Lancôme | #LoveYourAge with Advanced Génifique

Lancôme, a brand that has been pioneering beauty & skincare breakthroughs for the past 80 years, is on a mission to erase the boundaries of age. Building on the incredible results achieved with their Advanced Génifique serum, the brand has created the #LoveYourAge campaign and along with the help of ambassadresses Penelope Cruz, Lupita Nyong’o, Kate Winslet and Lily Collins, women the world over are being encouraged to embrace their age and revel in it. Time to let the world know that age is really just a made up number, wouldn’t you agree?

When I was recently invited to participate in a Lancôme #LoveYourAge video/photo shoot, I was both super excited and immediately dreadful of the prospect; after all, I’d be following in the footsteps of celebrities … not to mention being grouped with several much younger colleagues. I was asked to bring along a selection of outfits in shades of black or white – which works perfectly for me, as that’s basically all I wear anyway, and to arrive on set with a clean face and hair. The night before the shoot, I experienced some anxiety; did I bring the right stuff? will my voice sound odd? how will I look on film? what was I supposed to say? To say sleep eluded me, would be an understatement and the result of my sleepless night was evidenced by the visible bags under my eyes (the horror!) … but as they say in the biz, the show must go on.

As the first participant to arrive on set, I was immediately put at ease by the warmth of the crew present, and began being prepped by the makeup and hair teams. The look I was given took mere minutes: a more polished – but still very natural looking – version of me. No exaggerated makeup, or stiff hairstyles – thank you very much, because that’s NOT what this was all about.

Slipping into a black sheer tunic and black leather leggings (both Helmut Lang), my look capped with a pair of black Louboutin slingbacks, I was ready to rock n’ roll. My shoot began with a series of test shots from various angles, and then it was go time. As the focus was to be candid answers, I had only a rough idea of what types of questions I would be asked, apart from one: declaring my age (yikes). To my utter surprise, I didn’t feel nervous and as the questions were put to me, I found myself tuning out everyone else present in the room, and allowed myself to simply enjoy the experience. In the end, all my answers came from the heart, and while you only see/hear a small part of it in the included video clip, I like to think that that honesty still managed to come through. Best part? Saying my age out loud and owning it!

The other unexpected bonus of this experience was in meeting fellow bloggers and connecting with them; as the day wrapped up, new friendships were formed and all ‘age lines’ were figuratively blurred away.

BEAUTY IS NOT ABOUT HIDING YOUR AGE. IT’S ABOUT LOVING IT AND MAKING THE MOST OF IT – Lancôme

Enjoy the included behind-the-scenes photos of the shoot, as well as the final video result – let me know what you think in the comments section below (be gentle, lol!)

I encourage you to join the #LoveYourAge movement by visiting www.lancome-genifique.ca For every age declaration, Lancôme will donate $3 to Look Good Feel Better (Helping women with Cancer)

Lancôme | Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate

Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate (CAN $98.00/30 ml) | Originally created in 2009, Génifique is a serum that was inspired by the field of gene science and which uses ‘transciptomics‘ (the study of gene expression) along with ‘proteomics‘ (molecular biology) to identify the signature proteins of young skin. Fast forward to 2013 when Advanced Génifique was launched with an optimized formula and a new self-loading dropper, and a legend was born: The Little Black Bottle, as it has become known, is by definition the “radiance treatment that reveals a woman’s aura“.

Advanced Génifique has been created to reactivate the skin’s luminosity by improving the structure of the skin’s surface, and designed to be used as a first step in your skincare regimen, after cleansing.

Lancôme | Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate (dropper detail)

Ingredients: Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Adenosine, Faex Extract/Yeast Extract/Extrait De Levure, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide/Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Limonene, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Edta, Octyldodecanol, Citronellol, Fragrance

Behind the scenes: Lancôme #LoveYourAge campaign

Behind the scenes: Lancôme #LoveYourAge campaign (forever a rebel)

Lancôme #LoveYourAge campaign/final video

Behind the scenes: Lancôme #LoveYourAge campaign

Behind the scenes: Lancôme #LoveYourAge campaign/mandatory group shot!

Behind the scenes: Lancôme #LoveYourAge campaign

… and that’s a wrap! #LoveYourAge

I’m so happy to have participated in such a unique experience and a huge THANK YOU goes out to all involved. Until the next time!

Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/sponsored post – all opinions are my own

CHANEL | Rouge Allure Pensive & Rouge Coco Shine Téméraire, Fall 2015

August 17, 2015

There are four lip formulations released as part of CHANEL’s Fall 2015 Les Automnales Collection; a creamy Rouge Allure shade (Pensive), an intense matte Rouge Allure Velvet shade (La Boulversante), two shiny Rouge Coco Shine shades (Mélancolie & Téméraire), and one shimmering Lèvres Scintillantes gloss (Chêne Rouge), all in the season’s beautiful colour palette: a rich tapestry of light and shadows.

INSPIRATION: eucalyptus leaves, andromeda polifolia leaf

CHANEL | 112 Téméraire Rouge Coco Shine & 162 Pensive Rouge Allure, Fall 2015

162 Pensive Rouge Allure | a pink based nude shade that has leans both cool and warm, making it easily wearable by a wide array of skin tones. As part of CHANEL’s revamped Rouge Allure formula, Pensive literally glides up the lips and feels so moisturizing throughout the wearing. Wear time is about average 2.5 – 3 hours (less with eating and drinking) which is to be expected for a shade this light, but one of the perks is a totally hydrated lip feel long after the colour has faded. Bonus: there is enough tint to keep lips from appearing washed out, but the shade itself still stays well in line within neutral territory. Lightly scented with CHANEL’s signature rose fragrance (worth noting for those with sensitivities).

CHANEL | 162 Pensive Rouge Allure

CHANEL | 162 Pensive Rouge Allure swatch

112 Téméraire Rouge Coco Shine | A deep garnet shade with slight brick undertones and an ultra-fine shimmer, in a lightweight and shinier formula than that of the Rouge Allure range, bearing the brand’s signature rose fragrance. Of the two Rouge Coco Shines released with this collection, Téméraire has the strongest colour saturation and can be either applied lightly then blotted for a ‘stained’ effect, or layered for more depth and intensity. As my lips are naturally pigmented, this shade seems to pull more warm against my skin tone, but swatched on my arm shows it to be slightly cooler-leaning; all of which means that Téméraire should work easily on most complexions across the board. Wear time is excellent, lasting easily 6 hours before any fading (minimal), no bleeding into surrounding lip lines either, and with a light stain left behind for continued light colour as well as a nourished lip feel.

CHANEL | 112 Téméraire Rouge Coco Shine

CHANEL | 112 Téméraire Rouge Coco Shine swatch

CHANEL | 162 Pensive Rouge Allure & 112 Téméraire Rouge Coco Shine swatches (in sunlight)

CHANEL | 162 Pensive Rouge Allure & 112 Téméraire Rouge Coco Shine swatches (indirect light)

I don’t have the other three lip products of this collection mentioned at the top of my post, but they’re so totally on my wish list. Somehow, CHANEL has managed to completely capture the essence of the season and released shades that may not be groundbreaking in terms of colour (who doesn’t have at least a bajillion nude and/or red lipticks/glosses?), but there’s that je ne sais quois factor found here that elevates them to a new modern, yet still classic level. And no, it’s not just my love of CHANEL talking … these are both destined to become staples in my makeup bag. Happily, both Pensive and Téméraire will be permanent (no need to hoard = huge sigh of relief).

The CHANEL Collection Les Automnales 2015 should be available now at all counters nationwide. Find more detailed information on the collection via www.chanel.com

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

CHANEL | Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette Fall 2015

August 16, 2015

Inspired by nature’s lush autumnal palette of colours which seems to bring out the luminosity of colours like no other season, CHANEL introduces the Collection Les Automnales – a tribute to ‘all of these natural shades that indulge in one last dance before settling down to sleep‘ (seriously though, how poetic is the imagery of that quote?). One of the quiet stars of this collection is undoubtedly the Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette (Limited Edition, CAN $72.00) a grouping of 5 timeless earthen hues, that can take you effortlessly from day to evening looks … all fitting in the palm of your hand.

The intricate raised pattern on the surface of each shade is stamped with a graphic motif influenced by Cistercian stained glass, such as that found at the Aubazine Abbey (Auvergnes, France) in whose orphanage Gabrielle Coco was placed as a young child, and which pattern was later said to be the inspiration behind the brand’s iconic interlocking C’s.

Aubazine Abbey – Auvergnes, France (credit)

Cistercian stained glass window, Aubazine Abbey

The iconic CHANEL interlocking c’s, inspired from the Cistercian stained glass windows at Aubazine Abbey

CHANEL | Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette

Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette (Limited Edition) | A warm leaning palette of neutral shades in a mix of matte and softly shimmering hues. Each shade has been created to blend beautifully with the others, although your choices are only limited to your imagination & preferences. The surface pattern will eventually wear down with use, although this is no way affects how the colours perform.

INSPIRATION: lunaria, planetree leaf, acorn, chestnut peel, helleborus flower

Entrelacs 1 – soft white with gold reflects, ultra fine shimmer
Entrelacs 2 – soft milk chocolate, matte
Entrelacs 3 – brown bronze, fine shimmer
Entrelacs 4 – blackened brown, satin
Entrelacs 5 – champagne/peach, fine shimmer

What surprised me the most with this palette, is how lightly the shades initially applied, and even though the pigmentation seems to become slightly more intensified with use, do not expect any serious drama (unless you apply them with a dampened brush; then, we’re talking impact). The formula is a interesting combination of velvety smoothness but which also has enough hardness as to eliminate any powdery kickback when swirling brushes through the colours — with zero fallout as a result. As stated before, these are soft shades which can be built up for more depth (the blackened brown is the most saturated of the five), making this a perfect palette to create a diffused smokey eye (also a great alternative to a more traditional blacked-out smokey look).

CHANEL | Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette

CHANEL | Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Neutral hues are my weakness [and comfort zone] and when you combine that with the beautiful inspiration behind this palette, it becomes a foregone conclusion that I will be all over something this gorgeous. That being said, the plethora of nude palettes available today makes me think that there is no reason to think you might not already own similar shades and even though I pulled out several contenders to compare Entrelacs with, I couldn’t find one palette that included all five of these hues in a single compact. For those who prefer more subtle smokey/neutral looks, then you’ll want to grab this beauty ASAP. My final verdict: while I was initially thrown with the softness of this palette, the more I use it, the more I’m loving it – and just how wearable it truly is. Like I said in my opening paragraph: a quiet star.

The CHANEL Collection Les Automnales 2015 should be available now at all counters nationwide. Find more detailed information on the collection via www.chanel.com

Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

Dior Cosmopolite Fall 2015 | Eclectic & Exubérante 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palettes

August 13, 2015

For his first Dior beauty collection, Peter Philips – Creative and Image Director of Dior Cosmetics, was inspired by the ‘plural forms of femininity and the idea of multi-faceted beauty‘, and thus, the Fall 2015 Cosmopolite Collection was born. Having already shown you the new liquid Fluid Shadows of this collection (reviewed here), today’s focus is on the two limited edition 5 Couleur Eyeshadow Palettes, 866 Eclectic & 766 Exubérante.

Housed in Dior’s iconic navy lacquered compact cases which bear a full-sized mirror on the inner lid along with 2 small dual-ended brushes (that actually do a decent job, although I still prefer using my own brushes and rarely bother with these – but they work well in a pinch), each palette hast four eyeshadow shades in varying finishes that surround a centre highlighting hue. The surface of each eyeshadow palette displays the Dior lettering in a raised and intentionally chaotic design, and as with the rest of Dior’s 5 Couleurs compacts, the premise is that you can use the top two lighter shades (along with the centre hue) for a more daytime look, or switch over to the bottom two deeper shades (with or without the centre hue) to ramp things up for evening.

In collaboration with renowned film director, videographer & photographer Pierre Debusschere, the three looks created by Peter Philips were captured in this video using three separate types of lighting and a ‘scanning light’ for a unique new effect, where the images appear to melt into the skin – morphing seamlessly from one look to another.

Dior Cosmopolite Fall 2015 | 866 Eclectic & 766 Exubérante Eyeshadow Palettes

866 Eclectic (CAN $70.00) | The more cooler-leaning of the two palettes, there is still enough warmth in most of the hues to help them transition easily onto warmer-toned complexions as well. A breakdown of the shades:

top left – berry/plum with ultra fine purple & silver shimmer, light colour saturation but can be built up – much more intense when applied damp
top right – pink/nude, creamy satin-matte texture, pale-hued but with excellent pigmentation
centre – (brilliant silver overspray) silvery white, light iridescent finish, smoothly applying, perfect for inner eye corner, brow bone or as a layering shade
bottom left – blackened pine green, satin finish, medium colour saturation that can be easily built up or super intensified when applied damp
bottom right – deep aubergine, satin finish, displays some initial powdery kickback, but applies with good saturation of colour after that

An absolutely stunning palette for those with green (like me!) or blue eyes, as the purplish shades will really make your peepers the star attraction. The top left shade was surprisingly lightly applying compared to the intense colour you see in the pan, but I prefer it that way as it does not come across as garish, while you always have the option of layering it for more depth (or applying with a dampened brush). The creamy texture of the top right shade blew me away and needs to be felt with one’s finger to understand what I’m talking about – it doesn’t hurt that application of this hue is just so incredibly smoothly applying. The bright silver of the centre shade is an overspray, but happily the colour underneath remains silver, but in a totally modern and wearable format. The deep green colour of the bottom left shade was another surprise, as it applies with less intensity than you’d imagine, but once again, I love that I can build it up if need be, or wear it as more of a wash (which is actually a pretty cool way to wear such an obvious dark shade). The only one of the five to feel a little chalky initially, is the bottom right colour – but after a few swipes of my brush, application now seems to be significantly improved and smoother in texture.

Dior Cosmopolite Fall 2015 | 866 Eclectic Eyeshadow Palette

Dior Cosmopolite Fall 2015 | 866 Eclectic Eyeshadow Palette (swatches)

Dior Cosmopolite Fall 2015 | 866 Eclectic Eyeshadow Palette (swatches, deeper light)

766 Exubérante (CAN $70.00) | The more obviously warmer-leaning of the two palettes, although once again that can be deceiving, as there are enough cool undertones in several of the hues to make them suitable for cooler complexions as well – it’s all in the layering options. A breakdown of the shades:

top left – taupe, satin finish, exceptionally creamy texture
top right – palest peach, satiny-matte finish
centre – (brilliant pale gold overspray) pale oxidized gold, light iridescent finish
bottom left – denim blue with an ultra fine peacock blue iridescence
bottom right – mink brown with mauve undertones, satin finish & a creamy texture

An interesting mix of neutral shades with that one blue stunner in the corner to shake things up, this palette has surprised me on so many levels – all in a good way. The top left shade has that same creamy-to-the-touch texture I mentioned earlier and is probably my favourite taupe powder eyeshadow EVER. The top right hue is quite light against my skin tone, but works beautifully as a warming transition shade, especially when applied along the crease. That vivid gold of the centre shade looks amazing in the pan, but not exactly easily wearable (unless you’re going for a more editorial look), and happily that brilliance is only an overspray, revealing a stunningly smooth ‘antiqued’ gold hue underneath. The bottom left blue shade is a bit of a chameleon; what appears to be peacock blue, is in fact more teal-toned than that, with the fine shimmery bits adding a little something extra. Once again, this is a shade that needs a few swipes of the brush to get the initial hardness out of the way, but which then blends like a charm. The bottom right shade is SUBLIME: perfect pigmentation, application, finish, and texture. I would buy multiple backups of this beauty if it were released as a single, I kid you not.

Dior Cosmopolite Fall 2015 | 766 Exubérante Eyeshadow Palette

Dior Cosmopolite Fall 2015 | 766 Exubérante Eyeshadow Palette (swatches)

Dior Cosmopolite Fall 2015 | 766 Exubérante Eyeshadow Palette (swatches, deeper light)

Without question, Dior creates some of the most exquisite eyeshadow palettes in the beauty world, with a carefully executed attention to detail (that gets me every.single.time), and lately it seems like the brand has also stepped up their quality game as well, as far as their eyeshadow palettes are concerned. Both 866 Eclectic and 766 Exubérante exhibit eminently wearable colours with superb finishes, displaying deep & rich Fall-like tones but which can be so easily adapted beyond the season as well. The downside? Two words: limited edition. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

The Dior Cosmopolite Fall 2015 Collection should be available now at all Dior counters nationwide (Canada) – find more information via www.dior.com

Elizabeth Arden | Superstart Skin Renewal Booster

August 12, 2015

In early June, I was invited to attend the Elizabeth Arden Global Symposium in New York City (travel blogpost coming soon), where I not only had the opportunity to sit down and pick the brains of some of the beauty industry’s finest, but learned that there’s much more to the Stratum Corneum – our skin’s surface layer – than previously imagined.

During the symposium, we were introduced to Arden’s new skincare philosophy called Arden Active Skincare, whose aim (with the benefit of the brand’s extensive portfolio of skincare products) is to assist us in optimizing and actively improving our skin’s overall healthy appearance. Our skin is, after all, our body’s largest organ and while the focus of late has been on products designed to work from the inside out, Elizabeth Arden has gone back to the drawing board to look at things from another perspective: start at the beginning. Here’s where Superstart comes in, a product created to be used first in your skincare regimen (after cleansing) to set the defence perimeter up, so to speak.

This breakthrough product is marking the beginning of a whole new beauty category, one which addresses the health of the skin’s surface layer; when used before your serum or moisturizer, the ultra-light and fast-absorbing formula of Superstart Skin Renewal Booster will help provide ‘daily support to the surface layer of the skin, boost its natural defences & ability to renew itself, while ultimately optimizing the results of your entire skincare regimen‘.

Some of the key ingredients include:

Probiotic Complex – a complex that provides the skin with complimentary pre-probiotic action that not only triggers an improvement in the appearance of the skin with a nourishing and smoothing effect, but also optimizes skin’s microflora and natural defenses
Sea Fennel – this rare Mediterranean coastal plant with its unique ability to survive on rocks despite regular exposure to intense waves, enhances skin cell renewal and epidermal differentiation to help increase luminosity, skin smoothness, and the complexion. It also contains antioxidant properties that help to scavenge and fight off free radicals that lead to skin damage and signs of aging
Flaxseed Extract – this plant see extract helps to reinforce skin’s barrier and encourages skin to sustain optimal lipid levels
Glasswort Extract – derived from a coastal succulent, it helps boost skin’s natural moisturization by optimizing Aquaporins, skin’s hydrating channels, and reducing water loss within the skin

Now, if you’re like me, you’re probably thinking that the last thing you need to add to your already overloaded skincare regimen, is yet ANOTHER step (ye GODS), and while I confess to that being my initial thought, after testing Superstart since my return from that media trip, consider me a believer. A devoted believer, in fact. Possibly even a Superstart fanatic.

And for crying out loud, it’s just one small pearl size drop I’ve added to my skincare routine, not an entire vat … doesn’t get easier than that.

I have to also add here, that upon arrival back to my hotel room after the Symposium, I was greeted with an amazing press package: the new Superstart Skin Renewal Booster, housed in a box that when opened up, began playing the latest video campaign from Elizabeth Arden featuring the new face of the brand, supermodel Karlina Caune (who’s just the nicest and most down-to-earth young woman … plus kick-ass gorgeous). How cool is that? (Yeah, I’m like a child and can be amused for hours with pretty pictures, lol)

Elizabeth Arden | Superstart Skin Renewal Booster

With Karlina Caune, the new face of Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden | Superstart Skin Renewal Booster

Superstart Skin Renewal Booster (CAN $88.00) | Housed in a futuristic-looking slim silver bottle with gold banding & lettering that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, the product is dispensed from a nozzle in front, and locks securely closed via a toggle switch on the back. The milky fluid is of a medium consistency that feels initially cool to the touch (a sensation that quickly dissipates), spreads effortlessly and becomes fully absorbed into the skin within seconds, leaving absolutely no filmy feeling behind. Superstart does contain fragrance – a fresh, green-floral scent that I personally find very pleasing – but worth noting for those with sensitivities. Application is very easy: I dispense one pearl-size drop (1 pump) onto my fingertips and then place my other hand on top to spread the product out; using a ‘press/pat’ motion, I apply it to my entire face, with any leftover going to the neck and earlobes, then lightly smoothening it all into my skin.

As much as I adore colour cosmetics, the past few years have seen my obsession with skincare on a meteoric rise – most likely induced by the fact that I myself am getting older (duh) and understand that the better care I take of my skin, the bigger the rewards (i.e.: smoother skin, which translates into more youthful-looking skin, which means I’ll need less makeup to look good, which means my makeup will look better, in general. Win-Win). When I was at the Symposium learning about Superstart, I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first; apart from the fact that using this meant adding an extra product to my daily/nightly skincare routine, why would I need it anyway? Wasn’t my regular regimen enough?

The answer, surprisingly, was no. The concept is interesting: think of the stratum corneum as a brick wall; cells filled with proteins (the ‘bricks’) are embedded in essential lips (the ‘mortar’). The extracts found in Superstart act as a support system to help bolster and reinforce the integrity of this all-important surface layer, or ‘brick wall’, and when skin has a healthy stratum corneum, it can better protect itself from the environment, toxins and irritants. In other words, you’re basically letting your skin do the work for you. How’s that for a lazy girl’s guide to better skin? Of course, Superstart is designed to be the first line of defense – you shouldn’t skip the rest of your regimen.

Within just a few days of consistent application of Superstart, I noticed a difference; my skin did in fact feel smoother, which resulted in a more even-toned overall appearance, with the other benefit being that I in turn then needed less of my skincare products to do the same job as before, all of which then translates to getting more for my money’s worth in general … along with the supreme perk of gorgeous skin. Not bad for 1 pearl sized drop, huh? Another bonus? Superstart works with all other skincare brands/regimens, making it a simple and welcome addition to whatever it is you’re currently using.

Verdict: after 2 entire months of twice-daily use (and the bottle is still not showing signs of being empty), I love the effect Superstart has had on my skin and will definitely continue to use it. Just try and take it away from me.

Elizabeth Arden | Superstart Skin Renewal Booster

Elizabeth Arden | Superstart Skin Renewal Booster (dispenser nozzle)

Elizabeth Arden | Superstart Skin Renewal Booster (safety toggle closure)

Elizabeth Arden | Superstart Skin Renewal Booster (ingredients list)

Elizabeth Arden continues to be a pioneer in the area of skincare innovation, and first out of the gate with this latest breakthrough, is Superstart. Seems almost too simple to be true, right? Or, better still, why hasn’t anyone thought of this before? I mean, doesn’t it stand to reason that if we help our surface layer of skin to protect itself, it will enable us to better manage the rest? Imagine that … the poor stratum corneum – so obvious, and yet so overlooked. But never fear, Superstart‘s got your back. And front.

Available beginning of September in department stores nationwide (Canada) and on ElizabethArden.com