I got so many packages when I was gone last month in New York.

As soon as I got back to Winnipeg I was greeted with a mountain of boxes, all filled with so many amazing new releases.  The most popular beauty category? Skincare of course!

Seriously, so many brands are upping their skincare game lately and I am all for it.  Best of all, a lot of these products come from pretty affordable ranges, meaning that you can have amazing skin at an amazing price.

So let’s get to it, here’s what you need to try out this month.

Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb and Aqua Bomb

With the weather getting warmer we can finally rid of skin of winter dryness. Belif, which can be found at Sephora and The Face Shop, has a couple moisturizers that will definitely fit the bill when it comes to packing a punch without feeling weighted down.

The brand’s True Cream Aqua Bomb (C$50) is a bestseller and is a lightweight gel-cream moisturizer that gives your skin major hydration while cooling and refreshing it.  It’s perfect for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types, and since your skin is probably still dry from February, this will be a drink of fresh water on your face.

This lightweight gel moisturizer has Lady’s Mantle, which is known for its skin-nurturing properties, Ceramide 3 to help skin retain water, and glycerin to maintain the skin’s moisture levels. The formula also absorbs quickly into skin, making it feel hydrated without a greasy or sticky feel.

Now if you like what you read in terms of the Aqua Bomb moisturizer but need something a little thicker on the skin, then take a look at their True Cream Moisturizing Bomb (C$50).

The Moisturizing Bomb is also a gel-cream that does the same thing for the skin, but is in a heavy cream formula. This moisturizer include comfrey leaf which is an ultra-moisturizing herb that was typically used to heal dry, calloused hands, oat extract to soothe skin, and panthenol which helps skin attract and hold in moisture.

Derma E Acne Blemish Control Treatment Serum and Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash

I haven’t really done a deep dive into Derma E’s products before but when they sent over some acne products to try out, I was instantly intrigued.

In case you aren’t familiar with Derma E, they are a clean beauty brand and one of the largest natural facial care lines in the U.S.

If you suffer from acne or blemishes, then their Acne Deep Pore Cleaning Wash (C$22.99) will probably come in handy. This cleanser is one of their best sellers and helps rid the skin of dirt, bacteria, and excessive oil build up that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.  The star ingredient, like many acne products is salicylic acid, which helps skin cells shed more easily. They pair that with their anti-blemish complex, which is tea tree oil, willow bark extract, lavender and chamomile to help calm and soothe skin.

You can definitely still use this cleanser even if you don’t have acne or blemishes. I find using these kinds of products also help with preventing future breakouts, since we’ve all been there.

If you are looking to take your acne and blemish control routine a little farther, then also take a look at their Acne Blemish Control Treatment Serum.  This serum is also formulated with salicylic acid, as well as their anti-blemish complex to help unclog pores, leaving you with clearer and healthier-looking skin.

The brand recommends using this daily to rid your skin of blemishes, even cystic acne, leaving you with a glowing and healthy-looking complex.

Derma E products are GMO free, cruelty free, vegan, gluten free, soy free, made in recyclable packaging and with wind energy.

Indeed Watermelon Melting Balm and In-Circadian Night Mask

I’ve been a fan of Indeed Labs for a while now since I love how they come out with so many clean alternatives to popular skincare products and they are Canadian!

Brand new from the line is a couple of products, including their first-ever cleanser. The Watermelon Melting Balm (C$24.99) deeply conditions skin thanks to antioxidant ingredients such as watermelon and hemp, as well as fatty acids, and vitamins A & E.

Apply this cleanser to your face to gently break down and wash away dirt, makeup, and oil without stripping or irritating the skin’s natural barrier. It also includes bisabolol, which is a natural remedy for sensitive and inflamed skin, as well as vitamin B5 to condition dehydrated skin. You can use this cleanser with all skin types and it helps to improve skin tone as well.

Once your face is all cleansed and the rest of your skincare is done, throw on the In-Circadian Night Mask (C$24.99), which is an overnight mask that is inspired by the skin’s natural circadian rhythm.  This mask contains lespedeza capitata plant extracts and dawnergy peptide to work with your skin’s circadian rhythm to help fight skin damage caused by environmental stressors, as well as improve skin circulation and complexion, decrease puffiness, and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

When applying this mask before bed it works during the night to lock in hydration and is perfect for those who have tired or dry skin.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep and Confidence in a Cream

Speaking of night-time creams, IT Cosmetics has recently released a night version of their popular Confidence in a Cream moisturizer.

The Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep Night Cream (C$68) is a overnight moisturizer that helps to improve surface cell renewal through exfoliation.  It features their Rest and Restore Technology, with visibly improves five of the top signs of aging skin: fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, dullness and loss of firmness. Apply this before bed to wake up with hydrated, smooth and supple skin. The brand also says that after seven nights of use, fine lines will look more diminished and your skin will feel firmer and look plumper.

This cream is suitable for all skin types and also contains ceramics, hyaluronic acid, and a nice lavender scent to whisk you off to sleep.

Pair this with their original Confidence in a Cream moisturizer (C$63) for the ultimate bout of moisture. This moisturizer helps to transform skin to give you a more supple, healthier, and younger-looking appearance.  It contains Anti-Aging Armour Rejuvenating Concentrate, which combines collagen and hyaluronic acid for a plump appearance.  Apply this moisturizer daily for improved moisture, smoother texture, enhanced firmness, and a reduction in the look of pores and discolouration.

Lancome Renergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Mask

Looking for an extra bougie treat for your face? Then take a look at Lancome’s new sheet mask.

The Renergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Mask (C$29) is a face mask with double-wrapping sheets that are coated with 20 grams of cream designed to firm, radiate and provide long-lasting hydration to your skin.

This mask is suitable for all skin types and is designed to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and tighten skin. The formula includes linseed extract that is sourced from France and helps make your skin feel firmer and look more radiant.

Lancome recommends applying this mask weekly for 20 minutes at a time. At C$29, it definitely is quite a splurge, so I would say to maybe invest in this once a month, if that. I also want to note that the mask is split up into two parts, one for the upper part of your face and the other for the lower. I’ve used a few different masks like these and although it allows you to have a custom treatment (so you technically could get a second wear out of this if you split up the wear), I find it irritating to apply on my face since the top and bottom tend to overlap.  Truthfully, I’m not the biggest sheet mask person in general since I find them tough to stay on my skin, but I know a lot of people like the fact that this can be applied in this way.

Tula Makeup Melt Makeup Removing Balm

You guys know I’m completely obsessed with Tula, so when they recently released three new products over the past month, I needed to get my hands on all of them.

One of the drops was the new Makeup Melt Makeup Removing Balm ($28 USD), which is a stick that removes and dissolves makeup while softening skin.

This travel-friendly makeup remover includes their staple probiotics, plus macadamia seed oil to remove makeup and nourish skin, shea butter to improve skin’s softness, and sunflower seed oil and olive oil to condition and nourish the skin.

All you have to do is rub this on your dry face and then add water to gently rinse off the makeup.  It reminds me of their other cleansing oil, the #NoMakeup Replenishing Cleansing Oil, however, that one is an oil in a bottle, whereas this is in a handy travel-friendly stick. Both do a great job, but if you are looking for something that will take off your makeup on the go, then I highly recommend checking this out. Don’t forget, you can score 15% off your Tula order with code SHAYNA.

L’Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Eye Serum

I loved the original Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil in Serum from L’Occitane, so I was very excited to get in their new eye cream, the Immortelle Overnight Reset Eye Serum (C$65).

This eye serum, which you apply nightly, helps to reduce signs of fatigue, including dark circles, puffiness, and expression lines. First thing you’ll probably notice when looking at the jar are all the tiny little yellow bubbles which are filled with the immortelle essential oil, which fights signs of aging, marjoram extract to help awaken the skin, and acmella oleracea extract that helps skin look smoother.

Apply this nightly to wake up with more rejuvenated eyes.

Mary Kay Cosmetics TimeWise Microdermabrasion Plus Set

Want younger-looking skin and smaller-looking pores? Then take a look at Mary Kay’s new TimeWise Microdermabrasion Plus Set (C$60).

This set includes the brand’s Microdermabrasion Refine, which is an exfoliator that immediately energizes skin by removing dead skin cells from the inside and around the edges of pores, as well as their Pore Minimizer, which reduces the number of pores on your skin.

Pair these two products together two to three times a week to improve your skin’s texture. With regular use you’ll start to notice fine lines disappearing and your pores appearing smaller.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost collection

Finally, for the skin, if it’s in need of some extra hydration, then take a look at Neutrogena’s new Hydro Boost items.

Based off their facial Hydro Cream, the Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream (C$9.97) brings together advanced facial hydration to body care to give you supple, hydrated skin. The moisturizer, available in a regular and fragrance-free version, is ultra-lightweight in texture and contains hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate skin by holding up to 1,000-times its weight in water.

This cream feels really nice and soothing on the skin, and best of all, it doesn’t have that greasy feel to it, so you can apply it in the morning and then get dressed right after.

If you are looking for something more heavy duty for extremely dry skin, try their new Whipped Body Balm (C$9.99), which is also a lightweight formula, but is more velvety in texture.  It also has hyaluronic acid and helps to lock in hydration.

Finally, for the hands, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream is a great item to toss in your bag and keep with you wherever you go. This has the same lightweight gel-cream formula as the other two products and helps to soothe dry hands.

As you can see, there is no shortage of new skincare products, whether it’s for your face, hands, or body, to try out this March. This month is particularly wonderful since it means longer days and the start of melting snow. So get ahead and prep your body for the spring season early with these amazing products.

What’s in your skincare routine for March?

Please note, this post contains products sent by PR. All opinions are my own.

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If there is one lip colour that I totally bought into, it’s Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk.

What started off as a lipstick quickly evolved into just about every colour cosmetic out there, with the brand releasing two eyeshadow palettes, an eyeliner, a lipliner, and a blush. The most wearable way to wear it though? The OG lipstick of course!

I’ve chatted about Pillow Talk before on here and if you are looking to rock it the original way, then get your hands on her Matte Revolution lipstick (C$39). This lipstick formula contains trees and orchid extracts to soften, protect, and hydrates lips, leaving them looking younger and healthier.  It also have 3D glowing pigments to create an illusion of being lit from within and making them look wider and fuller.

To add a little more oomph to the lips, top the Matte Revolution lipstick with her Pillow Talk Diamonds Lip Topper (C$39) which is a shimmery lipstick that can be worn alone or overtop of another lipstick. This topper contains mineral-based pigments to capture and reflect light for a multi-dimensional glow. It also has sunflower seed oil and hops extract to nourish and condition the lips.  Worn alone it looks very shimmery, but when layered over top of the Matte Revolution lipstick it adds a glossy effect. I also find, as seen in the photos below, when you pair this with the lipstick it makes your lips look more plump and it mutes the colour out a little bit, so if you like nudes like me, then I think you’ll really love this combo.

Finally, if you are looking for a little shine, then take a look at her Lip Lustre Gloss Magic (C$28), which is available in numerous shades, as well as Pillow Talk. This gloss contains a light-reflecting formula that makes lips look plump, whereas the velvet lustre finish feels comfortable on the lips and not sticky.

I would also say that this shade does look a little lighter applied to the Matte Revolution lipstick, but since I typically gravitate towards pinky-nudes, this one is right up my alley. The formula also contains lotus flower extract to soften and condition the lips, film former to enhance the wear and longevity of the product when applied, and glossy ester to give your lips a glossy finish.

If you are looking for the ultimate Pillow Talk look, then try pairing the lipstick with the Lip Lustre for a beautiful pinky-nude lip.

Charlotte Tilbury doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon with her Pillow Talk releases  since she also recently announced her Collagen Lip Bath in the iconic shade, as well as her Beauty Light Wand and a whole range of complementary Pillow Talk colours in her Matte Revolution line as well. Clearly the shade is on a roll here and having tried it in multiple products in her line, I can honestly say that it’s definitely worth the hype.

With so many items to choose from, it won’t be hard to find the right Pillow Talk product for you.

Have you tried any of Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk products?

Please note, products provided by PR, all opinions are my own.

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• The big glow: Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm collection
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When you think of NARS, mascara probably doesn’t come to mind.

To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever thought about if they even had a mascara. When I think of NARS, blushes, lip gloss, concealer, and foundation are the first things that I think about. With such an array of beauty products in their amazing line up though, it comes as no surprise that they have a mascara, and they also recently released a new one as well.

As one of two mascaras in their line, NARS released their Climax mascara (C$32) a couple years ago in 2018 and true to the brand’s controversial names, they also named it with sexual innuendos. Climax comes housed in a sexy red packaging and opens up to a mascara that is designed to give you voluminous lashes that won’t clump or smudge.

The formula is very lightweight and leaves lashes feeling soft, not hard, thanks to its Lash Moisture Complex. The brush itself is full bodied and has ribbed bristles that capture and coat each lash for a dramatic effect.  This mascara only comes in one shade, Explicit Black, but leaves lashes looking dark, long, and thick.

Overall, I liked this mascara and I think it does a nice job of making your lashes look long. I also like how soft they feel. Overall I don’t think this does a better job than my fave Too Faced Better Than Sex or even some of the other mascaras I have been trying lately (IT Cosmetics and Fenty Beauty), but it does the trick nicely. Like I said, mascara clearly isn’t high on the radar at NARS but this mascara does a fine job of making you look like your lashes are nice and long, I just don’t think it performs any better than it’s prestige counterparts or even some drugstore mascaras lately.

Have you tried NARS’ Climax mascara?

Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.

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