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. …

The Secret to Smoother Skin is Here.

November 27, 2017 By Lena

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. …

Beauty SOS: Hydrating & Plumping Sheet Mask

August 13, 2017 By Lena

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. …

All About Cleansers

August 3, 2016 By Lena

Combination skin. Also known as the least desirable skin type known to womankind – and also the most common! In fact, many women think they have oily or dry skin, but actually have a combination of both.

Here are some signs you have combination skin:

– You experience excessive oil and shine in your t-zone (forehead, down the nose to the chin), while your cheeks feel tight and dry.
– Your skin is oilier in summer and dry in winter, and even if you switch up your skin care, 11:00am shine in your T-zone is pretty much a guarantee.
– During menstruation, you may experience breakouts in your T-zone. However, once your period is over, the breakouts clear right up and your skin begins to feel extra dry and flaky.

Sounds like you? Welcome to the world of combination skin!

Now you may feel like your skin has a split personality, and unfortunately, it kind of does. I’ve dealt with the consequences of combination skin for decades and am acutely aware of the importance of finding the right cleanser. In fact, using the incorrect cleanser – whether it be too stripping or too moisturizing – can derail your entire skin care regime. So, take some time, do a little trial and error, and uncover the perfect cleanser for you!
13767626_1018845368235334_1146099638_n The first step? Choose a brand with proven, superior skin care solutions that really work. As the first cosmeceutical brand in Canada, NeoStrata develops leading-edge skincare products that are supported and endorsed by the medical community. NeoStrata’s cleansing products refresh and cleanse, revealing smoother, clearer and younger-looking skin. …

Make Your Teeth a BIG Deal

April 4, 2016 By Lena

Confession: I’m only *mildly* obsessed with my teeth.

I brush and floss twice a day and use an interdental pick to get in between my bonded retainer. I rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once daily and visit my dentist like clockwork every four months. I used to whiten my teeth aggressively with at-home whitening strips, a practice I abandoned in recent years, preferring to simply stay on top of my oral hygiene for a more natural look.

oda And what can I say? I have a great smile.

April is Oral Health Month! If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your dentist, now would be a perfect time to make an appointment. Regular dentist visits are the very best way to detect oral (and overall) health problems you might not know you have, and prevent them before they start.

Need a little more convincing? Here are 10 Reasons to Make Your Teeth a Big Deal!

1. Your Appearance. *Of course, * I’m going to get a little vain here. Your smile lights up your face; it’s high on the list of “attractive qualities” for both men and women alike. Your smile is also part of your first impression, which is essential for both social and professional interactions.

2. Your Self-Esteem. Oral health affects physical, mental and social well-being. If you have tooth pain, are missing teeth or experience frequent tooth infections, it can have an impact on how you speak, eat and socialize. Keeping your teeth in optimal condition goes a long way to boost your self-esteem. …

COVERGIRL: Embrace Your Face

March 29, 2016 By Lena

Welcome to Spring! It’s my favourite season of the year – and I’m not just saying that because my birthday is coming up in two weeks!

Spring is about renewal. It’s about shrugging off the heavy layers (both physically and metaphorically) that we endured all winter, and looking forward to longer, brighter days. It’s also a great time to lighten up: our diets, clothing, hair colour, and even our makeup routine.

This Spring, embrace your face with COVERGIRL! In just 30 seconds, you can get matched to your perfect foundation based on the coverage you need, your skin type and skin tone, and the preferred makeup finish you are looking for. Personally, I love buildable coverage for my dry skin, with a natural look for my medium complexion. According to the #EmbraceYourFace Makeup Finder, I was matched with TruBLEND Liquid Makeup!
IMG_1765c TruBLEND Liquid Makeup is available in 14 shades and features a new shade matching system. To find your perfect blend, first determine your shade family. Second, choose your number. Coordinate complementary truBLEND products based on your number for a seamlessly flawless nude look that blends in and virtually disappears.

I’m wearing truBLEND foundation in Golden Beige M-3, with a light dusting of TRUblend Pressed Powder in Translucent Honey 3. I wore a strapless top to illustrate how closely the liquid makeup matches my natural skin tone; as you can see, it is a touch more rosy than my yellow-based skin, but overall, I’m quite happy with the shade and ease of application. …

Winter Itch? Scratch That. (Or Don’t)

November 30, 2015 By Lena

It’s a casualty of being Canadian. Dry skin. Winter itch. My epidermis is tingling just thinking about it.

Of course we’re victims of winter itch! Cold, dry air… heated homes and buildings… and the endless cycle of scale, scratch, scale. Anyone else have legs that resemble flour bins this season? Yeah, me too.

Once again, here’s your chance to ask an expert – join the @CeraVeCanada #DermWednesday Twitter Chat on December 2nd at 8:00PM EST. Dr. Ben Barankin from The Toronto Dermatology Centre will be on hand to answer any of your dry skin concerns.

To thank you for joining the conversation, three (3) attendees will win a CeraVe Prize Bundle!

And now, try not to scratch your skin silly. My recommendation? Try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream! It increases the skin’s ability to attract, hold and distribute moisture, and is recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association’s Skin Health Program. One of my faves!

Questions About Skincare? Ask a Dermatologist Anything!

October 16, 2015 By Lena

Do you need professional help? Sometimes we all need therapy … for our skin, that is.

However, it’s not always easy to reach an expert when we need one most. Questions about your skin care routine? Changes in aging skin, or adult acne? If you’re like me, you may want to know more about Botox, microdermabrasion or laser hair removal.

Here’s your chance to ask an expert – join the @CeraVeCanada #DermWednesday Twitter Chat on October 21st at 8:00PM EDT. Dr. Ben Barankin from The Toronto Dermatology Centre will be on hand to answer any of your skin care concerns.

To thank you for joining the conversation, three (3) attendees will win a CeraVe Prize Bundle, including a selection of CeraVe’s must-have cleansers and moisturizers.

CeraVe is the first brand to contain the essential ceramides, cholesterol and fatty esters that healthy skin needs, delivered through a controlled-release MVE system over 24 hours. The daily regimen of cleansers and moisturizers helps repair, replenish and protect the skin barrier to leave your skin looking and feeling soft, clean and healthy.

It promises to be an informative chat! Mark your calendars!

My Morning Selfie

April 6, 2015 By Lena

If you asked me 28 days ago how I’d feel about a no filter, close-up selfie taken before 8:00am, with minimal makeup and zero photoshopping… I would have rolled my eyes at you.

Of course, that was before Garnier’s NEW Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Night Cream.
image1 (2) From my previous post, Believe in Miracles, I shared my experience with this revolutionary new night cream – the first of its kind to deliver results from your first overnight use, while continually improving the look of your skin over time. You can expect to wake up to smoother, rested-looking skin that will have you believing miracles do happen overnight!

Today, I’m exactly one week shy of my 37^th birthday. And I am officially embracing life (fine lines and all). However, I won’t lie – I fight Mother Nature with a gusto normally reserved for fighting world wars and banishing whale poachers. And the newest weapon in my arsenal against aging is Garnier’s Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Night Cream. …

Can You Fake a Good Night’s Sleep?

February 17, 2015 By Lena

As a mom of two young boys, I have only one answer… I WISH!

While sleep is a necessity, a good night’s sleep is a luxury ’round here. I mean really, does any mom actually sleep well? I’d like to meet her and shake her hand! (And, maybe, swap families with her.) Hence, when I was invited by the good folks at Garnier to indulge in a good night’s sleep at the Garnier Miracle Hotel, I was immeasurably excited.

Until I realized that I’d be in Orlando, juggling work, family and roller coasters – ergo, likely not getting any sleep at all.

So I did the next best thing – I bestowed the gift of a good night’s sleep to Elaine Atkins of Toronto Beauty Reviews, and asked her to report back on her experience at this exclusive, widely coveted event. Take it away Elaine!
B9r7RRgCEAIj9xp Are you always chasing a good night’s sleep? As we age and lead busier and busier lives (think work, social obligations, kids, and even household chores) we lose a little bit of quality sleep with each new task we take on.

I was invited to check into the Garnier Miracle Hotel to help me get that rest that I so desperately needed. So, where is this mysterious Garnier Miracle Hotel, you ask? It’s none other than the Trump International Hotel in Toronto, decked out by the Garnier Canada team. …

Bang On!

February 13, 2015 By Lena

It’s no secret that I like changing things up, especially when it comes to my hairstyles. Long… short… dark… light… curly… straight… you name it, I’ve done it. Several times. In the past year.

However, if there’s one look I’ve yet to master, it’s bangs. You see, I’ve been told I have “the face” for bangs; I just normally make the same mistake over and over again… cutting my bangs in the summer. When there’s humidity.

Hint: humidity + bangs = no bueno.

Therefore, I decided that for once, I was going to make a smart decision about when to chop my locks. Ah, cold, dry winter air – you’re horrible for skin, but heavenly for bangs!
IMG_2047 (2) Straight, well-behaved bangs are literally all I want in life, besides fresh air, clean water and chocolate bars. And thick, long bangs are a bold statement! They say: “I’m so confident in my appearance you only need to see 66% percent of my face to get the gist of how amazing I am.”

Of course, they also say: “Cheaper than Botox.” …

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The Not-So-Viral Picture You Loved

June 9, 2013 By Lena

There are so many buzzwords in social media today: trending, clickability, engagement, advertainment… I could go on. And on.

But the single most overused buzzword? Viral. As in, “My Facebook post went viral! It was liked and shared a gazillion times.”

Amazing! And having a “viral” post or picture is certainly a measurement of success – one that should be both applauded and respected. (Unless you’re spamming people with voting requests, “earn $100/hour” ads or funny animal pictures. Then you’re not a viral success; you’re a douche.)

Unfortunately, I’ve never experienced the high of having a viral post or image, but I have received amazing feedback and engagement from a few posts in particular. It’s a nice feeling! Of course, when I published the following picture last Thursday, clearly I had no idea it would be received so well…

It’s just a photo of me and the Director of Menu Management at McDonald’s Canada, Anne Parks – from the post They Came. They Tasted. They Savoured the Flavour. I didn’t think much about it until over the course of the next few days, my inbox was filled with questions about my hair, beauty routine, makeup and wardrobe. Er… I’m flattered, friends!

And while I would normally just respond to e-mails individually, I thought this was a great way to share the “secrets” of my beauty routine. (Prepare to be underwhelmed. Seriously – I’m pretty much no-frills and no-fuss.) Below is a collection of questions I received stemming from the photo I posted on Thursday – except the first, which I received a few weeks ago and just had to include!

Hi Gorgeous – Do you do botox?!? Your skin is flawless. Secret safe with me if its a yes – please tell me where you go! xo – R

LOL! I wish I was interesting enough to have a reason to botox, but alas, the kindergarten carpool in sweatpants does not necessitate a smooth and wrinkle-free forehead. I am, however, blessed with good genes – and I do use a “miracle” cream called Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum. It is seriously the best thing you can ever put on a problem area; just a few dabs on fine lines and they disappear like magic.

Since I only use it from time to time (usually for big events), I’ve had the same bottle for almost three years! A little goes a looong way.

Love your orange dress! Where did you get it? – A

It’s my “little orange dress” from the Old Navy Fall/Winter 2013 collection. A steal at under $30; it originally came paired with a black belt, but I swapped it for a pink belt to add a punch of fun colour!…