Amp Up Your Skin

12 / 16 / 1612 / 10 / 16

As everyone in Calgary knows, it has been weeks with wind chill in the unhappy -30 degrees Celsius range, with no chinook to break up the bitter cold, unless you count Chinook Centre. Recently I did join the hoards of Christmas mall walkers, but despite the indoor exercise, the extreme temperatures outside seeped into the atmosphere. With every step, strands of hair zapped my cheeks with electricity. Brushing it meant auditioning to be the poster girl for any science center with a static electricity ball. Yet, during this entire deep freeze, my sensitive facial skin has been blissfully unaffected.

Why? Because of these little pods, packed with powerful recovery concentrate, including includes ChronoluxAI technology. Estee Lauder suggests using them every night for two weeks, whenever your skin is stressed. Winter in one of the driest climates in North America seemed like the optimum time to twist an ampoule and spread oil all over my face before bed.Normally, at this time of year, my skin is pasty, and shadows under my eyes demand makeup. But I caught sight of myself in the mirror a few days ago, and wondered if I had somehow gotten a tan. My skin has a glow to it that usually never happens this time of year, unless I’ve been polo-ing it up somewhere warm. An ampoule each night is more than enough to amp up my skin’s softness, and retain moisture. I was hoping the Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules might eradicate a few wrinkles, but they don’t quite go that far. However, radiant skin with a plumped-up appearance is a major step in the youthful direction.

Estee Lauder Fall Preview

9 / 25 / 16

When Estee Lauder invited me to preview their fall collection, I had to go. Not just because they were holding it at Hotel Le Germain, which includes the most amazing chocolate chip cookies as part of their catering, but because Estee Lauder products are some of my absolute faves. They never affect my oh-so-sensitve skin adversely, and always make me feel beautiful. Here are my top picks for most intriguing products.This luxurious Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift collection promises to be worth the splurge. The Estee Lauder experts doled out dollops to try on the backs of our hands, but I couldn’t resist smoothing it into my laugh lines.Estee Lauder has developed an intensive two-week program just in time for dry Calgary winters. Advanced Night Repair micro ampoules promote mega impact. Used nightly, they will rapidly renew the look of over-stressed skin, helping to strengthen its resistance against future assaults. Sign me up.I didn’t expect to see tea on display on the third floor of Le Germain. But the Moringa seed is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Estee Lauder uses the extract in several products to help open aging pathways, clearing the way for collagen production.Estee’s latest perfume release in their Modern Muse line was also on hand for sampling. The official description of Le Rouge Gloss goes a little something like this: succulent fruits, flowers, a hint of spice and a sensual, fearless edge of supple leather with dark woods. Because if you’re going to edge something with leather, throw caution to the wind.Estee’s Double Wear line is an innovative approach to foundation – especially if you’re on the run. The slim jar-slash-stick combines liquid makeup and applicator in one.My final pick of the preview comes from the other Lauder — Aerin. Granddaughter of Estee, she’s a creative powerhouse in her own right, putting her personal touch on a makeup line, handbags, even furniture. Otherwise known as a Global Lifestyle Brand. Her latest perfume is Tangier Vanille, a heady scent inspired by Aerin’s own travels through Morocco, from the palaces and gardens to the legendary bazaars we’ve all heard about. Perfect level of exotic to get you through any Monday to Friday mundane-ness.

Thanks for the preview, Team Estee! And the cookies. All of them.

Fave Fall Lipstick

10 / 9 / 14

If lipstick grew on trees, I’d want a deep berry foliage flourish of Confident, one of Estee Lauder’s new limited edition Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipsticks. It will be lacquering my lips this weekend as I negotiate multiple turkeys. It’s Canadian Thanksgiving!Just when I was thinking the crotch of my new Schubert Chokecherry was a dangerous place to position an open lipstick, my go-to neutral for every day hit the dirt. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Estee has named this rich brown with hints of mulberry Dangerous. However, no danger of this happening in your purse with the magnetic lid. Let your lipstick do the dirty work for you at family gatherings. Happy Thanksgiving!

Blogger’s Eye View

3 / 5 / 133 / 5 / 13

Us bloggers spend a lot of time staring at the keyboard — might as well keep the view fresh! Will Heavy Petals withstand Heavy Typing?

My nails are wearing Coral Cult and Absinthe from Heavy Petals, Estee Lauder’s newest nail lacquer line. These delectable shades derive from the left brain of Creative Makeup Director, Tom Pecheux.

Tom says he was inspired by the palette of pastels that fill Paris in the spring: “I thought of amazing bouquets from the flower markets, the pretty pastels of children’s carousels and the pops of color from macaroons.”

What? Not my laptop in Calgary, Tom? Oh well, different keystrokes for different fashion folks. I want to try that absinthe-flavored macaroon, by the way. Because I’m assuming you didn’t source that color at the carousel.

Limited edition – get it at Holt Renfrew now while you still can. You can also find Heavy Petal hues at The Bay and Sears. No hating on the self-manicure please. It’s not part of my personal skill set.Mmmm, Cult Coral. The alliteration alone whets my whistle. And my nails are still chip-free after fervent fashion tapping.