My Drugstore Beauty Faves

I've been using a LOT of beauty products bought from stores like London Drugs and Superstore lately (mostly makeup) and I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you. These items will not break the bank AND they work!

My All-Time Favorite Foundations at Every Price Point

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite foundations with you all.

What I'm Loving Lately

Here are a few things I've been enjoying the past couple of weeks ; )

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay - The Holy Grail

Remember when I shared with you the Best Face Mask Ever? Well, step aside Manuka Honey Mask, I have found ANOTHER face mask that will BLOW YOUR MIND!

Blend & Boost Personalized Skincare

A couple of months ago I was asked to attend an info session at Dr. Neeraj Bector’s aesthetic clinic in

West Edmonton Mall about a new, customized skincare line called Blend & Boost by Medisca. You all know how much I love talking about skincare and how important it is to me, especially now that I’m in my thirties so of course I had to attend! 

MAKE UP FOR EVER New Products Review

L to R: MAKE UP FOREVER Flat Round Brush #156 $45,  

Pro Sculpting Duo #2 (Golden) $45, Step 1 Skin Equalizer Nourishing Primer $43

Most of you know I'm a beauty junkie so it won't be a surprise when I tell you how excited I was when I received a couple of new products from MAKE UP FOR EVER in the mail to try: the Pro Sculpting Duo and their Step 1 Skin Equalizer Nourishing Primer.

Repeat Drug Store Buys

As much as I appreciate higher-end beauty products - hello MAC and Sephora - I love a good drug store buy. Here are all the items I purchase over and over again, without the heavy price tag ; )

What I'm Loving Lately

This book. It was raw, real and brutally honest. I read it in three nights. I love Lena : )

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Artist Shadow in ME202 Iceberg Blue and S228 Petrol Blue. I was given samples of these mix-and-match eye shadows to try and found they are highly pigmented and so easy to blend, not to mention the color payoff is amazing! I'm also loving their Artist Liner in Iridescent Khaki, it glides on so easily and stays put all day.

This $50.00 Aldo bag, as seen on the arm of Taylor Swift. A great bag for fall!

Kevin Murphy's Young.Again and Session.Spray, my two must-have hair styling products that WORK! You can get them from my hair salon Ponytails + Horseshoes in Edmonton.

This couple. Why? Because all of the money they received from People, Hello and Vanity Fair for their wedding photos will be donated to charities. Kardashians, take note.

My 5 Minute Makeup Routine

Hi guys, I'm sorry I've been MIA lately, I've just been really busy getting ready to tie the knot. I promise once all the craziness subsides I will be back to blogging more often! In the meantime I thought I'd share my favorite makeup products I've been using on a weekly, if not daily basis when I only have about five minutes to get ready, thanks to my fondness for sleeping in ; ). Clockwise starting from the top left:

1. NARS Blush in Orgasm 2. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20 (see review here) 3. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (my fave) 4. Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara (see what it does here) 5. Lancome Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss in Raspberry Ice 6. the Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

It literally takes me under 5 minutes to apply all of these products and they give me a nice, natural look when I'm crunched for time. What about you? What are your go-to beauty products you can't leave the house without wearing? Let me know in the comment section below!


xo

My Skincare Routine

Last week my best friend asked me about my skincare routine and if I could recommend a few good products. My response? "CAN I?! Of course I can!" If you've been reading my blog for awhile you'll know I absolutely LOVE talking about beauty products and I'm especially obsessed with skincare so this is really fun for me! Since my regime has changed since the last time I posted about it back in 2011 I thought this would be the perfect time for an update and to help out my friend at the same time ; ). I'm not gonna lie, I spend a lot of money on skincare, more than I do on clothes, shoes or bags because you can change your clothes but you can't change your face (well, technically with plastic surgery you can but you know what I mean!) And I'm in my thirties now so it's important to me that I age gracefully. It's definitely been an investment but an investment that has been worth it, especially when people say I look younger than I am! (Toot, toot.) So here's my routine:

Morning:

I don't cleanse my face in the morning since I cleanse it the night before and my skin isn't oily, it's sensitive, I just splash water on my face and pat it with a washcloth. Then I spritz on some Yon-Ka Lotion Invigorating Mist Dry Skin Toner which refreshes and hydrates the skin. Before I apply any makeup I use Vivierskin Serum 20 Antioxidant Serum with L-Ascorbic Acid USP (which I've been using since I was 25! It has the highest grade Vitamin C available which is important because as you age you lose this nutrient over time), Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm underneath and around my eyes and Yon-Ka Creme PS Age Defense for Dry Skin on my face and neck. In the spring/summer when I spend more time in the sun I use Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 which you can read about here or an actual sunblock like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen in SPF 60. I also like Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15. You can get both of these at the drugstore.

At night: I take off my makeup with MAC wipes (not pictured) then I cleanse my skin with NeoStrata Gel Cleanser with glycolic acid which removes the outer layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin using my Clarisonic Mia (if you don't have one you must get one, read about it here). I wait 15 minutes and then I apply Retin-A Micro gel. ***If you are looking to prevent wrinkles, I highly recommend using Retin-A. You need a prescription for it in Canada, so I get it from my doctor. But be warned, Retin-A is extremely potent, it will dry out your skin and it'll get worse before it gets better, it took my skin months to get used to but I waited it out and I'm glad I did, it's the best anti-wrinkle cream I've found. After applying the Retin-A I wait 15 more minutes for it to sink in and then I apply Yon-Ka Phyto-Contour Eye Cream for Puffiness and Dark Circles (I've been genetically "blessed" with dark under-eye circles unfortunately) and I either use G.M. Collin A.G.E. Total Defence Antioxidants + Peptides or Coconut Oil for a nightly moisturizer. I'll use coconut oil 80% of the time. This is the cheapest product I purchase and the most moisturizing, you can get it at the grocery store, so if you're on a budget I suggest using this.

Once a week I will either use REN's Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask or this homemade manuka honey face mask (which is AMAZING!!) I also use Yon-ka's Masque No. 1 for deep hydration weekly. I used to get microdermabrasion done about every 3 months as well as facials but now it's about every 4-5 months or so. I don't get Botox yet but I am not opposed to it and will probably entertain the idea in the future. I'm not trying to prevent myself from aging, I mean you can't, everyone is going to age and get wrinkles! I just want to do it gracefully and delay it a bit if possible and it's possible if you take good care of your skin. I know I use a lot of different products, if I had to recommend only 4 products for women who are in their late twenties/thirties/forties and beyond I would suggest #1 Retin-A, #2 A vitamin C serum #3 A good moisturizer (like coconut oil) #4 Sunblock for the face.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it! If you have any questions about any of these products please leave a comment in the comment section below and I'll respond. And stay tuned for my next post where I'll share some of my other skincare tips and secrets ; ).

My Favorite Earth-Friendly Beauty Products

In honor of Earth Day today I thought I'd share 3 of my favorite Eco-friendly skincare products with my lovely readers. I use these every single day:

#1 Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm - I keep one in my purse, one in my jacket pocket, one next to my bed and one on my makeup table at all times. And there are probably a couple in the crook of my couch somewhere, too ; ). This balm is very nourishing. And 100 % natural. 

#2 Organic Virgin Coconut Oil - I've talked about my love for coconut oil before, I use it on my face and body as a moisturizer, and once a week I put it in my hair for 30 minutes, let it sit and then wash it out to make my locks soft and shiny. Virgin coconut oil is made naturally and free of harsh chemicals.

#3 Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap (Peppermint)- I use this delicious-smelling soap as a body wash. It leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed. This company makes socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality and dedicate their products to helping make a better world and that makes me feel good using it : ).

Happy Earth Day! And let's be kind to our planet : ).

My Favorite Drugstore Mascara

Revlon Photoready 3D Volume mascara is my new-found love. Definitely the best drugstore mascara I've tried. It lengthened my itty-bitty, short lashes, gave them volume and stayed on all day. And this mascara is really build-able - you can see in the photos below the more coats I applied, the more dramatic my lashes looked.

Without mascara

With one coat

With two coats

It can get a bit clumpy after three coats (like any mascara would!) so I if I apply more than two, I have to comb through my lashes so they don't stick together.

The best 9 bucks I ever spent! What is your favorite mascara? Let me know in the comment section below!

Review: Manizer Duo Kit by The Balm

When I was asked by ObsessedCanada.com if I wanted to review the Manizer Duo Kit by The Balm I responded right away with a quick, "I'd love to!" I'm a huge fan of makeup (including The Balm products) and am always on the lookout for new products to try. Below is my review.

The package (which I thought was so cute!) consists of the Mary-Lou Luminizer and the Betty-Lou Bronzer.

The luminizer is highly pigmented and can be used as a highlighter, shadow and shimmer. There is a ton of product here, this will last me at least six months or more. It has a silky-smooth texture, it's almost creamy, and was so easy to apply.

There is a lot of product in the bronzer compact, too, since they are both the same size ; ). This all-in-one bronzer, shimmer and eyeshadow looked a bit dark for my skin when I first put it on to use as a bronzer but once I blended it in with a contour brush, it looked natural.

I used the luminzer on my upper cheeks, my eyelids and on the inside corners of my eyes.

And I used the bronzer to carve out my cheekbones. I was very happy with the result. Both products gave me a natural, glowing look, they picked up well on my makeup brushes and were extremely easy to apply. I have to say I LOVE this duo kit and it's now on my 'Makeup Must Have's' list! And right now it's on sale for $36.00 (regularly $48.00). Perfect products for spring and summer : ).

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

So say I was going on a trip to a private island or something and I was told I could only bring ONE makeup product for some (awful) reason, well this is the product I'd choose. Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20. I've been wearing this all summer (to see a pic with it on, click here), instead of using foundation and it gives me a healthy, dewy glow while protecting my skin from the sun. It's hydrating, extremely lightweight and blends easily but if you're looking for full coverage, this isn't the product for you. Because of my horrendous under-eye circles, I do put a little bit of concealer under my eyes after applying it. Then I add some blush to my cheeks, a bit of mascara, lip gloss and I'm out the door! I wear very minimal makeup during the day because I like my skin to breathe. Have you tried this tinted moisturizer? I know this is a beauty staple for many make-up lovers out there ; ).

Yon-Ka Skincare Review

A couple of years ago I went for a facial at a spa where the esthetician used a certain product line on my face that made my skin feel extremely moisturized and hydrated. And I remember thinking, "I need to remember the name of this skincare line so I can purchase the same products once I run out of the ones I'm using at home!" But of course I forgot. Fast forward to a couple of months ago when Yon-Ka sent me the above products to try for 4 weeks and it clicked: I remembered Yon-Ka was the line the esthetician used! (I called the spa to confirm.) Needless to say, I was very excited to try out these products.

The Yon-Ka brand was created in France in 1954 and provides skin with the most precious parts of plants and active ingredients - vitamins, fruit acids, polyphenols, peptides and oligo-elements. The heart of Yon-Ka's products consists of a unique blend of 5 essential oils: lavender, geranium, rosemary, cypress and thyme that enhance the effectiveness of the natural active ingredients from plants all over the world. Yon-Ka offers every person a customized solution to various skin issues and the promise of visible, lasting results.

Essentials Lait Nettoyant Cleansing Milk for Face and Eyes - This is a 2-in-1 cleanser plus eye makeup remover. It was very gentle on my somewhat sensitive skin and left it feeling soft and smooth and most importantly, clean! I loved that I could use it to remove eye makeup and mascara, too.

Essentials Lotion Yon-ka Invigorating Mist - I used this after washing my face with the cleansing milk. It's an alcohol-free mist that helps to revitalize and refresh the skin. It's essentially a toner, all you have to do is spray it on your face and use your fingers to rub it in. It has a beautiful scent. I never used to use a toner but going forward I definitely will. It really wakes up my skin and helps prepare my face for any other creams I put on it during the day, and at night. Plus it helps with my extremely dry skin!

Age Defense Vital Defense Anti-Oxidant - This is a great anti-aging cream that fights damaging environmental factors like pollution, smoking, exposure to UV rays, etc. I put it on in the morning, after using the Lotion Yon-Ka and my skin drank it up. It's very easy to apply, as the texture is quite creamy. I only wish it had an SPF rating, especially now that I'm spending more time outside as the weather gets warmer.

Age Correction Elastine Nuit Smoothing Wrinkle Remover - I used this as my night cream. It's very rich and nourishing, helping to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles. I felt it really firmed my skin and smoothed the lines around my mouth.

Age Defense Masque No. 1 Intense Hydration Repairing - An anti-aging gel-cream mask, I put this on once a week after applying the Elastine Nuit. You don't have to wash it off, you can go to bed with it on (after you wait a few minutes) and wake up with beautiful, moisturized skin. I think this was what the esthetician used on me that one time and it really wowed me. Living in an extremely dry climate, this mask is my savior!

Contours Phyto-Contour for Eyes - Out of all the eye creams I have ever tried (and I have tried a LOT), this is THE BEST one. I have really bad, dark, under eye circles (see here) and I noticed them lighten up after using this eye cream for the 4 weeks. It also reduced the appearance of the fine lines around my eyes. It has a strong smell, kind of like Vick's Vapo Rub but I don't mind it. Tip: Even though this is an "eye" cream, I also put it above my top lip, which, like the skin around the eyes, is very delicate.

Here's a non-photo-shopped picture of me a couple of days ago (in my bathrobe!). After using Yon-ka products for 4 weeks, my skin has become so much clearer and my under eye circles no longer frightening that I don't need to wear foundation anymore! All I'm wearing here (on top of the Yon-ka products) is tinted moisturizer, a bit of concealer under my eyes and blush. It looks like my T-Zone is oily but I can assure you that's just the flash from my camera ; ). I am extremely pleased with what Yon-ka has done for my skin. I feel like I look more youthful after the 4 weeks (I'm in my 30's) and my skin is refreshed and hydrated. I thought my skin was so dry, especially around my eyes (and the climate I lived in was so dry) that no moisturizer or cream would help, I had tried so many, but Yon-Ka has proven me wrong. 

For more info on Yon-Ka products, you can click here and/or call 1-800-361-1263 to order.
Yon-Ka Canada is also on Facebook.

***I want to note that I still used Retin-A and Vitamin C Serum (which I've been using for years) while trying these products. I was not compensated for this post, Yon-ka sent me these products for review only.

GM Collin Review

You may know this already but I love cosmetics and skincare products just as much as I love fashion so I was more than happy to review a few products from GM Collin. GM Collin was founded in France in 1957 but since the early 1990's the skincare line has been manufactured and adapted by a Montreal-based company called Dermo-Cosmetik Laboratories, to suit the North American climate which, where I live, is EXTREMELY dry. I used the products (more about each of them below) for 4 weeks. In the above pictures you can see three photos: the first one I took before I started using GM Colin, the second one is 4 weeks after and the last one is of me with makeup on. (I had to include one of me with makeup on so I wouldn't scare my readers away! I was very nervous posting photos of my bare face but there you have it!) I should mention here that I continued using Retin-A, which I've been using for years, and my Vivier Vitamin C Serum in conjunction with these products.

What impressed me most about the products was how deeply hydrated and moisturized my skin felt after using them. I don't think I can go back to using my regular day and night cream after experiencing GM Collin. Before, when I applied concealer to my under eye circles (which are horrible, see here), especially in the winter, the concealer would dry and seep into my fine lines and "crack", it would look very crusty in that area. That doesn't happen anymore, plus my eye circles aren't as dark now and my skin is also much clearer.

To read more about each product I used scroll down:

Hydramucine Cleansing Milk - It actually felt like I was washing my face with milk! This cleanser is very creamy and did a great job removing my makeup, while using my Clarisonic and didn't irritate my sensitive skin.

Hydramucine Treating Mist - I used this right after the cleansing milk and it left my skin feeling fresh and hydrated. Also helps to absorb the products you put on your face after using the mist.

Hydramucine Optimal Cream - I used this during the day, before applying my makeup. The cream is velvety-smooth and super-moisturizing. Makes my skin feel so soft. The only thing that I don't like about this cream is that it doesn't have SPF in it. I wouldn't wear it in the summer, I would use GM Collin SPF 30 Cream instead.

A.G.E. Total Defense - This is an anti-aging cream packed with 8 antioxidants and 5 peptides that combat the signs of aging. I used this at night, all over my face and under my eyes. I found that it decreased the appearance of my fine lines, evened out my skin tone and made my skin brighter. I don't like the packaging though because whenever I tried to open the cap, the whole top would come off and I'd have to screw it back on!

Instant Radiance Anti-Aging Eye Patches - Loved these! I put them under my eye area for 20 minutes and they really did instantly reduce the appearance of my fine lines, under eye bags and dark circles. These are very soothing for the delicate skin around the eyes and great for the morning after a long night out ; ).

Overall, I was really impressed with this skincare line and what it had to offer. And even though these products were sent to me free of charge to review, I would purchase them myself. They are a little pricey but so worth it. I make sure to invest in high quality skin care, especially now that I'm out of my twenties and I have to think about wrinkles and aging! I want to age gracefully. Plus, the skin is the largest organ in the body, you need to treat it well : ).

To find out where you can buy these products in your area you can visit this site and call:1-800-361-1263.

What's In My Makeup Bag

I don't know about you, but I love seeing what other bloggers/celebrities/my friends have in their makeup bags. Call me snoopy. Surprisingly, in the 3 years I've been writing Marie a la Mode, I've never done a "What's in my bag/makeup bag?" post so I thought it was time! These are just a few items I use on a regular basis and have to have when traveling.

L-R Starting fromt the top left row: 

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation 240 Natural Beige - smooth like butter! I only use foundation on special occasions or when I'm going to be photographed, like for outfit posts.

NARS Copacabana Illuminator - I mix this with my Colorstay foundation and it gives me a nice, luminous glow. Yes, "luminous."

MAC Studio Fix C2 - I've been using this since I was 14. It's a powder and foundation in one but it's not cake-y.

NYX Super Skinny Marker in Carbon Black - I'm not good at putting on normal liquid liner, it's usually a war between me and the liner and the liner always wins, with the black ink ending halfway up my eyelid. I don't have a steady hand but with this, it's easy to apply and it lasts all day.

Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara in Black - This mascara really lengthens and extends my eyelashes. (Just like Pilates and my limbs!)

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer - I've used this for years. To see a review click, here. (I compare it to Cle de Peau's $70 concealer.)

NARS Orgasm Blush - My all-time favorite blush. I love the color and it looks good on any skin tone. It's popular for a reason!

ILIA Lipstick in Shell Shock - My friend Janis got this for me for Christmas and I love the color. Sorry you can't see it in this photo! In Edmonton you can buy ILIA lipsticks at LUX Beauty Boutique.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm - An everyday staple. Very soothing and all-natural.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm - Very creamy but very matte and the color is gorgeous. It goes great with the NARS Orgasm blush.

MAC Eyeshadow in Vanilla - I always use this, on it's own or as a base underneath darker colors. It doesn't crack or cake on the eyelid.

Body Shop Eye Shadow in 07 - A great color to use for contouring.

What's in your makeup bag? Let me know in the comment section below!

My Favorite Perfumes

Lola by Marc Jacobs (for the summer) and Black Orchid by Tom Ford for the winter. Both completely opposite from one another. Lola is light, girly, fruity, romantic and sweet and Black Orchid is strong, deep, spicy, sultry and sexy. It's great to switch things up once in awhile ; ). What perfume do you wear?

Happy Valentine's Day, Lovers! I just ate 10 Hershey's kisses and I'm completely okay with it.

The Best Face Mask I've Ever Tried

Guys, I just have to share this face mask with you that I've added to my skincare routine. It has me really excited! I tried it after my friend Lisa, who writes the popular lifestyle blog Life by Leese (you should be following it!) recommended it as a facial treatment. I'm so glad she did because it is hands down the BEST face mask I've ever tried. All you need is 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey (found at health food stores, I found mine at Planet Organic) and a couple slices of lemon. Mix the lemon juice with the honey, apply to face, let it sit for 30 minutes and wash off. It's sticky, gooey and messy but it will make your face feel as smooth as a baby's bottom and will give you that healthy glow. Lisa says you can also add turmeric to the mix to help with redness. To read more about Manuka honey and its healing properties please click here. It's quite expensive, one jar cost me 28 dollars but I can easily get 20 + treatments out of it. And honestly, it's so worth it!

Lately Loving

photo taken with instagram

If you've been a reader of my blog for awhile (thanks for that by the way!) you know how much I enjoy trying different products, whether it be makeup, skincare or haircare. And I love sharing my finds with you guys! So here are a few items I can't get enough of lately:

Davines Authentic Moisturizing Balm - Davines gifted me with this multi-use moisturizer at fashion week and I am in love with this stuff! It's super hydrating; my skin just drinks it up. I have actually added it to my skincare regime. I use it on my face but you can use it on your body and hair as well! You can get it at hair salons that sell the Davines line.

L'Oreal Voluminous Power Collagen Mascara -This mascara gives me thick, full lashes and the Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara really lengthens them. Sometimes I'll use them both together. (Ever heard of that trick before? Try it!)

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - Sheer and lightweight, I use this in place of my foundation when I don't feel like wearing a lot of makeup and want to look natural. It gives my face a  healthy glow while moisturizing my skin. Unfortunately I bought the one without SPF protection so next time I'll be sure to get the one that has SPF 20 in it. (Must practice safe sun.)

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation - I ooohed and ahhhed over this foundation in this recent post. It's as smooth as butter, blends so easily and lasts throughout the whole day. I love it, I love it, I LOVE it. Just like Molly Shannon. (Did you get that SNL reference??)

What products are you loving lately?