Beauty Vixen

I am trying something new this month: a roundup of favourite things for the month. I am trying to stay more positive and record the things I generally like every month.

Favourite Eats: I went out a lot this month (since it was my birthday) and somehow that meant a lot of eating lamb, which I don't think I have eaten in a year. My favourite thing would be some homemade mini curry lamb pies my hubby made.

A terrible photo I took of the pie.

Favourite Beauty Item: This is hard because I have enjoyed a lot this month, but since I used it up and bought a replacement, I am going with L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-second Setting Mist. It works great and reminds me of Ben Nye or Kroylan's sprays without the mint smell and intensity of them.

My empty bottle

Recipes I Enjoyed: From the NYT cooking section, Sheet-Pan Scallion Chicken With Bok Choy. I had not made this in a long time, but I had tons of green onions to use up, so I thought, why not. It is so good! The mustard, garlic, miso and ginger make for such a great combo. My one tip is to use water in the dressing, as I find it gets too oily otherwise.

photo from NYT site

Favourite Purchase: The 1987 American Library Association David Bowie Read poster and Roots Varsity Jacket Beaver. Ever since I saw the beaver, I knew I wanted it to go with this classic poster where Bowie wears the same one.

photo from ALA site

Unfortunately, the poster was not in production anymore and buying a used one seemed not to be an option. By luck, I checked the ALA site and saw they had just reissued it the week before, and I jumped on ordering one. It took a few weeks but showed up on my birthday. I am working on getting my record player and vinyl setup perfect, but these two items are going to be the centrepiece when it is done.

Photo from Roots site

Favourite Watch: We watched a lot this month: Lanterns, Reacher, ST Strange New Worlds, and saw Coyote vs Acme at the movies, but my favourite watch has been Adults. I am almost done with season 2, but it is oh so funny. It is filmed in Toronto, has a great cast and is a funny comedy. If you are a fan of hangout comedy shows, give it a try.

Thing I read I enjoyed: It was my birthday month, and I really enjoyed spending time with family a bit more.

I honestly can't think of much else that pops out to me from this month, but it was good one where I got a lot of love from those I love, which is always a good thing.

No comments

Now that summer is in full swing, I thought it was a good time to talk about my current favourite face sunscreens. I wear one daily, but which one I reach for depends on the weather, if it's super hot, if it is going to be humid, if I am indoors or outside today and honestly, my mood.

Over the last five years, facial sunscreens have really upped their game. With more SPF filters now available on the Canadian market, they've shifted from being strictly sun protection to full-on skincare products that still deliver strong, broad-spectrum defense. I am completely here for it.

So, here are my top five facial sunscreens this summer. All of which have an SPF of 50 and can be found at your drugstore.

1. Shishido Ultra Sun Protector Clear Stick, Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

Reasons why I love this sunscreen is it is a clear stick, which means zero white cast or blending is needed. It, as a result works great on the hubby's beard and he now carries one around with him. It works well in really hot weather and doesn't bother my eyes. It is just really convenient to have with me all the time to apply and touch up as needed. It feels like nothing on my skin once I rub it in.

Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene

2. Eucerin Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen*

This is a rich sunscreen with a mild tint that's meant to work for all skin tones. It works well with mine, and that's all I can personally speak to. It's hydrating and feels luxurious on the skin, it is great for days I want to skip moisturizer entirely and just wear sunscreen. The tint is subtle, so I usually still add concealer on top, but I do love how it evens out my rosacea-prone skin.

Active ingredients: Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone

3. Eucerin Complete Hydration Ultra-Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50*

This one has a fluid, almost runny texture that blends into skin quickly. I really like how light it feels, it's my go-to when my skin wants a lighter touch of hydration, like on very humid days.

It isn't as thin in consistency as some other face sunscreens, the ones you shake and hear a little ball bounce around, but it is much thinner than 90% of the face sunscreens I've tried out.

Active ingredients: Homosalate 10%, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone

4. Biore UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50

I did a full review of this one a while back (read it here), and it's still a favourite. It feels like genuine skincare rather than sunscreen, light, not heavy, stays put in hot weather, and (this is the big one) doesn't burn my eyes. I'm one of those people whose eyes water for hours if sunscreen gets in them from sweat or rubbing, so this matters a lot to me.

I've since confirmed with coworkers who tried it that yes, it really is that good. Bonus: it's made in Canada.

Did I mention you can pick a four pack up at Costco? This is by far the best deal and how I buy mine.

Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene

5. Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Stick SPF 50*

This stick isn't just a favourite of mine, my niece, nephew, and their mom all love it too. It glides on smooth and creamy while still feeling light on the skin. It's mineral-based, and on my skin tone it leaves no white cast, though it does take a little blending. It's fairly hydrating, so I save it for less humid days, and it stays non-greasy.

My hubby used this stick for the few years he worked outdoors at a golf course and liked it more than any other stick he'd tried at the time. His only complaint was that it would sometimes leave a bit of white in his beard, which is why he's since switched to the Shishido stick (the clear one).

I also love that the sensitive version is free of fragrance and several other common irritants.

Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, sunscreen is the one skincare step I'm never willing to skip, and I'm grateful we finally have options that feel this good to wear. Whether you want something clear and grab-and-go, rich and skin-evening, light as air, or fragrance-free for sensitive skin, there's a formula out there for you. I'd love to hear what's in your sunscreen rotation this summer!

* denotes a product that was gifted for review purposes. All views and opinions are my own.

No comments

Aquaphor's New Lip Balms Let Nature Do the Work

You already know Aquaphor. It has been a staple on bathroom counters for decades, and there is a reason for that, it works. In fact I have already done a post on Aquaphor for my Vintage Vanity series, check out the link here. So, when I heard they had a new Naturally Inspired Lip Repair line, I was curious.

I have been trying out the Lip Repair Stick with Coconut Oil and the Lip Repair Stick with Aloe Vera, and here is what I think.

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick Naturally Inspired Coconut Oil.

Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Beeswax, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Water

Designed as immediate relief for Very Dry lips, this one noticeably richer on the lips than its counterpart, which I really did like. It is not heavy or greasy, but you can tell it is doing something. It glides on smoothly and doesn't smother the lips with a gloopy texture or feel waxy. The texture reminds is very similar to the original “Advanced Therapy” lip balm, but with a slicker smooth feeling to it. My lips felt noticeably softer after using it consistently for a few days, and to be 100% honest, they finally are not cracking (something I have been struggling with for a few years now).

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick Naturally Inspired Aloe Vera

Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Beeswax, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Water

This one is formulated for immediate relief for Dry lips and as a result has a slightly lighter texture to it when applied, nothing too drastic though. If you tend to find regular Aquaphor too heavy for daytime use, this one might be the better fit for you. As a person who has currently 40+ aloe vera plants growing in their home, I really believe in the plants healing properties, and I think having it in a lip balm is always a great thing.

What Both Have in Common

Both sticks are formulated with 99% naturally derived ingredients, and have a base of Shea, Sunflower, Coconut and Castor Oils as well as beeswax, all of which are excellent for hydration and slip on the lips. They are fragrance-free, preservative-free, and dye-free, which is great news for anyone with sensitive lips. I find them very slick and has a great glide on my lips, something that I really like that in a lip balm.

Pros:

Fragrance-free, dye-free, preservative-free
No taste
99% naturally derived ingredients
Both glide on smoothly with no waxy or gloopy texture
Great for sensitive lips
Stick format

Cons:

No SPF, which would have been a nice addition
The coconut oil version may not be moisturizing enough for extremely chapped lips on its own

Overall:

I like both of these a lot. I think most people would be happy with either one, but if I had to pick, I would say the coconut oil stick for the drier seasons, and the aloe vera for the spring and summer. They are a solid addition to the Aquaphor lineup and a nice option if you want something a little more nature-forward without sacrificing performance.

You can Aquaphor at most drugstores and mass-market retailers, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart.

*This post features products that were gifted to me for review. As always, all opinions are honest and entirely my own.

No comments

Aquaphor has been a household staple for more than a century, which makes it a perfect fit for Vintage Vanity, my series where I explore beauty products that have lived on bathroom counters and shelves for decades, that you can still get today.

The brand’s story starts in 1924 with the original Aquaphor ointment. By 1936, it was being sold exclusively to doctors, pharmacists, and hospitals in hefty 5‑lb tubs. It wouldn’t reach consumers directly until 1982.

In 1991, the brand introduced Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment, which is the formula most of us know and love. They added Lip Repair in 2011, the mini jar in 2014, Ointment Body Spray in 2017, and the Healing Balm Stick in 2022 to their lineup. There is also the Baby line, which formulas are identical to their non‑Baby counterparts (which is good to know if the product you want is sold out).

Original vs. Advanced Therapy

The Original Formula still exists, but the version you’ll see almost everywhere today is Advanced Therapy. The difference comes down to purpose: Advanced Therapy is designed to actively support healing, thanks to the addition of glycerin, panthenol, and bisabolol. It’s my personal go‑to, especially in the mini tub, which is perfect for tossing into any bag.

Aquaphor Advanced Therapy

This is the formula most people picture when they think of Aquaphor. It comes in tubes and tubs of all sizes. I keep a tube in my bathroom to protect my skin when I colour my hair, and a tiny tub at my desk for cuticles, rough patches on my skin, as well as my lips.

Unlike plain petrolatum jelly, Aquaphor Advanced Therapy is 41% petrolatum, with the remaining ingredients chosen to soften skin and support healing.

Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick

This is the mess‑free version of Aquaphor. It is fantastic for elbows, lips, and any dry spots that need quick moisture. It is also great for on the go, no risk of it oozing out and into your bag. I also use it when colouring my hair because the stick format gives me more control (I usually apply the stick first and then add a layer of the Advanced Therapy).

This formula contains 30% petrolatum, plus shea butter and avocado oil for extra nourishment.

Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray

This is one of the newer additions and possibly my favourite. It sprays out as a light, foamy texture that feels almost like a dry body oil when applied to damp skin. It absorbs quickly and does not feel greasy on me.

It uses the same ingredients found in Advanced Therapy, just in a different ratio. I have no idea how they made it work this well, but I am glad they did.

After trying so many Aquaphor products over the years, I genuinely appreciate how well they do what they are meant to do: lock in moisture and help skin heal. It is impressive that after 102 years, the brand is still innovating while staying true to what made it iconic in the first place, healing skin.

Aquaphor can be found at most drugstores and mass market retailers.

*Products were sent for review purposes. All views and opinions are my own.

No comments

It has been a while since I last did an empties post, which means it is a great time to show what I used up recently and do some mini reviews.

Skincare:

I don't tend to use up skincare quickly, because I am always trying new things and then forgetting about stuff.

Garnier SkinActive Facial Mist Spray:

This is a great rose based spray, nothing too fancy about it. I liked it about the same as the Trader joe's Rose Water Facial Toner but with a better sprayer.

Clarins Rose Radiance Cream Super Restorative Cream Unisex [sample size]:

This is a surprisingly amazing cream. I really enjoyed using it, I found it very rich and hydrating on my skin. I found myself sad that the sample was so small and that I had used it up so quickly.

BYOMA Cream Moisturizing Gel
I got this in a set I purchased of mini BYOMA products the other holiday season. I liked it and would definitely consider buying a full-size of it. It was pretty light on my skin and absorbed quickly. It was quite soothing on my dry skin.

Clinique 3-Step Clarifying Lotion Face Exfoliator in 3
I have no clue how or when I got this but I am glad I finally used it up. It isn't my favourite toner for exfoliating.

Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer
I got this way back when in a FabFitFun box. I took my time using it up, but I really loved it as a lotion. My skin is always so dry, so it is nice nourishing cream for at night in the winter months. I would buy this again during a sale.

Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules
I picked a two pack of these up months ago at Costco when it was on sale. I really like them, I find them easy to use, remember to use and very rich and hydrating on my skin. I am almost done my second of the bottles, which is really impressive to me.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Eyes Time Complex Capsules
I picked these up at the same time as the face ones. They are nice, but very runny when opened. I find I end up wasting quite a bit every time. I also think if I do manage to use all the product in a capsule, it is way too much for the eyes. I have so much of the second container left, I probably would not rebuy.

Hair and Body Care:

Finesse 2-inp-1 Shampoo + Conditioner
This is Mr. Fox's favourite shampoo. He really likes how it leaves his hair and that it is a 2-in-1 for when he uses at the ice rink or gym. I like that it is about $3, made in Canada and leaves his hair smelling nice

L'Occitane Hand Vanilla Bouquet Hand Cream
This is a fantastic hand cream with 20% shea butter in it and only the slightest hint of vanilla to it. I ended up taking it to work to use it up and finished it in under two weeks.

The Body Shop Satsuma Body Wash
Satsuma is probably my favourite of The Body Shop scents that are currently still being made. I usually pick this gigantic bottle up for the hubby, but he recently switched to bar soap. I managed to use the end bit of this bottle up, and have at least one more in my back up closet. I love how when showering with it, the whole top floor of my house smells like Satsuma for an hour or so.

Dr. Teals Pure Epsom Salt Sooth & Sleep
I got this mini bag of lavender scented bath salts during the holidays in a set. I love Dr. Teal's and welcome anytime I can use their products, recently I switched to other brands that are made in Canada.

Vitabath Original Spring Green Gelee
This is my favourite bubble bath ever. A little goes a long way, it fills the entire house with the smell of fresh green bath and it is made in Canada. I use it about 3 times a week and it always makes the best bubbles. I am onto another bottle right now. I love that it is made in Canada.

Makeup:

Clarice Liquid Camouflage 010 Porcelain
I love this concealer, it has an olive undertone and looks so good on me. But Catrice left Canada, and then discontinued it. I may have gone online and ordered of a 3rd party 6 backups of it when this one ran out and I couldn't find a dupe.

Nudestix Tinted Blur Foundation Stick Light 02
This is a perfect match for my skin tone. It works well and blends nicely. I have at least one more backup.

Mehron Barrier Spray
I used this tiny 1 oz bottle up a while back. I definitely want to pick another one up, but am also considering Ben Nye Final Seal...or both. This is 100% a niche pro item that I like to use once and while to set my makeup.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight Stick
I very much love this pretty little highlighter. I had a great shade for me and blended out perfectly every time. I used this one all up and I guess I could have scooped some out, but liked it as a stick.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Mascara [sample size]
This tiny mascara was great, but didn't last long. Estee Lauder makes very good mascara, so I always like a sample of it.

Almay Brow Styler
I had this way too long, but it is a great tinted brow gel.

Sephora Insta-Brow Waxy Brow Pencil
This automatic brow wax was fantastic, my only complaint is how fast I went through it. It had the perfect consistency for styling my long brows without adding any colour. Next time there is a Sephora sale I would buy again.

Annabelle Retractable Eye Liner in Saffron
This seems to be a discounted shade. Mine dried out a bit too much to continue to use.

In all honesty, I am tossing a lot of lip products this month. I chose to clear out one drawer and realized I had a lot of older products I was not using at all.

Bite lipsticks [minis]
I had a lot of mini Bite lipsticks hanging around, and all, well they kind of are old. I never really reach for them and they are sort of waxy. So time to let go of them.

Bite glosses
These are some type of metallic glosses they made, but I never use them.

Nars and Various Glosses.
I never use these, like ever. BYE

Bobbi Brown LUXE LIQUID LIP
I got these at a Chick Advisor event way back when. I really liked them, but I never ever use them.

Hourglass lipsticks

I didn't even know that I had these.

There you go, a bunch of products I used up and some mini reviews on them.

No comments

1. Shishido Ultra Sun Protector Clear Stick, Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

2. Eucerin Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen*

3. Eucerin Complete Hydration Ultra-Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50*

4. Biore UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50

5. Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Stick SPF 50*

Final Thoughts

Aquaphor's New Lip Balms Let Nature Do the Work

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick Naturally Inspired Coconut Oil.

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick Naturally Inspired Aloe Vera

What Both Have in Common

Pros:

Cons:

Overall:

You can Aquaphor at most drugstores and mass-market retailers, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart.

Original vs. Advanced Therapy

Aquaphor Advanced Therapy

Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick

Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray

Skincare:

Hair and Body Care:

Makeup:

Search This Blog

About me

Follow Me

Popular Posts

Pinterest

Rakuten