Read article : Sensitive skin will love gentle cleansing with Neutrogena, Clarins and Avon!
Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.
Available at Clarins counters across Canada.
Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.
Read article : Beauty Spree at Taipei Ximending 4-Storey Watsons
Image credits: euphonicsins
屈臣氏 (西門店) Watsons Ximending
台北市萬華區成都路15號
No. 15, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Nearest station: Ximen Station, Exit 6
You will be able to spot Watsons opposite Ximen Station Exit 6 when you exit Ximen Station from Exit 6. Watsons Ximending is just beside Eslite 116.
The Watsons in Ximending is not one, two, but four storeys! What’s more, it’s 24 hours! Woohoo! And that means I need not worry about having to rush back to Ximending area at night if I were to head off to further places in the day because normally when I step into Watsons, Watsons in Taiwan to be specific, I don’t just come out empty-handed. I wouldn’t want to lug my buys from Watsons out in the day when I go out so I normally shop at Watsons back at Ximending near my hotel at night. And because it’s 24 hours, I can even head back to my hotel to leave my shopping bags from the day, freshen up myself a little before heading down to Watsons Ximending to stock up on beauty and skincare products.
Also read: Top 10 Cult Korean Beauty Brands for Your Shopping Haul
The first brand that caught my attention was Divinia 蒂芬妮亞. It’s exclusively available at Watsons in Taiwan. I like how Watsons always have brands that are exclusive to them be in Singapore, Taiwan or other countries.
Divinia 蒂芬妮亞
https://zh-tw.facebook.com/diviniaTW
http://www.watsons.com.tw/divinia
Divinia 蒂芬妮亞 highest rated product on UrCosme is 輕快眼唇卸妝液 (literally translated as Quick Eye & Lip Makeup removal liquid), NTD199(approx. SGD8.7). It was UrCosme’s No. 2 Eye and Lip Makeup removal in 2011.
Here are what I found interesting from Divinia 蒂芬妮亞.
Doesn’t this remind you of Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Lip-drain serum? Only that it’s retailing at less than 1/5 of the price. While I haven’t tried either of the products from Clarins or Divinia, my Uni friend whom worked at Clarins is a fan of Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Lip-drain serum. She says that it does help to lift the face and make it more V-shaped looking. Have any of you girls tried Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Lip-drain serum? Does it work for you girls? Let me know by leaving a comment at the end of this post.
I have tried Amino Acid products for my hair and I liked it. I went for a facial recently and my facialist was asking me what kind of makeup removal do I use. When I told her that I use cleansing water, she was quite shocked and she recommended that I use cleansing milk instead as cleansing milk contains a bit of oil and it helps to remove makeup and impurities better compared to cleansing water. Although I don’t know how true that is, I think I’m still going to stick with my Biorderma Micelle Solution aka cleansing water at least until I finish using it.
I don’t know about you guys but for me, I like different makeup removal during different stages or period in my life. I started off with using Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil and I swear by it until I had very bad breakouts when I was in Poly and I switched to Cleansing Milk. My favourite was Eucerin Gentle Cleansing Milk. When I discovered cleansing water, my first bottle was Uriage L’eau Demaquillante cleansing water micellar solution, I knew there was no turning back. So far, I have tried cleansing water from brands such as Dr Wu, Caudalie, Avene and Uriage just to name a few.
As much as I love buying cleansers when I’m overseas, I have no idea why I didn’t pick this up when I was in Taiwan earlier this May. You know, it’s really tough on me writing this post without blaming myself, “Ah, why didn’t I get this product back then when I was in Taiwan?” But then again, I wanted to share with you guys the products available in Taiwan Watsons so that you guys have an idea of what to buy and expect on your next trip there and maybe prepare / budget how much you are going to spend on beauty and skincare products (this never ever happens to me haha).
廣源良綠豆洗容素 Mung Bean (Green Bean) Cleansing Powder
I first came to know about the benefits of Mung Bean (Green Bean) Cleansing Powder through a Taiwan drama, 犀利人妻/ Xi Li Ren Qi (The Fierce Wife). Xie An Zhen 謝安真 played by Sonia Sui was a happily married housewife with a kid. She was the typical easily contended housewife and in one of the episodes, she was out shopping with a friend or family member who asked her to get herself some skincare products to maintain her youth and Xie An Zhen went like, “I have my Mung Bean (Green Bean) Cleansing Powder – it’s super affordable and it does the trick.” I remember asking my Mom where I can get Mung Bean Cleansing Powder right after watching the drama and we came across it in one of the Organic store in our neighbourhood while we were there stocking up on our organic supplies.
Also read: Eccentric Beauty Treatments Around the World: Semen, Poop and Snakes
The main ingredients are Job’s tears / coix seeds and it contains no preservatives. It’s a multifunction product. You can use it to cleanse your face, as a face mask, as a mask or even add it to your cold mask.
I was super super super excited when I saw the following –
森田藥粧 天然絲瓜水 Dr Morita Natural Luffa Cylindrica Water
Why am I so excited upon seeing 森田藥粧 天然絲瓜水 Dr Morita Natural Luffa Cylindrica Water? Well, it is because I read from Taiwan Beauty Blogs that 絲瓜水 Luffa Cylindrica Water is good in combating redness on the face and also helps to clean and shrink pore size. Since it’s only NTD99 (approx SGD4.20), I grabbed one to try.
Oguma 水美媒聰明購
http://www.oguma.com.tw
Oguma is a brand that I frequently see in 女人我最大 Nu Ren Wo Zui Da magazine.
Kose Hyalocharge series 高絲玻尿酸淨白
I would have gotten a product from Kose Hyalocharge series to try if it’s not for whitening as my skin can’t really take whitening products now apart from a few brands.
Kose Cosmeport 高絲蔻絲魅寶
I bought Kose Cosmeport Softymo Hyaluronic Acid Facial Washing Foam when I was in Hong Kong and both Mommy and I love it. You can read my review here, http://sweetestsins.blogspot.sg/2012/06/back-to-basics.html.
Next, I checked out the haircare section. When it comes to grooming, the most important would be 1) face, followed by 2) hair.
I get a lot of questions on how to maintain long hair. Actually, maintaining long hair isn’t as difficult as you think it is. In terms of shampoo, choose a shampoo that is suitable for your scalp. You can have oily hair but dry scalp or oily scalp but dry hair so make sure you choose your shampoo correctly. You wouldn’t want to end up with an itchy scalp, trust me. After shampooing, you would want to condition the ends of your hair. For conditioning, you can use either a conditioner or hair treatment/hair mask. Personally, I skip conditioner and I use hair treatment/hair mask after shampooing. If you recall, in some of my blog posts, I mentioned before how fast I run out of cleansers and toner/lotion. Another product that I use up very quickly and need replenishing is – hair treatment/hair mask. I think I use up a tube or a tub every other month! My friends were like, “Are you serious?”
I love hair masks and hair treatments. And I love trying out brands that ain’t available in Singapore so imagine how hard I had to control myself when I was in Watsons Ximending and try not to pick up every other product.
LUX, Ozawa, Mod hair, Syoss and Living Type
Ozawa and Syoss shampoo and hair treatment
more Ozawa and Syoss shampoo
While checking out the hair products available, I came across this LCD screen that featured Tony 老师 / Tony Lao Shi ‘s recommendations from one of 女人我最大 Nu Ren Wo Zui Da ‘s segment.
1. Pantene Pro-V Natural Care Lift Up Mist Leave On Treatment2. LUX Japan Black Diamond Super Rich Shine Hair Treatment
3. KAO Essential Damage Honey Shea Butter Hair Treatment Mask Nuance Airy
4. Ma Cherie Air Feel Shampoo
5. Asience Shine Therapy Shampoo
6. Mods Hair Glamourous Make
7. VS Moisture Shine Water
Fino, Opal and Magic
I was really interested in getting Fino premium touch hair essence mask as I was attracted to the fact that it contains 7 different types of beauty essence and it’s by Shiseido. Kinda regretted why I didn’t pick this up now.
I haven’t tried Opal personally but I have tried Magicboo whose formula is provided by Opal. You can read my review on Magicboo here, http://sweetestsins.blogspot.sg/2011/08/korean-beauty-haul-recent-hauls.html
Here’s a little background on Opal. It is Supermodel, Qiqi’s favourite and was recommended on 女人我最大 Nu Ren Wo Zui Da. It is Hong Kong’s no. 1 best-selling product for 6 consecutive years.
She’s Goat milk shampoo, Living Type Grasse Rose
Wow, I have seen and tried goatmilk shower gel and cream but certainly not goatmilk shampoo! I can imagine how pampering that would be!
Living Type Grass Rose hair products reminds me very much of Kose Happy Bath Day Precious Rose series.
Kracie Resche shampoo and treatment
Kracie Resche hair treatment looks like it’s worth a try too. Ah, why don’t we have more brands in Singapore to choose from in terms of hair products?
Aquair hair products
Sunflower shampoo
I thought that this sunflower shampoo was rather interesting, no?
LUX Bio Fusion, Pantene Clinicare, Kose Happy Bath Day hair products
Schwarzkopf hair products
I also came across this organic brand, Amma Garden that has got repairing and anti-dandruff shampoo!
Amma Garden
The packaging of Amma Garden’s products reminds me so much of Sukin! Maybe it’s due to the fact that organic products packaging are all pretty similar?
The last section that I checked out was – sunblock and sunscreens. A must-have in Taiwan especially during summer! We all applied and reapplied sunblock religiously every other hour because the sun was scorching hot. Even so, my cousin, Bing and I ended up with watch tan-lines. Eeks, hope it goes away soon because it looks so ugly. T_T
Hada Labo sunscreen
Of all the Hada Labo sunscreens above, I have only tried Hada Labo SHA Moisturizing UV Milk before. You can read my review here, http://sweetestsins.blogspot.sg/2012/05/hada-labo-sha-moisturizing-uv-milk.html.
I tested Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel out and I think the texture feels like Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence.
Biore, Mentholatum Skin Aqua, Nivea and Sunplay sunscreen and sunblock
I spotted my holy grail Biore UV Moist Face milk (purple cap) that has been discontinued in Singapore. To read my reviews on Biore sunscreens, click here.
I also spotted Mentholatum Skin Aqua sunscreens that was recommended by Kevin 凯文老师 on 女人我最大 Nu Ren Wo Zui Da.
Cellina and Kose Cosmeport sunscreen
I just realised that I haven’t posted my Taiwan Trip 2012 ‘s Watsons haul. So here’s my Taiwan Taipei Ximending Watsons haul for both last year and this year, 2012 and 2013.
1. Dr Wu Whitening and Hydrating Microinject Mask
2. My Beauty Diary Africa Hydrating Pack
3. My Beauty Diary 2 step America Soothing Pack
4. Dr Wu Basic Care Gentle Soothing Cleanser & Make Up Remover
5. Kose Softymo Mineral Wash Cleansing Foam (Moisture Rich)
6. ampm Super Triple HA Serum
7. MA CHERIE Air Feel Treatment
8. Mod’s Hair Aqua Clear Treatment
9. Kose Happy Bath Day Precious Rose Rose Enrich Hair Pack
10. Johnson’s Body Care 24hour Moisture Hand Cream
11. Atrix Professional Repair Cream
1. 1028 Deep Facial Cleanser
2. Shiseido Cleansing Foam
3. Kose Cosmenience Junkisei Hydro Express
In case you are wondering why I got two Kose Cosmenience Junkisei Hydro Express, there was a promotion going on if I were to get two. So they went into my shopping basket anyway.
1. BeautyMate Beautymate Hydro Power Collagen Mask
2. Living Tree White Rose Extreme Repair Hair Mask
3. LUX Super Rich Shine Essence Hair Treatment Mask
4. 1028 Deep Cleansing Milk
5. Dr Morita Natural Luffa Cylindrica Water 森田藥粧 天然絲瓜水
If I’m not wrong, 1028 is 小凯老师 Xiao Kai Lao Shi ‘s brand. My cousin, Lixuan was trying out 1028 Deep Cleansing Milk at Watsons after being drawn to the LCD display that was showing products that 小凯老师 Xiao Kai Lao Shi recommended. She urged us to try. Being a fan of cleansing water, I was quite hesitant initially but upon trying, all of us – Bing, Siling, myself and Xuan included all grabbed a bottle. Although it says cleansing milk, the texture is somewhat in between cleansing water and cleansing serum.
I hope you will love this entry as much as I enjoyed re-visiting Watsons Ximending again, only that it’s virtually this time round. I already made plans as to what I want to purchase in the future if I were to go back to Taiwan again.
Love,
Patricia
Also read: Cult Beauty Brands You Must Buy While Travelling Asia
Contributed by SweetestSins.
Read article : 2016 Beauty Grand Prix Winners
The Elle Canada beauty department tries heaps of beauty products on the daily. Since sharing is caring, every year we (temporarily) turn things over to 800 ELLE Canada readers. This time around, our jurors tested 243 makeup, skincare and hair-care samples for 11 weeks. Here are their favourites.
This concealer doesn’t play favourites. It’s formulated with anti-wrinkle peptides and hydrating lychee-fruit derivatives, so it’s as good for under-eye circles as it is for your peely stress-related breakout. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer ($35), at sephora.com.
Meet your new no-makeup makeup must-have. “It covers pores and hides dark circles,” said Josée Carpentier of Shawinigan, Que. Garnier BB Cream + Blur Miracle Skin Perfector ($19.99), atwalmart.com.
Thanks to antioxidant-rich fruit extracts, this foundation gives skin an instant glow. Bourjois Paris Healthy Mix Serum Foundation ($29), at shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This cream made me feel like I had the face of a Hollywood actress,” said Anna Stella Linsangan of Calgary. The star ingredients? Colour-correcting pigments. Guerlain Météorites Baby Glow ($62), at sephora.com.
Rimmel London’s richly pigmented bronzer is a favourite with readers year after year thanks to its brown, not orange, undertones. Rimmel London Natural Bronzer ($9), at walmart.ca.
Annette May-Graves of Newmarket, Ont., found this bronzer’s seashell pattern so beautiful, she almost didn’t try it. Good thing she changed her mind. “It’s a very natural sun-kissed shade and blends evenly over foundation.” Lise Watier Havana Bronzing Powder ($33), atlisewatier.com.
Despite some tough competition, this strengthening polish emerged on top yet again. “The colour is great, and the shine and wear were fantastic,” said Mrs. Colburn from Niagara Falls, Ont. “And the wide brush made applying it very smooth and easy.” Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure ($10), atwalmart.ca.
This shimmer-free blush can double as contour. Jurors also loved its Energizer Bunny-like durability. “I applied it in the morning, and it lasted all day,” said Christine Macfarlane of Toronto. Lise Watier Blush-On Powder ($29), atlisewatier.com.
Three types of bristles ensure that the hypoallergenic formula coats even the teeniest of lashes. Marcelle Volum'Xtension Magnetic Mascara ($12.95), at walmart.ca.
Expect plenty of compliments when you wear this prod. Annette Mai of Toronto described the cone-shaped brush and lash-strengthening formula as giving her “‘I cannot believe it’s real’ kind of eyelashes.” Lancôme Hypnôse Volume-à-Porter ($32), atlancome.ca.
Consider this your brow tool kit. It comes with a spoolie to comb out your Cara Delevingnes, wax for hold, two colours and tweezers to nab any strays. L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Prep & Shape Pro Kit ($18), atwalmart.ca.
You know those girls who still look flawless when they leave the club at 2 a.m.? They’re probably using this setting spray made with antioxidant-rich white tea. Lise Watier Magnifix Make-Up Fixative with White Tea ($24), at lisewatier.com.
The teardrop-shaped applicator is thinnest at the tip to help even the shakiest hands get close to the lash line. Bonus: It dries Usain Bolt-fast so you can avoid any smudging. L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Superstar Super Liquid Liner ($13), atwalmart.ca.
Waterproof often means drying, but this creamy, richly pigmented liner glides on as easily as your kohl pencil. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($29), at sephora.ca.
Readers found this mousse-like shadow to be as smooth as The Weeknd. “It’s easily applied with a brush or a finger, and it blends like a dream,” said Cathy Snell of Mississauga, Ont. Lise Watier Ombre Soufflé Suprême ($26), at lisewatier.com.
A combo of silicones and colour-correcting pigments gives your 5 p.m. face that just-applied-my-makeup glow. Pupa Milano Professionals Face Primer ($34), at rexall.ca.
A hydrating but long-lasting cream lipstick was a beauty urban legend – until now. Elizabeth Duquette of Forest, Ont., said that this formula, with omega – 6 oils, lasted through “eating, drinking and kisses.” Marcelle Rouge Xpression Lipstick ($11.95), atmarcelle.com.
This lipstick contains anti-aging Labrador tea extract, but the texture had jurors hooked. “It felt almost like a lip balm,” said Hélène Lefebvre of Saint-Étienne-des-Grès, Que. Lise Watier Rouge Fondant Suprême ($26), at lisewatier.com.
Readers felt that, just like the flower-crown Snapchat filter, this rich cream blurs imperfections instantly. But it’s in it for the long haul too: Collagen- and elastin-stimulating adenosine and caffeine boost skin’s volume. Vichy Laboratoires LiftActiv Supreme ($49.95), at vichy.ca.
This pollution-fighting moisturizer, made with life plankton, was lauded by readers for its gel-cream texture and scent. Biotherm Blue Therapy Accelerated Repairing Anti-Aging Silky Cream ($79), at biotherm.ca.
Wrinkles can be caused by frowning and smiling, sagging and parched skin. This formula, made with tripeptides and hyaluronic acid, fights all three. Filorga Absolute Wrinkle Correction Cream ($95), at filorga.com.
Dark spots and dullness can be just as aging as fine lines. That’s why readers loved this serum made with antioxidant ginkgo biloba. “My skin was brighter and looked very even after using it for seven days,” said Alicia Purvis from Port Moody, B.C. Clarins Mission Perfection Sérum ($68), at clarins.ca.
This soy scrub is mild enough to be used every day, noted jurors. Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub ($12), at walmart.ca.
Environmentally friendly microbeads slough off daily grime, while moringa-seed oil protects your skin from pollution. Consider this your skin’s antidote to 21st-century life. Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser ($37), at clarins.ca.
It’s not just jurors who loved this one-step water-free cleanser. The best Fashion Week makeup artists are never without a bottle of this micellar water in their kits. Bioderma Laboratoire Dermatologique Hydrabio H2O ($24.90), walmart.ca.
The texture of this drugstore fave got top marks from BGP jurors. Credit goes to hyaluronic acid, which is the Wonder Woman of skincare molecules: It can retain up to 1, 000 times its weight in water. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream ($24.99), at walmart.ca.
Even normal to oily skin can become dehydrated. This formula mimics skin structure so that moisturizing ingredients can penetrate deeper. Bioderma Laboratoire Dermatologique Hydrabio Gel-Crème ($29.50), at walmart.ca.
Sensitive-skin products tend to feel a bit utilitarian – but not this luxurious fragrance-free formula from Chanel. It contains just 10 ingredients, including soothing silver-needle tea. Chanel La Solution 10 de Chanel ($106), at chanel.com.
This winning lip balm is a triple threat: It contains protective rose wax, shea butter and a hint of pink pigment. Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm ($25), at clarins.ca.
Gel-oil hybrids should be your go-to for nursing sensitive skin through Canadian winters; they protect the skin’s moisture barrier. Bio-Beauté by Nuxe Vitamin-Rich Detox Mask ($37), at nuxe.com.
Beauty sleep is a real thing – especially if you use this Quebec company’s overnight treatment, which contains a potent peptide. Readers said it successfully plumped skin while they slept. Laboratoire Dr Renaud Pure Overnight Youth Concentrate ($90), at ldrenaud.com.
This winner is broad-spectrum, which means it protects against UVA rays that cause aging and UVB rays that cause sunburn. Also key: It wears well under makeup, said jurors. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($15.79), at walmart.ca.
A mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white film hits the beauty jackpot. “It absorbs so quickly... it basically doubles as my primer,” says Annie Xia of Richmond, B.C. Lise Watier Sun Smart Universal UV Shield SPF 30 ($39), at lisewatier.com.
A time-release formula ensures that thirsty skin gets 24-7 hydration. Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum ($44), at eau-thermale-avene.ca.
This new prod contains Biotherm’s signature Algae of Youth anti-aging formula but in a fast-absorbing serum. Biotherm Blue Therapy Accelerated Repairing Serum ($75), at thebay.com.
Coco Chanel’s favourite flower has anti-aging benefits too. The luxury brand has infused volumizing camellia-oil extract into droplets that burst upon contact with skin. Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro-Sérum ($125), at chanel.com.
Laura Black of Puslinch, Ont., gave this vitamin-C- and -E-rich eye cream the ultimate compliment: “[After using it], it looked as if I had slept 13 hours.” Marcelle Hydra-C Eye Contour Gel-Cream ($24.95), at marcelle.com.
Proof you can feel inferior to a flower: This cream contains rare orchids that grow in China. Molecules in the petals and stems help skin cells renew faster. Guerlain Orchidée Impériale The Eye Serum ($270), at thebay.com.
Like a romance-novel hero, this eye-makeup remover – made with cornflower extract – is strong but gentle. “It made my skin feel soft, and I really like how easily my waterproof makeup came off,” said Ashley Freckelton of New Glasgow, N.S. Vichy Laboratoires Pureté Thermale Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover ($19.95), at vichy.ca.
Dry shampoos are a lazy girl’s dream – especially when they’re as good as this reader fave, which is made with absorbing rice starch. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo ($28.50), at nordstrom.com.
The 2015 winner clinched the title again. After using the buttery mask, Saiqa Karim of Richmond Hill, Ont., said her hair had “a glossy shine.” L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil Masque ($32), at lorealprofessionnel.com.
Nicole Raymond of Île Perrot, Que., didn’t have any bad-hair days while using this lotion, which controls frizz without weighing down hair. “I would buy a whole crate,” she said. EIMI Perfect Me Lightweight Beauty Balm Lotion ($20), at wella.com.
This strong-hold but non-crunchy hairspray is a fave backstage at Fashion Week. “It was not sticky at all, and the scent was amazing,” said Jessica Lucduc of Ottawa, of the orange-blossom and sandalwood formula. Redken Triple Take 32 Extreme High-Hold Hairspray ($20.59), at redken.ca.
Argan oil gets lots of hype – and for good reason. It’s rich in moisturizing vitamin E and fatty acids. Even better? It’s a sulphate and paraben-free formula. OGX Extra Strength Hydrate & Repair + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner ($11 each), at shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Hair is like skin: The less moisture it has, the duller it becomes. Svetlana Naumenko of Montreal noticed results from this pair (which has the highest concentrations of the brand’s moisturizing complex) after just one use. “My hair became super-silky,” she said. Pantene Expert Intense Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.99 each), at walmart.ca.
If going Gwen Stefani-platinum fried your hair, try this pair. They zero in on the strands that are the most damaged. L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Shampoo ($18.50) and Conditioner ($21), at lorealprofessionnel.com.
Your new caramel balayage is safe in the peppermint suds of this duo. It contains no colour-stripping sulphates, and a combo of coconut, sugar and corn prevents brassiness. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo ($30.80) and Conditioner ($33.30), at pureology.com.
Carolle Bedard of Pierrefonds, Que., loved how this mandarin-scented lotion worked OT on her skin thanks to hydrating shea butter and antioxidant-rich sea-buckthorn oil. “This cream is perfect. My skin stayed hydrated for at least 24 hours.” Lotus Aroma Mandarin Velvet Body Lotion ($18), at lotusaroma.com.
Made with exfoliating oats and omega-fatty-acid-rich kukui oil, this milk is as nourishing as a cream, but it absorbs faster than it takes you to down your first Americano of the day. Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion ($44), at clarins.ca.
Kaytlyn MacKenzie of Calgary dubbed this exfoliant from the Parisian beauty brans “the body-scrub holy grail.” The sugar exfoliates the skin, and bees wax locks in hydration. Dans un Jardin Mirabella Sugar Scrub ($19.95), at dansunjardin.com.
Readers tested this prod at the gym, during yoga and while running after the kids—all to rave reviews. “It didn’t leave any white marks, the scent is awesome and I didn’t need to reapply it,” said Lisa McGraw of Conception Bay South, NL. Nivea Invisible for Black & White Stick ($4), at shoppersdrugmart.ca.
This French brand is a well-decorated BGP veteran. This time, you gave the thumbs-up to its anti-aging hand cream, made with skin-protecting polyphenols. Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream ($20), sephora.com.
Olay rejigged the formula of this body wash to be gentler on skin, but readers also fell for its summery scent. Olay Fresh Outlast Cooling White Strawberry and Mint Body Wash ($5.49), at walmart.com.
Bioderma’s soap-free cleanser makes scaly winter skin obsolete. Intrepid readers also used it as a shaving cream and bubble bath. Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel ($19.95), at bioderma.ca.
Pierre Marier of Sainte-Louise, Que., gave this water-activated exfoliating gel “five stars”: “The texture allows for a more thorough cleaning of the skin, it rinses well and its scent is perfect.” ClarinsMen Exfoliating Cleanser ($32), at clarins.ca.
Men don’t like shiny skin either. Enter this mattifying lotion. Bioderma Laboratoire Dermatologique Sébium Mat Control ($19.90), at bioderma.ca.
“Whatever was in this bottle is pure magic,” said Mar Rahman of Surrey, B.C. Actually, it’s the addition of moisturizing ingredients, which means he can skip the post-shave moisturizer. Gillette Fusion ProGlide Sensitive 2-in-1 Shave Gel Plus Skin Care ($8), at walmart.ca.
