Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Beauty

Carmex Addicts Unite! Now Available in Canada!

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I’ll file this one under “Stuff I never thought I’d do – not in a million years.”

Cross the border to buy a $3 lip balm? Yeah, I’ve done that.

Here’s the scoop: Readers will know that I have a *slight* addiction to lip balm. Don’t believe me? Read here and here. The truth is, I love sharing Best Beauty Bets with my readers, especially ones that keep your lips kissably smooth. And one of the products I’ve been dying to talk about – one of my most trusted ways to keep lips pampered and moisturized – was until recently, not available in Canada.

Yes, I drove to Target in Niagara Falls, Buffalo in 2004 specifically to purchase a $3 Carmex lip balm. And then again, in 2007.

The good news? I’ll never need to do that again. Canadians – Carmex is now available in Canada!

Celebrating 75 years, Carmex lip balm perfectly protects against a range of conditions and moisturizes lips beautifully. Made of a unique blend of ingredients, including natural moisturizers such as cocoa butter and lanolin, the emollients provide healthy-looking lips by restoring lost moisture to prevent dryness and chapping. In short, they turn ravaged lips into kissable ones – quickly.

Now if you’ve heard of Carmex before, you’ll know that there are self-professed Carmex addicts. It’s true – you can Google it. Tens of thousands of women need a daily fix, often multiple times per day. There are even online support groups. OMG.

So what has everyone addicted? The Carmex special formula provides something extra – the “Carmex Tingle” – when applied, so you know it’s working. Camphor and menthol provide a cooling effect and help relieve the irritation of rough, chapped lips – encouraging a healthy appearance that feels as good as it looks. It also comes with a gentle salicylic acid that acts as a mild defoliant on the lips, getting rid of dead, dry skin. You’re left with nothing but the softest, most supple lips imaginable….

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Sephora: Happy New Year #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s the holidays, and I’ve been featuring some pretty awesome pieces from Sephora. Did you have a chance to check out the Disney Cinderella Collection, Sephora Collection Color Daze Blockbuster or Sephora by OPI Tinsel Town Collector’s Set? They’re all fabulous gifts for a girlfriend – or yourself! – this Christmas.

The good news? I’ve been able to introduce you to a few of my favourite special edition makeup collections. The not-so-good news? I’ve got a ton of additional makeup, just waiting to be reviewed. Chances are, I won’t be able to get to it before the holidays. And if you don’t believe me, perhaps you caught the picture I uploaded to my Facebook Fan Page last month…

Yup, it’s all there. And by now, you’re probably starting to think, What Gives, Lena?

You see, it’s not that I’m uninterested in the makeup generously provided by Sephora. Trust me, this stuff is spectacular. It’s just that I always request just a little bit extra… so I can share the love with a lucky reader! And since the holidays are the perfect time to #PayitForward……

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It’s the Only Sparkle You’ll Need this Holiday Season

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With the holiday party season in full swing, chances are you’ve got a swanky soiree or two to attend. Often, readers will ask me what’s the best shimmer eye shadow or sparkly lip gloss to add a little oomph – without breaking the bank.

(We all know the scenario – you walk over to your favourite makeup counter to grab a fabulous shimmer eye liner, and before you know it you’ve been talked into an eye shadow primer, sparkle dust and a dewy lip gloss too – setting you back $72 when you walked in thinking you’d spend $12.)

Well, my best recommendation involves spending a little more money up front, but getting MUCH more bang for your buck than just 3-4 pieces you’ll likely use only a couple of times. Introducing the Sephora Collection Color Daze Blockbuster. Retailing for $60 CDN, I promise I’m not trying to upsell you right off the bat. The truth is, for $60, you’ll receive:

64 x waterproof eye shadow – 12 x longwear cream eyeliner – 6 x eye top coat – 6 x lip top coat – 48 x lip gloss – 3 x blush – 6 x multi-purpose cream for eye, cheek, and lip – 3 x multi-purpose luminizer – 3 x makeup brush – Mirror

…

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Holiday Resistance is Futile…

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… especially when these holiday products have Christmas themes right in their names.

Now the question is… would you use these products all year round, or stick to the season? I must admit I’d have a problem applying “Have a Cherry Christmas” lip gloss in June. Is it just me? Thoughts?

Do you purchase holiday-themed makeup? Are beauty products with a seasonal twist more attractive to you – or less so, because of their limited use?

Beauty and the Marketing Beast

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Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the #PGMom Influencer Event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. Although I missed most of the day due to scheduling conflicts, I was able to breeze in for the last two sessions. And since both centered around beauty (makeup/hair) I was in seventh heaven.

(Disclaimer: I have joined the #PGMom program as a beauty blogger; hence, I will mostly be covering their beauty brands – CoverGirl, Olay, Pantene, Clairol, Herbal Essences, Secret and Head and Shoulders.)

The first session was a trip through the P&G Product Mall, where I had a most wonderful makeup chat with Diana Nguyen, the Communications – Brand PR representative for Proctor & Gamble. We talked about everything from the latest products to how every teenage girl’s first compact is a CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder compact (I used the blue one – oil control – from grades 10 through 12). I even pulled the CoverGirl Brow & Eyemakers Duo out of my purse – yes, I travel with an eyebrow pencil!

Next, a sit-down session to “Meet the P&G Beauty Experts”. Well, I was more than a little excited to meet Greg Wencel – CoverGirl pro and celebrity makeup artist. Hello! He’s worked with Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Lisa Ray and Katy Perry, to name a few. I secured a seat in the front row, excited to pick up the best tips and tricks.

It wasn’t what I expected.

Of course, he did have wonderful advice to share. After all, he’s a bloody genius! Much respect to him. However, I was slightly turned off by the undertone of his messaging –

We know Moms are busy…. 
Don’t always have time to put best face forward…
Looking for tips to incorporate into quick makeup routine…

Well, he is correct in a certain respect – Moms ARE busy. And many Moms don’t have the time or desire to apply makeup every day – and frankly, some aren’t even interested in doing so. Fair enough.

But there’s also a large portion of us who MAKE THE TIME. I arrived at the event with a full face of makeup – artfully sculpted brows, winged eyeliner with smoky eyes, a sweep of bronzer highlighting my cheekbones and dewy, shiny lips. Yes, I am busy – and I am short on time. But I will find the time to complete my beauty ritual; it’s just a part of who I am and who I’ll always be. I don’t need quick tips. I don’t have a quick makeup routine….

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The Long or Short of It?

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Last year, I wrote a post to communicate my belief that women have a duty to change their hairstyles. Frequently.

Think about it: the mighty Lord gave us menstrual cycles, unwanted leg hair and varicose veins. But He also bestowed us with lovely locks – and for most of us, we’re blessed with the choice of how to wear our hair… short or long, layered or blunt, blonde or brunette, straight or curly… the list goes on. So, to be stuck in a hair rut is simply unforgivable!

You May Be Stuck in a Hair Rut If…

1. Your husband knows the brand and number of your boxed hair colour.
2. Four out of five friends would describe your ‘do as “The Rachel.”
3. Your hair salon is a barber shop. With a spinning pole outside.
4. Your hair styling routine includes wash, air dry, ponytail, repeat.
5. You wear your hair long because you believe men like long hair.
6. Your stylist uses a rubber cap and knitting needle for your highlights.
7. You never make an appointment to cut your hair – walk-ins welcome.
8. The labels on your styling products say “Aqua Net” or “Dippidy Do”.
9. You truly believe that there is such a thing as wash-and-go hair.
10. You own a banana clip… and use it.

I have fine, frizzy hair… decidedly the most unsexy texture known to womankind. But I battle Mother Nature with a gusto normally reserved for fighting world wars and banishing whale poachers. Because let’s face it – I can’t change my face (for less than $10,000), my skin colour (unless I try out a new age bleaching cream) or the fact that I’ll always be 4 inches too short to reach supermodel status (and 20 pounds too heavy) – but I can change my hair….

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Geometric Eyeliner: Would You Wear It?

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Of course you wouldn’t. Because I promise you this: if you work anywhere other than Manhattan’s Garment District, and punch in at 9:00am looking like this:

Chances are, someone will ask if you applied your makeup while driving. Or drinking.

(But never while drinking and driving – #MADD)

The above photos were part of Elle’s Fall 2012 Beauty Preview (Images by Imaxtree) and featured runway looks from Altuzarra, Lanvin, Anna Sui, Giorgio Armani, Zac Posen and more. Now I’m all for a good ol’ fashioned wing tip, but this is cat’s eye gone wild. I fear that trying to emulate this look would get the tongues a’ wagging: “Nice eyeliner, Lena! (Snort.)” “Shhhh! She can hear you!” “I hope she does! She looks like an idiot!”

Of course, there is a VERY easy way to stay on trend without being mistaken for a brains-eating zombie.

#1. Learn to love liquid liner. A must for embracing the cat’s eye look, perfect your technique by practicing before the big event. Working with liquid liner takes time and patience… and a lot of eye makeup remover.

#2. Double Up. Perfectly sculpted cat’s eyes often use a combination of liquid and pencil eyeliners; the liquid dries and locks down the first layer of color. First, apply pencil to the upper lash line, thickening the line as you reach the outer corner. With a light touch, slightly angle up and away from your eyes with a winged tip. Follow up by retracing all but the outer corner with the liquid liner.

#3. Make Your Eyes Pop. Jump on the colour-blocking bandwagon by using a contrasting colour on your lower lash line, such as Aqua Blue (I used Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Turquoise), Deep Purple or Emerald Green. Apply mascara to top and bottom lashes – I never do my bottom because it’s not my thing.

Et Voilà! A perfectly balanced, incredibly sexy cat’s eye that is both geometrically-inspired and wearable at the same time. Pair your runway eyes with a nude or pale pout, and you’re smokin’.

Fall 2012 Nail Trends: The Coffee Shop

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As a part-time beauty and fashion #fangirl, I’m constantly trying to stay on top of trends and must-haves. In fact, I spend a large portion of my time meticulously documenting all the designer clothes and makeup I want to buy… and then, spend even more time finding a perfectly affordable dupe (hello, H&M!).

However, ONE thing that drives me absolutely batty when reading trend reports? The shameful contradictions.

“This fall! Prints are fabulous! Or… try solid colours!”
“You’ll want to have a sheer pink, bright coral, deep berry or earthy nude on your lips this season.”
“Think sky high hair or a simple side-parted low ponytail.”

Mmmkay. How is it a “trend” if you’ve just given every woman an “out”? As in, I can’t do berry lips but I can do sheer pink, so I’ll be on trend! Gah!

And so when it comes to nail colour, I’m confused. Multiple sources have quoted the “it” colour to be either Stormy Gray, Gothic Berry, Metallic Green, Warm Cocoa or Bright Teal – or a combination of the hues. Hence, rather than splurging on every “trend” under the sun, I decided to weed out the common denominator: neutral shades of cappuccino, hot chocolate and iced coffee. The earthy staples appear on multiple trendwatcher lists for nail fashion – usually at the top. Therefore, I’m calling coffee-coloured hues THE must-have nail colour for Fall 2012.

Your Inspiration:

The Shopping Channel: Summer Beauty Event

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If you happen to run into me at some point and think, “Wow! She looks stunning!” – I’ll come clean.

I’ve had a LOT of help.

Now I normally don’t go crazy for beauty drops, but when The Shopping Channel dropped the above products on my doorstep – all featured in their Summer Beauty Event – I couldn’t help but smile. Some of the HOTTEST beauty, skin and hair care products within arm’s reach? Don’t mind if I do.

Of course, now would be a great time to earn my swag and tell you about the Summer Beauty Event:

“Every day from July 2nd to 31st, Canadians are invited to experience with new summer colours, redefine their skin care regimen or receive great value from their existing regimen – all from an unparalleled collection of skin care, cosmetics, hair care and beauty tools.”

Celeb spots include Denise Richards, Monika Schnarre and Kimora Lee Simmons – plus a multitude of fantastic beauty buys, a Beauty Lover’s Dream Giveaway, exclusive summer beauty picks and more….

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OPI Germany Collection #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s another stop on the OPI world tour!

Earlier this year, I took y’all through the streets of Holland, where shades like “Thanks a Windmillion” and “A Roll in The Hague” instantly developed a cult-like following. This time, OPI embraces runway trends with the Germany Collection for Fall/Winter 2012. Drawing inspiration from Berlin, an exciting new fashion hub that blends classic looks with the avant-garde, the collection’s twelve shades offer a mixture of vibrant color, urban-chic neutrals, and reds in variations from light to dark. The collection won’t be available until August 8th, so consider this your sneak peek!

According to Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director, “The overall feel of the Germany Collection is elegance with an edge.” Not hard to dispute, with rich colours, standout shades and creamy neutrals in honey, taupe and nude rose. But the standout shade for me has to be “Don’t Talk Bach to Me” – a sassy lime-yellow that has the perfect Euro-vibe.

…

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What’s Your Signature Scent?

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I have mad love for Lisa Rinna. Besides the fact that she finally removed the collagen from her duck lips (Hallelujah!), she’s been rocking the same shag hairstyle for OVER 15 YEARS. Yet, every time I see her, she looks incredibly sexy and stylish. It’s the perfect example of finding the right style, making it your own, and creating a signature look – regardless of what’s popular at the moment. Even Posh Spice, who pioneered the Pob, changes it up from time to time… but not Lisa. She is a MASTER OF CONTINUITY.

I subscribe to her theory when it comes to fragrances. Unlike most, I’m not tempted to try the latest and greatest perfume by this pop star or that designer. I like finding a fragrance that smells great – to me, anyways; scent is such a personal thing – works with my chemistry, and garners at least a handful of compliments in the first few weeks that I wear it. And then, that’s it. I stick with it until I am utterly, completely sick of it, and yearn for something new.

For the longest time, my go-to scent was Salvatore Ferragamo’s “Charms”.

Back story: At a resto-lounge a few of years ago, I met an insanely cute guy on a blind date. At the end of the night, he leaned over and said: “You smell amazing. I honestly just want to breathe you in. What are you wearing?”

I responded with, “Ferragamo, it’s my scent”.

Recently, that same cute guy kissed our two little boys as he tucked them into bed.

The lure of sticking to one fragrance is that it becomes your calling card, your signature. And since scent can invoke so many memories – especially pleasurable ones – it’s well worth sticking to one fragrance instead of rotating through your collection of favourites. And, if you must change it up, try using one scent per season.

As soon as the warm weather hits, I turn to beach by Bobbi Brown. If you read my review of beach Body Lotion last year, you’ll know why I’m so gung-ho about the fragrance – it holds memories for me.

Do tell: What’s Your Signature Scent? 

Best Beauty Bets: H2O Plus Softening Mint Foot Rub

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Winter: A foot’s worst nightmare. Neglected, unloved; carelessly pushed into socks, stockings – and apologized for over and over – “Sorry about my ghastly heels/nasty toenails/dry soles – it’s not sandal season you know!”

Alas, we are now T-minus two weeks away from the official start of summer, and if you haven’t already performed major damage control on your tender tootsies, hurry please! We need those little piggies perfect for patio weather :)

If you prefer not to visit your local nail spa for a pedicure, there are a plethora of online resources for the perfect at-home tender tootsie ritual. Regardless of how you initially erase all signs of a Canadian winter, it’s maintenance that’s key to extending those salon visits, or upping the impact of your at-home efforts.

For superbly moisturized, cool and smooth soles, I turn to H2O Plus Softening Mint Foot Rub. Infused with Balm Mint Extract, Nori, Sea Fennel, Peppermint Oil, and Provitamin B, the foot rub:

– Eases away stress and tension
– Menthol and peppermint awaken and cool sore feet
– Leaves feet feeling clean and refreshed
– Alpha-hydroxy acids reduce dead surface skin cells leaving feet smooth and velvety

My feet, normally on the freakishly dry and cracked side, rejoice in it’s thick, minty moisture. It can take your heels from woeful to wonderful in just a few short applications, and is a must for keeping them pedicure-perfect. A 120g tube (retail $17 CDN) will easily last you the whole summer and more – it’s also my fall and winter favourite for combating thirsty soles.

An added bonus: it’s just the right consistency to make for an amazing foot massage!

#bestbeautybet

Celebrate Father’s Day with The Body Shop!

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. 

In recent weeks, I’ve received excited notes and comments from several readers who’ve taken advantage of The Body Shop’s amazing sales, promos and charitable initiatives. But tell me truthfully – how many of y’all have used these promotions to spoil your man? Or your father?

(Cue crickets.)

Well, let’s change that. With Father’s Day just around the corner, I think it’s the perfect time to put a big smile on dad’s (or dad-to-be’s) face with fabulous Men’s products from The Body Shop. From Maca Root to White Musk for Men, The Body Shop offers an entire range to choose from: bath, body, skin care, fragrance, hair and gift sets.

My first pick: White Musk for Men Eau de Toilette. A part-time fan of the women’s scent (it’s hit and miss for me depending on my mood) I couldn’t wait to sample the men’s counterpart.

Described as a “modern, masculine and sensual scent that’s an infusion of musk and woods with crisp, fresh, and aromatic notes”, I’m quite digging this fragrance. Swoon! Top notes of lavender make this a “friendly” scent – brooding, smoldering hunks need not apply. Although staying power is minimal, I think that’s one of the things I love about it – I don’t taste the perfume at the back of my throat as I lean in for a hug. In fact, the middle notes of sandalwood, amber and vetiver are so captivating, that I daresay this could be a unisex EDT.

(Confession – I have previously tried layering the fragrance on top of TBS Vanilla Perfume Oil, and do believe I’ve stumbled upon quite a yummy women’s perfume.)

Now my husband has much love for the Maca Root Balancing Face Protector. Like most men, he’s oily in the t-zone and shies away from moisturizes that make his face look shiny (I can’t imagine him whipping out blot powder from his back pocket). The Face Protector promises to hydrate his skin while reducing shine in the t-zone, delivered in a lightweight, targeted daily moisturizer.

Hubby uses an electric shaver so we didn’t have a chance to test out the Maca Root Shave Cream, but based on the appearance and a quick dip into the product, I can attest that this is definitely a thick, rich cream – with just a delicate hint of clean, woodsy fragrance….

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Immortalized on Canvas by Teint Idole Foundation

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I’m filing this one under: HOW LOVELY.

A few weeks ago, I was given the chance to try Lancôme’s NEW Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation. This new ultra-comfort formula promises 24 hour retouch-free wear – giving you a flawless, even complexion that lasts all day. Available in 20 shades, you’re sure to find your perfect (or near-perfect) match.

I’m normally not the foundation type, but I can’t deny there are just some days when flawless skin is a “nice-to-have”. Initially wooed by the opportunity to try what promised to be an industry-leading formula, I was floored to see what Lancôme really had in store for six (6) Canadian beauty bloggers – including yours truly! Check it out:

Did you catch me at the 1:30 mark? Aren’t the portraits simply SUPERB?

I was also overjoyed when the actual portrait arrived in the mail last week – I’ve never personally owned a commissioned portrait of myself, you know :) After I lamented on my Facebook fan page where I should hang it in my house, reader Natalie so wisely suggested in the bathroom, because that’s where the beautifying takes place. LOVE it!

You can find my testimonial of the foundation on Lancôme’s website –

“TEINT IDOLE CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT FOUNDATION FOR GOOD. THE PRODUCT APPLIED FLAWLESSLY AND STAYED FRESH-LOOKING FOR HOURS OF CONTINUOUS WEAR.”

Lena Almeida
Beauty Blogger, Toronto
BISQUE 320W

Lancôme’s NEW Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation is my Best Beauty Bet for Spring 2012. With its satiny, weightless coverage and formula that literally melts into the skin, get ready to put your best face forward.

Visit Lancôme.ca to grab your FREE sample.

Comparison Shopping: Topbox Beauty Subscription

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If you’ve been on the fence about the new trend in beauty – monthly subscriptions for deluxe samples delivered right to your door – you’re not alone. Last year I profiled Luxe Box, one of the pioneering companies of this service in Canada – and my review was met with mixed feedback. While many of y’all loved the element of surprise, and the ability to try products you wouldn’t normally have access to (without paying full price, that is), just as many readers were concerned about the lack of relevance and fit, and the absence of consistency from month to month. Since I was only given the opportunity to review one box – which was admittedly a “deluxe” version that subscribers wouldn’t necessarily receive – I had no basis for comparison to comment on fit or consistency. I’ll admit it – it was a #reviewfail

So when the makers of Topbox approached me to review their service, I was quite insistent that I would need to receive a minimum of two regular boxes – at a 3-month interval – to adequately appraise the quality and consistency of their products. The company had absolutely no problem with that, which is not only a testimony to their confidence in the service, but the realization that regularly impressing customers is the cornerstone of their business.

My first Topbox for review was November 2011 – which included a Cake Velveteen Hand Creme (full size), Deborah Lippman “Some Enchanted Evening” Nail Lacquer (full size), Dr. Brandt Time Arrest Eye Serum and Stila Lip Glaze in Raspberry, all packaged in a reusable cardboard cylinder (LOVE the reduced packaging. I have no use for all the frills; it’s about the beauty, not the beautiful container!).

My first reaction to the contents was “Now THIS I can use!” I don’t have to tell you that I’ve been a long-time fan of Cake products, and any time I can get my hands on Deborah Lippman nail lacquer – which normally retails for $20 a pop – let’s just say I do a happy dance. Plus, I adore the mini Stila Lip Glaze; the mini tube is the perfect size for popping in a purse or pocket. And finally, Dr. Brandt… HELLO! The eye serum retails for $85.00, so what better way to put it to the test before doing major damage to my wallet?

The November 2011 had an average retail value of $69.00 – not bad for a $10 monthly service fee! Overall I was thoroughly impressed and can truly say that I’ve used EVERY product in the Topbox. I couldn’t wait to receive the next one! …

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Schick Hydro Silk Razor: Results!

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I wanted to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in the the Schick Hydro Silk Razor testing program. A razor was sent out to 50 awesome readers, and the ladies took the time to shave their legs – in the winter, gasp! – in order to put the razor to the test.

Now y’all know that I’ve been singing the praises of the razor, and why not?

Schick says: Schick Hydro Silk hydrates skin like no other razor can. This uniquely designed razor goes beyond an incredibly close shave to actually care for your skin. With Water-Activated Moisturizing Serum & 5 Curve-Sensing blades with skin guards to help protect skin from irritation, the Hydro Silk razor leaves skin feeling silky smooth! And it’s preferred over the leading 5 blade razor.

Lena says: Shaving with the NEW Schick Hydro Silk razor was likely the BEST shaving experience I’ve ever had. Two hours later, my skin is silky smooth and incredibly soft. The razor lives up to its claim of giving back moisture, because my all-too-frequent alligator skin is currently in check. LOVE this razor!

But don’t take our word for it – here’s just a sample of reader feedback:

Of course, it’s not all roses – some readers did have the following concerns:

– “The razor itself is rather large and bulky.”
– “Experienced clumping of the serum near the top of the razor that had to be wiped off.”
– “I wish the product had a plastic “cap” to cover the blade when not in use and for travel.”

I am happy to share all of the feedback – good and not-so-good – with Schick. Overall, the majority of the testers gave the razor two thumbs WAY up. Curious to see what they said? All of the reader feedback can be found in the comments section of this post. If you’ve tried the razor yourself and would love to weigh in, I encourage you to leave your own testimonial!

Spring is just around the corner and I’m very much looking forward to breaking out my smooth, silky legs courtesy of the new Schick Hydro Silk razor. Be sure to like Schick Hydro Silk Canada on Facebook – you’ll gain exclusive access to the latest news, tips and tricks for keeping skin smooth, and incredible coupons!

And drumroll please… congratulations to Karina R., winner of the $100 Visa Gift Card!

It’s been a pleasure shaving, reviewing and partying with y’all… Viva la Schick Hydro Silk!

Weleda Calendula Baby Care #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I don’t think there’s a single person out there who doesn’t believe that natural is better.

(Unless you work for the petroleum industry, of course, in which case – rock on with those chemicals, dude – just keep them away from me… and my skin.)

This post is rather timely: although Toronto has been spared from much of Old Man Winter’s wrath, the weather network is calling for about 10cm of the white stuff tomorrow (insert sad face). And while snow really looks pretty from a window when you’re snuggled by the fireplace, outside, the elements can wreak havoc on your skin.

Dry, cracked skin. Brittle nails. Chapped lips. Flaky, red patches. Oh my!

Of course, if our skin is vulnerable to frigid weather, imagine what it can do to the soft, sensitive skin of a baby! Thank goodness we have access to high quality products which nourish and protect, including Weleda’s Calendula Baby Care. I’ve had a chance to dabble in a few of the products, which include all-natural ingredients that are compatible with the skin’s natural lipid layer, helping to maintain the skin’s protective barrier and prevent skin from reacting. In short, let’s just say that I. Am. Impressed.

But fist, why Calendula?

“Calendula is known for aiding the healing process of small wounds, red, inflamed skin and skin infections. As a natural antiseptic, calendula is renowned for soothing irritated skin. The flowers blossom under warm sunlight. This vitality is captured in our formulas, wrapping your little one in a layer of warmth and protection.”

(Trust me, this isn’t just any old calendula. The medicinal plant is grown biodynamically in the Weleda’s own gardens in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany! So let’s just say they have a handle on the quality of the ingredients.)

I’ve been using Weleda’s NEW Calendula Weather Protection Cream for the last few days, and I’m quite loving everything about the formula. The 100% natural product shields skin from the damage caused by exposure to outdoor elements such as wind, cold and rain, and since it contains pure beeswax, it protects skin while allowing it to breathe, unlike products which contain petroleum-based ingredients like mineral oils….

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It’s a Schick #HydroSilkCanada Twitter Party!

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Even though summer – ergo, short shorts weather – is still a few months away, we’ve got smooth, supple skin on our minds, and want to turn you on to the NEW Schick Hydro Silk Razor!

Why it’s AWESOME:

The Schick Hydro Silk hydrates skin like no other razor can. This uniquely designed razor goes beyond an incredibly close shave to actually care for your skin. With Water-Activated Moisturizing Serum & 5 Curve-Sensing blades with skin guards to help protect skin from irritation, the Hydro Silk razor leaves skin feeling silky smooth!

Join us for a super fun Twitter Party, where we’ll chat about your favourite shaving tips, those pesky shaving myths, and how to get those gams super smooth!

WHEN: Wednesday, February 15th from 8:30 – 10:00pm EST.

WHO: All are invited to party, but prizing is open to Canadians only.

HOSTS: Join @Listen2Lena, @MyChaos, @SassyModernMom and @TeacherMomofTwo using the hashtag #HydroSilkCanada

PRIZES: Over $500 in Prizing, including Hydro Silk Spa Gift Sets, $75 Visa Gift Cards and Hydro Silk Razors!

Don’t forget to RSVP below for your chance to win a fabulous prize! Then, mark your calendars, and we’ll see you on Wednesday night!

*Please be sure to enter your Twitter Handle “@yourTwitterhandle” in the Link/Blog Title field, and your Twitter URL “www.twitter.com/yourtwitterhandle” in the Link Field*

Stuff I Like to Blog About: eos Lip Balm

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Saying I have an addiction to lip gloss and lip balm is putting it lightly. VERY lightly.

In fact, after spending last Sunday afternoon decluttering my makeup bins – a chore that took most of the afternoon and tested all of my husband’s patience – I was able to whittle down the pile to the “bare essentials”… you know, the stuff I need on a daily basis.

My name is Lena and I’m addicted to lip stuff.

You’ll notice that I don’t actually own any lipstick (sooo 1994) but instead, have hoarded every shiny, sparkly, goopy, glorious lip gloss and lip balm known to mankind (I have a separate drawer for my 32 Lip Smackers and “occasional” glosses). It actually took all my strength to dispose of about 20 additional products, but as my husband so eloquently put it: “Either they go or I go. Get all that sh*t out of here NOW.”…

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