VGam Biome Go2 Biotik First Impressions

Hello, hello – welcome to / welcome back to A Brash Attitude! Today I have a first impressions / mini review of the GO2 Biotik Duo from Vgam Biome. Recently they had a sign up for free mini samples and I was one of the lucky ones who signed up before they ran out.

This is a Quebec based, Canadian brand, that purchases its ingredients from sustainable sources, and have environmentally friendly packaging, and are cruelty free and vegan! The skincare line is minimalist and works for all skin types.

The GO2 Biotik Duo is made up of their Facial Cream and Mineral Serum:

BIOTIK KOMPLEMENTS mineral serum and BIOTIK ELEMENTS facial cream are meant to be used together daily, morning and evening, applying the 2 products previously mixed in your hands.

You can increase or decrease the amount of each GO2 duo products. In general, dry skin requires more cream while oily skin requires more serum.

For any imperfections, apply a drop of serum with your finger directly on the blemish a few times a day (in addition to your V*GAM routine). Our formulas are designed to naturally reduce dark spots (hyperpigmentation) and prevent premature aging of the skin.

I love the custom mix idea – sometimes my skin needs more hydration, sometimes it doesn’t. Very gentle, and non-greasy. The serum also works great as a spot treatment for breakouts!

I’d like to try this skincare duo in full size, as I feel that you really need to try skincare for at least two weeks (if not longer) to really get the “feel” for products.

Have you tried this skincare brand?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: Free mini samples (not PR gifted). My opinion is my own regardless!

The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Serum Review

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing the Polyglutamic Acid Serum from The Inkey List that I recently purchased from Shoppers / Pharmaprix. [info in italics taken from the B For Beauty UK website]

Naturally found in the skin, Polyglutamic Acid (PGA) helps to maintain skin’s moisture levels and holds 4 times more moisture than Hyaluronic Acid. Polyglutamic Acid acts to:

1. Form a thin, smooth and moisturising film on the skin 
2. Reduce the appearance of fine lines 
3. Brighten skin and evens tone 

My skin loves hyaluronic acid, so I was especially interested in trying out this serum. It feels like a cross between a HA serum and a silicone primer. I’ve been using it in conjunction with the Hexa-Peptide Serum, and they work really well together.

It is very lightweight, and my skin feels so smooth after applying. My only complaint is that this serum has an awful chemical scent (almost paint-like to my nose). Thankfully it disappears quickly, because yuck!

It works well with makeup too. Great as a primer! And it is budget friendly at $14.99 CAD for 30 ml.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua / Eau), Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-12 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-11, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglutamic Acid, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Propanediol, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Benzoate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 80, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Decyl Glucoside, Dimethylacrylamide/Acrylic Acid/Polystyrene Ethyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract.

Have you tried this serum?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: I purchased this!

 

The Inkey List Collagen Booster Review

Hello, hello! Welcome to A Brash Attitude!

Today I’m reviewing the Collagen Booster from The Inkey List. I’ve been using this serum for a few weeks now, so I’m ready to review. [info in italics taken from the Cult Beauty website]

They say you only miss things once they’re gone and, sadly, our love for collagen (the natural skin protein that helps to support skin’s firmness, suppleness and elasticity) tends to appear only once we realise its production has begun to slow down – sob. A perfect antidote to this sorry state of affairs, THE INKEY LIST’s Collagen Serum stars clever peptides called Matrixyl 3000 and Syn Tacks, which mimic the effect of natural collagen, keeping your skin looking plumper and smoother for longer. The formula also helps to boost collagen production, so your skin will look increasingly firm and supple in the long run too. Minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and targeting sagging, this skin-boosting potion is like an elixir of youth for your complexion.

I bought this at Pharmaprix (aka Shoppers Drug Mart in the rest of Canada) back in January, so I’ve been testing it out for several weeks now. It is a clear, super-watery, serum that sinks into my skin quickly. It helps to plump and smooth the skin. It also plays nicely with all of my various serums, facial oils, moisturizers and makeup too!

And, as an added plus, it is super budget friendly at $10.99 CAD!

Have you tried this serum?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: I purchased this!

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Review

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing the final item from my October haul from The Ordinary – the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA serum. [info in italics is taken from The Ordinary]

Alpha Arbutin reduces the looks of spots and hyper-pigmentation. It’s used at a high 2% concentration versus a standard concentration of 1% and supported with a next-generation form of Hyaluronic Acid for enhanced delivery. Alpha Arbutin is much stronger in effect than Arbutin or Beta Arbutin.

Usage: Apply a few drops to face in the AM and PM as part of your skincare regimen. Use sun protection in the AM.

I have a few spots of minor hyper-pigmentation on my face, so I thought that I would try this serum out.It doesn’t sting or irritate my sensitive skin.

I use this serum once a day in the morning, instead of the recommended twice a day (and admittedly, I do sometimes forget to use it). That being said, I am noticing that my hyper-pigmentation spots are slowly fading away. The results would probably be more pronounced if I used it both day and night, but I’m happy to be seeing some results.

 

I apply this only to the hyper-pigmentation spots on bare skin before applying any of the other layers of serums, moisturizers, facial oils etc. It plays well with the other components in my skincare routine.

This the first serum that I’ve tried out for hyper-pigmentation, so I can’t really speak of its effectiveness compared to other treatments.

Have you tried anything for hyper-pigmentation? What do you use?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% Review

Hello, hello!

Today I have a review of an antioxidant serum from The Ordinary – the Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%. [info in italics taken from The Ordinary] This is one of the products from my haul in late October.

 

This formula combines very high concentrations of two of the most powerful and important antioxidants in skincare: Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid. Resveratrol is a natural phenol found in several plants and our pure source is 100% derived from Japanese Knotweed. Ferulic Acid is a high-potency phytochemical antioxidant found naturally in walls of plant cells. 

Skincare formulations generally incorporate Resveratrol at 1% or less and Ferulic Acid at 0.5% or less. This formula contains each at 3%, an exceptionally high concentration. 

Application:

Apply alone or after water-based serums, before oils or heavier creams. Alternatively, mix with other treatments to enhance their antioxidant capacity significantly. 

I’ve tested this out on its own, with my Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (review is here), and with various moisturizers. This is one of those products where a little goes a long way. The first time I used it, I applied way too much and it just never seemed to fully absorb into my skin!

I mainly use the R3F3 serum with my Vitamin C serum – it seems to help boost the brightening effect and helps deal with fine lines. If you layer your skincare, keep in mind the application order or else it won’t absorb well.

As an added plus, it doesn’t have a scent!

The Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% sells for $7.90 CAD (for 30ml).

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this, and my opinion is very much my own.

Weekly Recap Nov 13th to 19th

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, November 13th – Easy Home Whitening for Sensitive Teeth with Smile Brilliant (and Giveaway) *PR sample, promo code and giveaway link*

Wednesday, November 15th – The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Review

Friday, November 17th – Shamanuti Pumpkin Enzyme Facial Masque Review

Things and stuff:

It is a snowy and wet Sunday morning here in Montreal. I’m so not ready for winter!

I made a Thai inspired soup this morning in my InstantPot and my entire place smells like lemongrass and ginger. Yuuuuuuum!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: All products disclosed in original reviews. My opinion is always my own whether the post involves a PR sample or something that I paid for myself.

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Review

Hello, hello!

Today I have a review of the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% from The Ordinary. So what is Ascorbyl Glucoside? [info in italics taken from The Ordinary website]

Ascorbyl Glucoside is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It is much more stable in water but it is less potent than direct L-Ascorbic Acid. Being more compatible with water allows for a very pleasant serum texture. It is considered a gold standard of Vitamin C derivatives due to its high stability and comfortable use, but it’s impossible to achieve extremely high L-Ascorbic Acid potency with this solution. Aside from the general benefits of pure Vitamin C, Ascorbyl Glucoside has been shown to offer specific skin brightening benefits.

I’ve tested out several different Vitamin C serums over the past two and a half years – and most recently, the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres from The Ordinary. My skin never adjusted to it, and always did that sting-tingle upon application (review is here).

After reading through The Ordinary’s Guide to Vitamin C, I decided to try out the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% – it was described as having a high potency of Vitamin C but with a low chance of stinging, and in a more serum like formulation.

The Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution has no real scent and absorbs quickly into my skin with absolutely no stinging or tingling. And it doesn’t leave a tacky feeling on the skin when dry.

This one works way better with my sensitive skin and helps keep my looking bright and seems to work well with the other products the I’m currently using. I’ll soon have my cold weather skin routine to share with you, once I finish testing out a few more products.

It is slightly more expensive than the Vitamin C Suspension ($5.80 CAD) but it is still quite affordable at $12.90 CAD for 30ml (1 fluid oz).

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

 

The Ordinary Mini-Haul and Matrixyl 10% + HA Review

Hello, hello!

Today I have the first of several skincare reviews of things that I’ve been trying out this past month from my recent mini-haul from Deciem / The Ordinary.

First off, two re-purchases – the Buffet serum and Advanced Retinoid 2% (original reviews are here and here).

And now onto the new stuff – as you can see I have four new products (Argireline Solution 10%, Matrixyl 10% + HA, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%) that I’ve been testing out. Because I have sensitive skin, I did my patch test on my arm first before testing any of them on my face. And then introduced each one separately to monitor for any sensitivity or reaction.

Today I’m reviewing the Matrixyl 10% + HA, A High-Strength Peptide Formulation. (info in italics is taken from the website)

Matrixyl is a trademarked peptide composition developed by Sederma in France. This highly-effective composition has been shown to reduce the look of static and dynamic wrinkles. This formula contains two generations of Matrixyl, Matrixyl 3000 and Matrixyl Synthe’6, at a combined concentration of 10% by weight in a specialized Hyaluronic Acid delivery system. The peptide in Matrixyl 3000 is palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and the peptide in Matrixyl Synthe’6 is palmitoyl tripeptide-38. 

This serum can be used morning and night and targets fine lines and wrinkles. In terms of its consistency, it is very similar to the Buffet serum. I’ve been using the Matrixyl at night, and Buffet in the morning. Similar to Buffet, the serum absorbs quickly into the skin and plays well with other serums and creams that I’ve tested it with thus far.

 

I don’t think that I need to be using both Buffet and Matrixyl since they both target fine lines and wrinkles, and both contain Hyaluronic Acid for hydration. I just need to decide which one works best for me – thus far they both seem to do the same thing for my skin.

This serum is $11.50 CAD for a 30ml dropper bottle. Most anti-aging serums are far more expensive than that!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

 

 

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% Emulsion Review

Hello, hello!

Today I have a review of the Advanced Retinoid 2% Emulsion from my recent haul from The Ordinary. All info in italics taken from their website.

This formulation combines two forms of next-generation retinoid actives in a combined concentration of 2% by weight:
These two actives are:
a) Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of ageing than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid;
b) a sustained-delivery form of pure retinol in a protective capsule system which supports both the delivery and the effect of Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate.
Both forms of retinoid used avoid the irritation associated with retinoid (including retinol) use while delivering better visible results against signs of ageing.

I chose the Retinoid formula because it was supposed to be less irritating since I find that some retinol / retinoid formulations are a little harsh on my sensitive skin. Some cause stinging, and some cause excessive dryness. I’m happy to say that this milky Retinoid emulsion is gentle, but effective. And it doesn’t have a scent!

As always, if you use any retinol / retinoid products, remember to wear SPF. Well, you should be wearing SPF regardless!

This one is also cruelty free and vegan, and costs $9.80 CAD.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carrageenan, Xanthan gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Isoceteth-20, Behentrimonium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Have you tried this one? What is your fave retinol / retinoid product?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I purchased this!