Olay Body Botanical Fusion Body Wash

Olay's launched a new line of body washes called "Botanical Fusion". They're basically different earthy kind of scents. My favourite is Patchouli and Soy and I like using it when I'm not in the mood for something fruity.

I think that this body wash is comparable to Dove's but I found it to be more moisturizing and slightly goopy because of that. I like using it, and think that it's a great product. Olay's named each scent Hydrate, Restore, and Vitality but I would just pick by smell.

Aloette Green Tea & Mint Body Scrub

Aloette Spa Indulgence Green Tea and Mint Exfoliating Body Polish is perfect for the summer because it smells so refreshing!
This is a great scrub to use everyday because the scrubbing particles are so small and they're in a nice creamy base that washes off cleanly. These scrubs also come in a pack of three, so consider that while you're purchasing!

Malibu Secret

For the past little while, I've been using Malibu Secret Body Treatment and it's one of those moisturizers that I find myself reaching for again and again.

The cream makes the claim to be an anti-aging treatment for the whole body, which is definitely an interesting concept. What ingredients make this anti-aging? Well, it's packed with antioxidants which are good for your skin because they prevent free radical damage. What that means is that this body cream is good for anyone whether you're displaying signs of aging or not!


The reason that I keep using this though is because the formula is really nice. It's silky smooth, lightweight, and fast absorbing. It also smells tropical - a mix of coconut and vanilla and not at all overpowering. You can get this body cream online or check the website for retail outlets near you!

Olay Quench Mousse

Ever since I was little, I've had a bit of an obsession with all things whipped - mousse for your hair, mousse that you eat, cleansing foam, and all the rest. Whipped cream is still my condiment of choice, actually.

In any case, when I saw that Olay had a mousse moisturizer out, I knew that I had to try it! The mousse is basically a light foam and turns into a sort of light oil when you rub it on to your skin. It's light moisturization and skins into your skin so easily. It's easy to use and perfect for the summer.

I do have to say that this is best used sparingly because it gets sticky if you use too much. Other than that, it's fantastic. It even has a little shimmer in it so that your skin looks like it's glowing when you use it. This is another Quench product that I'll be using a lot.

Oh yeah, and you can win a couple of bottles (among other things) in this giveaway.

Don't Buy

I hated the N.V. Perricone M.D. Body Toning Lotion. Not only is it uneffective, but it smells bad, has the consistency of spoiled milk, and its active ingredient, DMAE, has actually been shown to do damage to skin over a prolongued period of time.

I tried this for a week and then tossed the rest. It wasn't even good enough to pass on to anyone else. This is the only product from the Dr. Perricone line that I have tried and after using it, I'm not anxious to try anything else.

Sephora Brand Dry Oil Spray

Why has nobody ever told me about dry oil spray?!

This is the easiest moisturizer I've ever used and it's super-easy to get dressed after using it too.

Specifically, I'm talking about Sephora Brand Dry Oil Spray - you have got to try it!

Comes in a variety of different scents, so I know you'll find one you like. Their newest is Lime Blossom, which doesn't smell like limes but maybe like blossoms, and is super fresh.

The main ingredient isn't some greasy oil, so you spray it on, rub it in. It absorbs completely as long as you're not using too much, and gives you light moisturization. Love it, pick yours up soon.

Dove Cream Oil Body Wash

I just finished using Dove's Cream Oil Body Wash. I liked it. It wasn't the most moisturizing body wash that I've ever used, but it was moisturizing and I really loved the supremely creamy texture. Pick a scent you love - a little bit goes a long way.

Origins Organics Hydrating Body Lotion

Have you heard about Origins new line of products called Origins Organics?



The line is made up of products that have organic ingredients in them. And how is Origins judging the organic nature of its products?

Well, the ingredients are judged using the same guidelines used for food. Origins knows that not 100% of its products are going to be organic, so each product shows what percentage of it is actually organic.

Take Origins Organics Hydrating Body Lotion.



Is is made up of 87% organic ingredients. Besides that, the lotion is light and absorbs quickly but packs a powerful punch when it comes to moisturizing.

I love the wonderful earthy smell of the lotion and it's not overwhelming at all.

Not only can you purchase Origins products online, but Canadians can also find them easily at The Bay. Definitely check out this line - the concept is intriguing and the products are worth exploring.

Yardley of London Moisturizing Bath Foam

How is it that everything from England has such a sense of prestige to it? Yet, many products and brands are readily availble this side of the pond.

Take Yardley of London, for example. I know you've seen the brand at your local drugstore, and luckily, it's not very expensive either.


I've been using the Yardley of London Lavender Moisturizing Bath Foam. It has a true lavender scent and smells so fresh and floral. Don't be afraid to try this product the next time you see it at the drugstore - it's quite luxurious!

Space.NK Body Wash

A little while ago, I received a Space.NK Body Wash and Body Balm as a present. The two came in such chic packaging that instead of placing them in the shower, I put them together in my powder room instead.
Let me tell you: nobody comes out of that powder room without praising the body wash that's in there. It smells amazing and leaves your hands so soft. Order yourself some - your guests will thank you.

Body Butter

Have you ever looked at a tub of vanilla frosting and thought: mmmm, I wish there was something like this that I could use as a moisturizer. No? Ok, maybe that's just me.

In any case, I found something that has the consistency, look, and even scent of frosting. And it is moisturizing too!You have got to check out Beyond the Basket body butter. It's thick, it's whipped, and it's super moisturizing. I tried the one scented like Mint Chocolate Chip and found it to be natural smelling and not cloyingly sweet at all. At $10 the body butter is also very reasonably priced, so try it out for yourself!

Pattern Body Wash

Pattern Body Washes are original within a category where few originals exist. Not only is it 100% vegan and natural, but they come in scents that you won't find anywhere else! Imagine - a body wash that smells like black pepper! It's almost unheard of and I have to say that I find this scent strangely addictive. You just have to try it to see what I mean.

I am also loving their cucumber scent of course, because it's so refreshing and the formulation is one that you can use on your hair, body, and face. And that's exactly what I do - one product in my shower taking the place of 3. I like it.

If you've never used a luxury body wash before, try this one. It's very gentle on the skin and still has lots of lather. Order one or the whole set of scents at the Pattern website.

LaLicious Sugar Souffle

Check out my picture of the LaLicious Sugar Souffle Body Scrub - it really is whipped into a fluffy scrub that is easy to use.


You have got to try LaLicious scrubs. They are whipped, intensely moisturizing, and come in many "flavours". The creamed coconut one made my mouth water and is bar none the best coconut scented product I've ever tried. The peppermint scented one has real peppermint oil in it so it has a cooling effect and helps you really wake up if you use it in the morning.

I also like to use these scrubs on my hands. They don't slide off when mixed with water and really do provide intense exfoliation and leave your skin soft and smooth.


The LaLicious scrubs are perfect for the winter months and are available on the LaLicious website. With tons of yummy scents to choose from, LaLicious is a great way to incorporate the delicious into the everyday.

Moisturize Easily

Now I've never bought into the glove or sock moisturization scheme but when I got a sample of the Spasensials Hand and Foot Treatment I had to try them out. These are perfect for 2 reasons:

1. It's colder outside which means that your skin may be drier - these socks and gloves are perfect for intense moisturization;

2. Since it's become difficult to take lotions on a plane, these are a perfect alternative.

I found these gloves and socks very effective at moisturizing. I have a persistent dry spot on my hands and I found that after wearing the gloves, that spot was a little softer. I wore the gloves a couple more times over the next few days and found that each time my hands were noticably softer! Plus, the gloves kept my hands so toasty warm that I didn't feel like taking them off.

You can get these at Amazon.

Bobe Whipped Soy Butter and Scrub

I recently tried some Bobe products. Never heard of the company? Check out the Bobe Bath Essentials website.

The company sells scrubs, moisturizers, lipbalms, and other bath products. The best part is that not only are all the products of excellent quality, but you can choose the scent that you want in them, or even choose to have them unscented.

I tried the Sugared Frosting Scrub pictured below in the Sake scent. The scent was fresh and clean, and the scrub is amazing. It's different from most other sugar scrubs that I've tried because it's actually whipped! This means that the parts of the scrub stay mixed together and don't separate. You never need to stir the scrub before using it and it's still moisturizing but not greasy or oily.



I also tried the Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter. See the butter peeking out of the top of the jar? Well that's exactly what the body butter looks like. It's white and fluffy all the way throughout the jar. It absorbs so quickly and doesn't leave any kind of oily residue on the skin - this might be the most amazing product I've tried in a long time. I got the body butter in the grapefruit scent which is fresh and juicy smelling.

I also have to say that the products are very reasonably priced, and made and shipped out of Saskatchewan Canada, so do check them out.

Jergens Shea Butter Skin Enriching Lotion

I have tons of lotions in my bathroom, but lately I've been reaching for Jergens Shea Butter Skin Enriching Lotion. I know that it does not have that much Shea Butter in it, but what I really love about it is the soft vanilla scent that is so comforting. It also makes my skin glowy which I love. This is my go-to lotion this winter.

Kiehl's Product Reviews

I must admit that I'm going through a Kiehl's phase right now. I'm smitten with a few of their products and I can't get enough of the brand.

If you're unfamiliar with this line, know that it was a New York pharmacy started in 1851. (The brand is now owned by L'Oreal Paris). Their look is reminiscent of simple pharma packaging and going into that store is an old-world experience too. Their employees wear lab coats and assist you personally, asking you questions about your needs, whether they be skin, body, or hair-oriented.

Creme de Corps is perhaps Kiehl's most famous product. This lotion is worth trying. It's liquidy and really does have the consistency of whipping cream but do not mistake this for a lotion that's watery. Smoothed on your skin, it's light yet moisturizing. The very best part is that your skin is left looking absolutely luminous and it's not at all sticky.

This lotion also comes in a light-weight formula and on that has SPF 30. Lovely. There's also a Creme de Corps Body Nurturing Body Washing Cream that I'm dying to try.

Kiehl's also makes great bath gel. Theirs is called Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser and is very gentle.
The scent I use is grapefruit and it's light and fresh. They also have this body wash in a few other scents including coriander, herbs, and vanilla to name just a few, and they also periodically offer limited edition scents that sell out quite quickly.

Lastly, Kielh's Epidermal re-Texturizing Micro-dermabrasion is maybe the best exfoliater I have ever tried. It's not listed with the rest of Kiehl's regular face scrubs, and is grouped with their "Dermatologist Solutions".

The product uses aluminum oxide crystals and ground up sea shells as its scrubbing particles! Knowing that might remind you of this article that I mentioned a while back. Knowing that what I was putting back into the sea is from there in the first place made me appreciate the scrub even more.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, the scrub's particles are very very fine so the amount of exfoliation you get is pretty high. I would only use this once a week at the most, and each time I used it I was left with very smooth soft skin. The base is lovely and not at all drying or overly moisturizing.

So those are the Kiehl's products that I'm loving right now. Needless to say, I'm very impressed with the brand and can't wait to try more of its products.

Honey Dipp

Little did I know that I could be sitting in the heart of Toronto and still somehow get transported to a place that's tranquil and peaceful.

How?

Because of products from the Honey Dipp line. Launched recently by two friends, Dionne and Mickella, this line contains spa-style products at prices that consumers can afford to pay. Their products are made with care and smell absolutely amazing! Yes, they have a line that is floral (Blush), one that reminds you of the islands (Exotic), and one that has more foody scents (Spice), but the twist is that there is also something for those who like their products unscented (Palm), as well as something for men (Metro).

Best product ever? The Honey Dipp Body Butter.

Wow. That's all I can say. It's thick and creamy and best of all, it's made with a blend of oils so what you're getting is pure moisturizers that are perfect for dry skin. I also love their Coconut Lime Body Wash that smells just like creamed coconut, but if you like your scents a bit more fresh, you'll have to check out their Green Tea products that smell just like the real thing. Have a sniff for yourself - not only can you get the products online, but you can also find them at your local Blossom boutique.

I also had a chance to talk to the line's creators and asked them more about their line as well as what some of their favourite products were. Enjoy!

1) What inspired you to come up with the concept of Honey Dipp? Why a Spa product company?

Mickella: Our inspiration came on a hot summer’s day in July 2003. While at Dionne’s house looking at the latest trends and tips in beauty magazines it began to bring back childhood memories of the natural products we used as kids. We shared stories about how our mothers used aloe and coconut oil for dry skin and bath salts for aches and pains. We became instantly hooked on the idea that we could come up with our own line of natural products and then began to list the ingredients we would want in our product line; sugar, coconut, honey and aloe just to name a few.

We decided to create a line of at-home spa products because we wanted everyone to be able to treat themselves to a spa experience at home. Initially we started doing at-home spa parties which was a fun girls’ night in and a great way to introduce our spa product line. We got a great response from both our existing customers and from our new clientele.

2) What's the story behind the name of your company?

Dionne: Once we knew that we wanted a line of natural products we wanted a name that would capture the essence of our product line. Mickella thought of honey because it’s pure and sweet. Then we began bouncing ideas back and forth for a word that would be catchy and would compliment honey. We thought of Honey Dew, Honey D, Honey Suckle, and then I thought of dipp. Once we said the two together we knew that it was a perfect fit!

3) How did you come up with all the different scents?

Mickella : First we came up with lines that we thought would appeal to all women. Then we searched for the scents that would be a perfect fit for each product line. We have edible; we have tropical, floral and unscented. For our Bliss line we chose floral scents such as lavender, rose and white orchid. Our Exotic line has the tropical scents of fresh papaya, citrus, coconut lime and island burst. In our Spice line we used vanilla and coconut because they smell edible. After choosing scents, we thought of the woman who did not want to have a scented product, so we decided to create an unscented line which is Palm.

4) It's amazing that you've included a scent line for men... What's the story there?

Dionne: While we were mixing and experimenting with different blends, my husband Kevin was our “first customer” as he got to try out most of the products before anyone else did. He said he really liked the way the lotions and the butters moistened his skin and that if we carried scents for men he would use it everyday.

So we created the Metro line for men with the soft musky scents of Urban and Zen.

5) What's your favourite product from the line?

Dionne: “My favourite product is our coconut lime lotion because it takes me back to the islands and it gives me a feeling of tranquility.”

Mickella: “My favourite product is our coconut body butter because I just love the smooth texture of our butters and the light edible scent of our coconut.

Name your favourite:

Mascara?

Dionne: “I like MAC’s Mascara X because it doesn’t irritate my eyes. I like the way it goes on light and smooth without being clumpy. I also like that it gives my eyes a natural look and that it washes off easily”.

Mickella: “I like Maybelline’s Waterproof Great Lash Mascara because it doesn’t smudge and it goes on smooth”.

Makeup Product?

Mickella: “My favourite make-up product is a sun-kissed bronzer because I find it light-weight and I love the natural glow it gives my complexion.

Dionne: “I love the natural shades of lip gloss like the Lancome Juicy Tubes because it gives me a soft natural look during the day and a sexy look at night! Personally, I think less is more when it comes to applying make-up.”

Perfume?

Mickella: “I really like the French Connection scent I got for Christmas. It’s a crisp, clean fresh fragrance”

Dionne: “I like Sarah Jessica Parker’s Lovely as my everyday fragrance because I love the soft citrus scent. On the weekend, I like to wear Weekend by Burberry!”

Canadian Beauty News: July 6, 2007

OK, this version of Canadian Beauty News is all about reader questions but first, I'll tell you about the outcome of the masks that I've been reviewing!

Mask Roundup

Overall, I have to say that I really really liked the Biotherm. I liked how my skin felt afterwards, there was no residue, and it was just what I was looking for. I also really liked the Lancome warming mask and I think that I'm going to use it in the winter. None of the masks that I tried were horrible and I'm sure the question remains - do you even need a mask at all? After doing this project for about a month, I can say YES, having a mask as part of your routine is a good idea. It soaks up excess oil, tones, and has a nice effect on your skin even if it's temporary. A mask is especially useful in the summer.

Though I found it hard to incorporate into my routine at first, I've found that there are two best times to use it. The first time is after work or a day out when your face may be a tad fatigued. It's nice to come home, put on a mask and relax for a few minutes. The other best time to use it is in the morning so that you can brush your teeth, pick out what to wear, and get ready for your day before washing it off. The advantage that this has to using it at another time is that your face is already free of any makeup so you do not have to wash it before applying the mask. Most masks were only to be used once or twice a week and I'm guessing that this is because they're supposed to be intensive products - they are either very hydrating or could potentially be drying. Keep this in mind when you are buying a mask for yourself!

Reader Questions:

We continue then with the following email I received:

Hi there,

What do you think of the Kinerase line at Shoppers?? It is $$$$$ and does not get completely glowing reviews on MUA BUT... I've heard some say that just the gentle cleanser and cream (or lotion, depending on skin type) used together (and as their ONLY skin care products) have saved their skin - transformed it, really.

What do you think? Buying only 2 products could be cost effective if the line is really that good...

I'm thinking Shoppers has an amazing return policy, too, if I'm not that impressed after trying it!

Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to try the Kinerase line but I too have heard a great deal about it. I will, however, give you my honest opinion about what I would try from the line. I would not use the cleanser because I think that there are plenty of reasonably priced cleansers on the market and this is a product that goes down the drain when the job is done. This in mind, there is no replacement for a good moisturizer that works well with your skin. If I thought that Kinerase was the moisturizer for me, then I would go ahead and get the day cream and the night cream. Just my two cents. Have any readers out there tried Kinerase? What did you think?

One of my friends has also asked me about my favourite body washes and it just so happened that I was recently gifted a Body Shop Satsuma Gift package! Those of you who have been reading this site for a while know that I love coconut scented products so I wouldn't have picked this up myself, but I am thrilled with it! I especially love the Satsuma shower gel! I had never tried it before, and I now know why it's been a part of The Body Shop roster for so long! It smells so fresh and tangy which makes it perfect for the summer. The scent is strong enough that the whole bathroom smells of it.

Satsuma - Canadian Beauty Approved.

Great Beauty Reads

Teri from Pretty By Nature brings you some great Do-It-Yourself Skin Care Recipes.

Toya from The Life of a Ladybug gives you her reaction to MAC's C-Shock collection.

The Indie Perfume Blog tells us about Ava Luxe, an artisan perfume line.


Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Chanel No 5 Body Cream

My mother has been waxing poetic about Chanel Number 5 Body Cream for so long. I don't think that she actually expected me to get it for her but that's what she received this Mother's Day.

Number 5 really is a classic fragrance and though I don't love it, I spritz it on every once in a while hoping that I'll grow into it. The scent is so sophisticated and is perfectly floral. I can see why my mother loves it so much - she's a huge fan of floral fragrances and this is the quintessential floral perfume, so if your mother likes florals as well, chances are she'll like Chanel No. 5.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!