Review Archives – Page 2 of 12

First Impressions with Klorane

August 18, 2021
Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing two products from Klorane. This is my first time trying Klorane products. I know their dry shampoo is popular, but that’s pretty much all I know about the brand. After taking a look on their website, it looks like they have collections based on specific ingredients. For example, I’m reviewing products from the Organic Cornflower selection. To name a few, they also have calendula, chamomile, mango and oat products.

Scientifically proven effectiveness of our plant-based ingredients. A quality approach resulting from our pharmaceutical background, which applies to all our plants.

I received the water cream and eye patches from Topbox to try. According to their website, the Water Cream is best suited for dehydrated or tired skin. For rejuvenating skin in the morning. The eye patches help eliminate signs of fatigue (wrinkles, bags and fine lines).

Cornflower water cream with ORGANIC Cornflower and 100% plant-based Hyaluronic Acid

The Water Cream with Organic Cornflower and 100% plant-based Hyaluronic Acid moisturizes and plumps dehydrated or tired skin, leaving it refreshed and glowing.
+83% immediate hydration* thanks to the gel-like texture of the 98% natural formula.

Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Betaine, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ci 42090, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Parfum, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate.

It retails for $37 CAD (50mL) at Shoppers Drug Mart.
I was sent the tube, but it’s also available in a jar for the larger size.

The water cream has a gel cream texture that I like. It doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin and hasn’t pilled with any of my products. It smells like cornflower which is pleasant and it doesn’t linger all day once you’ve applied it. If you’re unfamiliar with cornflower, it kind of reminds me of the blue Mr. Sketch scented markers (even though that is a blueberry-scented marker). It’s possible I’m remembering wrong, but that’s what comes to mind when I smell the cream.

I know it’s more cost effective to buy the jar, but I like that the tube is more hygienic. I don’t have to dip my finger or a spatula into a jar every morning.

RATING: 3/5

It’s a nice water cream and it’s perfect for the warmer months for my dry skin. I probably wouldn’t be able to use this on its own in the colder months. Even now, I use it with a drop of facial oil.

Smoothing and soothing eye patches with Organic Cornflower

Smoothing and relaxing eye patches with Organic Cornflower and 100% plant-based Hyaluronic Acid is a refreshing anti-fatigue treatment for eye contour area after a long day or a short night. With 99% of natural ingredients and 100% biodegradable, the new patches with hydrogel technology hydrates, smooth away fine lines, promotes decongestion and reduces signs of fatigue (dark circles, puffiness, etc). Patches with a refreshing effect for a revived look!

Ingredients: Water (Aqua)*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride*, Glycerin*, Pentylene Glycol*, Algin*, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water*, Sodium Hyaluronate*, Blue 1 (Ci 42090). Butylene Glycol*, Calcium Sulfate Hydrate*, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate*, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum*

A box of 7 pairs retails for $35 CAD at Shoppers Drug Mart.
The patches are a pretty blue shade (not that it matters what colour they are). They look like whales to me lol. This is a minor thing that doesn’t really affect the efficacy of the patches, but it looks like they were all made in moulds that face the same way. So one of the patches won’t lie against your skin in the same way as the other (one side is flat and the other side is more rounded). You can see what I’m talking about in the second picture of patches.

I personally don’t like under eye patches. I prefer to just use an eye cream or gel. Similar to sheet masks, they can be nice to use from time to time, but I find it a hassle to do it every single day. Having to put on a mask/patches, wait 15-20 mins and then take it off. I’d rather just apply my skincare and be done with it.

RATING: 1/5

There wasn’t enough serum in the patches to be hydrating enough after taking them off. They felt nice and cool while they were on, but there wasn’t much to tap into my under eye area after.

Overall, both products were okay, but I don’t see myself purchasing either of them on my own and I’m not curious enough to try other products from the Cornflower selection.

Have you tried Klorane products? What are your faves?

Love,

*Products were received complimentary from Topbox.
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May-June-July 2021 Product Empties

July 30, 2021

Hi Everyone!

I haven’t finished many products over the past few months, so I combined three months’ worth of empties. I haven’t really touched my makeup in a long time, so I only have body, skin and hair care empties.

Rael Miracle Acne Patches (read my review) – I love these and I will continue to buy them. I like that there are only 2 sizes of patches and the plastic they’re attached to is perforated so it’s easy to peel them off nicely.

Repurchase? Yes.

Skinceuticals Phlorectin CF* – I didn’t like the smell of this one (it smells like brown sugar or coffee?). It made my face feel tacky the whole day and I didn’t notice a huge difference in my skin either. Even if this was a more reasonable price (it’s $190 CAD for 30 mL), I wouldn’t purchase because of the scent.

Repurchase? No.

Neogen Pore Tight Aqua Mask – I don’t really use sheet masks anymore. I’d prefer to just use moisturizers, serums or sleeping masks. This mask didn’t really align with my face well. The eye holes were really high up, so part of my forehead wasn’t covered and a lot of the sheet mask was under my chin. It doesn’t have a scent, but for some reason, it gave me a headache. It dries down tacky which I didn’t like.

Repurchase? No.

Cerave Moisturizing Cream – I like this cream. It keeps my skin moisturized throughout the day.

Repurchase? Yes

Dove Cool Moisture Shampoo – I like cucumber-scented shampoos. They’re refreshing.

Repurchase? Yes

Dove Nourishing Rituals Energize Shampoo – I like the refreshing scent of the grapefruit and lemongrass.

Repurchase? Yes.

Australian Bodycare Intim Shave Gel* – I didn’t really notice if this helped with ingrowns or any redness/razor bumps.

Repurchase? No.

Pixi Glycolic Body Wash* – I was using this on my legs mostly. I am prone to ingrown hairs, so I think the exfoliating qualities of the body wash were helping my legs.

Repurchase? Maybe.

What products have you finished lately?

Love,

Products marked with * were sent to me.

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Review | Bubble Fresh Start Gel Cleanser

July 2, 2021
Hi Everyone!

Today I’m reviewing Bubble’s Fresh Start Gel Cleanser.

“Bubble is the first skincare brand made for Gen-Z.” Even though it has Gen-Z in mind, people of all ages can use it.
- Science-driven products that are sustainable, vegan and cruelty-free
- What you won’t find: harsh chemicals, additives, fillers or fragrances
- Partnered with Better Help to offer 50% off of online therapy with each initial purchase
- Donate 1% of their profits to organizations that support teens facing mental health difficulties
Our everyday cleanser purifies skin without drying it out. This gel-based formula cleanses away pore-clogging impurities while simultaneously soothing skin—and without any harsh ingredients that can strip it of essential moisture. The end result: A complexion that feels fresh, clean, and balanced.

Price: $16 USD for 4.2 FL OZ 125 mL
- For all skin types
- Free of denatured alcohols, parabens, artificial color & added fragrance materials
- Made in the USA
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract, Caffeine, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jen (@jencatbeauty)

The packaging is cute. I like the baby blue and the fact that it comes in a pump. There are two things I don’t love about the packaging:
1. When you push the pump, it dispenses onto the side of bottle if you keep it upright. So I need to tilt the bottle (90°) to make sure it dispenses onto my hand.
2. I don’t know if I’m just not strong enough, but it’d be nice if the bottle could open so that when I’m closer to finishing it, I can see how much is left.
RATING: 3.5/5

I like that it’s a gel cleanser. There’s no added fragrance, the natural scent isn’t my favourite, but since it’s a cleanser, it’s not a big deal. I have dry skin and I tried using it out every day for a week. It didn’t make my skin feel dry. Since it has PHA (polyhydroxy acid) which is an exfoliant, I like to use it a few times a week as my night cleanser. I use about 2-3 pumps each time, So I will keep track of how often I use it to see how long it takes to finish up.

Back in high school, I had no idea what BHAs or AHAs were. I don’t even remember what I used as a cleanser, I might’ve just used bar soap and water. Just thinking about it makes me cringe. I barely had a skincare routine. I would use the same moisturizer as my mom (she has oily skin and I have dry). I wish I had been more interested in skincare when I was a teen. I only knew about drugstore brands like Clean & Clear and Neutrogena. Even then, I barely used anything.

Have you heard of Bubble?

Love,

*This product was sent to me to try out.
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Review | Winky Lux Marbleous Balm

June 17, 2021
Hi Everyone!

I know it’s been a while since I last posted. I will try to post more reviews this year. I’ve been trying out a few skincare products so hopefully I will have some reviews in July and August for you.

Today, I have a review for the Winky Lux Marbleous Balms.

With the tint of a lipstick and the hydration of a lip balm, Winky Lux Marbleous Balm is the ultimate hybrid. This luxe formula is enriched with superhero ingredients, including ceramides for plumping and coconut oil for softening. The unique marble design delivers a sheer wash of color for a natural, kissable pout.

Ingredients: Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire de Candelilla, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Octyldodecanol, Polybutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyethylene, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cera Microcristallina/Microcrystalline Wax/Cire Microcristalline, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum/Fragrance, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide 1, Ceramide 2, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 4, Ceramide 6, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Citral, Limonene. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 15850 (Red 6), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet).

It retails for $18 USD on the Winky Lux website. There are 3 shades available:
- Giddy: Cool toned baby pink
- Delighted: Peachy pink
- Dreamy: Natural pink
I put Giddy in a giveaway, so I don’t have the swatch for that one, but here’s swatches for the other two shades.

From left: Dreamy, Delighted

Let’s start with the packaging, it comes in a pretty rose gold tube with a water printed design cap. It’s really pretty and according to the Winky Lux website, each one is unique (no two tubes look alike). I really like the tube, it will be pretty to put on display after finishing them.

RATING: 2/5

When I first opened it, I wasn’t sure how moisturizing it would be. Once it warmed up a bit from my lips, it became more emollient. Since it’s marbled, there could be more of the white swirl which can make the shade appear lighter. So you can just swatch it on your hand or lips to get rid of it. Even after doing this, the shades are still to light for my lip colour. It settles into lines and makes any chapped part of my lips look worse. It does feel a bit moisturizing, but it feels more like a lipstick than a balm. It doesn’t have a scent that smells like anything specific to me. It smells like lipstick (slightly waxy scent). The shades are too light for my natural lip colour, so it just looks unnatural. The shade, Delighted, is better than Dreamy, but I still don’t like it. It looks okay from afar, but up close, I can see how it settled into the lines of my lips. The only way I was able to make it look good was by applying some Vaseline and dabbing it on lightly, but if I’m going to apply Vaseline, I’d rather just use that instead of spending $20 on a balm.

Have you tried these balms? What did you think about them?

Love,

*Products were gifted to me by Winky Lux.
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January 2021 Product Empties

January 29, 2021

Hi Everyone!

I have a few empties for you this month. I decluttered a few makeup items. I know you can keep some makeup for a while, but I have sensitive, acne-prone skin, so I don’t really want to keep makeup longer than two years.

Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel* – This cleansing gel was just okay for me. It didn’t really do much more than my Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser which is less expensive.

Repurchase? No.

Skyn Iceland Arctic Repair Cream* – I tried it once as a face moisturizer, but I found it too heavy. I really enjoyed this as a body cream. I would use it after showering and I loved that it wasn’t greasy at all. The container is a 100% recyclable jar made from sugarcane. I found sometimes it was hard to twist the lid on nicely. Since it comes with an insert that holds a spatula. It wasn’t a big issue for me, but I would be worried if I put it in a bag.

Repurchase? For the colder months, I would definitely consider purchasing it.

NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Shine Shampoo & Conditioner* (read my review) –

Repurchase? I would consider trying a different scent.

Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in 15 Light – I really liked this powder. Even though it’s a finishing powder, I used it as a foundation for days I wanted light coverage. I wish they had more shades though. The light shade wasn’t the perfect match.

Repurchase? Definitely!

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation in Light Neutral – I really liked this powder. It was the wrong shade, but it looked really nice on the skin. I know it’s called a full coverage foundation, but if you use a light hand, it won’t look heavy.

Repurchase? In a different shade, yes.

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #7 – I purchased this when I bought the Luminous Silk Powder Foundation for my mom. The fluid sheers were on sale and this was one of the shades they had left. It was a good deal and I really just wanted to try it, so I chose #7 (a pinky pearlescent shade). I used this more like an illuminator mixed in with foundation instead of as a highlighter since it was a pink shade. It made my foundation look glowy. I still would’ve preferred to get a different shade, but I liked it.

Repurchase? I want to try other liquid illuminators from other brands, but if I were to get this again, I would get it in shade #2.

Love,

Products marked with * were sent to me for review.

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August/September 2020 Product Empties

October 1, 2020

Hi Everyone!

I haven’t finished many items over the last few months (especially makeup products). I only have two products for the last two months.

Volition Beauty Helix AM/PM Eye Gel (read my review) – I liked this eye gel, it didn’t give me any reactions under my eyes. It made my under eyes feel smooth and it was perfect for summer time, but I need something more moisturizing in the fall and winter.

Repurchase? Maybe.

Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo – I liked this shampoo and the scent. I would buy it again on sale.

Repurchase? Yes.

What did you finish this month?

Love,

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First Impressions with NatureLab Tokyo

September 8, 2020

Hi Everyone!

Today I’m reviewing some products I received from NatureLab Tokyo. Here’s a little bit about the brand from their website:

Through our own research and discovery, all NatureLab products use active Botanical Stem Cells to maintain scalp health, improve follicle strength and promote hair growth at a cellular level.

Free of harsh Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, Gluten, Mineral Oil and other harsh chemicals that not only damage hair, but the environment. Cruelty Free and Never Animal Tested.

Their shampoo and conditioner bottles are really cool. They sort of look like round-bottom flasks that you see in science labs. They also sell refillable pouches so you can reuse the bottles. The bottles are made of a harder plastic (not squeezable).

They have four different collections that target different hair types.

REPAIR – Healthy scalp, soft strands, revitalized appearance

For damaged, colour-treated hair

Fragrance – Inspired by Japanese bamboo forests with a hint of green tea and Cyprus

Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Treatment Masque, Leave-In Treatment

SHINE – Shine on

For dull, drab hair

Fragrance – A refreshingly light, soft scent with notes of violet and amber

Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Oil, Clarifying Scalp Scrub

SMOOTH – Calm scalp; controlled, frizz-free hair

For dry, frizzy hair

Fragrance – Inspired by the warm, fresh scent of a freshly peeled Japanese yuzu

Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Oil, Blowout Lotion

VOLUME – Healthy scalp, voluminous body

For flat, limp hair

Fragrance – Inspired by the light feminine floral aroma of Japanese cherry blossoms

Products in Collection – Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Oil, Blowout Jelly, Texture Mist

I chose to try products from the SHINE collection – Antioxidant-rich Stem Cells from Grape regenerate scalp papilla cells and revitalize shine. Hyaluronic acid seals in moisture while Pearl Extract stimulates enzymes for an iridescent finish. Shine on.

Perfect Shine Shampoo

Let your inner light shine through with a Platinum Fiber-infused shampoo that reveals hair’s natural reflective properties.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Dipropylene Glycol, Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Pca, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Platinum Powder, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Locust Bean Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Argan Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Butylene Glycol, Isomalt, Polyquaternium-10, Butylene Glycol Laurate, Ppg-2 Cocamide, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Lecithin, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Disodium Edta, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Caramel

Perfect Shine Conditioner

Elevate shine to mega-watt status with a Platinum Fiber-infused conditioning treatment that delivers a weightless, glossy finish.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Dipropylene Glycol, Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Pca, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Platinum Powder, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Locust Bean Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Argan Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Butylene Glycol, Isomalt, Polyquaternium-10, Butylene Glycol Laurate, Ppg-2 Cocamide, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Lecithin, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Disodium Edta, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Caramel

RATING: 4/5

When I first received the products, I obviously smelled them right away. The scent was a bit strong (sweet and floral) from the bottle, but once you rinse it out, it’s a lighter scent. In the past, I’ve used shampoos that gave me headaches because they’re too strong.

The shampoo and conditioner made my hair look so shiny and sleek. The violet scent is pleasant, but I prefer fruity scents over florals.

Perfect Shine Oil Mist

Enhance color and elevate shine with a Platinum Fiber-infused light-reflecting hair oil mist.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Pca, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Platinum Powder, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Locust Bean Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Eisenia Arborea Extract, Porphyra Yezoensis Extract, Hydrolyzed Keratin Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Prunus Domestica Seed Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Butylene Glycol, Isomalt, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Aqua (Water, Eau), Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Lecithin, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance)

RATING: 3/5

I don’t really like using hair oils because my scalp is already oily. It’s definitely easy to go overboard. The first time I tried it, I sprayed too much and it looked greasy instead of a healthy shine. The scent of the oil is stronger since you don’t rinse it out like the shampoo and conditioner.

Perfect Repair Treatment Masque

Get back to your roots with this deep conditioning treatment masque that restores dull hair from scalp to strand. Smart Keratin technology fortifies the hair cuticle and penetrates the cortex to rebuild body and revitalize shine. Potent plant Stem Cells from Bamboo strengthen the hair shaft and promote healthy hair growth while antioxidant-rich Argan and Prickly Pear oils add a protective luster. Damaged hair is visibly improved and new hair sprouts stronger.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Steartrimonium Chloride, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Polyquaternium-10, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Phyllostachys Pubescens Meristem Cell Lysate, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Glutamic Acid, Sodium PCA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cetrimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Parfum (Fragrance), Green 3 (CI 42053), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985).

RATING: 4/5

In addition to the shampoo, conditioner and hair oil mist, they also sent samples of the Repair Treatment Masque. I really like the smell of the Repair collection. It’s green tea and cyprus. It smells similar to the Dove Cool Moisture Shampoo (which is green tea and cucumber). I really liked the masque and it also made my hair look shiny and healthy. I don’t do much with my hair, so it’s not damaged. I’d be interested to see if it works well for someone with damaged hair.

Check out their Instagram!

Have you heard of NatureLab Tokyo?

Love,

*The descriptions and ingredients in italics were taken from website (as well as the ingredient pictures).

*None of the links in this post are affiliate links.

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Review | Volition Beauty Helix AM/PM Eye Gel

August 27, 2020
Hi Everyone!

Today, I’ll be reviewing the Volition Beauty Helix AM/PM Eye Gel.

This is the 3rd Volition Beauty product I’ve tried. I’ve previously reviewed 2 products that I received from Volition.

Celery Green Cream | Strawberry-C Brightening Serum

I wanted to try more from the brand so I purchased the Helix AM/PM Eye Gel and Snow Mushroom Water Serum during the Sephora VIB sale.

Benefits
- Hydrates and rejuvenates skin
- Cools and reduces visible puffiness
- Improves appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Priming effect for ideal makeup application
Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Cruelty free and gluten free.

I have dry under eyes, so it’s hard to tell if this helps prime the skin. When I apply concealer, my under eyes look dry still.

On a good skin day, my under eyes does feel smooth after I use this eye gel. I don’t have fine lines or wrinkles so I can’t say if it helps with those. It has a silicone-y texture that’s similar to the original Smashbox primer.

I find that eye creams in pots are easy for me to overuse. I used way too much when I first started using it. I purchased it earlier this year and I’m almost finished. I was using it twice daily (day and night) until I got the Retinol Eye Cream from Pixi Beauty.

RATING: 3.5/5

I’ve tried a handful of different eye creams and some have caused reactions under my eyes (milia and even red spots). This is one of the few eye products that hasn’t caused any reactions to my under eye area.

While it is a nice eye gel, it’s not my favourite Volition Beauty product. As someone with dry skin, I think I can only use it during the warmer months. Even now, my under eyes are dry. I need something that moisturizes and hydrates in the colder months.

UPDATE: They sell this in a bottle with a pump now which I prefer. I may consider trying this during the summer and using it in the morning only.

Have you tried Volition Beauty products? What are your favourites?

Love,
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Burt’s Bees | My Hits & Misses

August 17, 2020

Hi Everyone!

Today I’m reviewing Burt’s Bees products. Out of all the brands I’ve tried, I think Burt’s Bees is now #1 in Most Products Tried with 19 products. I was lucky enough to receive all of these products complimentary from Topbox, but I’m giving my honest opinions on the products. I have a few Hits and Likes, but I’ll be honest and say nothing from the brand has blown me away. I don’t think I would buy any of the products myself.

Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows | Mascara

SKINCARE || Eye Creams

BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | L’Oréal | Maybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA | Volition Beauty

Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.

HITS

Blush in 1210 Shy Pink* – It’s really pretty! It’s a subtle pink, but gives you a beautiful, blushed look.

LIKES

The Luminizer Nourishing Highlighter in Star Light* – I like this highlighter for a natural glow/highlight.

Moisturizing Lip Balm in Tropical Pineapple* – It’s like any other lip balm. Keeps my lips moisturized and this one smells like a Piña Colada.

Gloss and Glow Glossy Balm in Winning in Pink* – This is a nice balm that makes the lips look glossy, but not sticky.

Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in 1115 Sand* – This powder was quite pale on me, I need to get a darker shade. I did a light powdering of it on my t-zone after using the foundation and it instantly mattified my skin.

Natural Eye Liner in 1405 Soft Black – This was a very nice black liner. You can take your makeup look from day to night by applying it on the outer V and smudging it out.

Nourishing Lengthening Mascara in Classic Black* – I like the brush of this mascara. The mascara added length to my lashes, but still looked natural and it wasn’t clumpy. It came off easily with water, so it’s definitely not waterproof.

All Aflutter Multi-Benefit Mascara in Classic Black* – Similar to the nourishing mascara, this is a nice mascara that doesn’t make your lashes clumpy. It also came off easily with water. After wearing it for a day, my lashes were still curled. Between the two mascaras, I think I prefer this one.

MISSES

Sensitive Facial Cleanser* – This one isn’t really a ‘miss,’ but I didn’t like it that much either. It had a creamy texture which I didn’t really like. I prefer a gel cleanser. It leaves your skin with a bit of an oily feel. Not quite a film, but your face isn’t squeaky clean.

Burt’s Bees Renewal Refining Facial Cleanser* – I didn’t like the smell of this one.

Sensitive Gentle Day Lotion* – This also isn’t a ‘miss,’ but I didn’t find it to be anything special. It’s fragrance-free and it has a nice texture, but it didn’t really do anything for my skin.

Hydrating Facial Towelettes with Watermelon* – These are very strong/thick towelettes, but the watermelon scent is so strong that it gave me a headache.

Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation in 1025 Natural Beige* – It covered the redness around my nose and chin, but you definitely need a concealer to cover up acne or dark spots. This is NOT waterproof. It washes off easily with water which I don’t like.

Goodness Glows Tinted Moisturizer in 2025 Natural Beige* – This didn’t cover much for me and just like the liquid foundation, it washes away with water very easily.

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Defining Retractable Eyeliner in Mulberry & Onyx* – This eyeliner pulled on my skin as I applied it to my waterline and it smudged so much. I tested it out for a day and after a few hours, the eyeliner was patchy. By the end of the day, the eyeliner had rubbed off. I hadn’t rubbed my eyes at all. I did close my eyes tightly a few times to see if any eyeliner or mascara would transfer. I was also disappointed in the Mulberry shade because it just looks black/brown on the eyes.

Natural Eyeshadow Trio in 1505 Shimmering Nudes* – The eyeshadows were okay. I prefer to have a palette that has at least 1 matte shade.

Natural Brow Pencil in 1610 Brunette* – This was too light for me, it almost looked reddish brown on my brows. I prefer to use a darker pencil. I didn’t love that it was waxy because the hairs would get matted down.

Matte Sticks in Buttery Blush & Liquid Honey* – These are a comfortable matte lipstick that doesn’t feel drying. Although the lipstick can be a bit crumbly. (I used to have these in the LIKES, but they got moldy very quickly).

Glossy Lipstick in Peony Dew* – It’s a sheer lipstick that’s a bit waxy. It’s like a morph of a gloss and lipstick because it’s a bit tacky.

Lip Gloss with Avocado in Tulip Spring* – This lip gloss had a passionfruit scent, I believe. It looked nice and gave a bit of tint to my lips, but I wouldn’t purchase this on my own. It felt moisturizing and wasn’t too sticky which was good, but I prefer a lip gloss with a wand for a more precise application.

Squeezy Tinted Balm in Mandarin Granita* – The shade of this is nice and it does keep my lips moisturized for a bit, but I’m not a huge fan of the scent. Also, when I was sent this, I was told that it’s best to apply with a brush or fingers. If you’re on the go, you don’t really want to use your fingers to apply lip balm. So I find that a bit annoying. I’d rather just use a stick lip balm.

Burt’s Bees is fairly new to the makeup game and they need to expand on their shade ranges. If you are looking for a brand that sells natural products, then this is a great drugstore brand to consider.

Love,

Products with * were sent to me for review.

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Review | Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

August 7, 2020

Hi Everyone!

Today I’m reviewing the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel that I purchased during a Sephora sale. After a year, I finally finished the 500mL Kiehls cleanser. So, now I’m back to using this one. I did try it out for a week or so just to see what it was like and I got a breakout (which was unrelated to the cleanser).

Soap-free, foaming gel cleanses all skin conditions. Refreshing lather thoroughly removes impurities, without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. This iconic cleanser, which contains naturally-foaming Quillaja Saponaria, gently rinses away toxins and debris to leave skin feeling smooth and clean. Lightweight and mild enough to use every day, it also features calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts to soothe the skin.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Cymbopogon Winterianus Herb Oil, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Betaine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Capryloyl Glycine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Methylpropanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA

It is gluten free, cruelty free, vegan and has no artificial colours or fragrances. I can smell a hint of the mint and sometimes lemon.

I purchased the 16.9 oz/500 mL bottle which is normally $87 CAD, but with the Sephora sale, it was $74. I wish the pump could dispense the perfect amount of cleanser like the Kiehls one. The Dermalogica cleanser pumps out a lot and I only need half a pump.

RATING: 3/5

The cleanser is okay. It’s gentle and my skin doesn’t feel stripped of its oils after using it. I haven’t had any breakouts from using it, but I don’t find it particularly special. Also, I don’t think it’s worth the high price tag. I would rather repurchase the Kiehls Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash (even though it isn’t meant for my skin type).

Have you tried Dermalogica products?

Love,

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July 2020 Product Empties

July 31, 2020

Hi Everyone!

I don’t have too many empties this month. I think most of my products are fairly new so my product empties posts will only have a few items every month.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer – I started using this as a moisturizer since I have quite a few primers and I know it keeps me moisturized. My skin was having a reaction and this was the only product I had that wasn’t new.

Repurchase? Absolutely! (Note: the travel size is more cost effective than the glass bottle)

Kiehls Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash – This cleanser is meant for normal to oily skin. I have dry skin so it’s not really geared towards my skin type. I really wanted to try it though. It didn’t make my skin feel overly dry either. I purchased the 500mL bottle which was expensive for a cleanser, but it lasted a year. I used one pump every day during my nighttime skincare routine and it lasted more than a year.

Repurchase? No, but I would try something for dry skin from Kiehls.

Nanacoco Cleansing Oil* – This was a good cleansing oil. It had a floral fragrance to it which I didn’t mind. However, I would prefer a cleansing oil without a fragrance since I have sensitive skin.

Repurchase? No.

Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel – This acne gel works great as a spot treatment. It will help dry up a pimple that has a whitehead. It won’t be immediate, but if you use it for a couple days, you should see your blemish go down. This little bottle lasted a long time since I only used it as a spot treatment.

Repurchase? Probably not.

What did you finish this month?

Love,

Products marked with (*) were sent to me for review.

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Review | Chef’s Plate Meal Kit Delivery

July 22, 2020
Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing Chef’s Plate. This post is not sponsored or affiliated with Chef’s Plate. I’ve always wanted to try a meal delivery service. There are a few options in Canada, I went with Chef’s Plate.

*Descriptions in italics are taken from the Chef’s Plate website.

To start, you select the meal type:
- Meat & Vegetables – our widest selection of recipes in one meal plan
- Vegetarian – Delicious vegetarian recipes packed with fresh produce, whole grains and plant-based protein
- Family Friendly – exciting recipes the whole family will enjoy
Then you select the number of people (2 or 4 people) and number of meals for the week (2, 3 or 4 meals).

I chose Meat & Vegetables, 4 people and 3 meals per week. We tried 6 meals total because I wanted to try at least 1 thing from each: vegetarian, fish, beef, pork and chicken. I decided not to try any pastas or burgers.

Both boxes were delivered before 10am. There’s no delivery email or anything. So, you just have to be on the lookout on the day of your delivery. Similar to UberEats, it’s delivered by a third party. It’s not delivered in a Chef’s Plate delivery van.

The meals are packed in a box with an insulated liner and non-toxic ice packs. There’s instructions on how to dispose the gel once the ice packs thaw. Inside the box, each recipe comes in a brown bag with the ingredients. The meat is packed separately under the bags to ensure that the meats stay cold during transit.

The first box was a bit soggy – the outside of the box. I don’t know if they package up the items the night before or the morning of delivery. It’s possible the box got soggy while on the delivery route.

I think the brown bag packaging needs some work. I know things get jostled along the way, but packets of things can gets squished under the weight of the veggies. The ingredients come in packets, plastic tubs and containers. There was a small soy sauce explosion for one of the recipes, but otherwise everything was fine. The vegetables were all very fresh and were not bruised from the trip. I feel like there’s a lot of plastic packaging. I don’t know how it could be improved upon though since anything other than plastic would be too expensive.

Some things to note:
- 15 minute meals took longer than 15 minutes
- - Even with 2 people prepping, it takes a while to prep the ingredients and cook them. Some took 30 minutes. So be mindful of that. If you have 2 or 3 people working together, it might be faster.
- The recipes are very simple, but they do use a lot of spices (garlic, chili, black pepper). I have a sensitive stomach so I had to cut back on some of the spices.
Below, I’ve provided a description of each recipe (from the Chef’s Plate website), the category (quick meal, vegetarian, etc.), a rating (out of 5 stars), and a little blurb on what I thought of each one.

Sweet Potato Sushi Bowl with Sriracha Aioli

Vegetarian – 35 minutes

We’re deconstructing sweet potato sushi rolls into a colourful and craveable bowl – complete with an obligatory sriracha mayo drizzle. Edamame, crunchy cabbage, and buttery avocado mimic the flavours of the Japanese favourite.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

You could add meat/fish to this if you’re a meat eater. I found it filling enough with the avocado and sweet potatoes. This recipe uses sticky rice and I actually really liked it. I wasn’t sure I’d like it, but it wasn’t overly sticky. It’s not as healthy to use sticky rice though, so I would replace it with regular rice.

Pork Souvlaki Bowl with Greek Feta Sauce and Spinach Orzo

15 minutes

Escape to Athens with our hurried-up version of street-cart pork souvlaki! Orzo gets lots of love with Greek-style fixings, hit with chunky tomato-pepper salsa and a generous dollop of Greek feta sauce.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

I was excited for this because I enjoy souvlaki, but I found the pork a bit too… porky. I also thought that the dill sauce was a bit too dill-y lol. I would’ve preferred a tzatziki sauce instead of dill. I did like the greek yogurt texture, I would just replace the feta sauce spice mix for a homemade tzatziki recipe.

Filipino Chicken Adobo with a Maple-Soy Glaze

15 minutes

Filipino adobo is famous for its signature soy-garlic sauce that makes anything it touches taste delicious. This recipe is no different, with glazed chicken tenders served over a warm bowl of rice with broccoli and crispy shallots sprinkled over top.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

I was a bit disappointed with this one. This came with an Adobo spice mix that has cornstarch, garlic powder, ginger powder, and cracked black pepper. I get stomach aches from eating too much black pepper, so I sifted the mix to get rid of some of it. It just tasted like a regular stir fry with sauce, but I did like the addition of crispy shallots as a topping.

Grilled Mediterranean Salmon with Asparagus and Freekeh

BBQ, 40 minutes

Let’s dine alfresco tonight, with grilled salmon and summer veggies inspired by fresh and vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean coast. A dill yogurt sauce pairs deliciously with lemony marinated salmon, served on top of a bed of warm freekeh.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Instead of freekeh, they sent couscous. This recipe is very similar to a dill salmon recipe that my mom makes. I think I prefer my mom’s since this uses a cold greek yogurt sauce. I like grilled vegetables and this recipe calls for a spice mix using basil terragon and garlic powder. I think I could’ve used less of it or gone without it.

Italian Sausage & Mozzarella Calzone with a Spinach and Feta Salad

35 minutes

Get in the ‘zone’ wth these fresh-baked handhelds, boasting a spiced Italian sausage and mozzarella cheese interior. For an enlightened side, dive into a zingy spinach salad with tomatoes and feta.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I really liked this calzone recipe and would definitely make it again. The sausage wasn’t too spicy and even the parts where the pizza dough was a bit thicker was still good. I definitely need to practise working with pizza dough though.

Steak and Swiss Cheese Melts with Roasted Garlic Aioli and Baby Greens

15 minutes

Taking cues from the Philly classic, seasoned steak is loaded onto a roll and blanketed with melty swiss cheese. The best part about making it from home? Elevating the sandwich with roasted garlic aioli and a fresh green salad.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This was a good recipe as well, but I think it could be improved by using thinly sliced steak. These strips were a bit thick. With better quality steak, I’m sure this recipe could be even better.

Ranking the meals from favourite to least favourite:
1. Sweet Potato Sushi Bowl
2. Italian Sausage & Mozzarella Calzone
3. Grilled Mediterranean Salmon
4. Steak and Cheese Melts
5. Filipino Chicken Adobo
6. Pork Souvlaki Bowl
Final thoughts:

It’s a nice service if you don’t have time to go grocery shopping. It can be quite expensive if you don’t use the coupon codes, so make sure to find one online. There’s probably one to get a discount off your first box.

I would definitely make the recipes again, but I would just tweak them a bit. After reading these reviews, it’s apparent that I’m not big on using too many spices. I feel like they give you an excess of spice mix. I think I just wouldn’t use 100% of what’s provided.

When you go to the “On the Menu” page, they have the weekly recipes. If you see a recipe you like, you can click on it and it will show you the ingredients and steps to make the recipes.

As someone who hates talking on the phone, I liked that it was easy to cancel this service without having to call or chat with anyone online. You just click the button to cancel and it’s done! I’ve tried the GoodFood smoothie box and I had to chat with a person online to cancel the service.

Have you tried a meal kit delivery service? Which is your favourite?

Love,
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June 2020 Product Empties

June 30, 2020

Hi Everyone!

I have two makeup empties for this month. I don’t think I’ll be finishing any other makeup any time soon.

Lancôme L’Absolu Lacquer Lip Gloss in 236 Pour Toujours (read my review) – I used this up the best I could and then cleaned the tube. I absolutely loved this gloss and would definitely buy it in this shade and others. It’s actually more of a tint/stain than a gloss. It’s not matte, but it’s not super glossy either.

Repurchase? YES!

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder – This powder panned sooo quickly! Also, there are only 3 shades which is unacceptable. All brands need work to be more inclusive in their shade range, but especially luxury brands. Like anything, the powder can look cakey if you apply too much. If you do a light dusting with a fluffy brush, it looked very nice. I just didn’t find it that amazing especially with the price tag and how fast it panned. I prefer my Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder which I’ve had for twice as long and still haven’t finished.

Repurchase? No.

What did you finish this month?

Love,

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Review | Shea Noir Natural Ivory Shea Butter

June 12, 2020

Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing the Natural Ivory Shea Butter from a brand called Shea Noir.

Extracted from the nuts of the shea tree native to the North Region of Ghana, our unrefined shea butter is naturally rich in
vitamins A, E and F as well as the essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for smooth healthy moisturized skin and hair.

Benefits include:
• Helps cover the look of Acne/Blemishes
• Helps Reduce the looks of wrinkles and aging
• May help reduce Itchy/Peeling Skin

I put the shea butter into a jar for easier access. I’ve never used shea butter on its own before. One time I got shea butter as a sample from another brand, but the texture was very different – It was hard! This shea butter came in plastic wrap inside of a resealable bag. It has the texture of cookie dough. From the heat of your hands, it melts down making it easy to rub into your skin. I tested it out on my feet as a patch test and they felt so smooth the next day. It can feel a bit tacky and that’s not my favourite feeling since it makes your clothes stick to your skin.

RATING: 4/5

I like to use it on the drier areas of my skin like my feet and elbows. In the winter, I’ll probably use it on my hands with cotton gloves at night. I’ve heard some people use it on their hair. My hair is already oily enough, so I haven’t tried it. I think shea butter is especially great to use during the colder months (which is most of the year in Canada).

Have you tried shea butter?

Love,

*Product was sent to me for review.

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Review | Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Jelly Stick

May 22, 2020
Hi Everyone!

Today, I’m reviewing the Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Jelly Stick. I received this from Topbox to review on their website, but I thought I would do a blog post on it as well.
- Clinically proven to help heal dry, damaged skin
- TSA-friendly, on-the-go dry stick that you can bring with you everywhere you go
- Delivers targeted healing for hard to reach spots
- Great for protection against friction and preventing chafing
- Can be used on dry skin, stressed skin, and sensitive skin
- Non-greasy and mess-free formula, you don’t need to rub in anything
There’s 40g / 1.4 oz in the tube. It retails for $8.49 CAD at the drugstore.

This is a body balm stick, but I’ve been keeping it next to my computer and apply to my lips throughout the day. I like to wipe it down every now and then since I apply straight onto my lips.

I know this is more expensive than the regular tubs of Vaseline, but it’s not as messy and you don’t have to stick your fingers into a tub.

By the end of the tube, I’ll probably need to use a spatula or something to scrape out the remaining Vaseline (like everything else that comes in a tube)

RATING: 4/5

I know they have the lip therapy tins, but I don’t like sticking my finger into a tin especially when I’m out of the house. It would be awesome if they made a tinier version for lips in the tube format.

I would definitely purchase a smaller version if they come out with one. For my own personal use, I probably wouldn’t buy this once I finish my current tube. It’s too big for my purse and I already have tubs of Vaseline that I need to use.

Love,
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Cornflower water cream with ORGANIC Cornflower and 100% plant-based Hyaluronic Acid

Smoothing and soothing eye patches with Organic Cornflower

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