Loulou's views

Disclaimer: I am partnering with Allergen for this campaign and I am being compensated for my blog posts and treatment sessions. I recently wrote about my consultation with Dr. Caroline Tosoni–a leading medical aesthetics expert and owner of Ottawa's top cosmetics clinic, Tosoni MD . During my consultation, Dr. Tosoni explained the benefits of Juvederm and how long each treatment would last. She answered all my questions (Will it hurt? Can I wash my face and put makeup on after? Is it safe?) and she put my mind to ease. I am thrilled to be working with Dr. Tosoni (and the Allergen team) so I can share my experience with my followers. Many people I know have done wrinkle-reducing injections like Juvederm, but don't openly talk about it. Is it because we associate these procedures with an older demographic? The truth is, women are starting to take care of their skin with Juvederm in their 20's as a preventative measure to help reduce the onset of fine lines. Juvederm ...

As a beauty product addict, I've always been a lover of Cake Beauty . This Canadian beauty company has been delivering naturally luxe and cruelty-free products for the hair and body since 2003.  Cake recently came out with an absolutely delicious Dry Styling Hair Collection and although I've tried many different dry shampoos, nothing delivers like Cake does. Also? Nothing smells more delicious.  Here's why I'm loving the Cake Dry Styling Hair Collection: Naturally Luxe: Each product is filled with high-performing natural ingredients, leaving you with truly flawless and fabulous looking hair that's not caked (pardon the pun) with harsh chemicals.  Cruelty Free and Vegan: Here's something we can all agree on: products that aren't tested on animals are the products we should be buying. Cake Beauty believes in "beauty without bunnies" and that's why they never test their products on animals or use any animal-derived ingredients...

I hate to say it—but... I'm so busy. The last couple of months have been busier than usual, and there is no end in sight, especially since the holiday season is here. I know—we all lead busy lives—but even though we're juggling a hundred things a day while trying to find some sort of balance that works for us, it's essential to take care of ourselves, too. I work full-time, run a business I love, and take care of my family, which in itself is a full-time job that never ends—and the most rewarding job of all. From housework to preparing meals to after-school activities and keeping up my social life (that's important, too!) I always make sure I'm taking some time for myself. Weekly visits to the hair salon? Check. Staying active and working out? Check. Taking vacations whenever we can? Check. A great skin-care routine? Check. By the end of the day, I'm ready for a moment of relief, and that usually comes after the children have gone to bed. Late at night,...

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...

Taking care of our skin is really important, and now that winter is over, it's time to get our skin ready for spring and summer. I'm a huge believer in taking preventative measures to help fight skin damage, and to keep our skin looking youthful and healthy.  I was recently introduced to  SkinCeuticals , one of the most trusted names in skin care. These products are amazing . Changing up your beauty routine with each changing seasons is a great idea, and when you find products you love... keep using them! I was introduced to SkinCeuticals when I reviewed Gee Beauty in Bal Harbour . Here are the products I received and love using every day: Serum 10  This serum is ideal for sensitive skin and works quickly to restore healthy looking skin, Serum 10 AOX+ neutralizes free radicals, defends against environmental damage, and helps fight the appearance of aging. Here's the best part: once absorbed into your skin, this serum can't be washed off; it continues w...

I'm a beauty product junkie, and I love trying new products, especially products I know my skin will love. Winter is harsh, but that doesn't mean there isn't a way to save our skin from the elements. I was on Daytime Ottawa today talking about what my favourite products are that'll help save your skin this winter, from La Mer to La Prairie, and everything in between. Here's what I'm loving right now:  Laboratoire Dr. Renaud: I'm a fan of the Dr. Renaud skin care line. This complete skincare brand addresses all skin conditions, from dryness (which we're experiencing now) as well as acne, anti-aging, sun-care, and more. This Canadian company has a rich history of innovation spanning over 50 years—so I do trust the products they put out! I'm loving the 3D Lifting Serum . This serum is a cream-based, won't leave your skin oily, and helps firm skin, while preventing wrinkles. It's also super moisturizing, as well. Dr. Renaud ExCe...

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 ...

What do you love the most about this great weather? When I step outside first thing in the morning, or when I leave work for the day, I can't help but take a deep breath, and smile—the sounds of summer, and the sunshine on my skin really helps put me in a good mood, no matter what's going on in my life. And there is not much I don't love about summer, to be honest. I'd say dressing for these warm, sunshiny days is one of my favourite things to do. Spring and summer is all about cute dresses (and my closet is full of dresses!) and great wedge heels—and with that, smooth, soft, silky skin. Because I'm always in a rush in the morning, I love using great moisturizing products that are going to leave my skin feeling soft all day long. I'm addicted to Jergens Skincare products, because they provide great moisture protection for my skin. One of my favourite new products from Jergens is the Shea Butter Lotion which smells delicious, and kind ...

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...

Lately the weather has been absolute perfection, with warm and sunny days. I simply cannot get enough of how nice it is outside, finally. Spring is most definitely in the air and summer is close behind, which is my favourite time of the year. I love spring for so many reasons—we get to stay out late, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the warmth on our skin. I also love spring a lot because it's always the perfect excuse to go shopping, to stock up on spring essentials! Shoppers Drug Mart has everything I need to take care of myself and my family. They have a huge selection of products, no matter what you're looking for; from home decor, to cards and gift ideas, to children's products and, of course, all the beauty products I desire. Shoppers Drug Mart continues to be my one-stop place to shop, and this spring, there is so much to shop for. Shopping at Shoppers Drug Mart is effortless, easy, and doesn't take up too much of my time. The service is always great, which re...

I just got back from an amazing quick trip to Toronto. Thank you, Almay Canada , for flying me to Toronto and for putting me up in the ultra-cool Hotel Le Germain at Maple Leaf Square, so I could attend the beautiful breakfast event at Aria. It was a lovely treat, and a pleasure being there in person. Are you ready to talk makeup? (And win some great beauty products from Almay, too?) Almay is a brand we all know and love, but did you know that Almay was the first hypoallergenic cosmetics brand? Almay uses hypoallergenic ingredients, and tests all products with dermatologists and ophthalmologists. This is really important to me, becuase what I put on my face as part of my beauty routine has to pass a few tests—and Almay passes, with flying colours. Almay is celebrating its hypoallergienic heritage with a fresh take on beauty— pure beauty. Almay understands that women and moms are busy—we wear many hats, and accomplish more before 9 a.m. than is sometime...

I could spend countless hours at the make-up counter in any department store, and I love walking into The Body Shop no matter where I am in the world—from Athens to Ottawa, it's always a treat to stock up on my favourite items knowing that I'll love what I'm buying. For a flawless face, perfect nails, and soft, smooth skin, The Body Shop does it right, year after year. I love receiving packages from my friends at The Body Shop, and today I opened my mail to find some nail polish from The Body Shop's new Color Crush Nails collection. I received three pretty in pink colours (in Cupid Pink, Oh, Petal, and Rosy Cheeks ) and you can find all 24 shades in stores soon. I also received the new Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate . (Along with a gift card to Starbucks? The Body Shop know me so well!) Here is some information about my favourite Body Shop products: Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate:   "See life through younger-looking eyes." Sounds good to me! I re...

What are some of your beauty products must-have's? I have a lot: anti-frizz, coconut body lotion, mascara, my favourite lipstick, and always, always a great lip gloss. I never leave home without lipgloss, and I am constantly re-applying throughout the day. My favourite lipgloss right now? The Softlips CUBE lip moisturizer in Berry Bliss and Vanilla Bean. They come in a cute little cube, and leave my lips extra soft! Softlips offers long-lasting coverage and Softlips Cube provide 5-in-1 lip care with lip perfecting technology to deliver these five lip loving benefits: Hydrates —formulated with Shea Butter to restore moisture. Replenishes —with antioxidant Vitamins A, C and E. Smoothes —rich emollients leave lips silky and soft. Protects —long lasting moisture to protect against dryness. Adds Shine —for a perfect, radiant finish. Aren't they so cute? I'd love for you to try out these great lip moisturizers, too, so I'm giving away a package worth $50! ...

As a beauty blogger, I love getting the chance to try the latest products people are buzzing about, because many of these products quickly get added to my "must-buy, must-have" shopping list. I was excited when Better Homes and Gardens Magazine contacted me to try the  Best New Beauty Products 2014. Over 80,000 consumers took part in a research study conducted by BrandSpark International and Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, and these consumers selected the 29 most appealing and innovative new beauty products of 2014 . I got to put these great products to the test! (I love my job, truly.) Best part? I get to give away these fabulous beauty products to one of my readers!  Here are the products I received:  SensatioNail Starter Kit:  I am terrible at doing my own nails, so I go for manicures every two weeks. I've fallen in love with getting shellac nail polish, because with the LED nail lamp, the polish dries quickly and my nails lasts for a wee...

As someone who is forever trying to find great products for my naturally curly hair, when I come across something that works, smells great, and does what it's supposed to do—I just have to tell everyone. I love sharing good news, you know? I was so happy to receive an awesome package from Matrix a few weeks ago. I put the hair products to the test, and I really loved the shampoos and conditioners I tried. (I received the  Fall In Love With Your Colour and Repair Your Broken Hair sets.) These shampoo and conditioner sets help assist with all your hair care needs, from adding volume to keeping your colour vibrant. They're designed to cater to what your specific hair needs are—helping repair heat-damanged hair (like mine!) and by giving you smoother, shinier hair that smells really, really delicious. The five Together Forever sets by Matrix retail for $16.00, and are only available in salons, but I'm giving away a set to one of my lucky readers! I'm giving...

I love testing out and trying new beauty products. I am a beauty product junkie, and someone who loves to shop, after all. I can happily spend countless hours at the beauty counter in any department store. It's my happy place! I just received a pretty box from Garnier  with an amazing new product inside for me to test out: the new Ultra-Lift Transformer Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer.  "Experience younger-looking skin from the 1st contact," Hmm... is that so? I actually did notice a difference in my skin from the first time I put this cream on my face. My skin was instantly more even, and fine lines went away. (Yes!) I didn't wear a primer after using this cream, because it sort of acted as a primer, too. It's an auto-adjusting formula that contains Pro-Retinol and micro-pigments, and it works over time (as well as right away) so any wrinkles you may have look reduced. This moisturizer left my skin feeling instantly smoother. Here are the benefits ...