Beauty

Minimal Makeup Faves for May 2018

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

I cannot believe that it is already June! I thought that I would share my makeup faves for the month of May with you (and links to the reviews).

I’ve been wearing minimal makeup these days, but there are a few products that I’ve reached for on days that I wore makeup:

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream

This is perfect for when I want to be wearing sunscreen, but want some light coverage and evening out of my skintone. I don’t think that I’ve worn regular foundation in weeks! Review is here.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector 

BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector

I’ve been using this under eye corrector since I purchased it in May 2016. It works well for me, and doesn’t crease on me. I especially need it during allergy season! Review is here.

Elate Cosmetics Creme Revealer

Elate Cosmetics Creme Revealer

I’ve been using this a lot since finishing up my Nyx HD Concealer. It works so well with my skintone, and doesn’t cake up! Review is here.

Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow

Wet n Wild Ultimatebrow Retractable Brow Pencil

I use this brow pencil for days when I want a quick and easy brow. When I have loads of time, I’ll use my SureThik Brow Powder, but when I’m strapped for time, I tend to go for this pencil as it is fool-proof! Review is here.

Essence The False Lashes Mascara or I ❤ Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara

Both are my go to mascaras because they add volume and hold a curl for my stubborn stick straight lashes. I’ve purchased and repurchased both mascaras several times. Reviews are here and here.

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipsticks

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick Swatches

I’m always wearing of the the Bite Beauty Lipsticks that I own. I have several and all are swatched in my Sweet Cream review ! I can’t wait to own more!

What were your favourites for May?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: Products purchased by me, except for the Juice Beauty CC Cream and Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick – those were birthday gifts (from my mom).

 

Holiday Recap 2017

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello! Happy New Year!

a brash attitude Christmas

I took a week off from blogging and I’m looking forward to the new year / new content.

a brash attitude Christmas

I got my hair majorly chopped just before Christmas – here’s the before shot so you can see how long it was:

abrashattitude3

Here’s the after shot – so short! It is so easy to look after – the drying time is so much faster!

a brash attitude Christmas

Hope you all have a fantastic (and safe) New Year’s Eve – whether you go out and party, or stay home and chill.

I’ll be back with my December Empties and my picks for Best of 2017!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

 

 

Weekly Recap To Sept 25th to Oct 1st

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Just a little recap of the past week’s blog posts in case you’ve missed out…

Monday, Sept 25th – Farmacy Beauty Green Clean Review

Wednesday, Sept 27th – Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Mini Lipstick in Verbena

Friday, Sept 29th – Milani The Multitasker Face Powder Review

So there you have it! Tomorrow I’ll be sharing my monthly empties.

Have a beautiful week! Thanks for reading ❤

Disclosure: I purchased all the things.

Holy Grail or Holy Fail? Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Review

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

I know that the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is a Holy Grail product for a lot of people, so I thought that I would give it a second chance after my first impressions Ipsy Glam Bag unboxing in November.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Here’s a little info from the Too Faced website:

Take home our Better Than Sex mascara and all your desires for lush, incredibly intense lashes will be fulfilled. One application of our collagen-fueled formula and touch of our specially shaped brush will leave you begging for more. One coat and lashes are full, defined and stretched to unbelievable lengths. Two coats and they’re reaching unbelievable heights of drama. Three coats and you’ll believe in magic.

  • Film-forming Polymer for smudge-proof, all day wear
  • Acacia Senegal Tree Extract to nourish, thicken and lock curl in place
  • Unique Peptides for the deepest, intense black possible
  • 1,944% more volume*
  • 100% saw longer lashes**
  • 100% saw dramatic volume**
  • 93% saw base-to-tip curl**
  • 8 out of 10 say it’s the best mascara they’ve ever used**

 

Using my Seven Requirements For Loving a Mascara rating system, let’s take a closer look at how this mascara performed for me. Because my lashes are long and stick straight, I always curl my lashes before applying mascara. Here’s my Holy Grail requirements:

1. waterproof

2. smudge-proof

3. non-flaking / non-clumping

4. must be DARK black (not blackish, not brown black, and definitely not grey black)

5. volumizing

6. must hold a curl

7. non-irritating to my sensitive eyes

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I used this mascara several times over the past month, and found that it only smudged a little bit if my eyes watered when out in the cold. It is a deep dark black which I love, and did give my lashes volume (not the crazy percentage claimed though, haha). I did not experience any flaking, which was nice. BUT I found that two coats of mascara made my lashes clumpy and SO heavy, which meant that the curl did not hold up all day.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I’m just not in love with this mascara, sorry Too Faced! I would like to try some of the other mascaras to see if any of them will work for me.

Is the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara your Holy Grail, or it is your Holy Fail?

*The art in the background is by Allan Sutt Frostbite Arts*

Disclosure: Product from Ipsy Glam Bag. I pay for the monthly subscription.

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast HD Mascara Review

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast HD Mascara
| jodi - a brash attitude

Continuing on with my reviews of my recent Soap & Glory giveaway win from Helpless Whilst Drying, today I’m reviewing the Thick & Fast HD Mascara. The other items are reviewed here.

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast HD Mascara

The BRUSH is the stuff – Soap & Glory’s 7-SIDED FAN FLARE-180™ brush with a V-groove to lay down volume & intensity, and a network of combing & curling surfaces to give length, definition and DRAMA. Featuring strength-building COLLAGEN* PRE-PEPTIDES, LONG-STRETCH POLYMERS that wrap lashes in a flexible, lengthening film and NO FLAKE 24 all-day wear technology, prepare yourself for TOTAL LASH LIFT-OFF!

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast HD Mascara

My lashes are long and stick straight, so I have to curl my lashes before I apply mascara. My eyes are sensitive so many mascaras tend irritate my eyes. That being said, I have seven requirements for a mascara:

1. waterproof

2. smudge-proof

3. non-flaking / non-clumping

4. must be DARK black (not blackish, not brown black, and definitely not grey black)

5. volumizing

6. must hold a curl

7. non-irritating to my sensitive eyes

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast HD Mascara

So how does this mascara measure up against my seven requirements? First off, this isn’t a waterproof mascara, but despite this, it held up really well with wear, with no smudging. That is a miracle for me, because my eyes water easily, and most non waterproof mascaras end up running and smudging all over the place. I didn’t experience any flaking or clumping either. The mascara is a nice deep dark black and gives great volume. When first applied, my lashes look amazing. As well, the Thick & Fast Mascara did not irritate my sensitive eyes. The only problem that I had was that it did not hold a curl for more than three or four hours. So close to being a perfect mascara!

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast HD Mascara

Have you tried this mascara? Did you like it?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Part of a personal blog giveaway win.

Project Pan 12 Collab, Week 11 Review & Update

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing the 11th of 12 products for my Project Pan 12 collab with these lovely fellow bloggers:  Ingrid from CurlySpringBlossom, and Stashy from Stash Matters, and Chanelle from ChanelleHayleyyy!

Basically, the Project Pan 12 goal is to use up (or at least make a good attempt to use up) twelve products over the course of twelve weeks, and to review one of the products each week. After the product review, I’ll give a very short comment on the remaining eleven products just to account for whether or not I’ve been successful in using each of the products.

Onto the review!

Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme – Description is taken from the Sephora website:

A breathtaking seductress caught in a stolen affair between light and dark as Turkish rose sparkles and intrigues beneath notes of spicy ginger and a sultry veil of velvet oud and mystic papyrus.

“She turned the dial until the safe opened, revealing the diamond. She had stolen jewels before, but none compared with this one. She left a single rose and the scent of her perfume in its place for him to find. In a moment she’d be halfway around the world and he would be in pursuit. The chase began again…”

Notes:
Bergamot from Calabria, Ginger from China, Turkish Rose Essence, Turkish Rose Absolue, Incense From Somalia, Velvet Oud Accord, Patchouli from Indonesia, Papyrus from India, Benjoin from Laos.
Style:
Breathtaking. Mysterious. Exhilarating.

I purchased this perfume when it first arrived at Sephora six years ago. At the time, it was probably my most loved fragrance EVER. It smelled like roses and spice, and something dark. A fried of mine used to call this scent a “dirty rose” haha!

As you can see from my super scientific method for tracking usage (using tape to mark the level that the perfume was at on September 5th), I’ve barely made a dent in this perfume.

I don’t know if my scent preferences have changed or if the perfume is starting to go off, but I just don’t love it like I used to. It has been a struggle to use this perfume on a daily basis. Most weeks I’ve been forcing myself to use it at least twice each week. I need to go to Sephora and smell the tester to see whether or not my bottle has started to go off.

According to the Atelier Cologne website, their response to the question of animal testing is:

We do not use ingredients of animal origin. And we do not test our products or raw materials on animals as required by law.

So I’m very excited to find that they are cruelty free!

Update on the Remaining 11 Products:

Project Pan 12 Collab

1. Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder – Finally finished! Reviewed week 1 (here)

2. Essence Cosmetics Bloom Me Up Shimmer Powder in 01 Rose it Up – used 2x, this one is never-ending, not even close to hitting pan! Reviewed week 2 (here).

3. Organic Surge Perfecting Facial Polish – finished week 5! Reviewed week 3 (here).

4. Brazen Cosmetics Organic Mineral Foundation in Crazed (0N) – Finished this week 5, and reviewed week 4 (here).

5. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc – used daily, still hopeful that I might finish this up in time, reviewed week 5 (here).

6. Nyx Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator in Gleam – still using daily, this will last forever since you need so little of it, reviewed week 6 (here).

7. Urban Decay Urban Vices Mini Palette – used 1x, nowhere near hitting pan, reviewed week 7 (here).

8. Sukin Purifying Facial Masque – this was a substitute product as my mom now has the Rosehip Day Cream because she fell in love with it. Used 2x, close to finishing, if not by next week, very soon after that, reviewed week 8 (here).

9. Ren No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm – used 2x, so close to finishing, reviewed week 9 (here).

10. Haus of Gloi Hair Oil in COzy Sweater Scent – did not use this week, definitely won’t finish this one any time soon, reviewed week 10 (here).

11. Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Mini Palette * – used 1x, there is no way that I’ll hit pan any time soon. To be reviewed.

Don’t forget to check out my fellow collaborators:

Ingrid from CurlySpringBlossom

Stashy from Stash Matters

Chanelle from ChanelleHayleyyy!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased all products except for those marked with * (giveaway win).

Project Pan 12 Collab, Week 9 Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing the 9th of 12 products for my Project Pan 12 collab with these lovely fellow bloggers:  Ingrid from CurlySpringBlossom, and Stashy from Stash Matters, and Chanelle from ChanelleHayleyyy!

Basically, the Project Pan 12 goal is to use up (or at least make a good attempt to use up) twelve products over the course of twelve weeks, and to review one of the products each week. After the product review, I’ll give a very short comment on the remaining eleven products just to account for whether or not I’ve been successful in using each of the products.

Onto the review!

RenPurity No. 1 Cleansing Balm – I originally reviewed this product last November. It is the product that I use when I want to treat my skin with utmost care because it is the most gentle and soothing cleanser that I’ve ever used. It is especially good when my skin is super sensitive and dry in the colder months.

PP12 Ren - Beginning of PP12

A rose infused cleansing balm. When applied with water the balm transforms into a rich milk and leaves skin purified, calm and glowing. It gently yet thoroughly melts away dirt and make up (including waterproof mascara).

It does a great job removing makeup and getting the my skin super clean, but, as I said in my original review, I don’t recommend using it to remove eye makeup or mascara, because it really stings the eyes no matter how carefully you use it.

PP12 Ren - week 9

This cleansing balm comes in a 150ml / 5.1oz tub, so even if you use this daily, it will still take forever to use it up because you need such a small amount each time. I’ve had mine since before I started blogging, and still have not finished it – but I’m hopeful that I’ll finish this one in the remaining weeks of PP12.

Update on the remaining 11 products:

Project Pan 12 Collab

1. Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder – Finally finished! Reviewed week 1 (here)

2. Essence Cosmetics Bloom Me Up Shimmer Powder in 01 Rose it Up – still using daily! Reviewed week 2 (here)

3. Organic Surge Perfecting Facial Polish – finished week 5! Reviewed week 3 (here)

4. Brazen Cosmetics Organic Mineral Foundation in Crazed (0N) – Finished this week 5, and reviewed week 4 (here).

5. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc – used daily, reviewed week 5 (here).

6. Nyx Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator in Gleam – still using daily, reviewed week 6 (here).

7. Urban Decay Urban Vices Mini Palette – used 2x, reviewed week 7 (here).

8. Sukin Purifying Facial Masque – this was a substitute product as my mom now has the Rosehip Day Cream because she fell in love with it. Used 1x, reviewed week 8 (here).

9. Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Mini Palette * – used 1x.

10. Atelier Cologne in Rose Anonyme – used 2x.

11. Haus of Gloi Hair Oil in Cozy Sweater – used 1x.

Don’t forget to check out my fellow collaborators:

Ingrid from CurlySpringBlossom

Stashy from Stash Matters

Chanelle from ChanelleHayleyyy!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased all products except for those marked with * (giveaway win).

 

Weekly Recap – Oct 31st to Nov 6th

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Just a little recap of the week’s blog posts…

October 31st – Project Pan 12 Collab, Week 8

November 2nd – Essence Silky Touch Blush Review (10 Adorable) 

November 3rd – MyLipAddiction.com Beauty Podcast Episode 15 – I was the guest!

MyLipAddiction.com Beauty Podcast

November 4th – Nyx Tinted Brow Mascara Review (Espresso)

 

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Please see original blog posts for product disclosures.

Project Pan 12 Collab, Week 8 Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing the 8th of 12 products for my Project Pan 12 collab with these lovely fellow bloggers:  Ingrid from CurlySpringBlossom, and Stashy from Stash Matters, and Chanelle from ChanelleHayleyyy!

Basically, the Project Pan 12 goal is to use up (or at least make a good attempt to use up) twelve products over the course of twelve weeks, and to review one of the products each week. After the product review, I’ll give a very short comment on the remaining eleven products just to account for whether or not I’ve been successful in using each of the products.

Onto the review!

This week was originally planned for my review of the Sukin Rosehip Day Cream but my mom fell in love with it on our trip, so she has it now. To be fair to my fellow collaborators, this product has been replaced by the Sukin Purifying Facial Masque.

I originally reviewed the Sukin Purifying Facial Masque back in May. Here’s the info from the website:

    A purifying base of gentle Kaolin clay combined with soothing aloe vera and antioxidant rich rose hip oil will leave skin feeling refreshed, nurtured and completely clean. Paraben Free.

For the past two weeks I’ve been using this mask once a week. It is so gentle and soothing. I cannot believe that I’ve been neglecting this facial mask. My skin looks and feels amazing after using it! Like all Sukin products, this mask smells amazing – due to the essential oils of tangerine, mandarin orange, lavender, vanilla and grapefruit.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Bentonite, Talc, Kaolin, Lecithin, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rose Hip), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vanillin, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, CI 77491, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene*, Linalool*. * Natural component of essential oils.

Update on the remaining 11 products:

Project Pan 12 Collab

1. Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder – Still using daily, and still not finished! Reviewed week 1 (here)

pp12-wk8-3

2. Essence Cosmetics Bloom Me Up Shimmer Powder in 01 Rose it Up – still using daily! Reviewed week 2 (here)

3. Organic Surge Perfecting Facial Polish – finished week 5! Reviewed week 3 (here)

4. Brazen Cosmetics Organic Mineral Foundation in Crazed (0N) – I finished this week 5, and reviewed week 4 (here).

5. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc – used daily, reviewed week 5 (here).

6. Nyx Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator in Gleam – still using daily, reviewed week 6 (here).

7. Urban Decay Urban Vices Mini Palette – used 2x, reviewed week 7 (here).

8. Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Mini Palette * – used 2x.

9. Ren Purity No. 1 Cleansing Balm – used 2x

10. Haus of Gloi Hair Oil in Cozy Sweater – used 1x.

11. Atelier Cologne in Rose Anonyme – used 1x.

Don’t forget to check out my fellow collaborators:

Ingrid from CurlySpringBlossom

Stashy from Stash Matters

Chanelle from ChanelleHayleyyy!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased all products except for those marked with * (giveaway win).