April Favourites

Kiss My Face Peaches and Cream Moisturizer Every girl needs a spring and summer scent. Mine is peach. Ever since falling in love with Sephora's Apricots and Cream moisturizer, I had to find a lotion that hydrated my skin well and still had a long-lasting peach smell. This one is great if you love the smell. The pluses? It'll keep you moisturised for more than 24 hours (you'll still feel it when you jump in the shower the next day), it isn't heavy at all since it has a watery consistency, and oh, it smells great. Some downsides are that it isn't fast absorbing, you have to leave it on your skin for a little bit, and that it's pricier than your average lotion. Though, I find that it has some great benefits with the alpha hydroxy ingredient.

• improves even severely dry skin
• helps unblock & cleanse pores
• speeds up the exfoliation process
• allows new healthy skin cells to emerge
• reduces discolouration and age spots

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are all natural, safe and gentle substances found in fruits and sugar cane. This 4% AHA moisturizer is recommended for daily use on the face or body.Whole Foods ~$15

Johnson's Honey Apple Baby Lotion I didn't stop at one spring lotion. This one smells like organic red delicious apples and it's wonderful. The fact that it's gentle enough for a baby really draws me in. I love being able to grab a lotion that smells great and won't irritate my skin. I love to use this after a long bath in the night time, just when I'm winding down to sleep. Maybe it's a psychological thing, but it's comforting to use. Shoppers Drug Mart ~$8

Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 5 I had my makeup done recently and discovered that the left side of my face is darker than the right side. This is all due to driving in the sun, where most of the sunlight is hitting my face through the driver's side window. Huge disappointment, but it makes me glad that I bought some facial sunscreen now that the weather is warming up. I already use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, so I figured I would just buy the sunscreen instead of purchasing a whole new moisturizer with built-in SPF. Besides, this is apparently a customer favourite. It has a water consistency that makes it really easy to apply before any makeup hits your face. The non-greasy formula is definitely a plus too because I hate feeling like my face is hidden behind oil, dirt, makeup, etc. Point being that my face still feels fresh even after I apply a layer of sunscreen (which almost never happens with other brands I've used before). Kiehl's ~$42

Lavender and Vanilla 3-wick Candle Aromatherapy? Yes. Smells good? Yes - a gentle lavender scent that is reminiscent of clean laundry. Not like cotton, just like a lavender fabric softener. Enough fragrance to fill a room? Yes. Long-lasting? Yes. A strong recommendation for someone who is looking for a "wind-down and relax me" candle. Bath & Body Works $20

Eucerin Aquafor I've been battling with this irritating eczema patch right above my lips for a long long time. I've heard of this product for years but never really sought it out. I've been missing out. This is great for flareups, when your skin decides to get really hot and then red and then dry. It also works great as a lip balm. I would suggest that whatever you're using Vaseline for, substitute it for this. It will calm down redness and smooth out the texture of the eczema patches overnight. One thing to remember is that it doesn't absorb right away, so it'll look a little greasy upon application (like a Kiehl's/Carmex lipbalm). Not that you'll really care at that moment when you're looking to calm a flareup. Shoppers Drug Mart ~$12

SBT Seabuckthorn Soothing Salve Certain parts of my face are really dramatic and decide to flush whenever they want. At these points in time, I usually go looking for something cold to put on my face - cold hands, cold water, ice cubs - anything to soothe it. This salve works really well for immediate relief. It has a balmy texture that sits almost like a wax in the tin, but warms up when you rub it between your fingers. Once applied, it'll appear a little bit like Vaseline, but that shine goes away pretty quickly. I would definitely recommend this to anyone with rosacea or any other type of red, inflamed skin. It does have a slight medicinal smell, but nothing irritating. One other thing to note is that I find this to be a temporary relief product. It hasn't decreased the frequency of my flareups, but in conjunction with a long-term solution, it can really do wonders. Whole Foods ~18

March Favourites

Not that many this month, but I've been trying out a few new products for the past week and I am 99% sure they will make it to my April favourites! Just want to make sure they prove to be recommendation-worthy after a longer period of time.

Life brand hair towel I used to depend on a regular towel to wrap my hair after a shower, but it's always been cumbersome and heavy. I didn't think the hair towel was really that big a deal, but since I put it in the wash, I've missed it. It has literally changed how I feel about washing my long, thick, heavy hair. In fact, I look forward to it because my wet hair no longer weighs me down. It might look a little weird at first, but it's super easy to use. Just bring your hair over in front of your face, drape the hooded part over your head, twist the remaining section with your wet hair, and button it back. It's pretty much how you would wrap your hair with a towel, except it stays put with a button closure. (If you're wondering what it looks like, it's the cloth that all the other products are laying on.) Life brand is only sold at Shoppers Drug Mart. ~$8

Balea Cooling Lotion Spring is finally here which means that I'm going to be shaving more often. I absolutely can't stand razor burn and razor bumps. I tend to get the bumps on the back of my thighs, but this cooling lotion can be used every where, it's definitely gentle enough. As can be expected, it is cool on application and rubs in like a gel lotion. It smells like Gillette shaving cream, so kind of masculine, but it goes away shortly after application (I think it's kind of refreshing anyway. Not everything has to smell like flowers). If you happen to knick yourself while shaving, be a little cautious because it tends to sting for a bit. Shoppers Drug Mart~$8

Ombrelle Face SPF Stick Sunscreen is for winners. I usually can't handle regular cream sunscreens on my face, but I found this little wonder that makes application a breeze. Just swipe on, like you would a concealer stick, and then blend in all over like a face primer. I'll be looking for a moisturiser with built-in SPF soon, so I may not repurchase, but in the mean time, this is doing a great job and I highly recommend to anyone with sensitive skin. Shoppers Drug Mart ~$30

Wet n Wild Silk Finish lipstick in Dark Wine So it's kind of late to be wearing dark lipsticks. OH WELL. I only recently discovered this and I'm going to wear it as often as I can because it's beautiful and it doesn't make me look like a vamp. Plus, hello, it is only like $2. Walmart ~$2

Wet n Wild Silk Finish lipstick in Black Orchid Same goes for this one, which is an even darker colour. I'll be writing a review on these two shortly. Can't get enough. I wore it to the Rihanna Diamonds World Tour this February too and it looked so great! Walmart ~$2

February Favourites

Skin and Hair

L'Oreal Nutri-Sleek for Dry, Unmanageable Hair If you have thick, unmanageable long hair, this product will probably save you numerous headaches. I absolutely need some sort of detangler, regardless of which shampoo or conditioner I'm using. I was really excited about the Kerastaste hair oils, but I figured I'd try the less expensive dupe first. It has a really strong, floral scent (reminds me of YSL's Opium perfume), so if you prefer unfragranced, or citrusy smells, this isn't for you. I usually use a few pumps when my hair is damp, comb out, and then blow-dry. It leaves my hair feeling really soft and there's no need to add in anything more until your next wash. Not sure if it's a combination of hair products I'm using, but my hair hasn't been very frizzy or untamed looking since I started using this. ~$8

L'Oreal Volume Collagen Body Boost I ran out of my volumizing hair mousse (which sucked by the way), so I went for a different formula - this time a root lifting spray. It's a stupid reason to be excited about a hair product, but I absolutely love the smell of this thing. It reminds me of passion fruits. I also really appreciate the nozzle which makes spritzing roots a piece of cake. I'll be honest and say that it doesn't give my hair crazy body, but it does help it from becoming lifeless too quickly. I can wash my hair every other day and not worry that I look like I got rained on in between washes. ~$8

The Body Shop Sink-In Moisture Mask Winter calls for extra hydration and this is now my go-to for when my regular face moisturiser isn't cutting it. It's not like other masks, in that you don't have to wipe away any excess product; water nor wash cloths are required. I essentially use it the same way I would use a thick moisturiser, but I don't massage it in all the way. It kind of sinks in on it's own and I find that my skin feels better if I just let it sit first as opposed to when I rub it in for quicker absorption  After one or two uses, my skin is back to normal (plump and healthy) and I can go back to my regular routine. Smells wonderful, like a mixture of tonic water, baby powder, and roses. It has a jelly texture in the tub, but thins out really quickly when you apply it. ~$22

For your insides

BELL Master Herbalist Help for Skin Disorders If you follow my blog and read the When Less is More: Reviewing Your Skincare post, you`ll know that I have challenges with eczema. After seeing a naturopathic doctor and getting accustomed to probiotics, I`m now very much into finding herbal remedies for skin issues. Your skin reflects how healthy you are on the inside, so it makes sense to fix any problems you may have from the inside out. These capsules have really made a difference, getting rid of random flare-ups during the day. My eczema has calmed over the years, but I do get spontaneous red blotches when the air is dry (I think that`s what causes it anyway). Not any more. What really sold me was that it doesn't have your typical eczema-curing ingredients like olive oil, turmeric, or apple cider vinegar. It's entirely made up of grape root extract, bitter sweet extract, sarsaparilla, juniper berries, and neem extract. It was fairly inexpensive considering how much relief it will give you, but if you're taking it steadily, you'll probably be back for another bottle in about a month. ~$25

Emergen-C Those of you who are in Canada are aware that our winter is seriously dragging on, to the point where it depresses you and/or gets rid of your motivation to get out of bed in the morning. Not only has it been hard to stay focused for the past month, it has also been hard to stay sniffle-free. Emergen-C has been getting around a lot, plenty of bloggers have recommended it. It's an easy recco because it tastes great (think of an effervescent vitamin c tablet in water...like a slightly watered down carbonated orange juice) and it really does work. Not only does it fend off colds, it also gives me a rejuvenating boost of energy in the morning. +1 for packaging too! ~$15

January Favourites

 Kiehl's Ultra Facial Set  My skin is on the dry, sensitive side. I've had/still have (frustrating) experiences with eczema and rosacea, so I'm very cautious with the products I put on my skin. Keihl's has really lived up to it's bestseller name - these three have been working wondrously on my skin. The facial cleanser, with its creamy texture and a pearl-like colour, foams and lathers well. It leaves my skin feeling clean without feeling taught. Ever since having a derma-specialist comment that my skin was super dehydrated, I've been bent on trying to quench its thirst. Luckily, Kiehl's comes highly recommended, so it was easy to know where to go from there.  I haven't tried the line on myself twice a day, but it definitely seems gentle enough for morning and nighttime use. The toner is milky, so again, very gentle. The cream has a more watery-like texture (not runny, but nothing like a thick night cream). Everything is fragrance-free and inexpensive as far as skin solutions go. Officially one of my favourite trios. ~$25 cleanser, ~$22 toner, ~$56 cream

The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Exfoliator  I've stayed away from harsh exfoliators, with beads and nut shells in them, for fear of going too far. Chemical exfoliators with lactic acid have been a good alternative, but I've found that they can easily dry out my skin and bring back patches of eczema here and there. This exfoliator does the trick. I can exfoliate every day without worry. Fragrance-free as well. $14.50

Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Moisturiser  I had a craving for chocolate that I couldn't avoid. This happened. Just love warm scents in winter. ~$8

Batiste Dry Shampoo  I swore off dry shampoo after my Dove experience, but ladies, I've found one that works! Baby powder helps absorb oil, but I have a bigger problem with just having limp hair after a day of not washing. Batiste helped bring back the clean feeling and puff up my hair enough to give me my confidence back. It will leave a white residue, but it goes away right after a comb out. Fresh hair all day after that. Smells citrus-y, but they also have a tropical version if you're into that. ~$8

Make-up and Minis

Pecksniff's Calm Hand & Body Moisturiser  Since my last trip to Europe, I've been in love with this hand cream. It smells like ginger, which I've learned can be a hit or a miss depending on the person. I personally love the smell because it's so refreshing from the normal perfumed, overly cake-smelling, hand cream. Don't get me wrong, I like cake too. But imagine what a ginger souffle might smell like. This is that. I would recommend Origin's Ginger Souffle Cream for anyone that can't find this particular brand.

Purell Hand Sanitizer  I've had a persistent cold for the entire of January. For fear of getting even worse, and infecting everyone else, this is a staple of my purse and desk. It's a cheap, but no less significant piece of my arsenal. ~$1

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 in Mango  Thank the lord for this product. I've tried Carmex, Burt's Bees, Blistex, and Vaseline in combination with huge intakes of water and yet still, my lips remain chapped and ugly and blistered and hurting. This lip balm is about the only thing right now that doesn't irritate my lipline and cause worse chapping. I can't say that my lips are forever smooth even though I'm using this, but it definitely helps. I think once this cold weather dies down, I will have no problems. ~$8

Revlon Photoready Concealer  If you read my previous posts, you may know that I swore by Bobbi Brown's concealer. That said, I was convinced that there was a drugstore substitute, so I picked up my shade from Revlon and voila! I have a new favourite. It's thick in texture, but glides on really well with the twist-up stick. I really appreciate the fact that it doesn't require extra tools for a perfect application. Just swipe, and pat with a clean finger to blend in. Even without setting powder, it doesn't crease very much. Excellent coverage for dark circles. Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a beginner concealer or just an inexpensive one! ~$13

MAC Perfect Topping Skin Finish  I won't lie. I dug this one out of my make-up bag after a long hiatus. When I first purchased it, I found that it gave me more of a silver-y glow as opposed to a golden one. I usually prefer golden highlighters, but this looks really great in the winter time. Freshens your whole face without looking too silver. I wish I could tell you how much it costs, but I honestly don't remember. I guess what you can take away from this, if not that you want to purchase this item in particular, is that you shouldn't be afraid to try a silver-y highlighter this season. Gold highlighters look great with a bronzed look, but I've found that if you want to go for ``youthful, fresh and healthy,`` a silvery-pink highlighter goes a long way.

Monthly Favourites: October

1. NeoStrata's Smoothing Cleansing Mask. You should think of exfoliation like how you think of taking out the trash: do it every week. Those dead skin cells need to go or you risk having dull, flakey, unhealthy skin. I use this mask regularly because it doesn't have those harsh beads that you have to physically scrub into your skin, it has 10% glycolic acid, so it works like a mini facial peel that you can do at home. Dermalogica's Gentle Cream Exfoliant leaves your skin feeling amazing as well and it goes for about $30 at Sephora. This one is similarly priced and you can pick it up at Shoppers Drug Mart or Murale.

2. Carmex. When you need a minty lip soother/chapstick, this is the one you should turn to. Never fails. Carmex has a camphor sort of scent, so it's not the most pleasant of smells (I don't really mind. I I think of it like Gold Bond cream - smells medicinal but it works like a charm). If you're looking for a glossy chapstick, this will do as well. Avoid overusing it if you have sensitive skin. Grab it at Shoppers for $3.

3. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose. Burt's Bees is the bomb. I was looking for something that would moisturize and also add a hint of colour to my lips for those days that I don't want to put any makeup on (wakens your entire face if your lips are a little rosy). Doesn't feel minty, just moisturizing. Grab it at Shoppers for $5.

4. Burt's Bees Lip Balm with Pomegranate. Out of the three chapsticks listed here, I'm putting this one on the most. Smells like fruity bubble tea and I don't feel like I have to reapply very often at all. Love it! Grab it at Shoppers for $5.

5. Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in Tutti Fruitti. Again, one of those products that can add a hint of colour to my face and is a nice shade of coral/peach. Grab it at Shoppers for $8.

6. Bioderma Miceller Lotion. The short story is that it is a makeup remover that has no scent, is wonderful on my sensitive skin and gets everything off. Can't say I've tried other brands' miceller lotion (looks like every derma brand is jumping on the bandwagon now), but I don't think I'd hesitate to just stick with this one. I got mine at Shoppers for $20.

7. Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain in Romance. I am struggling to find a drugstore lipstick in red that works with my skintone and doesn't overpower my face. This is a softer option that I'm enjoying because it has a minty sensation to it, doesn't dry out my lips and is very pigmented. Grab it at Shoppers for $8.

1. Teasing brush. I used to use a comb and my hair always fell flat. I have relatively thick hair and it goes in between long to medium length. I find that if your hair is kind of heavy and thick, the brush works wonders when compared to a comb. I disowned my teasing comb afterwards...I got mine at Sally's Beauty Supply for $8.

2. Kerastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal (Shampoo). I went to Europe and finally found a bottle of this stuff. Technically you can order it online to try it out, but I liked that I was able to see the product before I purchased it. It smells like salon quality products, so not fruity or flowery if you're into that. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now and it has left my hair soft, shiny and clean. It stays clean-feeling for at least two days, so that's a major plus if you're a busy girl or you just don't want to wash your hair that often. It's on the pricier side, but I definitely trust Kerastase products now. You can purchase this online for around $40.

3. Kerastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal (Conditioner). No more tangles. My long hair was such a nuisance because there would be this clump of tangled hair at the back of my neck, but no more! I can actually de-tangle before my hair dries and it typically doesn't get knotted up throughout the day either, so I feel like my mane is taking a lot less damage now. Again, you can purchase this online for around $40.

4. Hair dryer diffuser. If you have naturally wavy hair, I strongly recommend using one of these. I used to blow-dry my hair regularly and it came out straight, but I have been craving a tool/product that allowed me to just apply heat and have it scrunch up into a big, wavy (good-looking) mess. Didn't take me any longer to diffuse it (than a regular blow-dry), but I've heard it takes some people longer than usual. Beats having to curl your hair and then comb it out, or sleep on braids. Think, beach-hair.