Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

I've been using the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion for the past 6 months and have noticed that my skin is less prone to itchiness. During winter, I tend to get dry flaky skin, but since using Aveeno after my daily shower, this has decreased significantly. 

What I love about this lotion is that it is moisturizing, scent free and non-greasy. I find that the pump bottles are easier to handle. I leave a bottle on top of my bathroom sink and give it a quick pump whenever my hands are feeling a little dry. 

The ingredient list is relatively short - which is good for those that don't like additives. No parabens or fragrance from what I can see. Bonus - it's made with Canadian oats! I have a girlfriend with eczema who swears by this lotion as well. 

This lotion is a little pricier than some of the other drug store brands but one bottle lasts me months with daily usage. I try to stock up whenever I find them on sale. I can usually find them for under $10 for a 532ml bottle. If you have dry, sensitive or itchy skin, I would definitely recommend giving this a shot! 

-Capital City Girl

La Roche Posay Hydraphase UV 30 Review

As someone with dry skin will tell you, a good moisturizer is absolutely essential! For me, that facial moisturizer is the Hydraphase UV from La Roche Posay. It's gentle enough for my sensitive and redness prone skin but moisturizing enough for the Canadian winters. 

What drew me to this facial moisturzier initially was it's PPD rating. Apparently this is the highest PPD rated moisturizer without actually being labelled as an actual "sunscreen". It lists the famous Mexorl SX as one of its active ingredients and boasts an SPF protection of 30. 

The consistency of the moisturizer is very light and milky. The velocity of it is between a light serum and lotion. It always goes on clear and doesn't leave any white patches like other moisturizers with SPF usually do. For those that are scent-sensitive, it does have a strong smell. However, the smell is quite pleasant. It would be a good idea for La Roche Posay to make one that's fragrance-free for those in need. 

The packaging of the Hydraphase UV is super convenient for people on the go. It not only comes in a pump style container, but it also comes with a secure lid. Since it's only 50 ML, it meets airline liquid carry-on restrictions. I've had no trouble carrying this on in a Ziploc bag during my travels to Asia. 

I purchased this from Shopper's Drug Mart for $36 but I believe the price has gone up to $38 now. I try to wait until SDM has 20x the points before stocking up again. With daily use, one bottle lasts me about 4 months. Overall, this is a moisturizer that I always coming back to and would recommend it to those who have sensitive skin and want sun protection.  

~Capital City Girl

Beauty Review: Shiseido Benefiance Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam

I've been a long time fan of Shiseido cleansers now. One of my favourite cleansers is from their Benefiance line.

Although it is marketed towards older women, I find that it works really well on my twenty something skin.

I've been using this cleanser on and off for almost a year now, and this is how much is still left in the tube:



I love that you only need to use a pea size amount each time to get a rich lather. Although I have very dry, sensitive skin, I find that the Benefiance Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam cleanses my skin without causing irritation.



It is a little pricey for a cleanser, but you definitely get your money's worth.

Shiseido Benefiance Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam Ingredients:

Water, Potassium Stearate, PEG-8, Potassium Myristate, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Potassium Laurate, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Sorbitol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauric Acid, PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyethylene, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Talc, Trisodium EDTA, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Ethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Iron Oxides.

Until next time!

♥CapitalCityGirl

Scandinave Spa Review

While on a trip to Mont Tremblant, I visited the Scandinave Spa. It was located about 10 minutes away from the Mont Tremblant resort.

They provide each guest with 2 thick white towels. Robes are available for rental or you can bring your own. Don't forget to bring a pair of flipflops! Each guest is provided with their own secure locker to store their personal belongings.

The women's locker room:



It is recommended to start with a hot bath for 15 minutes, followed by a 10 second dip in a cold bath, then a 15 minute rest in the warm rooms.

They are super strict with the zero talking rule. So it may not be good for big groups. Unfortunately, I was not able to take any photos of the baths due to the no cell phone rule.

On my way out, I spotted not just one deer, but two! Look how close I got to the deers.



Scandinave Spa - Mont Tremblant
Address: 4280 Montée Ryan
Telephone: 819-425-5524

Overall, this was a great experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that needs to destress!

Until next time,

- CapitalCityGirl

BEAUTY REVIEW: L'occitane Shea Ultra Rich Body Cream

As someone who has been residing in Canada her whole life, I'm no stranger to the dry, itchy skin the Canadian winter brings each year. With winter being especially cruel this year, I knew my regular lotion would not be enough. Thank god for L'occitane's Ultra Rich Body Cream with 25% shea butter. 

This cream is the only cream I've tried so far that keeps my skin happy and hydrated in this capital city winter! I lather this on after I shower and it provides moisture to my skin the whole day.

The ingredient list: as you can see shea butter is the second ingredient on the list. For eco-friendly gals, I'm afraid to report there ARE parabens. As you can see, this super luxurious body cream is made in France.

The current price for a 200ml jar of this cream goes for $48 in Canada. As you can see, my current jar is almost finish... It should be just enough until Spring comes (if it ever does!)

I'd love to know what you use to keep your skin feeling happy in the winter.

Until next time,

♥ Capital City Girl

Nordstrom Opening Day

The cold didn’t stop Ottawa fashionistas from checking out the much anticipated Nordstrom opening. The promise of food, fun and of course beauty surprises made it easy to wake up at the crack of dawn for the pre-opening beauty bash. 

The first 2000 people were given a commemorative Nordstrom tote with beauty samples. 

Preopening Beauty Bash at 7:30AM

Tables and tables of yummy danishes and premium juices welcomed bright eyed shoppers. Nothing like a free breakfast to have you feeling like a VIP. 

Snaps taken while browsing the store...

In case you're curious, the Nordstrom washroom...

Tired from shopping, why not grab a premium drink from the E-Bar? I tried the Almond Roca.. it was fantastic.. just the right amount of sweetness and caffeine to keep me energized ($4.10 for a small).

Wow, you don't see these often! A shoe shine station is situated in the Men's Shoe department. $2.50 to bring some life back in your leather shoes. 

Until next time, 

♥Capital City Girl