Drew Barrymore's Flower Cosmetics

What has Drew Barrymore been up to? Having a baby and developing her own line of cosmetics of course! In fact, she was on the cover of the January issue of Allure magazine wearing colors from her new brand.

Pretty, fresh and very feminine it's now available at Walmart in the US.

What's in a name?

From what I've read some think Flower as a name isn't all that. I must admit I love it and find it's a brilliant one!

It opens the door to so many name possibilities, not only flowers themselves but gardens, bouquets and quotes. Did you know that in Victorian time a man had to be careful about which flowers to send to a lady? This was not only due to the limited selection of flowers but also to the fact that people communicated more with symbols and gestures. Unless it was clearly known that a chosen flower was the lady's favorite, the wrong message could easily be sent. They all had a specific meaning for example, lilac was for first love, gardenia meant joy and hibiscus meant delicate beauty. The type of flower had a meaning and so did the color in fact they still do we just have forgotten about them. For example we all know that red roses mean passion but did you know that pink means friendship and white is for purity. The same goes for tulips, purple for royalty and yellow for hopelessly in love...

Flower. It's definitely a smart name!

In this new line of makeup we can already notice a nice name play...

Some of Flower's offerings, BB Creams, Lipsticks that look like little flower vases, 
Eye Shadow Quad in Face the Grey, Blush Bronzer Duo in Sunkissed & Single

Picture: Musings of a Muse

...and they are fun, like So Gladiola High Shine Lipstick and Morning Glory Velvet Lipstick; Blue Lagoon Eyeshadow Quad or Wild Geranium Crème eye shadow.

Hopefully they will get to Canada, fast! I would love to try Win Some Rouge Some Crème Blush in Pure Petunia, the color Drew wore for her Allure cover. It looks like such a "happy" color, as does So Gladiola Lipstick.

Rouge Some Crème Blush in Pure Petunia

It's not everyday that a new cosmetic line is launched and this one has such a pretty presentation. Knowing that Drew Barrymore wanted good formulas to be readily available to everyone is what makes it so appealing.

Let's hope it crosses the border soon! I would love to get some Flower if not for Valentine's Day, Easter maybe?


Picture of Drew Barrymore, Flower
Screen capture of Crème Blush, Walmart
To learn more about the meaning of flowers, see About Flowers

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!!!

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

One Year Already!

Time flies! I know it's not the most original of sayings but it is so true! 

One year ago today I posted my first "article", an introduction to what I was planning to do with this new platform. In a way it was meant as a big *note to self* to be shared with all of you. To see that it's being appreciated now by so many is more than rewarding. It's actually quite humbling for I'm still such a newbie.

I know I wrote recently that I jumped into this with one eye open and one closed but in reality they where both shut tightly. There are so many things I didn't know when I started and still don't but I believe that I've come a long way. Yesterday I spent time reading some of my first entries and I do think I've improved quite a bit. I didn't make any corrections and leaving them as is, they serve me as a reminder of my first steps. My biggest handicap, if I can call it that for I am quite proud of it, is being French speaking. Even if I spent most of my working career with mainly English speaking people, I honestly didn't know if I could pull it off.

Writing and speaking are of course two different things. Spoken words come easily and getting your point across is rather simple, especially when you have the person you're communicating with in front of you. Writing can sometimes be daunting, more so when one has to translate everything but I enjoy it a lot. It's fun to be able to transmit information about subjects I personally love!

One year! 

In all honesty it's true that today marks the beginning but I really got into it on a regular basis in July with, Memories, a Bit of history & sunscreen which remains to this day the most popular entry, even with all it's little writing flaws. I probably spent two weeks working on it, feeling nervous, anxious and loosing sleep. I remember thinking, will anybody actually care about this? Will anybody actually read it? Well it seems many of you have and knowing this makes me feel very proud.

Yesterday I got one more accolade that made me feel even more proud about myself. My friend Laura finally took the time to read a few articles. She wrote back to me telling me it was excellent in capital letters!!! For a moment there I couldn't move. I felt like dancing! I actually did a few steps in my living room!

What will year two be like?

I have no idea! I am going through some major personal changes at the moment and may eventually have to post a little less. Stepping away? Not an option! I love this too much, in fact I do believe I'm suffering from a major blogging addiction. Knowing that I can reach people with subjects that I fancy, is addictive. Learning new things every day, is addictive. Getting to know new people, other bloggers even if it's only in a virtual word, is addictive.

Recently someone asked me "What do you do?" My answer: I'm a Beauty Blogger!

Tonight to celebrate this new realisation I'll be enjoying a nice Vermouth on ice!

Finally...

A thank you note...

To all of you who stop and take the time to read my words and sometimes leave comments, thank you!

To all of you gorgeous Beauty Bloggers, thank you for sharing your knowledge and for being so good that I have to get better every day!

To Leanne for pushing me to do this, to Nicole pour ces premiers trucs d'écriture que je n'ai jamais oubliés and to Laura, well, you know why! xoxoxoxo...
                                                                     

NARS Spring 2013 Color Collection Now Online

Unless you where living inder a rock you knew this was comming! It's now available online. As you can see you can get the entire look or $247.00.

Notice the beautiful Stella Tennant rocking the look!

I'm not sure I would go for Persia eye shadow but the Mad Mad World duo looks pretty good. The blush, Seduction is all the rave at the moment in "BlogWorld". Many bloggers have reviewed it, swatched it and it's a hit! I'm eying it along with the Dressed to Kill lipstick. The great thing is that they will be part of the regular collection.

NARS Blush in Seduction

You can see the items more closely here on NARS' website.

Crabtree & Evelyn Launches a New Nail Polish Collection

I just read on Beauty Blitz that Crabtree & Evelyn will be launching a new line of nail polishes later this month. Click here for their article. They will sell for $6.00 USD, a pretty amazing price if the formula is good. The colors are gorgeous and the look of the bottles sleek and modern.

C & E new nail polish collection

Picture from Beauty Blitz

The collection will be available online this month. We can only hope that it will be in Canadian Crabtree & Evelyn shops soon, at least in time for Spring! 

Don't they look gorgeous?

Lancôme's New Collaboration

It was announced today that Lancôme would be working along side Alber Elbaz the creative director of Lanvin, for a new makeup collection. I can only hope that he will take inspiration into his Morrocan roots. Such beautiful and dreamy possibilities.

Lanvin S/S 2013, picture All Things Fab and Fly

I haven't seen Lancôme's in Love Spring collection yet but clearly it was geared towards a younger crowd. Very pretty but not sophisticated enough to appeal to as broad an audience as Lancôme can reach normally.

Although stunning, with an all grown up Emma Watson, the colors but especially the look of the compacts aren't calling out to me the way their regular collection does, especially when you consider the prices they go for. Lipsticks at $30.00! Doesn't look fancy enough for my taste.

Until we get to see this new collection, here is a promotional video. I wonder if the colors shown are indicative of what will be...

Released today on youtube

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

Notable Reads of the Week vol. 6

What I discovered this week...

This is in a way a "note to self" so I won't forget.

When something gets lost you have to go look for it yourself!

Now of course I've know that all along but this week I almost hit a wall. The hospital wall!

For the past few months my husband has been sick (we are more than hopeful for a good outcome) and right from the start I've had to to hit the pavement to get the care he needs, the doctors appointments. We had been left with a bunch of little green notes saying this clinic will get in touch, this doctor's office will call you to schedule an appointment... Yeah right! I've had to go myself to the different hospital clinics to get these needed appointments. Had we waited, I feel we would still be waiting. He is now getting the care he needs, the follow up he needs.

This week I was blown away by the fact that the hospital lost his medical file. What??? How can this be?

Wednesday I spent 3 hours at the hospital going from one department to the other in search of the elusive file. I got the run around, ended up in the basement. For a moment there I was afraid I would end up in front of the hospital morgue! I'm sure I went places most employees have never been to.

In the end, I went back to the department where I had started my quest, where I had last seen the file. Sat in front of a lady and nicely said "I am not leaving until I see and touch my husband's medical file, not until it is forwarded to the doctor who needs it to fill out super important papers!"

Low and behold, I don't know what kind of game they played behind my back but 30 minutes later, I had the file!!!

So, when you want something, really really want something, put on your nice imaginary kid gloves, the ones that go up to your elbow and go after it! Now don't forget, make sure they fit nicely on your hands so that people can imagine your pointy nails underneath!


What cought my attention this week...

Timeline of a Tan
By Women's Health, see why it's important to wear a good stable sunscreen or at least avoid the sun as much as possible.

A Close Look at My Small Collection of Highlighters
By The Unknown Beauty Blog. This one really made me smile. I counted 18 highlighters! Now that's what I call a collection! Like I commented, I used to like Blanc de Chanel but these days I'm more into bronzers.

MakeupMedic Cracked Compact Fix-It Kit
By Moxie Reviews. Great idea, it seems to be a great product.

Cult Beauty
By b-insider about products who enjoy a cult like following. Guerlain's Terracotta, Elizabeth Arden's Height Hour Cream have been favorites of mine for years and last year Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey joined the bunch. See the articles to learn more about the 10 staples listed.

New 12/01/2013
By the Notice, a list of what we can look forward to in makeup and skin care. Beautifully presented, I've mentioned Rae's beautiful blog in my Marcelle lipstick review. One of my favorites to visit, do have a look, you will not be disappointed.

Beauty Goals, Targets & Objectives: a Timeline
By Strawberry Blond. Looking good at any age, adjusting and experimenting is the key. Great article!

DIY Homemade Lip Scrub: Remedy for Dry Chapped Lips
By Pretty Gossip. I believe this blog will be a regular stop for me. Lots of nice DIY recipes. The lip scrub mentioned here is very simple to make if you don't like to use plain sugar and oil to exfoliate your lips.

6 Tips For Washing Your Hair
By Beautiful With Brains, pretty basic but do you really know how?


Non beauty related...

January is the loneliest month: Phone stopped ringing? Party invites dried up? Liz Jones knows how it feels - and wonders why today's friendships crumble so quickly
By Liz Jones. This article was tweeted by British Beauty Blog. It brought lots of reactions, just have a look at the number of comments and what they say.


The following was posted by a member on MakeupAlley's Pet Board.

TOP 10 DOG PEEVES ABOUT HUMANS..This one made me laugh +

1. Blaming your smells on me... not funny... not funny at all!
2. Yelling at me for barking ... I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG!
3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?
4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose ... stop it!
5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.
6. The slight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Whoooo Hoooooooo -- what a proud moment for the top of the food chain. YOU!
7. Taking me to the vet for the "big snip", then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back!
8. Getting upset when I sniff at your guests. Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet.
9. Dog sweaters. Hello? Haven't you noticed the fur?
10. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth, you're just jealous.

Thank you L for posting these! They made me laugh too!


Finally...

We have been enjoying Spring like weather, Yay! Today was raining so much it probably would have translated into 30 cm had it been snow. I know it's too early but I am starting to dream about these...

Crocus flowers blooming through the melting snow

From 123rf

Brand Availability Frustration!

I know that we are relatively lucky here to have access to so many outstanding brands. You would think with department stores, drugstores, Sephora, beauty salons and other beauty supply stores that we would be pretty much covered. In a way we are but we are still missing out on a lot of great brands and some of the ones we have access to aren't complete.

Give Your Feet Some Love!

For the longest time I've overlooked foot care in Winter. My feet where almost always covered so why bother? For the past several years I've been wearing flip flops in the house so I've had to make a few changes. Yes, in Winter! Unless it's a very cold day, I just can't stand wearing anything else This means that they are exposed and even if I don't always wear nail polish I don't want them to look neglected. There's also the fact that I don't like "hearing" them when I have to put on socks in the morning. To avoid this, here's what I do...