As usual this morning I had my café au lait, turned on my lap top, read great blogs, left a few comments and off to shower!
The Body Shop's Pink Grapefruit shower gel for fresh boost of waking up fragrance, a bit of almond oil for moisture and done.
The Sun is out so Ombrelle SPF 45 had my full attention since I have to run a few errands but first I had to do a tour of the yard to pick up the tiny pears that either fell to the ground or where dropped by the squirrels. They love to munch on them but leave quite a mess behind the little rascals!
After 10 minutes I was a sweaty mess, ready for another shower!
It was barely 8:30!!!
A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous. - Coco Chanel
Showing posts with label LaRochePosay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LaRochePosay. Show all posts
Monday, July 15, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Spring Cleaning, Take a Peek...
Finally, I'm happy to say, we are done with April!!!
It started with the funerals of the man of my life, went on with my first birthday without him and then the anniversary of our first date without him....
To top it all off, the weather was just plain horrible!
The last few days have been nice and so I do believe that even if Spring has let us down this year, Summer should make up for it. Let's hope it does. Actually it should since Jeff the Weather Man did confirm this morning that there will be a Summer! Being a weather man, he must be right! Right?
Some are done with their "Spring cleaning", an almost traditional yearly ritual. After months spent indoors due to the cold mainly, as soon as the weather warms up a bit we go nuts with cleaning, getting rid of that thick "wintery" dust, opening all windows and washing everything we can get our hands on. It sure is a nice change to shoveling.
This Winter there wasn't a lot of cleaning in my house due to what we where going through and so the result of this is a lot of stuff lying around and a lot of dust. A little overwhelmed, I had to start somewhere and so I decided to start the process with my bathroom. I guess it makes it easy since it's the smallest room in the house.
The top shelf is not shown and the bottom one is in view when the door is shut.
Our new girls only pharmacy:
One thing to know about me, I am domestically challenged! This year there's just so much to take care of, to clean, I can hardly keep up with my in-box so imagine the rest... I probably won't be done until... next Spring!
At least my bathroom is done!
If you've enjoyed peeking into mine, you may enjoy the ones of famous people even more... Have a look at these:
It started with the funerals of the man of my life, went on with my first birthday without him and then the anniversary of our first date without him....
To top it all off, the weather was just plain horrible!
The last few days have been nice and so I do believe that even if Spring has let us down this year, Summer should make up for it. Let's hope it does. Actually it should since Jeff the Weather Man did confirm this morning that there will be a Summer! Being a weather man, he must be right! Right?
Some are done with their "Spring cleaning", an almost traditional yearly ritual. After months spent indoors due to the cold mainly, as soon as the weather warms up a bit we go nuts with cleaning, getting rid of that thick "wintery" dust, opening all windows and washing everything we can get our hands on. It sure is a nice change to shoveling.
This Winter there wasn't a lot of cleaning in my house due to what we where going through and so the result of this is a lot of stuff lying around and a lot of dust. A little overwhelmed, I had to start somewhere and so I decided to start the process with my bathroom. I guess it makes it easy since it's the smallest room in the house.
The top shelf is not shown and the bottom one is in view when the door is shut.
Our new girls only pharmacy:
I just realised that I should have changed the tube of toothpaste but hey, this is real life!
Looks nice and clean doesn't it? I give this 2 days tops!
Catherine's corner. Avène Cleanance K moisturizer, La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 60, Ombrelle Face SPF 45, Biotherm Purefect Skin Cleanser, Avène Cleanance Soapless Gel, The Body Shop face brush. On the lower shelf she also has some of her Eos lip balms, Powser brush, Clarins bronzer and Laura Mercier loose powder as seen on the top picture.
Avène Eluage Cream, Avène Eluage Firming Gel, Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum, Caudalie Vinoperfect night, Avène Redness Relief day cream, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Nivea Cream, The Body Shop 3 in 1 mask, Nuxe Crème Fraîche, Unrefined Shea Butter, Witch hazel, a tube of Estée Lauder Vérité Eye Gel and my little jar of Keihl's Creamy Eye Treatment.
Biotherm Biosource Micellar Water, Avène Thermal Water, Avène Anti-redness Dermo-cleanser, Keihl's deodorant, Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm, Nivea Lip Butter, Caudalie Lip Conditioner and two samples of Clarins firming line.
Bottom shelf: Little covered basket of hair ties, Liérac oil, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse. In the little basket, Some samples, The Body Shop's Oceanus and Pink Grapefruit Eau de Toilette, Clinique Tenderheart lipstick as well as some Mark glosses, Avène Cold Cream, Caudalie and Clinique Deep Comfort hand creams, a small Marchesa eau de toilette. In the barbotine container, more samples, cotton rounds, baby washcloths and my old Dior face brush. In the front, lipsticks/glosses of the moment, Chanel, Clinique and L'Oréal.
At least my bathroom is done!
If you've enjoyed peeking into mine, you may enjoy the ones of famous people even more... Have a look at these:
In Vogue: Dans la salle de bain de...
In Harper's Bazaar: Karl Lagerfeld's
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Carmex Lip Ointment / Review
I had never tried this lip balm. In fact I've only started to see it in drugstores recently. It may have been available for quite some time now but let's just say that I hadn't been paying much attention since I have figured out my winning combination last year. Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm for night and Caudalie Lip Conditioner for daytime are absolute favorites of mine. More information about them here.
For reviews sake I've been trying out different ones, some less expensive options. Here I've decided to compare Carmex Lip Ointment to La Roche Posay Cerralip.
I purchased the basic no flavor ointment in the tube on which you can read "for dry chapped lips and cold sores". When you unscrew the cap you're left with a round top with a little hole in the middle. Press and the balm comes out. The texture, feel on my lips is quite similar to La Roche Posay's Cerralip with a few differences. First unlike LRP's which has no taste at all, Carmex's has a chemical one. Faint but not very pleasant. Fortunately, after 4 or 5 minutes it disappears. Second, and this is quite surprising, it's more soothing and more moisturizing than the more expensive La Roche Posay. Carmex is $2.99!!!
Although I did find it more moisturizing than the other mentioned, I really didn't care for the taste. I may eventually try another with flavor but for now I'm good.
One last note, it does contain some salicylic acid which is a good ingredient to help with exfoliation. It would be advised to use another lip balm with SPF.
Reviews:
MakeupAlley: The reviews are I believe all mixed up. They range from 3.0 to 4.5 lippies on a base of 5.
Beauté-test: 4 / 5 stars for 97 reviews.
Ingredients (note these are not in order of concentration):
Petrolatum, lanolin, beeswax, cetyl esters, mineral oil, cocoa butter, fragrance, camphor, menthol, salicylic acid and vanillin, phenol, paraffin liquidum
Screen capture from Top Para
For reviews sake I've been trying out different ones, some less expensive options. Here I've decided to compare Carmex Lip Ointment to La Roche Posay Cerralip.
I purchased the basic no flavor ointment in the tube on which you can read "for dry chapped lips and cold sores". When you unscrew the cap you're left with a round top with a little hole in the middle. Press and the balm comes out. The texture, feel on my lips is quite similar to La Roche Posay's Cerralip with a few differences. First unlike LRP's which has no taste at all, Carmex's has a chemical one. Faint but not very pleasant. Fortunately, after 4 or 5 minutes it disappears. Second, and this is quite surprising, it's more soothing and more moisturizing than the more expensive La Roche Posay. Carmex is $2.99!!!
This is the moisturizing lip balm, I have the lip ointment.
The tubes are almost identical.
Although I did find it more moisturizing than the other mentioned, I really didn't care for the taste. I may eventually try another with flavor but for now I'm good.
One last note, it does contain some salicylic acid which is a good ingredient to help with exfoliation. It would be advised to use another lip balm with SPF.
Reviews:
MakeupAlley: The reviews are I believe all mixed up. They range from 3.0 to 4.5 lippies on a base of 5.
Beauté-test: 4 / 5 stars for 97 reviews.
Ingredients (note these are not in order of concentration):
Petrolatum, lanolin, beeswax, cetyl esters, mineral oil, cocoa butter, fragrance, camphor, menthol, salicylic acid and vanillin, phenol, paraffin liquidum
Screen capture from Top Para
Monday, January 14, 2013
Winter Dryness Help / Body Skin
In my area we can't really complain about the Winter we're having so far. We did have a major snow storm but in all honesty we haven't had that many super cold days. One more month and we should be in the clear, hopefully.
There is still time to get days where it can feel like Siberia outside while inside it's more like the Tropics! We do tend to overheat our living spaces in Winter but there are still days when you feel you can't get warm unless you wear a fleece footed Onesie to stay warm. I personally can't stand those. I find they are more suitable for babies and so I prefer vests and shawls*. Yes shawls like the ones our grand mothers used to crochet. Leggings help too. I do wear them... Under my jeans!
Argh!!!
These conditions can be brutal on our skin. There are days, especially the ones at -70 C (I know I might be exaggerating a little here but it can sure feel like it), when my skin looks like it's going to crack because it's so dry. Body skin is fine. I can go for days using only oil at the end of my shower to moisturize. It's the more exposed bits that are problematic. My face of course is a little dryer and maybe even a little sensitive but my hands, arms and feet are the bits that suffer most. Yes feet! I wear flip flops indoors 355 days a year. The remaining 10 days are the ones when I have to wear socks because it's too cold in the house. It can get to the point where my socks will "screech" when I put them on so forget about putting on a pair of Dim® extra sheer stockings they wouldn't get past my toes. You can read more about feet care here.
What's a girl to do to have soft comfortable skin in Winter? Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
*slaps head* Of course! Why didn't we think of that???
As you may have read in a recent entry, it's a good idea to start with a gentle cleanser. For me it's the same principle as on my face. If my face feels a little dryer than usual I will not be using a gel cleanser, I'll go for a more creamy option like a milk cleanser. Read more about gentle body cleansers here.
Body moisturizers I like...
Oils
One trick I've mentioned before is using an oil at the end of my shower. On wet skin, I apply it all over and then pat dry with a towel. This helps seal in moisture and leaves a silky feel. Doing this you may not even have to use a body moisturizer after, especially if you do this in the morning. I keep a big bottle of unscented baby oil in the shower but any oil of you choice will do. The other two I like using a lot as well are almond and coconut oil.
Avène Cold Creme
A favorite of mine. This body lotion gives deep moisture and sinks in fast without any greasy feel. I use it every night on arms, legs and feet. Review here.
Kiehl's Creme de Corps
This I haven't reviewed yet. I must admit that I didn't want to like it but as it turns out, I love it! The lotion not the jar which goes by the name of Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter. This from what I've read balls up on the skin. Not something I particularly like. Creme de Corps is thick and rich, penetrates well and leaves a nice sensation on skin. It is the most expensive on my list. If you want to try it Kiehl's sells a small size for $12.00 which can be refilled for travel.
Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter
No fragrance, thick and yet penetrates quickly for deep moisture. Review here.
CeraVe
Although I don't find it as moisturizing as many do, it's still a good one to have. I find it has a cool soothing effect upon application. It can easily be boosted with a few drops of oil like argan, almond, olive or any you might like. Review here.
La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP
This is serious stuff. Super extra thick, you don't need much. I don't have this one but have received several samples of it last August (I think). I've used it in the morning on my legs and by evening I could still feel the balm on my skin so this would be great option for nigh time use. Also fragrance free.
Nivea Body Lotion (Navy blue bottle)
Also a favorite, I like it more for morning due to the fragrance. Super affordable it's also great to have when you want to get more mileage out of your more expensive lotions. Review here.
The Body Shop
Has several excellent options, great body lotions and extra comfy body butters. All you have to do is choose the fragrance you like. I have a weakness for Coco butter myself.
Yves Rocher
Here is a brand that I haven't visited in a very long time, ever since my daughter was a baby in fact. Recently I've been reading excellent reviews of some of their offerings, especially the Repair Lotion Extra Dry Skin with shea butter. What's great is that in these boutiques there are always specials and promotions so it can be worth a stop. I know I'll try to make one soon.
Finally...
These are of course just my own suggestions. There are so many favorites out there and if you have already found yours, keep using it. Still I know it's fun to try new stuff since it would seem that even with our favorites we can get bored.
*If like me you wear shawls, please take it off for cooking. I wouldn't want any of you to go up in flames!
Image from the Toronto Public Library website
There is still time to get days where it can feel like Siberia outside while inside it's more like the Tropics! We do tend to overheat our living spaces in Winter but there are still days when you feel you can't get warm unless you wear a fleece footed Onesie to stay warm. I personally can't stand those. I find they are more suitable for babies and so I prefer vests and shawls*. Yes shawls like the ones our grand mothers used to crochet. Leggings help too. I do wear them... Under my jeans!
Argh!!!
These conditions can be brutal on our skin. There are days, especially the ones at -70 C (I know I might be exaggerating a little here but it can sure feel like it), when my skin looks like it's going to crack because it's so dry. Body skin is fine. I can go for days using only oil at the end of my shower to moisturize. It's the more exposed bits that are problematic. My face of course is a little dryer and maybe even a little sensitive but my hands, arms and feet are the bits that suffer most. Yes feet! I wear flip flops indoors 355 days a year. The remaining 10 days are the ones when I have to wear socks because it's too cold in the house. It can get to the point where my socks will "screech" when I put them on so forget about putting on a pair of Dim® extra sheer stockings they wouldn't get past my toes. You can read more about feet care here.
What's a girl to do to have soft comfortable skin in Winter? Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
*slaps head* Of course! Why didn't we think of that???
As you may have read in a recent entry, it's a good idea to start with a gentle cleanser. For me it's the same principle as on my face. If my face feels a little dryer than usual I will not be using a gel cleanser, I'll go for a more creamy option like a milk cleanser. Read more about gentle body cleansers here.
Body moisturizers I like...
Oils
One trick I've mentioned before is using an oil at the end of my shower. On wet skin, I apply it all over and then pat dry with a towel. This helps seal in moisture and leaves a silky feel. Doing this you may not even have to use a body moisturizer after, especially if you do this in the morning. I keep a big bottle of unscented baby oil in the shower but any oil of you choice will do. The other two I like using a lot as well are almond and coconut oil.
Avène Cold Creme
A favorite of mine. This body lotion gives deep moisture and sinks in fast without any greasy feel. I use it every night on arms, legs and feet. Review here.
Kiehl's Creme de Corps
This I haven't reviewed yet. I must admit that I didn't want to like it but as it turns out, I love it! The lotion not the jar which goes by the name of Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter. This from what I've read balls up on the skin. Not something I particularly like. Creme de Corps is thick and rich, penetrates well and leaves a nice sensation on skin. It is the most expensive on my list. If you want to try it Kiehl's sells a small size for $12.00 which can be refilled for travel.
Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter
No fragrance, thick and yet penetrates quickly for deep moisture. Review here.
CeraVe
Although I don't find it as moisturizing as many do, it's still a good one to have. I find it has a cool soothing effect upon application. It can easily be boosted with a few drops of oil like argan, almond, olive or any you might like. Review here.
La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP
This is serious stuff. Super extra thick, you don't need much. I don't have this one but have received several samples of it last August (I think). I've used it in the morning on my legs and by evening I could still feel the balm on my skin so this would be great option for nigh time use. Also fragrance free.
Nivea Body Lotion (Navy blue bottle)
Also a favorite, I like it more for morning due to the fragrance. Super affordable it's also great to have when you want to get more mileage out of your more expensive lotions. Review here.
The Body Shop
Has several excellent options, great body lotions and extra comfy body butters. All you have to do is choose the fragrance you like. I have a weakness for Coco butter myself.
Yves Rocher
Here is a brand that I haven't visited in a very long time, ever since my daughter was a baby in fact. Recently I've been reading excellent reviews of some of their offerings, especially the Repair Lotion Extra Dry Skin with shea butter. What's great is that in these boutiques there are always specials and promotions so it can be worth a stop. I know I'll try to make one soon.
Finally...
These are of course just my own suggestions. There are so many favorites out there and if you have already found yours, keep using it. Still I know it's fun to try new stuff since it would seem that even with our favorites we can get bored.
*If like me you wear shawls, please take it off for cooking. I wouldn't want any of you to go up in flames!
Image from the Toronto Public Library website
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Memories, a bit of history & sunscreen
Sorry for
the long absence! Life got in the way and so, I was less inclined to
research, less inclined to write. I will try to be more diligent, and
dare I say, more disciplined....
You may be noticing some changes. More will come for I am still trying to figure out how blog stuff works. I haven't really taken the time yet to organise the presentation properly. Hopefully I'll be able to create something that will seem slightly more pleasant to readers. For now, here's what I've been working on, thinking about...
You may be noticing some changes. More will come for I am still trying to figure out how blog stuff works. I haven't really taken the time yet to organise the presentation properly. Hopefully I'll be able to create something that will seem slightly more pleasant to readers. For now, here's what I've been working on, thinking about...
Memories
As a child
and early teen, my mom used to take me to Miami Beach every winter.
We would spend the month of January there and stay right across from
Bal Harbour Shops. I can still remember buying my first Chanel nail
polish at Neiman Marcus. Now in those days, January was a quiet month
and so it would be dreamy to take long walks on the beach. This was
at the start of the South Beach revival. I would walk from our little Art-Deco hotel to the star of Miami Beach in those days, the magnificent Fontainebleau and back. I can't remember how long it
took but it was what I liked to do. I was always a bit of a loner,
probably due to the fact that I was an only child. In the morning I
would do my school work and spend my afternoons walking. I was never
one to lie in the sun. I had to “do” something.
Beside the
gorgeous Art-Deco Architecture of the little hotels on the beach
there wasn’t much to see except admire the ocean, the pelicans, the
palm trees and...
The
leathery dark skinned elderly people on the beach.
Argh!!!
Let's just say that none of them looked like this!
Some where so dark and burned that you could swear
that this is what they where doing.
Lying in a frying pan!
Today I'm
wondering if they where really “elderly”, realising now that
some of them where probably in their 40's and 50's. The overdose of sun tanning was, most likely, what made them look older, like worn leather. Seems like I can
still smell that Hawaiian Tropic Coconut oil that in all likelihood,
had an spf of -2!
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