Why I’m using retinol

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post with Collectively x Neutrogena. 

Neutrogena Rapid Winkle RepairBy no means is there a magic potion that will eliminate all your troubles or worries when it comes to skin. But one thing I’ve learned over the course of becoming more involved with makeup and skincare, is that products with a higher percentage of retinol or retin-A are the one’s to look out for.

While I don’t personally empty my bank account for cosmetic medical procedures, nor do I wish to, I’d prefer to stick to something a bit more natural than needles, procedures and scalpels. It scares me too much!

Neutrogena has been a well known brand in our household ever since I can remember. It’s a brand I already trust and know, and so I wasn’t at all hesitant about trying the new product when I saw they came out with a regenerating cream with retinol in it. On the ingredients list on the box the retinol (which can be labelled under other names if you google it) is high up on the ingredients list (5th from the top), so it’s not “watered down” so to speak. Good for them!

Neutrogena Rapid Winkle Repair in handI’ve been using the Neutrogena Rapid Winkle Repair Regenerating Cream since I got back from Canada, and considering it specifically says on the back of the (gorgeous) glass jar to only use a pearl sized amount? It’s going to last me months.

WHY SHOULD YOU USE RETINOL?
There are many forms of retinol products which in turn are various forms of Vitamin A. The product is effective in reversing sun damage and signs of aging. After time it decreases fine lines, evens out skin dark spots, texture and colour, and ‘tightens’ your pores, and increases your collagen production.

As an over-the-counter retinol product, do understand that the retinol will be weaker than something that could be prescribed to you by a dermatologist. I can only assume it’s because retinol is costly, and of course is potent at higher percentages. That and with consistent use after weeks, months and even years are you going to see a difference.

Neutrogena Rapid Winkle RepairI cannot claim it’s better than any other out there because honestly this is the first retinol I’ve ever tried. I’m slowly dabbling into it because while I don’t mind the aging process going on, I do like to look healthy and with minimal lines.

The only qualm I have about the product is that I wish it was in a pump-form tube. As I understand, some products with a higher potency of retinol is quite sensitive to light of any sorts, so when I open this jar twice a day, opening it 14x in one week, I wonder how much damage I’m doing to the potency.

No doubt Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair regenerating cream is easy on the wallet, it might be something you’d be interested in picking up if you’re like me and new to the whole retinol-world! It’s packed with oodles of hydrating hylauronic acid to counter-act any dryness that may occur with the retinol.

Retinoid products are usually used before bedtime as natural light can minimize the effective of the product (and your skin can become sensitive to sunlight!), but with the Neutrogena one, you can apply it as a day and night cream as it contains the hylauronic acid I previously talked about.

Although it’s safe to use during the day, I prefer to include this product in my nightly skincare routine. Mainly for the fact that I understand retinol encourages skin cell turnover, and I prefer to have that “new skin” not be exposed to the sun as much since it’s so delicate at that time. With any product that contains retinol, please use sunscreen before heading outside, even during the winter months those UV rays are comin’ thru!

Neutrogena Rapid Winkle RepairThe new Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream is definitely a skincare game-changer for me (because I’m excited to use a product with retinol in it!). Find our more info on Neutrogena and try the cream for yourselves here.

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Move More #GoodForYou

Nancy with Specialized vita bikeIt’s back to business after December’s holiday indulgences.

I haven’t been to Newfoundland in a year, so when I flew home to visit my mom, my belly was very happy with eating her home cooked meals, and getting invited out to all my friends and families places. So good! I miss all the socialization in Newfoundland due to the life-long friendships I have back there.

I don’t always make resolutions at the start of the year. But this past year I spent a lot of my time at my desk or being sedentary. I plan to change that this year with jumping back into the swing of things with a routine and schedule in place. That means more weekly yoga trips, more bouldering and definitely more group workout classes. I just want to move!

I’m probably not alone. A common resolution for many people is to get fit, and hit the gym. I know the regulars are going to moan and groan about the new-comers. But some of those new people joining your gym could easily become regulars or even a workout pal of yours in the future if you reach out to them. So don’t knock’em.

For some people, work and travel can also get into their normal routine of doing what’s good for them. I know this is true for me. I didn’t always make the best food choices while home in Newfoundland, didn’t hydrate like I normally do, and I certainly didn’t exercise enough

That being said I’m not huge into attending a regular gym to do my own workouts. I prefer group yoga, or like I said group workouts similar to CrossFit or fit36. And bouldering….Oh I’ve missed it terribly. In preparation I’ve already trimmed down all my nails to drive over and get a nice climb in.

So my question for you guys, do you have a word of the year (like me: “move”), or a resolution set for yourselves? To enter for a chance to win, post your New Year’s Resolution for 2017 with a photo that shows off what it is. Include #GoodForYou and #ComfortInn (in a tweet or Instagram post) and follow @spiffykerms on Instagram/Twitter.

1 winner will be selected to win this grand prize:

  • Pro-Maxima – treadmill!!! Just like the kind you can find at Comfort Inn and Comfort Suits hotel gyms.
  • One year’s supply of Glaceau Smart Water by Coca Cola (52 cases)
  • Gym in a Bag by Hotel Fitness
Rules:
  • Must be 18+ to enter
  • Open to US + Canadian residents
  • Must be following @spiffykerms (on Instagram/Twitter)
  • Post must include #GoodForYou and #ComfortInn
  • Post must include a photo that shows off your resolution in some way
  • Post must be on Instagram or Twitter
  • Profile must be public until the end of the contest

Once you have posted on Instagram or Twitter, you must fill out this form so I can document your e-mails to select a winner! Contest is open to both Canadian and US residents. Posts will only be considered on social media (as it’s not a random drawing but involves effort on your part). So, get started! This contest closes January 31, 2017.

This blog post is sponsored by Choice Hotels to celebrate its Comfort® brand hotels is now the larges brand to go 100% smoke free in the US and Canada (important to me as I have mild asthma and weird hives going on!). Choice Hotels has resolved to be smoke free as part of its efforts to make your stay #GoodForYou, along with healthy breakfast items and fitness facilities. Check it out here.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.

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My Christmas outfit

My-christmas-outfitThis year I have curated my wardrobe more than ever. When I open my closet and look in, I’m happy with what I have. On occasion I feel the need to run to Forever 21 and see what new basics they have (anything grey or baby pink I’m lusting over). But honestly, I’m content. It’s a nice feeling. Anything I grab out of the closet, I enjoy wearing.

The essential foundation in my wardrobe at the moment (and more specifically this time of year) is a grey sweater. I’m pretty sure i have three of them right now, and each vary in colour. One is a deep charcoal, the other a huge oversized cowl neck cozy knit, and the other is a flowy mock-neck long sleeved and flattering on my figure.

It’s all so comfortable and effortless. Like this outfit that I wore to my friends house — except this sweater is clearly not my favourite grey colour haha. Christmas-outfit

Sweater| Joe Fresh (last year)
Jeans| Zara
Purse| Fossil (my co-workers from Canada gave it to me when I was leaving for California)
Flats| Charlotte Russe

You know you have a great friend when she allows you to wear not only shoes in her house, but insists on you putting your shoes on her couch for a cool photo opp. I love it! My shoes were clean, I promise. I rarely wear these red flats outside (because they’re from Charlotte Russe and I don’t want them to fall apart).Christmas-OOTD

Elisabeth and I had no itinerary or commitments that day, only catching up and enjoying each other’s company lounging around at her place and me playing with my Dior makeup (this is a lipstick from the 2015 Christmas collection). Applying-lipstick

This will be the first Christmas without my Father since his passing. No doubt be a different one with my Mom in her new place, but we will make new memories and… she has a fireplace, so I approve.

I will be back to the blog in the New Year. Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my friends.Footer-img

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