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Save Your Skin: Body

Save Your Skin: Body by makeupjunkie13 on polyvore.com

Life has been crazy the last couple of weeks, but crazy in a good way! Well, it's time to get back to gabbing about beauty again! I will have to update you on all the awesome things I've been up to but that will have to wait for another post.

Now where did we leave off? In my last post, it was all about saving the skin on your face but we can't forget your body!

Give your skin some lovin' this winter with some of my latest faves!

1. Korres Guava Shower Gel ($22 CAD): I'm not really a shower gel person, but you might as well start it right. I'll use a body scrubs and the such, but shower gels I usually just pass on. This one, however, I could not pass on because - well - it's Korres! I'm already a fan of the Guava Lip Butter so it was a given that I would love the shower gel too. The scent is just lovely and not overwhelming at all. It has a creamy texture and leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth. At $22, consider this a luxurious shower gel but the size is larger than the average shower gel at 400 ml.

2. Korres Jasmine Body Butter ($33 CAD): I have body butters in every corner of my room - one on my vanity, one on my nightstand, and a few in my makeup bins. Korres body butters feel ah-mazing on the skin. It applies very rich and creamy but doesn't leave a greasy feeling behind. My skin feels moisturized for hours. Jasmine is a light flowery scent and thankfully doesn't conflict with the Guava shower gel. The size is very decent and comes in a squeeze tube which I prefer. I definitely want to add more to my collection especially the Guava one!

3. Biotherm Beurre Corporel Intensive Moisturizing Body Butter ($37 CAD): Don't be fooled by the simple packaging. I was pleasantly surprised I would love this so much. Ok, I don't particularly like dipping my fingers, but it's just so creamy and smells citrus-y divine. My boys love it every time I wear this - the scent is very comforting. Oh and yes, my skin feels wonderfully soft! It helps restore hydration into the skin overtime. A little goes a long way so this tub will last you a while - at least until the flowers start blooming again!

4. George's Special Dry Skin Cream ($6.49 - 14.99 CAD): You know the term "don't judge a book by its cover"? This applies here. I love hearing stories about skin care lines that were whipped up in their very own kitchen. It's probably a product I would pass in the store, but thankfully I was able to test drive this cream. This stuff really works especially for severely dry skin conditions. George's products do not contain Urea, Lanolin, or Parabens and are specifically made to be hypoallergenic and fragrance free. I've talked about my son's eczema before and this is the only cream I've been using on him for the last few months. It has replaced all other creams I've used. His skin has been eczema-free and we haven't had to use his medicated cream once. I also use this on my dry, cracked heels and hands - works wonders! It feels greasy when first applied but quickly absorbs into the skin.

Korres is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora locations across Canada. George's Cream is available at Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Canada.

What do you use to save your skin from the harsh winter?

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Beauty Feature: Save Your Skin!

Save Your Skin! by makeupjunkie13 on polyvore.com

How's your skin doing this winter? Feeling a little tight? Looking a little flaky and dull? Add not drinking enough water to the mix and lack of sleep and you've got my skin - one big wrinkly mess. I hate to say it, but I've really been noticing my fine lines and wrinkles under my eyes (insert sad face). Well, I'm happy to say I think I have finally found a skin care routine my skin is happy with! This is major. I get to try tons of skincare and I never really commit to anything. I am no longer a commitment-phobe. These lovely products are now a skincare staple!

Spring is just around the corner (wishful thinking) so save your skin now!

1. Korres Wild Rose Face & Eye Serum ($49 CAD, Bestseller): I have found my new serum. While I love my Bobbi Brown one, Korres' has stolen my heart. It's a brightening serum for the eyes and face and it is meant to smooth fine lines. It contains Wild Rose oil, Vitamin C, Baobab gel, Ginseng extract, Quince extract, provitamin B5. Sounds amazing right? It's a multivitamin for your skin. I love how radiant my skin looks. I've only been using it for a week so I haven't noticed a big difference in the appearance of my fine lines, but the brightening effect helps minimize the appearance.

Korres is known for being an all-natural line so I love knowing my skin isn't being fed with yucky chemicals. Another bonus is that you can use it on the eyes like an eye cream - one less product you have to buy. Compared to a lot of serums out there, this is a much more affordable option. It's not cheap by any means, but it's mid-range so it's affordable to most of us. It's a 30 ml bottle so we'll see how long it last, but one pump is all you need to cover the face. This is definitely one serum that I will be purchasing when this one runs out!

2. Korres Wild Rose 24 - hour Moisturizing and Brightening Cream - Normal to Dry Skin ($44 CAD, Bestseller): This with the serum is a powerful combo. I LOVE this moisturizer! I had my favourites from 2011, but this one by far takes the cake! Besides looking uber luminous, my skin feels plush - that's plump and lush. It's so pillow-y soft! The best part is that my skin never has a surprise flaky patch later on in the day. Again, it contains the same ingredients as the serum so your skin is getting double dose of Vitamin C. Your skin will be in repair mode all day long so I have high hopes for my skin! It's a 40 ml container at $44 so mid-range and affordable compared to other brands. Since it's a richer moisturizer, you only need a little at a time. You get the perfect amount of hydration minus the heavy, greasy feeling. Another staple for me!

3. Cover FX Skinprep FX Nourishing Foundation Primer and Anti-Aging Serum ($45 CAD): I love Cover FX. You get high-quality makeup that performs with anti-aging benefits. If you get a chance to see my kit, you'll see many of their primers. While you can use this particular one as a serum at night, I prefer to use it as a primer before foundation especially on drier and mature skin. I use this one on myself because it hydrates my dry skin especially during the winter. Once you apply it, your skin feels extremely smooth and makeup just applies so easily. It really creates a perfect canvas. Because it helps blur out fine lines and pores, you end up having to use less foundation. You're makeup will also wear longer with minimal touch-ups. This is a definite kit staple for me and it should be for you too!

4. Ole Henriksen Black Current Perfecting Complexion Oil ($32 USD): This product is my introduction to Ole Henriksen products. All I can say is that I'm so glad we met! I've come across a few face oils in the past but I never really used them mostly because my skin just felt heavy after. This oil helps protect your skin from the elements and this is definitely something you should use for the cold winters. It also contains Vitamin E that repairs the skin from environmental damage. It's a rich oil so I've decided to make it apart of my night routine and use it like a serum. Surprisingly the rich texture turns into a light, calm, and refreshed feeling on the skin. Mixed with my night cream, my skin feels like butta'! The first time I used it, I couldn't stop touching my face. I even made the hubby touch it! Obsessed with this product. You only need a few drops of this to cover the whole face so it'll last you a while until you have to replenish. Again, the price is mid-range and definitely affordable.

5. Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Aging and Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream ($59 CAD, Bestseller): This night cream is no joke. It provides intense anti-ageing nourishment throughout the night. Quercetin and Oak is a clinically proven natural alternative to Retinol. Retinol is used in every anti-aging cream out there so why not go for a natural version that has been proven to achieve faster results? I'd have to say this is richer than my beloved La Mer cream and it's double or even triple the price! It's insane how soft my skin feels after I apply it - I am not exaggerating. My dry skin loves a rich cream, but not if it makes my skin feel greasy and this does NOT. I've been using it for a week and I can already see a difference in the texture of my skin. It's smoother and it's cured my flaky, dehydrated skin! Love, love this stuff.

All products are available at Shoppers Drug Mart across Canada and Sephora.

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Beauty Feature: Winterlicious Skin Products Put To the Test

The last week before Christmas I had come down with strep - pain killers and cold medicine were my best friend. Silly me forgot that cold medicine contains ibuprofen already but the pain was so excruciating I ended up taking Motrin - religiously every 4 hours.

Within 2 days, my face had swelled to a balloon and my skin had broken out into an itchy red rash! I had a severe reaction to the overdose of ibuprofen. I was beyond horrified and all this just before Christmas. I got on antibiotics and ditched the pain killers.

You can imagine my dilemma. Severely dehydrated, flaky and itchy skin. Thankfully I had a few moisturizers to choose from! Which one ended up on top? Read on!

1. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre 24 Hr Miracle Cream: This is a makeup artist staple so obviously this was the first moisturizer I turned to. The formula is rich and creamy but for really dehydrated irritated skin it just didn't cut it. My skin still felt extremely tight and I was reapplying every half hour. The upside is that it did not irritate my skin further. If your skin is normally dry, it works just fine but not when your skin is in a crisis!

2. La Mer Creme de la Mer: I was ecstatic when I had found a travel size of this "miracle" cream in one of my bins. If you don't know the history, La Mer was created by aerospace physicist, Dr. Max Hubert, to help heal his chemical burns. The result was dramatically improved and smoothed skin.

If it could work on chemical burns, it had to work on my scarred flaky skin. Well, it was definitely more moisturizing than Embryolisse. It help rid of the flaky skin and improved the texture - even the scarring was starting to disappear. Yet, it did not completely get rid of the flakiness or tightness. I had to reapply every 2 hours.

3. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: This multi-purpose balm is a cult classic for a reason - it just works! This is the only cream that relieved my skin in all areas. I rarely ever use this because of the rich heavy texture, but my skin just drank it up. It feels a little heavy but once it sinks into the skin you don't even feel it.

Once I started applying day and night my skin quickly improved. After applying in the morning I didn't have to reapply until I washed my face at night. I didn't have to worry about embarrassing flaking skin when I was out - bonus! I also use this on my dry cracked hands and lips. I got over the flowery-medicinal smell - it's just worth it. A definite winter essential!

Have you tried these creams? What is your go-to winter essentials for chapped skin? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

Beauty Feature: Winter Skin Savers - Lip Balms

A gal can never have enough lip balm. I usually have a few hanging around - two in my main purse, one on my night table, one on my work desk and a couple just for my kit. The winter season is especially harsh on my lips when the dry air zaps all the moisture, leaving my kisser cracked and chapped. Thanks to a few lip savers this winter, my lips are feeling smooth and smelling yummy!

1. LUSH Honey Trap Lip Balm ($8.95 CDN): I'm really glad I got to try this balm out because now I'm forever a fan! Honey Trap is the line's best seller for good reason. Beeswax and shea butter lock in moisture while oatmeal infusion keeps your lips soft. I personally like the scent but my husband is not really a fan of anything honey. The sweet mixture of white chocolate, honey, wild orange and vanilla sound delicious, no? The balm is ultra rich and feels super duper fantastic on the lips! Be warned: may melt in hot climates or in your pocket!

2. Green by Nature Lip Butter ($2.99 US): Absolutely one of the best lip balms that have ever touched these lips! If you're not a fan of potted lip balms then this lip butter in a stick form will have you swooning. I tried Banana Shea which is absolutely addictive! The ultra rich formula leaves your lips moisturized for hours so you won't have to reapply as much, but you'll find it hard not to! It got two thumbs up from both the hubby and boy. My lil' one loved it so much he used to steal it and hide under his blanket slathering tons on and eating it (thank goodness it's all natural)! The only downside - it's so good you'll run out really fast and be needing a new one before you know it. Thank goodness this balm won't break the bank! Available in other yummy flavours. Buy online or at a Target store near you.

3. Kiehl's Scented Lip Balm #1 ($8.50 US): Kiehl's popular line of lip balms are perfect for those days when you want your lips to be moisturized with a glossy finish and sun protection. The fruity scent of Pear is just wonderful and lingers nicely in the air minutes after application. I thought the glossy finish would slick off quickly but my lips stayed moisturized for hours. Even with the squeeze-tube applicator, you still need to blend with your fingers. The shine formula can be slicked over your favourite lip colour for a more glossy finish. For those no-fuss days, swipe this on for some shine and you're out the door!

Beauty Feature: Winter Skin Savers - Hands & Feet

The other day I was waiting in line at the grocery store and was horribly embarrassed at how dry, and scaly my hands looked. I quickly paid and shoved my hands back into my coat pockets. Lesson learned: never leave home without your hand cream! For soft, youthful looking hands try out some of these hand and feet skin savers!

1. Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve ($12.50 US): Heavy duty creams usually mean greasy and sticky. Kiehl's version is anything but! You can expect all day care and protection with this hand cream. It absorbs quickly into the skin so you won't have to wipe the excess off onto your pants (yes, I've done that before!). It creates a "glove-like" protective barrier against moisture loss and can stand up to even the harshest conditions.

2. Green by Nature Hand Cream ($8.99 US): It just makes sense to go all natural. Green by Nature is an all natural bath and body care line, created with you and the environment in mind. All their products are over 95% natural, and free of parabens, sulfates, DEA, petroleum, propylene glycol, sacchrine, dioxin, and phthalate. I've fallen in love with this line and the price point! The hand cream in Almond Cocoa is just delicious and quickly soothes and moisturizes your skin. Enriched with vitamin e and and aloe with a luxurious blend of jojoba, almond and avocado oils your hands will be looking beautiful in no time!

3. Kiehl's Intensive Treatment and Moisturizer For Dry Or Callused Areas ($22.50 US): On the most driest and coldest days your hands and feet will need a little more TLC. During the holidays, I did a lot of dishwashing (darn large pots that don't fit into the dishwasher!) which as a result cracked and dried my hands to the core. As someone that doesn't frequent the spas for pedicures, you don't even want to know what state my feet were in! Kiehl's Intensive Treatment and Moisturizer is exactly the product you need for areas that require special attention, a.k.a crusty elbows or callused feet! On some nights I've slathered the cream on my hands and feet followed by gloves and some warm socks. My skin just soaked it up. The next morning I awoke to super soft skin! Do this for a few nights and you'll for sure see a difference. Works great as a cuticle cream too!

Beauty Feature: Winter Skin Savers - Facial Treatments

The other day while braving the cold waiting for the bus, I could feel the harsh wind giving my skin a few slaps. My cheeks were rouge and not in a good way. Here are some new facial treatments I cannot live without this winter!

1. Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask ($52 USD): If there is one skin care product I've fallen in love with this winter season it's this product! This frothy mask releases oxygen into your skin, leaving you instantly brighter, fresher and more youthful looking. You don't even have to wait 20 minutes or more before washing it off - all you need is 5 minutes! I love using this when my skin is looking its worse especially when I'm in a hurry. Seriously, my skin looks amazing and feels dewy soft. Flaky, sensitive skin? Then this is exactly the quick moisture fix your skin needs. Take home a little of the Bliss Spa experience with you everytime and anytime!

2. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion ($30 USD): Just like a foundation performs better with a primer, your skin care regime should begin with a product to help optimize its performance. This extremely light, hydrating lotion with Hypsizygus ulmarius, Cordyceps and Reishi mushrooms along with Ginger, Holy Basil and Turmeric quickly yet gently soothes and penetrates skin for hydration and a calmer complexion. Ever since I've started using this, I rarely have a flaky moment or sensitive flare ups. It's one skin saver your skin will happily soak up this winter season!

3. Origins Modern Fusion Skin Transforming Catalyst ($37 USD): This may have a fancy name but it really does transform the skin! A weightless serum containing a Rice Refinishing complex fused with radiance-restoring Rice Optics, dull, sallow skin will eventually disappear as will roughness, brown spots and signs of sun damage. It promises with regular use the glow, luminosity, clarity, vibrancy, and a more youthful experience will return! I've been using it for over 4 weeks now and my skin definitely looks brighter and more luminous. Even my dark spots and blemishes have lightened! It may be one too many steps in your skin care regime but after seeing the results it's worth it!

Beauty Feature: Winter Skin Savers - Moisturizers

There are many beauty products I can't live without and my face moisturizer is definitely at the top of the list. When your skin is dry and patchy, your makeup just won't look right no matter how much concealer you pile on. The key to less makeup on your skin is cleansing and moisturizing your face on a daily basis. Get healthy, radiant skin this winter with these skin-saving moisturizers!

Whether you're hitting the slopes or making snow angels this winter, protect your skin with Kiehl's super-hydrating Ultra Facial Cream ($31 CAD). This light-weight moisturizer gives your skin continous water replenishment all day long. With ingredients like Anarcticine, a Glycoprotein extracted from microorganisms sourced from sea glaciers, and Imperata Cylindrica, a plant found in the Australian desert that retains water in dry conditions, this skin saver is meant to protect your skin and keep you looking soft and supple in cold temperatures. With the light texture your skin will feel comfortable, never heavy or greasy. I expected the cream to go on thick, but even without the richness like other creams I've tried, my skin stayed beautifully moisturized and flake-free all day long! Ultra Facial Cream is a definite must-have this winter, perfect for both day and night!

Do dry, sensitive skin have you singing the winter blues? Your skin will feel heavenly with LUSH Celestial Moisturizer ($21.95 CAD). This totally vegan, all natural moisturizer has a mixed blend of vanilla, almond milk and dove orchid to calm and hydrate irritated skin from city pollution or harsh weather conditions. A little goes a long way with this rich cream so use sparingly to avoid feeling greasy on the skin. This works wonders on those days when my face is sensitive, dehydrated and red. I love applying Celestial Moisturizer before I go to bed so my skin can soak in all the moisture and repair itself overnight. I wake up with a soft, smooth complexion every morning! You'll love the subtle vanilla-almond scent as well! Indeed a special treat for the skin this winter!

Bulky skin care products can make packing for those winter getaways a challenge. All you need for cleansing and moisturizing is Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream, $25 USD). A cult classic among makeup artists everywhere, you will find this wonder cream in many makeup kits used backstage on models when washing and moisturizing the face isn't an option. I was excited to get my hands on this cream at the Canadian Makeup Show after having gone so many years without it! This rich moisturizer nourishes and repairs the skin without a heavy texture. It also leaves a soft, dewy finish and primes the skin perfectly for makeup application. You can even use it to calm irritated skin after shaving! Throw this cream in your travel bag and you're good-to-go!

The winter weather may be a special treat for oily skin types, but oily skin can get dry too. The Body Deli Flash Flood Light Facial Emulsion ($36 USD) is an oil-free light moisturizer excellent for acne/blemish treatment. It works double-time also hydrating parched skin. Salicylic acid and their proprietary blend of Silica, Sulphur, Maganezium and Copper act as a benzol peroxide alternative to help heal and clear up blemishes without drying out the skin. Your skin will be left feeling clean, fresh and blemish-free!

Have you tried these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em?

Beauty Feature: Winter Skin Savers - Cleansers

If your skin is like mine, then you've been battling flaky, sensitive, lack-luster skin. The cold winter months don't always bring out the best in me. Cursing the effects of the bitter cold wind on your skin won't do anything so why not invest in some great winter skin savers?

Makeup Junkie writer, Nicole, and I had the awesome pleasure of attending a one-on-one consultation at the Kiehl's store (North Yonge location) where Donna Paty, National Education Manager for Kiehl's, walked us through all the products appropriate for our skin. My skin has been super sensitive lately due to drier weather and harsh winds. I've started using the Ultra Facial Cleanser ($24.50 CAD) and my skin is loving it! I tend to get a bit sensitive around my nose and cheeks especially when I'm sick and blowing my nose all the time. The mild cleanser is specially formulated with a sugar-derived glycoside foaming agent that is so gentle on the skin yet thoroughly cleanses makeup and dirt without over-drying. Also contains effective emollients Squalane, Apricot Kernel Oil, Vitamin E and Avocado Oil. It's a definite must this season for all skin types especially those who have sensitive skin.

Nothing ruins your look more than dry, flaky patches on the skin. There were times when I would come home from an event and I'd look in the mirror embarrassed by my flaky nose and chin. Scrub those dry patches away with Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub ($36.50 CAD)! Made with real fruit enzymes that gently exfoliate, your skin will be left feeling refreshed, clean and soft. I love how my skin looks after using this scrub. It looks brighter, more radiant, and my blackheads are scrubbed squeaky clean! The scrub also has a subtle pineapple-papaya scent. Suits most skin tones with the exception of acne-prone or easily-irritated skin. If you have sensitive skin, exfoliate 2-3 times a week or scrub only where needed. (Stay tuned for more on our Kiehl's visit!)

Drier skin will appreciate a cleanser that is creamier like the organic Gentle Cleansing Milk from Care by Stella McCartney ($35 USD). This gentle Cleansing Milk removes makeup and impurities without using water. I prefer using water with my cleanser but when my skin is totally dehydrated and zapped of moisture, using the Cleansing Milk sans water makes my skin baby soft. It contains organic Lemon Balm and Apricot, rich in carbohydrates and vitamins E and A essential to protect and revitalize the skin.

Stay tuned for beauty feature Winter Skin Savers - Moisturizers!

Have you tried these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em?

Kiehl’s products are available in Canada at the Kiehl's store at 407 Queen Street West, 2518 Yonge Street and by mail order at 416.483.1335, in Vancouver at the Kiehl's store at 1025 Robson Street and by mail order at 604.408.4182, in Montreal at 760 Ste. Catherine West and by mail order 514.788.4226, and select Holt Renfrew stores across Canada.