June 2018 Empties

Hello, hello!

I cannot believe it is July already! This month I didn’t finish up as many products as I had hoped, once again, there are so many things that are NEARLY but not quite finished.

Let’s take a look – it is only body and skincare as I haven’t continued going through and decluttering my lipsticks.

Bath and Body Empties:

Wildcraft Buff Face and Body Scrub – I love this exfoliating scrub for body use as my face is far too sensitive for this type of exfoliation. It smells like spearmint in a refreshing and non-toothpaste way! I’ll be replacing this as soon as I use up a few more things in my stash. Review is here.

Tom’s Of Maine Deodorant in Soothing Calendula – This deodorant is NOT for me. It worked great at first but it seemed that the longer that I used it, the worse that it worked for me. I’ve heard that it works amazing for some people. I’ve been trying to use this up for so long – and only using it on days that I was working from home. Review is here.

EIR NYC Sunset Oil – This came in my May Petit Vour box. I absolutely loved this body oil for when I got out of the shower. I’m hoping to find something similar but a little more budget friendly. Review is here.

Skincare Empties:

Zabana Essentials Banana and Colloidal Oatmeal Face Mask + Scrub – I really liked this facial mask that came in my May Petit Vour box. The sample pack was large enough to get at least 6 to 8 uses! I have things to use up in my stash so I won’t be buying a full size of this one right now. Review is here.

Shamanuti Pumpkin Enzyme Masque – Another Petit Vour product. This was a great mask, but I can find another, more budget friendly dupe. Again, no rush to try to find a dupe for it as I am still working my way through my stash. Review is here.

Ingenium Naturals Tsubaki Oil – This was a great multi-purpose oil. I’ve used it on my face, in my hair, and even in the bath. I have a bunch of oils to use up, so I won’t be replacing this right now. This was a PR sample. Review is here.

Andalou Naturals Goji Peptide Perfecting Cream – This was also from a Petit Vour box. The sample was small, so I could only give first impressions on this facial cream. Again, I have several things to use up in my stash so no need to buy a full size to test right now. Review is here.

Nearly Finished:

Wet N Wild Photofocus Pressed Powder – I hit pan on this last month, and it is still hanging on! Hopefully I’ll be able to finish it up in July. Review is here.

So there you have it – all the things that I’ve managed to finish this month. Not as much as I had hoped, but progress is progress. Did you finish up much this month?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: All purchased by me except for the Wildcraft Buff (gift from a friend) and the Ingenium Naturals Tsubaki Oil (PR sample).

Weekly Recap Oct 2nd to 8th

Hello, hello!

Just a little recap of the past week’s blog posts in case you’ve missed out and want to catch up…

Monday, October 2nd – September Empties *contains some PR samples

Wednesday, October 4th – Sothys Paris Fall Winter 2017 Makeup Collection Review *PR samples

Friday, October 6th – Essence Volume Stylist 18h Curl & Hold Mascara Review

Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian readers, happy day to everyone else as well!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

 

May 2017 Empties

Hello, hello!

I’m still working my way through my stash of all things skin, body and haircare. And I’m still mostly only purchasing things as I use them up.

Let’s take a look at what I managed to finish this month:

SKINCARE:

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Refining Sugar Cleanser  (PR sample) – original review is here. I absolutely loved this gentle scrub! I have this on my wishlist to replace once I use up a few more things in my stash.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads – original review is here. I think I’m going to buy the full size of this one.

Tarte Brighter Days Moisturizer – original review is here. This was just ok. I won’t be buying the full size of this one.

BODY AND HAIRCARE:

Ingenium Naturals CuraTif Body Salve (PR sample) – original review here. This is so good when my skin is dry. I loved this one! I still have a bunch of body lotions / creams to use up, so for now this is going on my wishlist.

Marc Anthony Clear Dry Shampoo – I bought this and used it for two weeks before I realized that it might not be cruelty free. I have some older hair goop from Marc Anthony that says that they don’t test on animals, but newer products no longer have that on the label. I won’t be re-purchasing. The CoLab dry shampoos are my fave so far.

MAKEUP:

Tokyo Milk Dark Lip Elixir – I won this in a giveaway back in 2015. I loved this lip balm, but I have so many to use up!

Nyx HD Concealer – original review here. I love this concealer and I’ve already re-purchased it, this time in the shade light (I had porcelain in the winter).

Have you tried any of these products?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: All purchased by me except for products identified as PR samples.

April 2017 Empties

Hello, hello!

I’m still working my way through my stash, and am gradually using things up. There were a few products that were so close to finishing but not fully finished. I guess they will be in next month’s empties. Here’s what I finished up this month:

On the empties:

Saje Essential Oil Blend in Peppermint Twist – I love this essential oil blend, and need to re-purchase this as soon as I use up a few more. Original review is here.

Nova Scotia Fisherman Hand & Body Cream – This stuff saved my hands all winter, I’ll be re-purchasing this one in my next well.ca order. Original review is here.

Smith’s Mocha Rose Lip Balm, and Haus of Gloi Lip Balm in Wild Rose and Cherry Vanilla – I’m a lip balm addict, it is true, but I’m trying to use up the ones in my stash before I buy any more. The Haus of Gloi Cherry Vanilla one disappeared, so it didn’t get photographed – I suspect that I will find it on the weekend when I am vacuuming, haha!

Essence I ❤ Extreme Volume Mascara (Waterproof) – This is normally my holy grail mascara, but the last one that I bought was really thick and clumpy, so I only used it for two weeks before pitching it. Maybe it was an old one. I’ve since re-purchased the Big Show Waterproof one from Annabelle in the meantime. Original review of Essence here, Annabelle here.

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Perfect C Pro Serum 25%* – This is my favourite C serum that I’ve tried this far. It doesn’t sting my sensitive skin, which is surprising considering a lot of them do. I haven’t re-purchased this yet, but it is on my wishlist, as I’m still working my way through my skincare stash. Original review is here.

Ingenium Naturals Sensi-Cream* – Such a great facial moisturizer, it is lightweight and gentle, perfect for sensitive skin. Again, this one is on my wishlist, but until I clear out more of my stash, I can’t re-purchase. Original review is here.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Products marked with * were PR samples.

Best of 2016 – The Body and Hair Care Edit

Hello, hello, and Happy New Year my friends! ❤

Continuing on with my “best of 2016” series, here’s my picks for body and hair care:

Best Body Scrubs:

My all time favourite body scrub is the Bubbling Scrub from Haus of Gloi (which I have zero photos of), but this year I was able to try some other nice body scrubs that deserve honourable mention – the Cinnamon Vanilla Royal Coffee Scrub from Naturelle Cosmetics and the Lavender Sugar Scrub from EQ Natural Skincare.

Best Bath and Body Oil:

I’ve been using the Multi-Nutritive Oils for Body, Bath, and Hair from Nuworld Botanicals ALL THE TIME since late May. In fact, I used the Energy Boost one yesterday in the bath. The reviews are here and here. I love that they are multi-purpose.

Best Body Moisturizer / Butter / Lotion:

My all time fave in this category is the Pumpkin Butter from Haus of Gloi (it was in my last year’s faves), but I’m also loving the Cura-Tif Solid Body Lotion / Body Salve from Ingenium Naturals – it is great for super dry and sensitive skin.

Best Hand Cream & Cuticle Cream:

My picks are both from the same company – Nova Scotia Fisherman. My hands and cuticles get so dry in the winter, and the Naturally Moisturizing Hand and Body Cream and Cuticle Rescue are life savers!

Best Shampoo & Conditioner:

I’m still loving the Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture (Coconut Milk) Shampoo and Conditioner set that I received at their Montreal launch event. I’m looking forward to trying out a few more of their products in the new year.

Best Hair Treatment / Mask:

I got a deluxe sample size of the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask in my September Ipsy Glam Bag, and I fell in love! As soon as I use up my stash of hair treatments / masks, I’ll be buying a full size of this one.

There you have it, all of my picks for the Best of 2016 in Body and Hair Care! Still to come are my picks for the Best of 2016 – The Makeup Edit.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Please see original reviews for individual product disclosures.

Best of 2016 – Skin Care Edit

Hello, hello!

I’m back! I got hit with a horrible cold just before Christmas and I’m still not 100% healthy yet.

As the year draws to a close, I would like to take the time to thank each and every one of you for following, liking and commenting on my blog!

Here’s my “Best of 2016 – Skin Care” and links to the original reviews.

Best Cleanser: 

I have a tie for best cleansers, both are from Mychelle Dermaceuticals – the Refining Sugar Cleanser and the Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser. I’ve been using both of these cleansers since the fall.

Best Scrub:

I’ve tried several different scrubs this year, but the Sukin Revitalizing Facial Scrub has to be my favourite.

Best Serum:

I actually have three serums that I use regularly, but the Consonant Antioxidant Superhero Serum is my favourite of the bunch. Runners up are the Mychelle Dermaceuticals Perfect C and Remarkable Retinal Serums.

Best Facial Oil:

Facial oils are a fairly new thing for me, it is an area of skincare that I want to explore further in the new year. I’ve been using the Tsubaki Oil from Ingenium Naturals daily. I add a few drops to my moisturizer every morning, and it has helped prevent my skin from the dreaded winter dryness.

Best Moisturizer:

I have two favourite moisturizers, one for day, and one for night. The first one is the Sensi-Cream from Ingenium Naturals. I use it in the mornings with a few drops of Tsubaki Oil mixed in. At night, I use the Pumkin Renew Cream from Mychelle Dermaceuticals.

Best Facial Mask:

Another tie. I absolutely love the Consonant Skincare DHE Mask, and the Sukin Purifying Facial Masque.

Best Eye Cream:

Another one from Sukin, the Antioxidant Eye Serum. It hydrates without irritating my sensitive eyes.

Best Facial Mist / Floral Water / Toner:

A new product category for me. I fell in love with using facial mists / floral waters. Again, this is a product category that I want to try more of in the new year. I am so in love with the Eau Florale de Rose from Maison Jacynthe. The Hydrating Mist Toner from Sukin is also a personal fave.

 

There you have it, my Best of Skin Care for 2016! Thanks for reading and have a beautiful 2017! ❤❤❤

Still to come, Best of Body and Hair Care for 2016, and Best of Makeup for 2016!

Disclosure: See the original reviews for individual product disclosure statements.

 

Ingenium Naturals – Natural Canadian Health & Skincare

Hello, hello!

I was recently contacted by Ingenium Naturals to see if I wanted to try out some of their skincare products. Since I love trying new skincare (despite having sensitive skin), of course I said yes because I was at the end of my “no new skincare testing” break.

A little bit about the brand: Ingenium Naturals is a Canadian company that makes healthy natural products – from natural health supplements, essential oils, skin, hair and body care, as well as teas and tisanes. Their tagline is “Live well! Live healthy! Enjoy the journey!” From the website:

The ingredients used to manufacture Ingenium Naturals Inc. products are backed by many years of traditional and modern use, as well as scientific studies. Our manufacturing partners are as diligent and passionate about quality as we are, and we would not have it any other way! […] Our products are never tested on animals, and are among the safest products on the market today, for our customers and for the environment. Our personal care products are small-batch productions. 

Onto the products and reviews:

CuraTif Body Salve (Body Chapstick) $18 USD – solid body lotion, applies like a stick deodorant or a giant chapstick. Here’s the product description from the website:

Thanks to its highly hydrating and anti-inflammatory virtues this product will moisturize and sooth itchy, chapped skin. Lightly scented with lime essential oil and enriched with Vitamin E, the combination of all natural butters and quickly absorbing oils will prove to be just what your skin quenches for!  […] Our Body Butter Sticks all have highly moisturizing properties and aid in regenerating, soothing and nourishing skin exposed to daily environmental elements. Recommended for anyone with severely dry, scaly skin due to harsh winter weather, aggressive cosmetic treatments, or any of the following conditions: atopic dermatitis, irritant eczema, allergic eczema, and rosacea. FOR VERY DRY SKIN.

This body salve is amazing on super dry skin and is perfect for the winter season. I’ve been using this on my legs and feet because both have recently become dry with the cooler weather. This will be well used once the deep freeze hits Montreal!

Sensi-Net Exfoliate – $16 USD – exfoliating cleanser for sensitive (and normal) skin. Here’s the product description from the website:

Its combination of unscented natural oils combined with the anti-ageing and rejuvenating properties of Vitamin C and E, gently help eliminate skin impurities while simultaneously aiding in the regeneration of photo-damaged skin. It leaves a youthful, glowing, and extraordinarily silky complexion. […] This product is safe for the environment and contains no microbeads.

This is a super gentle, creamy exfoliating cleanser. My face feels so soft and smooth after using it.

Sensi-Cream – $28 USD – facial cream for sensitive (and normal skin). Here’s the product description from the website:

All our Sensi Line products combine unscented natural ingredients such as jojoba oil and aloe butter, with the anti-ageing and rejuvenating properties of Vitamin C and E. This refined blend helps regenerate photo-damaged skin, block free radicals and provides a youthful looking glow. […] This naturally unscented hydrating facial cream is ideal for sensitive skins that do not tolerate harsh ingredients and aromas. It provides ultimate protection and helps the regeneration of skin cells.

This moisturizer is lightweight yet beautifully hydrating. My foundation has been going on a lot smoother since I started using this moisturizer!

Tsubaki Oil – $32 USD – facial oil for normal to dry skin. Here’s the description from the website:

Tsubaki oil (camellia oil) in its purest and most virtuous form. […] The Japanese beauty oil for hair and skin has been used for centuries, acting as a transdermal carrier of cell rebuilding nutrients and bioactive compounds (collagen and elastin). […] This Oriental gem can be essential in repairing damaged hair, skin, and nails caused by dryness, ageing, and environmental elements such as sun exposure and pollution. Its numerous anti-ageing polyphenol antioxidants provide wholesome, all-natural nutrients to the hair and skin, helping minimize the effects of premature ageing.

I’m pretty new to the world of facial oils, but wow, this facial oil is AMAZING! I’ve used it mixed in with the Sensi-Cream, as well as on its own on my face, neck and chest. It is a surprisingly dry oil, and quickly absorbs into the skin.

This sensitive skinned girl has very happy skin right now! I think my skin looks healthy and glow-y!

Ingenium Naturals has kindly provided me with a promo code for my readers that is valid from November 18th to 23rd, 2016 – the code is “bebrash” for a 30% discount!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: PR samples, however my opinion is my own, based on my experience in using these products.