Shoppers Drug Mart

Escaping the Cold? Make a Winter Travel Checklist

February 5, 2016 By Lena

For Canadians, escaping the winter is a thing.

And why not? Winter travel down south offers an opportunity to get away from the cold, endure one less week of slush, sleet and snow, and trade windchill values for humidex values. Okay, so it’s not just a thing… for many, it’s a necessity.
12070644_1502206640097187_1907736570_n Of course, while jetting off to a sunny vacation in the throes of winter is the epitome of awesome, it also presents its own set of challenges that requires some planning ahead. My advice? Make a winter travel checklist! …

It’s Snot Your Imagination: The Ins and Outs of Sick-Etiquette

November 21, 2015 By Lena

Ah, flu season. Why are you a thing?

I suppose it comes with the territory of being Canadian; as children strap on hockey skates and parents pull on their warmest toques, so shall the influenza virus make its way through schools, businesses and homes alike. It’s clockwork, it takes no prisoners, and it really, really has poor timing – striking when you’re mostly likely to least expect it.
(Well hello there, co-workers! Stock photos like this exist for a reason!)

Yes, flu season is here, and there IS such a thing called Sick-Etiquette. Simply stated, it’s a collection of unspoken rules that you should abide by during cold and flu season, and I’m happy to share them with you today! …

Face of the Day, Galactic-Style

October 2, 2015 By Lena

A short time ago in a theme park far, far away…

Okay, so it’s not *that* far away. (Only a 5-hour direct flight!) I had looked forward to this event for months, and when the time finally came, I was ready to morph into one of the greatest, most sassy droids known to mankind. This past Monday, at Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland, I dressed up as the iconic R2-D2. (Click here for more details on my costume.)

My husband went as himself.
Okay, okay, he didn’t actually go as himself. He dressed up as the ultimate nerd! High-waisted pants and a matching bow tie to boot. (He even has that mouth/ jaw thing going on… it’s quite precious.)

To offset the whole Star Wars-geek thing, I opted for sultry, come-hither makeup using ARTDECO Cosmetics. Identified by its on-trend and fashion-forward designs, ARTDECO has been a cult favourite in Europe for years, and is now available in Canada at select Shoppers Drug Mart stores! Here’s how you can emulate the look, whether you’re trick-or-treating or enjoying date night. …

Finding Your Perfect Balance

July 15, 2015 By Lena

I think we can all officially say it… summer is here! And many Canadians are basking in the warmer weather, the longer days, and for those that have suffered this winter: the official end of cold and flu season.

However, even though we’re spending more time outdoors and ideally eating an abundance of fresh, local produce, sometimes our diet falls short of our nutritional goals. With many Canadian families juggling work, summer camp, sports activities and more, despite our best intentions, it’s easy to succumb to less desirable meals and snacks – ones that don’t provide the balanced nutrition that our bodies crave.

A balanced, healthy diet feeds your body with the vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and other key nutrients you need. Think of the times when you’ve felt your best – chances are, you were eating well, keeping stress levels low, and finding time for physical activity. And if you find yourself needing a little extra push, supplements can definitely help fill the gap.
Year round, Canadians depend on a variety of supplements to keep them feeling their best. Think of supplements as an insurance policy; they help ensure that you’re always at your optimal health, especially when life is hectic and a balanced diet isn’t always an option. …

See You Later, Alligator

January 7, 2015 By Lena

To say I have dry skin is an understatement.

It occurred to me years ago that during winter, the skin on my arms and legs is chalky white, while my remaining epidermis is a tanned, olive hue. So what gives?

I scratch my skin until it resembles a flour bin. And, my husband has dubbed my dermal problem Alligator Skin Syndrome (ASS). Lovely, right?

Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance Free Lotion I know, I know, I KNOW there’s an easy fix – it’s the “L” word. Lotion.

And I have found relief. My go-to remedy – when I force myself to use it – is Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion. It revives extra-dry skin with extra-soothing moisture, and contains a triple oat formula (renowned for itch) and shea butter to help soothe winter-wrecked skin. Best of all, it’s 100% fragrance free, so my sensitive skin gets the 24-hour relief it deserves.

Until the scratch – flake – lotion Lena!! – ahhh cycle begins all over again.

Do you suffer from Alligator Skin Syndrome? Shoppers Drug Mart has you covered. You’ll find a wide selection of new skin care products to keep you and your family’s skin healthy this winter – plus, you can earn Shoppers Optimum Points on participating products.

(That’s what I like to call a Skin-Win! See what I did there?)

Of course, finding the right lotion can be daunting, especially with so many brands to choose from. So how do you find the perfect match for your winter-wrecked skin? Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Experts offer in-store complimentary skin care consultations using the beautyRx tool. The Skin Analysis consists of:

1. Moisture Checker – measures you skins hydration levels
2. Video Microscope – magnifies your skin’s surface by 30 times to help diagnose your skin type

Based on your readings, the Beauty Expert will recommend skin care products accordingly. In addition to Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion, I’ve also dabbled in Jergens Vitamin E Replenishing Moisturizer, Nivea Extra Nourishing Body Milk, and Vaseline Total Moisture Dry Skin Lotion – all with great results. …