the knack

Showing posts with label Face Care. Show all posts

While the press has called Su-Man Skincare a “natural alternative to botox” and “face lift in an hour,” you need only look to founder and celebrity facialist Su-Man Hsu's skin for proof of the transformation about to take place.

Working with chemists in France and Taiwan, Su-Man has created a signature premium skincare line featuring eight carefully curated, innovative products using philosophies from both east and west, with ingredients that work instant miracles while still delivering long-lasting effects.

Bonus: She offers pro tips on application that change everything. You'll soon realize that you've been:

1. Applying waaay too much product.

2. Doing it all wrong all this time.

I mean, how firmly are you massaging in your moisturizer? Probably not hard enough. Are you applying it twice a day? Mmm, didn't think so. And are you doing the "zigzag" with the "rice amount" of eye cream? Me neither.

Su-Man was kind enough to send me her entire capsule collection. And before you freak out that there are so many products at once, don't worry - she's made it super easy to use, and it takes just as long as your current routine.

Still not convinced? Heed her wise words: “Skincare should be a ritual and not a chore. Have a love affair with your skin and you will transform it beyond recognition. Life changes your skin, now change your skin for life.”

Now that's what I'm talking about.

How did Su-Man's products fare? Read on to find out:

- Purifying Cleansing Gel Oil

If you're not starting your beauty routine off with cleanser, you're doing it wrong.

One try of this creamy, silky gel that melts then slightly lathers, proves your skin ain't as squeaky clean as you think it is. It’s also the first of many Su-Man products that boasts an innovative twist opening at the tube’s base. How cool is that?

Packed with nutrients - wintergreen, dragon’s blood extract and rose hip oil, for starters - it deep dives to invigorate and clean skin, without leaving it feeling stripped or parched.

Though it rinses off quickly and effortlessly with water, don't be fooled by its easygoing nature: all traces of makeup? Whoosh. Gone. Every last bit. Even the stuff you'd swear would never come off without the usual exertion.

And despite taking just seconds, your skin isn't just clean - it's been pampered beyond belief. Say hello to smooth, soft and supple skin now.

And we're just getting started...

- Exfoliating Facial Polish

Consider this the Ctl+Alt+Del for your skin. If you love a good scrub without feeling like your face is about to fall off, this exfoliator’s for you.

The mocha-coloured oil-based liquid has tiny buffers that gently exfoliate. In fact, it's actual coffee grains that gently sloughs off old, tired skin cells. No wonder it smells like freshly roasted coffee and black bean sauce to me (I find it quite pleasant BTW, said the food and restaurant writer).

And with the addition camu camu, white lilly and dragon’s blood extract, it leaves your skin renewed and reinforced, bursting with a youthful radiance.

So whatever been going on with that pretty lil' mug of yours - inflammation, drooping, roughness, dullness, unevenness, large pores - know that it's a thing of the past, now that you've got Su-Man Skincare at hand. And get ready for exuberant, jubilant skin that looks as phenomenal as it feels.

Bonus: you'll look forward to the 2-3 times a week ritual as much as bingeing on your new favourite show. You'll see.

- Refining Facial Polish

It's hard to believe this nonabrasive pink gel can get rid of anything of note. Get used to having your mind blown: Su-Man creates magical formulas that not only transform your skin, but are wildly effective, all without having to apply a single iota of elbow grease, or wait around weeks for results. So rest assured, your skin is about to be revolutionized - and in just in one fell swoop, to boot.

This insanely light hyphenate formula does everything from promote skin cell regeneration to fight free radicals, while a quenching blend of watermelon and gingko biloba leaf extracts hydrates, smooths, soothes and renews - without any scrubbing, scouring or sanding.

A superhero product if I've ever seen one.

- Rehydrating Toning Essence

Usually in a skincare regimen, you'll find a separate toner and essence. Su-Man has created a fabulous combo blend that turn morning and evening routines into a breeze (I told you she was amazing).

The barely-there, fresh gel essence gives you a lift - doling out serious hydration via hyaluronic acid, with a dreamy rose petal finish. Get ready for fuller, firmer skin, less wrinkles, and refreshing replenishing all at once.

What a way to start the day.

- Velvet Skin Brightening Serum

No dull, lacklustre skin for you. It's easy to see why this is a bestseller- instantly transformative and completely addictive, this flamingo pink serum's one of the best ways to get through winter.

It's all by way of some ingredients you may not have heard of before (tranexamic acid, traditional medicinal herb cassia alata leaf extract, "mountain peanut" or plukenetia volubilis seed oil, for example) and others you'll know under a different name, such as croton lechleri resin extract -read: dragon's blood. That's in addition to ceramides, omegas, antioxidants and powerhouse hyaluronic acid.

It takes just one drop of this silky soft serum (after cleansing and toning, of course) to transform your skin. Get ready for a brighter, softer complexion, boasting taut skin with no room for lines, wrinkles, or dark spots.

Don't be surprised if suddenly going makeup free feels like the right thing to do now.

- Awakening Eye Uplift

This luxe, sumptuous, yet lightweight cream really cures all that ails you: puffiness, lines, dark circles. And you don’t have to wait weeks to see results either.

Saggy pockets snap to attention (shoutout to peptides) and stay that way (spirulina and dragon’s blood extract have got you). Notice your skin plump right before your eyes and over time.

If you want to use it as an excuse to stay out later tonight, I won't tell a soul.

p.s. Su-Man recommends applying a "tiny rice-sized amount over the eyelids." I don't think I've ever applied cream to my lids before this. I was merely concentrating on the area below. Su-Man doesn't just change your skin - she revolutionizes the way you think about and approach your skin.

- Velvet Skin Moisturising Cream

Some face creams come and go, but this one should stay forever.

There's nothing better than feeling your skin surge with intense moisture. Think: heavy waterfall, crashing waves. What makes Su-Man's cream so remarkable is not just a feeling both immediate and long-lasting, but it's dispatched via a dreamy luxe, weightless emollient finished in a comforting nutty, coffee scent.

Thanks to an infusion of fierce ingredients - dragon’s blood extract, rose hip oil, shea butter, sea water, peptides, to name just a few - get ready for luminous, dewy, juicy skin, no matter what state your skin's in.

Like the rest of the brilliant lineup, this cream comes with a high IQ -> it's solving all sorts of problems while you just sit there:

- Absorption upon application means you can get on with your busy day (boss doesn't even cover it)
- Skin isn't just plumped up and firmed for the next 24 hours - it's here to stay
- All those annoying indents crowding around your eyes and mouth, and taking over your forehead? As smooth as a snow cloud now
- Youthful glow? Try a luminescence that's intergalactic.

Tip: Be sure to follow Su-Man's instruction to "massage firmly around neck and face." It helps the cream saturate the skin, while feeling like a mini-spa treatment. Win-win.

- Facial Glow Rejuvenating Mask

Sheets masks used to be a liaison between your skincare and/or used as a recovery method to really quench and drench your skin when your regular lineup wasn't cutting it. And while that's still the case, more and more, sheets masks are being used in conjunction with your customary products.

This one's meant to be done after the serum and before the eye and face cream, though certainly can be enjoyed on its own.

There's four bio cellulose masks per box, so don't feel you have to save them for a special occasion (ugh, guilty). The one-piece with space for eyes, mouth and nostrils, comes with the option to cover your peepers. And as with all the products, the scent is divine. Talk about a retreat to serenity.

While some masks require a half an hour or 45 minute commitment in order to work, Su-Man gets right to the point with results in just 10-15. That's right. In less time than it takes to clean out your wallet, you've got bright, soft, soothed skin that's quenched and ready to take on the world!

The reason for the quick turnaround time?

1. An innovative mask that clings and allows products to deeply, effectively penetrate.
2. Wicked ingredients that nourish and nurture the skin, such as advanced peptides, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, brown algae, orchid extract, and sea water mineral concentrate.

Suitable for all skin types, this weekly treatment doesn't just deliver serious radiance and softness - it targets fine lines and wrinkles, calms the dermis, and infuses intense hydration that lasts and lasts.
And check out two cool features that you probably haven't seen elsewhere:

1. It's fermented in coconut water!
2. Warm it up before putting it on and it not only keeps you toasty, it amplifies absorption.

New face, who dis?

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As you can see, I'm hooked on everything Su-Man. My skin's smooth, radiant and practically line free. And despite scores of products atop my bathroom counter, I don't feel overwhelmed. In fact, I look forward to it.

Shop Su-Man now.

If you're like me, you can't get enough of:

1. Rodial Skincare and Makeup

2. Rose gold

Lucky for us, Rodial has brought the two together in a sumptuous new collection of Rose Gold Skincare.

Rodial Rose Gold Serum isn't just your average everyday serum. Nuh uh. This stunner delivers on so many levels, you just might keep it at your side at all times.

See, while most serums work on one or two areas of concern - let's say hydration and maybe a little anti-aging - this silky wonder goes to town on e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.

First, let's talk about the deep, sumptuous hydration this lightweight, non-greasy formula delivers - not something you get in many serums. Thanks to fierce ingredient biotechnological hyaluronic acid, I don't feel the need to follow up with moisturizer. That never happens. To get such an intense drenching is absolute bliss, especially for those of us with perpetually dry skin. Hoo-rah.

Then there's the mega transformation that takes place. Want to reshape your face without going under the knife? Just a few drops of this pot o' gold and you get instant lift. I'm not talking about a subtle one only you will notice either. Nuh uh. This is serious amplification. Thanks to a remarkable skin tightening complex, everything seems to raise at least 25 degrees, and the definition? Elevated cheekbones, firm neck (if you'd seen it just 5 minutes ago...) and skin that's taut, but still juicy and plump. I'm not kidding when I tell you it's shocking. Everything that was wobbly and run-down has had the most intense bootcamp of its life, all without lifting a finger, suffering any pain or having to endure a second of recovery time.

Here's the thing - my mug had become beyond shapeless for awhile now. A kind of round moonface that just sat there like a lump. Ugh. And my neck? Even worse. The definition I'd had in my twenties had expired along with landlines, department stores, and the McRib. And now? You might think I've had a facelift (not the kind that makes you look like a sex doll, the other, natural looking variety) and definitely some Botox.

The instantaneous reshaping is intensely gratifying. Isn't it nice not to have to wait around for results for once? The serum deeply penetrates the skin upon application (melts is more accurate), so skin immediately looks and feels better. But don't think you have to compromise and lose out on long-lasting efficacy. In addition to the prodigious reconstruction, you'll still be enjoying the payoff when the seasons - and your wardrobe - changes.

Powerful anti-aging ingredients including a regenerative bioactive extract and 24 carat gold technology level out wrinkles like a steamroller. And not just horizontal ones, but vertical too. That's what I'm taking 'bout.

And just when you think it can't get any worthier, there are four more things you can look forward to:

1. It's not just about appearances. Skin feels smoother and softer to the touch.

2. In addition to complete rejuvenation, Rodial throws in a slew of radiance, by way of white rose fresh cells, because it's just that great. So don't be surprised if suddenly your photos are now #makeupfree.

3. If you love fragrance, you're going to fall hard for this serum. It's as beautiful as the best perfumes I've ever tested. A rapturous surge of fresh roses and other flora and botanicals engulfs you. One of the most joyous, feminine scents I've come across, the scent alone is practically worth the purchase.

4. The striking bottle with rose gold coloured cap is so pretty, you won't restrict it to a drawer or cupboard like the rest. This beaut is staying right out here in the open, where you can enjoy it day and night.

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Rodial Rose Gold Serum might be pricey, but it's worth every penny.

Shop now in-store at Murale by Shoppers Drug Mart.

p.s. Check out more of my immense love for Rodial's incredible skincare and makeup.

For the last few years, OverCat Communications - one of the best PR and event planning agencies in the city - is kind enough to invite me to their exhilarating get-glam TIFF suite, where a whole squad of beauty experts puts me together in time for the red carpet and celeb-packed galas.

I've come to look forward to the beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart TIFF Suite event as much as seeing Idris Elba just a few feet away.

My awesome squad this year? Only the very best:

- St. Tropez Tan custom skin finishing treatments by celebrity tanning expert Sophie Evans

- Makeup application by Isabel Moore, Stila Cosmetics and beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart

- Eyelash applications by DUO

- QUO by ORLY manicure by Tips nail artist Melissa Forrest

- PHYTO hairstyling services by celebrity hair and makeup artist Anna Barseghian

Most of these lovely ladies were also part of my dream team last year.

Held on the 18th floor of the Intercontinental Hotel in partnership with with Entertainment One's TIFF Lounge, the suites were abuzz with celebrities, media and influencers getting ready. Audrey Hyams Romoff, president and owner of OverCat, understands that we're on the go non-stop for ten days and not having to fuss over makeup, hair and nails ourselves isn't just a huge help and timesaver, but a much-need, much-appreciated pampering during one of the most frenzied times of year.

- Solid Gold

Sophie Evans isn't just a tanner to the stars (Sophie Turner, Hugh Jackman, Margot Robbie, Victoria Beckham, Bella Hadid, Kate Moss, to name just a few) for red carpets - Oscars, Emmys, you name it. She's been seeing my naked bod for years now and never snickers or points out my flaws. She only exudes warmth and love, and well, when you're stripped down to a single pair of thin, barely-there paper panties, it's everything. She's also kind enough to add contouring, giving me a lovely six-pack and adding definition where there is only jelly. In other words, she's kindness from head to toe, without a single judgmental bone in her body. She also happens to be damn funny, smart, and beautiful, to boot, and the best tanner in the biz.

This was the first lie-down sesh I’d done with her (Usually it’s done in a tent with a spray gun). As you can imagine, I love talking with Sophie. She travels a ton and always has interesting tales to tell. We talk about food, film, fashion, politics - the whole gamut. So we’re talking away, catching up, when all of a sudden I feel sandpaper rip up and down my leg. Holy #%@! Sophie zips an exfoliator up and down my gams while describing the latest doc that’s captured her attention. It’s all very quick, just a few seconds long, and then on goes the sumptuous tanner.

She’s decided to go pretty dark this time around since I don’t have much of a tan going. She deep dives, getting right in between my toes (thankfully she thinks my feet are very soft), under my arms, all around my Kardarshian-sized backside, and ahem, 'round the front. It's a dirty job, but boy does she do it well. The deep colour is brown, never orange, and nary a streak anywhere. It's also not going to disappear overnight, so I've got about five days to rock this bronzed bod. I'll be up to here in sequin dresses and strappy heels covering TIFF events for the next week, so you best believe I'll be showing this golden glow off.

I look like I just got back from a long vacay in Barbados. Gorgeous.

As always, Sophie's made me look and feel like a million bucks. She is simply the best, inside and out.

Shopping list: St. Tropez at-home treatments are just as stellar - you just won't get great movie recommendations along with them (thank you Sophie!). Gamechangers include: Self Tan Express Bronzing Face Sheet Mask, Self Tan Express Mousse and Mist (1 hour/light, 2 hours/medium and 3 hours/dark tan that lasts for days), and One Night Only Body Gloss. And of course, don't forget the all important Applicator Mitt.

- All That Glitters is Gold

As you know Stila is one of my favourite cosmetic lines of all-time (see below for my recommendations), so getting a pro to apply the glowy products properly is very exciting for me, as I'm so bad at it. I wouldn't ever go near anything glitter on my own. Quel désastre.

Isabel begins with my beloved Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm. When I remark on how much I love it and have relied on it for years, she recommends I try it in a different shade. Mind blown. Of course, how could I not see it? This is just one of the many reasons makeup artists are so vital. In addition to learning where to set blush on my cheeks (I have a weird Scandinavian mug that unless a professional wields the brush,I seem to appear in 2D), she set me straight on a bazillion things I was doing wrong. She is one of the many MUAs who works in-store at beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart, so go get yourself a makeover. The tutorial alone with change everything, not to mention you look so good, date night just got moved up to mid-week.

She covers me in Kitten everything because it delivers a delicious, warm and inviting lustre instead of disorienting, bewildering unicorn/disco ball glare: Heaven's Hue Highlighter applied with Wonder Brush, and new product Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Kitten Karma, which is the best glitter shadow I’ve ever tried.

Lips get Stay all Day Liquid Lipstick in Fiore, which later people deem "my" colour.

I pass on getting DUO lashes. Because I wear glasses, I always feel like it's a lot of effort for something that won't get noticed. But she convinces me otherwise. Isabel wears specs too (so similar to mine, with her blonde hair and light eyes, we could be mistaken for sisters). She applies them with ease and covers them in HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara to really amp things up. She was right. I never wear them IRL, but wow - I could get used to this. They look completely natural but with added emphasis. Think: padded bra for the eyes. Oomph.

I haven't been able to see much without my glasses, so I put them on for the final reveal. It's astonishing the difference a professional makes. I am not just camera ready, and not just HD either, but 4K close-up primed and prepped. I close my eyes and say a small prayer: If I'm ever going to run into an ex, please let it be today.

I realize I forgot to put on perfume before I left the house. I wear perfume every day so I feel naked without it. She takes me over to a display of Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum, spins me around, and spritzes away. Heavenly doesn't begin to cover it (Stay tuned for a closer look soon).

We take cute selfies in an adjacent room, then I head over to hair and nails. I may be leaving soon, but the tips she gave me are for LIFE. Thank you Isabel, for upping my game.

Shopping list: Check out my Stila must-haves including Beauty Balm, All Day, Summer, Roundup, and Glitter Underground.

- Tressed for Success

Anna styled my hair last year and made me feel like a ROCKSTAR, so of course I couldn’t wait to put myself in her hands. Added bonus: she’s great to talk to as she’s also a MUA and food-obsessed.

She decides to go in softer direction this year - sweeping, tousled layers that fall gently around my face. Sigh. I look like royalty with a teeny bit of edge. Love. It. And she did it in just minutes.

Shopping List: PHYTO Plumping Serum which revives your hair like no other, and PHYTO Cleansing Care Cream - the ultimate rehab for the driest of dry hair.

- Nailed It

Melissa is a very in-demand nail artist in the city. She works at a salon in the east end, and is called on to do big runway shows and magazine shoots. Anyone who’s anyone sees her. She also happens to be a hoot. Spending time with Melissa is like catching up with an old friend you haven't seen for awhile - it's non-stop talking, laughing and commiserating.

Roughly 80 per cent of the crowd's choosing pastels, but I am looking for something more dramatic. Plus, I've been knee-deep in pale, confectionary hues these past few months. I could do with a change.

She chooses a dark red and it’s the best manicure I’ve ever had. She also manages to do it in less than 20 minutes. And here’s the thing - my nails were in the worst shape of my life. For the last few months, they’d cracked, peeled and basically fallen apart despite various lotions, oils, serums, and intensive repair systems. And yet, in Melissa's hand, they were the picture of perfection. To say that she works miracles is an understatement.

Shopping List: QUO by Orly Breathable Nail Polish.

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You don't have to be working TIFF to get your own red carpet look at home. Shop these beauty products in-store and online at beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart now.

Ever since I tried Patchology last winter, I've been hooked.

Their wicked eye gels spiked with caffeine and collagen have been my salvation from sleepless nights and early mornings. No matter how sleep deprived, they ensure I look bright-eyed and camera ready. They work magic on the morning after one-(okay two)-too-many-cocktails, and do wonders when your skin's just not in the mood to straighten up and fly right. And don't worry - dark circles, dryness, crow's feet, and all around raggedness - will vamoose before you've drained your first cuppa joe.

Suffering from dry, flaky lips? Whether it's a result of harsh weather, or you suffer from a perpetually chapped kisser like me, you need an infusion of moisture STAT. Hydrating lip gels soothe and plump your pout beyond anything mere lip balm can provide. And those pesky vertical lines that are trying to settle in? They get the serious boot. Just put on an adorable, oversize Betty Boop-shaped gel and let all the goodness (Niacinamide, Peptides and Green Tea Extract, to be exact) sink in.

To make life easier, Patchology's released these two latex-free, biodegradable marvels in a set - Wink & A Kiss FlashPatch 5 Minute Hydrogels. The slim, stylish pouch contains individually wrapped eye gels (2 pairs) and lip gels (2), so whether you're crossing the Atlantic or 12 blocks town, read my lips: this dynamic duo's got you.

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The beauty of Patchology's hydrogels isn't just that they work wonders, but they work quickly. In as little as five minutes. Feel free to leave them on longer if you've got the time, but if you're in need of a quick fix, these masks are just the thing to get you back on track and look refreshed.

Even better? They don't fidget or slip, allowing you to multitask while you fix what ails you. Because we both know you're not going to just stand around and wait. You've got things to do, deadlines to slay, worlds to dominate.

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Shop Patchology now. Also available in Canada in-store Spring 2018 at Murale by Shoppers Drug Mart.

Subscription boxes are one of the greatest inventions of our lifetime.

I love the element of surprise, you get to root through a number of products at once, and it all arrives right at your doorstep.

One of the best I've discovered this year is Goodbeing Box, which specializes in personalized natural health and wellness products.

The personalized part is new to me. Usually there's just one type of box, but with Goodbeing you not only get to choose a box type and plan, you get to customize it. This is an important distinction, especially if you've tried subscription boxes before and found them to be almost perfect, but not exemplary enough to order from again.

Select from two types: Beauty or Lifestyle. Then, have the option to choose 1-2 items a month, making it even more customized to your needs, wants and preferences.

Each box contains four to five curated trial- and sometimes full-size "healthy beauty and personal care products, along with samples of natural & organic health and wellness products." Total value of contents? $45 or higher, so you've already saved a whack of dough.

Subscriptions start at just $9.95 US/mth. Sign up for pre-paid annual membership and you'll save 15%. And how's this for flexible - On one type of plan, but want to switch? Thought you wanted the Lifestyle box, but changed your mind and now you want Beauty? No problem. Members also receive exclusive offers, giveaways, sneak peeks at upcoming products, members-only opportunities for product giveaways, and more.

And the contents? Phenomenal. Take a look:

1. Bella Aura Antioxidant Booster

This is the first time I've ever tried an antioxidant booster in a single product. Way to go, Bella Aura and Goodbeing. I've just opened the box and already I'm swooning.

Environmental toxins, free radicals, and exposure to the sun are causing major damage to your skin and health. But this l'il wonder infuses your skin with antioxidants ten times more powerful than vitamin C and E. It goes to work on everything from dark spots to rosacea and helps maintain elasticity.

But it's much more than just another skincare product working on the surface. It deep dives to base level, helping cells develop and restore, and increasing collagen production, so that your skin stays juicy and taut.

This is the exact kind of face care that should be crowding your bathroom cabinet.

2. Previse Skincare Hydrofoam Hyaluronic Moisturizer

I've never tried a moisturizer quite like this before - lightly foaming like cleanser, but hydrating without clogging pores. And it's beyond light. It feels like nothing at all. But oh-so-powerful. Fine lines? See ya. Plump, firm skin? Get on in here! And it's all done through "sustainably sourced ingredients from the sea and the farm blended together to deliver ultimate potency."

Skin gets a serious dose of antioxidants through the micro-bubble mousse, while a whole whack of botanical extracts drench it in hydration.

Free from parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance and dyes, xenoestrogens, PEGs, glycols and phthalates, the ZeroFragrance formula will please folks who prefer fragrance-free products and those with sensitive skin.

3. Truly Natural Mascara

If you're looking for darker, longer lashes that still look completely, utterly natural, you need this magic wand in hand.

One coat gives you depth and definition, while a second coat ups the drama ever-so-slightly. And all without any clumps or lumps - it glides on super silky, super smooth, thanks to the clay-free formula. If only all mascaras went on this effortlessly.

Made with botanicals and certified organic ingredients, this vegan beaut free of parabens and gluten isn't soft when it comes to staying power. Forget about smudges and flaking, even during the most intense workout. And since it's water-resistant, you can probably get through Zoe Lister-Jones' latest dramedy, Band Aid, laugh-crying without any makeup fallout.

Bonus: Built-in all-natural conditioners avocado butter and saw palmetto fruit keep your lashes silky soft, so they look as pretty naked as they do swathed in black, black/brown or brown.

4. American Provenance Natural Essential Oil Lip Balm

One of the best solutions for my dry pout is this glorious all-natural lip balm with a minty kick.

Emollient, but not greasy or sludgy, this clear lippie with a hint of shimmer smoothes, softens and hydrates. And not just for a few seconds either.

It even works on badly burned skin. I had tried dozens of products for weeks and nothing had worked on my scorched kisser. A few swipes of this and by the next morning, my lips were luscious and pillowy, ready for a very long, very intense make-out sesh should one come my way.

Lips get nourished and protected against the elements with just five ingredients - shea butter, almond oil, beeswax, vitamin E, and mango butter. No metals, petrochemicals, sulphates, parabens, phthalates, preservatives, artificial ingredients, colours, fragrances, or cruelty. Just the very good stuff.

5. Curandera Remedies Unwind Rest & Relax Herbal Oil

Say h-e-l-l-o to serenity.

Whether it's been a long day at the office or with the kids, last night's tossing and turning, or you just can't shut your mind off, this roll-on oil's here to help.

An exquisite blend of Lavender-infused Grapeseed Oil, Vitamin E, and a mix called EO Blend (comprised of Lavender, German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile) works to loosen and relax both body and mind. When applied to temples, chest, and the back of your neck, it eases out tensions and anxieties. It's safe to use on children and pets too. Finally - the whole family can relax and feel at peace.

It's said to induce sleep, so put it on 20 minutes before bedtime to drift off blissfully for once.

The scent is unlike any oil I've tried before. There's a layer of first-rate lavender (there's such a difference when it's top-notch) and then chamomile like I've never experienced before. It's not that yellow musty smell like the tea. Instead, there's a hint of fresh forest green like pine or fir that's simply sumptuous. And the combination? A sheer delight.

With just a few drops, body and mind loosen, tense muscles slacken and unknot. Complete bliss. Ahhhhhhhhhh.

Made with high quality essential oils and vitamins, each bottle is packaged at the time of order so that you get the freshest product possible. And the roll-on bottle makes it quick and easy to to apply.

Curandera Remedies may call it Unwind. I call it a miracle-worker.

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Goodbeing Box is one of the most outstanding services and products I've ever discovered. Not one product in the box was from a company I've ever written about before. In 11 years of doing the knack, it can be hard to surprise me. And out of the five products, I loved them all. That's also extremely rare when it comes to subscription boxes.

The quality and ingenuity of products are some of the best I've ever come across. Green, non-toxic, sustainable? Check, check and check,. So healthy. So worthy.

And the attention to detail is beyond. With each product you get a little wallet-size card with the description of the company and product, full list of ingredients, and value of the product.

If you want to discover new products that really do make a difference - to your body, mind, skin, health, and the environment - you need this extraordinary discovery box in your life. It also makes a wonderful gift (members get 20% off gift subscriptions).

Shop Goodbeing Box now.

Sheet masks have become as ubiquitous as ripped jeans and white kicks. They're everywhere.

But let's face it - there's an art to a great mask. Sure, load it up with all the enriching ingredients you want, but if it slides or peel offs part way through, it doesn't do you or your path to serenity any good. Others may cling like icing to wax paper, but if their subpar ingredients don't do much more than wet your face, you might as well have gone out for pizza.

Ugh. What a letdown. And a waste of time and money.

You need something that's guaranteed to work. You need something that goes beyond those drugstore wannabes.

I've got just the thing.

KNESKO Skin specializes in skin masks infused with natural collagen, which on its own is mighty impressive. Because we've both seen the impact collagen can have on filling in wrinkles and plumping the hell outta our skin. But then add all-natural ingredients, built-in healing gemstones(!) and minerals, other holistic elements, and some serious other powers, and you've got yourself one of the best skincare treatments of your life.

Actually, it's even more than that. It's treating your whole body, inside and out, and your mind too.

Oh, and the fact that you get to swath yourself in actual diamonds and 24K gold? Icing on the cake.

Take a look:

KNESKO Skin offers stunning Face Masks, Eye Masks, and Mask Sets in two drop-dead collections - Diamond Radiance and NanoGold Repair.

Cool fact: You'll notice KNESKO's one of just a few companies offering Neck and Decollete masks - two widely under-serviced and neglected areas in the industry, yet they reveal our age as much as our crow's feet and laugh lines. They also have lip masks in Diamond and Gold.

But these premier masks fix more than just your face. Lejla Cas, Founder and Reiki Chanel, "treats each and every KNESKO product with loving, healing energy so the moment the customer receives their package, their healing begins."

That's right, these gemstone-infused beauty aids aren't just skin saviours - they're packed with extra juice to salve your spirit too. So while your skin gets hydrated, revitalized and brightened, your mind, body and soul get seriously nourished and nurtured too.

Skeptical? You shouldn't be. Similar to the difference of someone cooking with love or hatred, you can feel the difference, on some level I believe, of the energy someone puts out in the world. And even if you're still not convinced, we could all use more goodness in our lives, don't you think? And KNESKO Skin includes it in everything they make.

And gemstones, while they're damn pretty, come with their own superpowers too. Did you know that they can heal, balance particular chakras and aid skin's revitalization on its own? That right there is some serious magic. So whether you believe in the healing energy of reiki or not, this skincare goes above and beyond what other masks can offer - mere ingredients - and transforms you from the inside out.

I took the Diamond Radiance Natural Collagen Mask (available individually or in a 4-pack) - a weekly treatment - out for a test drive one Friday night after a draining week of running around and little sleep or self-care. My skin was just as ragged as I was.

Three things that made me feel better right away:

1. The striking mother-of-pearl, rainbow glow of the mask made me feel like I had on the most beautiful armour of the future.

2. It comes in two pieces - one for the top half of your face, one for the bottom. Because those one sheeters never fit quite right.

3. A glorious fresh botanical scent I would spritz on everyday if it was bottled. Aromatherapy? To the nth degree.

I hadn't even put it on yet, and already I could feel the stress of the day melting away.

The hydrogel collagen mask goes on like a champ and stays put, even when I get up to pour more wine (the mouth opening is big enough that you can eat and drink comfortably - holla!). The scent and energy I'm getting from it is so soothing, I feel myself sinking into the couch cushions with an ease I haven't felt in months.

After 20 minutes, I peel off the mask and already the difference is staggering. My skin is noticeably brighter and juicier. My skin tone: blissful. Even, smooth, radiant, eyes de-puffed, lines blurred out (No makeup tomorrow? No problem!). Even my pores are non-existent.

These effects lasted an entire week. When the following weekend rolled around, my skin still looked phenomenal, so I went to a big gala with just the slightest makeup on.

My skin was nourished and hydrated for days. I felt aglow inside and out. Between the powerful Diamond Powder, Marine Collagen Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil, Coq10, Vitamin B3, Mica, Rose Essential Oil, skin is gently exfoliated and pampered beyond belief. And let's not forget about the healing energy of reiki added in. Your crown chakra just got a serious dose of love and attention, so if you find yourself suddenly more creative and open...

And be sure to get yourself Nano Gold Repair Collagen Eye Mask (1 treatment or package of 6). These lavish gold nuggets go to town of all signs of fatigue, so say sayonara to blech, fine lines, dark circles, redness, and those air bags that just never deflate.

Skin stays as taut as a new mattress, and not just for the night either. My eyelift lasted the entire workweek. Peepers are noticeably lifted, and unbelievably drenched in hydration. Parched, worn out skin gets catered to and healed thanks to tiny particles of colloidal gold, aloe extract, elastin, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B3 and marine collagen locking in moisture - all finished with that sumptuous scent of rose.

And let's not forget the reiki that's incorporated right into these precious gold bars. This spa-at-home treatment doesn't just combat signs of aging - gold activates the third eye chakra, which means negative energy, anxiety, and tension are released, leaving you feeling awake, restored, beautiful and happy.

KNESKO Skin isn't just extraordinary skincare. It extends all the way to your heart and soul.

Shop KNESKO Skin now. Also available at Holt Renfrew.

p.s. All masks are paraben-free, cruelty-free, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and ophthalmologist approved.

It's no wonder we covet the "French woman" look. Their refined elegance shines through whether swathed in ball gown and rhinestone covered shoes, or simple Breton top paired with jeans and ballet flats (Audrey, we miss you).

This extends to their skincare, hair and makeup. How do these lovely ladies manage to look so naturally beautiful with seemingly so little effort? It makes us North American gals look garish in comparison with our obsessive highlighting, contouring and microblading.

The older I get, the more I move towards this more natural look. I mean, if I can go out looking at least un peu like Brigitte Bardot and Aïssa Maïga, I'll have done something right.

So you can imagine the squeals of joy that rang through the house when I discovered I would get to try renowned "It Girl" line French Girl Organics.

This carefully crafted collection of luxury organic, vegan skin and body care products, inspired by France and made in the U.S.A. boats everything from hair care to cosmetics, perfume to bath and body, and so much more. Luxe products without the high-end price tag? This is everything.

Take a closer look:

- Body Silk in Rose Ylang

I spend so much time testing face care, I realized I had been seriously neglecting the rest of my bod in the meantime. Sure, I put lotion on everyday, but it's rote drugstore stuff that's full of chemicals. And while it may moisturize for a few hours, otherwise, it's not much help to anyone.

Deciding that the rest of me deserves the same attention as all this time I'm putting into battling wrinkles, sun spots, etc., it was time for a serious upgrade.

Body Silk is the whole package: featherlight so you don't feel bogged down by heavy oil, deeply moisturizing so your skin stays nourished no matter how long your day is (Steve Jobs biography long), with the most alluring scent that restores body, mind and soul.

All of this would be reason enough to sweep up 25 bottle sat once, but wait, there's more - skin becomes so silky soft like that, there's no way you're keeping all this to yourself. This is skin that longs to be touched, to be showcased, to show off.

And this is all thanks to completely natural ingredients you know and love, with much of it certified organic too: deeply hydrating oils (Jojoba, Coconut), essential oils that don't just deliver serious aromatherapy but balance and tone your skin (holla Rose Geranium, Frankincense), and powerhouse antioxidants via Rose Geranium and Frankincense. There's also a ton of goodness coming your way from Aloe, Vitamin E, Neem Oil, and Baking Soda and Certified Organic Ylang Oil.

Transforming your skin into the same satiny softness as silk sheets?

Oomph.

- Lumière Body Oil

But what if you want a little shimmer? Now that you finally have a tan going, wouldn't it be great to shine the spotlight on it a bit? A sexy little glow that has people doing double-takes - What's her secret? She looks radiant.

Of course this does not mean dousing yourself in glitter or highlighting your limbs so that you look like C-3PO. If you've tried other products before and experienced #epicfail, believe me when I tell you - Lumière Body Oil goes way beyond what others do aaaand keeps the glimmer rich and tasteful. Because you're not auditioning for "So You Think You Can Dance." This is RL.

That's what sets this oil so far apart. You get this luscious radiance that doesn't have that sprayed or lacquered appearance (so extra). It's a luminescence you embody when you've reached that point of utter bliss and relaxation on vacation, when everything else has melted away and you can just be. That look you have - that simply can't be concealed no matter how hard you try - when you're with someone you're crushing hard on. It's love, joy, and rays of sunshine captured in a bottle, replete with dripping in gold leaf seduction.

It's grownup and chic, and as far removed from tween sparkles as you can get.

That's just how it looks. Wait 'til you feel it.

A non-oily oil (I'm serious) that delivers the deep moisture your skin aches for. Oomph, this is the good stuff right here. Oils upon oils - Argan, Camellia, Coconut, Evening Primrose, Jojoba, Meadowfoam, sustainable Palm Kernel, Pomegranate Seed, Rosehip, Sunflower and natural plant essential oils, drench your skin like a crashing wave.

One of the best parts of Lumière, aside from its glorious appearance and rapturous scent (apply to pulse points to use as a delicate perfume) is that you need to massage it into the skin a bit (shake the bottle before application to ensure an even distribution of glow). I never take the time to massage in any body lotions, but this? It's part of the allure, the ritual.

And it's one you'll make a part of your life for the rest of your days, because who doesn't want to look and feel like this forever?

It's one of my favourite finds of the year. And now, a Stephanie signature.

Available in three scents: Ambre, Jasmin Néroli, and Rose Ylang.

- Lip Tints

These are the epitome of French chic. Deep colour with a sheer glaze that's oh-so-enticing is just the sophisticated detail your outfit needs.

The insane moisturize you get beats out most other balms crowding your drawers, purse and bathroom cabinet (No judgment - me too). This is key. Because not only do I have naturally dry everything including my lips (le sigh), I eat and drink for a living - so my pout is constantly going up against soggy and salty ingredients, wizening-inducing wine, followed by constant napkin dabbing (if you've ever spent an afternoon stuffing envelopes and end up with hands as dry and rough as sandpaper, you'll know what I'm up against). Needless to say, I need all the hydrating help in the lip department I can get.

French Girl Organics Lip Tints have completely transformed my lacklustre maw. After only a week of road-testing, my pucker is one luscious landscape.

One of the most emollient-rich formulas I've ever come across is a medley of organic & wildcrafted waxes, butters, and oils that ensures creamy smooth skin. Pigment from natural iron oxides and mica contain no artificial colours or nasty carmine, deliver long-lasting colour and sheen. And pure organic essential oils add a light minty scent and flavour imparts a fresh feeling - even post-coffee or garlic knots.

Ten shades pack a punch and panache for every personality and skintone/type. I puckered up for five:

- Ambre Noir

This dark burgundy appears dark as espresso in the tube, but isn't goth in the least. Deep and rich, with a Lumière-like gold finish, it's edgy without being distracting. Arresting. When's the last time you said that about a lip balm?

- Aphrodesie

Pinks are my go-to and this one's perfection. With a hint of magenta, it's not a frothy, frilly rosé that doesn't take itself seriously, but instead a modern day pink with sheen and substance. This one's got a couple of degrees, reads The Atlantic, and knows how to work magic with a Dutch oven. I'm never letting go.

- Cerise

Reds can be intimidating and tricky. With my pale skin and pink undertones, it can feel like the nonpareil red is forever elusive. Leave it to Founder of French Girl Organics Kristeen, to create the ultimate red - never jarring, only juicy plushness with a silky sheer glaze. Mwah. xo

- Claire
Clear, because sometimes your outfit is perfect just on its own.

- Sonali

Frosted pink can look as dated as frosted tips, but not this one. This pearl pale petal pink is sheer bliss.

I say get all ten. You can never have too many of these lovelies on hand.

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Bisous Kristeen. J'adore French Girl Organics de tout mon couers.💋

Shop now.

Sometimes a brand just gets you.

I feel that away about Laboratoires FILORGA.

Their products speak to all my issues, and then go to town drenching my parched dermis with serious hydration (Those commercials with people splashing their face with water? Being blanketed by waves? That's the feeling).

Making its debut way back in 1978, the entire lineup of anti-aging skincare was originally intended to "provide dermatologists and doctors of aesthetic medicine with an extensive range of treatment solutions: peeling treatments, hyaluronic acid injections and mesotherapy."

Serious stuff.

In 2007, Laboratoires FILORGA launched MEDI-COSMETIQUE,their range of over-the-counter skincare for us regular folk, inspired "directly by non-surgical anti-ageing procedures."

Now this is what I'm talkin' about. Serious stuff without having to seriously go under the knife or submit to painful (not to mention pricey) injections.

I want my skincare to be next-level: in protection from environmental damage, delivering an insane amount of nourishment and moisture, in battling my current issues, and preventing new ones occurring.

That's not just asking a lot. It's asking for the impossible.

Or at least it was until Laboratoires FILORGA came along.

Take a look:

- TIME-FILLER ABSOLUTE WRINKLES CORRECTION CREAM

I've been fortunate in my career to try a wide array of beauty products from around the world, from affordable to ultra luxe - and TIME-FILLER is one of my top 10 favourites of the last decade.

From the sumptuous, rich, satiny feel to the intense simultaneous nourishing/quenching it delivers the entire day, it's a complete spa session - that just happens to take just three seconds to apply, yet the pampering last all day long. Yes, even if your day is still going and you've been at it for 18 hours already.

It also turns out that you don't need a lot. Which is a good thing. Because you want this jar to last as long as freakin' possible because it's a goddamn miracle worker. Case in point: I'm talking with a famous woman. I get to see her a couple of times a year and so look forward to it each time, as she's beautiful, whipsmart, and so funny. She's a bit younger than me, but not by much. On her last visit, we were talking about health concerns and I blurted out my age. She gasped and then hovered right over my face, taking in every inch, checking for evidence. She couldn't believe it.

For three weeks prior to our catchup sesh, I'd been slathering on TIME-FILLER with abandon (I didn't notice the highly concentrated, don't need much notification). After removing my makeup that evening, I too, took a deep dive into this face o' mine. And my skin was plump, taught and smooth, with little proof I had worn high-waisted, baby blue jeans the first time around.

The extremely crepe-y-ness around my eyes, the frown lines that had dug deep into my forehead and brow, and general limpness my skin had taken on, ghosted. Like it never happened. Like it had just been a bad dream. And that feeling of my skin never being quenched - completely obliterated. Which means, your makeup is now next-level too.

This is all thanks to the mighty powerful ingredients that includes a "Botox-like tripeptide" that relaxes your skin, thus those deep hollows of wrinkles suddenly level out; hyaluronic acid that works deep beneath the surface so you can not only see the plumpness happening, you can feel it; and a "powerful peptide combined with NCTF - FILORGA's exclusive complex containing revitalizing and anti-aging ingredients (vitamins, co-enzymes, anti-oxidants, amino acids, minerals, etc.)." It included a "peel-like" active ingredient that works to smooth skin without having to take the extra step of exfoliating. Because who has the energy to

Chock-full of many hard-to-pronounce ingredients (methylisothiazolinone?), you'll find some familiar ones in there: hydrogenated vegetable oil, citric acid, hydrogenated castor oil, glucosamine, folic acid, and sweet almond oil, for example.

If you're looking for an all-natural solution, this isn't for you. But if you've got wrinkles - even just the start of lines and creases,- TIME-FILLER ABSOLUTE WRINKLES CORRECTION CREAM erases practically any trace that you ever had them in the first place.

And while that may not translate to getting carded the next time I head out for cocktails, the staggering results are: I look as practically young as I feel.

- EYES-ABSOLUTE ULTIMATE ANTI-AGEING EYE CREAM

Eye cream is one of the best ways to combat signs of aging. The skin in and around the eye is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, hence the need for something specifically targeted to work on this area.

Not all are created equal though.

EYES-ABSOLUTE ULTIMATE ANTI-AGEING EYE CREAM goes above and beyond the call of duty, tackling everything you can throw at it - peptides + metalloproteins obliterate circles the colour of night, and abgs the size of your Kate Spade tote, droopy lids (seriously, even my mono lid appears less mono-y), and using active ingredients including a "botox-like" combo, your creases and deep crevices

It even works on thickening your lashes (this is the first time I've seen an eye cream address lashes too) with peptide and isoflavone. Then it goes and adds in serious radiance from white pearl extract, because the one place no one adds glow is the one place we need it most.

FILORGA's "Cryo-Technology" may sound like something out of a Stephen King novel, but trust me - it's anything but scary. The Cryo-applicator is in fact, simply a silver applicator that cools upon contact (Ahhhhh.) and decongests all that marshmallow puffiness happening below your peepers. Those wrinkles get smoothed someone rolling out the red carpet right before your eyes. Those patches of charcoal are also deleted in just one swipe.

I've never had much of an issue with dark circles, bags, wrinkles and sagging until recent years. Now it's an ongoing battle trying to keep it all at bay.

Or it was until FILORGA came along.

Not only does it go to work, it seems to wipe your slate clean pretty suddenly. I noticed improvements right away. But keep at it. because in just 30 days you'll see your eyes like they've never been before.

Wide-eyed? You are now, thanks to two plant extracts that actually lift your upper lids. Radiant? Yep. And youthful? You betcha. Getting rid of all those lines, shadows and bags takes years off your face. Even a good decade if you've been especially haggard lately.

It's a freakin' miracle.

- TIME-ZERO MULTI-CORRECTION WRINKLES SERUM

Go ahead wrinkles. Think you've conquered and won.

I see how you've settled in like you're retiring here. That big ol' web of furrows and ridges that's taken over the right side of my face, so when I smile, I look "of a certain age."

You think you're stronger than me. But thanks to FILORGA, those grooves you've dug so deep are filled in (three hyaluronic acid-based ingredients and a duo of matrikines combined with NCTF to the rescue!) and my skin is as plump and juicy as a fresh plum now.

And those fine lines that you threw in just for fun? Gluconolactone and an exfoliating active ingredient gently, yet effectively polish them away, transforming me into a picture of youth.

The more I use it, the better, smoother my skin looks. So keep coming for me if you want, but all you're going to get is seriously rebuffed.

FILORGA is more powerful and intense than you ever will be. This strapping serum is my bodyguard for LIFE, so no matter what you do, I'm good.

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As you can see, Laboratoires FILORGA does what only injections and surgery could previously do, but so much better - there's no pain, no exorbitant costs, no recovery time, no possibility of botched or unnatural appearance. And it costs waaay less than other brands purporting to achieve the same results.

It's EVERYTHING.

And keep in mind, these are just three products out of an extensive lineup. Just imagine what else you can do.

So shop Filorga in France, U.S. and in Canada at beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart now.

I bet your skin wish list is as long and outlandish as mine. I want:

- taut skin

- that also glows
- and plump, full of elasticity

- to eradicate those damn creases around your eyes, forehead and mouth (because as much as I'd like them to disappear - stress, worry and a hectic schedule aren't going anywhere)
- skin that defies gravity

Unrealistic, I know. Especially when I want it all to take place right now.

But Lisa Costello, CEO of Neal's Yard Remedies know that life is demanding, so your skincare should be as well. And she was kind enough to bring to the brand to Canada this year:

She says, “I brought NYR to Canada because of the simple belief that by bringing high quality, award-winning organic products to the forefront of the cosmetics industry, we can start to influence customer behaviour. I want people to start thinking about the broader perspective of the purchases they make, such as the manufacturing process, environmental impact, and how to maximize their health and wellness without compromising the planet or other people. I want people to know that companies like NYR exist AND can provide amazing results to the skin they wear every day. I believe that by providing these options to Canadians, we can all work together to make the world a better place.”

For over 35 years, UK company Neal’s Yard Remedies has been making certified organic skincare by hand in small batches using 100% natural, holistic ingredients. A pioneer in the field, they've long banned the use of synthetic fragrances, silicones, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, DEA, EDTA, nano technology, genetically modified organisms (GMO), petroleum or BHT in their cruelty-free products.

Their plant-based remedies come in 100% recyclable blue glass bottles made from UK sand, limestone and soda ash, and blue plastic bottles made from 100% recycled materials. Packaging is made from recycled cardboard and printed with vegetable based inks.

Some skincare transforms more than others. Neal's Yard Remedies, which I'd never tried before this, takes your skin to a completely whole other level. In just minutes.

Take a look:

- NEW Frankincense Intense Lift Serum

The pursuit of simultaneous round and hollowed out cheekbones has been a lifelong one for me. My Dad has the hollowed out look that you associate with runway models, and my Mum has the juicy Eva Mendes kind that requires no makeup to enhance them. So how I ended up with a round moon face is beyond me (Writing about restaurants for a living hasn't helped. Weight gain always appears first in the face. And right around the neck/chin area too. Gobble.).

So I thought I had to live with this pancake mug,

That was before NEW Frankincense Intense Lift Serum arrived. It's given me angles where there were none, a more striking bone structure than what I'd been born with. Suddenly I had crevices to add blush. And contouring? Did I even need it?

Just launched in May, this stunner features frankincense essential oil which isn't just transformative - it's powerful scent calms and relaxes you. It's important to note that I haven't really been a fan of frankincense up until now. Not its properties, but its heady scent. Back in the day, when my Mum was a hippie, frankincense was heavy and imbued everything in the room. But now it's lighter, and relases a strangely captivating allure that's transfixing.

This potent, milky, silky serum elevates my skin on every level, re-contouring it into the shape I've always wanted but never thought possible without surgery. It doesn't mind logging in overtime either - to prevent the loss of collagen and keep elastin creation on point.

Ethically sourced and organic, this serum made with 71% organic ingredients. also contains other heavy hitters - Hyaluronic Acid, Micro-Algae, Ribose, Tumeric Root Extract, Linseed Oil - to practically erase those deep lines and wrinkles and plumps skin even before you've reached for moisturizer.

I noticed a vast difference after just a week of use and have continued to see improvements weeks later.

Why would you use regular serum when you can put this marvel to work?

- Frankincense Intense Concentrate

Modern life and technology has caused us to expect things to happen like that. The need for instant gratification is just a part of our make up now. And this of course extends to skincare. Who wants to wait around for months to see results when you can have them RIGHT NOW?!

Frankincense Intense Concentrate PRODUCES RESULTS WITHIN 30 MINUTES. That's right. You'll see those pesky indents and creases ghost faster than that guy on Insta. Use it for a week and just watch as your skin tones, firms and plumps like a boss. Nourished and deeply hydrated, you'll glow and radiate like you did back in the day. Like you just got back from two week's vacay. Like you just got a promotion, raise, and the big corner office. Like the person you're secretly in love with, not-so-secretly loves you back.

Soft and oh-so-silky, just a few pumps of this superhero concentrate loaded with frankincense, gardenia stem cells, 3-peptide complex and organic argan oil, and you'll see a more youthful you appear right before your eyes.

And be sure to pair it with the Frankincense Intense Cream below. They've been designed to work in tandem. So if you thought each was hard-working on its own, wait until you put 'em together. It's turned back the clock a good 8-10 years on me. And I'm just getting started...

- Frankincense Intense Cream

A rich, sumptuous cream that still feels weightless on your skin, and a spa treatment and age-defier all in one, this whip-light cream rescues your skin from those folds and flaps around your forehead, eyes and mouth. It dives deep, plumping and firming everything (even that wobbly bit under your chin) so that anyone who lays eyes on your passport or driver's license will do a double take. You can't be that age. Impossible.

The power-packed formula is abundant with 75% organic ingredients. Nourishing oils (macadamia seed, soya, grape seed, argan kernel, castor, frankincense, mandarin peel, bergamot peel, myrrh, neroli flower, sunflower seed), cocoa seed butter, aloe vera leaf juice powder, and turmeric root extract blasts away all signs of fatigue, dullness, and sagging bits, leaving only brilliant, radiant skin behind.

And as you put it on, the delicate frankincense scent wafts over you, helping to calm you on the busiest, most stressful mornings.

I told you it was like the spa.

- Wild Rose Beauty Balm

One of my favourite ways to cleanse and remove makeup at night is this award-winner.

Go ahead and use it to exfoliate or keep it as a mask overnight to really saturated dehydrated skin, but I love the feeling of putting it on, using the accompanying organic muslin cloth (made with organically-grown cotton in India) dipped in hot water, to remove all dirt, grime and all traces of makeup at the end of a long day. It's a salve not just for skin, but the soul.

Part of it is the thick, resplendent, buttery formula rich with shea butter, beeswax The other part is the delicious scent delivered by host of lovely oils - wild rosehip and frankincense obvs. But add jojoba and starflower seed oils, and geranium flower, rosemary leaf, palmarosa herb, and patchouli leaf, and it's a fragrant aromatherapy session that takes just seconds, nourishing your skin with long-lasting results.

In fact, after just a week of use, my skin gleamed, without a stitch of makeup.

- Deliciously Ella Rose, Lime and Cucumber Facial Wash

You've taken such good care of your skin - you're not going to go and ravage it with a bar of soap are you?

Instead, feed it with cucumber fruit water, pumpkin seed oil, turmeric root extract, lime oil, rice extract, and coconut, avocado and blueberry seed oils to start. It may sound like a smoothie, but imagine how good your skin is going to feel after this.

This delicate cleanser is gentle on skin but effective - a great every day solution (the balm above is a bit rich for daily use on my skin).

And the refreshing rose, lime and cucumber scent is invigorating. What better way to start the day?

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Neal's Yard Remedies is wildly powerful, yet completely natural and so pampering. It's one of the most impressive skincare lines I've tried in the last decade, with lightning-fast results to boot.

And these products above are just a small representation of what they carry. There's so much more to discover!

Shop Neal's Yard Remedies now - Canada, UK, and International.