New in Dior ~ Hydra Life

Skincare is sooooo important, especially when you have less than ideal skin. I've had my fair share of skin issues and unfortunately that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon. I can only imagine how much worse it would be if I didn't take care of my skin.

Thanks to a long winter, my skin is incredibly dehydrated. It got bad. Really bad. I started using Dior's Capture Youth Line (you can find my review here) and it started to improve but my skin needed just a bit more hydration. I was kindly gifted some new items from Dior's Hydra Life line and I thought I would share my first impressions.

"Even More NATURE

83% natural ingredients, new (at Dior) floral active ingredients

Formulas purified of parabens, containing even less silicone"

The Dior Hydra Life routine is a minimalist dream. With only 3 steps, it's simple and very effective. What I love the most about this range is how gentle it is on my skin. I've come to realize that I have sensitive skin, and I loathe the redness I get when my skin gets angry. I've learned that in order to properly care for my skin, I need gentle products with lots of hydrating properties.

The first step in the Hydra Life routine is prep using the Life 2-in-1 Sorbet Water (175ml, $52 CAD). I haven't personally used this, so I can't comment on its efficacy. I do know that it's used after cleansing to hydrate and balance the skin. AKA toner.

After prepping the skin, it's time to hydrate with Life Intense Sorbet Rich Crème (50ml, $82).  The two star ingredients of this crème are Mallow Butter and Chamomile. Mallow Butter nourishes and strengthens the skin barrier to keep water in cells while Chamomile helps to calm irritation. It can be applied daily or as a night mask during times of high sensitivity (changing seasons, stress, etc). This cream is great for dehydrated skin to soothe, soften and strengthen. It's like a tall drink of water for your skin!

Life Intense Sorbet Rich Crème is a delightful shade of baby blue that has a very fun texture. It feels exactly as you would expect it to; creamy yet light and reminiscent of sorbet. When initially applied it feels cooling and very refreshing. With the sorbet crème texture I was expecting it to sit on my face but it didn't, it sank right in. My skin feels instantly hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. The feeling of hydration is long lasting too. This is going to be my fall-winter cream.

The final step is to awaken the look with Life Sorbet Eye Gel (15ml, $70 CAD). This eye gel has 3 star ingredients - Cornflower Water to decongest puffiness, Micronized Mineral Powders to illuminate and correct dark circles and Abyssinica Oil to nourish, protect and strengthen lashes and eyebrows. The Sorbet Eye Gel also has a ceramic applicator to give an ice cube effect.

I've said it before and I'll say it again; eye care is important! I started using eye cream in my very early 20's and it shows. When it comes to eye cream I'm picky. It has to be hydrating but not so much that it causes an excess of milia and it has to be gentle. Life Sorbet Eye Gel fits the bill and then some.

Out of all the 'cooling' applicators I've tried (and I've tried many) this one takes the cake! The ceramic tip is so cold and refreshing setting the stage perfectly for the eye gel, which is equally as cool and refreshing. I've been into lymphatic massage lately and this applicator makes it easy plus it feels so good. 

No skincare routine is complete without makeup removal. There are two new cleansers; Life Micellar Milk No Rinse Cleanser (200ml, $49 CAD) and Life Triple Impact Makeup Remover (125ml, $42 CAD). I have been using the Triple Impact Makeup Remover, a bi-phase solution that removes heavier makeup on sensitive areas of the skin. The key ingredients in this makeup remover are Lily Extract to make the lashes appear more beautiful and a licorice-based ingredient to soothe the eye contour.

Life Triple Impact Makeup Remover is an effective eye makeup remover, but it's no different than any other. It removes regular eye makeup easily, but I still find myself having to wipe and wipe and wipe away waterproof mascara. I will say that it leaves my skin and lashes feeling super soft, but I can't justify the price tag. I like it, but I don't see myself purchasing it in the future.

You can find Dior's Hydra Life in store and online at sephora.ca, at Hudson's Bay and thebay.com and at Dior counters nationwide.

*press samples were generously provided for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own.

Give The Gift Of Youthful Skin This Holiday ~ Robin McGraw Revelation

Last month I featured some amazing products from Robin McGraw Revelation (read here) and today I'm back with some more awesome products from Robin's line that would make fabulous stocking stuffers!

"This antioxidant foaming gel cleanser gently and thoroughly removes all traces of makeup, dirt and oil, leaving skin soft, supple, and glowing. The balanced formula contains hydrating and purifying ingredients to cleanse without stripping skin." 

/source/ 

Foaming Joy! Purifying Facial Cleanser ($22, 120 ml) contains Chamomile Extract for its anti-inflammatory, soothing and astringent properties as well as Green Tea Oil for its anti-aging and antioxidant properties. There's even Apple Fruit Extract, a natural AHA, to exfoliate and encourage cell renewal.

This cleanser is actually a gel, not a foam as its name would suggest. It does foam up though and it cleanses without stripping. I use a dime sized amount after removing my makeup, and It leaves my skin refreshed.

"Achieve a refreshed, relaxed, and younger-looking complexion with this advanced formulation. An innovative blend of four unique peptides relaxes and smooths the appearance of expression lines to help diminish the visible signs of aging." 

/source/ 

Face It, You Look Amazing! Revitalizing Serum ($38, 15 ml) contains three key ingredients to assist in preventing visible signs of aging by reducing expression lines.

Ginseng Root Extract

Valued as an anti-aging ingredient, due to the many phytonutrients found in the plant, with anti-aging and energy-supporting properties that help to tone and brighten the skin.

Purslane Extract

This cute little plant is also loaded with antioxidants like Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. It has long been used to treat skin disorders and wounds.

Gotu Kola Extract

An ancient healing plant, modern science has recognized it’s calming and healing properties. Rich in amino acids and Beta Carotene, it helps stimulate new cell growth and build collagen.

I've only been using this serum for slightly over a week, so I can't comment on its long term effects (yet). I can say that a little goes a long way, and it feels so hydrating on my skin. I've just started to develop some expression lines on my forehead, so fingers crossed I see some results! FYI, this serum is for expression lines (not all over your face). Apply it to your forehead, between the brows and crows feet.

"Wake up to a repaired, refreshed complexion! This unique nightly treatment addresses multiple visible signs of aging while protecting skin from future damage. Increase firmness and elasticity, balance skin tone, and restore skin’s moisture all while you sleep." 

/source/ 

Hydra Qwench Moisturizing Night Cream ($42, 30 ml) contains a healthy dose of Squalane - an antioxidant that feeds skin cells to promote cell growth, Hyaluronic Acid to promote collagen production and to plump skin, as well as Caprylic Acid.

This night cream is so rich and hydrating! I apply this as the final step in my skincare routine and I'm so impressed. I wake up to skin that looks even, rested and hydrated. Perfect for Canadian winters!

I have yet to try a product from Robin McGraw that I don't like, so yes, I totally recommend them!

To learn more and purchase these products, visit robinmcgrawrevelation.com

Press samples were generously provided to me for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own.

Robin McGraw Revelation

When it comes to skincare, I typically shy away from celebrity endorsed or created brands because I feel like they can get over hyped or sometimes, flat out gimmicky. So why am I writing a post about Robin McGraw Revelation you ask? The answer is as simple as this; I had no idea who she was (FYI she's Dr. Phil's wife).

Robin McGraw skincare came to be in 2014 and has been expanding since then. There are a few different lines available, and today I'm sharing my thoughts on a few products from the Brightening, Dryness and Anti-Aging ranges.

"Turn on your inner light! Reveal your most radiant, youthful complexion with this multi-action polishing scrub. Featuring a proprietary Triple Action Brightening Complex, this formula works to refine pores and fade the appearance of dark spots and discoloration."

/source/ 

Twinkle, Twinkle, You're A Star! Triple Action Brightening Polish ($28, 50ml) contains pumice (ground volcanic stone) to soften and smooth as well as Bentonite Clay to draw out impurities and remove excess oil. This polish is gentle and effective. I use it twice a week in the evenings and my skin looks so much more radiant after using it.

Serum is an important part of any skincare routine (especially after the age of 30). I've been using two different serums from Robin McGraw and I'm in love with them both!

"Promise your complexion a brighter future. Formulated with a proprietary Triple Action Brightening Complex and highly stabilized 10% Vitamin C, this potent serum fades the appearance of existing spots and discoloration, protects, brightens and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." 

/source/ 

Let There Be Bright Triple Action Brightening Serum ($66, 30ml) contains a triple brightening complex consisting of Lumiskin, Brightenyl and Vitamin C to help fade the appearance of dark spots and to brighten the complexion. There's also SulforaWhite (sourced from Swiss Cress Sprouts) to inhibit melanin production and Coconut Fruit for intense hydration.

This serum has the typical Vitamin C scent but it's not overpowering. The texture is along the lines of a moisturizer and 3 pumps is enough to cover my face and neck. It absorbs quickly and it leaves my face with a nice glow. Although it is hydrating, my skin definitely needs moisturizer after.

"Gift yourself a younger-looking complexion. This serum with 0.3% Retinol helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and pores, while Vitamin C helps visibly brighten dull skin. Powered by a unique time-released technology, this potent yet balanced serum gradually delivers Retinol to minimize irritation and maximize visible results."

/source/ 

Welcome Back Youth Serum ($38, 15ml) contains 0.3% Retinol to target fine lines and wrinkles, AcquaBio & Larch Tree Extract for retaining hydration and Vitamin C for brightening and free radical protection.

I've been using this serum 3x a week in the evening and it's definitely made a difference in my skin! I appear more rested and my face is soft and smooth. It absorbs very quickly and it has a light scent to it that dissipates fairly quickly. A lot of products containing retinol can be quite harsh, but this serum is so gentle. I highly recommend it!

"This non-greasy daily moisturizer infuses thirsty skin with the hydration it needs. Our unique formulation combines Sodium PCA, Apple Fruit, and Green Tea extract to help restore moisture for optimum skin health and a younger-looking complexion." /source/

Hydrated Skin = Youth Plump Perfecting Moisturizer ($42, 45 ml) is a light moisturizer that's perfect for everyday use. It's formulated with Safflower Seed Oil for it's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Bentonite Clay to absorb excess oil and Apple Fruit Extract to create a barrier to aid in water retention.

I've been using this moisturizer consistely (it's basically empty) and although I like it, I'm not in love with it. I found that I needed to use a lot (4 to 5 pumps) for my face to feel quenched. I could make it work for the summer and early fall,  it it definitely won't work for me come winter. I think this moisturizer would be best for those with normal to combination skin.

"Wake up to brighter, smoother, healthier-looking skin every day! This nourishing night treatment contains a proprietary Triple Action Brightening Complex and stabilized Vitamin C to help reduce the appearance of dark spots for a more supple, radiant complexion." /source/ 

Starlight, Face Bright Triple Action Brightening Night Cream ($50, 30ml) contains the same triple brightening complex as the serum as well as a peptide blend to support collagen maintenance and AcquaBio to ensure optimal moisture levels are maintained.

This night cream has quickly become a favourite of mine! It's thick and rich, yet not heavy at all. A little goes a long way and it leaves my face feeling instantly hydrated. When I wake up my skin looks so calm and my skin tone is even. I'm seriously loving this night cream.

Robin McGraw really did a great job with this range of skincare products. The packaging is gorgeous and the products work well. I give this line two thumbs up!

If you would like to purchase Robin McGraw's skincare products, visit robinmcgrawrevelation.com

*Press sample were generously provided for editorial consideration

NeoStrata's New Acne Clear Line ~ Review

If you suffer from breakouts, you should check out NeoStrata's new Acne Clear line. Widely available at most major drugstores, this line will help treat active pimples while helping to prevent future breakouts. There are 2 different treatment options and today I'm sharing my thoughts on the system for severe acne.

The first step in any anti-acne routine is cleansing. NeoStata's Acne Clear Clarifying Gel Cleanser (200ml, $24.50 CAD) deep cleanses to wash away bacteria, oil and impurities. It's formulated with 2% salicylic acid to help dry up any active breakouts and unclog your pores to prevent future breakouts.

I love how clean my face feels after using this cleanser! I use it in the evening after oil cleansing and it leaves my face feeling deeply cleansed. A little goes a long way - which means this bottle will last a long time. Since my skin is prone to drying out, I only use this in the evening. If you have oily skin or have lots of breakouts I'd recommend using it twice daily.

The next step is applying NeoStrata's Acne Clear Clarifying Solution (200 ml, $29.50 CAD). Chemical exfoliation is key to treating and preventing acne. This clarifying solution contains both BHA (2% salicylic acid) as well as AHA (10% glycolic acid). In case you're not sure how BHA's and AHA's work here's a quick breakdown as found on NeoStrata's website .

GLYCOLIC ACID

The alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) of choice. Its small molecular size makes it effective in removing the build-up of dead cells on the surface of the skin. Has an ideal pH for better results.

SALICYLIC ACID 

A beta hydroxyl acid that dries and helps clear up acne pimples while reducing the severity of acne pimples, allowing skin to heal.

If you're new to using chemical exfoliants, its best to start slowly to build skin tolerance. Start by applying it at night, every other night, and gradually increase the frequency of applications. If you have severely problematic skin you can use it twice daily. If you have minimal breakouts or just want to prevent them, you can get away with applying it a few times a week. Alternatively, you can use it as a spot treatment. Always wear sunscreen when using AHA and BHA because they make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.

I personally use it every other night and as a spot treatment because my skin tends to dry out fairly quickly. Even though I don't use it daily, the effects are still noticeable - smaller pores and reduced breakouts.

The final step is to apply NeoStrata's Acne Clear Acne Fluid Treatment (50 ml, $29 CAD). It helps to dry out pimples, absorb excess oil and minimize dilated pores. It also moisturizes leaving a shine-free finish, soothes skin and calms redness.

I don't know why, but I was expecting this to have more of a lotion texture seeing how it's the final step in this anti-acne routine. As the name suggests, it is indeed a fluid. Even though it is quite viscous, it feels very hydrating and that feeling lasts. It absorbs quickly and leaves my face looking calm and shine free. I only apply it once a day because my combo skin is prone to drying out when I use too much salicylic acid.

This anti-acne treatment plan has been helping my skin stay clear amidst the stress of moving so it gets a definite thumbs up from me!

You can find NeoStrata's Acne Clear range at most mass drugstores and online at well.ca

*press samples were provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Face Lotion ~ Review

One of the hardest areas to (self) tan is my face. The majority of products are meant for body only and those that I've used on my face in the past have led to some pretty unreliable results or serious breakouts. Since I've had such luck with St. Tropez body products (review here and here), I thought I should give their facial products a try too!

"For the most iconic, natural, and healthy-looking tan, this lightweight, classic face lotion hydrates without blocking pores for a radiant golden glow. It’s streak-free, easy to apply, quick-drying, and non-sticky. The non-greasy formula creates a soft, smooth finish that’s perfect as a makeup base. Plus, it has no self tan smell, yet features a new mood-boosting fragrance. " /source/

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Face Lotion (50ml, $39) is formulated without parabens, sulfates or phthalates. It's tinted to ensure an easy application and it doesn't smell like DHA. It can be worn alone or under makeup as a base.

I decided to apply it before bedtime to give it some time to work it's magic. It was very easy to apply thanks to the colour guide and it dried to a satin-matte finish very quickly. When I woke up my face had a radiant glow with a hint of colour. Unfortunately, my face was still at least 3 shades lighter than my body. I decided to apply it again.

The second application gave me a bit more colour but that quickly disappeared in the evening when I washed my face. I applied it a third time, went to bed and woke up to the slightest hint of colour. Not wanting to throw in the towel just yet, I decided to get creative.

Since I was having such great results with St. Tropez's Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse (review here) , I figured why not mix that into the facial lotion? I added one dollop of mousse to the lotion, mixed and applied it to my face. I immediately noticed a difference! My face appeared much darker right after application and when I awoke in the morning, my face appeared much more tan.

The tan on my face doesn't last nearly as long as my body due to daily exfoliation, face masks and oil cleansing. In order to keep my glow, I have to apply St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Face Lotion daily and every few days add in some of the Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse.

In my humble opinion, this facial lotion is better geared towards those who like a subtle tan or those looking to prolong their tan. If you want to look like you've spent a few weeks in the tropics, then it's not for you.



You can find St. Tropez products You can find St Tropez at Shoppers Drug Mart & beautyBOUTIQUE.ca, Murale, London Drugs & londondrugs.com, Hudson's Bay & thebay.com, Uniprix and Nordstrom



*This post features press samples sent to me for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own!

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

Summer might be coming to an end, but I'm not ready to say bye to my tan just yet. Even though I've been religiously applying sunscreen, I still managed to get a tan and I plan on keeping it!

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse (120ml, $54) is a lightweight, easy-to-apply at home tanning mousse that self-adjusts to create a custom tan. It's formulated without parabens, sulfates and phtalates.

"For an iconic, natural, and healthy-looking tan, this newly formulated, lightweight classic mousse tailors to your individual skin tone, for that longest-lasting tan in one application. It’s streak-free, easy to apply, quick-drying, non-sticky with no transfer, and ultra-hydrating. Plus, it has no self tan smell, yet features a new mood-boosting fragrance. " /source/ 

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse is tinted to ensure even application. Although It doesn't smell like DHA when first applied, it's slightly noticeable a few hours after application.

I found it very easy to apply with a tanning mitt and my results were definitely streak-free.  I found that two full compressions of the pump was enough to cover each area of my body (2 for my calves, 2 per thigh, etc). It dries quickly so I was able to dress almost immediately after application.

You're not supposed to get wet for at least 4-8 hours after application so I applied it before bedtime. I found that one application gave me a light, natural looking tan but I'm all about being extra (and really bronzed!) so I decided to apply it again. 

After rinsing my body with water only, I applied a second coat staying away from problem areas (ankles, knees, wrists and elbows). I left it on the whole day and night. When I woke up I was much darker! My upper body was super dark due to the fact that I already had a natural tan. My legs weren't quite as dark as my upper body, so I went ahead and redid them. Although they don't completely match my upper torso, they're close enough!

I've had my tan on for just over a week and it still looks amazing! To help prolong it, I gently exfoliate every few days and moisturize with St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Everyday Body Lotion (review on that here).

Tomorrow I'll be sharing how I tan my face with St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Face Lotion so stay tuned for that!

You can find St. Tropez products You can find St Tropez at Shoppers Drug Mart & beautyBOUTIQUE.ca, Murale, London Drugs & londondrugs.com, Hudson's Bay & thebay.com, Uniprix and Nordstrom



*This post features press samples sent to me for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own!

Nip + Fab Kale Fix Skincare

Nip + Fab is a results-driven beauty brand that offers targeted solutions to a variety of skin concerns. Sister company to Rodial Skincare and Nip + Man, this innovative company is known for their use of cutting-edge ingredients and affordability. 

"Kale Fix Skincare is a gentle and nourishing range packed with superfood ingredients kale

and watercress to reinvigorate the skin with vitamins to protect against

free radical damage and soften and hydrate dry skin." /source/ 

I've been testing out three products from this range and I'm quite happy with them! The first product I tried was the Kale Fix Moisturizer.

"Daily moisturiser to help soften and comfort dry skin. A superfood powerhouse complex of kale, watercress and almond oil enrich skin with deep vitamin nourishment and protects against external aggressions that can cause dry skin. Concentrated aloe vera and shea butter help to further sooth and improve skin texture, providing long-lasting hydration." /source/ 

Nip + Fab Kale Fix Moisturizer ($25.95) comes in an opaque container with a pump and I love that! Skincare needs to be shielded from heat, sun and air in order to remain effective. This moisturizer has a fresh scent to it that is quite different from the traditional perfume scent found in skincare. A little goes a long way - one compression of the pump dispenses enough moisturizer for my face and neck. The texture is quite interesting; it's thick, but easily spreadable. It absorbs quickly and leaves my face soft, hydrated and matte (for the whole day).

Masks are a regular part of my routine and I love to use clay masks to draw out impurities. Having said that, they can be drying so I try to use them only twice a week (less in the cooler months). Nip + Fab Kale Fix Clay Mask offers the same benefits of a traditional clay mask but with the added benefits of hydration and softening.

"A super-charged nourishing clay face mask enriched with minerals and witch hazel, works to draw away impurities without drying the skin. The addition of an advanced moisture complex helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier function & regulate water loss to increase hydration for the skin to leave it feeling touchably soft with a fresh glow." /source/

Nip + Fab Kale Fix Clay Mask ($15.95) comes in a tube, and much like the moisturizer from the same range, has a refreshing scent that mingles with the traditional scent of clay. It's thick but easily spreadable and dries down in a few minutes. After rinsing my face I see a noticeable difference in the size of my pores and my skin feels super soft and smooth. I have been using this mask 3x a week in the evenings and it hasn't dried me out at all. This mask is really good and would be suitable for those with dry, combo or oily skin types.

Makeup is an everyday part of my life and I'm constantly reaching for long-wearing and waterproof options. These products can be a challenge to remove (especially eye makeup) and finding a gentle, yet effective remover is a huge challenge. Nip + Fab Kale Fix Make-Up Removing Pads are my new go to for removing stubborn eye makeup.

"Gently cleanse and soften dry skin with these ultra-moisturising cleansing pads. Gentle enough to use around the eyes, these facial pads are enriched with superfood ingredients kale and watercress extracts to remove daily dirt and makeup whilst reinvigorating the skin with vitamins A,C and K to protect against free radical damage and retaining skin softness and elasticity. A dual function moisturising complex ensures skin is deeply comforted and feels touchably soft and smooth." /source/ 

Nip + Fab Kale Fix Make-Up Removing Pads ($15.95) are pre-moistened cotton rounds that come stacked inside a plastic jar. The rounds are on the thin side but they're quite durable. I personally find them too small to use on my face but they're just the right size for my eyes!

I take the pad and hold it against my closed eye for a few seconds before I gently wipe them outwards. One pad is usually enough for both eyes (unless I'm wearing a smokey eye) and minimal effort is required to remove my makeup. These pads are incredibly gentle; I've used them to remove waterproof gel-liner from inside my waterline and there was no stinging at all. Nothing. I am so impressed with these pads and can't recommend them enough!

You can find these and other Nip + Fab products at Shoppers Drug Mart nationwide.

*Press samples were provided for editorial consideration, but all opinions are my own!