For the last few months, I've been incredibly busy and stressed. With so little time and energy I often neglected to hydrate properly. How do you fight the look of dull, dehydrated skin? I would constantly drink up water and cut down on sugars, but almost forgot about the outside layers of my skin without realizing how it's very possible to have poor water circulation in our faces. But here it was - Vichy's new Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration line - Serum and Light Cream or Rich Care designed to rehydrate the skin by spreading water throughout the face.

Both the cream and the serum are gentle and light enough for most skin types. I saw an improvement almost immediately as the products are exceptionally hydrating and uplifting, the skin felt so plump and the cream worked so well as a makeup base. The product line's formula is a combination of Vichy's Thermal Spa Water and energizing sugars to achieve an even distribution of water in all facial zones.

PROS:

• Radiant skin
• Immediate plumping effect
• Refreshing and light
• High concentration of Vichy Thermal Spa Water
• Paraben free, of course
• Non greasy, non sticky
• Dehydration lines are smoothed out
• Fresh texture that melts on the skin
• Provides lasting hydration
• Well packaged

CONS: None noted

Overall, Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration helps to distribute moisture evenly throughout the face for a fresh look, giving an ideal state of beautiful skin - smooth and plump! Ladies, gives this one a try, it's a great line from Vichy.

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

Overall: 5/5

I absolutely love this! This smudge-proof, eye-catching shadow pencil from Make Up For Ever is amazing. The latest addition to the Aqua family, the new Aqua Matic is a ridiculously long-lasting, easy to use glide-on eye pencil created for pros and novices alike. This product lasts in extreme environment, like summer heat, or sweaty dance club - it's exceptionally high-performance and I adore the colour. It matches my eyes!


PROS:

• Glides-on
• Creamy texture
• Blends easily
• Waterproof
• Long-lasting
• Smudge-proof
• Crease-proof
• 10 colours
• Iridescent, satin, metallic
• Convenient packaging
• Sharpener included

CONS:
Can be pricy for some, at $25, but definitely worth it!

Swipe your favourite colours across the lid for a quick and easy look, or even create a multicoloured look by layering additional colours. It's flexible enough for all kinds of applications.

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

Overall: 5/5 

Australian-made and natural, Dr. Roebuck's is the natural active skincare line formulated 'for all things precious' aka our skin. The Pure Body cream is incredibly hydrating, enriched with powerful anti-oxidants from France, White Tea, Macadamia Oil and Vitamin E all working harmoniously with Shea Butter base.

My over-exposed to sun, dry skin is suddenly rehydrated, moisturized and tightened. The cream is thick in texture, but non greasy, free of nasty chemicals, and ensures efficacy for the most sensitive skin. It can also greatly help in the reversal of sun damage - which is one of the reasons why I've been using it.

PROS:

• Enriched with powerful antioxidants 
• Natural and chemicals free
• Great for sensitive skin
• Anti-aging
• BPA & Paraben Free
• Tightens skin
• Hydrates well
• Creamy texture
• Non-greasy
• Pleasant scent

CONS:
Takes a while to apply all over the body

Price: $29.95/250ML
Available at Murale stores across Canada and online at murale.ca

Overall, this is a luxurious body cream, natural, and made with some of the best quality ingredients. My skin felt a lot softer only after a few days - Pure Body is so soothing too!

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

Overall: 4/5 

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!

I can't imagine the makeup world without brushes. Having the right makeup tools is essential to achieving the right makeup look. With that in mind, I absolutely agree that it's important to invest in high quality makeup tools for applying makeup. In my experience, the best premium brushes came from NARS. A few months ago, NARS introduced new line of exquisite makeup brushes designed with the finest quality hairs. This 16 piece comprehensive Artistry Brush Collection features iconic design - the matte black finish with sharp debossed logo and signature pop of red - it's stunning, sexy, and seductive!

These brushes are perfect for achieving a full look:

Bronzing Powder Brush #11 - $58
- a natural, soft bronzing powder brush.
An essential for controlled application, this bronzing powder brush has a dense concentration of high-quality goat hair that holds and applies product evenly for an allover glow.  

Contour Brush #21 - $47
- an angled brush ideal for contouring.
Expertly angled for sculpting and contouring the cheekbones, this brush is an essential for highlighting. High-quality, premium goat bristles blend and define for controlled product application. 

Eye Shadow Brush #40 - $36
-a versatile brush ideal for application of eye color.
An essential for a masterful sweep of allover shadow, this brush is made of high-quality sable hair. It picks up and deposits the perfect amount of pigment to create a polished look.  

Precision Contour Brush #44 (for eyes) - $32
The firm, flexible hair design of this brush is ideal for applying concentrated color. A must for creating a smoky eye, it deposits color perfectly in the eye crease.

These brushes are beautiful. I have them on display in my bathroom and it's been such a pleasure using them everyday. Overall, they rate very well on both Sephora.com and other channels. I would highly recommend most of NARS brushes as they are so well designed. If the price wasn't a factor, I would get all 16!

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

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!