The Test

Over the last six weeks I have been testing Rodan & Field’s “Redefine ” system, which is a “regimen for the appearance of lines, pores, and loss of firmness”. It’s made up of a total of 7 products and devices, to be used at different times and days and some of which require maintenance (i.e. cleaning). While I generally do my best to take care of my skin, I tend to stick to a much shorter program and half the time I get lazy.

To stay on track for this test I literally had to keep everything, including the instruction booklets, on my counter at all times. I followed the instructions diligently for all six weeks (and counting).

The Bottom Line

There is no doubt my skin looks more even, feels softer and there has been a reduction in pore size. But the problem with these types of tests is two-fold. One, the improvement is subtle – it’s not like Botox or acne removal – so it’s hard to document (which is why before and after pictures are pointless.) And two, it is impossible to separate other factors which have a major affect on the way skin looks, such as sleep, travel, diet and weather. I guess if I was to stay inside and eat exactly the same diet for six weeks in would be a fairer test, but let’s be realistic. So you will have to rely on my anecdotal feedback.

In terms of each specific product, some I will return to and others, less so.

• Daily Cleansing Mask – a clay based cleanser which I worried would dry out my skin. But it didn’t. Bottom Line (BL): Liked it.

• Pore Minimizing Toner – I’ve never bothered with toner but now I’m a convert. It makes a big difference in the cleansing process, which is probably what lead to smaller looking pores. BL: Loved it.

• Triple Defense Treatment moisturizer – performed like other moisturizers I’ve used. It contains SPF but I’m so sun sensitive (paranoid) I add on a separate and dedicated sunscreen, so I don’t look for it in a moisturizer to begin with. Also, this product doesn’t appear to contain Vitamin C and that is one ingredient I believe is a must. BL: Will go back to my former brand.

• Overnight Restorative Cream. BL: Liked it, especially in combination with some of the below devices.

• AMP MD Micro-Exfoliating Roller – at first I found this painful to use and I think I even detected a tiny spec of blood on my skin after the first use. I got more comfortable with it as the weeks went by, but I’m not clear on what it added.                   BL: Undecided.

• Redefine Night Renewing Capsules. So moisturizing, but one capsule wasn’t enough to cover my face and neck. BL: Loved it.

• MACRO handheld exfoliator and soothing gel – This is said to be the equivalent of going for a microdermabrasion at your aesthetician’s office, which is something I love to do as it’s the ultimate exfoliator. But it takes time and it gets expensive. While I do believe this handheld model was comparable, it took quite some time to get comfortable with the device and I never felt I did quite as good a job as a professional doing it for me. Another concern is the little pads that you have to change everytime you use it. Once I run out of the supply that came with it, am I really going to send away for new ones? Same goes for the soothing gel pods. I have a feeling this device will wind up collecting dust in the cupboard. BL: Its days are numbered for me.

I do believe that using any quality brand, one would expect to see an improvement with such diligent cleansing, moisurizing and attention. And I’m pretty sure that as with any beauty product, changes last only as long as one continues to use it.

Kristina is also trying these products and will have her own analysis. Given that we have very different skin types, it will be interesting to see how our results compare. Stay tuned!

Celebrity make up artist Charlotte Tilbury has been riding one big wave of publicity since making a splash with her make up line last year. Having tried many of her products I can vouch for it being among the best. And a few weeks ago her newest addition, “Magic Foundation” hit Canadian stores. I gotta say, it’s the best foundation ever. You only need a smidgen, it gives just the right amount of coverage and stays put all day. One caveat: you must layer it with her Magic Cream for “magic” results.

Magic Foundation: $49.00

Magic Cream:$125

Self Tanner

Just in time for Spring I discovered my new favourite from James Read, a brand I’d never tried. Doesn’t streak. Doesn’t clog pores. And this coming from someone who is too lazy to exfoliate before application. This product will deliver the right amount of colour and doesn’t stink too much. (As so many do.)

James Read Overnight Tan for Body: $64

James Read Overnight Tan for Face:$46

Hair

Unlike skincare products, I think hair responds best to regular changes in shampoo, conditioning and styling regimes. I go cheap most of the time, especially with shampoo, but every once in awhile I splurge on style products. Sadly my hair can be both dry and  limp, leaving me with limited options. Mousse provides volume but leaves my hair looking downright crispy. Too much oily or creamy product and I look like a drowned rat. Enter Oribe. Two products have recently changed my hair life; moisturizing cream for the ends and a the only mousse I have ever tried that doesn’t make my hair dry for the roots. Worth every penny.

Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream: $59

Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse: $46

Pick and choose and try the above products as you see fit. You might be stuck at home eating canned soup for awhile, after spending all your money on beauty products. But you’ll look gorgeous doing it.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

If you’re not getting much sleep these days, or just battle with dark circles no matter how much shut-eye you get, this is one of the best concealers I’ve used. I was introduced to it by Vancouver makeup artist Michelle Goldberg who swears by it.  It’s light-weight while still providing plenty of coverage, all without creeping into those under eye wrinkles.  The bad news, it can be hard to find. I recently had to go to five drugstores before I located my shade. (Sand 20) $10.99*

Maybelline The Falsies Pushup Drama Mascara

When you think push up you likely don’t think mascara. YET! Goldberg introduced me to this one too and I’ve officially said, “See ya” to my formerly beloved and three times more expensive Dior Show mascara.  This mascara does it all – volumizes, separates, slightly curls, and doesn’t clump.  All in under two coats.  I don’t think it’s an especially magical formula, but the thin plastic brush definitely lives up to provocative name.  I like blackest black.  $9.99

Simple Face Wipes

As I’ve confessed in this space before, sometimes I’m just too plain lazy to wash my face at night.  So I love these face wipes by Simple, as they are well-moistened and do a good job of removing the day’s makeup and grime. All without having to step foot into the bathroom! As an added bonus, they’re free of dyes and artificial perfumes, which can irritate sensitive skin.  There are a few types, including exfoliating and radiance but I stick to the basically cleansing wipes.  $9.99 

TRESemme Tres Two Unscented Extra Hold Hairspray

Each time I try another type or brand of hairspray, just to mix things up a bit, I go back to this one. It’s cheap, it doesn’t stink like so many other heavily-perfumed sprays and despite the Extra Hold in the name, it’s not overly sticky at all.  I also love that it comes in travel size, perfect for my purse or toiletries bag come vacation time. $5.89

Prestige Classic Kohl Eyeliner

Whether you want to line your upper or lower lids, this eyeliner gets the job done without tugging at your skin. It’s also the best liner for the waterline, when you’re going for that smokey eye look. I have it in a few colours, but the basic Black is so perfectly inky that it’s the one I reach for most often. And, get this. it’s on sale right now for $3.99!

Cetaphil Gentle Face Cleanser

For when I do actually wash my face… this one has been on my must-have list for as long as I can remember. And I’m not the only one, dermatologists and beauty editors the world over continue to vote it number one.  (According to the Cetaphil website, the product has received over 110 awards.) It’s very gentle and non-drying, and can be used as a face wash or as a makeup remover.  $12.49

Clairol Nice ‘N Easy Root Touch-Up

And this, this saves me more money than any other product. For those of you who are also struggling with those little grey hairs, you know that going to the salon every 3-4 weeks to get your hair coloured is not only time-consuming, it can also get very expensive. This root-touch up is effective, easy to use and washes out after a few weeks, so you can’t mess up too badly.  Or at least, not for too long. And, it’s only $9.99.  It holds me over until I absolutely must head back to the my hairstylist. (I use 5G)

You may be able to find the above products for less.  These prices based on London Drugs online. 

Nevermind. I was thrilled to discover that if you spend time in the snow and you want to look stylish while doing so, now is your time. There are so many options, like my new “apres ski” boots pictured above (Sorel brand’s Joan of Arctic wedge). I love the nod to a classic cross-country ski boot.

So whether you need new boots for digging out your car, walking to the market or sipping a hot toddy by the fire, these are my favourites for keeping your feet warm and stylish while you do it.

Sorel Joan of Arctic boot

Ugg Lodge boot

Ugg Adirondack Boot II

Helly Hansen Iskoras boot

Columbia Heather Canyon boot

Enjoy your new boots. Only 64 days ’til spring!

We got to talking about makeup missteps, techniques and favourite products and I figured that given that it’s party season, I should share Jessica’s suggestions for getting the basics right.

ON BROWS

Jessica: “How important are brows?! THE MOST IMPORTANT! It’s like when you go into a friends house to use the bathroom, if it’s clean you don’t notice, if it’s a mess, you cringe and make a toilet paper seat. That’s like brows. If they are good, you think “wow that woman is gorgeous” if they are a mess you think “I wonder if she’d notice if I turned her into an internet meme.”

Jess says any brow novice must start with a trip to a reputable professional who will follow the generally accepted guidelines for brow shape, which you can find here.

As for colour? I was surprised to learn the way to go is a shade lighter than my natural shade, which helps avoid the “Groucho Marx look”.

Product recommendations:

• eyebrow pencils by NARS and MAC
• eyebrow gel by Makeup Forever
• eyebrow satin by Maybelline

ON FOUNDATION

Jessica: “I’m not a fan of tinted moisturizer. Which I know is a broad stroke, and I’m sure someone somewhere will write me to tell me how they LOVE their specific brand, but, I personally think it’s a bit of a scam. You are basically buying a lightweight, do nothing moisturizer with a smidgen of foundation in it. Why not buy your favourite moisturizer that suits your specific skin needs and a fantastic foundation? Then you can use each on it’s own for occasions that call for it, and mix them together yourself on days when you just want a bit of coverage.”

Product recommendation:

• Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation

ON LASHES

Jessica: “Everyone needs to be curling their eyelashes. And I mean EVERYONE. That’s the number one question I ask my clients and I’d estimate about 75% say no. I told one of my beauties yesterday that I curl mine at least once a day and she laughed and said “People do that!?!” Yes, people do. People like me anyway!”

” Also, if your mascara has a tendency to travel (i.e. smudge), I suggest using a tubing mascara. The original Kiss Me mascara is a good one, but other brands have hopped on the bandwagon and so these days it’s a little easier to find at your local drugstore.”

Product recommendations:

• Dior Show Mascara, in Blackout
• Maybeline (for those who prefer a smaller brush for precision work)
• Shu Uemura eyelash curler

ON CONTOURING

Contouring is the exercise of highlighting areas of the face like the brow line, cheeks and nose and made popular recently by the Kardashian girls.

Jessica: “People have been contouring forever. The Kardashians did not invent it. For the novice, try using a light bronzer and avoid contouring your nose. I promise you, you have a nice nose, leave it alone. Cheek bones and jaw lines are the easiest place to start.”

Product recommendations:

• Soft and Gentle by MAC (apply sparingly to the top of your cheekbones. This has a dramatic “wow” effect in low light.)
• Film Star by Charlotte Tilbury
• Sun Club Matte Bronzer -by Essence

ON EYELINER

Jessica: “The one thing that I notice over and over that people get wrong, is not taking their eyeliner all the way to the outside corners of their lashes. If anything, the liner should slightly extent past the eye and slant upwards. Like a teeny tiny cat eye. A trick to achieve this is to drastically over line your eye and clean up the mess with a q-tip dipped in makeup remover. Picture an imaginary line from the outside of your eye to the end of your eyebrow. Clean up everything below the line.”

“When you are lining under the eyes I recommend keeping your black eyeliner nice and tight to your lashes and use an eyeshadow to bring it down. You can really bring it down as low as you want, as long as you extend it up and out an equal distance on the outside edge of the eye.” (See photo below)

Product recommendations

• Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in Black Ink
• MAC Engraved pencils

For more tips and inspiration and if you happen to be in Toronto and want to book the best make-up artist in the city, check out www.jessicahaisinger.com

The product is “drug-free” and according to the literature contains “the exclusive Marine Complex AminoMar CTM which helps to nourish thinning hair and promote healthy hair from within.” Viviscal also contains a blend of vitamins and minerals (including silica, biotin and a hefty dose of vitamin C) that are supposed to promote healthy hair growth and limit hair loss.  Here’s a good rundown and analysis of the ingredient list.

The dosage is two pills a day for those under 80 kg and three pills for those over. After six to eight months, you can knock that down to one pill. There’s also a Viviscal for men that’s a slightly different formulation, most notably, it doesn’t contain iron.

I’m not the most diligent of pill poppers and sometimes I forgot to take them all together. But when I run my hands through my hair, I do feel like I have more of it.  And I’ve been seeing these little sprouts at my hairline which I’m told are new growth.  (Trust me, they’re there!)

It’s not a dramatic change, but it’s something. One thing I am sure of is that my nails are stronger. They used to break and peel and now they rarely do either and they seem to grow very quickly. (My friend who has only been taking them for a short time is experiencing similar results.)

A word of warning, the product is not recommended for those allergic to soy or fish.  Hence, not a good option for vegans or vegetarians either.  Another downside is the price: a one-month supply of 60 tablets is $60.  Yup, a buck a pop! But considering how much I’ve spent on other hair fortification methods, I feel it’s worth it.

You can order Viviscal online or for those living in Canada, you can find it at Shoppers Drug Mart. If you order via the company’s website, they often have special offers, like a three month supply of pills and a small shampoo and conditioner, both which I found a bit lack luster.

I haven’t experienced any side effects. I have gained a few pounds but I should likely blame the cookies and not the Viviscal.

Am I 100%, stake my life on it, convinced that it’s working? No. But I think it is.  And since perception is everything, that’s all that matters!

If you’ve tried Viviscal, I’d love to hear from you on whether you’ve noticed a change to your hair.

Photo: Note, not my actual car. It looks like this one but mine’s dirty and needs a wash.

My Car

People always stop to ask me how I like driving a Mini Cooper.  Like it? I LOVE it! It’s the first car I’ve ever owned that truly feels like me. It’s perfect for city driving, not to mention city parking.  (Though sometimes I squeeze into spaces too small for my own good.)  It’s cheap to fill up and because I don’t drive much, a full tank lasts about three weeks.  Granted it’s not the most expensive set of wheels and I bought it used, but it has definitely been worth it. And even though it’s a 2004, at only 80,000 kms, I’m not planning on getting rid of it any time soon.

My Coffee Maker

I used to be a french press devotee.  Then I progressed to stove top. Now, I’m a diehard Nespresso fan. It makes good coffee and it makes it FAST.  The machine isn’t cheap (around $300) and neither are the pods, especially as I go through about 2-3 a day. Still, three pods are less expensive than just one trip to the neighbourhood coffee shop.  And while I know this isn’t the most environmentally-friendly way to consume coffee, I dutifully recycle all the pods.

My iPad Mini

When I first received the mini as a Christmas present, I thought I had no use for it and almost took it back.  (I already had a full size iPad.)  But now this baby is my constant companion, even more so than my iPhone.  I use it for emails, to surf the net, watch TV shows and movies when I travel, and, most importantly, to read. Plus, it keeps track of my lists, calories, recipes, music, photos and who knows what else.  Well worth it.

My Mascara

As a general rule, I’m not really into buying makeup.  Yes I wear it, but I keep it pretty simple with just a handful of products and MAC is usually about as high-end as I go. (Even that I get at a discount through a makeup artist friend.) But there is one beauty product I do splurge on and that’s my Dior Show mascara.  It doesn’t clumpy or get gooey and the brush is perfection.

My KitchenAid Mixers

I have a stand mixer, a hand mixer and a food processor, all from KitchenAid.  All in red. They are powerful, effective and have never failed me in the kitchen.  Not to mention that they look as good on the counter as any appliance possibly could.  Keep an eye out for department store sales on this one.

Now my new dryer? That’s a different story. Considering that it takes about two hours to dry two towels, I’m thinking that perhaps I should have bucked up!

I yanked, and I pulled and pleaded with those aggressive little zipper teeth, “Sweet Mary, please release me, I promise never to pretend I’m a size four again!”

I broke into a sweat. Was I going to have to send in a mayday call to the salesgirl womaning the changing rooms? How humiliating. Where was my Swiss army knife when I needed it? (At the store as it turns out. I don’t have one.)

I decided then I was bigger, better and STRONGER than a few slivers of metal and a wee swatch of flimsy fabric. I could handle this. With the strength of a thousand shoppers I ripped those stupid lacy underwear from their steely confinement.

My underwear, now hanging by a few threads, I quickly dressed and hit the pavement. (Zara, if you found a pair of olive pants with a bit of pink stuck in the zipper, I’m terribly sorry, that was me.)

When I got home and assessed the damage, I came darn close to chucking those stupid underwear in the garbage. But something held me back. We’d been through an ordeal together. Plus, they were comfy and cute, and I got them on sale.

I patched those babies up by knotting the ripped fabric and put them back in commission. Slightly worse for wear and at times hanging by a thread, we’re not so different, those Hanky Pankys and me.

Now, whenever I have an important meeting or have something for which I need an extra boost of confidence, I wear what I’ve decided are my lucky underpants. Lucky because they tore just enough to facilitate my escape – but not so much as to rob me of my dignity. For you see, I was wearing a mini skirt that day. Lucky underwear indeed!

I’ve chronicled my ongoing quest for thicker hair in this space quite extensively.   The journey has taken me from clip-in hair pieces, to sewn-in hair extensions and now back again.

I had the sewn-in extensions taken out about three weeks ago. Unlike the last time I tried this, I was fully prepared for the thinness that was going to meet me in the mirror and I can proudly say, this time, there were no tears!

No extensions

I took them out not because they had done any damage but because I needed a break. They’re fairly expensive to maintain and as we’re not shooting any shows, there was really no need to have camera-ready hair at all times.

Now when I go out for anything beyond a dog walk or grocery shop,  I put in the clip-in extensions.  It’s quick and easy and nothing beats the feeling of taking them out and giving my scalp a good scratch!

With clip-ins (Yes, it’s darker now. That’s another story.)

Is it goodbye to sewn-in extensions forever? Likely not.  Keep you posted.  I should add that I’ve started using Viviscal, vitamins that are designed to promote hair health.  After I finish the recommended trial, I’ll give you an update.

HAIR REMOVAL – SILKN FLASH AND GO

At the beginning of this year I started testing the Silkn’s Flash and Go at home laser hair removal system.  As I stated then, I wasn’t finding the product overly effective.  After the blog came out, the company contacted me and advised me to keep using it.  Eight months in, I can say that the hair under my arms is almost gone. (Minus a few strays.) However, the hair in the bikini line area doesn’t want to budge.

I’ll spare you a picture of my underarm.

BREEZ SHOPPING APP

I wrote about breez, Vancouver’s new shopping app in June.  It’s a place to buy and sell used stuff, much like Craigslist or eBay.

I’ve posted quite a few things on the app but nothing sold. Has anyone else had much luck?

I predict that shoes, bags and housewares will do much better than clothing items: it’s quite hard to judge how something will fit from an iPhone snap.  That’s why I’m opting to take some of my fall pieces to my local second hand store instead. I think people need to see, feel and try before they’ll be inclined to buy, especially used goods like these.

That said, I still check breez regularly, always hoping to find that treasure. There have been some great furniture pieces posted lately.

PRODUCTS I’M STILL LOVING

I still swear by Latisse, the eyelash growth product.  (Six years and counting.) I’m perhaps not as diligent about using it as I once was, dabbing it on only a couple of times a week. Until I see those lashes diminishing, then I go into full panic mode and start using it religiously again.

I use Clarisonic face washing brush at least a few times a week. (Three years now.) I definitely feel that it gives me a deeper clean than washing my face with a cleanser.  I advise changing the brush head frequently (3-4 months) and giving the entire unit a good clean every one in a while. I keep mine in my shower caddy and it can get a bit gunky.

My go-to self tanning product is still Jergens (as it’s pretty tough to mess up the application) and I still use Aveeno face products and skin creams.

Ruby in my bed (not the sick bed, thankfully!) 

And I’m saving the most important update for last. My little moppet is doing well, no recent back flare-ups.  I try to limit her jumping and stair activity and so far, so good.

If you have any questions about previous blogs and products covered in this space, please drop me a line below. 

Of course I respect that fashion is art, and that it has a practical element as well makes it all the more interesting. But more than it is art, fashion is business. Very big business. And that means every season designers must reinvent reasons to get us to shop. As a result there are always a few hits we lust after, but also a few misses that would be best left on the runway. And this fall there are some doozies in that department. Here are my suggestions on what to avoid come autumn:

The turtlneck dickie. Seriously? While it is perhaps useful for hiding an aging neck (like mine), this one should be reserved for the ski slopes.

Furry shoes. I get that there’s a comfort theme running through fall fashions, but I’m wondering if the designers who came up with this one were feeling chilly at the time. Aside from looking gnarly, these make me think of the sweaty feet inside them. I don’t think they will do well in the rainy Northwest.

Getty images

Second skin boots. While sexy in a dominatrix sort of way, what if you’re asked to remove them when you go inside? That could be an awkward and possibly undignified experience. I do see the appeal, but I don’t think it’s one that’s easy to wear and I suspect they’ll wind up collecting dust in the closet.

Culottes. I want to love culottes, really I do. And I did when I was 10. But I just cannot get with this trend. Your fashion friends will appreciate your culottes, but I bet your husband won’t (if that matters to you). Opt for long wide leg pants instead, which are also on trend and much more flattering.

But it’s not all bad news for the clotheshorse this season. There are lots of cute flats, red tartan and pencil skirts on the top trends lists. Fortunately I already have all of them covered, saved from the last time they hit the runway.