The five products above have the same key characteristics in common:
-Recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association as part of the Skin Health Program
-Tested under dermatological control
-Tested under ophthalmological control
-Non comedogenic
-Hypo-allergenic and perfume free
-Devoid of: parabens, sulfate, oil and soap

This is great news for women of all ages.

Further, just nine percent of women over 50 like what they see in the mirror. That means 91 percent don’t. Wow.

Here’s the thing. You are beautiful. You do matter.

Your self-sacrifice over the years to put everyone ahead of your own needs, however, means that you probably haven’t taken time for yourself in many years. That’s the whole reason I started Style on Purpose – to remind women to get dressed on purpose each day. Thoughtful consideration of what to wear, how to style your hair, what makeup to apply, which shoes to wear…

It’s surprising how just a few things can change your attitude. So here are some simple things you can do right away to better reflect your inside beauty on the outside:

• Pick up a new lipstick, in a colour you haven’t worn before.
• Change your hairstyle. Nothing is more aging than having the same style for 10 years.
• Add a colourful scarf or statement necklace to your outfit.
• Wear high heels.
• Wear sassy sunglasses. Not only good for your look, but sunglasses also help protect your eyes.
• Most of all, be gentle with yourself.

It’s ok to give in to things you can no longer do or manage. It’s not ok to give up. So take the time for yourself each day to be your best, celebrate your spirit and let your inner beauty shine through.

As L’Oreal says, you’re worth it.

(NOTE: see post, Easy Beauty Boosts for ideas)

I recently had the opportunity to review four Marcelle products targeted for women aged 50+. The Marcelle Revival line is a comprehensive collection of skin care that rejuvenates and refreshes. I tested:

-Revival Intense Anti-Aging Day Care: $35.95 for 50 ml
-Revival Intense Anti-Aging Night Care: $35.95 for 50 ml
-Revival Intense Anti-Aging Eye Care: $35.95 for 15 ml
-Revival Firming + Brightening Cream Serum $35.95 for 50 ml

Together as a regimen, I found the products to be light and non-greasy. The Night and Day Care creams, especially, were lighter and more translucent than others – something I appreciated. I have found that heavy creams can lead to skin break-outs: the irony of being 50-something. Lighter creams, however, such as the Marcelle products, did not create any issues for me.

The line is fragrance free and I will admit that I’m not really a fan of unscented products in general. Give me a hint of citrus, mint or lavender for a more luxurious experience. That said, I know that having fragrance free products is important to many women, and the Marcelle line certainly fits the bill.

The price point for the collection is also unbeatable. This affordable line offers a quality product and for significantly less than other skin care lines.

I give the Marcelle Revival Line 4 stars out of 5.

NOTE: Thanks to the fine folks at Marcelle for supplying the products.

Resolution #1:  Start to take care of your skin… really.

Many of us “dabble” with skincare, but with more and more environmental factors affecting us, it’s time to take skincare seriously.  No more “raccoon eyes” when you wake up. No more quick splashes of water as you run out the door.  Find a skincare regime that works for you.  The first step is to discover what kind of skin you have.  Visit The Body Shop for a free Skincare consultation in store, or find your perfect skincare regime online at www.thebodyshop.com.You’ll feel and see the benefits, and your future self will thank you for being smart with your skin.

Resolution #2:  Find a beauty best friend – for life.

The more beauty trends come and go, the more profile natural ingredients get for their established and effective approach to skincare.  Just think about how many jars of unused skincare products haunt you from the back of your bathroom vanity.  The latest “miracle wrinkle cure” may have seemed great at the time, but in reality, it didn’t fit the bill.  A safe bet for 2013:  choose products with ingredients that have been time-tested and nature-approved.  The Body Shop Nutriganics Drops of Youth ($36) is a great example.  It’s certified organic and also uses Community Fair Trade organic babassu oil from Brazil, renowned for centuries for its intensive moisturizing properties.

 Resolution #3:  Moisturize.  Moisturize.  Moisturize. 

Let’s face it – winter is here.  Now’s the time for moisture to become your best friend.  Dry, itchy skin can be uncomfortable and if not treated with care, will only get worse as the winter wears on… and on… and on.  Try The Body Shop Shea collection and say “bye-bye” to dryness with a moisture-filled approach to body care. Creamy Shea Shower Cream ($8), indulgent Shea Body Butter ($19) andexfoliating Shea Body Scrub ($19) all work to drench winter-weary skin with moisture and help you get your glow on.

Resolution #4:  Chocolate! Wear it, love it, but don’t eat it!

Your new year diet may dictate that you lay off the chocolate, but there’s no reason why you can’t smooth it on instead!  The Body Shop Chocomania range, including Chocomania Body Butter ($19), smells divine and goes on silky smooth for extra long-lasting moisturizing benefits and a healthy feel all around.

 Resolution #5:  Fruits and veggies are your friends

Our sense of smell is one of the most powerful tools to lift our mood and our outlook.  Breathe in a little therapy with The Body Shop body care products featuring fabulous fruity flavours like Satsuma, Pink Grapefruit and Strawberry.  Even in the dead of winter, the fresh fragrances bring brightness to your bath and body ritual. Try these fragrances in our Shower Gel ($8) format; it’s like a bit of sunshine in the shower.

Resolution #6:  Start fresh

January is a time for new beginnings.  A time to de-clutter and organize your life.  Start with your make-up bag.  Get rid of those “fun” shades that you only wore once (or maybe never), and instead of just buying more, buy smart.  Try new all-in-one products like The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream ($20) that combines a moisturizer and foundation.  Pigment-filled capsules transform for an even finish that suits your skin tone, and 24-hour hydration keeps you looking fresh.  Now that’s smart!

 Resolution #7:  Turn winter blahs into ooohs and aaahhhs

Winter blahs can make you want to hide under a blanket and escape from the world.  This year, face them head on by embracing winter and finding a new look to add some sass to the season.  It’s amazing how we all get stuck in make-up ruts, and how a small change in colour or technique can brighten your look and your world.  Come into The Body Shop for a free make-over and let their make-up artists share the latest tips and tricks.  You’ll blast those blahs into ooohs and aaahhs in no time flat!

Resolution #8:  Know when it’s time to say “goodbye”

Make-up doesn’t last forever and as much as we all hate to throw things out… there comes a time to say goodbye.  The new year is a great time to sort through your make-up collection and discard any “questionable” items.  Mascara is the big one – it should be replaced every three months to avoid eye infections and ensure bright-eyed beauty.

 Resolution #9:  Look Spa Fit… every day.

Exercise is the key to a healthy mind and body.  You can also give your body an extra boost with New Spa Fit Firming & Toning Gel-Cream Massager ($20) from The Body Shop. A pure pleasure to use, this new Gel-Cream is enriched with 100% natural-origin active ingredients like citrus and caffeine.  Combined with its exclusive built-in spa-massager for extra toning action, it’s like getting all the firming and toning power of a trip to the spa in just minutes. The entire Spa Fit collection will make you feel great and will give you a “leg up” at the gym.

Resolution #10:  Make the world a better place!

We all want to do our part to help others whenever we can. Through Community Fair Trade, The Body Shop is committed to trading fairly with suppliers and seeking out the finest quality raw ingredients available from the four corners of the globe, to offer the very best in product composition.  We harness the skills of artisan farmers and add our expertise to create effective products that are wonderful to use. What started at The Body Shop in 1987 is stronger than ever, positively impacting the lives of 300,000 people around the world, every year.  Stop by The Body Shop and see how your purchase can make you feel great – inside and out.

When the festive kissing is over, take some time to renew your mind, body and spirit for the year ahead.  Whether you’re looking to enhance your daily routine or embrace a totally new approach, The Body Shop can help you face 2013 with a fresh new outlook.  Drop by the stores or check it all out online at www.thebodyshop.com.