Loulou's views

Now that summer is here, many of us are getting ready to go on vacation. I can't wait to hit the beach again in Miami, and just relax, because it's been such a busy few months and I need some time to unwind... and enjoy the sound of the waves with sand between my toes. I've put together a list of my must-have travel essentials, and showcased them on CTV Ottawa. I think these are the perfect items to pack along with you for your vacation. Here's what you shouldn't leave home without: La Roche-Posay sunscreen: La Roche-Posay is a trusted name in skincare worldwide, and their Anthelios sunscreen, both for children and adults, provides incredible protection against the sun's harmful rays. The company has also come out with the My UV Patch , to make it easier for everyone to understand and track the amount of UVA and UVB rays they're being exposed to. Just download the My UV Patch app, apply the ultra-thin sticker to your skin, scan it, and let technolo...

Mother's Day is coming up this weekend, and even though we should celebrate moms every day for all the work they do, (truly, it's a 24 hours a day job... forever!) it's nice to give something special to the moms in your life—or to treat yourself to a little something sweet, too. I will say there is no gift greater than being a mom, and I feel blessed every day to have two little wonderful people in my life who love me very much.  The greatest gift of all is being a mom to my amazing boys. I love giving practical (and affordable) gifts for most occasions, products I know will be used and loved. Here are some great suggestions on how you can spoil mom this Mother's Day, without breaking the bank: Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner: Why not put together a hair and beauty package with some great products you can pick up from the drug store or grocery store for an easy gift every mom will love? The new Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Con...

I like changing up my beauty routine every few months, and now that it's almost spring, I love freshening up my make-up bag. Flawless skin is always in fashion, no matter the season, whether you're going for a matte finish or a dewy glow—and achieving a good base is key, along with properly moisturizing your skin. After all, we had a rough winter and we're all in need of some major moisture repair and brighter shades of colour to welcome the warmer months back into our lives. I thought I'd share some of my must-have products from Olay and COVERGIRL that are sure to become spring essentials: C OVERGIRL truBlend Bronzer: If your vacation tan is fading, you can still keep the glow going! For a bronze goddess look, use this bronzer as the final step after you've put on your make-up. For a look that glows even more, mix the bronzer with your moisturizer to add some shimmer and all-over colour. The truBlend Bronzer provides a natural looking glow and comp...

I'm not ashamed to admit how many beauty products I have in my bathroom, and no, I don't think it's an unhealthy addiction to be obsessed with skin care and beauty products. On the contrary, I think as we get older, taking care of our skin and changing up our beauty routine should be a priority. I love experimenting and trying new products, and there are two things I'm looking for when it comes to skin care: 1. Proper protection from the sun's harmful rays. 2. Skin care that's designed to help keep my skin look youthful. To the rescue:  Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream with SPF 30:  This cream provides UVA/UVB protection, reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and skin looks and feels firmer in days. Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Moisturizer with SPF 30:  This moisturizer fights the signs of aging, like age spots and dryness, like minimizing the look of line and wrinkles, and firms skin with continued use. Bonus? The build-in SPF 30. ...

I am a P&G mom. As part of my affiliation with this group, I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities as well as compensation. The opinions in this review are, as always, my own. As a P&G mom, I receive many great product that I put to the test every day at home. The great thing is, I've always loved using P&G, so this partnership has been the most natural fit for the last couple of years. Crest is the only toothpaste we'll use, Pantene is the best conditioner for my over-processed, naturally curly hair, (seriously, nothing works better than Pantene, and as a beauty blogger, believe me when I tell you I've tried every high end hair care product out there!) and well, we couldn't live without our Bounty paper towels. From kitchen essentials to beauty essentials, P&G is the name I know and trust to never disappoint. I put a few products to the test and I'm here to tell you: you need these in your life! Swiffer Duster...

I was in Toronto yesterday for a Red Carpet Grammy Viewing Party with P&G , in partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart. I had a great flight into the city with Porter Airlines, as always, and arrived to my hotel with enough time to relax and get ready for the big Grammy party. Outfit of choice? My new Free People dress—perfect for this event. A little flow-y, a little fun, a  little flirty—and perfect to mingle in! It was a night of glamour and fun as we watched the stars arrive on the red carpet (how cute were Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez?), dished on the best looks of the night, and talked about the best hair products and make-up to wear on the red carpet—and every day, really. We talked fashion, hair, and make-up with ET Canada reporter Sangita Patel , Pantene Pro-V hair stylist Justin German , and COVERGIRL make-up artists Veronica Chu . These three know a thing or two about achieving the right look, and listening to them talk about their favourite beauty looks a...

What is age, really, but a number? Although I'm in my late thirties, I don't feel a day older than twenty-something. I love when people ask my age and always guess years younger than I really am. Yes, age is just a number, and more and more, Canadian women aren't feeling defined by their chronological age—and why should we? Olay recently unveiled their Ageless program—an initiative that explores how Canadian women and women around the world  think about aging and what their expectations are when it comes to beauty. There is no denying I'm in my late thirties; after all, I get excited when 90's music plays on the radio, I wore jeans with safety pins, teased my hair, loved Who's The Boss and Growing Pains , and rocked out to New Kids On The Block. My favourite bands include Tom Petty and The Eagles, and I shed a tear when David Bowie passed away. I went through the awkward teenage stage that I look back and laugh at now (bright blue eye shadow, anyone?). ...

It's time to face reality—summer is (pretty much) over. I know, right? Wasn't it just yesterday I was writing about summer and how much I loved living again? After months of carefree living in nothing more than flip flops and little dresses, it's time to start thinking about fall clothes and make-up. Thanks summer, for being awesome—from BBQ's to concerts to pool parties and a trip to Greece, it was amazing. But now, I have some shopping to do! (I love September, and not just because it's my birthday month.) Boots, sweaters,  jeans, and some new make-up will help you bring your fall look together. Fall is the perfect time to experiment with new beauty products, trying on different shades, and doing something a little different with your hair, or even just giving your hair some much needed  love—after all, if you spent all summer in the sea and in pools, your hair is probably damaged. It's easy to keep your daily beauty routine simple enough so that you ...

I'm pretty sure nobody loves summer as much as I do—seriously, after the long, harsh winters we have, I cherish every sunny and warm day because they sure don't last long here. I am outside for more hours than I am inside—swimming as much as I can with my boys, enjoying backyard BBQ's,  soaking up the sun on patios with friends, and drinking lots of sangria. And beer. You know, summertime stuff. I keep a more simple beauty routine in the summer, but I still make sure I'm taking care of myself. Olay and Crest are my go-to staples because Olay helps keep my skin hydrated (and protected) and Crest helps keep my smile shining bright through my summer days and nights. I love the new Olay Total Effects moisturizer (with 40% more vitamins) which has the highest level of Niacinamide in an over-the-counter Olay skincare product. To help brighten my smile, I love using Crest Luxe Supreme FlexFit Whitestrips . They are super easy to use and offer great results. The strips u...

Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own. Summer is finally here, and so are the wonderful days of lounging outside on patios with friends and family, backyard BBQ's, swimming with the children, enjoying evening soccer games, and, of course, shopping for a new summer wardrobe (hello, dresses!) and new beauty products. When you're getting ready to head out, whether it's for a date night at a romantic Italian restaurant, or a girls night out on a patio, COVERGIRL and Olay can help bring out the most beautiful you. (It is amazing what a little make-up can do!) I love the Olay Total Effects Anti-aging Moisturizer. This new formula has 40% more vitamins and the highest level of Niacinamide in an over-the-counter Olay skincare product. Pretty awesome. This new anti-aging moisturizer is a must-have when you're shop...

After hectic mornings getting the kids out the door for school—a time I cherish, despite how busy it is—I take the scenic route to work. The weather has been perfect, and I love that I'm surrounded by so much beauty on my drive. Windows down with my favourite music playing is always a great start to my day. May is my favourite month, because it's the beginning of summer.  Nothing makes me happier than stepping outside in a little dress and feeling the hot sun on my skin. Sadly, spring and summer go by in the blink of an eye, and because of this, I do as much as I can to take it all in, by staying outside as much as possible. Sunny skies, hot temperatures, and a light breeze... absolute perfection. Nights on patios with friends, pool parties and backyard BBQ's, vacations... all things to get really excited about. Here's something else to get excited about: a spring and summer beauty routine. Now that the harsh months of winter are behind us, it...