $49. Available at yslbeauty.ca

Rock your lips with the new Rouge Volupté Rock'n Shine. The glitter star glides smoothly and melts onto the lips for a sparkly finish and a resolutely rock look. The vibrant colours and the addictive scent of fresh mango keep bringing you back for more. The lipstick's silver casing is finished with a touch of sparkle on the cap. Featuring a new generation of glitters derived from plant extracts – cellulose from eucalyptus to be precise

Charlotte Instant Eye Palette Pillow Talk, $95. Available at CharlotteTilbury.com
From the shimmering rose gold, peachy-caramel and dreamy champagne pink eyeshadow shades of the to the soft tawny brown, shimmering rosy pink and blushed berry-rose - this palette is a red-carpet fave of celebs like Michelle Williams and Salma Hayek.

Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist. $9.00, available at mass market.
Get all of the hydrating and frizz-fighting power you would from your regular conditioner, with none of the hassle of washing your hair, with this dry conditioner mist. Instantly smooth over misbehaving hair, detangle knots between washes and fight frizz with 24-hour protection. Pantene’s new collection is designed to let you skip the wash, but still love your style from root to tip.

The Burt's Bees All Aflutter Volumizing Mascara. $14 available at mass-market retailers.  
An all natural formula that adds volume to the lashes without clumping. Responsibility sourced Jojoba Oil and community-sourced beeswax nourish the lashes. The wand has been specifically designed to coat and define each lash, available in 3 shades. 

StriVectin Cloudberry Moisturizing & Plumping Cream Mask. $49 available at Shoppers Drug Mart. 
For the softest, smoothest skin ever! No overnight use is needed to reap all the benefits of this hydrating mask. Wear for just 15 to 20 minutes to flood skin with intense moisture. Cloudberry and Prickly Pear extracts are two resilient antioxidant-packed adaptogens known to survive extreme, dry environmental conditions.

Chanel Chance Fragrance Pencils, $99 for Four. Available at The Bay.
The balm texture glides onto the skin with the stroke of an soft, pencil tip. The ideal on-the-go solution for use at any time of day. Glide over the skin, on the neck, behind the ears or on the inside of the wrists and touch up your fragrance as often as you like throughout the day!

Holiday 2019 Beauty Musts!

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for a loved on your list, here are some some great beauty gifts that won’t break the bank!

Too Faced Gingerbread Extra Spicy Eyeshadow Palette at Shoppers Drug Mart.  $59.00. When it comes to creating holiday eye looks – this season we’re seeing a lot of gold and copper smoky eyes. I love this limited-edition Gingerbread Extra Spicy eyeshadow palette from Too Faced that I picked up from Shoppers Drug Mart. It has 18 matte and shimmery shades – it’s perfect for creating warm and rich, holiday inspired looks. Plus it comes in this cute tin and smells like gingerbread, so it makes a great holiday gift for the beauty lover!  

Batiste Dry Shampoo Holiday Pack. $14.99, available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart. 
Batiste Dry Shampoo is the perfect fix for an instant hair refresh and this duo is perfect for holiday season. I love the cult classic Original scent for daytime and limited-edition Luxe scent for nighttime refreshes (keep it in your desk drawer at work!). Perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the hair-lover in your life!

FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Glossy Posse Mini Gloss Bomb Set. $56.00 available at Sephora and sephora.ca 
It’s a limited-edition collection of five mini Gloss Bomb Shades featuring bestselling FU$$Y and four brand-new shades that have Shea butter as the star ingredient to help hydrate and smooth that lips. Sold at sephora and sephora.ca 

LANEIGE Hydration Dream Team. $51.00 ($67.00 value) available at sephora and sephora.ca
This blockbuster four-piece set of hydrating fan favorites is the perfect gift from LANEIGE! It’s a great value because it contains a full-size Water Sleeping Mask (full size; 70ml) a deluxe sample size of Cream Skin (50ml), a deluxe sample size of Water Bank Moisture Cream (10ml) plus a deluxe sample of the Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry. Use Cream Skin 2-in-1 Toner & Moisturizer on-the-go, or pair it with mineral-rich Water Bank Moisture Cream for an extra dose of moisture throughout the day. Recharge skin in the PM with Water Sleeping Mask, infused with apricot and evening primrose to help brighten and purify. Then protect that pout with Lip Sleeping Mask, and wake up to soft, supple lips. This set is suitable for all skin types.

NEST Spiced Orange & Clove Classic Candle. 230g for $56.00, 600g for $90.00. NEST Spiced Orange & Clove Reed Diffuser.$64.00 (lasts about 90 days). Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.
It’s a perfect gift for hostesses! Ideal to set the mood in your house to get in the Holiday spirit and showcase a celebratory ambiance when hosting festive gatherings. The scent is festive and spicy but not overwhelming or sweet.

Fall 2019 Biggest Beauty Innovations

Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage 24 Hour Foundation.  $46.00 available at Sephora.

• NEW full coverage foundation with 24 hour formula and matte finish

• Comes in 40 shades and is waterproof and sweat proof 

• Formula is unique because it is super lightweight, not cakey and does not get into creases 

• Applies best with a primer and is buildable

• For everybody but good for younger if you have acne or flip side, age spots and discolouration from sun 

FOREO LUNA 3 Smart Facial Cleansing and Firming Anti-Aging Device. $259.00CAD, available at foreo.com and select retailers: Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora, or Hudson Bay.
A favorite of many Hollywood A listers such as Chrissy Teigen, Kim Kardashian, Venus Williams.

• Featuring silicone touchpoints, LUNA 3 lifts away dirt, oil, and excess sebum with a 60 second cleansing routine while a firming facial massage leaves skin smoother.

• Brush heads are tailor-made for each skin type:
  purple is sensitive
  Blue is for combination skin
  Pink for Normal skin

• Foreo Luna 3 is a smart skincare device that combines an ultra-soft hygienic cleanse with a variety of targeted firming massage routines all controlled by the FOREO “For You” app.

• Download the FOREO app.Press button to turn on LUNA. Connect your device to the app via Bluetooth.

• It can be further personalized in the FOREO app by selecting pulsation intensity controls and targeted firming massage routines. No additional brush heads needed. One USB charge provides up to 650 uses.

• 30% longer touchpoints for those harder to reach places and for an even deeper cleaning of the pores.

• 25% softer touchpoints that glides effortlessly across the skin, with no pulling or stretching to preserve the skin’s natural elasticity

• 16 T-sonic pulsation intensities

Neostrata Retinol 0.3% Overnight Peel. $80.00 for 3 months supply (12 peel pads), Available at mass drugstores 

• Results equivalent to a clinic or a dermatologist - inspired by medical spa 

• New innovation and new ingredients — target every single skin concern 

• Overnight peel that smoothes wrinkles and deeper lines, evens skins appearance and plumps skin — elasticity of the skin is lifted dramatically even after just one use 

• Use at home once a week for instant results; and long-term results equivalent to results you would achieve at a medi-spa — lines wrinkles and clarity problems with pores — this is the product for you 

• Results after one use makes it great for special occasions / big events 

• One month supply for a limited time (that’s what will be on the table) In-Store. now 3 months supply available for $80 available at mass drugstores  

Jergens Ultra Care Restoring Argan Lotion. $10.99, available at mass market retailers.  

• As the seasons are changing and colder weather approaches, many Canadians spend more time inside with indoor heating which can rob skin of moisture leading to dry skin. 

• NEW Jergens® Ultra Care Restoring Argan Lotion is a deeply hydrated oil-infused blend.
  Enriched with Moroccan Argan Oil and combined with Vitamin E, this leaves skin feeling restored, visibly healthier and richly hydrated.

• Oil-Infused formulas lock in long-lasting hydration with the moisturizing power of essential ingredients to give you visibly beautiful skin.

• Use them every day and through every season for moisture-rich hydration and radiant, glowing skin.

• Oil-Infused formulas from Jergens® Skincare lock in long-lasting hydration with the moisturizing power of essential ingredients to give you visibly beautiful skin.

Use Jergens® Oil-Infused Lotions every day and through every season for moisture-rich hydration and radiant, glowing skin.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum, $15.99. Available at drugstores

• John Frieda® Frizz Ease® Extra Strength Serum is a staple in protecting hair against the onset of frizz and providing humidity resistance. 

• One powerful drop, frizz stops. 

• It protects hair against the onset of frizz and provides moisture and shine.

• Frizz Ease serums are the perfect base to protect and create a barrier against frizz and are available for all levels of frizz. 

• This is the most powerful serum, with Bamboo extract, fights frizz for advanced smoothing & hydration with extra humidity resistance. Expertly formulated for thick, coarse hair. Safe for colour-treated hair. With heat protection
  

Get Ready for Summer! The best products to revamp your makeup bag

StriVectin SKIN RESET 4-Week Intensive Rejuvenation System, $149. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
A unique system of 4 powerful formulas, each designed to address a different factor of skin aging - i.e. improving elasticity, balancing tone or addressing sagging, deep lines or wrinkles. It’s like a juice cleanse for your skin -- you are only 28 days from your best skin. Skin Reset is clinically proven to and deliver dramatic results without dramatic intervention. The serum system powerful and very concentrated ingredients Treat this like your serum - first thing on your skin after your cleanse. WEEK 1 rebuilds, WEEK 2 boosts, WEEK 3 balances, WEEK 4 restores.

Revlon PhotoReady Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution, $15.99. Available at mass retailers.

Creamy texture goes on like a moisturizer then blends invisibly to even out and enhance skin tone. Leaves skin feeling breathable and moisturized all day. Creamy, buildable formula delivers medium coverage and a natural finish. 22 shades in store and 8 online

Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration Essence, $12.99. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Throughout the day your skin loses up to 50% of hydration. Olay Mists can be used on top of makeup and provides an immediate 60% boost in hydration whenever you need a little pick me up. Vitamin B3 helps strengthen skin’s barrier over time and Vitamin C helps energize and refresh skin.

John Frieda GO Blonder Lemon Miracle Mask, $12.99. Available at mass retailers.
For summer, blondes are always looking to achieve lighter and brighter hair, but unfortunately that tends to come hand in hand with added dryness and brittleness caused by professional salon treatments. For blondes in particular, lightening induces damage which can be exacerbated in the summer because of environmental factors such as the sun, chlorine from pools and sea salt from the ocean and beaches. The Go Blonder collection helps maintain your best blonde in between salon visits, for brighter and healthier blonde hair. The NEW Go Blonder Lemon Miracle™ Masque is a strengthening masque specially formulated to target the ongoing issues blondes face with dry, brittle strands from the lightning process. Go Blonder Lemon Miracle™ Masque uses BlondeMend™ technology and lemon oil to create millions of new bonds onto hair to strengthen and restore damaged hair fibers, leaving hair looking brighter and feeling stronger than before.5. Go Blonder Lemon Miracle™ Masque is safe for use on natural or colour treated hair.

NeoCell Super Collagen Powder, $21.99. Available on well.ca and gnc.

Dosage: Take 1 scoop daily in 1 cup of water, coffee or juice or smoothie. Collagen supplements are a huge trend right now and their beloved for their beauty benefits. They're all about really enhancing your beauty from the inside out. We start to lose collagen after the age of 25. In the summer specifically, I like them because they're "feeding" your skin, hair and nails with essential protein - this is essential as we're subjecting ourselves to a lot of environmental factors like chlorine in pools, salt water that can be drying to hair and nails as well as more UV damage. Bursts are great for on-the-go

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse, $13.99. Available at mass retailers.
For those looking to add a little colour to their skin without having to make a costly salon visit or having to worry about harmful UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun products deliver a flawless tan with no wait time and even dries within 60 seconds; the light, airy mousse allows for a precise, even application so you can be sure there are no streaks. The colour works with your individual skin to mimic the colour results you would get from the natural sun with no orange hues. Application is simple; simply pump mousse into your hand or onto a tanning mitt and smooth onto skin in a circular motion. The product is visible instantly so you can be sure you get all the right spots. It’s best to try and exfoliate your skin 24 hours prior to application. Full result will be realized within 4 hours. Available in three variants: light bronze, deep bronze and our newest shade, ultra deep bronze - our darkest colour yet!

Olay Mist, $12.99. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Throughout the day your skin loses up to 50% of hydration. Olay Mists can be used on top of makeup and provides an immediate 60% boost in hydration whenever you need a little pick me up. Vitamin B3 helps strengthen skin’s barrier over time and Vitamin C helps energize and refresh skin.