Category: Beauty

It might still technically be Summer for a little while longer, but that Fall feeling has arrived. As the temperature starts to cool, the days get a little shorter, and the kiddos head back to class, it’s a great time to turn the focus on yourself and your skin.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it definitely deserves some TLC. Beyond being a barrier it also helps regular temperature and protects us from the elements. But even the healthiest skin needs a little help.

Fall and Winter are notorious for dryer air. That, combined with turning on the heat indoors, can lead to dry, flaky, itchy skin. The solution? Exfoliate.

Regular exfoliating (with scrubs, chemical exfoliants, and dry brushing) not only helps to remove dead skin but can also help unclog your pores and encourage collagen production, which is the key to plump and glowing skin. Hit up Sephora or The Bay at Willowbrook for your essentials.

Now it’s time to moisturize. As cool weather sets in, look for a moisturizer that’s thick and gentle to lock in moisture without stripping your skin or smothering it in heavy oils. Remember to wash your hands before applying your products to avoid introducing and spreading bacteria around your face and body.

Just because the sun seems to have gone away doesn’t mean you can skip the sunblock. SPF is an essential skincare step, even in the winter. Invest in a purse-size bottle of SPF stick, like this one from Sephora, to keep in your purse for easy applications on the go.

Is there anything worse than chapped lips? Hardly. Protect your pout year-round with lip treatments like a nourishing lip mask or a gentle scrub to help exfoliate those pesky little flakes. And while some lip products may smell good enough to eat, resist the temptation. Licking your lips repeatedly can cause further dryness and irritation. Just let the balm do its job!

When in doubt, treat yourself and trust the experts! Book time for a massage or reflexology in our ToeToSoul Relax Lounge. The benefits of massage are extensive—relaxation, improved sleep, better circulation, to name a few—and there’s nothing like making time for yourself in a quiet and soothing space. Plus, the pros can make additional recommendations about what products to use at home and treatments that will benefit you.

No matter what your Fall fun times entail, with a few simple product swaps you’re sure to look and feel your best all season long.

Whether you’re a makeup veteran or a newbie who’s learning the ropes, there’s one thing we can call agree on: it’s hard to compete with a bold red lip. Achieving that classic Hollywood look doesn’t have to be tricky, time-consuming, or require a ton of products.

It starts with the prep. The key to a smooth, even lipstick application is in how you prep your lips. Use a gentle sugar scrub to exfoliate and buff away any flaky skin, then put on a light coat of lip balm. Taking care of your lips, even when you’re not wearing lipstick, is a good step to incorporate into your routine and keeps your pout plump and looking fabulous.

When it comes to lipstick, your options are nearly limitless, especially at Willowbrook. But the wealth of variety can make it hard to choose. Knowing your undertones and shade range can help you find a red that’s flattering and compliments your features well.

The first step is to know your undertone—warm, cool, or neutral. If your veins look green or olive and gold jewellery looks more flattering against your skin, you likely have a warm undertone. Reach for an orangey-red or deep wine shade to bring out and maximize the natural warmth in your skin.

On the other hand, if your veins appear blue or purple and silver is more flattering against your skin, you’re likely a cool undertone. Try a blood-red or berry shade with blue tones for a bold, striking look.

Neither seems to fit you? You may have a neutral undertone, usually accompanied by blue-green veins. If that’s the case, you can’t go wrong with a tried-and-true classic red that’s absolutely timeless.

Are you a glossy gal? A matte babe? Lipsticks come in a variety of formulas and finishes, each with its own pros and cons. If you’re looking for a set it and forget it product, consider a liquid lipstick or matte finish which tends to hug the lips better. Gloss products and satin finishes provide more hydration and shine, but you might need touch-ups after eating and drinking. Whatever you choose, be sure to use a lip liner before applying products to help create definition, enhance the colour, and avoid product bleeding beyond the border of your lips.

Remember, lipstick wipes off. Experiment, enjoy, and as Coco Chanel once said, “If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.” Lipsticks are in abundance at Sephora, Hudson’s Bay and Merle Norman. Stop by and pick up your next best colour.

Summer and sunscreen. They go together like cold drinks and a warm breeze, or a margarita and salt. But when it comes to picking the right sunscreen it’s important to understand the different types—mineral and chemical—and their pros and cons to make sure you’re sun safe all summer long.

Mineral sunscreen sits on top of your skin and creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. This type of sunscreen works as a layer of tiny mirrors that deflect and scatter both UVA and UVB rays to protect you.

Since mineral sunscreens are a form of physical protection, they’re effective immediately after they’re applied, making them a great choice when you’re in a rush, on the go, or wrangling busy kids who want to enjoy the sun. Mineral sunscreens can be sweated or rubbed off so be sure to be generous in your application to ensure you’re covered and reapply often.

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed and sit deeper in your skin. This type of sunscreen absorbs UV rays, changes the rays to heat, and releases the hit from your skin—pretty neat, right? Since they’re absorbed, chemical sunscreens may not need to be reapplied as often as their mineral counterparts, but, they require more time to be effective. If you’re reaching for a chemical SPF be sure to allow 15-20 minutes before your sun exposure to make sure you’re adequately protected. Chemical sunscreens can also be problematic or irritating for sensitive skin. If you’re prone to sensitivities or have conditions like rosacea or hyperpigmentation, you may want to pass.

No matter what option you reach for, it’s key to make sure you apply your SPF liberally, evenly, and often. In fact, properly applied sunscreen that’s a lower SPF can be more effective than a higher SPF that’s not done right. And while sunscreen can come in many forms—sprays, sticks, even makeup—there’s no excuse to skip this step. Protect yourself, protect your skin, and party on in the sun, safely. Get your next favourite sunscreen at Sephora, Hudson’s Bay or Nordstrom Rack.

Anyone in the beauty community can tell you brows are a hot topic and an important feature. From sharply defined arches to soft, fluffy and natural looks, there are countless ways to achieve whatever brow style you’re after. But, if you’re looking for something more permanent than daily cosmetics, you may want to consider nano-blading, and the technicians at Merle Norman Cosmetics will be your new go-to!

Nano-blading is a form of semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing that is used to create shaped, full brows. Unlike micro-blading, nano-blading uses fine and flexible pins to deliver pigment and create thin strokes that mimic natural hairs, with less trauma to the skin.

Techniques used in nano-blading not only thicken the appearance of your brows, but can also aid in re-shaping the brow, and filling in thin spots. Because the pins are incredibly small, or micro, the application is precise and extremely accurate, and with proper aftercare, the results can last for years.

When you begin your nano-blading journey, a Merle Norman Cosmetics technician will consult with you to determine your desired eyebrow shape and colour. From there, they’ll mark out the shape, tidy up your natural brows if necessary, and apply a numbing cream to the area being bladed. Then it’s time to nano-blade and fill in the area with fine hair-like strokes to give you the brows you’ve always wanted.

During the healing process, your brows may look darker than you anticipated. This is totally normal and in just a few weeks, your nano-bladed brows will blend seamlessly with your natural hairs.

Once everything is fully healed it’s important to see your technician again for a follow-up. At this point, your trusty technician will evaluate how your nano-blading healed and may make a few final adjustments or additions to ensure your brows are nothing less than perfection.

PROMOTION

Pssst…while you’re thinking about brows, Merle Norman Cosmetics is offering Twelve Dollar Tuesdays for the month of May. Get your brows done in-store for only $12 and say hello to a whole new look*! Visit in-store for more details. *offer not valid on micro or nano-blading.

We do cardio for our heart health; take fish oil for our brains; wear blue light glasses to avoid eye strain. But what about our skin?

Skin is the largest organ in the human body and it’s more than just a covering. Our skin is a barrier that protects us, warms us and regulates our temperature, and is one of our body’s first lines of defence. It’s time to treat it right—especially in the winter.

Say it with us: MOISTURE. Hydrating your skin is vital not only to its look (Hello healthy glow? It’s us, we miss you.) but its functionality. And moisture starts internally. Getting enough water is a key component to the health of your skin overall (and there’s tons of other health benefits to drinking water, too). But it’s hard to trade in a vanilla latte for a bottle of Evian. Try adding some sliced fruit like lemon, lime, or strawberries, to your water, or a few sprigs of mint to easily and naturally flavour your drink. Or look for liquid collagen (aka the beauty vitamin—great for skin, hair, and nails) and vitamin mixes you can add to your glass of H2O giving you the benefit of internal hydration with an extra kick. Find them at Nutrition House.

TLC wasn’t wrong when they said, “I don’t want no scrub” but the scrub we want belongs in your bath or shower routine. Scrubs are an effective way to exfoliate, removing flaky dead skin cells to brighten your complexion and release your inner glow. But remember to be gentle—avoid using scrubs on delicate skin like your face and don’t overdo it or you can cause microtears. The Body Shop has an incredible range of scrubs for you to choose from.

Mask up. No, not just when you leave the house but at home, too. Face masks can be a great boost of hydration and relaxing way to soothe and care for your skin. Plus, there’s something out there for everyone no matter what your skin type or product preference. Step into Sephora and try traditional mud masks, luscious gel, or go quick and convenient with a ready-to-go sheet mask.

Seek out a specialist. When it doubt, consult with a product specialist or aesthetician to learn more about what products to use (and avoid) and how to care for your skin. With the right products and a set routine, we know you’ll love the skin you’re in.