RODAN + FIELDS - MY FAVORITE NEW SKINCARE LINE

As a skincare junkie I am constantly looking out for new and exciting products. In order to fully understand the effects of certain skincare products you must be willing to try them out over a long period of time. Your initial introduction is always key and with any new product you should introduce it slowly into your regime, one product at a time. Introducing too many products at the same time could leave you wondering where that weird rash came from or why you seemingly have irritation or flaky skin. Another important factor in slowly introducing new products is that in order to gauge whether they actually work for you, you need to see how your body as a whole reacts over time. Your body is filled with hormones and females can experience increased oiliness or even adult acne when hormones become unbalanced.

As a teenager my skin was not always the best, but it could have been worse if my sister and mom didn’t introduce the importance of a skincare routine to me early on. In order to get me started my mom introduced me to the Proactiv brand which I used for a good portion of my high school life and probably ignited my monster obsession with skincare.

Rodan + Fields - 4 Step Skincare Lines: Redefine, Reverse, Unblemish, Smoothe

As a once upon a time Proactiv user I was very happy to hear that the original dermatologists who created the Proactiv brand developed a new skincare line called Rodan + Fields. After a quick online consulting using the R + F solution tool my skincare rep Heather was better able to understand my need and recommend a 4 step regime perfect for me. 

Starting off slow I first introduced the Deep Exfoliating Wash into my routine and instantly feel in love. The formula reminded me of one of my all time favorite exfoliating cleansers, but Rodan’s is at a way better price point! Its grainy like texture exfoliates and cleans my skin with the perfect amount of lather. My skin is left feeling super clean and smooth without being stripped of moisture. Over the course of a couple weeks I even began to see a decrease in the appearance of dark spots I acquired from a stint I went through with using tanning salons (before my better judgment kicked in).

Deep Exfoliating Wash - Step 1 in R +F's Reverse Line

After two weeks of using the Deep Exfoliating Wash I started to incorporate the toner into my regime. Although I really didn’t see that much of a difference in terms of decreasing uneven skin tone I did noticed that I started to experiences some dryness.

A couple weeks after I received the products my rep Heather reached out to me to see how I was making out. Once I conveyed my experience to her and told her about the dryness I was experiencing she told me that R+F allows for users to completely customize their 4 Step regime and offered to send me samples of two serums, one for the face and one for the lips, and two moisturizers, one for the day and one for night to try. Perfect!

Once these products were introduced to my skincare regime I was so happy to see my skin looking clearer, feeling softer and for the most part having an even tone. I’m especially surprised at how well my skin is holding up this winter with the crazy cold winds, friction from being bundled in big scarf’s, and the fluctuations in temperature!

Now having used R+F for almost 5-6 months I am happy to recommend their line to anyone dealing with skincare issues, anyone who wants to buy a skincare routine customized for them without spending crazy money or is a skincare junkie like me. No matter what you are, you can also be on your way to a clearer skin, just ask Heather!

HEATHER MORRISON - SKINCARE REP FOR RODAN + FIELDS

US readers can take the solution tool on Heather’s website to get a customized skincare recommendation:

https://hmorrison3.myrandf.com/Pages/OurProducts/GetAdvice/SolutionsTool

Canadian and Australian readers, please email Heather directly:

hmorrison3myrandf@gmail.com

I am also happy to announce that Heather will be giving away a free sample kit to the first 5 readers to get a consult!

LUSH COSMETICS - CHRISTMAS 2016 PRODUCT LINE REVIEW

Lush Cosmetics has been one of my favorite brands since I was first introduced to them in high school and was definitely one of the first cosmetic companies to ignite my soon-to-be obsession with beauty products. Lucky for me, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics also later became a great influence and educational benchmark for me on what fresh, natural, and ethical cosmetics are.

I remember the first time I saw, or rather smelled, a Lush store. I was instantly attracted by the bright colors, floral and citrus smells, the never ending array of bath bombs filled with sparkles, and the mounds of products you're actually allowed to touch and smell (for me at 14 this was a big deal!). Since that first experience I have become an avid customer and have been known to give their products as gifts for Christmas!

Recently I had the pleasure to team up with Lush Cosmetics to sample and review some of their seasonal Christmas products. I was very surprised to receive the products so quickly but after days and nights of experimentation I am happy to share my product review with you.

Bubbly & Rose Jam – Shower Gel

First let’s talk about Bubbly! I loved this shower gel and it instantly became my favorite out of the two. I tend to always navigate towards citrus-based products because of how fresh and vibrant they are. I also find that if I am using something repeatedly it’s easy to get olfactory overload, however if it is citrus based I tend not to get sick of it so quickly. Two additional great things about this product are that it is vegan and doesn’t dry out your skin!!!

Bubbly starts at $9.95 - $32.95 depending on size

Rose Jam is perfect for any floral and citrus scent lovers! I love floral scents, but can sometimes find them overpowering - but not this one! The Rose Jam shower gel also has hints of vanilla and as an added bonus contains argan oil. Argan oil is an incredibly nourishing and hydrating oil. It is filled with vitamin A, vitamin E, and antioxidants and is known for its amazing healing powers when it comes to skin infections, rashes and bug bites. When applied to the skin it can ease inflammation while moisturizing your skin! P.S. This product is also vegan and all Lush Cosmetic products are not tested on animals – BONUS!

Rose Jam starts at $21.95 - $32.95 depending on size

*Someone suggested to me to mix the two – I did and it was fabulous! Try it! I double dog dare you!

Santa Baby – Lip Tint

When I first saw this product my expectation of what it was, was completely different. First of all anything that comes in a tube I automatically associate it to a texture of a lip balm or something that applies smoothly and appears shinny, but probably leaves your lips feeling dryer then before. It’s not uncommon for lip balms such as ChapSticks and lip plumpers to cause severe irritation on and around the lips because of ingredients that can actually dry out the lips like —menthol, camphor, and phenol. These ingredients are what give the tingling sensation but actually have no real nourishing benefit.

That is why when I tried Santa Baby for the first time I was super surprised because it is a) Shea and Coco butter based - meaning its super nourishing and moisturizing but does not slide on in a slick, filmy kind of way and b) because it’s a lip tint and gets its tint from cherries and dates, you don’t need very much to see the effects of the pigment. In terms of scent there is only a slight hint of spice, perhaps cinnamon, but nothing that is too pungent or that overly stands out.

If you are not into red natural looking lips this may not be a product for you, however I am curious to try this product on my cheeks even as a soft natural looking blush! There are potentially numerous applications here!!

Santa Baby - $9.95 per 5g tube

Christingle – Body Conditioner

I was super excited when I received the Christingle Body Conditioner because I had never tried anything like it before. After reading the description “Invigorating peppermint and menthol crystals energize skin with tingly holiday excitement.” I practically jumped in the shower right away! So in order to use this product properly you are supposed to shower/wash as per usual and then as a final step apply the body conditioner to your wet skin thinly and evenly and rinse off before lightly towel drying. Upon exiting my hot shower I instantly felt a rush of the cool tingly sensation all over my body however I am not sure if I was that into it to be honest. Even after getting dressed and putting on layers of clothing I continued to shiver and feel very cold. I feel like the menthol may have defeated the purpose and enjoyment I get from a hot shower…. especially in the winter. Perhaps menthol is not my thing, but on the plus side my skin felt super hydrated after and I smelled really good like fresh peppermint! I think I’m going to save this bad boy for the summer when its hot out and I could use a little winter refreshment. 

Christingle - $14.95 for 90g tub

Mistletoe – Bath Bomb

God do I love a good bath bomb! I have tried many times to replicate Lush Cosmetic bath bombs but have never come quiet as close in smell, size and level of enjoyment that I receive from theirs - and the Mistletoe bath bomb was no exception.

First of all this bath bomb is so big you only really need to use half. Since it already comes with a ridge in it you can easily cut it in half and save the other half for another occasion. Even before it explodes you can smell the sensual scent of Jasmine – a scent that to me evokes memories of summer evenings and gentle breezes. It is a lifting scent that is known to relax the body and mind in order to encourage intimacy and has historically been used to do just that!

Once I dropped the bath bomb into the water it instantly came alive, revealing pink and purple streaks – these streaks of colours and bubbles were a source of inspiration for my #bathart series seen below. Feel free to experiment with different Lush bath bombs yourself and come up with your own series! Don't forget to hashtag #bathart on social media when you show off your series.

*I have to admit that this bath bomb does leave a pink glittery ring around your bathtub but don’t worry it comes off really easily.

Mistletoe Bath Bomb - $7.95 per Bath Bomb (200g)

Luxury Lush Pud – Bath Bomb

The Luxury Lush Pud bath bomb was another welcomed surprise. I love anything lavender scented because of its comforting properties. This bath bomb is again big enough for you to split and use over two occasions however I found that it was not as easy to split as the mistletoe because there was no defined ridge – but whatever that didn’t stop me. I recommend really putting aside some time when you use this bath bomb and getting your setup/Netflix all ready because once you experience this bath bomb you won’t want to get out of the bath for hours! It’s a perfect before bedtime soother to get you all relaxed and cozy before crawling into bed for a good night’s rest.

Luxury Lush Pud Bath Bomb - $7.95 per Bath Bomb (200g)

To read more about Lush bath bombs and see a video on how they are made click HERE

Before I go I also want to talk about Lush Cosmetic outstanding core values, values you do not often see in cosmetic brands today. Lush Cosmetics makes all their products by hand and use only the best and freshest ingredients. They believe that when it comes to packaging, less is more – so our environment incurs minimal waste. All their products are 100% vegetarian – 80% of these are actually even vegan and they actively do not buy ingredients from companies that test on animals. They are also 100% transparent with what is in each product and you can go on their website or grab a catalogue in store and see all the ingredients in every product they release! And if that’s not enough for you – well they are also a Canadian company!

Visit Lush Cosmetics to learn more about the brand and beat the lines by shopping their entire Christmas product line online!

PURE + SIMPLE - SPA REVIEW

Pure + Simple - Eglinton Location (2375 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2C8) Tel: 416.481.2081

Pure + Simple is an all-natural skincare and wellness spa that was recommended to me by a fellow blogger and friend MoVernie on the MOVE. Although I have never been to Pure + Simple before it seems to be a very well known spa and many peoples hidden secret - and now I know why, but the secret is OUT!

Pure + Simple has been helping people achieve beautiful and natural skin since the 2000s’. The owner Jean Eng battled with severe acne almost her whole life and once she started to see her daughter going through the same battle, she decided to do something about it. In the past, harsh ointments and antibiotics prescribed by esthetician and dermatologists left her skin with scares and redness and she knew her daughter and many others were destined for the same fate – but not if she could help it.

Jean went to school to learn about skincare, first as a curiosity, but was soon inspired to open her own natural spa concept and design a line of holistic, chemical free products now known as the beloved Pure + Simple.

One thing that I love about Pure + Simple is that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! Every single esthetician is there to help you achieve your skin goals.  On top of their exceptional services they also offer a variety of products – all holistic – from numerous brands, not just their own. The company and the people that work there all share common core values: natural safe skincare always, sustainable business practices and the notion to treat each client as an individual with their own special problems and needs. 

Pure + Simple aims to maximize the experience and comfort of their clients – and they deliver! Through choosing all-natural skincare products they provide some of the best products out there without compromising on services or results. If you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle, are battling with acne or are pregnant you should consider treating yourself to a Pure + Simple facial.

When I went in for my facial last week my lovely esthetician Caitlin shared a multitude of eye opening skincare tips that I had never heard before. As I said before at Pure + Simple knowledge is power which is why they take the time to explain simple skincare tips to help you achieve your skincare goals.

Now I am going to share those tips with you!

Pure + Simple products recommended to me by my esthetician Caitlin

1) Hydration is good BUT – just because you drink 8 glasses of water doesn’t mean you are going to have beautifully hydrated skin. As a matter of fact, your skin is the last organ on your body to benefit from how much water you drink. That doesn’t mean you should stop drinking water it just means that topical creams that are water-based hydrate your skin directly and are more effective at producing beautifully hydrated skin.

2) Always go from THINNEST TO THICKEST – after cleansing your face before you apply your creams, remember to always apply the thinnest cream to the thickest cream.

3) AVOID THE EYES – face cream and eye creams are two different things. Eye creams are deliberately developed to prevent Milia – white small bumps on the eyelid caused by keratin buildup. Do not worry these small bumps are not dangerous and are not like pimples because there is no pore. They can however be easily removed and Pure + Simple can help you with that.

4) Don’t BOX yourself in – everyone has a different skincare footprint/needs. The majority of people do not fall into one skincare category but actually multiple. There may be areas of oiliness but other areas may be red and in need of hydration. Your skincare regime should reflect your personal needs.

5) Your body produces oils NOT water – when picking the proper skincare products examine weather your skin is red or inflamed. Water based products will help sooth and hydrate your skin. That does not mean oil based products wont, it just means your skincare needs are personal and therefore your products and skincare regime should be personalized to.

6) Do you ingest CHEMICALS? – Then why would you put them on your skin? Anything we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies’ circulatory system, meaning it can directly contribute or detract our overall health. That is why skincare products that have safe and natural ingredients are essential. Avoid parabens, petrochemicals, silicones, phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances + dyes.

7) Serums? What are they? – serums, by definition, are skincare products you can apply to your skin after cleansing but before moisturizing with the intent of delivering powerful ingredients directly into the skin. Although serums are suppose to be water based (and therefore more absorbent) there are many serums out there that are oil based.

Today Pure + Simple has 4 locations (one in Waterloo) with one more on the way (Beaches - coming soon).  On top of having 4 brick and mortar locations they also have all their products available online for purchase on the Pure + Simple website. If you feel like coming into a store to ‘try before you buy’ (which I recommend for any first timers) the staff at Pure + Simple will gladly offer you free samples and a free skincare analysis. If natural makeup products are what you are after they can help color match product for you. If you are looking to change your lifestyle and try some natural products and services I definitely recommend Pure + Simple.  I know I’ll be going back soon.

Couldn't leave without picking up some stocking stuffers!

To learn more about Pure + Simple or to book your next appointment check out their website -> HERE

If you have any questions please feel free to leave them in the comments below!

DIY CINNAMON BUN LIP SCRUB

First thing I have to say about this lip scrub is YUM!!! I literally could eat this sugary goodness it smells so good. This all natural lip scrub will help you moisturize your lips and remove dead skin cells. Simply rub the mixture on your lips for two minutes before rinsing (or eating). ENJOY!

VIDEO IS POSTED BELOW

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 Cup of Brown Sugar
2.5 TBSP Coconut Oil
2.5 TBSP Honey
4 TSP Vanilla Extract
2 TSP Cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

I hope you had as much fun making this product and giving them away as much as I did! Please let me know your comments below or if you have any request!!!!! Id love to hear from you ♥ ♥ ♥

WAXON - TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS ON HOW TO AVOID A PAINFUL WAX

Summer is upon us and with it so is the need to get summer ready. Whether that means hitting the gym, shopping for your summer wardrobe or getting rid of unwanted hair we are all trying to feel good while wearing less.

Last week I got to team up with WAXON Waxbar owner and waxing expert Lexi Miles to find out about the business of waxing, how to get a less painful wax, and comb through some of the myths and questions I had about waxing. Here is what she had to say about her business and what WAXON offers their customers to ensure the best experience.

S - How long has it been since you started your business?

L - WAXON has been operating for four years now; our first location opened in 2012 in Toronto's Summerhill neighbourhood.

S - What inspired you to start a waxbar business and what did you hope to achieve by opening a waxbar?

L - As an avid waxer with a busy schedule I always found it hard to keep up with regular waxing without booking an appointment WEEKS in advance and having to pay a fortune just for a wax. I always found myself wishing I could find a high end, trendy environment with professional Waxologists and great prices that even accepts walk-ins. Enter WAXON Waxbar!

S - Where did you open your first waxbar? How many do you have now?

L - Summerhill is our flagship store that we opened in 2012 and we have since expanded WAXON to seven locations across Canada, including the GTA and Halifax. Our most recent expansions were to Burlington and Oakville.

WAXON - Summerhill Flagship Store

S - What makes Waxon standout from other waxbars?

L - WAXON’s mission is ‘Providing our Clients with the BEST wax experience every time!’. We pride ourselves on our superior service, trendy vibe and competitive prices. WAXON hires only the best Waxologists in the industry – all trained the WAXON Way using our exclusive wax, WAXON GOLD. 

S - What are some tips you can give to someone who has never waxed before?

 L - The 40-Year-Old Virgin experience doesn’t have to be your reality!  Go to an experienced Waxologist at a place that specializes in waxing and you will have a very different experience. Exfoliate and trim the hair (to the length of a grain of rice) beforehand to both prep and reduce discomfort during your wax. 

We also have numbing creams (BareEase for women and Numb Nuts for men) available that are mainly used prior to below the belt services.  

 

S - What can you do prior to a wax to help you have a less painful wax?

L - When it comes to waxing exfoliation is key! By removing dead skin cells that surround the hair follicle prior to waxing the hair will come out much easier and make for a less painful wax.

Keeping up with regular waxing every 4-6 weeks (no shaving in between!!) ensures the hair is at an optimum and even length which means there is less tugging on the hair follicle and less discomfort. The ideal hair length for a wax is a ¼ inch in length or the length of a grain of rice.

WAXON - Product Bar

HOT TIP: Try our WAXON On The Rocks 2 in 1 Body Scrub. It’s the perfect exfoliator and doubles as an exfoliator and body wash so its super convenient and gentle enough to use everyday! ($31.00 & available online)

S - How often or how long should I wait between waxes?

L - Everyone is different and each area of the body grows hair at a different rate. A general guideline for most areas is 4-6 weeks, but when it comes to underarms, brows or other facial waxing most clients come back every two weeks. The optimum hair length for waxing is ¼ of an inch (think a grain of rice) so however many weeks that takes for the individual is the perfect amount of time.

S - What makes Waxon’s ‘Gold Wax’ different?

L - Gold wax was inspired by my travels to salons in Spain. The hard wax is specially formulated for below the belt services and the ingredients are designed to reduce redness and discomfort to make for a less painful wax experience with more flawless results. 

Gold has two main ingredients that most other hard waxes lack - titanium dioxide (soothes skin during waxing and reduces redness afterwards) and mica (increases the wax's ability to grip hair resulting in more flawless results). This allows our Waxologists to achieve a faster wax service (15 min vs. 30 min anywhere else) with less discomfort. Not convinced? You need to try it for yourself to believe it!

S - What made you want to develop your own wax?

L - I wanted our clients to have the very BEST, most comfortable, flawless waxing experience, every time. Our highly skilled Waxologists and custom technique already set us apart from other wax bars, but if there was a wax that reduced redness, nourished the skin and removed even the finest hair with minimal discomfort wouldn’t that be amazing, right?! So I worked hard to develop WAXON GOLD with a team of experts and I believe that’s exactly what we’ve achieved but you’ll have to try it for yourself and feel the difference!

S - What can people do post-wax to reduce the amount of ingrown hairs?

L - The best way to prevent and eliminate ingrown hairs is to frequently wax - we recommend every 4-5 weeks. When the hairs are shorter and on the same growth cycle it reduces the pull during a wax service, allowing the hair to be removed more effectively which prevents ingrown hairs.

Also, exfoliate at least 2-3 times per week to remove dead skin cells – ingrown hairs are caused by hair not being able to break the surface and grow normally above the skin because of the layer of dead skin so the hair curls back under.

For a deep exfoliation try WAXON'S handmade Loofah Scrub $11.00 each or three for $30 (Available online at waxon.ca).

S - What is the difference (in terms of results or re-growth) between threading and waxing your brows?

L - The only difference between threading and waxing is the method of hair removal. The hair is still being removed from the root with both techniques so it does not affect the rate of hair growth.
Although our wax is designed to be gentle on the skin people with extra sensitive skin benefit greatly from threading!

S - Where do you see the future of Waxon going? Will you perhaps incorporate other spa services?

L - We choose to focus on one thing, waxing, and to do it flawlessly. Our passion and expert knowledge of waxing is what sets us apart from the rest, so this is something we don’t plan on changing.

WAXON Waxbar plans to continue to expand its existing concept nationally through both Corporate and Franchise development so stay tuned for locations popping up near you. We are also always on top of new beauty care regimes constantly developing new products under our WAXON Cocktail Body line of products. New product releases coming soon!

S - Truth or Myth: When you are stressed or have just finished your menstrual cycle you can be more sensitive when getting a wax?

L - Hormone levels and stress can have a big affect on how sensitive you are during a wax, so we do recommend, if you are sensitive to come outside of the week before and after your period. That being said everyone is different and if you are seeing an expert Waxologist using a premium wax you will immediately notice a difference in pain when compared to your average nail salon or spa.  

A lot of clients ask us if they can get waxed during their period and the answer is yes! However we do recommend taking an Advil before your appointment, as it will be a little more painful at this time.

S - Truth or Myth: Everyone is different when it comes to what part of his or her body is the most sensitive to wax.

L - Truth! Everyone has a different pain threshold so what may be painful for one person could be a breeze for someone else. If you’re a first time waxer and are very nervous about the pain, we have numbing creams available that will help numb the area and cut the level of pain you experience. After your first WAXON wax, we’re convinced that you’ll see it’s not as bad as you thought and you may even ditch the numbing cream for good!

BAREASE NUMBING CREAM $12.00 available at all locations

S - Truth or Myth: The more you wax the fewer ingrown hairs you will have.

L - Truth! The more you wax the more likely all of the hair will be on the same growth cycle, ideally every 4 to 6 weeks, this means that during a wax all of the hair is being removed with ease and there is less trauma to the skin and hair follicle which causes ingrown hairs.

As you continue to wax overtime hair becomes finer and finer, helping to combat ingrown hairs because coarse hair is more likely to become ingrown.

The great news is that over time you will stunt the hair growth and some hairs may never return! Yay!

PRINCE REIGNS INGROWN HAIR SERUM $32.00 at all locations or available to purchase online here www.waxon.ca/products

HOT TIP: Prince Reigns Ingrown Hair Serum is the very best (and an Oprah favourite!) to eliminate and prevent ingrown hairs from coming back. 

S - Truth or Myth: Waxing makes hairs grow fewer and finer with each visit.

L - Truth! Anyone who has been waxing for years will agree that overtime hair becomes finer and more sparse. An added bonus to long term waxing is that you will end up waxing less because you are actually stunting your hair growth.

 

 

Well there you have it! A few tricks and tips to ease you into your next (or first) waxing session. I hope you found this helpful and if you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below and I will try my best to answer them.