Category: Reviews


Jun
2018

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50

categories: PR Sample, Reviews, Sunscreen

I’ve been a massive fan of Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost line since it was released a few years ago and Neutrogena is also generally my go to brand for drugstore sunscreen, so when I heard there was a Hydro Boost sunscreen coming I was all over it. I’m extremely fair, burn easily and have already dealt with melanoma once, so sunscreen is a pretty important part of my life. I have at least one in my purse at all times and slather it on before I leave the house, even if I’m just driving around the corner. I have a few requirements for a sunscreen to make it into my routine.

It obviously has to work, it can’t leave a white cast behind (I’m pale enough on my own), it can’t have a funky smell and it can’t leave my skin dried out. This Hydro Boost sunscreen checks every box and then some! We have a number of sun care posts coming up but this sunscreen blew me away so much that it had to get it’s own post.It’s not a physical sunscreen, so there isn’t any zinc goop leaving a film and while I don’t really love chemical sunscreens, this one works ridiculously well.It has the same light, fresh scent as the Hydro Boost Moisturizer and it’s fairly runny and absorbs instantly. But it also has Hyaluronic Acid and leaves my skin on my face and body super moisturized and I love that I can use it on both and not break out. I’ve used it in the car and walking around outdoors and I have to say, this is my favourite new sunscreen in a long long time.

It’s a couple dollars more than a typical drugstore sunscreen (at least when I’ve seen it in stores) and at 88mL, it’s not a big tube but results will have me replacing this every time I run out.

 


Jun
2018

The Body Shop Spas Of The World Most Wanted

categories: Bath And Body, Makeup Most Wanted, PR Sample, Reviews

Both of us recently had the chance to visit different Body Shop locations to get acquainted with their new products and to take some home to try out. Luckily both of us left with different products and it just so happened that we received items that both of us loved. Our most favourites so far are all in the ever growing Spas Of The World range, so we thought we’d do a post on our new Body Shop loves.

Alyssa’s picks

French Grape Seed Refining Body Scrub

I have really sensitive skin, so I’m always on the hunt for a good body scrub that will do the job and won’t tear up my skin. When I tried this scrub on my hand in the store I was amazed at how scrubby yet gentle it was. With a combination of French grape seed powder and sugar from Paraguay, you can really get that dead skin off without feeling like you scrubbed yourself raw. The scent, that I assume comes from the grape seeds, is amazingly fresh and because it’s got a creamy consistency, you can decide on the level of scrub you want. If I have a super dry area, I use a washcloth with the scrub to get really smooth skin. This is going to be a necessity for the next few months of shaving and waxing season and then in the winter when my skin gets flaky. One word of warning, this is way too strong for your face, so don’t try it.

Ethiopian Green Coffee Firming Body Cream

If you’re going to use a scrub, you’re going to need a good moisturizer after and this body cream is a match made in heaven with the French Grape Seed Scrub. I’m a coffee person, so I was already sold on this cream just by reading the name but it’s so much more than that. It’s a really lightweight cream that has Italian olive oil and Ethiopian green coffee that just melts into your skin and leaves you hydrated and smelling delicious but not greasy whatsoever. The consistency really surprised me because I usually find Body Shop moisturizers too heavy for me, but this one is absolutely perfect! It’s been a really long time since I’ve loved something from the Body Shop this month. I’ve already made a huge dent in the giant 350 ml tub and I already know I’ll be replacing it when it’s gone.

Stephanie’s picks

Tahitian Tiare Bath & Shower Oil-In-Gel

This body wash is so soft and silky. The oil-in-gel body wash is just the right consistency. Given the name, it’s understandable that you might worry that it would be too oily or even greasy. It’s just smooth on the skin. The scent is really faint and lush. There is a hint of florals, but I wouldn’t call it a floral aroma. There is coconut oil in it, but this isn’t another coconut body wash. After a couple of uses, I was surprised at how soft my skin was. It was undeniable.

Hawaiian Kukui Body Cream Moisturizer

This is the type of moisturizer that I associate with The Body Shop. It is thick and rich. In the past, body moisturizer from the body shop was always thick, but it didn’t absorb well into the skin. It always left some residue on my body. It feels like The Body Shop has corrected those mistakes with this cream. It still has the same thickness, but this time it really sinks into my skin. It works on even the toughest skin like elbows and knees.

Brazilian Cupuacu Exfoliating Scrub-In-Oil

I’ve used a lot of exfoliators, but none as gentle as this exfoliator. The sugar in this scrub is so fine that it works on everything from the sensitive parts to your rough spots. The oil is probably the most surprising part of this. It is better quality oil than a lot of the other drug store exfoliators that I’ve used. It leaves your skin feeling protected and highly moisturized. When paired with the other two products, it’s the perfect trio!


May
2018

Coach Floral Eau De Parfum

categories: Fragrance, PR Sample, Reviews

Perfume is one of my favourite things and I change what I wear constantly depending on my mood. For spring and summer, I like lighter, more floral scents and this year Coach’s new Floral Eau de Parfum is leading my favourites list. Unlike a lot of designer fragrances, Floral isn’t heavy at all. It opens with pineapple, citrus and pink peppercorn notes that are followed by tea rose, sambac jasmine and gardenia and dries down to white musk, creamy wood and Indonesian patchouli.

At first sniff, I definitely get a hint of pineapple, followed by the tea rose. All the other notes combine to make a light, floral, fruity, slightly sweet scent that doesn’t overpower. The bottle itself is quite large at 90mL but the oval shape makes it easy to hold. The classic Coach tea rose charm that’s attached is a fun touch. I love that you can turn the nozzle to lock it and keep it from spilling or spraying accidentally.

I haven’t used a lot of Coach anything in the past but this fragrance was love at first sniff and has piqued my interest in other things from the brand.


Apr
2018

Tarte Mermaid Collection Most Wanted

categories: Cruelty Free Makeup, Makeup Collection, Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, Palettes, PR Sample, Reviews

Mermaid and unicorn makeup are everywhere right now and I totally get it. Between the pastels, metallics and all the colours in between; they’re just pretty and fun. Tarte’s new Mermaid collection is pretty big and has everything from an eyeshadow palette, tons of lip options, brushes and skin care and it’s all got mermaid themed packaging. It’s hard to cover a collection that large in one go, so these are my Most Wanted from the Mermaid collection.

Palettes are usually the focus of most collections and the Be A Mermaid & Make Waves collection is definitely a star. There are fourteen matte and metallic shades that range from neutrals to some pops of colour and the pigments are pretty great. Tarte’s shadows are generally my go to’s from day to day and this palette is definitely getting a spot in my routine.

Two of my favourite lippies from the collection are the Limited Edition Tarteist Quick-Dry Matte Lip Paint in Exposed and the Holographic Lip Gloss. Exposed is a gorgeous neutral pink that doesn’t leave your lips feeling dried out and while I don’t love lip gloss, the Holographic Lip Gloss isn’t sticky or tacky at all and so, so pretty.

Exposed, Holographic Lip Gloss, Gloss over Exposed

You can use these separately or layer the gloss over Exposed as a topper.

My absolute favourite from the entire collection is the Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H2O serum. This vegan serum is packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5, Algae and marine extracts and keeps your skin super hydrated and glowing. It doesn’t have a strong scent and literally melts into your skin. It’s on the watery side, so you have to be quick applying it but it’s so worth it. It feels so nice.

Now you’ll have to excuse me while I look into how to become a mermaid full-time.


Apr
2018

Most Wanted Relief For Dry, Itchy Scalp

categories: Hair Reviews, Makeup Most Wanted, PR Sample, Reviews

We’re back! I’ve spent the past four month stuck in my house due to illness and it’s been taking a major toll on my skin. But it’s also been doing a number on my scalp. My scalp is dry and itchy all year long but once you add in how dry winter has been in Toronto this year and having the heat blasting constantly, my scalp has gone from dry and itchy to unbearable. I have oily, greasy and itchy scalp with super dry hair. So I was on a mission to find something that would help.

Kératase Spécifique Bain Divalent

I’m a huge Kérastase fan, so when I heard they were bringing out Spécifique, a line just for scalp issues, I was super excited. Unfortunately most of the products contain soy and I’m allergic, so I couldn’t try anything but this shampoo. Luckily Bain Divalent was exactly what I was looking for. It balances out my oily roots and my dry hair. It doesn’t fix all my scalp problems but it definitely helps with my hair issues that come from them. It’s really light and fresh and smells delicious.

IGK LOW KEY Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub

I originally got a tiny sample of this scrub from Sephora and the first time I used it, I hated it. It turns out there’s a learning curve to this one and I ended up buying the full size (the only actual beauty product I’ve bought so far this year). Once you get the hang of how to get this scrub to your scalp, it’s the most refreshing thing your head will ever feel. The walnut shells aren’t too large and the minty scent is cooling. I definitely recommend following up with a different shampoo and conditioner after but your scalp will feel amazing immediately after using this. I’m fairly certain this is going to be one of my staples going forward.

Garnier Whole Blends Oat Delicacy collection

Sometimes dry, itchy scalp just comes from sensitive skin and if that’s the case for you, this Oat Delicacy line is hands down the gentlest shampoo and conditioner I’ve ever used. The Oat Milk and Rice Cream blend are super soft and hydrating, while leaving your hair soft and not weighed down. It actually feels gentle when you’re using it. I honestly can’t think of another word for it. I don’t really care for the scent but the results are worth it.

Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment

I’ve been using Moroccanoil for years but I haven’t tried too many of their other products. Unlike the other treatments I’ve used, this one starts before the shower. You apply this to your scalp in sections, wait up to ten minutes and then get in the shower, rinse it out and shampoo and condition as usual. Since this is an oil, I really expected it to get greasy but it really doesn’t. And the more regularly you use it, the less you’ll have to. Moroccanoil also recommends this for anyone sensitive to hair colour before they head to the salon to prevent itchiness and to protect the scalp.

If you use anything for dry, itchy scalp that isn’t on this list, definitely let us know. We always looking to try something new!


Jan
2018

Most Wanted of 2017

categories: Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, PR Sample, Reviews

Happy 2018 everyone! It feels like 2017 went by in a minute but we still found time to try a ton of products, some new, some new to us. These are our Most Wanted of 2017

Lush Scrubee

The first time I tried this scrub/body butter combination, Stephanie brought one back from London for me before they were available in Canada. I’ve been using it ever since and it’s hands down my most replaced product of the year. The combination of cocoa and shea butters and ground almonds and coconut shells leave you with incredibly smooth and moisturized skin. The little bee shape is adorable and the honey scent is delicious. It’s such a fan favourite that this originally limited edition product became part of the permanent Lush collection.

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

Glossier coming to Canada was a huge deal this year and we’ve had a chance to try a number of products but this cleanser has quickly become my go to face wash. The super light texture doesn’t dry out my skin and leaves it soft and calm. I usually use this after I’ve taken my makeup off but it does a decent job of getting off makeup in a pinch. I love that the scent is just as gentle as the texture and that it works amazingly well with my Clarisonic.

Invisibobble Meow & Ciao

I’ve been obsessed with Invisibobble since the first one I tried. I wear my hair up nearly all the time and this hair band doesn’t give me headaches but holds my hair in ponytails or buns without my fine hair coming out of them. Meow & Ciao is from the holiday I Live In Wonderland collection and the pretty purple shade is a nice change from the boring neutrals I’ve been using.

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara

This mascara has been a cult fave for years and I honestly don’t know how I hadn’t used it before. We received one in a Benefit holiday gift and I’ve been using it almost exclusively ever since. I don’t know where this mascara has been all my life but it’s consistently given me the best lashes I’ve ever had. I get a ton of length and volume and don’t have to use my eyelash curler if I don’t want to. This is going to be in my makeup bag forever.

Garnier Whole Blends Illuminating Moroccan Argan and Camellia Oils

I know both Argan and Camellia oils are used a ton in hair products and I’ve tried quite a few of them but something about this combination is just a winner. The shampoo has a unique texture (you can feel the oil) but it lathers really nicely and if a shampoo can be called comforting, this is it. The conditioner doesn’t feel really thick until it hits your hair, which means you don’t need a lot at all and you should use less than you normally would (trust me). The Illuminating Oil gets rid of most of my frizz and leaves my hair soft, manageable and shiny. This is probably the best drugstore shampoo line I’ve ever tried and I’ll definitely pick up more when I run out.

 


Dec
2017

Makeup Most Wanted November 2017

categories: Hair Reviews, Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, Palettes, PR Sample, Reviews, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

It literally feels like it was just yesterday that I was writing my Most Wanted of October and now I’m onto the November list. We have a ton of posts coming up this month with all things holiday, so it was fairly hard to narrow down the list of what I used in November, but it turns out these have been taking up space next to sink for quite a while and that means I’ve been using them a lot.

Matrix Biolage R.A.W. Frizz Control Styling Spray with Lavender

I’m constantly looking for anything that’ll take away my frizz and this lightweight spray does a good job of minimizing it without making my hair crunchy or sticky. I find I need to use this one with another product for various styling issues but I can use it to touch up dry hair and it smells really really good. That said, if you’re not a fan of lavender, I’d stay away.

nia Sunday Detox Whipped Clay Peel-Off Mask

nia is StriVectin’s millenial friendly skin care line that’s available at Ulta in the U.S. or Shoppers Drug Mart/Murale in Canada. All the products have really cute names and better yet, they work. This mask has a definitely learning curve. It starts off as a foam and dries down so that you can peel it off. You need enough product that you’re able to peel it off but the foam makes that tricky. The best way I’ve found to do it is layers. I do about three thin layers of foam (you’ll have to wash your hands between each one) and let them dry for about 30 seconds before adding more. Once it’s dry though, it’s the gentlest peel-off mask I’ve ever used. I can get the whole thing off in one piece and even if I get a bit in my hair line, I don’t feel it tugging off. If your skin is on the drier side, you might need a richer moisturizer after.

Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk

As someone who generally prefers a powder blush I was really surprised at how much I love this cream one. I shouldn’t really be too surprised though, I haven’t tried anything I haven’t loved from Glossier. I prefer the Dusk shade, it’s a peachy shade that’s really neutral, even on my super fair skin. You really only need a tiny bit of Cloud Paint. Squeezing the tube is going to get you way too much, so I just gently shake it over my finger. Layering is super easy and it’s extremely blendable.

Too Faced Just Peachy Mattes Palette

I am really not a fan of this red/pink eyeshadow trend, so I wasn’t sure if I would love this palette as much in person as I did online. But I really do. Peach Butter makes the perfect base shade, while Fresh-Picked and Peach Cobbler are great crease shades for me. I still haven’t really gotten into the darker shades yet but I’ve been using this delicious peach-smelling palette exclusively for daytime. As usual with Too Faced, the shadows are really creamy, blendable and have zero fallout that I’ve seen.


Oct
2017

Nivea Body Oil

categories: Bath And Body, PR Sample, Reviews, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews, Uncategorized

We’ve all known for years that body oil is great for you skin in so many ways. Nivea is finally joining this game with their own body oil. I feel like for the most part this category doesn’t have many big brand names, but instead cult products. It will be interesting to see how the Nivea Body Oil holds up in the long run.

Nivea’s Body Oil has a light perfumed scent. I do hope that they bring out an unscented version, because I would rather have more natural smelling oil.

Nevermind the smell though, because it’s more about the oil performance on the skin. I love that the bottle releases this body oil only a few drops at a time. There is minimal risk of pouring out too much. It goes on the skin really smooth. It dries much quicker than I expected. As long as you don’t use too much, it doesn’t even leave any type of residue on your skin and hands. It just leaves your skin with a natural looking glow.

I can’t speak to the effectiveness of reducing stretch marks or firming the skin. If it works like other body oils though, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Those are fairly common benefits of using oils.

Nivea impressed me with their Body Oil, but people already have their favourites, so I don’t know if they will be willing to make the switch.


Mar
2017

March Makeup Most Wanted

categories: Hair Reviews, Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, Reviews, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

Spring into a new season with these March makeup products that I have been obsessed with this month.

Covergirl Outlast All-Day Custom Reds Lip Color – I have tried a lot of lipsticks that said they were going to last a long time, but Covergirl has finally done it. This two-step lip color is the longest lasting lipstick that I’ve ever tried. It’s really simple, you just apply the colour first, wait a minute and then apply the clear coat over top. Boom! You have lipstick that will last all day. I even had a hard time getting it off of my lips. I fell asleep with lipstick on one night and it was still on the next morning! This lipstick is UNREAL! The red shades that I tried were quiet bold, but really beautiful.

Rodial Baking Powder – I’m not going to lie, I don’t really get the idea of baking. I also don’t have time to bake my makeup before leaving the house. That doesn’t make my love of this powder any less. Instead of baking my makeup and dusting it off later, I have been using it as a finishing powder. I just dust a light layer over my foundation before I leave the house for a minor bake. Forget the long lasting powder of the bake, I love the matte finish that my skin gets when I use it. Clearly this powder is super versatile, making it key in my makeup bag.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream – Finally, a super moisturizing gel cream for extra dry skin that doesn’t feel heavy on my face. I fell in love with gel moisturizers because it is perfect for my skin. I get dry skin, but I also have acne. I need all the same anti-aging and boosting properties, but my skin can’t handle heavy thick moisturizers. I get greasy very easily. Neutrogena lets me get a major moisture boost without that issue. It absorbs into my skin leaving it feeling dry and matte, but also soft. This one is for anyone who is sick of fighting with moisturizers and their skin. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost is the saving grace this winter.

Sebastian Volupt Spray High Impact Volume – I used to love spray gel in high school. It was probably the only product that I used, and I used it every day. Since then I’ve moved on to other products, but getting this newer product was like meeting an old friend. I love this product because it gives you hold without making my hair stiff. It’s really nice on curls or beach waves to get a hold without the crunch of mousse.

Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Shampoo & Conditioner – Herbal Essences new hair care collection Bio:Renew sounds very fancy in the description. It’s made with a special blend of antioxidants, aloe and sea kelp. It’s supposed to bring your hair back to life in 21 days (although it doesn’t say how many washes that is). I love it because, while it has all of those great properties, it still feels like classic Herbal Essences. The Coconut Milk scent smells amazing. My hair looks great, it’s shiny and easy to manage. I can’t ask for anything else!


Jan
2017

Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes Quickie Review

categories: Reviews, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

pinkgrapefruit_cleansing_towelettes

I have loved a lot of face cleansers in my time, but none as much as these from Burt’s Bees. The grapefruit scent is so refreshing. My face feels just as clean as if I had used a regular face wash. Since it’s for normal to oily skin, it leaves my face feeling nice and dry. There is no residue or moisture leftover to clog my pores. My face is just dry and clean. The cleanser can’t stand up to strong waterproof makup, but it will remove any normal makeup and dirt from your average day.