
Sunday, October 24, 2021
Marshall's and Winner's Holiday Gift Ideas and a Haul!

Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Dangerous Beauty Hacks Gone Viral | TikTok Beauty Hacks to Avoid
Face-lifting patches
What is it?
‘Face-lifting patches’ are plastic adhesives used to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles overnight. The purpose is to use tape to constrict the muscles in your face and limit their motion to minimize wrinkles. This is an overnight ritual that requires you to sleep with the tape on, keeping you from frowning or making any expressions during your sleep. Wearing it all night is also said to prevent creases caused by sleeping on your front or side.
Why you should steer clear:
Tape considered strong enough to stay in place throughout the night isn’t made to be safe on the skin and can cause redness, irritation, and acne breakouts. The adhesive has to be incredibly tight and therefore, uncomfortable to use for an extended time to hold the muscles still. There is even a risk of ripping off a layer of the skin as you pull off the piece of tape. This can cause a tear in the skin barrier, and the trauma could result in underlying pigmentation or leave you at risk for a bacterial infection that could potentially scar. In theory, these facial patches should work as they keep muscles in place while you sleep, not allowing them to wrinkle as you move throughout the night. However, they can have the complete opposite effect when it comes to reducing fine lines and wrinkles. When you tape your face to hold muscles still, you’re preventing them from working, while adding resistance. In doing so, you’re training your facial muscles to work harder and, in turn, become more powerful. As they get stronger, it accelerates the formation of those fine lines and wrinkles you were hoping to avoid.
Pore Vacuuming
What is it?
This is an at-home device that is put out by various different companies. It gained traction during the pandemic when many people could not visit doctors for elective treatments. The goal of these tools is to extract dirt, debris, and sebum from the skin in order to reduce blackheads and pore congestion.
Why you should steer clear:
If you have seen videos, it is evident that users saw instant redness. If you don’t know how to set the device appropriately for your skin, putting the volume up to higher settings won’t necessarily remove more blackheads, but it could leave your skin looking as if you just got a hickey. Those with skin issues such as rosacea especially need to proceed with caution. The vacuum can exacerbate these conditions and cause untoward side effects like broken capillaries and bruising. This can even occur with those who simply have sensitive skin. Even if the device is effective, the pores will eventually re-fill again, and preventing this from occurring via this tool is too much wear and tear on the skin.
Sunscreen Contouring
What is it?
The original viral video has a resurgence this past summer. Model Eli Withrow posted a TikTok video where she has sunscreen applied on different parts of her face. She states: “Haters will say it doesn’t work. I’m convinced that if you put a base sunscreen of SPF 30 on, and an SPF 90 on all the spots that you would put highlighter on, the sun will contour your face where you’d put bronzer, and you’ll be natural snatched all summer.”
Why you should steer clear:
There is no way to predict how the sun tans various parts of your face. All areas of the face don’t get the same amount of sunlight. Attempting to control your sun ray exposure through mixing SPF levels is illogical. Radiation bounces off sand, water, and cement hitting the face at different angles. Not only might you not get the “J-LO glow, but you could also get patchy sunburns. While the idea is meant to use tan lines to contour the face, you are risking your skin from a cosmetic standpoint and health-wise in the form of skin cancer. This is not worth the quest for a temporary (at best) contour.
DIY Lip Filler
What is it?
Once again, another pandemic-fueled aesthetic trend. One way people attempt to do this at home is through at-home kits to inject their own lip filler through tools called Hyaluron pens. These use pressurized air to force filler into lips instead of needles which are used in a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist’s office.
What you should steer clear:
The lips are filled with nerve endings and they swell and bruise very easily. More worrisome than that is improper injection can result in blocked blood flow. Non- physicians don’t have the skills to treat these complications before they lead to serious damage. In addition, since this is not regulated by the FDA, you have no way of knowing what products you are putting into your lips. Even without a substance going into your lips, other methods that use suctioning tools to create a temporary bigger pout can be dangerous as well.
Michael T. Somenek, MD
Board Certified Washington, DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Somenek received an undergraduate degree in microbiology at the University of Miami and a medical degree at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He stayed on at this prestigious institution for 5 more years of postgraduate training in otolaryngology or the study of the head and neck. He then completed an intensive fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery under the tutelage of world-renowned facial plastic surgeons Dr. J. Regan Thomas (past president of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) and Dr. Dean Toriumi at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Dr. Somenek is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. As an author of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, textbook chapters, and presentations at national meetings, he has contributed extensively in his field.
Dr. Somenek also performs a variety of minimally invasive procedures, both surgical and non-surgical. Surgical options include facial liposuction, the endoscopic brow lift, and the S Lift. These techniques require only very small incisions but can have a dramatic effect on a person’s appearance in the hands of a qualified surgeon with a trained aesthetic eye such as Dr. Somenek. Dr. Somenek’s intensive training in the complex structures of the face, head, and neck make him stand out among plastic surgeons in Washington, D.C. He is a trainer and teacher to other physicians across the country on all injectables and frequently sees patients that need an expert opinion. Even for less invasive procedures such as BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, he can use his broad knowledge to administer precise treatments that exceed each patient’s expectations.
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Rocky Baby Face Sprague My Angel on Earth
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Oh, No! Do I Have Fatty Liver Disease?

So, you think you may have fatty liver disease. There are some basic questions to ask yourself: are you fatigued all the time? Do you experience nausea often? Are you thirsty all the time? Or are your eyeballs turning yellow? If you answered yes to some of these questions, you should consult your gastroenterologist. Also, if you are obese or overweight, have Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome or are a heavy drinker, you may be at risk of developing fatty liver disease. But let us give you some insight into fatty liver disease, its symptoms, how to get tested and your treatment options.
What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when fat builds up in your liver cells, which prevents it from working normally. A healthy liver contains a small amount of fat. Fat becomes a problem when it reaches five to 10 percent of your liver’s weight.
While the disease is common, it is a severe illness that can lead to liver failure. Liver failure can affect many of your body’s organs. Without treatment, both acute and chronic liver failure may eventually result in death. Fatty liver disease may be caused by obesity, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) or HIV infection.
Good news: fatty liver is largely preventable by taking steps to decrease your risk of the diseases that cause it.
What are the Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease?
The symptoms of fatty liver disease include fatigue, weakness, weight loss or poor appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and swelling in the legs and abdomen due to fluid accumulation. Although fatty liver disease does not always cause symptoms, you should be aware of any unusual feelings, such as pain on the right side under your rib cage, which could indicate inflammation on that side of the liver.
How Do I Get Tested for Fatty Liver Disease?
The diagnosis of fatty liver disease includes a physical exam, blood tests to measure the level of enzymes in your blood and imaging scans such as ultrasounds or CTs to detect fatty tissue on the liver. The blood tests reveal markers associated with fatty liver, which are alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and total bilirubin.
What are the Common Treatments for Fatty Liver Disease?
If you are diagnosed with fatty liver disease, your doctor may treat you immediately or refer you to a specialist. Treatment of fatty liver disease focuses on stopping the progression and improving existing symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itching, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain due to inflammation in the upper right abdomen and fatty build-up.
Treatment for fatty liver disease typically involves lifestyle changes such as losing weight, getting more exercise and eliminating alcohol consumption. If you are overweight or obese, your doctor may prescribe medications to help you lose weight. The medicines can be diet pills that decrease appetite, reduce hunger pangs between meals, increase the feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food or even block the absorption of fat by your intestine.
Treatment may also involve taking medications to control diabetes, cholesterol and triglycerides.
Still have questions about fatty liver disease or other gastrointestinal issues? For more information on liver conditions and treatments, contact Gastro MD. We are a cutting-edge clinical gastroenterology practice that sets the standard in digestive health care.
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Eye Health with Jamieson Lutein Ultra Strength Review
- 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
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



























