Make your skin glow

There are thousands of skin care products on the market, ranging from a few dollars to nearly $1000.  Does price guarantee results? It’s an interesting question.

I have used several brands over the years. I was recently on a web discussion board, where women were discussing their skin care regimens.

I scrolled through the posts and realized that most women use modestly-priced products. Neutragena soaps/cleansers appeared frequently. Many like Estee Lauder’s Night Repair Serum Complex II, Clarins, Olay and La Roche Posay. Interestingly, no one mentioned La Mer or La Prairie – which are the $300+ skin care products.

Since everyone is looking for something different from their skincare, you need understand what skin conditions you are trying to address or prevent.

(BTW my hands-down favourite skin care product is Coppertone SPF 30 or higher. So be sure to include sunscreen as part of your skincare routine.)

Here are some products that I have used and personally found good results:

Reversa combines anti-aging SPF with glycolic acid. Great for daytime.

Caudalie offers a luxurious line of natural skin care, centred around the benefits of resveratrol.

La Roche Posay has a great daytime lotion that includes SPF.

Avene Physiolift Wrinkle Filler really works to reduce the appearance of lines. Test it on your “elevens” the vertical lines most people have between their eyebrows.

Estee Lauder Night Repair Serum has a great reputation and glides on silky smooth.

What are your favourtie skin care products?

Top 5 tips for buying gifts for mom

Mom and Grandma are so special and you want to get them something for Christmas or Hanukkah that’s just right. It can be tough to get gifts for people who are older. They either have everything, or have fewer needs, especially if they’re now retired.

Here are my top five tips for getting gift giving just right.

What are mom’s interests? Find out by checking her Facebook page or Twitter account. We live our lives online now and much can be learned from those social media accounts. Does she talk a lot about gardening or reading? Maybe she loves music or dance.

What size does mom wear? Check her closet. Look inside clothes for labels, check her shoes for sizes. That way you’ll be sure to get her things that fit.

Check mom’s closet for clues

What styles does mom wear? Are there common themes in mom’s wardrobe? She might be a girly-girl who loves ruffles and lace. She might be a sporty-type, with a closet full of athleisure wear. Take your cues from her existing wardrobe.

What does mom covet? Maybe she’s always wanted to experience high end skin care products. Maybe it’s a designer handbag – get your dad and siblings to chip in. Giving mom these little luxuries can leave a lasting impression. Pay attention to the things she sighs over when flipping through magazines.

Caudalie skin care

What if mom is unsure? Well, you can always get her a gift certificate to a style workshop with me! A two-hour Discover Your Style session is only $149 + GST and it’s a great way to help mom take some well-deserved time for herself. Just click on Style and Personal Branding.

There are lots of ways to show mom and grandma that you care. It starts with paying attention to the clues she leaves.