I can't believe it's been three months since my last empties post! Since I decided to start doing these round-ups, I've been much better about saving my empty packaging and taking notes on each product in my bullet journal. Here's what I've gone through.
No matter what time of year it is, I firmly believe a little colour on the lips or cheeks goes a long way in bringing life and energy to one's complexion, which is why I was so delighted by some of the recent Pixi Beauty samples to arrive at Solo Lisa headquarters. These are not new launches nor are they limited editions, but considering Pixi has only been available Canada-wide at Shoppers Drug Mart since January, they still feel pretty new here north of the 49th parallel!
One of the unfortunate side effects of being chronically ill, having surgery and returning after a hiatus, and getting back in Bar Method is that I'm way behind on all of my blogging, including talking about some of the products that Givenchy has launched so far in 2017. I have no idea what the Canadian availability of the limited editions is at the moment, but I did find them all listed on the American Sephora website so that's a hopeful sign. Beauty lovers, here's what's new and noteworthy from Givenchy this year!
Exactly two months ago I underwent a minimally invasive laparascopic surgery, but let's face it, even minor surgery is still surgery. Thanks to Bar Method though, the 4-6 week recovery process was quicker and more painless than expected. You've probably heard me talk about Bar Method on the blog time and again, and if you haven't tried it yet (or you tried ages ago and haven't been back since) I have an amazing offer for you at the end of this post!
In my journey towards a greener beauty routine I've been going for a natural-ish approach. My rough rule-of-thumb is to try to avoid endocrine disruptors and go for natural formulas whenever possible, especially for anything I use over large areas of skin that's absorbed like moisturizer, skincare, lip balm, and so on, but I wouldn't stress out too much if I occasionally strayed into conventional products, especially when it came to colour cosmetics and cleansers. That said, I've been curious about natural shampoo and conditioner for a while. Do they really work? Are they worth the hype? Would they be as effective as what I could buy at the drugstore or salon? I got the chance to find out firsthand when Rocky Mountain Soap Co. sent me their Soothing Shampoo and Soothing Conditioner ($15.50 each) in the vanilla coconut scent.
If there's anything that'll create dark spots quickly on your skin it's sun and oxidative stress brought on by pollution, so needless to say the hot, hazy and humid conditions Vancouver's been experiencing lately have been less to kind to complexions. But beyond that, I find that as summer transitions to fall and tans begin to fade, dark spots and unevenness start appearing—evidence of less-than-stellar SPF habits. Thank goodness for products like the new Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence ($50 at BeautyMark), which is designed to be used in conjunction with their cult-fave Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($89 at BeautyMark). Combined, these products effectively yet gently brighten, lighten, and even out the skin, relying on naturals-heavy formulas to do so.
These days I gravitate towards easy-to-wear pieces that combine fashion and function, and if they streamline my routine, all the better. Case in point? This gorgeous 'Maya' wallet from the Matt & Nat x Indigo collection (now available at Indigo stores and through indigo.ca), which has integrated into my daily life seamlessly ever since I received it for review.
Whatever your preferences are (Spray, solid, or lotion? Mineral or chemical? Drugstore or high-end?), the trick to making a habit of wearing sunscreen regularly is finding a formula that you'll love using and re-applying. Here are four I've been using lately.
During the dog days of summer, there are a few things that can make the heat bearable: face mists, iced coffee, air conditioning at the office, a refreshing shower. My latest beauty mail delivery from P&G Beauty United featured a couple of drugstore delights that have made their way into my summer shower routine and helped me feel fresh in spite of the high temperatures.
Face mists and sprays have been an integral part of this summer's beauty routine, whether it's a morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up, a spritz after a hot and sweaty walk outside, or just a refreshing moment in my condo (which doesn't have air conditioning). The ones I'm sharing with you today are at least half-empty—that's how much I've been using them—and three out of four have been featured on the blog before. But hey, if I'm still gushing about them after all this time and usage they must be good! The other great thing about these mists is that the price tags hover around the $20 mark or lower. I find I don't use face mists as often when they're very expensive ones, and really, what good is a mist when you're not using it liberally to cool down and hydrate whenever you want to?
Hello and happy August, dear readers! Thanks for bearing with me while I got my health sorted out. Here's what's been going on with me the last six weeks or so.
