Olay-Invest in yourself {exclusive interview with Dr.Kucy Pon}

I can still remember buying my first cleanser, I was 14 years old & yes it was an Olay cleanser. I can still remember the scent & the lathering effect. Geez I thought I was all grown up...little did I know that it was a beginning of a long relationship with Olay. Since 1999 Olay replaced the name Oil of Olay in order to unify the brand under a global name. Why did I choose Olay, I guess because I assumed if my mom used the products than it must be good. Besides back in the early 90's the products targeted for teens all contained harsh ingredients & the Olay cleanser I bought was the most gentle on the market. Fast forward to the present & I'm still a fan. A few weeks ago when I was invited to attend an Olay luncheon event I obviously jumped at the chance. I also sneaked in a quick mini interview with Dr. Kucy Pon, consulting dermatologist to Olay (super nice & friendly).
Exclusive Beauty Parler Interview:
BP: What are the essentials in a skincare regime?
DrKP: Keep it Simple! (1) A good cleanser that's going to remove the city grime and makeup. (2) A daytime moisturizer with atleast SPF 15 or higher & a separate nighttime moisturizer. Dry skin can also be an underlining health issue, i.e Thyroid condition. (3) Exfoliate! Which removes the outer layer of dead skin & skin looks healthier and radiant.
BP: At what age should one consider an "anti-aging" regime?
DrKP: Depends on the individual & their lifestyle. How much sun they've been exposed to & at what age. 80% of premature skin aging is due to chronic sun damage therefore everyone should use sunscreen, not only in the Summer but Winter as well. Ethnicity also plays an important role, Caucasians age at an earlier age.
BP: Biggest beauty mistakes women make?
DrKP: Wearing to much product leads to build-up on the skin.
Thank you DR!

At the luncheon Olay unveiled eight new & exciting products!
Olay Complete Ageless Rejuvenating Lathering Cleanser: contains micro-beads for a gentle cleanse that exfoliates too
Olay Complete Ageless Skin Renewing UV Lotion (SPF20): Contains an anti-oxidant complex enriched with Green Tea & Ginko extracts. Good for dry skin, this made me a bit oily so I'm saving this up for the colder months.
Olay Complete Ageless Eye Cream: good eye cream as a base for under-eye concealer
Olay Regenerist SuperStructure Cream with SPF 25: protects skin from UVA & UVB exposure. Saving this for the colder months:)
Olay Definity Neck & Chest Daily Restoration Treatment: a daily treatment that helps even out skin tone & diminish discolouration and sunspots
Olay Purifying Mud Lathering Cleanser: cleaning power of a mask in a cleanser, removes makeup & grime. Loving this! I like applying to dry skin & let it sit for a few seconds before washing off.
Olay Quench Advanced Relief Body Lotion: also one of my faves from the line-up, fragrance-free & mica-free.
Olay Sensitive Bar: hypo-allergenic, unscented, dye-free!
All eight products are to be released by the end of August 2009

(credit:P&G, Olay.ca, palettePr)

Paul & Joe Beaute {blush review}

As part of my Hong Kong haul earlier this month I finally got the chance to check out Paul & Joe Beaute products. I couldn't resist the cute, girly packaging & purchased their blush in #12. A gorgeous two-tone blush, one side is a highlighter/bronzer shade & the other side is a rose shade. The finish is a bronze rose shade, a flushed look with a hint of sun. The blush itself is a soft, pigmented pressed powder that you can layer to achieve the density you want. Paul & Joe prices are equivalent to department store prices & this blush cost $30 cdn. You can't help but fall in love with their packaging. If you ever have a chance to stop by a Paul & Joe Beaute counter its definetly worth it just to see their displays.

(this pic doesn't do the blush justice. Note to self: must get a new camera)

For store locations click here!

my go-to products {tried, tested & true}

tried, tested and true by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

I'm sure your aware by now that I try & review lots of beauty & skincare products. However, of the many I try only a few become my "dependable" products. Products that are tried, tested & true are my favourite products. I know that I can always fall back on the above products when my skin is acting up or when all else fails & I get bored of trying products only to realize that I've already achieved the look or skin I want. Obviously that doesn't stop me from continuing my reviews or buying products because I wouldn't be a beauty junkie would I? As there are countless amazing products out there & I'm always on the search for the next best thing. However, I know that when I just need a breather from reviews & not mess with a good thing I always have these beauties to count on.
Sebastian Potion 9 (haircare)
Almay Moisturizing Eye-Makeup Remover (note: this is oil stuff but I love it because it gets off all your eye makeup including waterproof mascara. There's an oil-free option too)
Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Wash (I love this as a morning cleanser. When my skin is feeling congested/clogged pores this works great. Has 2% Salicylic acid which is good for blackheads, I like to apply on dry skin let sit for a bit & rinse off)
Derma SPF by Dermaglow-Sun Protect SPF 30 (this is a recent fave)
LUSH-Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser (I use this as a scrub)
Dermalogica-Sheer Tint Moisturizer SPF 15 in Medium
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (I used this for years & wouldn't use any other cleanser but I got a bit bored & like to change things up. Once in awhile I go back to it when my skin is acting up)
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Sand
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #2
Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation in Shell (my winter foundation, too moisturizing for oily skin)
Clinique Superbalms in any shade (for the shiniest hydrated lips minus the stick)
Cover Girl LashBlast Mascara (can't rave about this enough)
Olay Total Effects (7 in 1) Daily Moisturizer
Nars Bronzer in Laguna

The September Issue {Vogue}

The signature bob & sunglasses! Only one woman comes to mind, Vogue's Editor in Chief Anna Wintour. Since 1988 British born Wintour has been the Editor of Chief of American Vogue, nicknamed the "Nuclear Wintour" she has been known to be brutally honest whilst distancing herself from others. For an inside look into the creation of American Vogue's September issue, known as the yearly bible of fashion issue, the September Issue is a behind the scenes documentary of such publication. In select theatres September 11 and early release in New York August 28. Release date for Toronto is October 23, 2009.

One of my favourite past times is sitting at a cafe patio enjoying a latte and reading a magazine, today will be one of those days. Now if only I can find a September issue of Vogue, doesn't seem to be in all the stores yet however I'm counting on my usual "dealer" to have a copy.

(images: style.com, youtube.com, theseptemberissue.com)

the "Do" without the damage...the Divado {review & giveaway}

There's one thing that I can't be bothered to do in the morning and that is my hair. Why? Its just too much work. I have thick wavy hair that tends to get frizzy & puffy therefore most of the time I just put it up in a ponytail. I've tried to change it up over the years but I always go back to the ponytail. Any of my close friends will tell you I rarely have my hair down. Its not for a lack of trying to find the right hair products because as a beauty junkie I've tried my fair share of hair products and tools. To be honest its also a result of being a bit lazy with trying to style my hair. Last month I received an email about the Divado. I'll admit the idea of putting a silicon based hair tool in my hair had me a little hesitant to try. But I had nothing to lose and I also thought it would be a great tool to have when I wear my hair up for work. Glad I tried the Divado!

There are two different Divado's; the Audrey (for that classic sophisticated'do) and the Brigitte (that extra bit of va-va-voom). I tried & tested the Audrey (now I'm lemming the Brigitte) and it really is easy to do. I wore it to work (great now my co-workers will know my secret) and loved the fact that a plain ponytail can easily be "dressed" up. No teasing & hair products necessary, although I did use a bit of hairspray but not out of necessity.

Where to buy Divado? Check out their website divadohair.com for store listings or purchase directly from their site.

Beauty Parler readers that buy directly from divadohair.com get a 20% discount at checkout with code bp20 & wait there's more, you can win your own Divado!!

Giveaway time!! One lucky Beauty Parler reader will win their choice of a Divado. How? In the comment section let me know which Divado style you would like & which colour. That's it!! You have until August 30th & open to Canada & U.S readers. Goodluck!

(images: divadohair.com, HilaryAbbottCommunications)

Style Agents you have an assignment!

Who doesn't like finding a fashion deal? How to put together fashionable outfits and stick to a budget. The equation is easy; the Style Agents + Vaughan Mills= fashion experts who identify the latest trends & apply it to everyday without breaking the piggy bank. Its high fashion meets low prices! You don't have to be from the Toronto area to appreciate good fashion advice because most stores at Vaughan Mills can be found within North America. So, head over to StyleAgents.ca & browse the Style Files for episodes. Fashion mission accomplished!

(image:styleagents.ca)

get natural with your skincare {the Green Beaver Company review}

Everytime I'd go to the health food store I'd eye the Green Beaver Company skincare products. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to try the whole range of skincare items and absolutely adored these products. For those skincare junkies who have been looking for 100% natural products I highly suggest you have a look at the Green Beaver Company. Several factors implored me to try out the products; 100% natural certified organic (with as many Canadian grown ingredients) & biodegradable , utilizes ecologically sound packaging materials that are recyclable, no chemical fragrances, no dyes, no detergents & preservatives. The Green Beaver Company skincare range contains aloe vera as their base ingredient, which is a great natural remedy for troubled-sensitive skin. The real standouts in the skincare range were;



Daily Facial Cleanser with Purifying Grapefruit & Soothing Aloe
This was one of my favourite's from the Green Beaver Company.
Gently lathers to remove makeup leaves skin soft not tight. I don't like cleansers that leave that tight/dry itchy feeling & this cleanser definitely doesn't do that. I recommend using an eye-makeup remover prior to using the cleanser. This cleanser is gentle so waterproof eye-makeup or thicker mascara will need an extra step in removal.
Retails $12.99 cdn






Blemish Mousse
Oil free liquid which foams due to its pumping action. Made with lemon extracts and witch hazel. I use this as a toner. After washing my face with the Purifying Grapefruit facial cleanser I saturate a cotton pad with the mousse & wipe skin. Leaves skin refreshed & removes any traces of makeup left.
Retails $12.99 cdn


Apres-Ski Winter Face Cream
Contains shea & cocoa butter, colloidal oatmeal, aloe and a few more naturally good ingredients. This is for the driest of skintypes & will be perfect for Canadian winters. As I tend to be oilier in the Summer this cream is too moisturizing for my face therefore I've been using it as an eye & hand cream. The scent reminds me of beeswax candles which I love!
Retails $11.75



Winter Lip Balm
Emollient & soothing! Lips are soft, moisturized, and flake-free. The only thing that is missing is an SPF other than that works well. I love applying this to my lips before bedtime & in the morning my lips are baby soft.

Unlike other natural based skincare lines the Green Beaver Company is definitely affordable and available at natural health food stores across Canada.
(images:greenbeaver.com)

Swap, Don't Shop {Toronto Event}

Are you looking to update your wardrobe but lack in the funds department. Don't fret, wardrobe swapping is a great way to purge your closet & fill it with fabulous gently used pieces. I've swapped before, mostly makeup on makeupalley.com, however never clothing. This sounds like a great event! If your in the Toronto area this Saturday, August 15;

St. Stephen-in-the-Fields Church

103 Bellevue Ave. (at College)

12pm-4pm

Admission (with at least 5 swap items)

Women: $8

Men: free

Nothing to contribute, it’s just an extra five bucks.

More info check out Swap-Don't Shop

(image:swapdon'tshopblog)

Hong Kong haul {just a few things}

Some of my favourite beauty products are from Asia. So whenever I get a chance to get over there I go a little overboard. When I spot that Sasa, Watson, or Facesss store sign I get excited. Sasa is a mix of a Sephora & the beauty section of a drug-store, Watson is a drug-store & Faces is like a Sephora & the beauty section of a department store. This time around I tried to restrain myself & only bought a few things. A few faves are:

Japanese paper/cloth mask (any brand, depending on my skin needs at the time of purchase)

Lipglosses (brands I like Kate, Lavshuca, & Kiss Me)

Shampoos & Conditioners (brands Shiseido especially the Tsubaki line, Ascience, & Kose)

BB Creams (brand Missha)

Fancl (the cleansing powder & cleansing oil)

face wipes/cleansing cloths (any brand)

What did I buy? Let's start at the top with Miss Kitty & work our way right.

Miss Kitty floating soap (for my niece)

Mandom Beauty Barrier Repair Mask with Royal Jelly(Japanese paper masks)

Kate Gel Mascara (loving this, Asian mascaras tend to have fibers which I don't like & this one doesn't. This mascara is little hard to wash off but the results are worth it. It might be waterproof but I couldn't read the box)

Kracie Naive Natural Deep Cleansing Cloths with Olive Oil,

Kate eyeshadow palette

Za New York Concealer Perfection in shade #2

Kiss Me liquid rouge lipgloss

Lucido-L Designing Pot (hairstyling cream/gel)

SaSa makeup brushes; eye contour brush & foundation brush loving the quality(on sale if you buy two)

Missing from pic; Lavshuca lipgloss in BE-2, Shiseido Tsubaki hair treatment (read more on Shiseido with an updated video clip, here)

Have any of you used or heard of the above brands/products?

you've got air mail

By now most of you who read my blog know that I am a flight attendant. That means that I love travel accessories & no flight attendant is complete without her little bag of travel goodies to keep her looking her best. When I saw this adorable Par Avion pouch I knew I had to have it. Where did I purchase this cutie? Etsy.com of course! Check out etsy seller Saint9 for more handmade goodies. This particular pouch is made of heavyweight canvas & treated with scotchgard™. My reusable airport plastic baggie that holds all my permitted liquids fits perfectly into the Par Avion pouch, what more can a flight attendant ask for:)

For those that are curious on this particular flight I had;
a sample of Mario Badescu Glycolic Cleanser
Dermaglow Sun Protection SPF30
travel-size toothpaste & tooth brush
contact lens solution
Evian spray
& a lipbalm which is hidden by the Green Beaver Company (reviews on the Green Beaver Company will be posted shortly)
For more info on airport security measures check out an old post of mine, click here!
Happy travels!

I'm back...

Hi All,
I'm finally back on Canadian land! Got in Thursday night from Europe & left the next morning for a Hong Kong layover. Once I catch up on my beauty sleep I'll post pics & blog about all the goodies I bought. Also, I have lots of other reviews to catch-up on therefore a busy week is in the cards for me.
Bijoux,
Monica
xoxo