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Beauty Vixen

Spring came and went, and I started this post a month ago and got distracted/stuck. So with that, here are the things I really enjoyed during the spring months.

Conair Double Ceramic Thermal Round Brush*

I picked this up at the end of March and fell in love with it on the first try. My hair has been less than put together the last while, and frankly, I feel frumpy. I got this and instantly have been able to style my hair better and make second or third day hair look like something other than bedhead.

I can give my hair a little flip on the ends, I can de-frizz the messy waves that developed overnight, and I can make air-dried hair look polished. 

I really enjoy how easy it is to use, and the fact that it was only $35 was a real selling point. I cannot believe I was looking at ones that were $200 when this one was available at such a good price point.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

I picked some Embryolisse up last year as one of the products for my Vintage Vanity project (which I promise I will get back to), and left it untouched. At the end of March, my skin got very irritated and red. It was bad. As part of my repair routine, I started to use Embryolise. It felt great and smelled amazing. A month back, I got a mini tube in a Shoppers' charity bag, so that one lives in my purse now.

It is a very soothing cream, and I can see why it has been loved since the 1950s.

L'occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream*

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I got this a while back from Butterly to try out. L'occitane has never let me down, and this cream is no exception. It is rich and thick and essentially a 25% Shea Butter cream that is as thick as a Body Butter. It hydrates my skin when dry and cracked, it soothes when it is red and irritated, and it feels nice every time I use it. Best part is I need so little, and it now has a recyclable insert for clean swapping when it is used up. 

I like eco packaging ideas, but I know people won't actually rinse and sterilize their containers before refilling properly, and the swap-it-out method, I think, is a great idea. 

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick 50+ SPF*

It wouldn't be spring without me using a lot of SPF.  While I have a big bin full of face ones I love to use, Shiseido's clear stick has won me over for on-the-go use.

I got this stick at the Shisheido warehouse sale last winter and again at the Lisa Cosmetics sale this spring. I keep it in my purse and use it for touchups daily. I really enjoy the formula, texture and the fact that it won't leak in my bag. It makes touching up my sunscreen so easy, and it feels nicer than any stick I have used before, and it is completely clear, so no mirror is required.

YSL Make Me Blush*-

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This one might not be a shock to anyone. I have not stopped talking about the YSL Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balms or Loveshine Lip Oil Sticks all year long, particularly shade 44. Well, now that I have the blush, I am even more in love. Why can't all blushes blend this well and make me feel this great? Did I also mention I have shade 44 in the cream blush, and that it, too, is fantastic?

Ok, do I love the blush or do I just love shade 44 (Nude Lavalliere)? I think both. The blush looks fantastic on my skin, blends well and is just the right amount of pigment I want. If I want more, layer it with the cream blush. I also have the perfect match for my lips with the butter and oil, so it makes for a really easy wear. 

If you are looking for a new blush, I highly suggest you look at these, because they are really nice.         
So there you go, 5 things I really loved this past spring. Is there anything you've been loving?

* denotes affiliate link, which may earn me a small commission. - denotes a product I received in exchange for an honest review.

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I never got around to doing a 2024 favourite things roundup, and now that winter is over, I feel like I should share one. The problem is that I haven’t been feeling motivated to write lately. I’m exhausted all the time, and with the little energy I have, I haven’t been able to be creative. On top of that, my skin is a real mess, so I’m not enjoying makeup or skincare right now, which is disappointing. This post should be an easy way to help me get back into the writing flow… hopefully.

1. Neutrogena Transparent Bar

I started using this for my new Vintage Vanity series, and I fell in love. It is a great, simple bar that gets the job done. You can read about its history and how I really enjoyed it here.

2. Belif Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads 

Belif's Aqua Bomb line is one of my favourite skincare lines. These pads are pretty self-explanatory; they are toner with PHA in a pad format.
I have a lot of acne popping up along my hairline and dry, flakey skin on my cheeks. These pads have been great for light exfoliation in those areas without irritating anything. The other toner ingredients are super hydrating. 

3. Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick

This an absolutely massive stick of Aquphor, with 30% petroleum in it. Because it is a stick, it has different ingredients than the regular Aquaphor, such as avocado oil and wax. I fell in love with this stick because, for the last year, I have had peeling lips. It didn't matter how often I applied balms to my lips; they were terrible. This cleared it up in a week.  I also use it on my cuticles and dry elbows as well as on top of my skincare for slugging when dog walking in the winter weather.

I do not believe it is sold in Canada. I had to get it in the USA. The exact same stick is also sold under their Baby Care banner.

4. Hypochlorous Acid

I think we all know how effective Tower 28's SOS Spray is at eliminating unwanted skin issues while still being gentle on the skin. However, I’ve found a similar product that costs significantly less: Microcyn Skin Spray for pets. It’s priced at $29.99 for 240 ml and works just as well.
I used this spray at my previous job whenever a pet had issues like scratching their ears, developing hot spots, or any other irritated skin problems. I even started using it on myself for scratches and bruises, and it worked wonders. When Tower 28 gained popularity for its product, I felt vindicated, knowing that others finally recognized its effectiveness.

I picked up my bottle a few months ago when my dog, Bradley, was chewing on himself to calm and heal his skin. I recently used it on Sterling after he scratched his ear non-stop, making it red and scabby. After applying the spray the next day, everything looked much calmer. I mean, the fact it saved me a visit to the vet alone makes it worthy of a favourite spot.

Now, it’s become my favourite, not just for my pets but also because I've been struggling with acne that I can't control. I started using the spray on my own skin whenever a pimple began to surface, and I noticed that it helped clear them up faster than when I didn’t use it.

5. Vitabath Original Spring Green Bath Gelee

Thinking of a number 5 was really hard. I spend a lot of time in the bath, so I went to have one and it came to me, Vitabath. I used up a small bottle in January and am now working on a bottle double the size. You need so little of it for a ton of bubbles and scent that will fill your whole floor. 
They make any scents, but the green is the original and smells the best to me.

So there you go, five things I have loved this winter season. Now, let us hope the weather gets better, and I can spend some more time outside with less dry skin.

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Yes, summer is over, but it was 24 degrees out the other day. It is so warm and sunny it feels like late Summer. With that, I thought it would be a great time to talk about the 5 things I have liked the most this past summer.

The products are going to be hanging out with my Feather Friends from the summer collection. I do not know how I became a person who fell in love with decorative birds, but here I am ordering ones for the holiday season.
Biore UV Aqua Rich 50 SPF
I got a four-pack of these at Costco in the spring. I really enjoyed it. It is one of the few sunscreens that does not burn my eyes, which is a big deal in the hot summer months.

I did a full review here if you want to read it. They did a very good job of adapting the Japanese formula for the Canadian market, considering we do not allow all the ingredients here (which I really hope they update soon).
Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Exfoliating Foot Mask *
I used this in the early summer to prepare my feet for sandal season, and it worked great. I had thick and flaky skin on my feet and didn't want to get a pedicure. I used it again after my pool closed. I tend to kick off the rough walls of the pool and get cuts, so I had to wait until after they healed to use it again. 
I did a full review here. I love the multi-pack, which means I don't have to worry about picking up more and how well it just works. I also like that there is a lotion version, so I can keep the smooth feeling going as long as possible. Their Ultra-Hydrating Food Mask is also fantastic.
Pixi On-The-Glow Blush/Bronzer
I picked these up when I did a Shoppers Drug Mart order and have loved using them. Everyone talked so much about how great they were, and I now see why. I really liked using them in the hotter months for a glowy blush look. Really nice formula.
Joico Air Dry Styling Cream
Since I swam from Canada Day to Labour Day pretty much daily, I did not want to damage my hair more by styling it with heat. I ended up using this no-heat styling cream instead and let my hair air dry. I do really enjoy how my wavy hair decides how straight or curly it wants to be every time I wash it, this product helps it do that without weighing it down while preventing frizz.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush / Trader Joe's Brazil Nut Butter Products
Ok, I know it is not a single product...but hear me out. I went to Trader Joe's in June after a concert at Fallsview. I picked up the three Brazilian Nut Butter items they sell, Body Butter, Body Scrub and Body Wash (they all cost $5.99 USD). They are apparently a dupe of the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush scent. Since I have two minis of the Sol de Janeiro body spray, I figured I would focus on trying to use one up.
Since they all go so well together (I do not think the TJ is a dupe of the scent; the TJ smells a bit different), I just started using all 4 products daily. As a result, I used up a mini body spray by the end of September. Mission accomplished for intentionally using up a product.
So there you go, those are some of the things I really enjoyed this past season. I am actually looking forward to some fall weather in the next few weeks. The trees are now a great shade and I always enjoy walks with Bradley when we aren't going to pass out from the heat.

What have you been loving lately?
* denotes products sent for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
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Summer officially started last week, so I thought it would be a good time to reflect on what I have really enjoyed using this past season. It has been a long time since I did one of these, but they always inspire me to write a little and to me that is a good thing.

1. Kiehl's Since 1851 Beyond Screen UV Serum SPF 50 

I got this for free from Topbox in exchange for a review, and I loved it. It is a combo of serum and sunscreen that works incredibly well on my skin.

It is light in texture, absorbs quickly and is loaded with collagen peptides. It is basically skincare I really enjoy using that happens to have spf 50 in it.

I am also very much loving Belif Aqua Bomb Broad Spectrum SPF 50, which I did a full review on here. I am pretty much loving the skincare with lots of SPF trend.

2. Dove Glow Recharge Body Wash 

This is Dove's latest body wash, it has a brightening serum with vitamin C and exfoliating minerals in it, as well as a light tropical berry scent.

I have been using it since March and really enjoy how it lightly exfoliates my skin everytime I wash without being harsh or drying. It makes my skin look more even in both texture and colour while getting me nice and clean (pool season just started so I am really going to be using it a lot now).


3. YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick 

I got two of these from Butterly to try out, oh my gosh these are the best. Imagine a lipstick and a lip oil had a baby in stick format. They feel slick and slippery, smell like watermelon and give a kick of colour to your lips. So in love.
I love how they feel, I love the look, I want them all. I have been carrying one around in my purse all spring and I just can't get enough. Tip, Shopper Drug Mart, The Bay and Holt Renfrew all sell it for $5 less than Sephora. They also may still be listing it as YSL Loveshine Hydrating Lipstick on their sites, it is the same product.

4. Belif Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream

I have been using this one for a long time now, and this past spring it has gotten lots of rotation at night. I really like how light it feels but also how heavily hydrating without actually being heavy.

If you like Belif's creams, you are going to like this one.

5. The Face Shop JEJU Aloe Fresh Soothing Gel 

My skin has always reacted well to aloe, and I have always had aloe growing in my homes. I remember being a 4 year old and getting my face bit by a dog and having my parents treat it with a fresh chunk of aloe from a plant. I just repotted mine and have 44 new plants growing in my home.

This time of year I find myself reaching for aloe vera a bit more often as I get more exposure to the sun and I find my skin gets drier from swimming. I struggle sometimes to find a good pure aloe vera gel, lucky I found this one from The Face Shop. 

It is 95% aloe vera, it absorbs almost instantly without any stickiness or residue. I can even use it with my microcurrent devices, which I love. Best of all, it is massive at 300 ml.

Ok so that is it, what I am loving right now. I am sure it will change a bit now that summer has started, but these were the things I love the most the last few months.
* some products were sent for review purposes with no obligation to post about here. The views and opinions are my own and honest. Some links may be affiliate links and I may or may not end up getting a small commision from them. Thank you for supporting my blog, I appreciate it.
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Time for another 5 Things I am Loving Right Now. This time I am summing up everything I loved this past spring and summer. I will say I wore next to no makeup this summer and a lot of what I loved last spring and summer I am still loving this year, so check out last years post.

Ouai Detox Shampoo 300 ml / $39.00

I got this in my Summer 2021 FabFitFun box with a matching scalp massager. I started using it right after my condo's pool opened. I found it easy to lather and rinse, but most of all my hair and scalp always felt great after using it. I think it did a great job of keeping the chlorine from building up in my hair over the season.

It has Apple Cider Vinegar to help with buildup and keratin to help strengthen hair, it makes for a great clarifying shampoo.

Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser 200 ml / $52.00

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I got this from Influenster in the early summer and decided to put it in my shower, I started using it every day after my swims. I usually hate gel cleansers because they end up stripping my skin of moisture, but not this one. The gentle in its name is definitely true. It cleansed my skin well, lathered and rinsed well and never left my skin feeling tight or dry. I was using it daily as I got fully into swimming this summer, and it really impressed me the more I used it. I actually really think having a pump made it a great option for having in the shower too, less mess and water couldn't get inside it.

Dr Teal's Melatonin Sleep SoakPure Epsom Salt, 1.36 kg / $9.99
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I reviewed this and its matching bubble bath, I love them both. My legs started bothering me mid way through the summer, having a good epsom salt soak goes a long way to making them feel better. This salt also has the added relaxation of melatonin and lavender in it. I have probably been using it about 3-4 times a week.

MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pots 5 g / $28.00
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Mac Paint pots have always been favourites of mine, but over the years Mac has lost a little of its glitter and glam for me (most likely when they made renewing my pro card impossible and started pumping endless terrible collections), that being said when Mac released some new shades I actually went and picked a bunch up.  I got all matte shades, something I always found a bit hard to find previously at Mac.

I love these in the warmer weather because they are so easy to just apply and go, now powders to mess with, just use your finger or a brush and go. The matte ones work even better because there is no glitter fall out as I sweat the hot days away.  They also make a great shadow primer, but I mainly wore them as an actual shadow this summer.

Dior Addict Lip Glow - 01 Pink 3.52 g / $44.00
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When it comes to lips, no one is really seeing mine these days, but I do like a little something on them. Dior Addict Lip Glow is a balm that adds a slight tint to the lips. I started wearing it daily because I figured there was no point in me having something so nice that I wasn't using, and it turns out I really do love it.
What have you been loving lately?

*Some products were sent for review purposes, others I paid for myself, some were gifts.  All views and opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliate links and I may earn a small commission if a sale goes though, thank you for your support.
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This winter hasn't been easy on me, so coming up with 5 things has been especially difficult. The day after Christmas I was once again out of work and was off for 6 weeks. I blogged a bit during that time but once I got back to work I found myself exhausted every single night and lacking the energy to stay awake non the less form the words to create a blog post.

My favourite 5 items of Winter 2021

All the following products featured were purchased with my own money, no pr samples here today. 

Caprina Bubble Bath - Orchid Flower Extract

Caprina Bubble Bath

To summarize my winder, I took baths. When I was off I spent my mornings in the bath. When I went back to work I spent my evenings in the bath. 2 hours a day minimum. So that really explains why I this is one of my favourite items. I adore Caprina bubble bath and I picked this one up on a whim. I really love how rich and thick the bubbles are and the light scent. I also enjoy how the creamy formula leaves my skin soft and never dried out.

L'oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation

My makeup is essentially just a tad bit or foundation or concealer these days. Either way this is the foundation I have actually been enjoying. No matter how terrible my skin looks it works magic on it, evening it out and never looking cakey. I have probably bought 6 of these over the years and right now I am using N2 is the shade I am using.

Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies

Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails

This one is definitely a bit odd. Last year I lost about 50% of my hair.  I started to take these gummies in an attempt to regrow my hair. With Biotin, Vitamin C and Vitamin E they are supposed to help hair, skin and nails. Biotin can cause a bit of issue with blood work regarding thyroid levels so I waited until I got results from my blood work before I started taking them. They taste like berries and I really don't mind them one bit. It really is too soon to see if they  have been working, but I feel my hair is not falling out anymore, so that is a big step.

Vichy Mineral 89 Serum

My friend Naomi told me to get this for the hubs and well I kind of went and got a jumbo size after trying his out for a few weeks.  It is a hydrating serum that also helps fortify the skin. Whatever it is, my skin adores it. It feels softer and smoother with every use. Also more hydrated. I can't stop using it and, well that is why it is on this list.

Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment 

Aquaphor seems to have quite a reputation for healing the driest skin. Here in Canada it is sold under the Eucerin umbrella. It is incredibly thick and almost Vaseline like, but it is also very different. While Vaseline is 100% petroleum jelly, Aquaphor is 41% petroleum jelly and 59% other healing ingredients. A little is all I need, I usually apply it to my cracked skin and lips. Since going back to work my skin has been nothing but cracked and bleeding. I usually top it up with some strong thick hand cream. Any time I apply it my skin feels better overnight, with is incredibly impressive.

So there you go, 5 things I really enjoyed this past winter. It was a hard one for me to come up with, but once I started thinking about it, I really do love these items and they were the stars for the last quarter for me.

*This post contains affiliate links, I may make a small commission of purchases.

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About Me

Jill Oliver-Fox is a Toronto based beauty blogger with a love for beauty, food, and pets. She began the blog in 2009 and hasn't stopped since. To read more about Jill and the Blog, click here.

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