The Upside to Confinement

Who would have thought it would come to this? And now we are all in it together- even though we must keep apart. Can it be that this confinement due to Covid-19 can actually bring us back to a newfound quality-time? We shall not be defeated!

Here are some ideas for how this Montreal girl spends her time:

Exercise. It doesn’t have to be something too strenuous (unless you want it to be). I started taking long walks on a more regular basis. This helps with the cabin fever and to refresh my mind. Try taking a different route than usual and start observing the nature around you with more intent- it’s beautiful. Or- my favourite…dance to some 80’s fab music!

Cooking! Oh how cooking releases my stress, I can’t say enough about this! Comfort food and the whole process- I’m loving it. Why not cook up a recipe that you’ve been dying to make?

Check out the Highlights over at my **Instgram feed @lucybertoldi** under Yummy and Yummy 2 for tasty recipes

Start journaling. This can be in written form, art, or other. I make art. Can anything be more cathartic? The whole creative process keeps you in the moment (which weirdly enough makes time fly!). I do mixed media art on canvas but also a lot of journaling. If you’re interested on seeing more just head on over to my Instagram: @mtl.diva.art

Art heals

Meditate- keep your faith. In the same lines with journaling or making art- try some meditating. For some this could be in form of prayer, yoga, or whatever other form you get into. This helps us refocus, regenerate and ultimately brings us inner strength- leading to hope and positivity!

DIY’s and projects! Why not work on some of the things that always get set aside because of no time- can’t use that excuse right now! Revamp your stuff and feel a self of renewal and accomplishment. This is probably my favourite thing to do lol! But projects can also be cleaning out something (like your closet!) …which btw, can also be cathartic!!

Sit down with a good book you’ve been longing to read! A bit of quiet time to indulge in the topics you want to learn more about. Researching new things can be so much fun to help open your horizon for your present job, career, sport or hobby.

Adorned in Dreams, by Elizabeth Wilson is a fashion historian’s dream for real.

Click on link below to watch a clip of my review of Illustration Now! Fashion by, Julius Wiedermann Taschen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2dP8zuPSHI&feature=youtu.be

On these same lines, on your own (or with those you’re cooped up with!)- maybe watch a movie (or finish a Netflix series- or start one!) And why not play a game of sorts: cards, monopoly, backgammon…

Pamper yourself. Take the time to finally indulge (without a darn schedule to follow!). I think I will finally start trying those 12 different masks I have piling up in my try and review bin!

Heart-to-heart time with those you love (at home with you- or through Skype, messenger…). What better time to tell those you love how much you care for them? This could be a good time for those talks you’ve been setting aside for ‘the right time’.

Lastly, try to remain positive, thankful and appreciative. So difficult to do- but certainly doable! Look at all the positive things you can actually do within this confinement period. We’ve been geared up to always be on the go-go-go that we’ve forgotten how to stop, be still and appreciate. Maybe a forced situation such as this one, just maybe, can bring light upon the things that are good around us. For once we don’t have to say: I don’t have time.

#Confessionoftheday: Reminding myself that the sun always rises. Working hard on not letting anyone or anything take away my joy. A constant battle well worth the fight.

March 18, 2020 1

Facials: Montreal’s Best Kept Secret…

When it comes to facials, there’s a place where detailed focus, undivided attention and pampering are a priority- and that’s in Montreal…actually, in Laval, Montreal’s close neighbour- at Jenny Bart’s. Today, I was privileged to receive this fabulous service! I was also lucky to get an appointment, because this girl is booked solid- always.

What makes Jenny’s place so special? Well first of all, her clientele is based mostly on referrals. And, according to most…She really is Montreal’s best kept secret (Ahem, Laval). Her clients come from far and wide knowing that she does not have a ‘one-size- fits- all’, facial routine. She is a true expert. Facials are done according to skin analysis and specific needs. It’s a tailor-made program and treatments are done according to your skin’s needs, health and lifestyle.

What could be better than a warmed mattress right by a cozy fire, in a freshly scented aromatherapy room?

Jenny is extremely well versed and knowledgeable on all things derma-related, and also takes a particular interest and focus on anti-aging. All this makes her not only extremely interesting to me- but also my go-to source on newest technology and on what works and what doesn’t. For me, at this point, I really want to focus on reversing and slowing the signs of aging, while prolonging my skin’s health.

This is what I call total relaxation…

Unlike many other professionals who tell you to chuck what you have and buy what’s in their line instead, Jenny advised me on the important agents to look for in my own skin care products. I really appreciated that. Nobody wants to hear they need to throw out every cream they own (for some of us that can be anywhere over $200 a pop- yikes!) This is something I can really appreciate- honesty from an Esthetician.

Jenny does not sell her own line- instead, she tells you which products out there will make a remarkable difference on your skin- and that, is based on an individual analysis. She is also straightforward when revealing your skin’s status and the creams you are already using. So what about My reveal? Apart from sun damage (I’m a sucker for Floridian and Greek beaches, what can I say?), my skin is apparently very well maintained and it shows that I take good care of it! (So happy about that, cause I really do!).

I left my Esthetician with a world of knowledge along with a list of ingredients I should read up on; and of course what I should get for my skin. Surprisingly…none of it will kill my budget. No nonsense advice that I can live with!

Here’s what I got done today:

-Double Cleanse

-Followed by a light chemical peel

-Skin analysis

-Treatment: Light therapy and Toning Therapy

-Anti-Aging Mask

-Face Massage

All this followed by: Serums, Moisturizer and SPF

While relaxing, I also got a hand and forearm massage.

Oh, and did I mention how good my skin feels? It also looks amazing! All I needed today after my facial (because I never leave home without a full face of makeup)- was only a touch of powder, mascara, liner and gloss. I look and feel refreshed and, is it my imagination… or are those darn ‘eleven’s starting to shy away? Booking my next appointment!

That’s that my Darlings! Feeling totally zen.

Jenny’s Instagram Feed: @jennybart

#confessionoftheday: Indulgence in taking care of my skin is not a privilege- it’s a necessity!

May 21, 2019 0

Over 50? Dressing Up For Winter Goes For Your Skin Too..

So you’re bundling up for the cold. Mitts, hat and scarf, heavy coat, boots- all set…but what about your skin? Are you preparing your gorgeous face for our cold winters? Moisturizing and prepping is most important at any age but even more so in your 50’s and up. By middle age our skin loses it’s souplesse, hydration and resistance to harsh temperatures, the sun and pollution. Time to protect my Darlings!

Because you’ve asked- I deliver! Here’s my skincare regimen that I am completely devoted to:

Mornings:

1-Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam. This adds such radiance to my skin.

2-La Lotion by Supreme- Sublimage by Chanel. Restores my Ph balance and honestly feels like a gentle layer of pre-hydration.

3-Shiseido Ultimume Power Infusing Concentrate. This one I cannot live without. It’s a pre-serum that prepares my skin to literally soak up the following serums and creams I apply. It seems to activate them to work even more effectively.

4- Le Lift Firming- Anti-Wrinkle Serum. Because I am a firm believer of the technology and research behind this product. I see the firmness results and I love it. (Shiseido’s Future Solution X is also a contender- although I’ve only used a sample and loved it!! But at 200$ more than Le Lift…they’ll have to really convince me it’s that much better than Chanel’s).

5- Hydrabeauty Serum by Chanel. Because I need that extra layer of penetrating hydration! Keeping me moist and dewy all day long.

6- Finally my moisturizer: I ALTERNATE between Sublimage La Creme / Le Lift Smoothing and Firming Rich cream/ or Shiseido Bio Performance Liftdynamic Cream. But, truth be told, Sublimage is the ultimate in moisturizing for me. It works on all areas needed. I love the feel and the way makeup applies so well after this cream.

Le Lift is my go to when I need that extra targeted pick-me-up in terms of firmness and wrinkle control.

And Shiseido’s Bio Performance is so rich that this one is a total indulgence for me when I want another layer of luscious creamy protection.

For my eyes:

1- Shiseido Ultimume Power Infusing Eye Concentrate

2- Sublimage La Creme Yeux

AND, just before applying my makeup: Sunscreen of course! I can easily become a creature of habit…and that’s what’s happened with this sunscreen- been using it forever!! Clinique!

Nighttime Routine:

1-Bioderma eau micellaire– To remove my makeup (French Divas swear by this- and so do I!)

2-La Mousse Crème Nettoyante, Chanel; A deliciously foamy yet gentle face wash.

Then I proceed with Step 2 and 3 of my morning routine

3- And now for my Favourite Serum in the world: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair.

4- Shiseido’s Benefiance Wrinkle Resist24 Night Emulsion. I love the feel of this moisturizer/ Lotion!!

Eyes:

Again: Sublimage Creme Yeux

I also dabble with other sample creams and I love masks as well. But the only mask I truly adore- and will indulge in about once a week (maybe more in the winter): Sublimage Masque.. It just feels like an extra loaded moisturizer. I sleep with it and feel gorgeous in the morning.

This may sound extensive, but it actually only takes me about 10 to 15 min at MOST. And with another 10 min of makeup…I’m done! What’s that L’Oreal commercial…Because I’m worth it!

What is your Skincare routine?

#Confessionoftheday: Boy am I thankful$$$$ I work in the beauty industry and that my youngest works for Pharmaprix!!

January 25, 2019 0

Beauty Hoarder’s Weekend Haul!

So it was a VIP event with mega double your points at the Gallerie Beaute Pharmaprix. My youngest works there as a part time cosmetician (it’s a gene thing:)…so off I went.

Needed replenishments in some of my favourite Shiseido serums…but the show stoppers were the lipstick stains by Stila cosmetics! What won me over were the gorgeous reds. Jona the Make-up artist showed me a few tricks on how to vary the shading by simply dabbing and smudging ever so lightly- and honestly the incredible variations in colour just blew me away. The liquid eyeliner was another winner for me. Precision and smoothness in longwear- just what I need. Thank you Gorgeous Jona!

The whole experience and ambience with Mimosa cocktails and delicious hors-d’œuvres- all very chic and elegant. Oh, and did I mention the tons of gifts with purchase? Deluxe samples in an ever so elegant black and red box, plus makeup bags- all from Shiseido. Extra goodie bag from the pharmacy. Clinique baggie plus samples. Stila’s fabulous, real handbag plus plenty of samples.

So much stuff, I’m out of breath!

If you ever get called for a Pharmaprix VIP event- go! You’ll get way more than you ever walked in for.

#confessionofteday: Blew my budget once again.

<a href=”https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/19652191/?claim=tdfbrmr2wdr”>Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

October 21, 2018 0

Share this:

Like this:

Here’s what I got done today:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: