Month: February 2017

Mychelle Dermaceuticals – Canadian Spring Launches Part 1

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Spring

A surprise package arrived at my doorstep recently filled with a bunch of goodies from Mychelle Dermaceuticals that are launching in March here in Canada at Murale stores and online at Beauty Boutique. A HUGE THANK YOU to Maggie / MyChelle Dermaceuticals for this lovely surprise!

If you remember, I had tested and reviewed a bunch of their skincare (and loved it) when they first launched into the Canadian market (reviews are here and here).

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Spring

I was not expecting this package, so I was super excited to find that it was filled with SPF based products, and a new C serum!

As I’ve said before, I have sensitive skin, I’m fairly pale, I burn easily and barely tan, so SPF is essential for me! But because I have sensitive skin, I can’t just use any sunscreen, as a lot of them irritate my skin – even the ones formulated for babies!

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Spring

Today I’ll be reviewing two of the products – the Daily Defense Cream SPF 17, and the Sun Shield Clear Stick SPF 50.

Daily Defense Cream SPF 17: $32 CAD

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Spring

Daily Defense Cream combines all-day, moisture-quenching hydration and nourishing bioactives, including Astaxanthin, with Zinc Oxide to protect against free radicals and help prevent premature aging in one, easy step. 

This is a great light, non-greasy moisturizer. It doesn’t have a white cast like a lot of physical sunscreens. It even works well with makeup and it doesn’t make my skin feel greasy.

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Spring

Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 7%  Inactive Ingredients: 1,2-Hexanediol, Alcohol Denat., Aqua (Water), Astaxanthin, Beta-Glucan (D), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Citric Acid, Cyclopentasiloxane, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Glyceryl Isostearate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Phytic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Squalane, Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tocopherol (D-alpha), Tocopheryl Acetate (D-alpha), Tocotrienols, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Tropolone, Xanthan Gum

Sun Shield Clear Stick SPF 50: $16.50 CAD

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Spring

Sun Shield Clear Stick SPF 50 is a mineral-based, water-resistant sunscreen that glides on smoothly and dries clear to deliver powerful UVA and UVB full-spectrum protection. Zinc Oxide provides a safe alternative to harsh chemical sunscreens. The addition of Avocado, Jojoba, and Vitamin E Oils help moisturize and protect, and Cocoa Seed Butter soothes skin and supports elasticity. Perfect for on the go. 

This is going to be a staple in my bag – for when I forget to wear sunscreen, or for touch ups. It is super smooth and applies clear instead of with that dreaded white cast that most physical sunscreens have. The fact that it is water resistant is also a plus!

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Spring

Active Ingredients:  Zinc Oxide 17%
Inactive Ingredients: Beeswax, Bisabolol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Calophyllum Tacamahaca Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Jojoba Esters, Octyldodecyl Olivate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Oryzanol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopherol

 Have you tried these sunscreens?
Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤
Disclosure: PR samples. My opinion is my own, based on my experience in using these products!

Weekly Re-cap (Feb 20th to 26th)

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Just a re-cap of the past week’s blog posts in case you’ve missed anything!

Monday, Feb 20th – Cougar Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Facial Oil Review

cougar-ha5

Wednesday, Feb 22nd – Cougar Beauty Snake Superfood Booster Serum Review

Cougar Beauty Snake Superfood Booster Serum

Friday, Feb 24th – Ipsy Glam Bag February 2017 Unboxing and First Impressions

So there you have it, the week’s blog posts!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Please see original posts.

ipsy Glam Bag February 2017 Unboxing & First Impressions

| jodi - a brash attitude

hello, hello!

This month’s ipsy Glam Bag arrived a little later than usual this month, but better late than never! Especially since I think that this month’s bag was a good one!

The bag itself is a cute little denim number with bright orange trim. Not overly Valentine themed as I was expecting, but it is still cute.

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 2017

So what did I get? This post is just an unboxing and first impressions full reviews to come later.

First up is a Nyx Butter Lipstick in shade Ripe Berry:

  • Right now this satin finish is our goldilocks texture. Glossy is too much. Matte isn’t doing the trick. But this is just right!

  • These are so insanely creamy that there’s no need to use lip balm beforehand.

  • Ripe Berry is a totally appropos name; the hue (which has cool, purple undertones) reminds us of crushed raspberries.

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 2017

This is a great creamy lipstick, in a nice sheer berry shade. I love the Nyx Butter Lipsticks, so I was happy to get this one. A cruelty free brand, yay!

Up next is a Hikari Cream Pigment Eye Shadow in Latte:

  • Don’t be fooled by the name, there’s nothing milky about this metallic copper.

  • It’s so richly pigmented that even a tiny bit makes your eyes pop.

  • You can use it three ways: Brush it on for a bold metallic shadow, swipe on with your fingertips for a messier smoky look, or use a liner brush and create a gleaming cat eye.

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 2017

This is a beautiful coppery shadow. I love copper tones, and it is a cruelty free brand, so I’m super happy with this one as well. The packaging though is terrible – flimsy plastic – I’m going to depot this once I buy a z-palette (or something similar).

Swatches of the Nyx Butter Lipstick and Hikari Cream Pigment Eye Shadow:

ipsy-feb17-11

Up next is a True Botanicals Resurfacing Moisture Mask:

  • Go from a dull complexion to one that’s insanely glowy in five minutes, flat.

  • It both exfoliates (with lactic acid) and hydrates (with avocado butter), the ultimate dream team for scoring radiant skin.

  • This is totally splurge-worthy. The full size tub costs $$$ at high end department stores. (But you get to try it for like….nada.)

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 17

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 17

I am unsure if this brand is cruelty free or not. I was initially excited about this facial mask, but it is really strongly scented – to my nose it is very jasmine – one of my most hated scents, so I will be passing this onto someone who doesn’t mind scented products.

Up next is a Bellapierre Cosmetics VolumeLash Waterproof Mascara:

  • You could be watching The Notebook while taking a swim on the most humid of summer days, and this smudge-free formula wouldn’t run.

  • The flexible brush perfectly separates and coats every single lash, so your fringe looks completely full and defined.  

  • Even though it’s waterproof, a makeup removing wipe will take it right off, no tugging or rubbing (or lash damage) required.

ipsy-feb17-8

Finally a waterproof mascara! I’m super excited to try this one out! Another cruelty free brand!

The final product is a Luxie Beauty Rose Gold Blush Brush 514:

  • The bristles are vegan, synthetic, and cruelty-free.

  • Soft and fluffy bristles combined with the small domed shape make this great for dusting on highlighter.

  • Is it just us, or does rose gold make everything look dreamy?

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 17

I have a few Luxie brushes, they’re really great, and they’re cruelty free and vegan. I love getting brushes from Ipsy.

All in all, I think this month’s bag was a good one! What did you get in your ipsy glam bag?

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 17

I cashed in a few of my Ipsy points to get the Briogeo Curl Carisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème (description taken from the Briogeo website):

Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème hydrates, defines, and weather-proofs curls while maintaining touchable movement and light, flexible hold. Mollis leaf and tomato fruit ferments smooth and seal the hair cuticle to lock out frizz-causing environmental moisture to promote consistent curl formation. Ultra-hydrating avocado oil helps hair retain moisture and increases elasticity to protect against damage. For added hold, cocktail with Curl Charisma Frizz Control Gel to create the perfect blend of hydration and hold custom-suited for your hair type. 

Ipsy Glam Bag Feb 17

This was on my wishlist so I jumped at the chance to get it with my points! Can’t wait to test it out. Another cruelty brand!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Monthly subscription that I pay for!

Cougar Beauty Snake Superfood Booster Serum

Cougar Beauty Snake Superfood Booster Serum
| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing the second of my Cougar Beauty treats that were sent to me – the Snake Superfood Booster Serum with Hyaluronic Acid. For my Hyaluronic Acid Facial Oil review, click here.

Here’s what is says on the website:

Loaded with nutrients, ceramides, glycerin, natural ingredients and vitamins like C, K, E, skin serums are water-based products, that have the ability to penetrate deep within the layers of the skin, so that results happen faster and more effectively.

The Snake Superfood Serum is designed as a soothing & anti aging serum combination, with aloe vera to cool, and super fruit extracts to deeply moisturise and boost skin cell production and Synthetic Snake Venom Extract to provide the anti ageing benefits.  

Synthetic Snake Venom is developed to mimic the paralyzing effect that Snake Venom has on the skin. Actual Snake Venom causes muscular paralysis, which paralyzes the skin then the whole body.

To achieve the same effect for the facial skin, a synthetic derivative of the venom can be used to deaden the muscles in the face to prevent the formation or deepening of wrinkles.

Synthetic Snake Venom reduces muscular contractions in the face and reduces cell movement; thereby keeping the skin smooth and wrinkle free.

Cougar Beauty Snake Superfood Booster Serum

Reading the description makes this serum sound super scary! But I assure you, it is not. It is a milky gel type serum, and quickly absorbs into the skin. I did a patch test on my arm first, and then on my neck, because I’d never used a serum like this before, so I was a little nervous! Thankfully, my sensitive skin did not react!

I’ve been using this serum twice daily for two weeks now, and my fine lines are reduced and my skin looks smoother, but I still have movement / expression and not that creepy frozen doll face that I’ve seen some over Botoxed faces with.

I’ll have to come back and update this review once I’ve used it for 4 to 6 weeks to see if there are any further improvements in my skin.

Cougar Beauty Snake Superfood Booster Serum

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

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

Cougar Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Facial Oil Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

I was recently contacted by the Rosdon Group to see if I was interested in reviewing some of their products – they have three main lines – Cougar Beauty, Snow White Oral Care, and Rogue Male Grooming. Of course I was interested in Cougar Beauty since it is a beauty and skincare line.

Here’s a little background info about Cougar Beauty (taken from their website):

The Cougar Beauty range has been formulated and designed for those who enjoy high quality products and are not prepared to compromise. Completely manufactured in the UK, we supply must have, niche products which aren’t in one month and out the next.
No cost has been spared bringing the most innovative formulas, designs and technology to make Cougar Beauty Products a leading international brand name.  All the products are new, edgy, of the highest quality and most importantly, they work. 
At Cougar we are passionate about preserving the Earth for future generations and are always looking for new ways to help our beautiful planet. All our products and packaging are manufactured in the UK, ensuring less green house gases are emitted during the manufacturing process. We have completely cut out transportation from the process as all ingredients are sourced locally. 
We take pride in the fact we only ever use Cruelty Free formulas, that are never tested on animals. All of our packaging is recyclable and any marketing material is made from recycled material. 

I chose to test out and review two of their skincare products, the first of which is their Hyaluronic Acid Facial Oil. I’ve used several different Hyaluronic Acid serums previously, but this is my first HA facial oil.

Cougar Hyaluronic Acid Facial Oil

Here’s what it says about the product:

  • Lightweight daily facial oil to be applied under moisturiser.
  • Contains hyaluronic to deeply moisturize and plump
  • Increases the moisture content of the skin
  • Reduces small and larger wrinkles
  • Makes the skin supple again
  • Increases skin elasticity

This facial oil is very watery in texture and sinks into the skin quickly. It does contain fragrance which I don’t love, but thankfully it did not trigger any reaction in my skin (but remember to do a patch test if you have sensitive skin). It plays nicely with other serums and moisturizers, and with foundation. It works well to add another level of hydration and moisture to the skin – much needed in the cold winter weather!

Cougar Hyaluronic Acid Facial Oil

On Wednesday, I’ll be reviewing the second skincare product that I received – the Snake Superfood Booster Serum.

Cougar Beauty

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: In case you missed it at the beginning,  this PR sample, however, my opinion is my own, based on my experience with the product.

Weekly Re-cap (Feb 13th to 19th)

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Just a little re-cap of the week’s blog post in case you missed out.

Monday, February 13th – Nyx #nofilter Finishing Powder Review

Wednesday, February 15th  – Nyx Total Control Drop Foundation

Friday, February 17th – My A England Polish Collection

I’m still managing to do a daily yoga practice. Some days are better than others. I finally managed to do a side plank! Sure, I might have fallen over shortly after, but it is progress nonetheless!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I purchased all the things!

 

My A England Collection

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

I don’t post about nail polish very often. To be honest, I own less than 20 bottles of polish, and out of that small number, six of them are from A England, my favourite nail polish brand. A England is a 3 free, cruelty free and vegan nail polish company based in the UK. (Descriptions in italics taken from the A England website)

Ascalon (the Legends collection) Forged by magic and guided by our hero’s sainted hand, the steely grey of his spire is alive with a swirling heart of lavender fire.

Holy Grail (the Mythicals collection) a baroque and antiqued golden hue, infused with bronze, gold, copper and gentle touches of green shimmer

Jayne Eyre (the Gothic Beauties collection) intensely smouldering crimson embers, imprisoned in a veil of sombre black

Briar Rose / Sleeping Beauty (the Burne-Jones Dream collection) “Her lips a ruby glow of life, while she lays lost in time” – a cranberry/scarlet base hue bearing a slight milky sheen and a gently ladylike prismatic demeanor, evidence of a still-beating heart.

Camelot (the Mythicals collection) black onix glaze with unique luster

Saint George (the Legends collection) Bearer of a valiant & courageous heart, this fathomless teal reveals the strength of the brave knight’s convictions with his gleaming, fiery core.

So there you have it, my A England collection. My absolute faves are Ascalon, Camelot and Jayne Eyre. Camelot is truly the best black nail polish I’ve ever used – it is practically a one coat wonder!

It is so difficult to capture how beautiful these nail polishes are!

Here in Canada, the easiest way to get A England polishes is through Nail Polish Canada.

Have you tried A England?

Disclosure: I purchased every single one of these!

Nyx Total Control Drop Foundation Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing the new Total Control Drop Foundation from Nyx. Here’s what it says on the website:

From sheer to full, your ideal coverage is just drops away with our new Total Control Drop Foundation! Fine-tune this velvety, matte foundation with the included dropper. Simply adjust the number of drops until you create the look you’re feelin’ today. Want more coverage? Add more drops! Buff expertly using the TOTAL CONTROL DROP FOUNDATION BRUSH for a seriously smooth finish

Available in 24 different shades – ranging from pale to deep espresso with warm, neutral and cool undertones. I chose to test out porcelain (neutral undertones), the third lightest shade in the range.

Nyx Total Control Drop Foundation

The foundation is super liquidy, and you can choose the level of coverage – in the instructions it says to use 2 or more drops for light, 3 or more for medium, and four or more drops for full coverage.

Nyx Total Control Drop FoundationNyx Total Control Drop Foundation

I’ve tried applying with my Wayne Goss foundation brush, with my Real Techniques blending sponge, and with my fingers. I prefer applying with fingers and then blending with my brush, due to how watery the foundation is and being better able to control the application that way.

The finish really does feel velvety and smooth, but not super flat matte when applied on the sheerer side – hopefully that makes sense. I find that a really flat matte finish makes me look completely dead. Heavier application will cake up on dry areas, so I wouldn’t recommend this foundation if you have super dry skin and want full coverage. I have mostly normal and slightly dry skin right now.

Have you tried this foundation? Did you like it?

Disclosure: I purchased this!

 

 

Nyx #NoFilter Finishing Powder Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I have a little review of the Nyx #NoFilter Finishing Powder. I picked this up in my recent Nyx haul because my Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation is so close to finishing.

Here’s what it says on the website:

Introduce us to someone who doesn’t love a good photo filter, and we’ll introduce you to our secret herd of pet unicorns. Our point? When it comes to getting our picture taken, we all love a good filter. That’s why we created #NoFilter Finishing Powder–our amazing new product that delivers a finish as flawless and soft as the most flattering filters on Instagram and beyond.

This finishing powder is available in fifteen different shades: alabaster, porcelain, ivory, light, light beige, beige, medium olive, classic tan, honey beige, caramel beige, sand, golden, deep golden, mahogony, and cocoa. I picked the shade porcelain since it was one of the lighter shades, but not the absolute lightest, and I had already tried the concealer in this shade.

When I first opened this powder, I thought that it would be way too dark for me because it is so much darker looking than the concealer in the same shade. Thankfully, it actually swatches to match my skin tone perfectly.

Nyx #NoFilter Finishing Powder

This is a really silky smooth powder, and it gives my skin a really nice finish. I’m very happy with this one.

Just FYI – this powder does not come with a brush or a sponge-puff. I’ve been using a brush for applying.

Have you tried this finishing powder? Did you like it?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I purchased this!