Loulou's views

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've been using Tide purclean for several months, and I'm loving it. (Especially the Honey Lavender scent). As a mom of two very busy boys, it seems like laundry is never-ending in my home, but it's nice to know I'm using a product that's better for our environment. I wasn't sure if Tide puclean would work as well as original Tide, because it's a "green" detergent; however, Tide purclean doesn't compromise green for clean—even though it's the first bio-based detergent with the cleaning power of Tide that we've all come to trust and love. To celebrate this step in the right direction, Tide partnered with Canadian singer-songwriter and advocate for the environment, Nelly Furtado, to introduce the brand's new partnership with WWF-Canada, in support of the "Count For Nature" movement, which encourages Canadians to help wildlife thrive by taking action to benefit nature. “As a parent, I consider the products, and their...

The bigger the better, right? I think so. Especially when it comes to shopping and stocking up on the things you need. Like cosmetics, books, handbags, jewellery... oh, wait—necessities, right. I love shopping at Costco for all the things I mentioned, but also for the true necessities like food and household items. Fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, bread, cheese, crackers, and awesome party platters that are perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Costco is also my go-to store for Tide, (I do so much laundry, I NEED Costco-sized Tide bottles!) Pantene, Crest, and Bounty paper towels. It's amazing how much money I save simply by shopping at Costco. A brand-new Costco just opened its doors in Barrhaven and I had a chance to get a personal look at the huge warehouse store a few days ago at the pre-Grand Opening VIP party—and I was impressed! It's got all the things you'd normally find your local Costco store, but more. Because it's brand-new, there are some extra ...

They say you get addicted the moment you walk through the doors, and I have to say that was true for me. The first time I went to Costco, I didn't know what to except, but I knew it was going to be huge, and I'd be saving money. What I didn't know was just how many amazing products were available at incredible prices—until I started shopping. Costco has become one of our favourite places to shop for all the necessities we need—from food items like bread and cream cheese, to meat and fruit—and it's also the perfect place to stock up on school snacks, vitamins, and books. (The savings on books is worth it alone for me!) Of course, Costco is also my go-to store to stock-up on my favourite P&G products like Tide, (the really, really big Tide detergent containers are the best!) Pantene, and Bounty paper towels—since we go through what feels like a roll a day. A brand-new Costco is about to open its doors in Barrhaven, and it's getting people excited. If you...

Over the last several years, I've been very conscious about making wiser environmental decisions in my home, and teaching my children the importance of helping the environment any way we can. I love how much they know about the importance of recycling, and why we use energy efficient light bulbs. From the classroom to home, they are making smart decisions and learning along the way. We shop organic as much as we can, and bring reusable bags to the grocery store. It's the little things we do on a daily basis that will have a positive impact on the next generation and help reduce our carbon footprint while keeping our planet a happy one. One area where I haven't completely made the switch to "green" is with my household cleaning supplies. Many of the products I use contain chemicals that are harsh—but effective. I'm actively looking at how to make the switch to products that are better for our environment and for ourselves. However, I don't want to sacri...

Summer is all about travel and no matter how hard I try to not pack too many items in my suitcase, packing my beauty essentials is something that's non-negotiable for me. Even when I'm on the road, or on vacation, I always pack my Crest 3D whitening strips and toothpaste. Having a white smile is always important to me—even while on vacation or when I'm travelling. This summer it's all about the 2016 Rio Olympic Games , and I love that Canadian athlete Brianne Theisen-Eaton is sponsored by Crest—the only toothpaste I use! Brianne knows a thing or two about travelling and being on the road all the time. Here are some of her useful travel tips: 1. Adapt yourself to the routine of your destination's time zone as soon as possible. (This is not always to do, as I've learned when travelling overseas with my children, but it sure does help get everyone used to the new time zone sooner.) 2. Check the expiration date on your passport—make sure you've got enou...

Disclosure: I am a P&G mom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and have been compensated to put Tide to the stain test. The opinions on this blog are my own.  Ah, the joys of summer... with only a few weeks left of school, my boys are definitely already taking advantage of the gorgeous weather we've been having—by spending all their time in the great outdoors, being kids. Bike rides, playing at the park, soccer games, shooting hoops, and swimming. Without a care in the world, as it should be, when you're a child. I truly love watching them be kids, despite the fact that they don't seem to care how very dirty they get when they're running around the soccer field. Grass stains? Check. Juice-stained shirts? Check. Of course, none of this really matters because they're having such a good time, and also, I know these stains won't be tough to get out, because I've been using Tide Ultra Stain Release , and it does the job...

Disclosure: I am a P&G mom ambassador. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and have been compensated to put Tide to the stain test. The opinions on this blog are my own.  Spring is here, even though the weather hasn't been warm enough to enjoy the great outdoors yet. And what's with all the snow? Despite the less than seasonable weather, I'm still excited for spring. So excited, in fact,  I went somewhere I don't often go... to the gardening store.  I bought the supplies I needed to start planting some indoor herbs and plants, since it's not warm enough to do any outdoor gardening yet. The truth is, I don't have a green thumb, but I thought I'd start somewhere, and planting some herbs isn't that difficult. I love doing things that my boys can get involved in, too. I'm not afraid to get dirty, either—I'm a die-hard Tide fan, and Tide Ultra Stain Release works miracles on clothes that are covered in dirt. Even white...

Okay, you guys... spring has arrived and I am so excited. My children are, too, and we're already back to our usual routine of taking a long walk after dinner around the neighbourhood with a stop at our favourite park. Soon the weather will be nice enough to wear flip flops, play basketball in the street, and go for frozen yogurt after school. I love everything about spring and summer—even the process of getting ready for the new season, like making room in my closet for new dresses and shoes, buying new make-up, and taking care of my hair that gets oh-so-damaged and dry during the winter months. I wear a lot of hats (literally and figuratively) and as much as I love the look of a nice winter hat, I'd much rather be rocking an oversized sun hat on the beach, or letting my hair flow free in the wind as I drive with the windows down. Okay, time to get spring ready. First step?  Some TLC for my hair. Pantene to the rescue—again. Seriously, take it from someone who has gone t...

It's mid-February and that means we're in the middle of awards season. It's always fun getting ready to head out onto the red carpet, and... wait. I mean, it's alway fun to imagine we're rocking the red carpet and being interviewed about what designer we're wearing. Even if we're not on the red carpet, we can easily achieve a red carpet look effortlessly at home. Without a team of hair stylists, and make-up artists, even. The secret? COVERGIRL and Pantene.  Here are some tips on how you can achieve a truly glamorous look for a night out, even if it's not on the red carpet. Once you've got your outfit planned (little black dress and a killer pair of heels, or a cute top and jeans always works!) try these beauty tips to make yourself simply gorgeous: Ace that bace: Want glowing skin? Start with a base. Moisturize, every day, and every night. (And I don't want to hear any excuses for not washing your make-up off before bed! None!) Af...

Ah, the hustle and bustle of the morning rush. As a mom of two busy boys, there really aren't enough hours in a day to get through everything, but it's always important for me to start the day off feeling somewhat refreshed—despite the lack of sleep I get. I try to wake up before my early-risers (hello, six o'clock in the morning!) so I can take an uninterrupted shower—which is always the best way to start my day. If I'm able to get ready, put on my make-up, and have a cup of coffee before my kids wake up, it's a good thing. I don't like starting my day without my hair and make-up done, to be honest. As a beauty product junkie, I love trying out new hair products, especially because my hair is sometimes unruly, dry, and over-processed. (It's not easy being blonde!) Herbal Essences is a name I've used for years and it's a name I trust to get the results I want for my hair, so when I was introduced to the new Naked Volume Collection , I couldn...

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...

It's impossible to watch a P&G #ThankYouMom commercial without tearing up. As a mom, I'm always overly emotional and the P&G #ThankYouMom campaign is one I love dearly. It's a campaign that's all about giving athletes a chance to thank their biggest supporters in life–their moms.  (Aww!) From Tide to Bounty to Pantene, P&G products are everywhere in our home, and have been for years, very since I was a child. It's touching that a company I love does so much to help others, too. I love remembering all the times my mom has been there for me, throughout all the stages in my life. I appreciate her wise words of wisdom, even if I don't always take her (usually always bang on) advice. As a mom of two, I appreciate her even more now, because I know how hard and challenging it is to be a mom. It's all about putting your children first, no matter how you feel. And that can be a very hard thing to do at times. And I always remember to put things in per...

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...

I spent the last two days in beautiful Cincinnati, Ohio, thanks to P&G. I had the chance to learn all about Tide HE Turbo technology at P&G's Research and Development Headquarters. But first, Cincinnati... not a city that was on my personal bucket list, but one that I am very glad I got to see and experience. I left with many happy memories and I can't wait to visit again. The city is charming and beautiful, with great history and a cool vibe. It's also very clean, which I loved. The people were super friendly, and the hotel I stayed at— 21C Museum Hotel —was amazing. It was modern and hip and had a great roof top bar with fantastic city views. And very comfortable beds. I flew to Chicago and from there, landed in Kentucky, which is actually where the Ohio airport is located. (I did not know that... I thought I got on the wrong plane and ended up in the wrong State!) Now I can say I was in three States in one day.  Anyway, Kentucky, from what I saw ...

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...

Now that warmer days are here, there's really no need to ever be indoors—unless it's to sleep, and even then, it's with the windows open, so the sounds of summer can be heard. This weather, you guys... it's perfection. Finally, after the longest winter ever , we're able to kick back and soak up the sun. The only thing keeping me indoors is... argh —never-ending piles of laundry that somehow, despite the fact that we're wearing less clothing than we did in the winter—seem to keep piling up. (And maybe it's because my boys seem to roll in mud, like, every day, going through so many t-shirts and short every day!) There is no magic solution to laundry, unless someone else is doing it for me, but the next best thing is using a product that's going to make my job more efficient so I can get back to doing the things I really love. It's a fact that laundry is the most time consuming household chore, so Tide has come up with a solution. HE Turbo Clean ...

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. It was a long winter, but spring is finally here. We've had a few chilly days this spring, but for the most part, all the winter gear has been put away—far, far away, in the depth of the basement so I don't have to remember how bad it was and how long it lasted. I mean, really—it was never-ending! Spring means making a positive change to our routine and spring makes it easier getting out the door in the mornings—no need for the kids to put on their snow pants and boots, and no more snowy mess in the entrance way. I love slipping on my favourite heels without having to worry about getting cold or ruining my shoes. Spring cleaning is my favourite, too—seriously. I love to de-clutter, and change things up with new home accents and accessories, and I love to clean, really ...

Most days, I feel like I live in my car. From morning to night, I'm driving around town, taking the kids to school, working from the office downtown or from my home, heading into meetings, shopping, picking my kids up, and taking them to their after school activities, after homework, of course. Thank goodness for coffee on the go, otherwise I'd never make it through the day! Of course all the driving around happens in between everything else that's getting checked off my to-do list, and let's not forget dinner preparation. (Pizza delivery nights are the best!) We do so much, all the time. Phew —it's no wonder we're often left exhausted at the end of the day and all we can think about is relaxing. While I often squeeze in time for a quick lunch with friends and a weekly visits to the salon, (I need my weekly blow-dry!) we don't often take the time for ourselves in the evening, to relax, unwind, and re-connect with our loved ones—you know, like going on a ...