Current Beauty Faves

If this time in quarantine has given us anything, it's given us time.

Time to explore.

Time to reconnect.

Time to reorganize.

And time to shop on-line way too much for new beauty goodies.

Here are just a few of my new (in + out of quarantine) favourites:

1. Matrix's Biolage Color Last Shampoo. I was gifted this shampoo and just can't get enough of it. The scent is incredible and it keeps my hair in top form. Considering I haven't seen my stylist in almost 5 months - this is no easy feat.

Available at Ulta (buy one at $19.99, get one 50% off!) and locally at Shoppers Drug Mart, here.

2. I got this product along with a few other Milk Makeup goodies as part of the birthday gift from Sephora this year. (if you haven't got yours yet, GO NOW!) I am smitten. I use it on my cheeks + lips in shade dusty rose. Find it at Sephora, here. (PS - this comes in 2 sizes - one small ($20) and one large ($37). I have the small one and will say, it has lasted forever. And by forever, I mean since the end of April.

3. I hesitated in sharing this one as it appears it is no longer available. That said, I found this one at Winners (T.J. Maxx in the U.S.) for under $7. It retails for $9.99 if you can find it at your local Walmart. It is SO good.

You can find my tried + true Shu Uemura cleansing oil here. It is $47. It is worth it.

4. If you only purchase one new goodie this year, let the Laneige Lip Mask be it. I use it every evening before bed and it is fabulous. Available at Sephora, $22/$26. (I'm using candy" but the new limited edition "gummybear" is currently on my list) 

5. Anyone else have yet to go get their nails done? I don't know. Something about how up close and comfortable they get has me waiting for - well, for a vaccine. I've been doing my own and have found the CND products (polish + top coat) to be the longest lasting. I get almost a week which is pretty impressive for non-gel polish. Find it at Walmart, $17.95 for both, here. In Canada, you can find it at Shoppers for $12.99

6. How had I never heard of The Inkey List? This product, which I believe is a fierce competitor for The Ordinary, is similiarly a no-nonsense, ridiculously well-priced line which focuses on all the key ingredients touted in skin care today. I've tried a bunch of the products but this caffeine eye cream (@ $9.99!) is a new staple. In Canada, at Shoppers Drug Mart (you can shop online and see the entire line) or at Sephora, here. 

7. Last, but certainly not least, is my new favourite toner - this one by Ole Henriksen. I have always loved their product line and this toner is no exception. It wipes off any last bit of makeup residue AND fights dark spots. A win win. $38 at Sephora. Find it here (and while you're at it, try the C Rush brightening gel creme and the Banana Bright vitamin C serum - I got them as part of the always sold out Mega Wonders set and all of them were stellar )

Have you tried anything new and fabulous lately?

I hope you are all well and safe.

Treat yourself. 

It's a crazy time.

xo

7 in 7 Interview with Dr. Nathan Rosen - Your Questions Answered

Today's post is sponsored by Allergan Canada. All views and opinions are strictly my own.

Following my visits to Dermetics throughout last year for all of my JUVÉDERM® filler consultations and subsequent treatments; I received a ton of questions.

Some of you DM'd through instagram.

Others emailed me.

Friends and family cornered me in person.

But resoundingly, the SAME questions were being asked by all women.

And so, this post was born.

I reached out to the incomparable Dr. Nathan Rosen from Dermetics, who personally completed all of my injections. I truly feel blessed. He is one of the best in the industry (though he would modestly deny that) and not only a true professional, but also generally awesome human.

Dr. Rosen took time out of his insane schedule to answer these questions for me and play my "7 in 7" lightening round. More on that later!

So, what were the top 3 questions I received from my readership base following that initial post?

Read on.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

What are your credentials? What is your experience? 

What are the potential complications and how would they be dealt with if they occur? Show me your before and after photos.   

Does it hurt? (!) Any side effects like swelling/bruising?

Some areas are definitely more sensitive then others,

(read: lips) however it is a lot more pleasant than a visit to the dentist AND the reward is looking and feeling better!  

Bruising and swelling are the most common side effects, however, both are usually mild and short-lived.

How does pricing work? + How long does it last? (tied)

All pricing is related and based on what you need or hope to get done and will therefore vary greatly from person to person and potentially treatment to treatment.  

Most people will look to top up an area at about the one year mark after initial treatment.  

Now that I had our famous doctor cornered, I thought it might be fun to do a lightening round of questions (including some I personally had) and he was game.

I told you he was a generally awesome human.

7 questions

7 minutes

And, GO!

 Will I look "done"? Fake?

Not if you do your research ahead of time and go to a reputable clinic, like Dermetics.

Can you do anything to lessen the pain of injections?

We use several distraction techniques and there is lidocaine, an anaesthetic agent, in the filler itself. 

If I only had the budget for one area, where would you recommend I start?

This is specific to the individuals needs. During your consultation, you will build a treatment plan with your trusted injector based on your goals and your budget.

Is any treatment area more painful than another?

  Most people find lips are the most sensitive area to treat. 

What is the biggest misconception about fillers?

You are paying for results, not for syringes of filler - so don’t shop based on price per syringe. 

At what age should I consider starting fillers?

When you are concerned about volume-related changes or decide that you want to prevent early signs of aging. 

I keep hearing about MD Codes™. What does it mean?

It is a unique approach to facial fillers that helps patients and doctors align in treatment goals, by first assessing emotional goals in order to help plan and execute that treatment.  

How long will the treatment last?

Depends on the area, amount and the individual, however. studies show that results with JUVÉDERM® can last up to 9-24 months, depending on the treatment chosen. 

Read more about that here.

I see advertising for fillers everywhere. Why is it important to use a medically trained physician?

This is a medical procedure, and although rare, serious complications can happen.  An expert physician injector will be able to minimize the risk and deal with complications should they occur.

 Any last piece of advice?

Do your research. Find an experienced, credentialed doctor and have a consultation.  Only go ahead if you are comfortable in their approach, and they are in line with your aesthetic.  

I sincerely thank Dr. Rosen and the team at Dermetics for treating me like I was famous from start to finish.

I couldn't imagine a better experience. Read more about JUVÉDERM® here.

xo

Holiday Ready with Juvederm

Today's post is sponsored by Allergan Canada. All views and opinions are my own.

If you follow me on instagram, you would have seen a sneak peek of my recent return visit to Dermetics in Burlington for my follow-up treatment after being treated with JUVÉDERM® 

fillers almost a year ago.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, it seemed like the absolute perfect time to make sure that not only was my wardrobe ready for the numerous events and family gatherings booked, but that my face was too.

I absolutely loved my last experience with the juvederm product and was so excited to see what the doctor thought about what we might need to do to maintain my {ahem} youthful glow.

I cannot tell you how many times friends and family would say - "you look different, better - but I can't really put my finger on what is different".

THAT. That is exactly what I was after.

My goal was, and is, always about feeling better about myself. Looking more feminine and youthful. And never looking like anything but myself, only better.

{unedited photo of my make up free face prepping for consultation and treatment}

 I was so blessed to have Dr. Rosen treat me again this go-around.

I believe, the doctor/patient relationship is so vital - he had a clear understanding of the look I am comfortable with and had a full history of what I had treated in the past.

What I loved (read: a little lip!) and what made the biggest impact on my overall appearance.

This visit was no different from my previous visit in that we reviewed and assessed what I had done since the last time I was in the clinic - followed by a thorough assessment of my skin.

We decided on what the treatment plan would be and where he would place the facial filler.

In some cases, to my surprise, areas that I had treated almost a year ago, didn't need a touch-up yet! And so, we moved forward with the nasal labial folds, each side of my chin - (left and right bottom of my face which were starting to appear saggy), a touch in each cheek and in my upper lip.

If I had to say what my very favourite part of the overall treatment process is with fillers? I would have to say be being able to see results almost instantly.

The photograph below was taken at home immediately following the visit.

If you look closely, you can see a few tiny pin prick marks where the injection sites were and a very slight bruise on my lower left side of my face.

Both of these had all but disappeared within a couple of days and were not anything I couldn't cover with a tiny bit of concealer 12 hours after the injections resulting in little to no down-time for me.

{this photo was taken the same day as treatment,}

I wanted to also share "real life" photos from before and after treatment as this is where I feel the true impact comes for me. Images on the left show me as less firm and almost hollow in areas whereas images on the right show skin as much more taut and I see a significant difference around the bottom of my face where the overall jaw line appears smoother.

Can you spot the very slight bit of filler in the lip area?

Not meant to appear overdone,but rather, just used to even out the entire appearance.

I am super pleased with the results and SO ready to get the holiday festivities started.

Have you ever tried facial fillers?

Would love to hear about your experience!

To learn more and find a clinic near you, click here.
xo 

Friday Favourites : Surviving Winter in Toronto

This has been one of the coldest winters on record here in Toronto - or definitely for as long as I can remember. And, maybe it's just me, but the older I get? The LESS I can handle the cold. or excessive heat for that matter. My skin has suffered a lot this year - and I won't even get started on my nasal passages and how ridiculously dry they've been. (please know that I had a central humidifier installed last year - ahem. I digress) 

Alas, I've had to come up with a save your skin solution and I must admit, it's improved as the seemingly never-ending winter continues. And now, with Spring on the horizon, I think I've finally mastered my approach - leave it to me to figure that out just as the warmer weather approaches.

Here is my current regime. Some of these products have been on my must-have list for some time (and I'll tell you, I'm not very product loyal so if it's here? It is GOOD)

On the daily, both morning + night, I use this mix of high and low priced products. I combine The Ordinary Moisturizer {$7.70 for 100ml} with SkinMedica Lytera Pigment Brightening Serum {$154}. My skin stays supple AND the latter has worked wonders on pigmentation spots on my forehead and below my cheeks.

For my lips, my tried + true Skinceuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair {$38.00}. I actually won this on a blog giveaway and it has lasted FOREVER. Anyone who tries it, loves it. To be blunt, nothing else works consistently. Except for this. Full stop.

For my body, which is in DESPERATE need of some colour, I have been super faithful to Body Blur by Vita Liberata {$50.00}. It isn't cheap. and I likely go through about 4 of these a year. That said, it provides the most amazing glow - and is super natural looking. I love this product and recommend it to anyone who will listen.

If you came to my office today, you would find this bottle of Avene Thermal Spring Water {$10.00} on it. Always. I spray throughout the day and it not only refreshes and softens my skin but it gets bonus points for keeping me awake when the day drags! #truth

And last, but certainly not least, my base line-up du jour. I'm using the highly-recommended (by every single who's who in make up) Jouer Essential High Coverage Liquid Concealer {$22.00} which I am absolutely loving. I apply this first with a large flat brush followed by an application of The Ordinary Serum Foundation {$8.00!!} using my beauty blender. DO NOT get discouraged by the low price point - this has lovely sheer coverage but somehow hides imperfections as well. Definitely a new favourite that I will be re-purchasing. (that almost never happens!)

So - tell me, any other skin saving secrets I might be missing?

Is it cold where you live?

#brrrr

xo 

Friday Favourites : Klorane Mango Ritual

If you follow along with us on instagram you would have seen by now that my Isabella is newly BLONDE. Very, very blonde.

And if you know a thing or two about being this blonde, you will know that it is extremely important to care for the colour properly.

And by properly, I'm talking lots AND LOTS of conditioning. Treatments. And care.

We were recently introduced to the new Klorane Mango Butter hair care products and we are smitten.

Made in France with concentrated and cold-pressed ingredients that extract a highly nourishing butter - the product not only smells incredible but it leaves the hair feeling soft and nourished but not weighed down.

An eco-responsible brand, I feel good about introducing it to my girls.

The highly, highly addictive smell is an added bonus.

With the ridiculously cold winter we've been experiencing in Toronto - these products are just what the doctor ordered to keep our hair in check.

I've been partial to rubbing the leave-in cream onto my ends on the daily. #addicted

Available locally at Shoppers Drug Mart and throughout the US at your favourite beauty retailers.

How do you manage your hair in the colder months?

xo

Priority: ME

Today's post is sponsored by Juvederm.

If you, like me, rarely find time for yourself? Put your hands up.

If you, like me, have a never-ending to do list that rarely includes any "me time"? Put your hands up.

If you, like me, put your children in front of yourself ALWAYS? Put your hands up.

And if you, like me, wonder when exactly you went from 28 to {ahem} 48? Put your hands WAY up.

Today?

Today I made myself a priority.

Today I put aside my busy life and focused on making myself feel great.

Today I put myself first and did something that I feel good about.

And today? Today I refuse to feel guilty about it.

Can I get an AMEN?

I'm not sure I ever gave much thought to whether or not I would age gracefully.

To be honest, I'm not sure I ever thought I would age at all.

Somehow I would defy this process. 

In the midst of raising 3 children, working full-time and getting nowhere near enough sleep?

I would surely become the next Benjamin Button.

Alas, this was not to be.

And I, like you, began to investigate.

What could I do that was more than a face cream but not as invasive {or expensive} as surgery?

What had little to no down-time and could leave me looking refreshed but still like myself?

All roads led me to cosmetic injectables.

And those roads led me to Juvederm.

Not only is Juvederm the number one doctor-recommended facial filler here in Canada but worldwide, having been used in over 32 million treatments. The line provides a suite of products that can be used alone - or in conjunction depending on the look you are trying to achieve.  AND, it contains lidocaine, a painkiller that aids with any discomfort both during and after treatment.

SOLD. Results can last up to 24 months (!).

On treatment day, I travelled to Dermetics, located in Burlington, and one of the fastest growing dermatology clinics in Ontario.

With two globally known doctors on-site, I knew I was in great hands. For my initial consultation, I met with a registered nurse who guided me through not only what the process would be, but also, how I felt about what I was about to do.

We spoke at length about what I have been doing with my skin to date AND what I hoped to achieve with regards to the injections.

The goal was still me, only better.

I hoped to look softened and well rested.

She told me about the importance of sunscreen and how, in fact, it remains the single most important thing you can do for your skin.

I was SO glad to already be on board that train!

We took a series of "before" photos and before long, it was time to meet with Dr. Rosen.

The doctor was nothing shy of gracious and a true professional. He took time to get to know me - my goals for treatment and how I felt about about the outcome he proposed. He too touted the virtues of sunscreen (!) before thoroughly explaining the procedure while allowing me to use a mirror that he guided me with.

We agreed on natural but better. He would soften the marionette lines on either side of my lower nose area towards my mouth. Add volume to the sides of my forehead and in the hollows of my eyes. And a little extra in the side cheekbone area which would provide a "lifted affect" overall.

He then drew all of this on my face {so.much.fun} and prepared the product that would be used.

During the treatment, which I would equate to a little stronger than a pinch, he made sure I was comfortable and provided step by step commentary. 

Which I love. 

When I was halfway done {read: half of my face was complete} he allowed me to see the difference.

WOWZA. 

I could literally see one side raised higher than the other. Just uncanny.

 

photos above taken 4 weeks post-procedure

Once the entire treatment was complete, I left with a concise list of what to expect and what to do if I felt any discomfort. I experienced a slight headache that day - used one regular strength Tylenol - and by the evening, felt completely fine. The results are immediate.

And I began to immediately get compliments from colleagues and family asking what I was doing differently. I looked well-rested. And, refreshed.

I love my results.

Have you tried facial fillers? I would love to hear about your experience.

xo

Summer Beauty Faves

It has been 30+ degrees in Toronto these last few days.

Feeling like summer? 

You betcha!

Come summertime, my beauty routine focuses on three key things:

1. Simplicity

2. Looking tan without actually tanning

3. Dewy, sparkly, shine-y

And here, I share with you, my go-to's. 

Two of which I may or may not have received free from Sephora as this year's birthday gift. 

4. Things I got for free.

1. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush in "Paaarty". This gives the best colour - an almost sunny glow on the cheeks. And, as it claims to, lasts all day. #gotitfree

2. VitaLiberata's new "10 Minute Tan". I was already a huge fan of their products - last year, I used "Body Blur" the entire summer to enhance my colour and keep it even-toned through September. No risk of colour transfer and just the faintest hint of self-tan smell = best.thing.ever
After applying for just 10 minutes (!), I showered, went to bed and woke up with the perfect glow.

3. Hands down my favourite highlighter. Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector in "Champagne Pop" {I know, I know - tell you something you didn't already know} is a cult-favourite for good reason. LOVE.

4. I have finally found a hair elastic that can hold my mane in place {no easy feat}, doesn't cause a bump/line AND most imporantly, doesn't give me a headache. Find these, by Invisibobble at Nordstrom.

5. Summer means less is more. Especially when it comes to foundation. On days where I don't have to work, I almost always use either a tinted moisturizer or this anti-aging BB cream by Marcelle. Find it at your local drugstore.  

6. My signature fragrance, for about as long as I can remember has been Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana. This one {I believe was just released} called "eau intense" is on my must-try list. 

7. Tarte Tartiest Quick Dry Lip Paint in "Birthday Suit". Definitely my new favourite - I have been using this one non-stop. And definitely plan on picking up a few other shades. And the other formulation. #alsogotitfree

What's on your summer beauty list?

xo

New Spring MakeUp Routines + A Giveaway

Each season, I tend to change up my skin and makeup routine.

Heavier moisturizers in the winter along with full-coverage foundation and darker lipstick shades.

Tinted moisturizer and brighter blushes and lips in the warmer months.

Even my hair (which is obviously in need of a seasonal update. ahem.) gets changed up and usually lightened up as the weather changes.

This Spring is no different.

Although Mother Nature has been teasing us and even sent a little snow our way earlier this week warmer weather is definitely on it's way.

And I for one can't wait to ditch my coat and boots.
And opt for shades reminiscent of warmth.
Caryl Baker's new Coastal collection offers up shades of green, blue and coral. Reminding me of sunny days on the water. 

Shop the entire coastal collection here.

Tell me, do you lighten up your skin and makeup routine in the warmer months?
Leave a comment to be entered to win the entire Coastal collection (pictured above - ARV $75) via the team at Caryl Baker Visage.
Spring Ready? I think so.
Open to Canadian Residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

xo

Conture Skin Toning System

When the team at Conture reached out to see if I might like to give their product a try, my answer was a resounding hell, yeah.

I had heard of the tool, heard about all of the hype - and saw countless before + afters showing what it could do.

If you follow me on instagram, you may have seen the unboxing video; images below.

I am curious to see if one small tool can make such a significant difference and I'm not going to lie,

 I love the idea of quick and painless.

The single speed conture system is specifically designed for the face.

It comes boxed with the skin-toning tool, charger, a how-to booklet, instructional video and the treatment serum, kinetic am ignition lotion and kinetic pm recovery creme.

I can hardly wait to get started.

Be sure to check back in 4 weeks when I reveal my own before and after.

Fall Ready with Caryl Baker Visage

As the days get cooler, I am a firm believer in embracing change.

Change in your wardrobe.

Your routine.

And even in your choice of makeup - deeper, darker shades for fall are a transitional favourite of mine.

Sharing this look using products from Caryl Baker Visage's limited edition ENCHANTED collection to show you {and myself!} that we shouldn't be afraid of changing it up.

Even if it is only temporarily.

on eyes - "Zephyr", "Ambrosia" "Mist" c/o Caryl Baker Visage
face - "Hydralift" Foundation in Warm Beige + "Delicate" Blush c/o Caryl Baker Visage
lips - "Twig" c/o Caryl Baker Visage 

I also used a new product on my eyelids, before applying shadow. Find it here - the "shadow magnet" preps the delicate eye area making it smooth AND ensuring your shadow lasts all day.
Which it did.

Tell me, do you change up your makeup routine for the cooler months?
Give dark lips a go.
Amazing how different you feel.
Even if it is only temporarily.

xo

Brow WOW

Far too many years ago, when super thin eyebrows were all the rage, I fell into a never-can-go-back trap of over-tweezing.

I was fabulous at the time. Ahem.

Today, with the return to a full brow, not so much.

Alas, there are SO many fabulous products available that have come to my rescue.

Most recently, I have been using Caryl Baker Visage's new line of fall brow products.

And all I can say is WOW.

I prefer using a pencil to fill in my brows so I used the precision brow pencil first to make the overall brow fuller. Followed up by a brush on application {super easy to use!} of the brow balm - a pot sized cream based filler. This product can be used to enhance current brows, fill in sparse spots or add a little size - super natural looking.
I then used the brow highlighter on my brow bone to brighten and provide a subtle lift. Really wanting to try the pinky shimmer version of this product although here, I am wearing the natural shade. Replaces the need to use your regular highlighter.
Lastly, I combed through using the brow ink brush - which does double-duty as it also carries pigment. A little more difficult to use I found, you have to be very precise but I am sure some gals who need a darker pigment would LOVE this product.

Eyebrows really are the basis of your look - framing your entire face.
I couldn't believe the difference it made.
Are you a brow fanatic?
I am quickly becoming one. And the right tools, make all the difference.
#fearfulnomore

Get Your End of Summer Glow On with L'Eclisse

The older I get, the more sunscreen I apply - and at that, the stronger, the better.

I'm especially paranoid with my face which not only gets dry with overexposure but quickly darkens in areas. 

If I could change just one thing from the past, my constant sunning might just be it.

Nowadays, I get my glow from faux tanners, bronzers and the like.

It's easy to look sun kissed without every actually spending any time in the sun.

As evidenced by the photos below - a summer glow achieved with just 3 naturally organic L'Eclisse products.

The entire look takes under 8 minutes to create and leaves your skin feeling sun kissed and airy - not covered up or heavy.

Also, this lip gloss may just be the best-smelling gloss I've ever tried.

#iwanttoeatit

  

product list:
on face: Pressed Mineral Foundation in "Deep Bronze"
on cheeks: Pressed Mineral Blush in "Pink Coral"
on lips: Natural Lip Gloss in "Coral Glow"

How do you keep your summer glow going?
Lord knows, the summer seems to be slipping away as quickly as it came in.

Happy Weekend.
xo