Although I do love so many skincare brands, I have been leaning towards more natural products.  One brand that I’ve been intrigued about for a while is Herbivore Botanicals. Herbivore, which started in Seattle in 2011, has skincare products with an emphasis on natural, high-quality ingredients.  Their items are free of synthetic ingredients, including dyes, fragrances, and parabens. They also package them in glass and paper, using recycled and recyclable plastic only when necessary.

The thing that drew me to Herbivore initially was it’s super aesthetic packaging, which features glass bottles and simple labels. They have the kind of products that you want to display since they are simple, but oh so aesthetic. I recently got some items sent to me from the brand and couldn’t want to try them out. Their line ranges from serums to eye creams, moisturizers, masks, and more.

Curious on what to try? Then keep reading…

Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask

Looking for a product to help with large pores? Then you’ll like the Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clay Mask (C$66). This natural mask gently clarifies skin with BHAs and white willow bark, fruit enzymes, as well as aloe and blue tansy essential oil to help with the appearance of redness and irritation.

I actually had never heard of blue tansy before but it’s a natural source of azulene, which in addition to giving the mask its blue colour, it helps to also soothe the appearance of redness and irritation.

This mask is best suited for oily to blemish-prone skin, and if you have more sensitive skin then I would recommend a spot test first to make sure you don’t get irritated.  This mask helps wth enlarged pores and blemish-prone skin, uneven skin texture, oily or combination skin, and dullness.

Apply the product to your skin and then leave on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off. Use it a couple times a week for the best results.

Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream

Do you suffer from dark circles or dull underlies? Then you’ll love the Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream (C$63). This eye cream is great for dark circles, puffiness, and dryness.

The formula contains THD vitamin C, which is a highly efficacious form of vitamin C, as well as turmeric and caffeine to wake up the eye area.  Apply this eye cream in the morning to instantly wake up the eyes and depuff them, while also brightening the look of dark circles in seven days.

Although this is mainly for daytime use (because of the vitamin C and caffeine), you can use it at night as well.

Emerald Hemp Seed and Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil

Looking for moisturized skin that glows? Then you’ll love the Emerald Hemp Seed and Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil (C$66). This serum gives skin intense moisture and a natural-looking glow.

Suitable for all skin types, this serum can be applied morning and night, and targets dryness and dullness to reveal glowing skin. The formula contains a blend of omega-fatty-acid-rich hemp seed oil, which also soothes skin, as well as adaptogens like shiitake mushroom and ashwagandha root to protect skin against environmental stressors.  It also has cannabis in it, which will help calm skin.

Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum

Love retinol but looking for a natural version? Then you’ll love the Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum (C$82).

This plant-based retinol-alternative serum helps treat signs of aging thanks to the one per cent bakuchiol and plant peptides. Bakuchiol is an isolated extract from the babchi plant that mimics the smoothing and firming benefits of retinol. It also contains plant peptides to visibly tighten skin, as well as a blend of super fruits that contain vitamins C, E, B5, and antioxidants, amino and fatty acids that firm skin.

This nighttime serum targets fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, and dryness. The great thing about bakuchiol is that it’s non-irritating, unlike retinol, which when applied too much can give you irritation, dryness, and redness. This serum contains 100 per cent plant-based ingredients promising to gently give you the anti-aging benefits you’re looking for without any issues or irritation. It’s also pregnancy safe.

Herbivore has a ton of other skincare products available as well and I can tell you already that with such a small taste of the brand I’ve had so far, I will definitely be looking into trying out more items. Not only is the packaging so cute, but I love the fact that it’s a plant-powered skincare line that is good for you and the planet.

Have you tried any items from Herbivore Botanicals?

Please note, all products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.

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• Best face forward: The skincare you need to try for May 2020
• Spring cleaning: New skincare products from Olay you need to try for spring
• Rise & shine: Olay Retinol24 Skincare line
• Spring ahead! The skincare products you need to try in March

The post Powered by the planet: Four products from Herbivore Botanicals you need to try appeared first on A Pop of Colour.

Their Midnight Recover Serum is one of the brand’s most iconic and bestselling products, so when I heard that they released a new line of serums, I already knew they would be great products.

The new Kiehl’s Ultra Pure Serums are specially formulated to deliver potent, targeted treatments for various skin concerns, all while being gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types. These serums are made with ultra-pure ingredients, meaning that they are free from a long list of potential irritants, including fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and more. In fact, each serum has only 10 ingredients or less, which makes them ideal for those with sensitive or reactive skin who may be prone to irritation or allergic reactions. Additionally, the Ultra Pure serums are formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients, allowing them to effectively target specific skin concerns and deliver visible results.

First up is the Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide (C$35), which is great for oily skin since it visibly reduces excess oil and imperfections.

This serum contains five per cent Niacinamide to visibly reduce shine and soothe skin. It also helps to reduce the appearance of imperfections in just two weeks with regular use and also reduces redness.  It is great for all skin types and is formulated for skin absorption and efficacy. Apply this to skin morning and night before your moisturizer.

If you need some extra hydration, check out the Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid (C$35) which contains seven ingredients to replenish and hydrate dry skin.

Like the name suggests, this serum contains 1.5 per cent Hyaluronic Acid to leave skin looking and feeling more plump, healthy, and hydrated. This can be used morning and night on skin before your moisturizer.

Finally, if you are looking for smoother skin, then take a look at the Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 9.5% Glycolic Acid (C$35). This serum contains seven ingredients that help to visibly smooth skin texture and boost skin’s glow.

This serum contains 9.8 per cent glycolic acid to refine skin’s texture for a smooth and glowing appearance.  It helps to minimize pores in as little as four weeks and boosts skin renewal in as little as three days.  Make sure to apply this serum in the evening only so it works overnight while you sleep.

Kiehl’s Ultra Pure serums are a great option for those looking for effective, targeted skincare treatments that are also gentle and non-irritating. With a range of different formulations to choose from, there’s something for every skin concern. You can also mix and match these for a custom skincare routine. I also love that they are all $35, which for Kiehl’s is a great price and rivals their drugstore counterparts.  Considering how much their other serums are, at this price it’s really a great deal.

Have you tried the Kiehl’s Ultra Pure Serums yet?

Please note, all products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.

Like what you read? Check out these related posts:

• Best face forward: The skincare you need to try for May 2020
• Spring cleaning: New skincare products from Olay you need to try for spring
• Rise & shine: Olay Retinol24 Skincare line
• Spring ahead! The skincare products you need to try in March

The post The secret to radiant, hydrated skin: Kiehl’s new Ultra Pure Serums appeared first on A Pop of Colour.

As you may know, Tula is a brand that I have been a huge fan of for years. Their innovative and effective products have helped me achieve a radiant and healthy complexion. There are many items from the brand I love, but some of my top ones including the 24-7 Day & Night Cream, as well as the Protect + Glow Sunscreen. Because of that, I was so excited to learn that they recently released two new products that both fall within these product families and naturally, I couldn’t wait to try them.

Starting first with the Ultimate Sun Serum PentaPeptide Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($42 USD). As someone who is passionate about taking care of my skin, sunscreen is an essential part of my daily routine. Not only does it protect my skin from harmful UV rays, but it also helps prevent premature aging and sun damage.

First and foremost, the formula is amazing. It is lightweight and non-greasy, which is a huge plus for me. I hate the feeling of heavy, sticky sunscreens that leave a white cast on my skin. Tula’s PentaPeptide Sunscreen goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly, leaving no residue behind.

The best part about this sunscreen is the skincare benefits. It is formulated with five powerful peptides that work together to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. Peptides are amino acid chains that help boost collagen production, which is essential for maintaining firm and youthful-looking skin. This sunscreen is essentially a two-in-one product, providing both sun protection and anti-aging benefits.

The formula also includes the brand’s S6Pro Complex, which is a patent-pending super six blend of prebiotics & probiotic extracts to help improve skin smoothness & maintain skin balance. It also has PentaPeptides to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, red algae to control the appearance of shine, peach and white mulberry to brighten the appearance and improv the look of dark spots, willow herb and jasmine to improve skin texture, and wild butterfly ginger to prevent against blue light damage and environmental pollution.

Another thing I love about Tula’s PentaPeptide Sunscreen is that it is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging and can penetrate through clouds and glass, while UVB rays cause sunburns and are strongest during the summer months. It is important to use a sunscreen that protects against both types of rays, and Tula’s formula does just that.

Unfortunately this sunscreen isn’t available in Canada just yet, but their Mineral Magic one is, so if you have been wanting to try out their sunscreens as a Canadian, then you can grab that one.

Another new Tula product is the 24-7 Ultra Hydration Triple-Hydra Complex Day & Night Serum (C$63), which is perfect for those with dry and dehydrated skin.

First off, the formula is amazing. It is lightweight and absorbs quickly, without leaving any greasiness or residue behind. The serum is packed with three different types of hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful ingredient that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This means that it is incredibly hydrating and helps plump up the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Triple-Hydra™ Complex is made up of three different types of hyaluronic acid: low molecular weight, high molecular weight, and cross-linked hyaluronic acid. This combination provides deep hydration to all layers of the skin, leaving it looking and feeling smooth, supple, and healthy.

The formula also includes the brand’s S6Pro Complex, as well as peptides, apple, and watermelon to hydrate and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles; blueberry for antioxidant protection; and squalane and collagen to nourish and condition skin.

I love how versatile this serum is. It can be used both day and night, which is a huge plus for me. I like to apply it in the morning before my moisturizer and at night before my night cream. It works well under makeup and doesn’t cause any pilling or flaking. It also has a subtle, pleasant scent that is not overpowering.

I am impressed with Tula’s two new products and love how they are items that I used on a daily basis anyways. They have once again proven their commitment to creating effective and innovative skincare solutions, and I would definitely recommend grabbing these.  The Tula sunscreens are so good and I find they absorb into the skin really nicely and aren’t heavy, unlike others out there.  As for the serum, having a good serum is recommended for optimal skin and this one is so perfect to pair with their iconic 24-7 Day & Night Cream as well.

Don’t forget, use code SHAYNA for 15% off on both the Canadian and US Tula sites!

Have you tried these two new Tula products?

Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.

Like this post? Check out these related articles:

• Healthy inside and out: My top picks from Vital Proteins
• Skincare blues: Tula Probiotic skincare + promo code
• Moisture mania: The moisturizers you need for your skin this fall
• Skincare refresh: The Tula products you need to incorporate into your skincare routine

The post Get Ready to Glow: Tula’s two new skincare products you need to try appeared first on A Pop of Colour.

Here are the facts though, as much as we try, our skin will age, and no amount of serums, creams, and tonics will reverse that. They might slow down the aging process, but as you get older, your skin will age as well.

I currently have a seven- to eight-step skincare routine, something I have been doing since I was 16. Right now I’m 34 years old, going on 35 later this year, and am one to take my skin health seriously. I try to drink lots of water, eat right, get Botox, filler, incorporate collagen into my diet, limit sun exposure, wear sunscreen, etc., but I have still seen some effects of aging as I’m entering my mid-30s. Don’t get me wrong, I still have fabulous skin and I feel like I don’t look my age (I certainly don’t feel it either!). With that said though, I do realize that it’s a good time to start maintaining my youthful appearance and that’s why I started looking at incorporating laser treatments into my skin journey.

There are various facial lasers available out there that can help with everything from large pores, acne scarring, improving fine lines, increasing collagen production, firming skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and more. When it comes to finding a laser treatment centre, it’s best to do your research and go to ones that specialize in these kinds of treatments, such as plastic surgery or dermatology clinics.

Last month I visited Clinique Le 1620, which is owned by Dr. Mirko Gilardino here in Montreal. The clinic specializes in plastic surgery and non-invasive medical procedures such as Botox, fillers, micro needling, PRPs and you guessed it, a wide variety of laser treatments!

At the beginning of February, I went for a consultation to explore the different options available for me and what would be best for my skin. I met with aesthetic registered nurse Annie Lorefice and after taking a look at my skin and hearing my skincare concerns, she decided that a BBL (Broadband Laser) and then HALO would be the best option for me.

So, like I said, I am rather proud of my skin. I don’t break out easily, but I do have some pigmentation and redness coming through. The biggest concern for me though was the loss of firmness on the lower half of my face, which I feel like is starting to give me a more “jowly” appearance. Nurse Annie thought that a base pass of BBL would be good to bring out the pigmentation in my skin and then a more thorough treatment with the HALO laser would help with any fine line/wrinkles, loss of firmness, hyperpigmention, and more, that my skin is starting to show.

So, what are these lasers exactly?

In its simplest form, the BBL Laser helps to remove brown spots and reduce redness from the skin.

BBL is a very popular option and is an advanced photo rejuvenation treatment that uses broadband light to reduce pigmentation and give you a glowing appearance. The device emits short bursts of light to penetrate below the skin’s surface, which then targets and brings up the brown spots, small veins, age spots, sun spots, and pigmentation, which will eventually flake off and disappear. The light energy also helps with the production of collagen to plump skin, promote the healthy regeneration of cells, and more.

Since I have some pigmentation in my skin, Nurse Annie felt like a base pass of the BBL laser would be good to do before the HALO treatment. This one did go by quite quickly and the process was a little painful but nothing too uncomfortable. It reminded me of using at-home laser hair removal treatments since the sensation was just a zap and the whole treatment with the BBL took about 10 minutes max.

Moving onto the HALO, this laser helps with skin imperfections, improves collagen production, and helps to treat minor facial flaws like acne scarring, large pores, hyperpigmention, wrinkles, fine lines, and more. It also helps with skin dullness (which I have been finding lately) and will leave you with a beautiful and healthy glow.

The HALO works using two different distinct wavelengths – ablative and non-ablative – which targets skin concerns on multiple levels. Ablative skin treatments help with improving aging skin and works by delivering an intense wavelength of light to the skin, which then removes the outer layer of aged or sun-damaged skin. Non-ablative skin treatments work by stimulating collagen, which then improves skin texture and tone. It also helps with acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, melasma, and more. When combined, you are getting incredible results that leave you with a more flawless and glowing appearance.

Since HALO is a little more intense than the BBL, I did have to have a numbing cream applied to my face, which took about 30-40 minutes to kick in. From there, Nurse Annie used the machine to measure out my face for a customized and precise application. This one actually didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would (although I was told the numbing cream she used was a lot better than the ones they have had previously). At first, I could feel the machine on my skin, but no real pain. After a few passes it did start to feel hot and slightly uncomfortable, but overall the treatment wasn’t too bad.

Afterwards was a different story though.

Once you are done with the HALO, you are left with a red face since it essentially burns the top layer of your skin. The idea is that over the next week you will shed that layer of skin, revealing a newer, healthier, and more glowing skin underneath. You also see noticeable little white dots on your face, which is the burnt-off skin. I know I’m making this sound scarier than it actually is, but truthfully, I didn’t think I looked that bad. In preparation for getting the treatment I did watch a number of YouTube videos and I thought my skin would look redder than it did.

Now directly after you are done your face will be burning for at least three hours and will also look swollen. Annie mentioned that they traditionally do HALO during the winter months as that’s when people are generally untanned and not exposed to intense sun as in the summer. Also, since the process takes a week to reveal the new you, typically people tend to stay home more in the winter than the summer (I still went out but I didn’t think my skin looked overly too bad.. plus wearing glasses also helped to cover up the really bad parts).

I did document the experience on TikTok and Instagram, but as the days went on, every day was a new experience. The day after the treatment I did find that my skin was looking more pigmented and more of a rougher texture. Day three gave me more brown spots (also known as MENDS — microscopic epidermal necrotic debris) and I felt like the treated areas were almost crusting over. I wanted to just dig my nails underneath and peel off the treated area. It didn’t hurt at all and it didn’t feel overly tight, but it was feeling very dry. I also felt like my face looked slightly more swollen than usual and it looked like I had a really bad sunburn.

Day four is when the dry spots and MENDS started to fall off. I found by the end of the day, my upper lip and chin were pretty smooth. Day five saw more of the dead skin come off when I washed it morning and night, same with day six. I was left with a pretty red face in some areas though and my face did pretty hot throughout the day.

For the after-case instructions, I was told to just use a cleanser and a non-scented moisturizer. She recommended CeraVe, so I used their CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which thankfully comes in a pretty big bottle as I knew I would be using lots of it. My face was like a dehydrated plant, it would just suck up any moisturizer I was putting on it. It’s also very important to apply SPF a few times a day since your skin is more sensitive to light after the treatment.

My skin was pretty much all healed about a week later but I did notice I had some breakouts coming though in my chin area and I was a little red in some areas. Also, my cheeks did feel like they had some texture to them still. After all the MENDS came off my face I did revert back to my normal skincare routine, which ended up causing some problems with the healing of my skin. When I went for my two-week follow up appointment at Clinique Le 1620 they recommended I use some of their own in-house medical skincare products, which are specially formulated to help skin after these kinds of treatments. I ended up grabbing the following:

• Chamomile Facial Cleanser, which is a sulfate-free gel cleanser that safely washes away surface debris and impurities from fragile-treated skin. This cleanser contains brown algae to remove pollutants, peptides to hydrate, chamomile to soothe, and ginger to help ease discomfort.
• Vitamin K Creme, which is a capillary-strengthening treatment with Vitamin K to help prevent and heal bruises. This helps to diminish facial redness and improve the appearance of dark circles.
• Vita Soothe, which is a serum that nourishes skin and facilitates recovery. It contains antioxidants lipochroman and vitamin E to defend against environmental aggressors, as well as glycolipids and essential fatty acids to nourish skin.
• Radiant Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, which is an antioxidant-enriched mineral sunscreen that protects from UV rays, blue light, and pollution. It has a hydrating, non-greasy formula that melts impeccably into the skin and also has a sheer tint to reduce any skin redness.

Now, looking back at the before photos, I definitely noticed a lot of the pigmentation and spots on my skin. When I look at my skin now, all of those spots are gone and I’m left with a flawless canvas that is glowing, radiant and more clear, has smaller pores, and more smooth skin.

Now that we are about a month out, I can definitely see why people get this treatment and why it’s so beloved by many. It has totally brought a renewed appreciation to my skin and I definitely feel more confident. It’s also nice that I don’t really have to wear foundation or anything on my face to have a flawless appearance. My skin just looks so clear and flawless. It’s really incredible how this laser got rid of any pigmentation, spots, and just overall gave me a smoother and more glowing appearance.

As for upkeep, Clinique Le 1620 recommends to get this treatment done every year or so for upkeep. It is a pretty pricey procedure, so although you probably could do it more than once a year (depending on your skin concerns), I would save up to get it done every year for the best results.

Of course, if you are considering having this done, I do recommend that you book a consultation with Clinique Le 1620 if you are in Montreal. If you want to see more photos and videos of my HALO/BBL journey, you can check out my Instagram saved stories or my TikTok account to see more footage of my face as it went through the healing process in the week after I got it done.

Have you tried HALO/BBL before?

Like what you read? Check out these related posts

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• It really works: Trying out DualSculpting at Sculptology Winnipeg

The post Turning back the clock: My experience with HALO/BBL lasers at Clinique Le 1620 appeared first on A Pop of Colour.

For the past year I have been using scalp oils and have seen their effect on not only how my hair looks and feels, but also on my scalp health. Winter typically is very drying for the skin and in the past I would often get those little flakes from my head that covered my clothes. Well not lately.

I like to apply a scalp oil at least once a week (I wash my hair on Mondays and Thursdays), so since this was already part of my routine, I was excited to get a new product from Montreal-based wellness brand SELV.

SELV makes products for the bath, shower, body, mind, and daily rituals and their items are made with high-quality ingredients with ecological values. The recently teamed up with Salon Chez Marcus on a line of three hair products that are designed to give you softer, stronger, and shinier hair. All these hair products are made in Quebec with all-natural and high-quality ingredients that are also 100 per cent vegan.

SELV x Chez Marcus Pre-Shampoo Serum

This serum (C$58) is my favourite from the bunch since it leaves your hair feeling so silky and also instantly transports you to the spa thanks to the rosemary, neroli, and mint.

This serum has vitamins in it to give your hair more density, hydration, and improve overall health. Apply two full pipettes to the hand and then moisturize on the scalp while also running it through to your ends. Wait 15 minutes and then shampoo your hair twice to rinse. What you are left with is hydrated, nourished, shiny, and more luxurious hair that not only looks amazing but feels amazing too.

I like to use this product once a week (typically on Thursdays for the weekend) and I have found that even when my hair is dry it’s less frizzy than if I didn’t use the product. I like to pair it with my Kerastase shampoo and hair mask for the most luxurious hair treatment.

Eucalyptus & Rosemary Stimulating Hair Mist

Once out of the shower, spray their new Eucalyptus & Rosemary Stimulating Hair Mist (C$48) which is helps to stimulate hair growth, soothe the scalp, and make hair silky and shiny.

This mist includes Vitamin B5 to moisturize and soften. It also helps to calm skin irritation and protects the hair against external aggressions. It also has eucalyptus hydrosol to stimulate hair growth.

You can either apply this to damp or dry hair. I like to spray it in damp hair after my shower and when I use the hair oil. It also has a very relaxing scent that will transport you directly to the spa.

This line also has a Nourishing Hair Oil, which can be used to give you shiny, hydrated and healthy hair. I didn’t get this item but if it’s anything like the other two, then I’m sure it smells amazing and would make a great product to add to your haircare routine.

Overall I love these products and love the way they make my hair look and feel. Also, the smell is so divine and I love how they are local products made in Quebec (love the feeling I get when I shop local and support local brands!). You can order direct from the SELV site if you want to check them out.

Have you tried these haircare products for SELV Ritual?

Please note, products sent by PR. All opinions are my honest own.

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The post Nourished hair: Two haircare products you need to try from SELV Ritual appeared first on A Pop of Colour.

I have been a huge fan of Fenty since the brand basically launched a few years ago. For the most part, I have absolutely loved every product I’ve tried, and considering the price points of the products, it’s fabulous quality for what you’re paying.

I love the brand so much that whenever they launch something new, I can’t wait to get my hands on it. One of their newest launches is the Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipsticks (C$38). Available in five shades, these liquid lipsticks deliver a matte velvet finish with a formula that is long-wearing and incredibly comfortable.

Now usually matte liquid lipsticks can be drying, but not these. They feature a creamy, whipped texture that hugs lips and delivers pigmented intense colour on the first swipe. They also don’t dry out your lips or settle into fine lines.  Colour stays rich and the texture feels comfortable and moisturizing on the lips.

Fenty Beauty sent me four of the five shades. There is Riri, a rose mauve nude; The MVP, a blue red; H.B.I.C., a deep garnet red; and Bread Winn’r, a chocolate brown nude.  There is also C-Suite’Heart, a soft pink nude.

Overall I really like these and love how comfortable they feel on the lips.  Because they are hydrating, they don’t quite dry down the same way that a matte liquid lipstick would, so I would be careful with colour transfer, which will happen since these shades are very bold.  I do like how they feature a doe-foot applicator to apply them, making it easy to precisely apply the colour.

I also wish there were more shades and a greater array of colours. I’m not a huge red lipstick girl but I do think these are very nice shades of red and if you love a red lip then you’ll probably love the reds she chose to include in this collection.

Now since we are on the topic of Fenty lip products, I also want to mention the new Fenty Skin Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask (C$29).

This lip mask is infused with pomegranate sterols and vitamin E to give you super soft and plush lips.  Housed in the cutest little peach container, pop off the top to reveal a flat surface where you twist the bottom to get the product dispensed. This balm instantly hydrates and nourishes lips, while also smoothing the texture of lips and reducing the look of lines and wrinkles. It also helps to firm lips and improve their elasticity.  As a result, you are left with fuller-looking, more sculpted and defined lips.

This balm has a light vanilla scent and flavour and is colour-free. It does leave a clear sheen on the lips, which I find to look so flattering (and I feel like it makes your lips look bigger too). If you are a fan of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Masks then I know you will love these.  I do find this Fenty lip mask to be a little on the thicker side but then it melts really nicely onto your lips once applied.

I also love the container since I find it’s easier to apply the product since it has a twist bottom. Of course it might not be the most hygienic if you are sharing lip balm with a friend, but as someone who always has to have a lip balm handy, the fact that I don’t need a little spatula to get the product is a huge plus for me.

I would recommend both of these new products from Fenty, especially the Fenty Skin Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask since I find it’s such a good lip balm that gives you hydrated lips for hours on end. For a great night out, the Fenty Icon would be a great choice as well.

Have you tried these new Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin products?

Please note, I received this product from PR. All opinions are my own.

Like what you read?  Check out these related posts.

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• Shine bright… Fenty Beauty celebrates one-year anniversary collection with Diamond collection

The post Lips looking good: Fenty Beauty Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipsticks and Fenty Skin Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask appeared first on A Pop of Colour.

I have actually used Omy products in the past and found I really liked the results I saw.  This brand, which was established in 2019, hails from Quebec and features a customized skincare experience.  You can either purchase the product a la carte from their website or you can fill out a skin analysis and according to your preferences, Omy will select three active ingredients, all of natural origin, and then create an effective skincare product and regimen especially for you and your needs.

Their products are made in Quebec and are paraben, MIT, silicone, and sulfate free, and are formulated with 95 per cent natural ingredients.  The skincare products are also 100 per cent vegan, not tested on animals and are environmentally friendly.

Like I said, I have used a few different products from the brand in the past after taking the skincare quiz on their website. They have also recently sent me some new items to try out and share with you guys, and spoiler alert, they do not disappoint.

Pure Oil – 5% vitamin C + squalane

I always love trying out new serums since they are so important in your skincare routine. A must-have ingredient? Vitamin C!

The Omy Pure Oil – 5% Vitamin C + Squalane (C$59.99) is a serum that gives you radiant skin and is great for all skin types and ages.

This formula contains five per cent stabilized Vitamin C, which comes in an extremely potent form, and is suitable for all skin types, even those with highly sensitive skin. The thing that makes this product special is that their stabilized Vitamin C is not photosensitive, instead it activates on contact with the skin and is compatible with other ingredients like niacinamide or retinol.

Since it’s a vegetable squalene, the Vitamin C found in this serum penetrates deeper into skin, leaving you with more radiance, collagen production, and elasticity.

In addition to Vitamin C, it also contains superfruits such as acai berry and passion fruit, which is abundant in scent as soon as you apply it.  It also has antioxidants and stabilized Vitamin E to preserve your skin’s hydration and protect it from external aggressors.

Finally, the added squalane in this serum comes from plants and mimics the skin’s natural sebum, which helps to balance all types of skin, especially those with oily or combination skin. The squalane is sourced from sugar cane and helps with the fluid and light texture of the oil overall.

I absolutely love this serum and find it makes my skin look so hydrated and glowing. I has a really nice texture to it and a beautiful and uplifting scent, which I know isn’t always a good thing for people with scent allergies but if you don’t mind some fragrance in your skincare then I think you’ll really like this.

For the ultimate in self care, apply the serum and then go in with a Gua Sha.  Omy actually offers their own personalized Gua Sha (C$39.99), which would make a perfect gift for someone.

In case you aren’t familiar with what Gua Shas do, they were originally created for traditional Chinese medicine thousands of years ago and help with lymphatic drainage.  Omy’s Gua Sha is made with black obsidian and was designed to promote a firming and lifting effect on the skin.

The personalized Gua Sha is engraved with your name (or anything else you want on it) and is made with volcanic stone in Quebec City.

Multi-Action Contour Cream with Peptides

 A must in your skincare routine? A good eye cream and Omy’s Multi-Action Contour Cream with Peptides (C$54.99) will do just the trick.

This eye cream contains a number of effective ingredients to refresh the eyes, smooth the delicate eye area, and reduce the appearance of puffiness.  It contains a number of peptides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and tighten the skin.  It’s also great for all types of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, and under-eye bags.

The formula contains 25 per cent active ingredients, as well as 96.8 per cent natural ingredients. It’s also 100 per cent vegan. The hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, smoothing out fine lines and crow’s feet, whereas the added peptides help to stimulate collagen synthesis and slow down the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It also contains quinoa extract to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and the appearance of undereye bags, and horse chestnut extract reduces the appearance of dark circles, poor circulation, and water retention.

I love the packaging of this product since it features a slanted tip and a squeeze tube making it really simple to apply. I find that it leaves my eye area feeling really hydrated and lifted, and any puffiness is reduced.

For the ultimate undereye experience, pair the eye cream with their Reusable Eye Patches (C$19.99).

These eye patches, which feature the cutest Good Morning motif, are made of 100 per cent vegan silicone and are designed to hold your eye cream in place and help it penetrate more quickly into your skin. These eye patches can be used up to 30 uses and help your eyes look more refreshed.

Apply your cream and then wait 15 or so seconds until it’s slightly tacky and then apply the patches to the undereye area. Wear them for 15 minutes and then remove for a more lifted and glowing appearance.

Omy has a ton of other great products to try out. Like I said in the beginning, I love how this is a Canadian skincare line and I love the whole personalization factor in how they determine which products are good for your skin.  To shop their whole line, click here 

and make sure to use code SHAYNA for 10% off your order!

Have you tried products from Omy before?

Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.

Like this post? Check out these related articles:

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• Moisture mania: The moisturizers you need for your skin this fall
• Skincare refresh: The Tula products you need to incorporate into your skincare routine

The post Made for you: Top products to try from Omy Cosmetics appeared first on A Pop of Colour.

I have tried numerous things from thing line (probably around 90 per cent of it) and have loved practically every item I have tried. Not only are the beauty products so iconic but the skincare items are also amazing as well.

For the holidays, Charlotte Tilbury has a ton of items that are currently available and perfect for just about anyone on your list.

Of course, her line isn’t the most affordable one, but you are definitely paying for quality with her products, so if you are looking to treat someone to something really special, then keep reading…

Charlotte’s Magic Mini Brush Set

If you have a friend or family member who has a vacation planned for the upcoming holiday break, then I know they will love the Magic Mini Brush Set (C$65).

This brush set comes with four minis, as well as a luxurious velvet pouch to hold them in. Now typically I find these mini brush sets to be okay, but I actually really like the selection of brushes they included in here. Aside from a blush and bronzer brush (which you could argue the powder brush could be used for), you pretty much have everything you need here for the full face of makeup.

Included in this set is a mini foundation brush, a mini powder brush, a mini eye smudger brush, and a mini eye blender brush.

At C$65, this is on the pricier side for four mini brushes (especially considering that you can get full-size brush sets from Sephora Collection or Quo at Shoppers’ Drug Mart, however, Charlotte Tilbury is a luxury cosmetic brand and I truly believe that this set would make such a great gift for a makeup lover in your life.

Charlotte Tilbury Four Magic Steps to Hydrated, Glowing Skin

If you have someone on your list who loves Charlotte Tilbury’s skincare then you have to check out the Four Magic Steps to Hydrated, Glowing Skin set (C$186).  This set includes three deluxe sizes of some of her most iconic skincare products, as well as a full-size item.  In total, this set is worth $248, so it’s a great deal for the holidays.

Included in here is a 30 ml of the Glow Toner, which is inspired by the brightening, pore-refining effects of an acid toner.  This toner is aimed to balance, smooth, and refine pores to leave you with glowing and smooth skin.  It includes niacinamide, as well as super peptide RoyalEpigen P5 and Exfolactive to minimize pores and tighten skin.

You also get a 15 ml of the Charlotte’s Magic Cream Moisturizer, which is an award-winning and bestselling product. I love this moisturizer, so having a travel-sized version of it is something that would make me very happy.  It includes hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and a peptide complex to give you more youthful-looking skin.

Finally, you get an 8 ml of her new Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil, which gives you more glowing, plumper, and healthier-looking skin.

As for the full-size product, you get the Magic Serum Crystal Elixir (30 ml), which is leaves skin looking younger thanks to Replexium, vitamin C, and polyglutamic acid. For the best results, try mixing it with the Magic Cream Moisturizer for a luxurious facial treatment.

I’ve used all these products aside from the toner and absolutely love them.  Although Charlotte Tilbury is more known for their beauty products, the skincare items are really incredible and I really love this set and think it would be a fabulous gift for someone (especially if they have a trip coming up as the minis are great for travel!).

Collagen Superfusion Face Oil

If the Collagen Superfusion Face Oil sounds intriguing then I recommend picking up the full-size version. This is part of her regular line, not something special for the holidays, but a good serum is always a great gift idea.

The Collagen Superfusion Face Oil (C$100) is an oil that is aimed to nourish, moisturize, smooth, even, and hydrate skin.  This oil is super luxurious and smells like a spa, which is a real treat to apply.  It has a collagen matrix, plant extracts, vitamins, superfood seed oils, and soothing essential oils, which make it super nourishing and rich in texture.

With regular use, you’ll notice that skin looks more radiant, smooth, and even, as well as more firm and hydrated.  It also works to reduce the look of wrinkles and redness.

I have a lot of serums at home, but after one use of this one I was instantly in love and was blown away by the texture and overall experience of applying this serum.

Charlotte Tilbury has a ton of other gifts currently available for the holidays. I always love recommending her Pillow Talk lip kits, which is a universal and beloved lip colour that you can’t go wrong with.  She also has some incredible palettes to choose from, as well as other skincare kits to gift as well.

Is anything Charlotte Tilbury on your wish list?

Please note, products provided by PR, all opinions are my own.

Like what you read? Check out these related posts:

• • The big glow: Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm collection
  • Sweet nothings: Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in Pillow Talk
  • Completely flushed: Charlotte Tilbury Pretty Youth Glow Filter
  • Movie star makeup: First impressions with Charlotte Tilbury Cosmetics

The post Living luxe: The best holiday gifts from Charlotte Tilbury appeared first on A Pop of Colour.

I’ve tried a lot of items from the line (probably the majority of them at this point), and although I can think of some products that I didn’t like, the overwhelming majority of them have been fantastic.  Plus the price point of Fenty is really affordable considering it’s a brand found at Sephora.

Fenty also has a skincare line, which I haven’t dabbled too much into just yet, but the products I have tried, I have really enjoyed. Thankfully they do have some skincare sets for the holidays which gives you a great chance to try out numerous products from the brand.

Here are some of my top picks from both Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin…

Double Cheek’d Up: Freestyle Cream Blush Duo

Fenty Beauty are known for their cream products so the Double Cheek’d Up: Freestyle Cream Blush Duo (C$44 valued at $56) is a great item to gift or to keep for yourself!

This limited-edition duo contains two cream blushes in shades Peony Droppa (soft peony pink) and Mali’booze (soft warm rose). Housed in one compact side by side, these blushes melt into skin to leave you with a natural looking flush that suits all skin tones. The great thing about these is that they are sheer and buildable. They are also creamy, soft, and sweat and water resistant.

The compact itself is their special holiday version which is a gorgeous metallic fuchsia. This would be great to use in the winter weather to keep cheeks hydrated and flushed, as well as for your beach vacation.

Fenty Match Stix Contour Stick

Although the Fenty Match Stix Contour Sticks aren’t special for the holidays, they are a great add-on if you are gifting the cream blush duo.

These matte contour sticks (C$36) come in nine shades and are a buildable cream to powder formula.

A matte contour stick in a range of shades for all skin tones from light to dark. The buildable cream-to-powder long-wear formula is lightweight and blendable. Housed in a retractable stick, this product is easy to apply, targeting areas that need a little bronzer or definition.

These bronzers are also a medium coverage, meaning you can build up the colour to your ideal level of bronze.  I love these and also love to use them underneath a powder bronzer to build up my contour or add some warmth to my face.

Glossy Posse Volume 5.0 Lip Gloss Bomb Trio

Another star item in the Fenty Beauty line are their glosses and if you are a fan (or have someone on your list who is one), then you’ll have to grab the Glossy Posse Volume 5.0 Lip Gloss Bomb Trio (C$49, $84 value).

This set includes three Gloss Bomb shades in all different finishes.  There is the Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper in Fenty Glow, a sheer rose nude; the Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream in Cupcakin’ (dusty pink); and Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Fuchsia Flex (shimmering berry).

I love this set since it allows you to try three of the Gloss Bomb finishes – pumping, cream, and sparkle, all at an amazing pice (almost half off!).

Fenty Skin The Glow Around 4-Piece Travel Skincare Essentials Set

Moving onto Fenty Skin, this is actually a line that I have been very curious about but haven’t dabbled too much into.

If you ave someone on your list like me, or you want to try it, or have a trip coming up where you want travel minis, then you’ll love the Fenty Skin The Glow Around 4-Piece Travel Skincare Essentials Set (on sale right now for C$54 at Sephora, valued at $113).

This set includes travel sizes of her cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, as well as the full size of her exfoliator (which I have tried and love).

Ideal for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin, this skincare set is great for those who have issues with dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, pores and dullness. Included in here are travel sizes of the Total Cleans’r Remove-It-All Cleanser (45 ml), Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum (50 ml), and the Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (30 ml). As mentioned, you also get the full size of the Pre-Show Glow, which is a 10% AHA exfoliating treatment that visibly brightens skin and reduces the look of pores and dark spots.

I think this set is amazing value and the sizes of these products are also quite hefty, so even if you haven’t tried this line before, it gives you a good idea of how these items will work with your skin. The only thing that is missing in here is a good eye cream, which is an item she has in her line.  Regardless, I still think this set is awesome and love how you get the full-size of the Pre-Show Glow as well, which retails for C$52 alone, so for two dollars more, you get that product plus all the travel sizes of the other products.

Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Pore Detox Face Mask with Salicylic Acid + Charcoal

Finally, this last item isn’t a holiday-special product, but it’s a newer item in the Fenty Skin line and one that I think would make a great gift as well.

The Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Pore Detox Face Mask with Salicylic Acid + Charcoal (C$42) is a non-drying whipped clay mask that contains charcoal to deeply purify pores and improve skin’s texture and combat shine.

This mask is great for all types of skin types and works wonders for those who have issues with pores, uneven texture, and oiliness. The formula contains clay to extract dirt, oil, and impurities, as well as charcoal to detoxify pores and absorb oil and impurities. Finally, it also has salicylic acid to clarify and refine skin.

This mask legit looks like cookies and cream (but unfortunately it doesn’t smell like it since it’s unscented, great for those who have scent allergies) and has a whipped texture to it. Grab a small handful and work it into your skin, where you’ll notice that the charcoal beads break down leaving you with a grey-coloured mask on your face.  Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse.  Apply it a few times a week for the best results.

I love this mask and think it would make a great gift for someone (who doesn’t love a face mask!?). Plus, the cookies and cream and whipped texture make it so fun and luxe.

There are a bunch of other Fenty Skin and Fenty Beauty products to choose from for the holiday season but I really love these choices since they are great items from the brand.

Is anything Fenty on your wish list?

Please note, I received this product from PR. All opinions are my own.

Like what you read?  Check out these related posts.

• A colour for every mood: Fenty Beauty new Mattemoiselle lipstick shades
• High shine: Fenty Beauty holiday Chill Owt collection
• Daring colour: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Colour
• Shine bright… Fenty Beauty celebrates one-year anniversary collection with Diamond collection

The post Electric & edgy: The best items to gift from Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin appeared first on A Pop of Colour.

There are a few items that I feel like Stila does really well in the beauty sphere and one of them is the Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadows.  These are so perfect for creating the perfect holiday look and if you are looking to pick one up or gift one for the holidays, then you’ll love the sets that Stila has for the season.

Inner Glow Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow Duo

This set includes two of the bestselling Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadows (C$42) in the colours Foxy Lady, a silver sparkle, and Coral Crush, a sparkly coral.

These are a liquid product that gives you crazy sparkle and combines a mix of pearl and glitter to add luster and shimmer.  They are the perfect items to include in your holiday beauty look. Best part is that they are very lightweight and dries down quickly and smoothly with minimal fallout.

This set comes as a split-apart duo, so you can either gift it as one set, split it apart or of course, keep it for yourself.

Pay It Forward Mascara & Dual-Ended Eye Liner Set

For the perfect eye look, pair the Glitter and Glow Liquid Shadows with their eyeliner and mascara, which you can easily do with the Pay It Forward Mascara & Dual-Ended Eye Liner Set (C$51).

This set includes Stila’s bestselling mascara, the Huge Extreme Lash Mascara, as well as the award-winning Stay All Day Dual-Ended Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Intense Black. Best part is is that both products are full size.

The mascara gives you big and bold lashes in a deep black shade, whereas the liner is dual-ended and waterproof, so you get two tip applicators (one thicker and one thinner) that come in one pen for a multi-faceted look.

I think this is such a great gift to give since it allows you to create the perfect cat eye for the holiday season. Pair it with the Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow for the ultimate holiday look.

Stila has a few more sets available for the holiday season and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. If you are looking for great beauty and makeup sets to gift, I would definitely look at what Stila has to offer.

Are any sets from Stila on your holiday wish list this year?

Please note, I received these products from PR. All opinions are my own.

Like this post? Check out these related items:

• Sparkle + shine: Stila Cosmetics Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Eyeshadows
• Dazzled: Too Faced Cosmetics Glitter Bomb eyeshadow palette 
• Summer vacay: Summertime makeup look feat. Kylie Cosmetics Vacation palette
• On trend + affordable: Hard Candy summer 2017 items

The post Shine bright: Two sets from Stila Cosmetics to gift this holiday season appeared first on A Pop of Colour.