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Beauty Vixen

Summer is well on its way, and my condo's pool has been open for a month now. It had a rocky start this year with a broken heater for over a week. As soon as it all got sorted out, I started to swim every day. I have only missed 4 days and that was due to weather or me feeling a little sick. 

Since I am swimming every day, my skin and hair routine is totally different and I though I would share all the things I am doing differently and why I am loving the items. So with that...here is what I am loving right now, post swimming of course.

Hair:
L'oreal Pari Hair Expertise Dream Lengths More Than Shampoo / 200ml / $9.99
A few months back Tori from Doll and Dye mentioned this on her Instagram. It is a thick conditioner like product that has a low lather and helps cleanse your hair while conditioning it. Think of it like a two in one or a cleansing condition, either way it works great to get my hair clean post chlorine exposure without stripping it dry. 

I actually went though a whole bottle of the Extraordinary Oil version before popping open this one, and my hair really loved it.

L'oreal Paris Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream / 200ml / $9.99
This one is new to me, but the more I use it the more I like it. It is a leave in conditioner. It makes a bunch of claims regarding split ends, but I wanted something to hold moisture in my hair and help protect it from further damage. So far it is doing a great job and I would definitely buy it again.
L'oreal Paris Dream Lengths Wonder Water / 200ml / $9.99
Since early 2020 I pretty much haven't shut up about Wonder Water. It is fantastic! I happened to buy the Dream Lengths version last time it was on sale. It really helps make my hair feel stronger but also stronger after each use. I am currently using it about twice a week.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Scalp Serum / 60ml / $14.00
My scalp gets a bit dry from time to time and washing it everyday is making that happen more often. This serum is pretty good at calming my scalp. I usually put two droppers worth into my hair at night after I shower. If I don't I may wake up with a slightly dry scalp feel and apply it when I wake up. 

Invisibobble Extra Hold Hair Ring, The Secret Purple / 2 pack / $15.00*
I have to tie my hair back or I just have the worst time at the pool. Normal elastics kind of suck at the pool because they absorb water and can rip my hair out when removing in the shower. Invisibooble are great because they don't absorb any water and hold tight. This model is even better because it is doubled up with two boobles together for extra hold.

Face & Body:
Yardley English Lavender Luxury Body Wash / 250ml/ $12.99*
My whole goal post swimming in the shower is to rinse all the chlorine, spf and whatever I got covered in that day off and try not to dry my skin out. This body wash dose that quickly and nicely, my skin always feels great after. Best part is the nice lavender scent gets me ready for bed time.

I have already used one up, as you can see by this bottle with one use left.


Mary Kay Shower Gel Berry & Vanilla / 200ml / 18.00*
When I do swim during the day I like this body wash. It has a fresh fruity scent that I really like while being easy to lather and rise. 

Grown Alchemist : Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser / 200ml / $52
I got this last summer from Influenster to review, and I liked it for use in the shower, the pump really adds to that too. I decided to start using it again this year and have been really liking it to rise off everything from my day including the pool chlorine and spf. It can leave my skin feeling a little tight so I only use it on really sweaty days. It is just ok for makeup, so precleanse if wearing any.
Burt's Bees Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin / 170g / $14.99*
I recently got sent this to review so I tossed it into my shower to use. It is creamy and lathers great. It does a great job of removing my day. It is no nice on my skin and hasn't dried it out once. That being said, you should precleanse if wearing any waterproof makeup.

Keri Moisturizing Shower & Bath Oil / 450ml / $10.99
The classic OG bath oil. Once a week I am still taking a bath and when I do I give it a big squirt of this stuff. It makes my bath oily but also leaves my skin so soft and coated in oil after. Did I mention it is made in Canada?!!!

Evereden Golden Body Serum / 100ml / $52.00

I was sent this to review a month ago from Influsneter. I loved it right away. It smells amazing, it has a nice thickness to it and makes my skin feel so soft. It is a game changing oil for my body, it leaves my skin feeling amazing for hours and when I don't use it my skin feels dry and tight, making me want to use it even more. It is best applied right after the shower when you are still a bit damp.

Ok so there you go, what I am using everyday after I swim. My hair hasn't gotten fried, which I was really afraid of since I did some damage earlier in the year. My skin is staying soft and hydrated too. I am super happy so far and am going to keep on using everything until the season ends on Labour day. 

Are you doing any fun summer activity?

* indicates products I received from PR for review with no obligation for review. Some were gifts from Influsnster and mentioned in the post. Some links are affiliate links, I may make a small commission from sales made with them. I appreciate your support of my blog.
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*This post features a pr sample and affliate links
I thought it would be a good time to talk about some of the beauty tools that I have been using and love.  Some are pretty common and some a little different, but all get regular rotation in my routine.
Jade Roller and Gua Sha Tool

If you haven't seen these two tools around the last few years I don't know what to say, they are everywhere. I got mine years ago before people started talking about them, so long ago in fact I have no clue where I got them. You can grab ones now everywhere from Winners to Sephora. 

The jade roller is great for a cooling massage of the face. The smaller size is great for around the eyes and smaller contours. 

The Gua Sha tool is better for a stronger massage and especially good if you are prone to clenching your jaw. I really like this shape over other shapes because I can use the V part along my jawline.

You can get either tools in various other semi-precious stones, some people claim they have extra properties, I am not one of those people. The key thing is the stones can stay cool for a while if they are real. You can also submerge them into ice water to keep them cooler longer.

Roller / Price : Varries <$35 / Well.ca / Sephora / Sephora Set / Amazon.ca

Gua Sha Tool / Price : Varries <$40 / Sephora / Well.ca / Amazon.ca

Rose Quartz set of both : Price: <$64 / Well.ca / Amazon.ca


The Body Shop Tools:

I am a sucker for The Body Shop tools, I have all their body massage tools and even a brush from the mid-90s. Naturally, when they started to offer face tools I had to get some. 

The Body Shop Face Stimulator has a wooden handle that holds a rubber spiked roller. It is supposed to be used after applying moisturizer to help it sink in while massaging your skin. I generally like this one a lot, it feels nice and is easy to use. 

Price : $10

The Body Shop Oils of Life Revitalizing Facial Roller has two rolling metal balls taht are cool to the touch. This one is great for more deep massage with a tool. The only issue is sometimes I can cause a bit of a suction.

Price : $30

Mary Kay Skinvigorate Sonic Skin Care System

The Mary Kay Skinvigorate Sonic Skin Care System is sonic face cleansing system that also has a massage head. Both are fantastic and a great alternative to the Clairsonic now that it has been discontinued. I really love the massage head and usually keep it in my beauty office so I can use it at night.

The fact that you can both cleanse and massage your face with one tool makes this one worth while to have. It also is rechargable with a USB cord so you never have to worry about battires.

Price : $85 with one head / Massage head $28 / 2 Replacement heads $22

Ice Roller

The Ice Roller is a nifty little tool I got off Amazon after reading Ella Pretty's post on rollers. It is a roller you keep in your freezer, whe you need it pull it out and massage your face. You can also use it on amy body parts that are soar after workouts. I personally use it on my shoulder that has a torn roatater cuff as well as my face.

It is pretty big but also awsome. If you want something that stays cold a long time this is for you.

Price : $15 / Amazon.ca

Foreo Luna FoFo
The Foreo Luna FoFo is a silicone face cleanser. It uses vibrations to help cleanse your skin super well. There is also two little metal nubs on the reverse side that when paired with its app help create a custom routine for your skins level of hydtation. 

Since it is made of silicone it means it is more hygenic and never needs replacemtn heads. It takes AAA battiers and a change of battiers should last you 400 uses.

Price : $119 / Sephora / Well.ca
DiamondBuff 

The DiamondBuff by Beesting is a patented diamond tipped exfoliater that I picked up at Sephora a few years back. Sadly Sephora no longer carries it. It is an intereing idea, kind of a diamond foot buffer but for your face. I use it rarely, but when I do I get so much dead skin off my face it is worth it.

Price : $60 USA (hopefully a Canadian retailer picks it up again soon)

So there you go, a bunch of tools that I have personally been using for months and even years. I really like them and maybe you will too. There is something for everyones budget too, so hopefully you find something pretty usefull in this list.

Do you have any face tools you love to use?


*This post features a pr sample from Mary Kay. All other products were purchased with my own money. All views and opions are my own. This post features some affliate links.

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This post features some PR Samples. PR samples are denoted by *
I managed to skip the Five Things I am Loving Right Now post for Winter this year because frankly, I did not love our winter. It is actually well into June and only 8 degrees outside right now as I type. I am cold and wet as though it is still March or April and I am not loving it either. Yet, I still persist and feel the need to tell you about some items I actually am using and loving right now.

YSL Touche Eclat:
I got a Touche Eclat in a Sephora Favourites set a long while back and held back ever opening it because I get weird when it comes to pricy/cult items. Weird in a way where I want to hoard them and not use them out of fear of using them up or even just falling in love. I am working on this of course, but yeah I had this guy unused for a long while. 

This past March I went to the L'oreal warehouse sale and got a mixed bag with a green colour correcting Touche Eclat and decided it was time to break my light one out and use them together 
Since I started actually using these two products I realized that I indeed have more red on my face this year due to the weather and my skin being unhappy with it and that there is a reason everyone loves Touche Eclat. They work really well with their little brush to cover just what you need and not use too much product or be too heavy. They do a great base of concealer and correction before I use my foundation. I really have been liking the results.

N० 7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser:
This was in the sale bin of my Shoppers Drug Mart for $5. I picked up two and gave one away to a friend. I do love Boots' N० 7 line and wish we had more of their stuff here in Canada. 
N० 7's Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm (that I had to get from a USA Target order) and absolutely despising it (seriously the only cleansing balm that I have this one) I really had low expectations but was willing to spend $5 to find out. It turns out I love the stuff.

Pump some out, put it on dry skin, massage it around. Then take the included cloth, get it hot and place it over your face for a few minutes and remove. Easy, yes. Amazing, also yes. 

Most of the time I just use it as cleansing oil or balm, apply dry, massage, add water, massage and remove with a cloth. I will say this never leaves my skin dry, tight or with any makeup left on, it is that good. I just hope it hasn't been pulled from Canadian SDM stores.

Revlon ColorStay Cream Eye Shadow in Chocolate 720:
Ever since I first discovered Mac Paint Pots, I have been in love with matte cream eyeshadows. Most cream eye shadows have shimmer or glitter in them which makes them a bit hard for me to wear to work, but sometimes I luck out and find good matte ones. 
Revlon's Colorstay line has Cream Eyeshadows that range from matte to shimmer to full-blown metallic. So I, of course, bought one of the mattes to try out. 

Chocolate is a chocolate matte brown (shocking I know). The thing that makes me love it so much is the formula, I don't miss high-end brands cream shadows because this drug store dupe is the real deal. I also have tried a few of the metallics that I got from Revlon's PR, and I will say I love them too, but I am truly drawn to this matte.

Kiehl's Glow Formula Skin Hydrator:

Another L'oreal warehouse sale purchase. I picked this one up in a set that was leftover from the 2018 holiday season, it was a great deal. 

I, of course, took a picture of the French side and didn't notice until later *sigh*.

Pretty much is is a great cream that is not too heavy and gives a bit of mineral glow. I have been using it as a foundation mix in or just on its own. Sometimes you will find me mixing CoverFx Custom Colour Drops into it for a custom Tinted Moisture. My skin has been liking it and I honestly really enjoy using it. 

Mary Kay Reviving Facial Spray*:
I go this from Mary Kay's PR team last year and never got around to writing about it. That being said I do use it, a lot. It is a fantastic setting spray with a darn good spray pump to it. In fact, Skindinavia makes it for Mary Kay so you know it has to be good.

I love using it post makeup application to set and refresh my makeup. I don't know why I really like it so much as it just makes my skin look really nice and because of that, I keep on reaching for it and using it.

That is it, five things I am currently loving. What are you loving right now?


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2018 has wrapped up and we are into a new year. I thought I would give a roundup of my favourite items from this past year. I honestly have loved a lot more than just what I am listing, but this was what I thought was all I could blog about in a year-end roundup.
Smashbox Primer Oil:
 I have had this one a long time, but this year I really learned to love it. I started mixing it into my foundations and it has really helped with my skin not looking flakey when applied. I also got the NYX version, which I must say I like exactly the same amount, I am just trying to use this one up first.

ELF Hydrating Booster Drops:
I picked these up a few months ago and it has been amazing how fast I have used them up. I add a bit of this serum/gel into my foundation and it makes it so much more hydrating and my skin plumper. For a value brand, I have been really impressed with it.

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Coconut Water Primer Stick:
I picked this up at the same time I got the booster drops, and I instantly fell in love. I really wanted to try the Milk stick that is similar but didn't want to pay the price. This was about $10 so I couldn't resist. It applies watery and smooth while instantly cooling the skin. I find it works well as a light primer
L'oreal Lumi Glotion*:
 I have this in a Fair Glow and Medium Glow, both are great but Fair Glow is my favourite. I mentioned it in my summer favourites and it still stands. I love to apply it before my foundation for more of a glow (but not too much of one). It looks quite nice on my skin.

L'oreal Lumi Glow Amour Boosting Drops:
I also have this one in two shades, Golden Hour and Daybreak. Daybreak is the lighter and more pinky shade and it works really well on my skin. I add a small amount to my cheekbones, above the lip or wherever else I want some highlight and it does a great job. I like to add it sometimes under my foundation really get it to look more toned down.
Joe Fresh Cushion Lipstick:
I picked this up on sale while Joe Fresh was exiting Shoppers Drug Mart. I got the shade Tulip which is really pretty deep mauve shade. It has a sponge applicator and gives that powder finish to your lips that so many brands are loving right now (Buxom, NYX, etc).
Dermalogica Barrier Defense Booster*:
My skin has been so dry this year! All year! It has been frustrating as all hell. I have to thank this serum for helping me at least keep my skin calm. I will say it took me 3 months to realize the grey bottom is soft and you can press it to release the product. I had been shaking it out before that.

L'oreal Revitalift Cicacream*:
I don't know what to say about this, but it is a day and night cream that my skin has really been liking. I don't need much and it is a great anti-ageing and hydrating formula.

Acure Argan Oil*:
I only have a few pumps of this left, which should show how much I adore it. It works so darn well. There is just something about this oil's texture that works so well on my skin. Plus there is a pump, which makes using any oil mess free.
ELF Prismatic Highlighting Duo:
I picked this up in Mermaid Tail. One side is a peachy pink highlight and the other a blue tone. Both are very iridescent and microfine in their shimmer, which is exactly what I want in a highlighter (no chunky shimmer, that is the way to go). It builds well so you can go light to strong without much effort. Every single time I wear it I get compliments. I love to wear the peach on my eyes for a lazy makeup day.

Before this, I was not sold on blue or peach highlighters, and now I hooked.
Revlon Galaxy Dream*:
This palette features four shades of holographic highlighters. The shades in the palette are pink, green, purple and silver. I really appreciate the size of the pans (quite big), the shade varieties and the fact it is so finely milled (once again no glittery shimmer bits). All the shades work really well on my skin and add a nice pop of highlight, but they also can be mixed together which I really enjoy too.

Urban Decay Naked Piette Heat Palette:
I picked this up at Sephora when they had their spring sale, and I was really glad I did. with 6 matte shades, I get a lot of use out of it since I don't really wear any other shadow finishes to work. They are all burnt orange/red shades that I think blend out well. I actually wish I never picked up the Naked heat palette because I use this one more and it is completely redundant now.

Nars Hot Escape Eye and Cheek Palette:
I picked this one up during the Nordstrom anniversary sale (as well as a bunch of other things I probably didn't need). I really love the shadows in it as well as the highlighter and blush. I have gotten so much wear out of it that I just had to mention it.

Do you have any products that stand out as favourites for you from 2018?

* denotes products that were sent to me for review purposes; all views and opinions are my own.
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Summer is here and sunscreen has taken centre stage in my life. I have two family members who have battled (and won) the war with skin cancer, as a result, I take sun protection very seriously. If that was not enough of a reason to use sunscreen, I am a pale gal, and Mr. Fox is a ginger. In other words, we burn, and we burn bad.

Today I am going to look at my favourite sunscreens of 2018. What have I been using? What have I been loving? Why do I love them so? Here we go...

Coppertone Clearly Sheer Spray Sunscreen - SPF 50
I love a good spray sunscreen! This I can't state enough. As much as I love them, Mr. Fox loves them more. As a man with hairy arms and legs, he finds lotions and gels a bit cumbersome and heavy no matter what, so he likes sprays. He also is pretty prone to breakouts on his body and face, so a spray that feels light and isn't greasy is a must. Throw in a higher SPF for his ginger paleness (it also comes in SPF 30) this spray is where it is at.

Lightweight,  breathable and won't cause breakouts, it really is a win-win product.

Aveeno Protect Hydrate Sunscreen - SPF 60
Aveeno is known for being pretty darn gentle on your skin. This sunscreen is also a great moisturizer, hence the hydrate in its name. With a higher SPF of 60 (it also comes in SPF 30 and SPF 45), I really like that it is packed with Colloidal Oatmeal, which is great for sensitive or itchy skin, but also hydrating.

I love that this is a lotion and a sunscreen with a nice high SPF to it.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost - Water Gel Sunscreen - SPF 50
This sunscreen isn't like all the other sunscreens. Now that I sound like a cheesy pickup line, I think I might need to explain why this one is so different.

It is a gel! It is a gel loaded with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and still has a higher SPF of 50. As a result, it is super hydrating, fast absorbing and leaves no white cast. This also makes it great for the face (which they really should advertise more, because darn it, this is a great face sunscreen).

If you want a sunscreen that feels light, hydrating and like a gel, this one is for you. At the end of a day out and about in the sun, my skin usually is a bit dehydrated and needs some serious moisture, but not when I use this. My face loves it, it can breathe and doesn't break out at all, and makeup looks great on top of it.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer - Dry Touch Sunscreen - SPF 110
Sometimes I want a stronger SPF! When I know the sun is out in full force, when I am going somewhere tropical, when I know I am going to be out all day long at a festival or a party, those are the times I reach for a sunscreen with an SPF of 100 or more. I used to get mocked for this, but I really burn bad, and it really is my best defence against that happening.

I have always trusted Neutrogena when it comes to the high SPF factor, in fact, they are the only brand for the longest time that made an SPF 100 product, so it is the only one I buy. 

Neutrogena's UltraSheer line is pretty lightweight, so I don't end up feeling like it is heavy or takes too long to absorb. My skin never feels greasy or sticky after using it. It also hasn't caused any breakouts at all on me.

This high SPF sunscreen has saved my skin (literally) dozen of times and for that I love it.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer - Face And Body Stick - SPF 50+
I have been using this sunscreen for a few years now, I love the concept of a stick sunscreen. You can travel with it and it won't count as a liquid when you fly, you can pop it in a purse and never worry about it leaking. With SPF 50 it is a great high SPF, which is what I always look for (an ongoing trend in this post, I know). It is about the size of a men's deodorant stick, so it has plenty of product in it and you won't fly through it quickly.

While I do sometimes use this as my all over sunscreen, it is usually when I am pretty covered up and just applying on small parts like my shoulders, neck and ankles. The main way I do like to use it is as a travel touch up stick. I can touch up my sun protection as needed and it is so easy. I also love to use it on my face, it is great and doesn't actually feel heavy on the skin, it feels hydrating.

Mr. Fox loves to use this on his face, shoulders, back of neck, ears and all the kind of strange place that are sometimes hard to get at with a spray.

Since it also part of the UltraSheer line, it is lightweight and isn't greasy. 

Live Clean Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray - SPF 30
Sport sunscreen are great because they feel dry on the skin, they don't sweat off (or drip into your eyes)  and they last in the hot icky long days of summer. Sport sprays are even better because they are really easy to apply and reapply. This one happens to be both, plus a mineral sunscreen!

This is my go-to lake and cottage sunscreen. It is fully biodegradable, making it a great option if you run on a septic tank or swim at a lake, ocean or river.

I really was skeptical of it at first, it sprays out a bit thick and white but smoothed into my skin nicely. I also wasn't sure if an SPF of 30 would cut it for me, but it was great. My skin loves it and it does a great job of protecting my skin from the UVA/UVB rays.

Extra bonuses for this one is Live Clean is a Canadian brand, Canadian made, free from parabens and phthalates, vegan, Reef Safe, non-nano, petrolatum free, silicone free, non-greasy, non-whitening and the aerosol is air-powered with no chemical propellants. Oh, and water resistant for up to 40 minutes.
There you go, my top go-to sunscreens for this summer.

Do you have a favourite sunscreen? What about it makes you love it so much?


*This post features sunscreens that I was either given for review from PR, ChickAdvisor, or paid for with my own money. All reviews and opinions are my own.
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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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