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!

This first of many brand spotlights is all about TheBalm Cosmetics, a brand I’ve been in love with for the past few years! TheBalm's multi-use, mega-fabulous beauty products offer quick fixes and wondrous solutions - and you'll love it too.

TheBalm Cosmetics was founded by Marissa Shipman when, in 2004, she realized that there were few simple products to help her look and feel glam all the time. What started as merely mixing cosmetics in her kitchen, TheBalm Cosmetics has grown to one of the hottest brands in cosmetics, with a product lineup consisting of makeup, skin care, hair care and nail polish. The products are both paraben and cruelty-free. Shadows and blushes are also talc-free.

A noticing feature of the brand is the packaging – retro and vintage images featuring women of the 20s, 30s, and 40s cover the palettes that stick out compared to the drab designs of many other brands. It’s a very unique take that promotes female empowerment in a neat memorable package.

Check out their site at thebalm.com, with one-of-a-kind tutorials filmed and added by wonderful ladies that love the product! If you want to get your hands on some of their products, TheBalm Cosmetics are found in retail stores around the globe and can be ordered online from their website. The company has also opened their first bricks-and-mortar store in the Mission District of San Francisco. If we’re fortunate enough, we could see more pop up through North America. Here’s hoping!

TheBalm is my go-to brand for almost everything. I believe I now have over 35 theBalm products in my collection...and it's continuously growing. Also, theBalm carries my favourite concealer (can't live without it!).

I've been raving about Naturopathica for a few years now as they never disappoint. The brand is amazing at reinforcing our well being, and all the while living up to their word and commitment. During this winter, I've began using the Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream, a miracle worker for very dry and sensitive skin. It's "a nourishing, deeply moisturizing cream that contains anti-inflammatory Calendula Extract to soothe dry, sensitive skin and conditioning Borage Seed Oil to help soften the skin." My skin responded so well to Calendula, the main ingredient in this moisturizer, which happens to be a wound healing herb which contains properties to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation.

Being all natural, with almost perfect consistency and texture, this cream feels just right. And while it may seem pricy for some, a very small amount goes a long way! It's truly amazing how great my skin feels the morning after. I can honestly say this is one of the best hydrating creams I've ever tried.

How to use: Gently smooth a pea size amount over face and neck using upward and outward movements. Apply morning and night over serum or after treatment for best results.

PROS:

• Beautifully designed
• Anti-inflammatory and soothing
• Natural scent with hints of lavender
• Soft, creamy texture
• Natural and Organic Cosmetic certified by ECOCERT Greenlife
• Contains high quality, natural ingredients
• Long lasting hydration
• Perfect for dry and sensitive skin

CONS: None!

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

Overall: 5/5 

Would I use it again? YES! And you have to try it too.

Our skin goes through dramatic changes as we age. These changes, like thinning skin and reduced production of collagen, alter our skin's surface appearance and create fine lines which eventually develop into deep wrinkles and folds. Sounds scary - and it can be - which is why now is a good time to correct such damaging changes.

Vichy's new Liftactiv Advanced Concentrate is a daily wrinkle corrector designed to visibly fill and smooth-out all wrinkles, even deep and vertical ones like frown and smile lines. The unique formula contains 0.2% pure Retinol, LR2412 (jasmonic molecule), hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients which give it anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. For the first time, Vichy created their highest concentration pure Retinol in most tolerant formula - you can use it daily on most skin types, including dry and sensitive.

After using Liftactiv for two weeks, I can definitely see a slight improvement in my skin's texture and can feel the anti-wrinkle power of the product as my skin becomes smoother. It's quite pleasant to use due to its lightweight texture, and unlike most Retinol based products, it's gentle on the skin.


HOW TO USE: Can be used daily in 3 ways, on clean face and neck:
1. Alone as daily moisturizer
2. Layered on top of your daily serum or under your daily moisturizer
3. As a localized treatment

PROS:

• Non comedogenic, Hypoallergenic & Paraben free formula
• Contains Vichy Thermal Spa Water which gives a soothing effect
• Gentle on the skin
• Product penetrates quickly
• Lightweight texture with lasting hydration
• Non greasy, non sticky, making it an excellent base for makeup
• Features look less tired
• Smoother skin
• With Anti-inflammatory Properties: Adenosine 0.1% 
• With 24h Hydration: - Hyaluronic Acid 0.2% - Glycerine 8%

CONS:
Can be pricy at $50-$55 in Drugstores across Canada.

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$$$
Overall: 4/5  Give it a try! 

After years of using the perfect multi-functional NARS Yachiyo Brush I've finally decided to review it. Sadly, it looks like the infamous, highly rated brush is now out of stock at NARS.com and Sephora, although, I did find it available online by the Canadian retailer, The Bay, where I have originally purchased it for $73+!

So what's so good about it? The NARS Yachiyo brush's modern concept and function unites traditional Japanese culture, creating unique and versatile design. Featuring super black goat hair, known for its softness and strength, this Kabuki Artisan brush is designed for a variety of uses including color application, blending, contouring and highlighting. Super black goat hair is ideal for blending pigments.

PROS: 

• Easy to use
• Gorgeous packaging and design
• Well-made and well-crafted
• Multi-functional and versatile - it's great for contouring and highlighting
• Bendy and spring-like feel and diffusing pointy end designed for a perfect application
• Made for use with very pigmented powder blushes such as NARS Exhibit A
• Perfect for cheeks and face blush/bronzer application
• Made with very soft Pen Super Goat hairs, which are ideal for blending pigments
• The hand-spun black wisteria handle preserves its unique traditional character
• Rated 4.6 out of 5 by MakeupAlley.com members

CONS: 

• Very expensive
• Hard to find
• Slight hair fall out

Despite the price tag, I highly recommend investing in this brush. It lasted me many years, and it can do much more than a typical blush brush. Think of it as a 5-in-1 tool!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5  You gotta have it.

Would I use it again? Yes.

I've just discovered Make Up For Ever  glitter, a perfect solution for a hint of sparkle, shimmer, and glam for the Holiday look. Wow! While I have never used much glitter before, this high quality option is versatile for both body and face, and it doesn't look cheap nor tacky.  The new Midnight Glow glitter in Gun Metal 15, at $20, is lightweight, made of fine reflecting particles, and very easy to use. I'm very impressed with it's effect and performance, and can't wait to try the others. Take a look.

How to apply:
Apply using a brush, sponge applicator or the fingers. For optimum hold, wet the brush, sponge or fingers with water or Mist & Fix. Aqua Seal may also be used to create a waterproof hold.

Pros:

• A little bit goes a long way
• Adds fun to your look
• Highly pigmented
• Blends easily
• Multi-use
• Easy to use
• Shows beautifully in photographs
• Non-irritating!
• Affordable & lasts awhile

Cons:
Hard to clean up and can be messy if not used properly

What else you need to know:
"Sprinkle onto lip gloss in the evening to emphasize lip volume. To make glitter adhere to the body or hair, first spray these areas with water, then place a small amount glitter in the palm of your hand and gently blow onto the dampened areas."—Dany Sanz, Make Up For Ever founder

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

Overall: 4.5/5  Lovely!

Would I use it again? Yes.

Getting ready for the Holiday parties? Don’t despair. Dressing up, looking sexy yet smart and sophisticated feels great. Vain and superficial? In all honesty, why can’t we freely and humbly choose to dress up and look our best, and perhaps be the center of attention just for a day.

Now is the perfect time to glam it up with smokey eyes, glitter, and bold lips! I have searched through Style.com 125,000 runway looks and found inspiring, trendy Holiday looks.

This season, take the centre stage with fierce, smokey eye - opt for gunmetal greys, deep browns, purples, and navy blues. Give it some extra sparkle with glitter. It’s fun, sexy, and festive. Plus, don’t be afraid to add-in the falsies.

The lipstick is in. While the lipstick may scream ‘femininity’ don’t be afraid! It doesn’t necessarily mean that a woman is subservient to a man. Many makeup artists would argue that lipstick illustrates that a woman knows how to show herself as sharp, smart, and sophisticated.

Bold, strong colours are a definite must. Matte lipsticks are excellent - they’re beautiful, soft, velvety, and retro glam. My personal favourite formulas are by Chanel, Dior and M.A.C. Some of the popular colours this season are the wine stained-berry burgundies, the classic bright or deep reds, and metallic golden coppers. The darker colours, while may seem intimidating at first, make a strong, fashionable statement and get people talking.
Here are my favourite looks:

Brr! It's been freezing for weeks, and with the dropped temperatures outside came the flu. So unlucky. I've been sick with for so long, staying warm soaking in a bubble bath while sipping on hot coco is my go to remedy. For my baths, I've been using festive, colourful foaming bath gels and salts from Fruits & Passion. Disguised as Christmas ornaments, these cute stocking stuffers are deliciously scented for a hot winter soak.

Some of the available scents include:

• Orange Cantaloup - A scent that combines sparkling orange with fresh cantaloupe surrounded by floral musky notes.
• Pear Peony - This fragrance starts with sophisticated pear leaf notes and a touch of magnolia, then follows with green tea base notes to form a subtle and utterly original blend.
• Grapefruit Guava - The scent that combines the tangy aspect of grapefruit with the smooth sweetness of guava.

How to use: Simply add a few pearly crystals to bath water to enjoy a soak deliciously scented.

Now it sure feels like the Holidays are just around the corner! If you're looking for fruity gift sets and stocking stuffers, take a look at the gorgeous 2013 Holiday Catalogue by Fruits & Passion, or read my initial review of some of the products available.

Another great gift idea is a fragrance set. Fruits & Passion carries an array of fruity and delightful sets ideal for any occasion. The sets contain a complete ritual of scented, moisturizing body care products. I have recently received Lily, a delicate, feminine fragrance, and now my new favourite. It's stunning! The packaging is quite lovely and makes it a stylish gift. What does it smell like? The scent is perfect for the office and special occasions. The fragrance opens with notes of light, fresh peony, like a delicate layer of morning dew. As these elements linger, more pronounced floral notes intertwine little by little with the musky, woody base. The feminine, sensual character is slowly unveiled to reveal an unforgettable scent.

Stay tuned for an in-depth review of Lily. I'm planning to wear it to the office for the rest of the week.


Special Thanks to Dustin H. Photography! 

It's that time of the year again, Christmas is coming! We're flocking to the malls and into the stores despite of frustration, crowds, traffic, and long line ups. Our holiday gift giving rituals are very complex, and so complicated that we may even opt-out from the gift-giving tradition altogether.

Giving is in our nature. We especially value something practical, meaningful, and at the same time aesthetically pleasing. So, if you're looking for unique Holiday Decor or Welcoming Ambiance gifts there are festive and contemporary, yet not overbearingly Christmassy gift options.

Take a look at the Fruits & Passion Holiday Collection (click here to view catalogue) or their Gift Guide. One of many classy products available is the Kitchen Trio on a slate. This modern, beautifully designed set adds a trendy, decorative touch to any kitchen.

Made from first cold pressed olive oil and an olive derivative with moisturizing properties, Cucina soap and hand cream scent and soften the skin. Practical and chic, the dish detergent completes this indispensable kitchen ritual.

This trio comes with a slate plaque to go under the bottles and add a dash of style to your kitchen.

This trio contains :

• Hand Soap with olive oil 265 ml
• Regenerating Hand Cream 150 ml
• Concentrated dish detergent 265ml
• Decorative slate

This aromatic fragrance opens with vibrant rosemary notes that give way to a delicately spiced cardamom and pink pepper heart.

Retail: $44.50

Looking for non-drying, high quality hand-soap for the kitchen? Fruits & Passion also carries limited edition hand soaps which come in decorative glass bottles inspired by vintage Italian wine. Specially designed for use in the kitchen, the biodegradable Cucina Hand Soap cleans hands effectively and gently. Available in Rosemary and Cardamom, Coriander and Olive tree, Pinot Grigio, and Lime Zest and Cypress. View it here. Retail Cost: $22.00 CAD

Fruits & Passion Frosted Birch diffuser is another excellent addition to your home for the Holidays. 

This decorative set is the ideal way to create a holiday feel! It diffuses Fruits & Passion fragrance that evokes the woody freshness of birch in winter and the comforting warmth of cotton with a touch of jasmine for a statement of elegance. The scented liquid is absorbed by the diffusing components and, through capillary action, then perfumes the air. A great gift -or keep it for yourself!

This set contains:

• One vase filled with diffuser liquid 75 ml (2.5 fl oz)
• 10 reeds
• A decorative accessory

Extend the life of your Decorative Diffuser Set with our reeds and fragrance refills.

Retail: $28.50

Stay tuned for Part 2 featuring Fine Fragrances & Body Care.

How exciting! I have recently received even more amazing Naturopathica products since my last purchase. If you haven't heard of this company, Naturopathica designed certified Natural and Organic products for very sensitive skin. In the next few days, plus during the month of December, I will be testing out the following products:

Pear Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel: A nourishing mask that helps smooth and rejuvenate dry, devitalized skin. Formulated with hydrating Fig, smoothing Jojoba Beads and exfoliating Pear Puree for glowing, polished skin.

Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel: Formulated for dull or congested skin, this clarifying mask exfoliates with Pumpkin Enzymes to promote a clear and radiant complexion.

Sweet Cherry Enzyme Brightening Peel: An exfoliating mask that helps brighten and smooth sun-damaged skin. Sweet Cherry Puree is a vitamin-rich anti-inflammatory while Resveratrol helps brighten and even skin tone.

Vitamin C15 Wrinkle Repair Serum: A potent daily serum formulated to firm, brighten and protect the skin while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A powerful blend of 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E and Oat Beta Glucan helps correct skin tone and stimulate collagen production. Hyaluronic Acid adds essential moisture and helps calm irritation.

Stay tuned for individual reviews of each product! Meanwhile, check out Naturopathica.com, and learn why it's a great brand: 

- Formulas use the best proven innovations in science and nature, including Peptides, Retinols, L-Ascorbic Acid, Matrixyl® synthe’6®, Glycolic Acids and Plant Stem Cells. 

- Naturopathica never use toxic or irritating ingredients such as sulfate detergents, PEGs, DEA, TEA, parabens, glycols or urea in any of their products.

- Certified Natural and Organic, the products are audited and certified by ECOCERT.

- Adding the ECOCERT seal to a Naturopathica product ensures that it has gone through a rigorous review process from ingredient sourcing and formulation, all the way through to manufacturing and packaging.

- All products are allergy tested to ensure that they are free of any ingredients that could harm sensitive skin.

- Every formula is developed to be as enjoyable as it is effective.

- Custom glass bottles are reusable and recyclable. 

- Tubes are made from 70% post-consumer recycled plastic. 

- Naturopathica partners with fair trade organizations and community farmers to source our ingredients.

- The products are never tested on animals. Naturopathica is a member of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics and all products are Leaping Bunny-certified as cruelty-free.

- The brand is committed to supporting small, local farms in the USA—All Naturopathica products are made in the USA.

While I only had a chance to test out 5-7ml sized samples of Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Age-Renewal Cremes, it was just enough to last for a few months to notice any improvement. Being such a generous amount, these exclusive samples alone are worth $80. Yes, I know...it's pricy! The Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv collection is ultra-luxurious, claims to renew the skin for a smoother, younger looking complexion, and with a price tag of $125+ per product - so I was definitely hoping it would work. 

Re-Nutriv claims to use multi-benefit technology that helps dramatically reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Supposedly so potent, this creme improves cell survival and delivers exceptional anti-oxidant power. So pampering, it soothes and calms skin to protect its natural youthfulness. The formula, indeed, is outstanding for dry skin. The special molecules are designed to repair, recharge, and restore skin's already damaged appearance. 

Sadly, the majority of users reported online their disappointment in the creme, stating it certainly isn't worth the price, a rather shocking price at that! 

PROS:

• Great for dry skin
• Contains nutrients, extraordinary algae, and precious extracts
• Skin feels smoother
• Gives a glowing look

CONS:

• Very expensive 
• Poorly designed jar container - the constant dipping adds bacteria and deteriorates precious ingredients

Overall, after a few months of use my skin felt more supple and firm, however, both of the Re-Nutriv cremes are very expensive and in turn difficult to justify.  I believe there are many other products that can do a better job for a much lower price. Plus, there are better options even among Estee Lauder products.

Re-Nutriv Intensive Age-Renewal Creme Super Creme. Super Potent. $220 CAD

Re-Nutriv Intensive Age-Renewal Eye Creme $125 CAD

Value: 3/5
Quality: 4/5
Effectiveness: 3.5/5
Packaging: 2/5
Price: $$$$$

Overall: 3/5  Works very well for most skin types, but very expensive! $$$

Would I use it again? Probably not.

Not too long ago I've been introduced to one of SkinCeuticals best-selling products in the U.S. - Micro-Exfoliating Scrub with Biomedic Microbead technology for combination or oily skin. Having to wear makeup all day, plus, having oily skin is not ideal and certainly leads to clogged up pores. This mild, non-abrasive exfoliating gel designed for congested skin - such as mine - combines Diatomaceous Earth Microbeads (a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder) with cleansing and hydrating agents to gently, but effectively exfoliate dead skin cells. And as a result, this exfoliating process promotes healthy cell renewal without damaging or drying your skin. Evidently, my skin did not feel dried out nor flaky as it does from most exfoliators. Also, there are other ingredients including Glycerin and Aloe which moisturize and soothe the skin, which in turn helped my skin feel instantly smoother, refreshed and purified. It works!

USE: APPLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF SCRUB TO A DAMP FACE. GENTLY MASSAGE FOR A FULL MINUTE. RINSE THOROUGHLY WITH WATER.

PROS:

• The gentle microbeads thoroughly cleanse pores
• Highly rated 
• Promotes cell renewal 
• Leaves skin soft and polished 
• Optimal for congested and rough skin 
• Reasonably priced at $30-$34 - you only need a little!
• Soothing gel texture 
• Made from fossilized sea algae
• Dermatologist recommended
• Convenient tube packaging

CONS:

• Contains parabens 
• Not ideal for very sensitive skin

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$

Overall: 4.5/5  Works very well for most skin types. I would recommend this to friends with oily/combination skin. 

Would I use it again? YES.

Note: SkinCeuticals is available through selected distribution channels via dispensing doctors, medical-spas and high-end spas across Canada. For store locator visit: www.skinceuticals.com/canada.