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Beauty Vixen

Once upon a time I fell in love with L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Balm in Nourishing Nude. It was the perfect Your Lips But Better shade for me, plus it was an amazing lip balm / lipstick hybrid that felt amazing on my lips and never dried it out. 

Sadly it got discontinued and I had to make the one I had last. Unfortunately, I put it thought the washing machine. And then my cat peeded on that laundry. So it got totaled. I managed to keep it around just for swatching purposes, but it was toast.
Some time passed and I discovered that L'Oréal launched a new tinted lip balm, this time with under their Glow Paradise banner. I had to wait a while though, stores were out of the nude shade and I really wanted to get it on sale. Eventually I picked Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick in Nude Heaven. It regularly is $18.50 at Shoppers but I got it on sale for I think $11. As you can probably see above, it perfectly matched the Nourishing Nude that I was trying to replace.
So far it is an exact dupe, the formula feels a bit different but I love it. It has a sheer shade that is buildable. It truly is My Lips But Better when I wear it and a lipstick with a lip balm texture. 

For now I am sticking with just this one, but I would definitely consider getting more especially as we approach the colder months.

What do you think? Do you have a favourite shade that has been discontinued? Did you find a good replacement?
*Links may be affiliate links, I may make a small commission off sales made. I appreciate you supporting my blog.
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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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When it comes to beauty, skin care, hair care or body care, I often am trying out something new and different. I rarely am finishing up products or repurchasing. That being said there are some products I just repurchase and don't even think about because they are just such a part of my daily life. Today I thought I would talk about those products since I am always rebuying them.

ULTRA REPAIR CREAM INTENSE HYDRATION 

I love this cream, so much so that I pick up a few each and every Black Friday at Sephora.  Usually an 8 oz. tube costs $60, but on Black Friday it is $19. 

Other than the fantastic price, I pick this up because it is amazing. It is great for the face but also my extremely sensitive hands and arms. Working as a groomer my arms get inflamed, dry and cracked, almost every product can cause a flare-up, but not this.

I also got my sister in-law hooked on it (and both her parents) when she had a skin infection during the 2020 lockdown. It is just that good.

L'OREAL 8 SECOND WONDER WATER

This stuff is amazing!! I will never shut up about it. I first tried the original version in February 2020 and stopped when I was stuck at home for 8 weeks, but quickly went back to it.

I love how no matter how damaged my hair it, it soothes it out and makes it feel amazing. Both the original and the Dream Lengths versions are identical but with different scents. I recommend picking one up next time it is on sale.

DEGREE WOMEN ULTRACLEAR ANTIPERSPIRANT DRY SPRAY

I prefer spray anti-perspirants and this one has been my go to for a few years now. I have one at work that me and other employees use (a great bonus of a spray is how hygienic it is in a share setting) and one at home. I don't generally have a preference when buying on scent or type with this one. There is a black and white one as well as some other general scents. I picked my last one up at the clearance section of my Shoppers because it had a dented in it, so that made me happy.

Dr. Teal's Foam Bath and Bath Soaks

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A post shared by Jill Oliver-Fox - Blogger (@beautyvixenca)

I love baths, that is no secret, so I love a great scented bath product. Dr. Teal's makes a lot of great products and I have talked about many on this blog. I always go back for more. Which one I buy really depends on what I am feeling like at the time so I cannot say I always go for one scent or another. The Shea butter ones are great for hydrating the skin in the dry weather, the Melatonin one is great for relaxing. Any way I work it I am happy buying Dr. Teals salts or bath foam.

Pure Standard Epsom Salts

While I love a nice scented bath, I go though Epsom salts super fast, like real fast, so I tend to supplement my salts with plain type to save a bit of money. The hubs is always noting when I am low and will grab me a new 5.5KG tub of salts from Costco.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

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A post shared by Jill Oliver-Fox - Blogger (@beautyvixenca)

This is my go to hair product I will not live without going forward. In mid and late 2020 I lost over half my hair. Stress did that. With stress management and loving care my hair has grown back (woot woot). I really credit this stuff for doing that . It is loaded with anti-oxidants that help fight free radicals and that helps have a healthy scalp and hair. I think it is maybe best explained in this video from Kayley Melissa. Anyways, I started to use it back in the fall of 2020 and really couldn't find much about it at the time, but now it is a hugely popular product. It is like water when applied and just takes a few drops to get the job done (I use a full dropper every night).

AUSSIE 3 MINUTE MIRACLE HAIR REPAIR

This is a tick hair mask that takes 3 minutes to work. It has a pretty solid reputation because it is pretty cheap. I just picked one up yesterday on sale for $2.99. This used to only be available in the USA, but now you can get it anywhere including Dollarama from time to time. There also is a bigger bottle, I like the squeeze tube thought. It is cheap and does a great job at making my hair feel and look great. 

PERSPIREX COMFORT EXTRA EFFECTIVE ANTIPERSPIRANT 

I have been in love with Perspirex for the last few years. It works incredibly well and keeps me from sweating for about 5 days even with showers. I am currently using their Comfort formula, which is milder then their others. Whenever I run out I go pick another one right up. 



*I purchased everything myself with my own money. Some  links contain affiliate links that may earn me a small commission.
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I haven't posted a haul post in what seems forever.  Honestly I haven't been buying much and when I do I forget to post on them.  I recently grabbed some things from Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart and Sephora (with a friends and family 20% off coupon).  
Sol de Janeiro Anitta x Sol de Janeiro Perfume Mist
I have never tried a thing from Sol de Janeiro, but this sounded really intriguing to me. Unlike their other mists this one said 'perfume mist' on the description vs 'hair and body fragrance mist' but when it arrived it said 'body fragrance mist'. What the difference of all of this makes but it was a bit confusing. 

Anyways this is a light fragrance that's fruity and tropical. 
The notes are:
TOP: Passionfruit Nectar, Água de Coco
MID: Tiger Orchid, Jasmine Honey
DRY: Pink Patchouli, Vanilla Bean

I've been enjoying it but wish it had less of a coconut lingering scent to it.
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette 29 Desert Fox
I already have one TF palette and thought this would be a good time to pick up another.  

Desert Fox is made up of pale orange, deep shimmering gold, light warm brown, and deep brown with red undertones shades.
Bumble And Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Hot Oil Concentrate (5 Pack)
Remember hot oil for hair? V05 comes to mind (which went out of business but seems to be back in the USA). Anyways, I have wanted some for a long time, so when I saw this limited edition product I thought it was worth picking up. You can also get them in singles, but this seemed like a great idea so I got it.
Sephora Collection Holiday Coconut Foot Mask  & Holiday Mango Hand Mask
I have no clue why I picked these up, except they were $7 and 20% more off made them seem intriguing. My feet and hands get pretty beat up during the holidays so maybe they'll make them feel a bit more comfortable.
Sephora Collection Vitamin Tonic - B3 Dragon Fruit
Sephora has 3 different versions of these tonics, I chose the B3 version. I understand it to be a toner. I haven't opened it yet, but am excited to try it out.
Wet 'N Wild Multistick
I picked these sticks up at Walmart. They are rich and creamy, these happen to have no shimmer or sparkle to them but have a nice sheen. They can be used for the lips, cheeks or eyes, I clearly wanted these shades for my eyes. 

So far I really like them and love that I was able to fine shimmer free versions.
Quo Smooth & Soothe Beauty Bar
This was in a random holiday display at my Shoppers Drug Mart. It is by Quo and is a massaging facial tool. It cost about $14 so it seemed like a great idea.
L'oreal Extraordinary Oil Daily Treatment
Ok so I have no clue at why I bought this. I guess I thought it was a single shot oil for your hair like the hot oil. I realize now that it is just a sample single size of the Extraordinary Oil, either way I bought it for my aunt so I hope she likes it.
So that is a bunch of stuff I got recently. I did just place some orders for the Sephora Sale, so maybe I will post more on them soon.

Have you splurged on anything lately?

*I purchased everything myself with my own money. Some  links contain affiliate links that may earn me a small commission.
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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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Well, 2020 is over. That is a thing. I don't really know what to say about the year and I am sure you have  all heard it before and don't need me to drag on about it. With that I will present my favourite 5 for 2002.

Keep in mind I spent 2 months off work, then worked insane hours, had several breakdowns and just have not cared much about my appearances but more on my mental health.

Perspirex Comfort

Perspirex is one of those things I don't think of often but when I do all I have is love for it. I have used it for years and now they have a comfort version for those that are a bit more sensitive. I love that I can apply it and not worry about bathing or showing it off for a few days. I also love that in past years when I swam it wouldn't wear off either. And in the summer, I cannot state how great it is because lordy lordy so I sweat a lot in the summer and this stops and subsequently stops the smells.

Dr Teal's Relax & Relief /Eucalyptus & Spearmint

I love Dr Teal's (read previous posts on them here)! I buy their stuff all the time. 2020 has been a year of baths and me trying to control my anxiety. I went through about 5 bags of their bath salts, but right now I am using this mini one from a holiday set I picked up at the store. 

I also love a good bubble bath so I also am always picking up that. I am using the Relax & Relief which happens to be Eucalyptus and Spearmint formulated one form the same set. 

L'oreal 8 Second Miracle Water

I picked this up at the start of March before the first lockdown. I had long very damaged hair and I loved how well it smoothed and helped my hair feel softer and silkier. I stopped using it for a while because we were locked up and no one could see it. After my hair started to fall out  due to stress it really felt terrible so I started to use it again. I have to say it really did help what remaining hair was there. It feel smoother and softer.  It also does a fantastic job of combating frizz in humid weather.

Catrice Camouflage High Coverage Concealer

I wrote about these twice before and I have to say I adore them. These are the best concealers I have tried in a very long time. I can use just them alone or with foundation or BB cream. I pretty much love how they cover, are creamy and blend out. The beige tone of Porcelain is specifically amazing for my undereye circles.

Too Faced Shake Your Palm Palms Palette

It has been a while since I gave a mini palette from Too Faced a try. Well actually not true, the year before I tried the Hot Butter Rum one and loved it. When I picked this one up in the summer on sale I wasn't too sure if it would be great or no. I am just super happy with it. I love the shades, the finishes and looks I can create with it.  I really feel going forward I will probably be purchasing small palettes like this so that as trends and styles change I wont feel so bad about getting rid of large palettes or spending so much on them.

There you go, 2020... it was something.
Let me know what you loved last year!!!
*This post features perspirex and Catrice concealer that were sent for review purposes. All views and opinions are my own. All other products were purchased with my own money. This post also features affiliate links, I may make a commission off sales from the site.
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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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