Sunday, September 26, 2021

Eye Health with Jamieson Lutein Ultra Strength Review


Stock photo 📷 


Featured Product:
Jamieson Lutein Ultra Strength, 60 soft gels SRP $19.99 CAD

Where to buy:
Local grocery stores and /or pharmacies 

About:
"Lutein is one of two major carotenoids found in the human eye (macula and retina). It is thought to function as a light filter, protecting the eye tissues from sunlight damage. " - WebMD link to article 

From Jamieson:
Jamieson Lutein 40 mg is an ultra-strength eye-health supplement enriched with zeaxanthin and bilberry. This formula provides you with antioxidants to support the maintenance of optimal eye health. Each softgel is fortified with 1,600 mcg of zeaxanthin to help provide additional eye health support in conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
  • Ultra-strength formula providing 40 mg of lutein per softgel
  • With Zeaxanthin and Lutein to provide a source of antioxidants
  • Supports optimal eye health
  • Helps to maintain eyesight in conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)
  • Helps to reduce the risk of developing cataracts
Like many people, I'm on my phone a lot these days. Our eyes are exposed to so much harmful blue light from all of our devices and the long-term effects aren't even fully known yet. 

I definitely feel the eye strain from being on my devices so much, so I try to keep the blue light filter that's built into my phone in the on position, even during the daytime, although I don't always remember.  I also wear blue blocking glasses at nighttime. Even with all these blue light blocking mechanisms, I still feel eye strain and experience "floaters" which I cannot necessarily attribute to the blue lights, but I feel the need to take extra care of my eyes. Even without our devices, I feel it's important to pay more attention to our eye health, especially as we age. 

Although I take an excellent multivitamin (Garden of Life's Vitamin Code), I wanted a specific supplements for eye health.  I came across Jamieson Lutein Ulta Strength on Amazon and I liked that it had a high dose of Lutein, 40 mg in one soft gel, plus other eye-health ingredients.  Because of the high dose of Lutein, you only need to take one softgel per day which makes it very convenient. Lutein was the main ingredient that I was looking for, as I know it as the "king" of supplements for eye health.

I ordered mine on Amazon and received it the next day and started taking it right away. Initially, I got quite a bad headache, verging on a migraine. But, it was on the opposite side from where I always get migraines, so I figured it might be the eye supplement causing it and I might not be able to continue with it. Luckily, the migraine subsided after a few days, as they usually do. I continued to take the Lutein supplement without any issues, thankfully.

Fast forward to 10 days later, and I definitely notice less eye strain since taking the Lutein supplement.  I actually noticed it after a few days of use. I also notice less "floaters" in my vision than usual. I am impressed and encouraged to keep taking this supplement. Hopefully, I can not only improve my eye health and vision but also prevent eye problems as I age.

I continue to use the blue light filter on my phone, use blue blocking glasses, and will definitely continue with this supplement. We only have one set of eyes and they deserve the utmost care. A good diet with a lot of colourful fruits and vegetables loaded with antioxidants is a good place to start. Adding a supplement for eye health that contains ingredients like Lutein feels like an extra layer of protection to me, especially since my diet is pretty horrible as of late. Hopefully, I'll have good things to report on my next eye exam as I definitely feel that this supplement is helping. 



* Always speak to your health care provider before beginning any new supplements. 


This post contains affiliate links.

Sunday, September 19, 2021

CELEBRITY AND EDITORIAL MAKEUP ARTIST KATIE JANE HUGHES TEAMS UP WITH SHOPPERS DRUG MART FOR ITS BIGGEST BEAUTY EVENT OF THE YEAR


The For The Love of Beauty Event inspires beauty exploration with new brands and PC Optimum offers 

BRAMPTON, ON, September 19, 2021 / Shoppers Drug Mart, one of Canada’s leading health and wellness retailers, is inspiring customers to explore the latest beauty trends and discover new products during its month long For the Love of Beauty Event. The campaign, which is the retailer’s biggest beauty event of the year, runs until Friday, October 8th, and includes an IG Live Beauty Mingle Event featuring internationally renowned celebrity and editorial makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes.

“There are so many new and exciting things taking place in our beauty business,” says Michelle Broda, Senior Director, Prestige Beauty at Shoppers Drug Mart. “We are incredibly proud to be launching a number of global brands exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart including Kylie Jenner’s Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin and actress Millie Bobby Brown’s Florence by Mills. Beauty enthusiasts are going to love the new high-performing skincare and makeup products that are arriving in our stores.”

For the Beauty Mingle event, the retailer is partnering with celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, whose client roster includes Ashley Graham, Hailey Bieber, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kate Bosworth. According to Hughes, eyeliner is having a big moment. “Eyes obviously continue to be a focal point so now is the perfect time to get creative,” says Hughes. “Don't be afraid to try yellow eyeshadow. Push yourself out of your comfort zone, you can always use makeup remover if you don't like it.”

Katie Jane’s Quick Tips

1. To create a dewy skin look, use a thick emollient cream on the high points of the face. 

2. The quickest way to update your look for Fall is try a new, deep lip colour.

3. Adding texture on the eyes is something I love. Try a bit of glitter or shine – even for day.

4. Sometimes the simplest looks are my favourites, like the eyeliner look I did on Ashley Graham. It’s classic and will look chic forever.

Katie Jane’s Top Shoppers Drug Mart Product Picks

• IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream With SPF 50+

• Lise Watier Teint Lift Anti-Rides 24 Wear Foundation in Neutre

• Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

• Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

• Physicians Formula All Star Face Palette

• Revolution Ultimate Nudes Shadow Palette in Light

• Tom Ford Eau de Jasmin Rouge

• Milani Gilded Nude Eyeshadow Palette

• NYX Lip Lingerie XXL Strip'd Down 

• QUO Liquid Lipstick It’s Your Mauve 

• Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara

• L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Les Nus in Nu Impertinent

• Annabelle Single Eyeshadow Matte in Sandstone, Snowflake, Ebony, Amethyst, Garnet and Rose Quartz

• Marcelle I-Bronze Talc Free Natural Bronze

• Too Faced Pomade in a Pencil Brow Shaper & Filler

Hughes will be the special guest during the IG Live Beauty Mingle Event taking place on Saturday, September 25th from 1 pm – 1:30 pm EST on the @ShoppersBeauty Instagram account. The Beauty Mingle is free to join. 

The For Love of Beauty Event Beauty Mingle will also be raising funds for Look Good, Feel Better, a foundation that helps women facing cancer feel like themselves again. Direct donations can be made on shoppersdrugmart.ca/beautymingle, with 100% of proceeds raised during the event benefitting the foundation. Tickets for the Beauty Mingle can also be purchased in-store for $10 with $5 being donated to Look Good, Feel Better and the other $5 going towards a Shoppers Drug Mart beauty purchase. 

Web: beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca

Twitter: @ShopprsDrugMart

Instagram: @ShoppersBeauty

Facebook: @ShoppersDrugMart

#ForTheLoveOfBeauty #BeautyMingle

About Shoppers Drug Mart

Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing. The company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Québec). With almost 1,300 Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. The company also licenses or owns 47 medical clinic pharmacies operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy® (Pharmaprix Simplement Santé® in Québec), and provides cosmetic dermatology services at two standalone The Beauty Clinic by Shoppers™ locations. As well, the company owns and operates 43 corporate Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart™ stores and an ecommerce site Wellwise.ca, making it the largest Canadian retailer of home health care products and services. In addition to its retail store network, the company owns the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers online platform for the sale of medical cannabis, Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services, and MediSystem Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities. Shoppers Drug Mart is an independent operating division of Loblaw Companies Limited. For more information visit www.shoppersdrugmart.com


Sunday, September 5, 2021

Monthly Empties | Health, Beauty, Hair, Makeup


This empties post is long overdue! My empties bin has been overflowing for months and I had to recycle some just so this post wasn't too long and/or redundant.

Here, I'll share what I used up or what I'm discarding for one reason or another with mini reviews, and whether I would repurchase them or not.

Links to products will be provided in the headings if I can find one.

Hair

This is the large sized bottle and it took me forever to use it up. I quite liked it but I recently tried FoxyBae's Leave-in Hair Mask (featured here) and I am preferring it to the It's a 10, at the moment.

Repurchase- I would like to try the version with keratin


I've always loved Biolage. This conditioning balm is great for dry and dehydrated hair. It definitely helps leave my dry hair feeling softer.

Repurchase- Yes


Skincare

Garnier Micellar Water for Dry/Sensitive Skin 400ml/ $15

This is a fabulous Micellar water. I use it as my AM cleanse and in the evening as my toner. It removes makeup, dirt, and oil and is gentle and doesn't dry out my skin.

Repurchase - Yes


I had really high hopes for this serum and I suppose it was okay but it didn't wow me. I did not notice any anti aging benefits like I did with the Sympli Peptide Serum listed below, now that one wowed me!!

Repurchase- Probably not but I'm not against trying it again because of the reasonable price


This is a great alternative to Prescription Retin A! I used it in place of my Retin A when I had run out and it made my skin look and feel great and it only takes a few drops. It's like a dry oil, and it is hydrating and non irritating. I found that I could use it in places where I can't apply my Retin A like the mouth and nose areas etc.

Repurchase- Yes, if I'm out of my prescription Retin A


This peptide serum blew me away! I read the reviews on iHerb when I saw it in the sale section of the website and I couldn't believe the reviews on it, so I had to try it for myself. Within 2 uses, my skin was so smoothed out and appeared much tighter aka less sagging. Read my full review on it here. There are no incentives to leave a positive review on iHerb, so I should have known but they just made it sound too good to be true. Luckily, it IS that good! You can use discount code AGU725 to get a discount on iHerb

Repurchase- I NEVER want to be without it! I have purchased 4 more so far!


I enjoyed using this moisturizer as it is nice and soothing and hydrating. I don't notice any special anti aging benefits aside from moisturization, so I probably wouldn't purchase it because of its price tag. I find that I can get other moisturizers that perform just as well for less money. eg. Cetaphil Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid.

Repurchase- If at a great price


Unfortunately, I was only able to use this on my neck as it made me breakout when I used it on my face. I did enjoy using it on my neck overtop of my serums and moisturizers to seal them in.

Repurchase- Possible for my neck only. Trying other neck creams for now


Makeup

Marc Jacobs Shameless Ýouthful Look Longwear Foundation 32ml/ $27

I loved this "foundation." I would consider it more of a BB cream or tinted moisturizer. It was very hydrating and had light-medium coverage that was very natural, just the way I like it. I found a cheap dupe though- Elf's BB Cream performs exactly the same for me at a fraction of the price! Read more about it here

Repurchase- If I find it at a great price again at Winner's or Marshall's!


Loved this mascara! It gave me the big and long lashes that I love! It retails for about $24. I don't mind forking out that much money for a mascara for a special occasion, but for everyday use, I prefer to use something more affordable that gives me similar results like Essence Lash Princess Mascara for $5. 



Jennifer's Nude has been my favourite nude lipstick since it launched years ago! It's a pink/ nude and I think it would suit a lot of people. I still love it but don't wear lipstick very often since we are still wearing masks. Instead, I opt for tinted lip balms like Burt's Bees.


This was a gift from an online buddy and it became my favourite lip gloss. The colour is just what I like, a bit of a nude/ pink, my lips but better shade. It's super hydrating and really does make my lips look much fuller! There isn't any tingle or burn or anything, but it does work to make lips look more plump!


Health


I'm not that picky about my Vitamin D3 supplements, I just happen to enjoy taking them in a gummy form as it makes them convenient to take, and they're yummy so it's easy to remember to take them. I also prefer the 1000IU so I can customize my dose and take more or less, depending on whether I'm getting a lot of sunshine or not. My blood levels of vitamin D are good, so I will continue to take it.

Repurchase- Yes


Vitamin Code is my current favourite multi vitamin. I am rotating between this version for Women 50+ and the one below geared towards Women in general. I love that these are whole food vitamins that our bodies recognize and I feel better when I take them. I feel like they regulate my body as I sleep better and feel better overall. Garden of Life has several versions including ones for men, over 40 etc. Have a look at the ingredients and see which one has what your looking for. You really cannot go wrong with this brand, IMO.  Note: I sometimes take half of the recommended dose, depending on how I'm feeling, just to make my dollar go further.

Repurchase- Absolutely!



My thoughts on this multi are the same as for the one above by the same brand, just a different version. 

Repurchase- Already have!


I literally cannot live without this product! I have severe and chronic insomnia and this works wonders for me considering how bad my insomnia is. I take half of the recommended dose as that works best for me and also makes the product last twice as long. I take one tablet nightly and once my sleep starts to become more restless, I then take a break from this supplement (or any melatonin containing supplement), after a short break, I can return to it and it works great. Sometimes I take one if I wake prematurely and it usually helps me go back to sleep. I've also found it at Costco.

Repurchase- Yes!


Astragalus is an adaptogenic herb with amino acids, trace minerals, and polyphenols. It's a great tonic and immune booster. It works as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory, and anti aging properties. I took it for adrenal fatigue and felt it worked well for that. I have also taken it in the past when my immune system plummeted after I was struck by a streetcar, and I found that it did indeed boost my immune system as I stopped getting sick all the time. Note: I took the Now Foods brand of Astragalus and will continue to take that brand. 

Repurchase- Yes, I would purchase Astragalus by Now Foods in the future


I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up and maybe found some of the information helpful. Remember to always consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any new supplements. 

See you next week!





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