It's been a hot and sunny summer so far here in Vancouver. We're known for rain, but not this time around! In fact, it's been so sunny that I had to religiously apply my sunscreen before going out. Even on a cloudy day, the sun rays can travel through, and regardless of the season, the protection must always be worn! I wasn't this wise before, and recently learned that:

• Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays
• 80% of UV rays can penetrate heavy cloud cover
• Water reflects about 25% of UV rays

What you'll need to fully protect yourself against UVA rays (the aging rays), is a powerful formula with high enough SPF (at least 30, but preferably 50+).

For the last few years, I've been using Vichy Capital Soleil sunscreens, and recently got my hands on Vichy's new Invisible Mist. The mist is very easy to use everyday, dries quickly, hydrating, and smells refreshing. Best of all, it leaves no greasy residue. I have incorporated the mist into my routine and it worked out well - a definite must for the summer!

PROS:

• Suitable for all skin types
• Formulated with Vichy Thermal Spa Water
• Refreshing fragrance
• Paraben Free
• Alcohol Free
• Hydrating
• Easy to use packaging
• Dry touch
• Lightweight texture
• Pleasant on skin

CONS: None

It's been a pleasure to use. I spray on hassle-free right before I leave for work.

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 5/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

Our skin regenerates at night, and while that beauty sleep is crucial and makes so much difference, it's often not enough to make significant changes to our skin tone or help those dreaded dark spots disappear. Although most of us associate dark spots with aging, it's actually common for skin hyperpigmentation to result from sun damage (aka tanning), so it's important to avoid exposure to UV rays altogether. I keep reminding myself to apply that sunscreen before I step outside this summer!

All that sunshine - the main cause of dark spot formation. But don't despair - there is hope. With so many of us concerned over uneven skin tone, Vichy has stepped up to the game with yet another amazing product, the ProEVEN Night concentrate. 

ProEVEN Night's formula is concentrated with molecules, Vitamin C, and other ingredients to help treat visible dark spots and also prevent future spots from appearing. Use it every night as a night treatment and you'll start seeing results from the 1st morning. For me, it was subtle, but definitely felt like my skin was a lot smoother and lighter. 

PROS:

• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Paraben-free
• Formulated with Vichy Thermal Spa Water
• Fresh hydrating gel texture
• Can be used as a mask when applied in thick layer
• Exfoliates the skin
• Great for light skin tones

CONS:

• Takes a few weeks to see a difference
• Can be pricy at $49

Overall, Vichy ProEVEN Night is a promising product. After doing some research I've found other consumers who've seen amazing results. I will be patiently using this product for another month or so to see if I'll get even better results!

Value: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

Like many others, I've been looking for environmentally friendly, silicone-free alternatives to smoothing hair products - and found the one! The Live Clean Age Resist is an exceptional and powerful hair product line like no other. Age Resist Shampoo, Age Resist Conditioner, Age Resist Multi 10 in 1 Treatment and Age Resist Miracle Nutrition Oil by Live Clean effectively target problems and symptoms of aging hair: diminished density, changes in hair texture, dullness and
lack of shine, increased dryness and fragile, breaking hair.

I started seeing results only after the first few washes. Now my hair feels incredibly smooth, silky, and smells great for days. I'm surprised and very impressed - the product delivers salon quality at drugstore price point (priced from $8.99-$11.99).

Four Exceptional Products, Highly Effective on Their Own and in Combination…. 

Age Resist Shampoo: Gently cleanses without stripping, infusing hair with certified organic Rosehip Oil and Pomegranate, Gogi and Blueberry extracts. Moisturizes with Avocado Oil, thickens, adds fullness and improves texture with Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Thick-bond Protein™). SLS free. Formulated for daily use. 

Age Resist Conditioner: Restores hydration with the botanical silicone free alternative of Avocado and Rosehip Oils. Enriched with Anti-Oxi Fruit Blend™. Thickens, enriches and protects with Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Thick-bond Protein™). Wonderfully lightweight. Formulated for daily use. 

Age Resist Multi 10 in 1 Treatment: Powerful multi-purpose, leave-in beauty balm penetrates hair with rich Avocado Oil and the abundant omegas and vitamins of natural Rosehip Oil moisturize, protect, repair, soften, increase sheen, strengthen, smooth, tame fly-aways, shield against UV rays and increase manageability. Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Anti-Oxi Fruit Blend™ treat damaged and frail hair ends. Formulated for daily use. 

Age Resist Miracle Nutrition Oil: Emergency rescue dual layer oil to be used as a pre-shampoo treatment. Combines oils and utilizes Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, attaching to the hair shaft, increasing sheen, lustre and density of each hair strand causing hair to appear thicker and fuller. Jojoba Oil smoothes unruly hair, imparting shine and manageability. Rosehip and Avocado Oil act as a natural alternative to silicone. Formulated for use as a pre-shampoo treatment as often as needed.

PROS:

• Eco-friendly
• Smells amazing
• Enriched with antioxidants and natural oils
• Softens & protects from aging
• Multi-purpose
• Affordable

CONS: None!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$

Overall: 5/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

Having oily skin is no fun! Especially when having a flawless complexion all day is a must. With the blotting papers and tissues conveniently stored in my purse, I run to the nearest mirror every chance I get. Touching up on the go is the norm and can be quite a nuisance if I have to do it so often. Yes, it can be so frustrating when I'm out and about and the makeup is literally melting. 

I've always been looking for a silky, lightweight finishing powder that doesn't increase the appearance of pores and doesn't make the skin look dry. Luckily, I think I've found the one! The industry's leading professional makeup brand, Make Up For Ever, has reinvented its best-selling HD Microfinish Loose Powder and has launched the HD Pressed Powder.

So very impressive - it does it right and does it well. It's lightweight texture softens the appearance of fine lines and pores. The exclusive formula is a combination of three premium powders (silica, vinyl crosspolymer and Micro & Spherical powders). Best of all, the talc free, professional touch up powder is perfect for use throughout the day helping reduce that dreaded shine while remaining completely invisible. 

Available in one universal shade, as it's translucent, the powder is suited for all skin types and skin tones and is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help prevent skin dehydration. 

Stay tuned for featured looks! I will be trying it out for all day events this week.

PROS:

• Sheer, chalk-free finish
• Oil-absorbing
• Lightweight
• Long lasting
• Completely translucent
• Compact packaging
• A little goes a long way
• Softens appearance of fine lines and pores

CONS:

• Don't over do it - may look chalky in photographs

Where to Find: in-store at Sephora, online at Sephora.ca, and MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutiques

Price: $41.00

How to Use:

• Swirl #124 Medium Kabuki Brush into powder.
• Beginning in the center of the face, press and roll brush onto the skin.
• Finish with gentle, downward strokes to blend.

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!