Beauty Vixen

Aquaphor's New Lip Balms Let Nature Do the Work

You already know Aquaphor. It has been a staple on bathroom counters for decades, and there is a reason for that, it works. In fact I have already done a post on Aquaphor for my Vintage Vanity series, check out the link here. So, when I heard they had a new Naturally Inspired Lip Repair line, I was curious.

I have been trying out the Lip Repair Stick with Coconut Oil and the Lip Repair Stick with Aloe Vera, and here is what I think.

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick Naturally Inspired Coconut Oil.

Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Beeswax, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Water

Designed as immediate relief for Very Dry lips, this one noticeably richer on the lips than its counterpart, which I really did like. It is not heavy or greasy, but you can tell it is doing something. It glides on smoothly and doesn't smother the lips with a gloopy texture or feel waxy. The texture reminds is very similar to the original “Advanced Therapy” lip balm, but with a slicker smooth feeling to it. My lips felt noticeably softer after using it consistently for a few days, and to be 100% honest, they finally are not cracking (something I have been struggling with for a few years now).

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick Naturally Inspired Aloe Vera

Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Beeswax, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Water

This one is formulated for immediate relief for Dry lips and as a result has a slightly lighter texture to it when applied, nothing too drastic though. If you tend to find regular Aquaphor too heavy for daytime use, this one might be the better fit for you. As a person who has currently 40+ aloe vera plants growing in their home, I really believe in the plants healing properties, and I think having it in a lip balm is always a great thing.

What Both Have in Common

Both sticks are formulated with 99% naturally derived ingredients, and have a base of Shea, Sunflower, Coconut and Castor Oils as well as beeswax, all of which are excellent for hydration and slip on the lips. They are fragrance-free, preservative-free, and dye-free, which is great news for anyone with sensitive lips. I find them very slick and has a great glide on my lips, something that I really like that in a lip balm.

Pros:

Fragrance-free, dye-free, preservative-free
No taste
99% naturally derived ingredients
Both glide on smoothly with no waxy or gloopy texture
Great for sensitive lips
Stick format

Cons:

No SPF, which would have been a nice addition
The coconut oil version may not be moisturizing enough for extremely chapped lips on its own

Overall:

I like both of these a lot. I think most people would be happy with either one, but if I had to pick, I would say the coconut oil stick for the drier seasons, and the aloe vera for the spring and summer. They are a solid addition to the Aquaphor lineup and a nice option if you want something a little more nature-forward without sacrificing performance.

You can Aquaphor at most drugstores and mass-market retailers, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart.

*This post features products that were gifted to me for review. As always, all opinions are honest and entirely my own.

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Aquaphor has been a household staple for more than a century, which makes it a perfect fit for Vintage Vanity, my series where I explore beauty products that have lived on bathroom counters and shelves for decades, that you can still get today.

The brand’s story starts in 1924 with the original Aquaphor ointment. By 1936, it was being sold exclusively to doctors, pharmacists, and hospitals in hefty 5‑lb tubs. It wouldn’t reach consumers directly until 1982.

In 1991, the brand introduced Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment, which is the formula most of us know and love. They added Lip Repair in 2011, the mini jar in 2014, Ointment Body Spray in 2017, and the Healing Balm Stick in 2022 to their lineup. There is also the Baby line, which formulas are identical to their non‑Baby counterparts (which is good to know if the product you want is sold out).

Original vs. Advanced Therapy

The Original Formula still exists, but the version you’ll see almost everywhere today is Advanced Therapy. The difference comes down to purpose: Advanced Therapy is designed to actively support healing, thanks to the addition of glycerin, panthenol, and bisabolol. It’s my personal go‑to, especially in the mini tub, which is perfect for tossing into any bag.

Aquaphor Advanced Therapy

This is the formula most people picture when they think of Aquaphor. It comes in tubes and tubs of all sizes. I keep a tube in my bathroom to protect my skin when I colour my hair, and a tiny tub at my desk for cuticles, rough patches on my skin, as well as my lips.

Unlike plain petrolatum jelly, Aquaphor Advanced Therapy is 41% petrolatum, with the remaining ingredients chosen to soften skin and support healing.

Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick

This is the mess‑free version of Aquaphor. It is fantastic for elbows, lips, and any dry spots that need quick moisture. It is also great for on the go, no risk of it oozing out and into your bag. I also use it when colouring my hair because the stick format gives me more control (I usually apply the stick first and then add a layer of the Advanced Therapy).

This formula contains 30% petrolatum, plus shea butter and avocado oil for extra nourishment.

Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray

This is one of the newer additions and possibly my favourite. It sprays out as a light, foamy texture that feels almost like a dry body oil when applied to damp skin. It absorbs quickly and does not feel greasy on me.

It uses the same ingredients found in Advanced Therapy, just in a different ratio. I have no idea how they made it work this well, but I am glad they did.

After trying so many Aquaphor products over the years, I genuinely appreciate how well they do what they are meant to do: lock in moisture and help skin heal. It is impressive that after 102 years, the brand is still innovating while staying true to what made it iconic in the first place, healing skin.

Aquaphor can be found at most drugstores and mass market retailers.

*Products were sent for review purposes. All views and opinions are my own.

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It has been a while since I last did an empties post, which means it is a great time to show what I used up recently and do some mini reviews.

Skincare:

I don't tend to use up skincare quickly, because I am always trying new things and then forgetting about stuff.

Garnier SkinActive Facial Mist Spray:

This is a great rose based spray, nothing too fancy about it. I liked it about the same as the Trader joe's Rose Water Facial Toner but with a better sprayer.

Clarins Rose Radiance Cream Super Restorative Cream Unisex [sample size]:

This is a surprisingly amazing cream. I really enjoyed using it, I found it very rich and hydrating on my skin. I found myself sad that the sample was so small and that I had used it up so quickly.

BYOMA Cream Moisturizing Gel
I got this in a set I purchased of mini BYOMA products the other holiday season. I liked it and would definitely consider buying a full-size of it. It was pretty light on my skin and absorbed quickly. It was quite soothing on my dry skin.

Clinique 3-Step Clarifying Lotion Face Exfoliator in 3
I have no clue how or when I got this but I am glad I finally used it up. It isn't my favourite toner for exfoliating.

Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer
I got this way back when in a FabFitFun box. I took my time using it up, but I really loved it as a lotion. My skin is always so dry, so it is nice nourishing cream for at night in the winter months. I would buy this again during a sale.

Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules
I picked a two pack of these up months ago at Costco when it was on sale. I really like them, I find them easy to use, remember to use and very rich and hydrating on my skin. I am almost done my second of the bottles, which is really impressive to me.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Eyes Time Complex Capsules
I picked these up at the same time as the face ones. They are nice, but very runny when opened. I find I end up wasting quite a bit every time. I also think if I do manage to use all the product in a capsule, it is way too much for the eyes. I have so much of the second container left, I probably would not rebuy.

Hair and Body Care:

Finesse 2-inp-1 Shampoo + Conditioner
This is Mr. Fox's favourite shampoo. He really likes how it leaves his hair and that it is a 2-in-1 for when he uses at the ice rink or gym. I like that it is about $3, made in Canada and leaves his hair smelling nice

L'Occitane Hand Vanilla Bouquet Hand Cream
This is a fantastic hand cream with 20% shea butter in it and only the slightest hint of vanilla to it. I ended up taking it to work to use it up and finished it in under two weeks.

The Body Shop Satsuma Body Wash
Satsuma is probably my favourite of The Body Shop scents that are currently still being made. I usually pick this gigantic bottle up for the hubby, but he recently switched to bar soap. I managed to use the end bit of this bottle up, and have at least one more in my back up closet. I love how when showering with it, the whole top floor of my house smells like Satsuma for an hour or so.

Dr. Teals Pure Epsom Salt Sooth & Sleep
I got this mini bag of lavender scented bath salts during the holidays in a set. I love Dr. Teal's and welcome anytime I can use their products, recently I switched to other brands that are made in Canada.

Vitabath Original Spring Green Gelee
This is my favourite bubble bath ever. A little goes a long way, it fills the entire house with the smell of fresh green bath and it is made in Canada. I use it about 3 times a week and it always makes the best bubbles. I am onto another bottle right now. I love that it is made in Canada.

Makeup:

Clarice Liquid Camouflage 010 Porcelain
I love this concealer, it has an olive undertone and looks so good on me. But Catrice left Canada, and then discontinued it. I may have gone online and ordered of a 3rd party 6 backups of it when this one ran out and I couldn't find a dupe.

Nudestix Tinted Blur Foundation Stick Light 02
This is a perfect match for my skin tone. It works well and blends nicely. I have at least one more backup.

Mehron Barrier Spray
I used this tiny 1 oz bottle up a while back. I definitely want to pick another one up, but am also considering Ben Nye Final Seal...or both. This is 100% a niche pro item that I like to use once and while to set my makeup.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight Stick
I very much love this pretty little highlighter. I had a great shade for me and blended out perfectly every time. I used this one all up and I guess I could have scooped some out, but liked it as a stick.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Mascara [sample size]
This tiny mascara was great, but didn't last long. Estee Lauder makes very good mascara, so I always like a sample of it.

Almay Brow Styler
I had this way too long, but it is a great tinted brow gel.

Sephora Insta-Brow Waxy Brow Pencil
This automatic brow wax was fantastic, my only complaint is how fast I went through it. It had the perfect consistency for styling my long brows without adding any colour. Next time there is a Sephora sale I would buy again.

Annabelle Retractable Eye Liner in Saffron
This seems to be a discounted shade. Mine dried out a bit too much to continue to use.

In all honesty, I am tossing a lot of lip products this month. I chose to clear out one drawer and realized I had a lot of older products I was not using at all.

Bite lipsticks [minis]
I had a lot of mini Bite lipsticks hanging around, and all, well they kind of are old. I never really reach for them and they are sort of waxy. So time to let go of them.

Bite glosses
These are some type of metallic glosses they made, but I never use them.

Nars and Various Glosses.
I never use these, like ever. BYE

Bobbi Brown LUXE LIQUID LIP
I got these at a Chick Advisor event way back when. I really liked them, but I never ever use them.

Hourglass lipsticks

I didn't even know that I had these.

There you go, a bunch of products I used up and some mini reviews on them.

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Mary Kay Canada launched a few new items in the fall and winter of 2025. I thought, since 2026 is just getting rolling, that it would be a good time to look at the new products that are part of their permanent lineup.

Mary Kay Great Heights Waterproof Mascara $21.00

Get ready for out-of-this-world lashes! Mary Kay® Great Heights® Waterproof Mascara combines waterproof strength with next-level length for stellar eye looks that go beyond.

I love a good waterproof mascara, one that dries down without flaking and stays put all day long. This one is a good mascara for everyday wear. It doesn't pack on too much thickness or length, but it does darken my lashes and define them nicely. If you are a fan of the original Great Lengths Mascara, you will probably like this a lot, but it definitely has less payoff in the length department. I haven't had it flake or smear once. I really think that Mary Kay makes some of the best mascaras out there right now, so it is nice to see a waterproof option being added to their lineup, since it is what I wear 95% of the time.

Mary Kay Shimmer Eye Shadow Stick $25.00

Add a swipe of celestial shimmer to every look with this creamy, easy-to-use eye shadow stick. The smooth, buildable formula glides on effortlessly for radiant colour payoff and all-day wear — no brush or blending required. Available in five out-of-this-world shades that dazzle with dimension. Whether you’re bold or keeping it soft, these versatile sticks make eye-catching beauty a breeze.

I love a good eyeshadow stick, something easy to apply that looks good. But one gripe is that if they have shimmer in it, it never stays put. That is not the case with these shimmer eye shadow sticks. They apply like butter and blend out so well, but then set. They set so darn well that I couldn't make the shimmer migrate when I tried.

These sleek sticks come in 5 shades: Midnight Galaxy, Radiant Bronze, Copper Nova, Golden Sunrise, and Pink Prism.

Mary Kay Multi-Benefit Concealer $22.00

This creamy, full-coverage formula helps blur blemishes, dark spots, and redness while remaining lightweight and buildable. Infused with vitamin E and plant-derived glycerin, it nourishes skin while staying crease- and transfer-resistant. Designed to move with your skin, this long-wearing concealer offers sweat- and humidity-resistant coverage in nine versatile shades. Use it alone, under or over foundation, or even as an eye primer for a seamless, all-day look.

Years ago, I got to try out some excellent concealers from Mary Kay; now they have a whole new formula that comes in 9 shades: Light 1, Light 2, Light 3, Medium 1, Medium 2, Medium 3, Dark 1, Dark 2, and Dark 3.

I tried out Light 1 and Light 2.

These concealers are incredibly pigmented; a little goes a very long way! This is defintly a full pigmented concealer. It blends out really easily onto hydrated skin and doesn't look patchy on me at all. I do feel this style of concealer has the tendency to separate, so I like to flip it around after every use, from upside down to right side up, when storing, to keep it mixed together.

Mary Kay Undereye Corrector $22

Tired eyes meet their match with this lightweight, peach-toned corrector that instantly neutralizes dark circles for a refreshed, wide-awake look. Designed to work seamlessly under concealer, the creamy formula blends effortlessly, delivering a smooth, sweat-resistant finish. Available in two shades—Light Peach and Deep Peach—to complement a range of skin tones.
These come in the same packaging and an almost identical formula as the concealers. They come in two shades: Light Peach and Deep Peach.
Both are extremely pigmented, and a tiny dab goes a very long way to cover undereye circles.
I personally had to mix Light 1 with Light Peach to get a good colour for me, but if I were doing more full glam makeup, it would be fantastic for an underlayer of colour correction that would last all day.

Mary Kay Clinical Solutions Barrier Restore 1:1:3 $56.00

Get fast-acting barrier repair and visible redness relief in one single step. If you suffer from skin redness, dryness, itching, rough texture or overall sensitivity, you may be dealing with a compromised skin barrier. Mary Kay Clinical Solutions Barrier Restore 1:1:3 to the rescue! It’s clinically shown to start reinforcing the skin barrier in just three hours, and reduces the appearance of skin redness in two weeks.

2025 was a terrible year for my skin; it seems my barrier is incredibly messed up. This lotion could not have come at a better time. I found that since using it, my skin has had zero reactions to it. My skin feels hydrated after using it and is generally less red.

I haven't used it enough to see differences in texture, but overall, my skin is much happier, and I know it is a safe product to use, as I am not having any reactions to it.

Overall:

I love these products. I love the Shimmer Sticks the most. I have been wearing them almost daily, and they really don't budge. I had a coworker comment on my swatches on my arm from 2 days prior. They are that good. I love the shades too. I look forward to the possibility of Mary Kay expanding the shade range or even having some matte ones in the future. I can hope. The waterproof mascara holds its own in situations that usually cause my mascara to run. The barrier restore 1:1:3 is soothing my skin more and more every day. The concealers and correctors are incredibly pigmented and have been great for my redness.

You can purchase Mary Kay products at MaryKay.ca or through your Independent Beauty Consultant.

*Porodcuts sent for review purposes, all opinions and views are my own.

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I am so excited to share with you the one thing in all the years that has finally gotten me to be able to actually style my hair, and no, it is not the Dyson Airwrap that I got last year, it is my Infinitipro by Conair Digitalaire Hot Air Multi Styler.

Basically, if you knew me in person, you'd know I am not known for well-styled hair, this seems to be the one thing I have always struggled with, and while there have been great tools over the years that have helped tame my hair into something I enjoy wearing, there has not been one tool to cover all my needs.

The Conair Digitaire Multi Styler is a hairdryer with a long handle and a bunch of attachments: a Paddle Brush, Curling Wand, 1 ¼ Round Brush, and a Drying Nozzle. It has three heat settings, cold, warm and hot, and two speed settings, high and low. It even has a 6-foot-long cord, so I don't get all caught up in myself. All the attachments are ceramic-coated for an even delivery of heat, too.

What have I been using on it and why do I love it? Well, basically, I have been using it as a hair dryer with the nozzle attachment to quick dry my hair most mornings now, and then when my hair is almost dry, I start using the paddle brush.

The paddle brush has a great curve to it, and even in the centre, it has a curve, so I can dry the hair along my head a lot easier. It also helps create a bit of a wave if I want to; either way, it looks great when I am done. If I really want to smooth out my hair and/or add waves to it, I will use the barrel brush.

While I am not the best at this yet, I really love how quickly I can smooth out the flyaways and kinks that are in my hair and create a great wave.

Start to end, it takes about 10 minutes with my hair soaking wet. I love that I don't have to spend a lot of time on it either.

As for the curler, I like it and it works well if your hair is still a little damp, but the barrel brush works so well, I rarely use it.

The attachments snap into place easily; you just have to turn a band to lock it into place.

Do I like this more than my Dyson AirWrap? Yes, I kind of wish I had not spent all the money on the Dyson. It is great, but this is just as good, and I am reaching for it almost every day now, and rarely my Dyson.

The only thing I wish it had was a diffuser or the option to buy one. I have wavy hair that I may just want to dry curly, and I have to dig out another hair dryer to do that (since my Dyson also doesn't have a diffuser). I would love to buy one for it in the future.

Pros:

4 great attachments for most of my needs:

Paddle Brush
Curling Wand
1 ¼ Round Brush,
Drying Nozzle

3 heat settings

cold
warm
hot

2 power settings

low
high

Ceramic-coated attachments for even heat
Internal ionic generator to reduce frizz
6-foot cord
Sells for $110 at Walmart (so much less expensive than other brands) and up $220 elsewhere.

Cons:

There is no diffuser or option to buy one.

Overall, I love this tool! I feel so much more put together and confident when I use it. It is relatively light and easy to maneuver; the attachments are easy to swap and use. I can get my hair done quickly and get on with my day. It also costs soooooo incredibly much less than other tools; it seems like a great option to have around anyway.

Infinitipro by Conair Digitalaire Hot Air Multi Styler is available at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, and Amazon.ca

*This product was provided for review; all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

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Aquaphor's New Lip Balms Let Nature Do the Work

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick Naturally Inspired Coconut Oil.

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick Naturally Inspired Aloe Vera

What Both Have in Common

Pros:

Cons:

Overall:

You can Aquaphor at most drugstores and mass-market retailers, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart.

Original vs. Advanced Therapy

Aquaphor Advanced Therapy

Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick

Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray

Skincare:

Hair and Body Care:

Makeup:

Mary Kay Great Heights Waterproof Mascara $21.00

Mary Kay Shimmer Eye Shadow Stick $25.00

Mary Kay Multi-Benefit Concealer $22.00

Mary Kay Undereye Corrector $22

Mary Kay Clinical Solutions Barrier Restore 1:1:3 $56.00

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