Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid that is used (in various strengths) to help dislodge and exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface to help reveal fresher, brighter skin.

I’ve been a huge fan of glycolic acid ever since I experienced cystic acne on my face some years back. I’ve tried various glycolic acid peel pads but I keep coming back to the Avon ones because of the convenience and because they are neither too wet nor too dry.

The down side to using this type of chemical exfoliant is that it can cause mild skin irritations, redness and flaking; additionally, it can also cause photosensitivity to the sun so using a sunscreen is crucial. I prefer to use this product during the winter months as there isn’t as much sun.

The instrustions on the packaging suggest that you use one peel pad every other night; I prefer to use it for three consecutive nights in a row and then use a regular toner for the following three nights and then repeat the cycle. I find that I get a much better exfoliation this way without me having to use a manual scrub as well.

On November 13, 2012, I had the privilege of attending Loreal’s 2013 Skincare Launch at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Also there was the James Bond exhibit but I wasn’t able to make it in time to see it. Needless to say, the main theme for the evening was based on spys, in particular James Bond.

The launch unveiled two new skincare secret weapons; one for women and one for men.

The women’s secret weapon is the newest addition to the Revitalift line and it’s called Miracle Blur.  This product is said to instantly fade away fine lines, wrinkles and pores reduce excess oil while providing a soft matte finish and even out skin tone for a radiant and smooth complexion.  The product also provides an instant smooth finish long-term anti-aging benefits and has a lightweight silky texture.We were advised that it can be used under makeup or on its own.

For men, their new secret weapon will be a Revitalizing serum. Hailed as the “Viagra” for men’s skin, the new Vitalift Anti-Age Force Lifting & Fortifying Serum offers an instant lifting effect to the skin and also provides deep action fortification to help make the skin visibly stronger and immediately toned. The serum has ingredients in it that help to exfoliate, fortify the skin’s elastic network and smooth the skin.

Loreal sent us home with one of each of the new products to try. Since the hubster isn’t into men’s skincare products, I’ve been trying out the serum and all I have to say is “wow”. In the few days that I’ve been using it, my skin feels amazing; it’s so soft and feels so hydrated. The Miracle Blur is also great too. My makeup definitely stays put longer and I don’t have to touch up as much.

Both products will be available in mass-market retailers and drugstores across Canada in February 2013.

 

On Oct 9, 2012, I embarked on a new journey at Marvel’s School of Esthetics. I’m a little more than a month in and I have to say that I’m so glad that I’m doing this. I’ve always had a passion for skincare and have always had an interest in knowing more about how to take better care of my skin. As an esthetician, we learn more than just skincare, we also  learn about the different types of relaxation message, makeup, manicures and pedicure as well as waxing and lash/brow tinting.

As I’ve been doing more and more makeup in the last few years, I’ve been noticing some issues with some of my client’s skin; more notably was a wedding that I worked on this summer where one of the bridesmaids was broken out and dehydrated. I did her makeup first but by the time we were about to leave, I noticed that it looked like I hadn’t put any foundation on her at all; her skin ate it, no seriously! Her skin was pulling the moisture out of the foundation and therefore left her looking like she wasn’t wearing any foundation.

I know that I’ve written many posts about skincare so I won’t bore your again with more of the same. It’s really important that everyone should be taking care of their skin; especially for those special occasions where there will be lots of photographs taken.

Makeup is not an excuse for poor skincare, it can only do so much and you have to take care of your skin if you want your makeup to look fabulous.

It feels a little bit weird to talk about pap tests on a beauty blog but I figured that since our beauty is linked in some way or another to our health that it would be appropriate.

Until recently, I never really gave much thought to having pap tests done. For me, it was a no-brainer like brushing my teeth before I went to bed. I read the story about Shannon Pethick, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 32 and it got me thinking…

Are there really women out there who, like Shannon, don’t go and have a pap test done on a regular basis? I get that have a pap test done isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world but where our health is concerned, isn’t it worth a few minutes of discomfort?  Pap tests are instrumental in preventing cervical cancer as they find changes in the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. If found early, the changes can be treated.

Get informed & take charge of your health!

 

*This is a sponsored post for the Canadian Cancer Society. I received no monetary compensation for this post.*

Saturday marked the last day of my 21-day cleanse and I have to say that I feel really good. I should mention that I had a few cheat days (Thanksgiving, my daughter’s birthday  & a evening out with some lovely blogger ladies); those were the days that I felt very sluggish.

I’m really glad that I did this cleanse because it got me back into the kitchen cooking instead of ordering in. The food on this cleanse is really tasty and gave me lots of energy. I think that the one of the biggest takeaways for me was that healthy food can be really tasty but it does require a lot of planning a head of time.I also got to try foods that I’ve never had before like Kale; which is really tasty by the way

A big thank you goes out to Dr. Jen Newell for facilitating this cleanse for us!

For the last six days; I’ve been doing a Blushing Bride Cleanse along with a few of my fellow makeup artists on the BlushPretty team. This cleanse is being facilitated by Dr. Jen Newell who is a Naturopathic Doctor. The cleanse is 21 days long and consists of slowly eliminated processed foods, dairy, gluten , red meat and caffeine from our diets without the use of supplements in four phases. We are also increasing our fruit, veggie and fibrous foods into our diet. I’ve just finished phase 1.

I’m happy to report that so far I feel great. I feel less tired, which is great when you are running around with an 11-month old. I also look and feel less bloated too What I really appreciate about this cleanse is that I’m not hungry and the food is really good too. I’m also trying foods that I’ve never had before like Kale, and really enjoying it. I also love being back in the kitchen so this cleanse so far has been a total win-win for me.

Be sure to check out how the other girls on the cleanse are doing:

Arianne

Toronto Beauty Reviews

Amaya Beauty

 

Disclaimer :  Dr.Jen Newell ND has offered me her services free of charge in return I  agreed to follow her guidelines, attend 3 weekly meetings, blog about my experience and share my journey through social media.

Last week I was invited to check out a sewing class at The Sewing Studio. I was really excited for this because I have always wanted to learn how to sew. We were able to choose from two projects to make: a business card holder or a brush roll; naturally, I chose to make the brush roll. I really appreciated the little hand written note that was left for each of us at a sewing maching

I found sewing with a machine a little bit intimidating and had a little bit of a hard time with it; probably because I felt like I was going cross-eyed. *note to self, go and get your eyes checked, lol* Christina our instructor was absolutely AMAZING and was will and eager to help us when we got stuck.  To make the brush roll, we used two different fabrics: a denim and a kind of laminate one, which is perfect for putting your dirty brushes in as it will make the cleanup a breeze.

So, once we had the material cut and ironed to get out any wrinkles, we picked out a decorative trim and a ribbon to tie up the roll and sewed them together.

Then we turned it right-side in and began sewing the panels for the brushes to sit. I rushed this part because we were getting tight for time , so they weren’t all straight but I think that I did pretty well for my first time sewing.

 

I’m hoping that I get a chance to go back and take a full class on sewing. I really enjoyed my time there and it’s such a positive and friendly environment. If you’re interested in learning how to sew, be sure to check out The Sewing Studio! Thanks again to Stephanie for the invite, I had a wonderful time!!

I’m a bit of a foundation junkie and I like having several different finishes on hand as my needs change. Here are the foundations that I have been using the most this year. Depending on what my skin needs, the weather or both, I like to change up my foundations. Pictured are: MAC Face & Body in C7, Loreal Paris True Match Lumi Foundation in C6 Soft Sable, Lancome Tient Idole Ultra 24hr in 500W, Avon Magix Foundation in Nutmeg and Maybelline BB Cream in Dark (I wear this as a foundation; my skin needs a separate moisturizer).

For day-to-day wear, I usually (when I wear foundation) reach for MAC Face & Body , the Maybelline BB Cream or the Loreal Lumi foundation. I really like the lightness of both of these foundation and the way that they make my skin feel. If I’m going out for the evening, I like a long-wearing foundation such as the Lancome or the Avon.

What are some of your most used foundations?

When summer finally rolls around, it usually calls for lighter makeup. Most days it’s been so hot that I really haven’t been wearing anything but my spf50. When I do reach for products here are some of my favourites that keep me looking fresh all day.

1.MAC Face & Body Foundation in C7

This is a water-based, water-resistant foundation with moisturizing properties. This foundation is very light and lasts all day for me. It’s the perfect foundation for this hot hot weather that we’ve been having in Toronto these past few months.

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