skin care

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. …

No Filter? Fabulous.

October 18, 2016 By Lena 172 Comments

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Instagram filters. I love them. You love them. They are, without a doubt, the best thing since sliced bread. (Which, by the way, filters well with “Lo-Fi.” Really brings out the crusts and such.)

The thing about Instagram filters is that they hide the little stuff we don’t necessarily want the world to see: fine lines, age spots, pesky under-eye shadows and enlarged pores. In fact, whenever I apply a filter to one of my photos, I visualize a fairy godmother waving a wand and saying “Poof! You’re gorgeous.”

It’s a beautiful thing.

But something happened recently. A few weeks ago, I posted a photo to Instagram. It was a rare selfie of my husband and I (we manage to squeeze in about three to four dates per year), and I was happy to show off my new blonde highlights (I clearly don’t follow the crowd that goes darker for fall).

However, when I accessed the screen to select a filter, something – quite fabulous – happened: I realized that my skin looked healthy and luminous… and the photo actually looked better without a filter. I looked young, fresh and happy! Hashtag: #nofilter!
13671950_187517688335085_434322412_n Now let’s be clear: I am wearing makeup in this photo. I have concealer under my eyes, a hint of eye makeup and blush, and a fabulous fuchsia lip gloss.

But other than under my eyes? Completely foundation-free. My pores? Almost non-existent. The fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes? I dare you to point them out.

And then I realized that I had recently made a change to my skin care routine – for the past three weeks, I’ve been using NeoStrata® All-in-One Night Serum and All-in-One Eye Serum. …

All About Cleansers

August 3, 2016 By Lena 38 Comments

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. …

#DermWednesday: Spring Clean Your Cleansing Routine!

April 18, 2016 By Lena

NEW OBSESSION! CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar. Check out my video testimonial here.

This week, our #DermWednesday Twitter Chat introduces CeraVe’s newest product to gently cleanse dry, sensitive skin. I’ve been using the bar for just over a month now, and my skin is soft, smooth and never dry, thanks to the 5% CeraVe Moisturizing Cream included in the bar. (And, it’s fragrance-free and non-irritating.) I’ve raised the bar with my cleansing routine! I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

As always, Dr. Ben Barankin from The Toronto Dermatology Centre will be there to answer any of your skin care questions and/or 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!

Follow @CeraVeCanada and @DermatologyTDC on Twitter, and see you on Wednesday night!

The Shopping Channel: Summer Beauty Event

July 16, 2012 By Lena

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….

Spotted: MD Moms at The Safety Superstore!

February 16, 2011 By Lena

I LOVE The Safety Superstore (or Baby Proofing Plus, as they’re known online). They have the largest inventory of – you guessed it – baby proofing gadgets, in addition almost everything you need for baby: car seats, strollers, shoes, feeding, toys… you name it, they’ve got it.

On a recent trip, I was just about to leave the store when I noticed that they now stock my all-time favourite line of skin care for babies – MD Moms Baby Silk! This is AMAZING news for all my girlfriends in the GTA who have been looking for the coveted line of pediatrician developed products in-store; sometimes you need to feel and/or smell the item to appreciate its quality to the full extent. The goodies are also available online – and check back frequently as The Safety Superstore is great about running promos.

(Canadians can also purchase MD Moms online – and enjoy FREE shipping – through babybot.com)

Have you read my testimonial of the Gentle Scalp Rub? It’s the CURE for cradle cap!