Some women gravitate towards fresh-smelling fragrances; others love a good floral. Me? Give me the yummiest, sweetest-smelling scent, and I’m in heaven. These include – but are not limited to: Strawberry, Lemon, Tangerine, Coconut, Raspberry, Mango, Green Apple, Pear, Watermelon, Passionfruit – the list goes on and on.

Love a good, fruity fragrance? Here are my picks for the sweetest shower scents that will revive your senses:

Cake Beauty Be Delectable Shower Gel, Lemon & Cream ($10)

Sold exclusively at Target stores across Canada, Cake Beauty launches Be Delectable, a luscious five-piece collection including body washes, body polishes, body lotions, hand creams and hair & body mists. I’m quite partial to the Lemon & Cream Shower Gel, which offers dreamy bubbles and potent, heady sweetness. The sugary fragrance makes me reminisce about lemon-filled donuts and danishes; all the goodness with zero calories. The supremely rich blend is infused with coconut oil & aloe vera to nourish, hydrate and soften.

Also part of the Be Delectable lineup:

Ultra nourishing hand cream ($12): Give your hard-working hands a well-deserved treat with this ultra-nourishing hand crème enriched with shea butter, coconut oil and aloe vera.

Decadent hair & body mist ($10): Perfectly balanced, this sumptuous mist lasts all day without being overwhelming. Use at home or on-the-go, hair and body will smell fresh, clean all day long.

Super smoothing body polish ($14): Scrub away dull, dry skin to reveal your most gorgeous glow with this super smoothing body polish made with coconut oil, aloe vera for moisture and fine apricot shells to smooth and exfoliate.

Triple moisture body lotion ($14): Indulge in three times the softness, three times the smoothness and three times the richness with this beautiful blend of coconut oil, shea butter and aloe vera.

eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream, Pomegranate Raspberry ($3.99)

Packed with natural conditioning oils, shea butter, and vitamins C and E, eos 24-hour moisturizing shave cream soothes and softens your skin. In fact, it’s the only shave cream that keeps skin soft, smoothed, and moisturized for 24 hours (even after rinsing!) – and it’s so moisturizing, you can shave wet or dry. OMG. A dry shave that doesn’t wreak havoc with your skin? It IS possible with this shave cream! And the smell… let me tell you about the scent. It’s like visiting a farmer’s market on a summer morning. It’s as good as raspberry jelly, smothered on fresh bread. It’s that first sip of cold pomegranate juice. It’s awesome.

The formula is paraben-free and the easy-to-use pump allows for 100% propellant-free dispensing. Better yet, the soft-touch, ergonomic plastic bottle is RUST-FREE! Woo! No more rust ring on the edge of the bathtub.

Key Ingredients:

Aloe – soothes, moisturizes and heals;
Natural conditioning oils – to give razor a smooth glide and provide long-lasting moisture;
Oat – protects delicate, dry, sensitive and irritated skin;
Shea butter – softens and nourishes;
Vitamin E & C – rejuvenating antioxidants for healthy looking, radiant skin. (more…)

A few weeks ago, fifty (50) lucky readers were given the opportunity to try out the NEW Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment razor. Now you all know how much I love it (and if you missed my rave review, be sure to check it out here), but it’s often helpful to hear more than one opinion, especially if you’ve been on the fence about purchasing an item.

Hence, I’m so pleased to share feedback from my amazing readers, who took the time to thoroughly test the product and provide detailed feedback on their experience. (For those readers who didn’t submit their review, even after several attempts to contact you – consider yourself blacklisted. Hahaha just joking. But not really. #blacklist)

So without further ado… here’s what you need to know about the Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment razor:

LOVE…

Darlene: “Since I received my Schick Intuition razor I can notice a difference in my skin’s hydration after shaving. I have eczema and am very sensitive to cheap shaving products, which cause immediate skin irritation. The blend of coconut milk and almond oil moisturizes from the very first use. Best of all its smells great!”

Marcy: “I have never had the luxury of handling a razor so well. The easy-to-use flexible head was perfect for those ‘ouchy’  areas around the back of the legs. The built-in lather made is so convenient and fast to shave without having to utilize any soap. As soon as I opened it, I so loved the coconut-almond smell! Yum! The four blade action was amazing, it is so nice to see a women’s razor that stands up to the men’s four razor, now we’re equals! The best part: my legs have never been so smooth!”

Ashley: “Schick Intuition was soothing and calming. I felt like my legs were getting pampered as it gently glided up my leg. I loved the scent of it as well! I couldn’t helped but dance a little in the shower as the joy of shaving just boost up 10 folds.”

Anne: “I have psoriatic arthritis in my hands but I found this razor very easy to hold on to in the shower, it was ergonomically perfect and didn’t get too slippery to hold. I love almond oil and when I started to shave the aroma reminded me of marzipan; which reminded me of my grandmother (I know that was a bit off topic, but its where the smell took me).”

Lori: “I love the fact that all I need is the razor. It is so great to not have to fight with a can of shave cream/gel or deal with having my hands covered with it! What a great idea. I am interested to see how long solid lasts. I have been using this razor for the past two weeks and there is not a significant reduction in its size. The four blades make for great coverage and faster shaving which is also a bonus as it cuts down on time. The coconut milk and almond oil is a wonderful scent.”

LUKEWARM…

Megan: “The razor part is amazing and gives such a smooth shave. Just wish the cream part was wider at the bottom instead of the top as I seem to use the bottom up long before the top or blade is done.”

Tricha: “I love the smooth shave, WITH NO SHAVING CREAM. My only issue is the price for the refills but with coupons or sale price, I will definitely buy it.”

Judy: “I loved that it didn’t feel like you were shaving because you couldn’t feel the blades. It left my legs feeling very smooth and I had no nicks. It also seemed to pivot smoothly and easily got into those hard to reach spots. The only thing I suggest is that you shave in the shower with it and not the tub, as the conditioning solid does disappear quicker when constantly exposed to water in the tub.”

Donna: “I like how it also moisturizes my legs and leaves them really smooth. What I don’t like very much about it is that the bar on it melts really fast in my shower especially when I need to rinse the hairs off the blade. Then all I’m left with is just a sharp blade and I just end up using regular shaving gel.”

LOATHE…

Janice: “I like this razor – it’s extremely hydrating and it glides across your skin so you don’t feel the blades. The moisturizing stick that surrounds the razors themselves is perhaps too plentiful in the beginning, since my first two shaves weren’t particularly close. My only advice to Schick would be to forego providing the holding cradle with suction cup. My experience with these has shown they never stay up – and this was no exception.”

(I think “Loathe” is a strong word – and apologies to Janice for placing her helpful review in that section – but I love alliteration and couldn’t think of another verb that began with the letter “L”!)

To all the fabulous reviewers – please know that all feedback has been sent straight to Schick for review and consideration. Thank you so much for your time and efforts in making this Rate and Review program a success! To reward those who sent in their review on time, I’m pleased to announce the winner of the $100 Visa Gift Card is… Darlene! Congratulations!

And now, with summer around the corner, who’s ready to get their legs in tip-top condition?

Click here to learn more about Schick Intuition razors.

We’re all friends here, right? Right. 

So, I can be honest. The very first time I laid eyes on a Schick Intuition Razor, I thought it was the silliest thing I had ever seen. Incredibly bulky and decidedly unsexy, I thought to myself, “Who uses these things?”

Fast forward to my honeymoon. In a hurry to get to the airport, I mistakenly tossed a can of shaving gel in with my carry-on luggage. Of course, with the no liquids/gels rule, it was unceremoniously thrown out by the security agent. As I looked in dismay at my brand new bottle being cast aside, the agent said – “You should have bought one of those razors with the soap thingies around it so you don’t have to pack an extra can of shaving stuff.”

Touché.

Of course, that’s when I realized that the Intuition razor really did have a place in society: for travel! Imagine, never having to pack a separate shaving gel!

So, for our very next trip, I ran out and bought a Schick Intuition razor. And, after I used it for the first time, I was hooked. So hooked, I realized that I wanted the feeling of oh-so-smooth legs all the time, and I never wanted to see another can of shaving gel on my bathtub ledge again. Hence, my love affair with the Intuition razor began.

And now…

Introducing the NEW Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment razor.

A few weeks ago, while surfing the online entertainment sites, I somehow got looped into watching a video for Drake’s newest release – Started From the Bottom.

(I’ve linked the video instead of embedding it here because, let’s be honest, it’s Drake… and the lyrics are slightly explicit for delicate ears. Plus, I can’t understand half of what he says.)

Since it’s Drake and I have incredible respect for anyone from Toronto who’s made it to the big leagues, I paused to watch the video. In it, he pays homage to his days back in TO, including playing indoor soccer and working as a night manager at Shoppers Drug Mart.

After a good chuckle, I closed down the video and then took to Twitter to see what people were saying about it, because I’m curious like that. However, I was astonished at how many US media outlets were crediting “Walmart”, “variety stores” and “a Big Box Retailer” as the scene of Drake’s part-time job. DUDE! I recognized SDM the second I saw the uniform – never mind the tell-tale Life Brand product prominently featured by one discerning customer!

And so I did the only thing I could do – I set the record straight on Twitter. You’re welcome, Shoppers Drug Mart.

However, I soon realized that I was getting hot under the collar over a store that frankly, I hadn’t visited in months. How could a brand, so synonymous with Canadiana that I immediately recognized an employee uniform – have slipped off my radar for so long? I suppose, when it comes down to it, I’ve been lured by the convenience of the big boxes here in Canada; the chance to get everything in one place. And while I fill every prescription at SDM, I haven’t poked around there for quite a while. So, I decided to pay them a visit. (more…)

I’ve always been a fan of BIG hair. You know, the kind of ‘do that is widely accepted in the Southern US and generally tolerated here in the Great White North – except perhaps in the early nineties, when grunge-inspired hair necessitated flat, unkempt locks. (Also known as: the WORST hair trend known to womankind.)

And, since I just happen to have the least envied hair texture – that unsexy combination of fine and frizzy with a cowlick in the back, greasy roots and dry ends and oh, just a hint of a kinky curl that resembles crimped hair at best and a treasure troll at its worst – I tend to invest a lot of time and energy in fighting Mother Nature. *Shakes Fist*

In fact, if there’s consistently one type of product I’ve always sought out, it’s the ones that promise full-bodied and voluminous hair. Bodifying shampoos. Volumizing mousses. Big and bold finishing sprays. And a back-comb at the roots, for good measure. So when John Frieda (read: hair-styling GOD) recently released his lineup of Luxurious Volume products, I was more than a little curious. I was a little obsessed.

MUST. TRY. NEW. PRODUCTS.
WILL. SOLVE. ALL. OF. LIFE’S. PROBLEMS. WITH. BIG. HAIR.
So what’s the “big” deal? Here I am pre- Luxurious Volume – after a quick blowdry with my current go-to mousse (ahem, which shall remain nameless), I’m left with smoother hair but decidedly zero pizzazz. I look like a 30-something gal with fine locks and a hint of hair happiness. This is actually what my hair looks like every day before I pull it into a ponytail – so I suppose if you popped by my house unannounced, this is the Lena who would likely greet you at the door.

I decided to photograph myself relatively unstyled, because if I put a large-barreled curling iron to the ends, backcombed my crown and added a bit of FRIZZ-EASE Extra Strength hair serum to the ends, I’d fool you into thinking I had more hair than I really do. So as far as “before” shots go, there I am. (more…)

There are some celebrity endorsements I get – and some I don’t necessarily understand. Do I believe that Justin Bieber uses Proactiv? Sure! Now there’s one less pimply teenager. Britney Spears drinks Pepsi? Of course she does. After she walks barefoot into gas station restrooms.

But… Jennifer Lopez for Féria? Not on your life. I’m quite confident that no boxed hair colour has ever touched a strand of her hair – not since she left the block, that is.

So let’s just say that I was slightly skeptical when introduced to Heidi Klum’s newest endorsement - CLEAR Scalp & Hair Therapy beauty products. A supermodel… standing behind a drug store brand? Could I possibly believe that her gorgeous, perfectly coiffed hair is a result of a mass marketed beauty product… retailing for $4.99 each?

The Claim: CLEAR Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy is a nourishing hair care line, with Nutrium 10, a rich blend of vitamins and nutrients. CLEAR feeds your scalp and gives you stronger, more beautiful hair in 7 days. Use CLEAR shampoo and conditioner for 1 week and it’s guaranteed you’ll get stronger, more beautiful hair – or your money back.

I’ll admit, I was intrigued. After being introduced to the line at Unilever Canada’s Be Groomed Be Gorgeous event back in November, I immediately liked three things: a) the science behind the formula, b) the luscious fragrance and c) Heidi Klum. Yes, I was swayed by the celebrity endorsement. (more…)

I’ll file this one under “Stuff I never thought I’d do – not in a million years.”

Cross the border to buy a $3 lip balm? Yeah, I’ve done that.

Here’s the scoop: Readers will know that I have a *slight* addiction to lip balm. Don’t believe me? Read here and here. The truth is, I love sharing Best Beauty Bets with my readers, especially ones that keep your lips kissably smooth. And one of the products I’ve been dying to talk about – one of my most trusted ways to keep lips pampered and moisturized – was until recently, not available in Canada.

Yes, I drove to Target in Niagara Falls, Buffalo in 2004 specifically to purchase a $3 Carmex lip balm. And then again, in 2007.

The good news? I’ll never need to do that again. Canadians – Carmex is now available in Canada!

Celebrating 75 years, Carmex lip balm perfectly protects against a range of conditions and moisturizes lips beautifully. Made of a unique blend of ingredients, including natural moisturizers such as cocoa butter and lanolin, the emollients provide healthy-looking lips by restoring lost moisture to prevent dryness and chapping. In short, they turn ravaged lips into kissable ones – quickly.

Now if you’ve heard of Carmex before, you’ll know that there are self-professed Carmex addicts. It’s true – you can Google it. Tens of thousands of women need a daily fix, often multiple times per day. There are even online support groups. OMG.

So what has everyone addicted? The Carmex special formula provides something extra – the “Carmex Tingle” – when applied, so you know it’s working. Camphor and menthol provide a cooling effect and help relieve the irritation of rough, chapped lips – encouraging a healthy appearance that feels as good as it looks. It also comes with a gentle salicylic acid that acts as a mild defoliant on the lips, getting rid of dead, dry skin. You’re left with nothing but the softest, most supple lips imaginable. (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s the holidays, and I’ve been featuring some pretty awesome pieces from Sephora. Did you have a chance to check out the Disney Cinderella Collection, Sephora Collection Color Daze Blockbuster or Sephora by OPI Tinsel Town Collector’s Set? They’re all fabulous gifts for a girlfriend – or yourself! – this Christmas.

The good news? I’ve been able to introduce you to a few of my favourite special edition makeup collections. The not-so-good news? I’ve got a ton of additional makeup, just waiting to be reviewed. Chances are, I won’t be able to get to it before the holidays. And if you don’t believe me, perhaps you caught the picture I uploaded to my Facebook Fan Page last month…

Yup, it’s all there. And by now, you’re probably starting to think, What Gives, Lena?

You see, it’s not that I’m uninterested in the makeup generously provided by Sephora. Trust me, this stuff is spectacular. It’s just that I always request just a little bit extra… so I can share the love with a lucky reader! And since the holidays are the perfect time to #PayitForward… (more…)

With the holiday party season in full swing, chances are you’ve got a swanky soiree or two to attend. Often, readers will ask me what’s the best shimmer eye shadow or sparkly lip gloss to add a little oomph – without breaking the bank.

(We all know the scenario – you walk over to your favourite makeup counter to grab a fabulous shimmer eye liner, and before you know it you’ve been talked into an eye shadow primer, sparkle dust and a dewy lip gloss too – setting you back $72 when you walked in thinking you’d spend $12.)

Well, my best recommendation involves spending a little more money up front, but getting MUCH more bang for your buck than just 3-4 pieces you’ll likely use only a couple of times. Introducing the Sephora Collection Color Daze Blockbuster. Retailing for $60 CDN, I promise I’m not trying to upsell you right off the bat. The truth is, for $60, you’ll receive:

64 x waterproof eye shadow - 12 x longwear cream eyeliner - 6 x eye top coat - 6 x lip top coat - 48 x lip gloss - 3 x blush - 6 x multi-purpose cream for eye, cheek, and lip - 3 x multi-purpose luminizer - 3 x makeup brush - Mirror

(more…)

… especially when these holiday products have Christmas themes right in their names.

Now the question is… would you use these products all year round, or stick to the season? I must admit I’d have a problem applying “Have a Cherry Christmas” lip gloss in June. Is it just me? Thoughts?

Do you purchase holiday-themed makeup? Are beauty products with a seasonal twist more attractive to you – or less so, because of their limited use?

Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the #PGMom Influencer Event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. Although I missed most of the day due to scheduling conflicts, I was able to breeze in for the last two sessions. And since both centered around beauty (makeup/hair) I was in seventh heaven.

(Disclaimer: I have joined the #PGMom program as a beauty blogger; hence, I will mostly be covering their beauty brands – CoverGirl, Olay, Pantene, Clairol, Herbal Essences, Secret and Head and Shoulders.)

The first session was a trip through the P&G Product Mall, where I had a most wonderful makeup chat with Diana Nguyen, the Communications – Brand PR representative for Proctor & Gamble. We talked about everything from the latest products to how every teenage girl’s first compact is a CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder compact (I used the blue one – oil control – from grades 10 through 12). I even pulled the CoverGirl Brow & Eyemakers Duo out of my purse – yes, I travel with an eyebrow pencil!

Next, a sit-down session to “Meet the P&G Beauty Experts”. Well, I was more than a little excited to meet Greg Wencel – CoverGirl pro and celebrity makeup artist. Hello! He’s worked with Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Lisa Ray and Katy Perry, to name a few. I secured a seat in the front row, excited to pick up the best tips and tricks.

It wasn’t what I expected.

Of course, he did have wonderful advice to share. After all, he’s a bloody genius! Much respect to him. However, I was slightly turned off by the undertone of his messaging -

We know Moms are busy…. 
Don’t always have time to put best face forward…
Looking for tips to incorporate into quick makeup routine…

Well, he is correct in a certain respect – Moms ARE busy. And many Moms don’t have the time or desire to apply makeup every day – and frankly, some aren’t even interested in doing so. Fair enough.

But there’s also a large portion of us who MAKE THE TIME. I arrived at the event with a full face of makeup – artfully sculpted brows, winged eyeliner with smoky eyes, a sweep of bronzer highlighting my cheekbones and dewy, shiny lips. Yes, I am busy – and I am short on time. But I will find the time to complete my beauty ritual; it’s just a part of who I am and who I’ll always be. I don’t need quick tips. I don’t have a quick makeup routine. (more…)

If this fiery colour isn’t already in your Fall/Winter 2012 wardrobe, it’s time to go shopping. But hands off the Danier jacket… it’s mine. #WANT

Last year, I wrote a post to communicate my belief that women have a duty to change their hairstyles. Frequently.

Think about it: the mighty Lord gave us menstrual cycles, unwanted leg hair and varicose veins. But He also bestowed us with lovely locks – and for most of us, we’re blessed with the choice of how to wear our hair… short or long, layered or blunt, blonde or brunette, straight or curly… the list goes on. So, to be stuck in a hair rut is simply unforgivable!

You May Be Stuck in a Hair Rut If…

1. Your husband knows the brand and number of your boxed hair colour.
2. Four out of five friends would describe your ‘do as “The Rachel.”
3. Your hair salon is a barber shop. With a spinning pole outside.
4. Your hair styling routine includes wash, air dry, ponytail, repeat.
5. You wear your hair long because you believe men like long hair.
6. Your stylist uses a rubber cap and knitting needle for your highlights.
7. You never make an appointment to cut your hair – walk-ins welcome.
8. The labels on your styling products say “Aqua Net” or “Dippidy Do”.
9. You truly believe that there is such a thing as wash-and-go hair.
10. You own a banana clip… and use it.

I have fine, frizzy hair… decidedly the most unsexy texture known to womankind. But I battle Mother Nature with a gusto normally reserved for fighting world wars and banishing whale poachers. Because let’s face it – I can’t change my face (for less than $10,000), my skin colour (unless I try out a new age bleaching cream) or the fact that I’ll always be 4 inches too short to reach supermodel status (and 20 pounds too heavy) – but I can change my hair. (more…)

Of course you wouldn’t. Because I promise you this: if you work anywhere other than Manhattan’s Garment District, and punch in at 9:00am looking like this:

Chances are, someone will ask if you applied your makeup while driving. Or drinking.

(But never while drinking and driving – #MADD)

The above photos were part of Elle’s Fall 2012 Beauty Preview (Images by Imaxtree) and featured runway looks from Altuzarra, Lanvin, Anna Sui, Giorgio Armani, Zac Posen and more. Now I’m all for a good ol’ fashioned wing tip, but this is cat’s eye gone wild. I fear that trying to emulate this look would get the tongues a’ wagging: “Nice eyeliner, Lena! (Snort.)” “Shhhh! She can hear you!” “I hope she does! She looks like an idiot!”

Of course, there is a VERY easy way to stay on trend without being mistaken for a brains-eating zombie.

#1. Learn to love liquid liner. A must for embracing the cat’s eye look, perfect your technique by practicing before the big event. Working with liquid liner takes time and patience… and a lot of eye makeup remover.

#2. Double Up. Perfectly sculpted cat’s eyes often use a combination of liquid and pencil eyeliners; the liquid dries and locks down the first layer of color. First, apply pencil to the upper lash line, thickening the line as you reach the outer corner. With a light touch, slightly angle up and away from your eyes with a winged tip. Follow up by retracing all but the outer corner with the liquid liner.

#3. Make Your Eyes Pop. Jump on the colour-blocking bandwagon by using a contrasting colour on your lower lash line, such as Aqua Blue (I used Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Turquoise), Deep Purple or Emerald Green. Apply mascara to top and bottom lashes – I never do my bottom because it’s not my thing.

Et Voilà! A perfectly balanced, incredibly sexy cat’s eye that is both geometrically-inspired and wearable at the same time. Pair your runway eyes with a nude or pale pout, and you’re smokin’.

As a part-time beauty and fashion #fangirl, I’m constantly trying to stay on top of trends and must-haves. In fact, I spend a large portion of my time meticulously documenting all the designer clothes and makeup I want to buy… and then, spend even more time finding a perfectly affordable dupe (hello, H&M!).

However, ONE thing that drives me absolutely batty when reading trend reports? The shameful contradictions.

“This fall! Prints are fabulous! Or… try solid colours!”
“You’ll want to have a sheer pink, bright coral, deep berry or earthy nude on your lips this season.”
“Think sky high hair or a simple side-parted low ponytail.”

Mmmkay. How is it a “trend” if you’ve just given every woman an “out”? As in, I can’t do berry lips but I can do sheer pink, so I’ll be on trend! Gah!

And so when it comes to nail colour, I’m confused. Multiple sources have quoted the “it” colour to be either Stormy Gray, Gothic Berry, Metallic Green, Warm Cocoa or Bright Teal – or a combination of the hues. Hence, rather than splurging on every “trend” under the sun, I decided to weed out the common denominator: neutral shades of cappuccino, hot chocolate and iced coffee. The earthy staples appear on multiple trendwatcher lists for nail fashion – usually at the top. Therefore, I’m calling coffee-coloured hues THE must-have nail colour for Fall 2012.

Your Inspiration: