Beauty

Investing in Myself! Four Ways I Seized the Day

December 3, 2020 By Lena Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by JUVÉDERM®. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

I don’t think I’m alone when I say I’ve had a little extra time on my hands over the last few months. My newfound slower pace – originally unwelcome, but we all must adapt – had given me much time to reflect on many things, including my life, habits, and the changes I could make to better myself. I’ve invested in so many things over the years – a new home, new car, my career, my children – I’d finally realized that it was time to invest in my well-being. …

Winter Skin Care Myths… Busted!

October 18, 2020 By Lena 2 Comments

This blog post is sponsored by Aveeno. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

Ladies, it’s sweater weather. Could there be a more iconic season than fall? Colourful leaves, PSLs and warm apple pie… these are a few of my favourite (fall) things!

Of course, the fall season is also a test-run when it comes to cooler temps, and just ahead of the cold winter weather, I think it’s the perfect time to re-evaluate our skin care regimens to make sure they’re working for us. Today, I’m busting myths about skin care and re-introducing you to a product that I’ve been using religiously for the last three years with fabulous results. Spoiler alert, it’s AVEENO® ABSOLUTELY AGELESS™ Restorative Night Cream!
Myth #1: Quality skin care costs a lot of money.

Of course, this is false! It’s all about finding the right formula for your skin, and sometimes, even the most exotic ingredients simply aren’t compatible with your skin type (or fail to deliver the results you’re hoping for). The trick is to get back to basics: what is your skin type, and how do you want your skin to look feel? If a product can address these needs in an effective way, forget about the price tag and concentrate on the results. …

Beauty Decoded Live: Decoding the Science of Facial Fillers

November 26, 2019 By Lena

This post is sponsored by JUVÉDERM®. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own

A few months ago, I entered into a partnership with JUVÉDERM®. You may assume that the motivation behind my collaboration was to explore cosmetic dermatology, and if you did, you’re not wrong.
At 41 years old, I’ve thought about it, talked about it, and now, have taken the next step to see if facial fillers are right for me. But before I divulge the details, and my ultimate decision, let me take you back to Beauty Decoded Live, an event in Toronto that aimed to decode the science behind JUVÉDERM® facial fillers and debunking medical aesthetics myths once and for all. …

Bring it, Winter! Helpful Hacks for Dry Skin

October 12, 2019 By Lena 1 Comment

By now, you know I’m absolutely obsessed with Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel. This superior moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, and its gel-to-oil formula is non-comedogenic, making it perfect for protecting everything from your nose to your toes!
But, what makes it so effective at moisturizing? Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel is made with very little water (only 3% compared to 70%) and significantly more oil. Because our skin has a layer that repels water, water as an ingredient in skin formulations is actually of no use to dry skin. An oil-based formulation is much more effective as it locks in moisture and provides the hydration needed for long-lasting results.

I’ve been experimenting with the gel for a few months now and have found some pretty amazing ways to make the most of its moisturizing properties. With winter around the corner, I’m happy to share these helpful hacks with you! …

Five Ways to Stay Ahead of Sensitive Skin

September 10, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

Feeling sensitive? You’re not alone. 72% of Canadian women believe they have sensitive skin, and more and more, products designed for sensitive skin are the most important consideration (second only to anti-aging) when selecting a skin care regimen.

However, how is sensitive skin defined? Unfortunately, there really isn’t a clear answer; symptoms tend to vary from person-to-person and reactions can be unpredictable! I tend to flare (redness, bumps and itching) when products contain too many harsh ingredients, while my mom’s skin reacts based on certain foods. We’re both equally sensitive in different ways!

Sounds like you? Here are five ways to stay ahead of sensitive skin:

1. Identify Your Triggers

Are there environmental, emotional or dietary triggers that cause your sensitive skin to flare? How easily is your skin irritated following contact with skin care products, makeup, or even UV rays? Keep an ongoing diary (with photographic evidence) to uncover patterns of skin reactions that can help identify your triggers. Sometimes it’s nearly impossible to identify one thing in particular; sensitive skin can simply be the result of a combination of elements working against you. (It happens, no need to be stress about it!) …

Bio Oil Dry Skin Gel: My Secret Remedy for Air Travel Woes! 

June 24, 2019 By Lena 2 Comments

There seems to be a tiny misconception out there that I’m “always on vacation”. Never one to pass up a moment to troll –
It’s true; I’m a travel writer by trade. And this means that my family travels frequently – on average, once or twice per month. My boys are definitely living their best lives (there’s no doubt about it) but for me, it simply means that my office changes scenery, and often, time zones.

Over the years, the effects of air travel have started to catch up with me. I often have what I call a “day after migraine” (which usually disrupts the first day on my itinerary), and trust me when I say that my skin is rebelling: it’s dry, flaky and can have patches of irritation. In fact, it’s taken such a toll on me that I’ve finally decided to spring into action! I’ve formulated an action plan of how I can stay on top of skin woes. Read on for my best tips to keep your skin happy before, during and after flights! …

Dear Future Self: You’re Welcome

April 16, 2018 By Lena 34 Comments

I’m not one to wax poetic; you won’t find me posting motivational sayings or hashtagging photos with #QuoteoftheDay. However, a few weeks ago, while mindlessly scrolling through Facebook, a colourful inspirational poster stopped me in my tracks. It said:

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

Huh. Pretty powerful stuff, right? Immediately, I began thinking about some of the ways I could apply this to my own life – what could I do right now that would pay dividends in say, 10 years? 20 years? 40 years??

It was a long list.

Today, I’m sharing my Top 3 Things to do Today for Tomorrow.

1. Eat a rainbow. No, I’m not talking about tossing back a handful of Skittles (although, everything in moderation, friends!). I’m talking about replacing one nutritionally-defunct meal with high quality protein, fresh produce and fibre-rich seeds and grains – the more colourful, the better.
It’s actually quite simple; eating an assortment of diverse, colourful foods is a quick way to ensure that you’re fuelling up with a complete range of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive. I’ve recently swapped breakfast sandwiches and sugary cereals for fresh and vibrant smoothie bowls, which means I’ve reduced my intake of processed foods while increasing the amount of phytonutrients in my diet. Win-win! …

Winter Dry Skin Woes… Solved!

January 30, 2018 By Lena 26 Comments

There’s no denying that this winter has been one of the coldest in recent memory. With the wind chill making it feel like – gasp – almost -30°C on a daily basis, it’s no wonder that so many women are seeking a solution for their dry skin woes. And, with another blast of artic weather just around the corner, the time to implement preventative and restorative measures is now.
So, what can you do to ensure your skin is looking and feeling its best? Here are my top tips for counteracting the cold:

1. Check the humidity levels in your home. It’s recommended that relative humidity in your home be between 30-40% during cold winter months. Any higher, you may experience condensation and mould on windows, and any lower may lead to dry skin, irritated sinuses and itchy eyes. …

It’s the Itch that Rashes

December 3, 2017 By Lena 27 Comments

This post is sponsored by Paladin Labs, distributor of Dermakalm. The opinions on the blog, as always, are my own.

When my second son was just 2-years old, we noticed a small pink spot on his leg, about the size of a quarter. It was raised, rough in texture and my little guy had obviously been scratching.

“That’s eczema,” my family doctor said.
“I thought it was a rash?” I countered. “Don’t rashes itch?”
“Eczema is the itch that rashes,” she explained. “Just put a little hydrocortisone on it.”
(Usually, the first symptom of eczema is intense itching. The rash appears later and is red and has bumps of different sizes.)

We followed her instructions and didn’t think much about it. Neither my husband nor I had experience with eczema, as our older son had been spared and we didn’t have family members with the condition. However, within days, the eczema spread across one leg, then the next, and appeared on his elbows as well. Soon, almost 30% of his body was oozing, red and unbearably itchy for the little guy. It broke my heart. …

The Secret to Smoother Skin is Here.

November 27, 2017 By Lena 29 Comments

Now, in a new and improved formula.

Earlier this year – in a post entitled Smooth Move: Is it Time to go Glycolic? – I introduced you to NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal Antioxidant Smoothing Serum. The product is a powerful daily exfoliating serum, ideal used before applying your favourite cream or lotion to smooth out skin’s texture and improve skin’s quality. With continued use, pores, fine lines and irregularities become less visible.

A long-time reader, Kathy Downey, actually provided excellent feedback (thanks Kathy!):

March 7, 2017: “I do have sensitive skin and the other products I tried didn’t work so well, going to give this a try and see how it goes. Thanks for the review!”

May 15, 2017: “I just got the Neostrata Glycolic Renewal Antioxidant Smoothing Serum for Mother’s Day I can’t wait to try it!”

June 4, 2017: “The Neostrata Glycolic Renewal Antioxidant Smoothing Serum has been working so well on my terrible dry skin, so glad for your introduction!”

September 10, 2017: “After months of using I really like the results!”

Woo hoo! Thanks for continually circling back with your experience. On behalf of NeoStrata, thank you for giving it a try, and I’m so happy you are enjoying it!

Today, I’m here to share news of two brand NEW products: Neostrata Glycolic Renewal 5% Smoothing Lotion and NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal 5% Smoothing Cream. Much like their predecessor, the Glycolic Renewal products contain Glycolic Acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which exfoliates dead cells on skin’s surface while maximizing skin renewal. However, the newer generation moisturizers contain a smaller concentration of the AHA (5%), making them suitable for sensitive skin. …

Boo-tiful You! Just Your Everyday Halloween Makeup

October 27, 2017 By Lena 209 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. This post contains affiliate links.

The concept of “Halloween Makeup” is foreign to me. I mean, why would I invest in subpar cosmetics, that may possibly contain several allergens and other questionable ingredients, from a company I’ve never heard of and may never hear from again… and put them on my face, or the faces of my little ones? Shudder.

Nope! Give me all the dermatologist recommended, ophthalmologist-tested, sensitive skin approved and non-comedogenic makeup, and I’ll make it work come Halloween. Bonus: it’s not just a one-day investment! Purchased strategically, you can incorporate many on-trend shades and use them for both your fright night look and your daily (or special occasion) cosmetics all year round. Case in point: my “Zombie Minnie” costume from 2015.
I used makeup I already had on hand: eyeshadow from a purple/midnight blue palette, a dash of black and white eyeliner and red liquid lipstick. Since this photo was taken two years ago, I’ve amassed even more boo-tiful makeup, including sparkly lip tints, shimmery shadows and bold eyeliners. I can’t wait to play with them next week! …

Tales of a Spotty Minor Niner

September 25, 2017 By Lena 23 Comments

For most, grade nine is hard. For me, it was downright traumatic.

Okay, okay… obviously I survived, and looking back, I didn’t have it nearly as bad as some. But there’s no denying that it was painful experience – emotionally, socially and mentally. In fact, I’ve blocked most of it out… except at night, when I have that dreaded dream (nightmare?) that it’s the first day of school all over again. Shudder.
I know you’re thinking, what made is so bad, Lena? Ahh… settle in friends, let me count the ways.

1. I arrived from a relatively small elementary school; all the other feeder schools were at least twice (and sometimes three times) the size. I actually went through most of high school without ever crossing paths with kids I had grown up with for ten years. This meant that I had to make a new set of friends – an almost impossible feat when most of the kids in my class had already formed cliques with their elementary school buddies. …

Beauty SOS: Hydrating & Plumping Sheet Mask

August 13, 2017 By Lena 73 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Friends, let me know if this sounds familiar. Perhaps you’ve been working late, taking in too much caffeine and neglecting your skin. Maybe facing elements such as wind and sun – or worse, indoor air conditioning – has caught up with you, leaving your skin dry and dehydrated. Or, it could be even more basic than that – you have dry skin, have always had dry skin, and have learned to live with your dry skin.

It’s time for a Beauty SOS.

For those times when you’re faced with a dry skin “emergency” – placed in quotes because really, first world problems, right? – it’s good to know that fast-acting relief for dehydrated skin is available. Introducing NeoStrata Hydrating & Plumping Sheet Mask.
Featuring 0.15% pure hyaluronic acid, as well as a blend of botanicals, the mask rehydrates the skin and replenishes its moisture barrier, while also enhancing its protection against external aggressors. It’s extremely gentle and after just 15 minutes, you can tangibly feel the improvement: softer, more comfortable and supple skin. …

Experience the Colourful World of Instadri x Crayola

August 13, 2017 By Lena 29 Comments

Now *this* is the kind of back-to-school shopping I love!

The NEW Sally Hansen x Crayola Insta-Dri Collection is a throwback to a more care-free time of colouring with crayons. I can vividly recall opening a brand new box of Crayola crayons as a child; carefully lining up the colours as I whispered the names to myself. Today, some of those same iconic hues are available in a fast-dry nail polish!

The collection is formulated with a base and top coat for extended wear and stunning shine all in one coat. Available in 12 specially designed shades, you’ll feel like a kid all over again choosing your favourites. (Special shout out to my 9-year old who helped me create this flat lay!)
Anyone else love Razzmatazz? It’s the best red, hands down! It’s always been my favourite crayon and I have a feeling the hue will become an epic masterpiece on my fingernails, too. …

The Tote You’ve Been Waiting For… TSC’s Summer Beauty Event!

July 28, 2017 By Lena 145 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I love to pamper myself with beauty products. Watching vlogger tutorials, sampling new makeup shades and re-jigging my skincare routine are some of my favourite things! And if you’re a beauty junkie like me, I know you’ve been waiting for this –

It’s TSC’s Summer Beauty Event! This year, they’ve once again released a cult favourite: the Beauty Tote bag. Exclusive to TSC, this custom-curated tote is a great way to try out the latest products (like the Foreo LUNA Play!), or experience some of TSC’s top-rated brands to revive, refresh and renew your beauty routine. It’s over a $300 retail value – for just $49.99!
This year’s tote is chock full of the hottest brands such as IT, Perricone, Elizabeth Grant, M Asam, Beekman and more – all at TSC. Surprised? You shouldn’t be! TSC is THE destination for beauty brands you know and love to treat your face, hair, and body. In fact, TSC introduced me to many of my go-to products, including IT Cosmetics Brow Power Perfector, St. Tropez Gradual Tan and Pur Cosmetics Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick. …

The Not-So-Secret Trick to Youthful Skin: SPF

May 30, 2017 By Lena 43 Comments

We live among a generation that is obsessed with finding the fountain of youth.

Social media. Celebrities. The cover of every fashion magazine. We’re constantly confronted with the notion that youth = happiness, and so we invest time, emotion, and of course, cold hard cash into fighting Mother Nature with a vengeance. We attempt to erase a variety of skin sins from our past: excessive sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, high stress, and a multitude of other grievances that have slowly but surely manifested into fine lines, spots and shadows.

We are constantly looking for a quick fix, a miracle cream, a secret trick to reverse the effects of time.

But what if I told you that there’s a simple way to protect, nourish and improve the look and feel of your skin? What if I told you that there’s proof that sunscreen reduces the signs of aging?

It’s the truth, of course. In addition to protection from skin cancer, regular use of sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 protects against photoaging: the wrinkling, spotting and loss of elasticity caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. In fact, simply adding a quality sunscreen to your daily skincare regime can help halt skin aging in its tracks.
Of course, all sunscreens are not created equal. NeoStrata Protective Lotion Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45 is a light, non-greasy lotion that protects skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Quickly absorbed and invisible, this daily lotion is non-comedogenic, so it’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin. And, when it’s paired with a quality moisturizer like Neostrata Wrinkle Repair Moisturizing Cream, you have the ultimate protection against the aging effects of the environment. …

It’s Time to Put the “Beauty” Back in Beauty Sleep

April 6, 2017 By Lena 26 Comments

“I am the Genie of the Lamp! I will grant you three wishes.”
“Er – that’s cool. But I just need one.”
“Are you sure? You can get three….”
“Yeah, I don’t mean to be rude, but I just have one wish –

UNINTERRUPTED, BLISSFUL SLEEP.

Dreamland. Siestaville. Beauty Sleep. It’s evaded me for, oh, about nine years. And my oldest will turn nine next month. Coincidence? HA!

My fellow mamas will know exactly what I’m talking about. Because once you become a parent, you go through various stages of a sleep-deprived existence… which I’ve heard doesn’t end until they’re adults and have left the house. (And maybe not even then.)

I mean, I don’t regret having children – of course not! But I do regret not taking better care of my skin, especially at night. After a long day, the last thing on my mind was hauling my weary body to the sink to complete a nighttime beauty regime. I never go to sleep with makeup on, but, since I only wear makeup about once every two weeks, it was a struggle to stay on top of cleansing, moisturizing and the like.

That was last year. This year has started off much, much differently, as I’ve finally committed to putting the “beauty” back in beauty sleep. This is 39… and I’m pretty happy with the canvas. No injections or fillers, no need to change what God gave me.
(Okay, maybe a little airbrushing. Under eye circles are the bane of my existence!)

It’s a well-known fact that new skin cells renew faster while you sleep, so a good evening facial routine is always a good idea. At night, the goal is to repair damage from the day’s pollution, sun and stress, as well as to keep skin hydrated during the hours you’re not actively drinking fluids….

Smooth Move: Is it Time to go Glycolic?

February 19, 2017 By Lena 28 Comments

If you haven’t heard of Glycolic Acid, chances are, you’re missing out on the secret to smooth skin.

But first, what is it? Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a family of naturally occurring mild acids that work as exfoliants. Remember those sharp, beady scrubs you grew up with? Same principle, except there’s no manual scrubbing component. Instead, by speeding up the skin’s own natural shedding process (which slows down as we age), they encourage the skin to slough off dead cells, allowing newer ones to reach the surface more quickly and evenly. Glycolic acid, the AHA of choice, is a discriminatory exfoliator, as it only affects the dead cells.

Did you hear that? Science, friends.

The small molecular size of Glycolic acid makes it effective in removing the build-up of dead cells on the surface of the skin.

So, do you need Glycolic acid in your life? It really depends. If you have uneven, dull or flaky skin, the answer is yes. If the texture of your skin is rough or “ruddy” to the touch, it’s a yes, again. If you’re looking to reveal your skin’s radiance and decrease the look of fine lines, DEFINITELY yes.
FullSizeRender (2) Here’s where to start. Introducing NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal Antioxidant Smoothing Serum. Harnessing the exfoliating power of Glycolic Acid, as well as the antioxidant protection of Lipochroman, NeoStrata’s new Glycolic Renewal Antioxidant Smoothing Serum “works like a daily fitness regimen for your skin, revealing smoother, more radiant skin while protecting against external aggressions.” …

Marvelous Garnier Whole Blends Moroccan Argan & Camellia Oils

February 6, 2017 By Lena 29 Comments

Although this post has been generously sponsored by Garnier Whole Blends, the opinions and language are my own.

It’s my own personal tradition. Each January, I’ll make a list of ways to better myself throughout the year. Often it’s as simple as trying to get more sleep. Sometimes, it’s a little more ambitious: learning a new language, honing a culinary skill or exploring our diverse ecosystem.

This year, I’m focused on incorporating wholesome rituals that enhance my well-being.
_DSC1063 Strolling. Not walking, not jogging… just… strolling. Taking time to smell the roses and ponder the meaning of life. (Or, just escaping the chaos of having two rambunctious little boys.) I spend a lot of time on a schedule, constantly checking the clock while I rush through my day. This year, my plan is to download my favourite tunes, slip on cute loafers (check!) and go for many leisurely strolls. …

How Do You Spell Relief? For Me, It’s Spelled Toleriane

December 8, 2016 By Lena 27 Comments

This is the “after” photo. Clear, smooth, happy skin – without any irritation in sight. Bliss.
But it wasn’t always this way – in fact, just four weeks ago, it was a completely different story.

It was the weirdest thing. I’d go to sleep with perfectly clear skin, but upon waking, I’d find these angry, itchy red welts across my cheeks. Sometimes they’d disappear within hours; often, it took a day or two to settle down, only to repeat the cycle again.

“It’s rosacea,” the first dermatologist said.
“It’s allergic dermatitis,” the second one concluded.
“I’m not really sure what that is,” the third one admitted.

And in the meantime, I tried creams, lotions, potions – you name it. Later, at my family doctor’s office, I complained about the lack of diagnosis.

“Could you just have ultra sensitive skin?” he asked. Huh. I suppose it was possible – I mean, the cycle of irritation had only appeared in the last 18 months, but our skin is constantly changing and evolving, right? So, it’s not inconceivable to think that maybe – just maybe – I had developed a dermatological sensitivity….