SuperGoop! Sunscreen

The forecast calls for Sunny Days aheadat some point in the very near future.  So we need to be prepared to protect our skin.

Photo: D. King

It’s confusing when you consider all the various products out there… but let me simplify choices for you by sharing my new favourite sunscreens.

All by SuperGoop!

Something light that won’t interfere with makeup application and also works as a primer, something for when you’re being more active and something for a subtle glow.

Supergoop! debuted in 2007, with its Everyday SPF 50, and almost immediately won the American Academy of Dermatology’s Gold Triangle Award for Sun Safety Education. Since then, the company has expanded into a range of sunscreens for children and adults, and even recently launched eye shadows containing SPF.

Holly Thaggard, Founder and CEO of Supergoop, is based in San Antonio, Texas, and is considered the Norma Rae of Sunscreen as she’s dedicated 12 years to skin cancer prevention.  Tennis Pro Maria Sharapova is a co-owner of this growing company.

Sunny, cloudy, stormy or clear…no matter the weather, all forecasts call for SPF!

I’m convinced you’re going to LOVE these choices.

Where to order:

https://supergoop.com/

Also sold at Sephora

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Clarins Lip Perfector

I promised to share my favourite hydrating lip colour which I’ll make sure to keep in my stockpile of makeup essentials.

Clarins Natural Lip Perfector

It’s in between a gloss and a lipstick.

I went into my local Shoppers Drug Mart early this winter looking for a lip product to help soothe my chapped lips while adding colour and a bit of shine.  The beautician pointed me directly to this product.  I’ve been thankful to her ever since.

In Vancouver they also sell it at London Drugs (about $22).

I’ve always loved the Clarins line for skincare (my mom used to use it) but the makeup is something new to me.  It does not  disappoint if you want…

  • 4-hour hydration 
  • Radiant shine
  • A long lasting + nourishing product
  • Melting, non-sticky cream-gel texture
  • Addictive vanilla scent
  • Comforting cushion applicator
  • Key Ingredients: Shea Butter and Wild Mango to moisturize and condition lips
  • Something to wear alone, or to top off another lipstick with some added shine.

That’s why it was such a game changer when the Duchess of Cambridge was spotted with a beauty product in hand at Wimbledon.  I swear I just saw this online before posting this and way after I bought the product.  However let’s face it…if it’s good enough for royalty...it’s good enough for me.

Karwai Tang/Getty Images – Glamour Magazine.
I bought No’s 17 + 18.  My favourites would be #16 – #19 (swatches shown above).

Have you tried these?

BOOTS No7 Airbrush Away Tinted Skin Perfector

Another Skincare/Makeup Review

The Boots brand can trace its roots back to 1849. 

Although Boots No7 may be relatively new to many consumers, the skincare brand is as much of a British icon as tea, the Queen and wellies.

Since then, Boots has become the UK’s largest drugstore and has its own namesake skincare line, Boots No7.  I don’t know if you remember how popular their *serum was when it first launched.  In addition to the Protect and Perfect serum, some of the most buzz worthy No7 products include the No7 Firming Booster Serum and the No7 Line Correcting Booster Serum, from the Laboratories line. Together both serums generated a waiting list of 37,000 people; put another way, according to Boots, one product was sold every seven seconds. I tried it (see my past review below) and liked. it but now I’m onto this…

I would say that this is a makeup that feels like skincare.

I’m on my third tube of this velvety smooth Airbrush Away Tinted Skin Perfector that helps to blur fine lines and cover pores to give the appearance of flawless looking skin.  I never wear foundation because it tends to sit on top of skin and prevent it from breathing. This product glides on like liquid silk and is incredibly light. I only use it on the oily T-zone area. 

It’s quick and easy to apply, you can find it in most drugstores and the price is very reasonable.  

Highlights

  • Vitamin-enriched formula
  • Blurs imperfections including; fine lines, pores and redness
  • Conditions skin
  • Defends against the damaging effects of free radicals
  • Combines the benefits of skincare with sheer coverage

What is Boots?

Boots was launched in 1849 by John Boot, who opened an herbal medicine shop in Nottingham, England. His son Jesse Boot is credited with turning Boots into a large retailer as he embraced traditional medicine at affordable prices. The company grew and expanded over the years, and milestones included the development of ibuprofen in 1969. In 2014 Walgreens acquired a majority stake in Boots, forming the Walgreens Boots Alliance.

What is the Boots No7 Philosophy?

According to the company, No7 takes a down to earth approach to beauty and skincare. As the company explains, “No7 was the first brand to democratize beauty in the UK, bringing premium, affordable products to women. That principle still holds strong..” The brand states that “beauty for women is about more than looking pretty, women use cosmetics to be ready for something: to show up, speak up, and make an impact in their world in their own way. We refer to this as No7 READY.” Boots No7 also strives to be “real and relatable, never featuring supermodels in its advertising and not retouching the remarkable people that do feature.”

Is Boots No7 Cruelty Free?

Yes. According to the company, “We do not conduct animal testing on our products, or on ingredients used in our products, nor do we commission animal testing on our products or on ingredients used in our products.”

Have you tried any of the No7 products?  If so, what do you like?

my *serum review:

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2014/05/28/beauty-biz-does-boots-7-live-up-to-all-the-hype/

Source: The Derm Review

No ordinary company

Here’s something refreshingly abnormal…

Photo: d. king

 An umbrella of brands focused on advanced functional beauty.

Recently I’ve been introduced to an abnormal beauty company through a beautiful friend of mine.  Someone who’s advice I trust and who, like myself, has tried a lot of different skincare + makeup products.  She lives in LA and orders her products online because the company resides in Canada  Whaaat??

The company is called Deciem (inspired by the Latin word decima, which means “tenth”) – a Canadian company originating from Toronto.  Deciem’s tagline is “The Abnormal Beauty Company.” The brand of products she’s referring to are called “the ordinary.” But the best thing about the ordinary is not ordinary at all, especially in the overpriced, over marketed beauty industry of today: the line is marketed with effective products at very reasonable prices. You had me at effective and reasonable.

Photo: d. king   Store Location: South Granville, Vancouver.

Since I do not like to waste what I have not yet finished, I only bought three of their products for now – a surface hydration formula called “Natural Moisturizing Factors+HA, Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5 and Retinol in Squalene (starts at 2% plus).  The hyaluronic acid & retinol are in dropper bottles.

Allure Magazine has this to say: the company is shaping up to be a serious player in the beauty biz. Deciem’s portfolio of products includes affordable skincare, makeup, supplements, and haircare items designed to appeal to a wide audience, including millennial skin-care geeks, people who dabble in injectables, and beauty editors like me alike. 

 In an industry that’s often called out for dubious behavior, like misleading adsindecipherable ingredient lists, and questionable claims, a refreshingly transparent beauty brand like Deciem naturally stands out.

I’m already hooked. 

Here’s an article on the founder himself taken from Allure Magazine:

https://www.allure.com/story/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-deciem#:~:text=Its%20unconventional%20founder%2C%20Brandon%20Truaxe,doesn’t%20operate%20like%20a

About the Company:

https://deciem.com/

Photo: d. king

Have you tried any of their products?  

Don’t forget to wear your mask at night too

No, no; don’t worry…I’m not talking about that mask.  It’s enough that we have to wear those masks everywhere as is. I’m talking about an overnight face/lip mask that’s like a breath of fresh air.  One where you’ll wake up with much softer skin.  Who wouldn’t love that?

One from a Korean luxury beauty company called Laneige. You should know that the Koreans are taking over as a leader for innovative beauty products. They’ve been quietly doing this for quite some time. They’re pretty darn good at making other things too, like cars for instance (which maybe are not so beautiful as much as they’re practical – but that’s another story).

Image: Business Insider

LANEIGE  is extremely popular throughout Asia. Meaning “the snow” in French, Laneige pursues water science as its philosophy to help women achieve a radiant, dewy complexion.

I first found out about this company when I went to choose my VIP birthday gift from Sephora this month.  There were three different popular and useful sets to choose from. I think it’s safe to say that almost everyone who’s shopped at Sephora at one time or another is considered a VIP. And once you start racking up points there’s no turning back.  But It’s a nice incentive on your birthday month and a chance to try different products.  Otherwise I wasn’t wanting for anything. I already had full size products of their two other gift sets (former beauty junkie that I am  was). So I went for the overnight masks since my skin is drier in winter.  And I’m loving them.  Especially the lip mask.  I’m really picky with everything lip products as my lips are very dry and this one is one of the best I’ve ever tried.  I’ll tell you about my favorite hydrating lip color another time. 

LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask

Recharge dehydrated skin while you sleep with this quick absorbing, deeply hydrating mask. Formulated with highly concentrated Hydro Ionized Mineral Water to deliver high doses of moisture to stressed, parched skin. Calming Sleepscent™, infused with orange flower, rose, and sandalwood provides a relaxing and comforting scent while apricot and evening primrose extracts helps visibly brighten and purify fatigued skin.  

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

What is it? A leave-on lip mask that soothes and moisturizes for smoother, more supple lips. Lip Sleeping Mask has a softening balm texture that closely adheres to lips for quick absorption. Enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants, its Berry Mix Complex offers a nutritiously sweet and fragrant blend of raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, and blueberry extracts to indulge the senses. Very much like a smoothie for your lips.

btw I’m guilty of using this daytime too.

For more info visit:

https://www.laneige.com/

 

Sunny Side Up

Leaving Juneuary behind us…

I know summer is finally here when the summer box of style arrives at my mailbox doorstep.  Season by season, year after year it never fails to please.  There’s always a fun accessory and perfect skincare product to suit everyone.  All curated by Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe to provide women with five luxury products every season to fit into our wardrobes and daily routine no matter what it is.  All at a reasonable price.

Rachel Zoe – Image taken from website

From the Website:

Summer 2020 Box

“The summer season for me is all about family, friends, and making memories. It’s about enjoying the simple things in life and finding happiness in the everyday. This summer edit has been curated for you with the hope that each piece will bring you joy and, in some way, be part of your lasting memories. I can truly say that everything in this selection makes me happy, and that certainly means more to me now than ever before.” xo RZ

HENNY + LEV

Canvas Weekender

RETAILS AT $159.00

This classic weekender silhouette is perfect for future getaways. Its roomy interior is big enough to stash all necessities, plus more.  Canvas with vegan leather accents.  Pockets and interior pouch included. Will come in handy.

PETER SOM

Dream Floral Sarong

RETAILS AT $195.00
With fringe embellishment and infinite ways to wear it, this sarong will be a go-to all summer long. Two choices: 1) colorful Rose Quartz (shown) or dial it down with 2) blue shades of Meteorite. Nice to have choices.
GROWN ALCHEMIST

Hydra-Repair Day Cream

RETAILS AT $49.00

The skin savior you won’t want to live without. Pairs well with a hydrating toner and SPF for those warm summer days.

  • 100 ml
  • Vegan and clean
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Improves skins hydration while also acting as a makeup primer

KOSAS

Color & Light Palette

RETAILS AT $34.00

The instant pick-me-up we all need. For a sun-kissed glow, swipe the bronzer on the hollows of your cheeks and apply the highlighter to the high points of your face.

  • Cream palette
  • Shade: Tropic Equinox
  • Clean, Cruelty and Gluten-Free

PANACEA

Beaded Tassel Earrings

RETAILS AT $55.00
Spice up any summer look with these 3″ length statement earrings in brilliant white. Perfect for virtual happy hours with friends.  Made in India of white iridescent glass beads and silk thread.
To get a beach body all you need is to have a body to take to the beach.  Nobody said it had to be perfect.
I’m ready to head to the beach.  How about you?

Beauty: for the love of Coconuts

The Coconut Collection

Marc Jacobs Beauty

launched a series of products based on one of the most versatile fruits for skin, hair, and health.  Inspired by Jacobs’ love of coconut water and the glow of youthful-looking, radiant, well-hydrated skin.

Photo: Courtesy of Marc Jacobs Beauty

Four new products make up the limited-edition Coconut Fantasy Collection, and model Adwoa Aboah is the face of a beautiful new campaign shot by David Sims.

The coconut-themed collection includes old and new favorites, in sleek and Instagrammable white packaging with rose gold accents. The matte O!Mega Bronzer Coconut Perfect Tan compact is a giant bronzer, infused with a coconut scent. The Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eye Shadow Palette in Fantascene comes with seven cream, peach, coral, and warming copper and chocolate shades in matte, satin, and metallic finishes.

The collection is out now for a limited time, at Sephora, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus.

Image: Marc Jacobs Website

taken from thecut.com

Beauty: Blueberry Exfoliant

Blueberries and Acai berries

are normally reserved for my smoothies, not my face.  But this was a nice alteration.

I’m usually a bit skeptical of “too good to be true” deals but recently on a shopping trip to Washington State I stopped in at Trader Joe’s and found this little beauty. T.J’s Blueberry & Acai facial scrub is surprisingly effective, smells great and the price is right.

Essentially, it’s an antioxidant rich gentle exfoliant that helps to slough off dead skin cells and leave you feeling smooth and pampered. It also contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which is supposed to treat acne and improve the appearance of scars. I quite like it.

What It Claims To Do
Here’s what it says on the Trader Joe’s website: “While this Scrub is exfoliating, save for a few stray blueberry seeds and its very slight general graininess, it’s not really its texture that does the exfoliating—it’s the alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs. We also include colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, meadowfoam seed oil, and various plant extracts to soothe and pamper that beautiful mug of yours.”

Beauty Bonus: the break-up

My powder blush broke into a million pieces.  What do I do?

Gather all of the broken pieces of makeup into its original container, and crush the whole thing up (even the parts that may not have broken). 2. Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the compact, and let it soak in. Use your finger (pre-wash hands of course), the back of a spoon, or anything, really, to rub and smooth down the makeup. Leave it overnight for best results. Apply.

Your welcome!

 

 

beauty: beauty counter

These two products are summer beauty essentials.

They were sent to me in my summer Box of Style which by the way, I always look forward to receiving every season.  Because it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

THE MULTI-TASKER

Formulated without harmful ingredients, this hibiscus-hued blush is indispensable for the sultry season. Sweep it on your cheeks and lips for a pretty pick-me-up day or night. The color is flattering for all skin tones.

Beautycounter Cream Blusher, Retail Value: $37

THE JETSETTER

This one was timely because I just finished my sunscreen stick that I carry around in my purse.  Never leave home without a sleek sunscreen stick. This one is made with organic coconut oil and acai fruit oil, it offers water-resistant sun protection that goes on sheer—so your skin will love it.

Beautycounter Protect Stick Sunscreen, Retail Value: $18

http://www.beautycounter.com/

Source: the Zoe Report for Box of Style

Beauty: BioActive Externals

Youthful and Ageless

Two key words that jump out to grab our attention in the packaging of many skincare lines.  After all, we all strive to be youthful and ageless for as long as we can.

If we’re being true to ourselves we should know that we cannot rely on one miracle topical product to turn back the clock.  But we keep hoping.  I think even with *good genes the key ingredients to staying youthful is remaining curious, being active, refrain from stress (as much as humanly possible), eating and sleeping well, hydration and the bioactive externals like good clean skincare.  Basically looking after yourself as well as you can because you’re all you’ve got! Keeping this in mind, and aside from my own products, I’m always open to checking out new and improved skincare regimes.  I also love the ritual of applying them morning and night.

After having met and listened to Suzanne Somers promote her Suzanne Organics skincare line which is exclusively at Clark’s Nutrition in Rancho Mirage, Ca., I felt obliged to try a few products.  If only because Suzanne is her own best testament to the products and philosophy behind them.

Makeup + Skincare by Suzanne Organics

I’ve been using her ageless serum which is loaded with sea algae followed by her Bioactive Moisturizer which among other active natural ingredients is loaded with CoQ10, Argan (last year my sis brought Argan oil back from the Atlas mountains of Morocco for me) oil and sea buckthorn berry which acts as a superfood for your skin.  Of course you have to eat whole food for your skin to look its very best but let’s just agree that the ingredient listing is excellent.  It feels great on my face too. The whole collection is Toxic Free.  The coco-mango body butter is my absolute favourite. Find out more at: link below

*Having good genes doesn’t mean you’ll live longer, it just means you’ll look better doing it.

https://www.suzannesomers.com/

BENEFITS: 

  Formula uses only pure, organic ingredients

  No animal testing

  No synthetic fragrances

  Beech Tree Bud Extract supports the skin cells. This organic extract moisturizes the skin and assists in the look of wrinkle reduction by supporting the skin

  Argan Oil is one of the rarest oils in the world, this desert plant restores moisture so skin can survive dry climates, such as air-conditioning or heating

  Just as this plant protects itself from the desert heat, the oil from the tree’s fruit helps our skin to be protected from the elements.

  Sea Buckthorn Berry is a rare plant that contains essential fatty acids, Omega 3,6,7 and 9! Our skin loves these essential fatty acids and to find all of these essential fatty acids in one plant is remarkable

AND MORE…

If you’ve been fortunate enough to try her line I’d like your comments.