The Shopping Channel

For several months now I have been drooling over the Lipstick Queen Jean lipstick and gloss on my favourite American beauty blogs - I have actually had it in the back of my mind that I needed to track down a way to get my hands on it - as it turns out, it was easier then I thought it would be - The Shopping Channel carries Lipstick Queen - hurray!

I wear jeans pretty much everyday so it makes perfect sense to me that I should own lip products to match them!  The colour looks quite strong in the tube but actually goes on sheer, I had to apply quite a bit just to have some colour show up in the pictures so don't be thrown when you see it in the tube by thinking it's too bright for you - on the other hand if you like a bright lipstick, you will be disappointed.
Lipstick Queen Jean Lipstick - $20 - this lipstick has a lot of moisture to it so it would also be a great choice if you like a tinted lipbalm - it's sheer so you need to build it for more colour and if you don't like a lot of colour, you will be happy with one coat!
Lipstick Queen Jean Queen Lipgloss - $20 - the gloss has more colour and is again very moisturizing but not sticky.  The only thing I'm not crazy about is the tube - it's a squeeze tube with a brush on it - I would have much preferred a brush wand or even if they had to have the brush attached, a click tube - I'm always afraid I'm going to squeeze too hard and have a gloss explosion!  (please excuse how it looks on the upper right hand side in both pictures, it looks like I didn't apply it there but it's actually just because of the way the light was hitting it)

And here's some great news and you're like me and feel you need both - The Shopping Channel offers the lipstick and gloss as a set for $26!  You can go to http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/category/beauty.do?e=1&Ne=100025&N=100038+134038 to check it out!

Here it is as promised, the super amazing Pür Minerals Thanksgiving weekend horn of plenty bonanza!  Up for grabs are 3 prizes worth $150 each full of fabulous Pür Minerals products (not necessarily the ones pictured, but ones just as good if not better)!  You will be able to enter once each day, as well as tweet once each day for an extra entry!  Better yet, Pür Minerals is calorie free (unlike pumpkin pie)!

The contest is open today, tomorrow and Monday.  Canadians only please!  All you have to do to enter is leave your answer to the question in the comments section along with your e-mail address - if you tweet or blog, let us know that too in a seperate comment! Your skill testing question is - What is The Shopping Channel's Today's Showstopper, the best value of the day (remember the answer will be different each day)?- You can go to www.theshoppingchannel.com to find out(and to drool over all the great things you might win)!  And make sure you check out The Shopping Channel - Monday, October 11th when Pür Minerals is launching new products - because it sure beats watching football!

Heads up Canadian Pür Minerals fans - come visit us October 9, 10 and/or 11 to enter the super amazing Pür Minerals Thanksgiving weekend horn of plenty bonanza!  We will be giving away 3 prizes worth $150 each full of fabulous Pür Minerals products (not necessarily the ones pictured, but ones just as good if not better)!  You will be able to enter once each day, as well as tweet once each day for an extra entry!  Better yet, Pür Minerals is calorie free (unlike pumpkin pie)!

The contest opens at 12:01am Saturday morning and there will be a question relating to the new Pür Minerals products launching on The Shopping Channel on Monday, October 11th - you can go to www.theshoppingchannel.com for a beauty refresher (and to drool over all the great things you might win)!

Is there anything better then discovering a wonderful new beauty brand that you've never heard of before?!  It's like putting on a jacket that you haven't worn for awhile and finding a twenty dollar bill in the pocket!  My newest discovery, thanks to the Shopping Channel is Dalton Cosmetics.  Founded by Dr. Doris Dalton who when she couldn't find a natural looking and long lasting product for her eyebrows that she lost while battling thyroid cancer,  did the logical thing and developed her own.  Not only does she correct issues with product performance in her line, but also packaging design flaws as she did with her Fresh Coat Mascara, the first airless mascara - with a dual-chamber design that keeps air out of the tube so it doesn't dry out.

The line is based on genuine necessity, reflecting issues her and other makeup addicts come across daily - and bless her for that!  Here are a few of the products in her line:

Fresh Coat Tinted Primer with SPF 20 - $32 - an oil-free formula that eliminates skin imperfections, colour corrects and nourishes your skin.  Can be worn under makeup or by itself.  Has a silicone polymer blend that smoothes away lines and wrinkles and makes pores disappear.  Contains colour correcting pigments to help even skin tone and reduce the look of skin discolouration and redness.  Enriched with a powerful anti-oxidant composition including Japanese green tea, grape seed extract, vitamin C & E to combat the signs of aging while promoting cell health and elasticity.

Don't be scared by how dark the product looks, even on a pale face like me, it disappears and does really does a nice job of evening out your complexion.  This would be great on its own if you have nice skin but if you have major flaws to cover, you will want to use this as a primer with your foundation on top.

Mirage Blending Powder - $42 - a lightweight, finely micronized powder that will not cake or lay in lines or wrinkles - the powder softly blurs or blends away any makeup mistakes, redness or minor imperfections as well as sets and perfects your makeup application.  It helps to even out and smooth the appearance of your skin's texture and minimize the look of pores leaving you looking flawless.

I have much love for my Make Up For Ever HD Powder and it's the powder that I always compare others to.  This Dalton one has the same soft silky finish but it's a natural colour unlike the white colour of MUFE which makes it much easier to apply.  You know how you have to blend the hell out of the MUFE one or it leaves a whitish cast on your skin?  Dalton doesn't have that issue and it gives you the same airbrushed look.  MUFE had better watch out, I just may have a new fave!  What is also nice is that it comes with a specially designed Face Form Brush which has been laser cut to hug the natural curves of your face.
Deep Line and Crease Diffuser - $31 - to hide and conceal unwanted expression lines as well as blemishes, age spots, freckles, redness, discolouration and uneven skin tone.  Contains Dermaflex, a unique combination of ingredients that are designed to flex and move with your skin while providing high diffused reflection that dramatically reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.  As well as a superior refractive index that improves the appearance of clarity in the skin.  Combined with Hyluronic spheres that help to retain your skins moisture and special amino acid treated pigments that help to improve the longevity of colour and coverage.

It's not mentioned as a place to use it, but I have been using this under my eyes to get rid of the tired look I have had lately and the reflecting properties do a great job of combating that little problem too!

You can check out the Dalton Cosmetics line at www.theshoppingchannel.com.

MD SkinCare by Dr. Dennis Gross Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum - 30ml - $112 - with an 18% Vitamin C complex - a lot of vitamin C products don't have much of the actual vitamin in them so I was happy to find this one - 18% is a decent amount!  The packaging is great, to use it the top swivels and then pops up to show the pump, when you close it, the pump swivels back down - this way no air can get in and mess with the active ingredients.  I did find it quite thick for a serum, so I actually used it in place of a moisturizer as well, which was fine for me during the summer weather, with sunscreen on top of course!  I had heard other people complain that it was very irritating, burned and felt stingy but I didn't experience any of these issues - I would recommend doing a test patch first to make sure you aren't going to react - get Sephora to make you a little sample of this first so you don't shell out big bucks for something that isn't going to work for you!  I definitely did notice that my skin looked brighter and felt smoother when I was using it, so I'm a fan!  My only disappointment with it - it doesn't smell like citrus, which I love in Vitamin C products!

And Canadians will find it easier to get their mitts on the line - The Shopping Channel is now carrying it!  They don't actually have this serum, but if you are a fan of the line, they do have some of the line's other products.  You can check it out at www.theshoppingchannel.com And of course you can also find the line at Sephora and selected The Bay locations including The Bay at 2 Bloor Street, Toronto ON - go to the store locator to see all of the other retail locations - http://www.dgskincare.com/locator_js.cfm

Avon Anew Clinical Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum - 30ml - $60 - brightening gel helps remove dull skin cells to visibly retexturize the skin's appearance.  Anti-Dark Spot helix is formulated with injectable-grade L-Aspartic acid to help inhibit pigment production that causes dark spots.  Instantly makes skin look brighter and more even-toned.  Formulated for all skin tones and types.  Use every evening after cleansing and before moisturizing.  Again I found this way too thick to be called a serum -  I never used moisturizer on top, it was enough moisture for me on its own.  I thought the texture was very silicon-like, much like a face primer.  I really like the overnight factor with this one, waking up with bright, soft skin before I even do anything to myself in the morning is a big improvement over my usual early morning look!  I did find that this serum felt very greasy on the oily parts of my face so I ended up using it very sparingly in those areas.

Available through your friendly Avon rep 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca
Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner - 125ml - $34 - if you are super oily and prefer not to use serums you might want to try a toner instead.  Use it 1 to 2 times a week and make sure you use your sun protection as the AHA's in it may increase your sun sensitivity.  It also contains tamarind for gentle exfoliation and white nettle to refine enlarged pores.

And if you're still looking for more brightener reviews you can check out a couple of my other favourite brighteners which I reviewed previously:  NeoStrata Intense Skin Brightener and Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

There are lots of volume building products on the market - being a fine haired girl, I'm sure I've tried most of them!  What I've learned is that my best bet for hair that looks thick and luxurious is to start off with a good volumizing shampoo and conditioner, if they're crap then nothing else I add to my hair will do any good!  And what the worst offenders do is leave a film of product behind, which I guess is supposed to make your hair look fuller but it just makes mine look dirty, so my most important criteria is a product that rinses clean! Here are four that I can recommend:

Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner - 250ml - $42.00/set - a lightweight daily shampoo that gently cleanses and hydrates fine, limp hair, increases the volume of fine hair without weighing it down and adds texture and shine while the conditioner adds lightweight body and shine to fine, limp hair and helps detangle and condition without weighing hair down.   They contain Ojon Oil which is rich in essential lipids that repair damaged hair, seal the cuticles and prevent future damage; and Peruvian Amaranth which has a high protein content that helps seal the cuticle to increase body and thickness as well as provide fine hair with essential nutrients needed to gain strength, fullness, shine and flexibility.


I knew I would love these when I saw the tagline "Like a mega-phone for fine hair"!  The only thing that concerned me was if they would have the typical Ojon smell, which isn't my favourite.  I can tolerate it in small doses but I don't think I would want it in a shampoo.  Not to worry, there is a faint hint of it, but it mostly smells herbal to me - a little bit of lavender combined with other herby things, I really can't but a finger on it exactly but I find the scent very pleasant.


This line is launching over at The Shopping Channel tomorrow so there is a special launch price of $36 for the set - so it's a great time to give it a try! Check it out at www.theshoppingchannel.com


John Frieda Full Repair Full Body Shampoo and Conditioner - 250ml - $10.49/each - has a bodifying formula with Inca Inchi Oil which is rich in omega-3 repairs the look and feel of overworked hair for full, flowing styles.  Weightlessly smoothes and detangles strands, reducing the risk of breaking and snagging when combing or brushing.  Safe for colour-treated and chemically-treated hair.  This is John Frieda's newest line and already a favourite of mine!  There is a whole collection that you can check out here.

BēYü Über Volume Cleansing Creme - Strawberry Candy - 250ml - $23  - with organic chamomile and black walnut - gently washes your hair while boosting it with volume, body and shine.  Safe for colour treated hair. Über Volume Conditioning Creme - Strawberry Candy - 250ml - $23 - with organic wild cherry bark and hibiscus protein - detangles your hair leaving it incredibly bouncy and light. They had me at the scent - "Strawberry Candy" - it truly smells delish! It's good incentive to keep the conditioner on longer too! Available online at: http://www.beyuculture.com/Shop.html

Sebastian Volupt Volume Boosting Shampoo - 250ml - $23 - contains cushioning-particles to provide a volume boost and soft touch. With natural bamboo extract. Colour safe.
Volupt Volume Boosting Conditioner - 250ml - $25 - with micro-lite technology.  Shields-in volume with lightweight softness.  With natural bamboo extract.  Colour safe.

This is a great shampoo and conditioner, don't get me wrong, but what is extra genius is putting them in different coloured bottles!  I don't know about you but light is not my friend first thing so I tend to take my morning showers in the dark and I don't know how many times I have washed my hair with conditioner and vice-versa - never have that problem with these!

It's beauty week over at The Shopping Channel and I am pleased as punch to have a week full of beauty porn with new brands as well as old favourites - participating will be: Neutrogena Dermatologics, Korres Beauty, Tips Nail Care, Perricone MD, Agran Magic, David Evangelista, 100% Pure Cosmetics, Angellift Beauty, Juice Beauty, Tan Towel, Ion-Infusion Skin Care and Elizabeth Grant. 

I was particularly happy to hear that my beloved Dalton Cosmetics would also be featured!  I loves me a pot gloss and this Dalton Cosmetics Colour Creme Lip Gloss Set is adorable!  They sparkle, they shine and are the perfect texture - they even come with this cute little retractable brush! And all for $34 - can you say S-T-E-A-L!  Of course even better than stealing is winning -  hmmmm, I think that came out wrong but let's just go with it!  And because I want you to have everything that I have (except my husband), I badgered the nice people at The Shopping Channel to let me give away 5 of these sets to my beloved and loyal readers - and just to shut me up, they said yes!

This contest is open to all our lovely Canadian readers and will end on Sunday (March 20th) at 11:59pm when we will randomly draw 5 winners (oh, let's be serious, I'll be fast asleep at midnight on Sunday, but I will do it first thing Monday morning)  To qualify, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post letting us know you follow (sign up through Google or Facebook are on the right hand side of the page if you don't) and what beauty brand The Shopping Channel carries that you either love the most or are most interested in trying! If you have never explored all the brands there, you will be amazed!  Check it out at -
http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/Beauty/pages/category?nav=N:100038
And be sure and leave your e-mail address so we can find you!  Please also let us know if you tweet the contest for an extra entry!

For your own beauty porn fix, be sure to check out the Beauty Rules shows tomorrow (March 15th) on The Shopping Channel running at 9am, 2pm, 6pm and 10pm.  You can also check the program guide, check out the Dalton Cosmetics line or any of the other wonderful lines on the website at www.theshoppingchannel.com

Serious Skin Detailer - $59.95 - a complete, age-defying facial that identifies and finely details-out all aspects of visually aging skin.  It layers three specialized formulations to systematically: micro-peel and evacuate pores with skin brightening acids; flood the skin with effective antioxidants and nurturing skin hydrators and soothers; and draw-in and close-tight squeaky-clean pores for a tightened and unbelievably smooth appearance. After just one use, your skin will look and feel noticeably different.  Perfect to use before a special event and/or as part of your weekly beauty regime.

When I saw this set came with a little dish and brush, I knew right away that I would love it - skincare that comes with little dishes or brushes or that I have to mix together myself is my kryptonite - it makes me feel like a skin scientist or something - I know, I'm so easy to please!  Despite all of the different products, it's very easy to use - all you do is add a dropper and a half of the step 1 bottle into the dish and then brush it all over your face and jaw line.  Wash out the dish and brush while you wait 3 minutes then add a dropper and a half of the step 2 bottle into the dish and brush that right over the first layer.  Wait another 3 minutes and wash it all off with a damp washcloth.  Immediately after removing steps 1 and 2, apply a mask of step 3 all over and let it set for 3-5 minutes - remove with a damp washcloth and splash clean with cool water. Then prepare yourself for super soft skin - it will be hard to resist constantly touching your face!

The product name really makes me laugh, and when I use it, I can't help but think of myself as a car being detailed.  I haven't quite decided what kind of car though, am I a flashy sportscar? An import?  Anything but a minivan!

Now I don't have sensitive skin or anything but I did notice that the area around my nose where I tend to be slightly sensitive tingled when using this product so I would recommend doing a patch test first if you are concerned.  Also keep in mind that this product may make your skin more sensitive to the sun so be certain you wear sunscreen if you are going out afterwards.  I probably wouldn't use this right before a special event as suggested because my skin was slightly red for about an hour after using, also when my skin feels that clean, I hate to put makeup on it!

You can find the Serious Skin line at The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com

If you love your regular Burt's Bees lip balm you will be pleased to know that they now come tinted!  Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm - $7.99 - available in 6 shades: Honeysuckle, Tiger Lily, Pink Blossom, Hibiscus, Rose and Red Dahlia - with a light pear flavour they contain 100% natural ingredients including botanical flower waxes from Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine as well as Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Beeswax. Burt's Bees products are free of petrochemicals and synthetic ingredients and are never tested on animals.


Korres Lip Butter - $13 - available in 7 colours: clear, jasmine, mango, quince, plum, pomegranate and wild rose - love the smell but I don't love the pot, I don't mind regular lip balm in a pot but I'm not a big fan of sticking my finger into coloured products!  Available at Sephora and you can often find sets of butters on The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com
FusionBeauty LipFusion Balm lip conditioning stick - $24 - in 5 colours: clear, berry, bitten, buff and butterscotch - FusionBeauty is the latest line to make it's way to my Shoppers Drug Mart and I have to say, I am loving all of it - my eyes are drawn to the display every time I walk in the store!  I love how classy looking these balms are and how super moisturizing they are!

Do you have a favourite tinted balm that I need to try - I love to discover new ones I haven't tried!

Skyn Iceland is the only skincare line designed to treat the effects of  stress on the skin and they feel that the most stubborn complexion problems are caused by accumulated chronic stress.  They can't help you with the stress in your life, but they can address and alleviate the visible effects of stress on skin! 

My newest eye cream love is their Icelandic Relief Eye Cream - 14g - $49.50 - triple-acting eye cream combats three major issues: deep under-eye lines, dark circles and puffiness, due to stress-related oxygen and nutrient depletion.  It contains: Vitamin K - to help increase circulation and lighten dark circles; Rice peptides - to help destroy the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin in the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles; Orange peel - to help reduce puffiness; Iclandic kelp - to revitalize skin and help fight inflammation; Cotton powder - to act as an optical diffusier, filling fine lines and wrinkles and brightening the eye area for a refreshed appearance; Biospheric Complex - a proprietary blend that delivers the unmatched purity and vital nutrients of Iceland's natural resources (water - mineral-rich Icelandic glacial water, earth - indigenous Arctic berries and air - oxgenated liposomes, butterfly bush and thyme extracts) to restore and rebalance stressed-out skin; and Angelica archangelica - an Icelandic botanical and a relative of ginseng which has been proven to be highly effective in preventing infection and protecting against numberous environmental stressors.

I love how cool it feels when I apply it which makes me feel like it is getting to work right away on the puffiness and I also appreciate how it is free of all the stuff I like to avoid: parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, phthalates, formaldehyde and paraffin.  After having used it for a few weeks now I feel like my eye area does look more refreshed!  I don't get really dark circles but I don't even have the slight ones anymore and my eyes don't seem as puffy first thing in the morning, and by mid-morning, the puffiness is totally gone.

You can find Skyn Iceland products at Sephora, Victoria's Secret Direct, Murale, skynICELAND.com and www.theshoppingchannel.com.  And if you tune in to The Shopping Channel tomorrow at 11am, 3pm, 6pm and 11pm they will be featuring the products which is a great way to learn more about them!

I plan on trying more products from this line, if anyone has any recommendations for ones I shouldn't miss, let me know!

Men can keep their dirty magazines and movies - my porn is beauty programming!  

Today (Friday) brings us Perricone MD including the bane of the last 30 days of my life:
Perricone MD Super Berry with Acai Dietary Supplement - $70 for 30 packets - you may recall that I took a 30 day Super Berry challenge which I have just finished- as much as I complained, made faces while I drank the stuff and was generally whiny about the whole thing, damned if I don't feel better!  My energy level is impressively high and I feel really healthy - especially considering all the wretched, flu-ridden people there are around me!  I'm looking forward to watching the segments to see what else they have on the go!  You can catch the segment at 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10pm.


Tomorrow (Saturday) get set to enjoy some hair porn:
David Evangelista Beauty - $19-$50 - David Evangelista believes that beautiful hair, like beautiful skin can be achieved by using the right products and after years of research he thinks he's come up with them!  Containing a proprietary HMM-7complex - a unique multiplex of stimulating and reparative peptides, emollients and anti-oxidants to protect the health of the scalp and hair.

The product line includes:
Cleanse - formulated specifically to rid the hair and scalp of dirt, excess sebum, dust, sweat remains of styling products and a host of unwelcome elements on a daily basis leaving nothing but clean, shiny hair in its place.  Appropriate for daily use
Hydrate - infuses moisture back into the entire strand of hair while maintaining the optimum pH balance required to help repair and reverse damage.  Revitalizes lost hydration and drenches the hair and scalp with fortifying nutrients and humectants, keeping hair hydrated all day long.
Scrub - dual purpose scalp and hair treatment that gently rids the scalp of everyday impurities including product build-up, loose dandruff flakes and environmental factors such as pollution and debris, leaving the scalp and the hair cleaner than using an ordinary shampoo.
Exfoliate - even more intense than Scrub - it works deeply to carefully balance the scalp and control oil issues.  Much like a deep facial scrub, it's recommended for once a week use to prep the scalp for the week ahead.
Plump - lifts and holds hair at the root for intense volume, dimension, texture and body.  it adds hair restoratives to improve the health and vibrancy of your hair as well and improves and protects the hair from UV damage.
Contour - a leave-in styling treatment that provides long lasting styling and control.  it conditions and protects for an optimal styling experience.
Define - the ultimate curl potion that will define each and every ringlet, and tame and smooth waves for shiny, frizz-free curls.
HD Hold - a holding spray that allows hair to behave and feel naturally soft to the touch

Segments will be running at 8am, 1pm, 6pm and 10pm.  For more info or to view show times you can check out www.theshoppingchannel.com

How about you - are you a fan of beauty segments or does it make your dialing finger too itchy?

With all this craptastic cold weather going on my skin has gone all schizo and can't decide anymore if it's combination, dry or really dry!  I don't like to use a heavy cream to combat dryness so one of the best ways I've found to deal with it is a moisturizing mask.  It's an easy thing to use once or twice a week to get everything back in balance again!  Here are a few that I have been trying:





Etival Urgen-C Hydrating Surge Mask - 110g - $20 -  contains cucumber and chamomile extracts to help prevent irritation, vitamins A, D, E, K, Pro-Vitamin B5 and CoQ10 - a quick acting solution for all types of severely dry skin - leave on 5-10 minutes - this mask has been a godsend especially around my nose which gets really dry and flaky in the cold! The line is exclusive to Shoppers Drug Mart so it's the only place you will find this - Etival has a whole line of products for dry skin as well as other skin types!
NeoStrata Intense Moisture Rescue Sheet Mask - 8 single use masks - $40 - contains hyaluronic acid - a polymer naturally found in healthy skin that instantly helps to replenish the skin's moisture and provide long-lasting hydration benefits as well as a blend of botanicals that replenish the skin's moisture barrier while enhancing its protection. - leave on 20-30 minutes - my friend Patricia says it makes her look like Jason from Friday the 13th - so if you are thinking about a Halloween idea for next year this is a great disguise and beauty treatment all in one go!  You could also cut it in half and do a Phantom of the Opera bit! I am personally a big fan of the whole sheet mask concept, it's less messy then a traditional mask, you don't have to wash it off - you just rub the excess product into your skin when you remove the sheet - so you could conceivably use it anywhere - I'm thinking this would be a fun thing to wear the next time I fly - airplane air is so drying...
Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Masque - 20g - $1.99 - made with real chocolate, it contains cocoa butter and shea butter to hydrate and Dead Sea salt to heal - leave on 10-15 minutes - It smells yummy but I can now tell you from experience that it does not taste good (don't ask)! I love single use masks - although unless you have a giant head (like Christelle) you could stretch one of these to a double use (or use with a friend) I also like this line because you can find a mask for any skin problem or dilemma that you could possibly experience so rather then having to commit to a whole tube you can just buy a handful of single masks to treat everything!  Available at Walmart, Rexall, Jean Coutu, Loblaws, London Drugs and most independent drug stores.
Borba Replenishing Quench Masque - 75ml - $35 - contains paraffin to soothe and moisturize shin and lychee, ginseng, aloe, cucumber, apricot and soy to heal flakiness and roughness while collagen, silk and elastin fiber activate to form a physical moisture barrier keeping the skin supple and healthy. - leave on 4 minutes - I absolutely love the texture of this mask and it really feels like it is working hard to moisturize your skin!  Available from The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com
Origins Drink Up 10 minute mask to quench skin's thirst - 75ml - $25 - contains Algae Extracts and Apricot Kernel Oil - leave on (duh) 10 minutes - you can really smell the apricot in this mask which I love and the concept of it quenching my skin's thirst amuses me, I imagine my skin with a little straw drinking it...I have issues, I know... and if you are looking for something even more heavy duty there is also a Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask for the same price.
Lise Watier Skin Destress Moisturizing Mask - 75ml - $29 - leave on 10 minutes - this is from the collection that came out in the spring, if you combine it with the scrub beforehand, you won't believe how soft your skin feels after the mask!  I like that this is a moisturizing mask for all skin types - which might mean that it's not intensive enough for really dry skin - but for skin that is just needing some extra moisture on occasion, it's perfect!

So is there an amazing moisturizing mask that I'm missing out on? Fill me in!

To celebrate the launch of Perricone MD Super Berry with Acai Dietary Supplement on The Shopping Channel January 21st, I was asked to participate in a 30 Day Super Berry Challenge which I began about 2 weeks ago.


I have one thing to say for starters, the stuff might make you live longer, but the taste will make you wish for a quick demise.  You are supposed to mix it with water (I've heard that it dissolves better/faster in warm water) and drink it like that, which I did the first day but it took everything in me to choke it down so since then I've been cutting it with juice, about half a glass of water, the other half juice.  My husband suggested adding Raspberry vodka but I pointed out that it might negate the healthy attributes - he's not convinced.

So after two weeks is it working?  I have to admit that I do feel more energetic, especially in the morning when I would normally drag a little - I will get back to you on the 21st when I have finished them all and give you my final thoughts and if anyone else has tried it, I would love to hear what you think!

Mousse is a really easy way to give fine or limp hair some body, you just need to make sure that it doesn't dry crunchy or leave a flaky film on your scalp.  Another thing I've learned, don't be cheap with the mousse, you need a good amount of it for it to actually do it's job!  Here are a few of my favourites:

Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse - 142g - $21 (or $17.85 on The Shopping Channel right now) - body boosting, naturally moving for all hair types- this was recommended to me as the best mousse ever and I can't say that I disagree, this gives me such great body that I forget I have fine hair!  I don't love the smell but it doesn't linger so that's not a deal breaker!  Get it while it's on sale at www.theshoppingchannel.com

Pantene Mousse for Fine Hair - Maximum Hold - 187g - $5.99 - boosts strands for all-over volume that lasts - creates invisible support for fine hair structure, volumizes by lifting hair at the roots, locks in your style with all-day humidity protection - out of all the drugstore brands I've tried, this one is the best.  I find that sometimes with the less expensive ones, they dry very crunchy but this one doesn't.  The volume isn't as impressive as it is with some of the pricey brands, but for the cost it's not bad.

Phyto Intense Volume Mousse - Medium Hold - 200ml - $23 - adds body to all hair types, especially fine and limp hair - creates structure, increases volume and controls the style - contains Acacia collagen, a moisturizing active ingredient which hydrates hair while protecting from environmental stresses, as well as a natural UV filter. It smells great and I really did find this one hydrating, I even used it without my leave-in conditioning spray and didn't notice its absence!  Phyto products are available at Sephora.

Rene Furterer Volumea Volumizing Foam - 200ml - $25 - brings body and structure to fine and limp hair - contains natural carob extract to create volume in the hair from root to end - an anti static ingredient provides a controlled look - hair is soft, shiny and regains a natural and flexible volume. I don't love the smell but I sure do love the amount of volume I got from this one! Available at Sephora.

I am a big fan of a super minty foot cream but I know some people aren't so I thought I would investigate what is out there that is non-minty:

Avon Foot Works Pomegranate & Chocolate Moisturizing Foot Cream - 100ml - $7.99 - with pomegranate and cranberry extracts to help soften skin - I wasn't sure how I would like this, I love chocolate but I'm not sure that it's something I want my feet to smell like.  The cream smells more fruity with just a hint of chocolate - I really like it.  My only complaint would be that it's not as greasy as I prefer a foot cream to be (this is the only part of my body that greasy is preferable for me) so I have been using 2 layers of it to get optimum moisture - the lack of grease does make it good as a hand cream too though.

If you like the smell it also comes as a Soothing Foot Soak - 100ml - $7.99 or Smoothing Foot Scrub - 100ml - $7.99

Elizabeth Grant Camphor Hand & Foot Cream - 100ml - $20 - they warn you right on the tube that it's strong smelling, so I was expecting something like what my grandmother's house smelled like that camphor/mothball combo, but I didn't really find it that bad at all.  I don't like it as a hand cream, to me it's a foot cream smell - but if you don't mind the smell, it does absorb easily so would be fine for your hands too. Available through their website at www.elizabethgrant.com or at The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com

L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream - 150ml - $30 - with a light lavender scent to relax you, this cream protects, soothes and hydrates your tired feet.  It has a non-greasy formula that quickly absorbs into your skin, leaving it silky smooth while repairing dry, rough skin on your feet and heels.  While it's true it's not greasy - it is really thick, so I am a big fan of this one!  And of course it's part of our L'Occitane giveaway, so if this sounds like something you want to try, be sure to enter here!
If you just don't like foot cream there is another option - Airplus Spa Footie - $5.97 - it's a fuzzy little sock that is infused with a combination of aloe & Vitamin E - keep your feet warm and moisturize them at the same time!  Available at London Drugs, Walmart and Zellers.

There is still time to enter and win one of two Clarisonic Classic Skin Cleansing Systems, so don't miss out on this fabulous prize!


If you have that horrible affliction where you are allergic to free stuff - no worries - The Shopping Channel Today's Showstopper is this Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System - everything you see for only $129.29!  Best part is the colours it comes in - choose from: turquoise, berry, green, pink, purple, white, yellow and kelly green!  Check it out here!

And if that allergy clears up - come enter the contest before midnight, you can find it here!

I have a deep, deep love for dry shampoo due to my fine hair.  You see the problem with fine hair is that many professionals say that you shouldn't wash it everyday but I find that when I don't wash it, it just ends up looking kind of limp.  So I am forever testing out dry shampoos, many of which are excellent!  I've tried the Oscar Blandi Pronto Original in the past - you know the one that is an actual powder and I didn't love it because I found the whole powder thing kind of messy.  Then they came out with the Pronto Spray which is great and suitable for light coloured hair but now that my hair is a darker auburn I was thrilled to see that they now have Pronto Invisible for dark hair which sprays clear.  Of course any hair colour can use it but dark haired ladies who have been unhappy with their dry shampoo because of the whitish cast it can cause, will be thrilled!  I have tested it out and can assure you - no white!

I have gotten Oscar Blandi products at Sephora in the past but it seems to be pretty hit and miss as to whether they would have them in stock or not so how pleased was I when I discovered that The Shopping Channel carries some of the line including the new dry shampoo!

Oscar Blandi Girl-on-the-Go Set - $35.50 - includes the dry shampoo (142g) as well as the Instant Glossing Cream (125ml) which is perfect for my fine hair because it adds shine without adding any weight as well as taming frizzies and flyaways!

I also tried out the Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray - for volume, hold & shine - 192g - $25 - its key ingredient is sugar, which it never would have occurred to me to add to hairspray but apparently it is a natural humectant and moisturizing ingredient, helps make hair more manageable and static-free.  It also contains honey extract - a natural source of anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids to nourish hair, vitamin E - a powerful anti-oxidant that helps protect hair from environmental damage and panthenol (Vitamin B5) to plump and moisturize the hair shaft, making it appear thicker and reduces split ends.  Despite a couple of "sticky" sounding ingredients, it left my hair totally touchable and it smells great!  There was also a set with the full sized hairspray as well as a travel size (52g)  for only $2 more and will give you one for your purse for touch ups!

I also came across this product when I was poking around the site which I thought was different - Pronto Colore Root Touch-Up & Highlighting Pen - $25 - in 6 colours.  It's waterproof, free of ammonia and peroxide and has conditioners in it.  I just think it looks like an interesting (and quick) alternative to using a root-touch up hair colour or those grease sticks that can look so unflattering.  Any one ever tried this or something similar to it?

The set includes: One Base (0.176oz), Essential Palette (4 x 0.06oz), Eye Pencil (0.027oz), Lash Activator Mascara (0.12fl oz), Beach Blush (0.042oz), Reverse Lip Liner (0.027oz), Classic Lip Gloss (0.106oz) and is available in light, medium or dark all for only $39!  You can check it out at: www.theshoppingchannel.com/cargo
Stila Travel Palettes - $13 - are too cute for words - 4 eyeshadows and 1 Convertible Color that can be used for lips and cheeks - perfect if you only have the tiniest of purses!  The latest from the Travel Palette collection is Fabulous in Fiji with eyeshadows: R&R - light blue, Escape - blue, Palm - green, Wave - navy blue; and Plumeria Convertible Color.  Available at selected Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques.  They seem to have the other 4 on sephora.com but not this one.
If you're more about "Go big or go home" then the Sephora Blockbuster Palette is the one for you!  Some might argue that that point of a palette is too be portable and good for travel - but what if you were going someplace for a long time?  Sure you could cram as many individual pieces into your makeup bag as possible but you are sure to miss out on some colours - this way you have every possible colour known to man - just sayin'...!  Since I am not planning any long trips anytime soon I am treating this palette more like a giant crayola box for grownups: 98 eyeshadows from neutral to bright, 70 lipglosses, 6 cream eyeliners, 2 lip liners, 3 eyeliners and a mascara - there are endless possibilities! This would also be a great Christmas present for the teen in your life just getting into makeup - I think I would have died from happiness if someone had given this to me when I was 13!  And at $62, you really can't go wrong!  Available from Sephora and sephora.com (obviously)!

The Shopping Channel is celebrating one wonderful year with Clarisonic on November 17th and we've decided to start the party early!

Want to know about the guest of honour?  I can speak from personal experience on this one, I bought my Clarisonic a year ago and it's one of the best beauty investments I have ever made!  I can really feel the difference with how my skin feels when I use it compared to when I don't.  It also does a much better job of removing makeup!  Other Clarisonic benefits include: soft, smooth skin, better cleansing means products absorb better, reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes, reduces the appearance of visible pores, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Of course, what's a party without presents and what's a Clarisonic party without Clarisonic presents?!  How about your very own Classic Clarisonic?!  Better yet, let's give away two of them!

Included in each prize pack worth $237 is:
Clarisonic Classic 2-Speed Brush and Charger
Brush Head for Sensitive Skin
3 x travel size cleansers - Nourishing Care Cleanser (30ml), Gentle Hydro Cleanser (30ml), Refreshing Gel Cleanser (30ml)
Bonuses: Gentle Hydro Cleanser (6oz); Brush Head for Normal Skin, Brush Head for Delicate Skin

Want one?  I know stupid question!  Just leave us a comment letting us know what Today's Showstopper is and you are instantly entered.  You can find that info at www.theshoppingchannel.com  You can enter once a day!  For extra entries:  Tweet this contest (once a day), post it on your blog, "like" The Shopping Channel on Facebook, follow The Shopping Channel on Twitter and make sure you leave us a post letting us know you did it.

This contest is open to Canadian followers of Beauty Crazed - if you aren't a follower it's easy to sign up - you can follow through either Google or Facebook Networked Blogs - both signups are in the right hand sidebar!  Contest ends at midnight on November 17th.

And make sure you tune in to The Shopping Channel on November 17th for a great Clarisonic deal and to help celebrate!  And of course you can get a shopping fix anytime 24/7 at www.theshoppingchannel.com