Cumulative Empties Aug to Dec 2020 – Skincare

Hello, hello! Welcome to / welcome back to A Brash Attitude! Happy New Year!

Today I have my cumulative empties from August until December – I’m not using up products as quickly as I used to, so haven’t been doing my monthly empties posts. Let’s take a look at all the skincare that I’ve finished up, and I’ll let you know if I plan to repurchase or not, and link to the original reviews.

Skincare:

Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 – I liked this travel sized sunscreen, it didn’t have a white cast on me and didn’t feel heavy or greasy. The full size is on the pricy side, so I would only re-purchase if on sale.

Moor Spa Cleansing Milk – This was from a PR package, and I really loved it. Creamy cleansers are so awesome for cold weather skincare. I would purchase this is I didn’t have so many cleansers to finish up.

Insensya Illuminate Serum – Another PR item. Quite possibly the best serum I’ve tried for all of 2020! At the top of my wishlist currently as I’ve a few serums to finish up.

Pacifica Coconut Water Micellar Cleansing Tonic – My skin hated this. I finished it up for cleaning up swatches as my face did not tolerate it.

5th Dimension Sub Rosa Serum – This was a nice oil-based serum. I have several oils and serums to use up, so no purchase for me at this time.

The Inkey List Bakuchiol and Polyglutamic Acid – The Bakuchiol was a good “starter” retinoid type serum cream, but I prefer something a little stronger. The Polyglutamic Acid made my skin feel nice and hydrated, but it smelled like paint (yuck). I don’t plan to repurchase, but have my eye on other products from the brand.

Cosmessential The Calm and B-Three Facial Serums – These were PR samples. Both were lovely – The Calm was great for when my skin was super sensitive, and B-Three was great for when my skin was “normal”. I have serums to use up, so no plans to purchase right now.

Goldfaden MD Vital Boost Moisturizer – I really liked this moisturizer, it was light yet hydrating and somewhat brightening. I have other moisturizers to finish up so no plan to purchase a full size.

Coming up later this week I have my Haircare, Bodycare and Makeup Finishes.

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: Post contains both products that I purchased and PR items – all are identified. My opinion is my own regardless of who paid for the product.

Empties November 2019

Hello, hello!

Another month’s worth of empties – I think that I’ve made really great progress on my stash this month! Because I’m on a low-buy (only buying things when necessary, if I say that I would re-purchase it means eventually, not right away).

Let’s take a look:

Skincare

Empties November 2019 - Skincare

Akar Skin Balance Toning Mist – This was from my Petit Vour subscription. I loved it a lot and would love to buy a full size eventually. Review is here.

Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream – Another Petit Vour gem that I loved. Lightweight hydration. Would purchase this one. Review is here.

By Anhesa Cedar Face Cream – I won this in a giveaway. This one is great for when my skin is dry and I need a moisture boost. And it smells wonderful. Would buy. Review is here.

Honua Skincare Pa’akai Cleansing Cream – This was such a dreamy cleansing cream from my Petit Vour subscription. Would LOVE to buy a full size of this but have so many cleansers to use up. Review is here.

Cosmessential Premium Facial Serum The Grande – This was a PR sample. It worked really well for me. It was lightweight, super-hydrating and filled with loads of anti-aging ingredients. Would buy if I didn’t have several more serums to use up. Review is here.

Haircare:

Empties November 2019 - Haircare

Maui Moisture Color Protection + Sea Minerals Shampoo & Conditioner – I’ve purchased several of the Maui Moisture formulations over the past year (or two). This one might be my favourite! It helped keep my colour from fading fast and made my hair feel soft and clean. I’ll probably buy this again (eventually). Review is here.

Makeup:

Empties November 2019 - Makeup

Harvest Natural Beauty Lengthening Organic Mascara – Another Petit Vour box item. This wasn’t the mascara for me as it isn’t waterproof and my eyes water easily. If you don’t have watery eyes, you might like it a lot. Review is here.

Essence I ❤ Extreme Volume Mascara (Waterproof) – This is one of my go-to mascaras. It adds volume, holds a curl and its waterproof. Been buying this mascara since 2016! Review is here.

Joik Gloss & Care Lip Oil – My friend brought this back from Estonia a few months ago. I’m sad that it is empty because I love it so much! I bought my first one back in 2017 when I travelled to Estonia. International shipping is quite expensive, so this is going on the wishlist. Review is here.

There were a few more products that I’m so close to finishing up, hopefully they’ll be in next month’s empties. Do you finish up much this month?

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: This post contains mostly products paid for by me, except for one PR sample, and one personal gift – all are identified above.

Empties October 2019

Empties Oct 2019 - Buck Naked Soap Company, Native Deodorant, The Seaweed Bath Co., Moon Rivers Naturals

Hello, hello!

Another month of empties that I managed to finish up from my stash. I’ll link to the original reviews and let you know if I would re-purchase or not (immediately or eventually).

Bath + Bodycare:

Empties Oct 2019 - Buck Naked Soap Company, Native Deodorant, The Seaweed Bath Co., Moon Rivers Naturals

Buck Naked Soap Company Geranium + Purple Clay Sugar Scrub – This was gifted to me, and I loved it so much. I plan on getting myself a replacement the next time I do a haul from well.ca. Review is here.

Native Deodorant Vanilla & Rose – I’ve been using Native for over a year now, and it works well for my body chemistry. I have a few in various scents in my stash, so no need to repurchase just yet. Reviews are here and the sensitive formula here.

The Seaweed Bath Co. Firming Detox Cream – This was from a recent Petit Vour box. I really liked this body cram a lot, and would love to have a full size. I have some other body lotions and creams to use up, so for now it is a wishlist item. Review is here.

Moon Rivers Naturals Peppermint Lava Salt Hand + Body Soap – This was also from a recent Petit Vour box. I loved this shower gel, it smelled so good. I have other soaps / shower gels to use up, so I won’t be buying a full size right now, but probably would eventually. Review is here.

Skincare + Makeup:

Empties Oct 2019 - Ursa Major, Covergirl, Lily Lolo, Goldfaden MD, Cosmessential

Ursa Major Bright & Easy Flash Mask – This was a Petit Vour box sample. I really loved this mask. It worked so well on my sensitive skin and made it look so bright! A definite wishlist item as I have more skincare to use up. Review is here.

Covergirl The Super Sizer Waterproof Mascara – This mascara was good, but not a holy grail for me, so I won’t repurchase this particular one, but will likely buy a different one from Covergirl to try. Review is here.

Lily Lolo Makeup Mist – This was a nice setting spray that came in my Petit Vour subscription, I used it more as a facial mist than as a makeup setting spray. I’m currently testing out another makeup setting spray and a few toner mists so no need to replace. Review is here.

Goldfaden MD Needle-less Line Smoothing Concentrate – Another Petit Vour sample that I loved! I’m still using up a few serums, but would love to eventually get a full size of this one! Review is here.

Cosmessential Essential C Serum – This was a PR sample. My skin loved this Vitamin C based serum, so onto the wishlist it goes as I have several serums that I need to finish up. Review is here.

Did you finish up much this month?

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: This collection of empties contains products purchased by me, and PR samples (all identified above).

Cosmessential Premium Facial Serum Reviews – B-Three + The Calm

Hello, hello!

Today I am reviewing two of the Premium Facial Serums recently PR Gifted to me from Cosmessential – B-Three (balancing) and The Calm (soothing). I’ve already reviewed The Grande and Essential-C serums. Last week I gave you a sneak peek of the surprise package that I received (info in italics taken from the Cosmessential website).

Cosmessential is a Vancouver based, Canadian company – their serums are cruelty-free and vegan.

Cosmessential - B-Three + The Calm

Let’s take a look at the B-Three Serum ($57 CAD / $44 USD)

REBALANCING FACE SERUM
Vitamin B3 is a secret skincare superstar, helping to balance oil production, reduce redness, improve the epidermal barrier performance and hydrate.

Skin Types: Combo or Oily Skin Skin Age: 16+ for consistent use.

Cosmessential - B-Three
This serum is geared more toward oily  and combination skin, but I’ve been using it in the mornings before applying sunscreen – and it does seem to help keep my skin (mainly my nose) from getting greasy. It is lightweight and adds hydration. It feels similar to that of the Detox Hydrating Gel from Goldfaden MD (reviewed here)

Ingredients: Organic Aloe Leaf Juice (Aloe Barbadensis), Glycerin, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Emulsifying Wax (Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60), Avocado Fruit Oil (Persea Gratissima), Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus), Organic Neem Seed Oil (Melia Azadirachta), Organic Rosemary Leaf Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis), Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus), Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Now let’s take a look at The Calm ($66 CAD / $48 USD):

SOOTHING AND ANTI-REDNESS FACE SERUM
Powerfully anti-inflammatory and full of strong anti-oxidants, The Calm Premium Facial Serum is formulated for even the most delicate skin. Containing Moroccan Blue Tansy Oil, Rooibos extract, White Willow Bark and many other superb calming ingredients, The Calm Facial Serum helps to soothe red, dry, itchy or irritated skin.

Skin Types: Sensitive or Reactive Skin, Rosacea  Skin Age: 16+ for consistent use.

Cosmessential - The Calm

This serum is great for days that my sensitive skin is feeling a little irritated.  It helps calm down redness – very gentle and soothing, and adds light hydration.

Ingredients: Organic Aloe Leaf Juice (Aloe Barbadensis), Glycerin, Organic Alcohol, DMAE Bitartrate (Dimethylaminoethanol Bitartrate), Organic Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis), Emulsifying Wax (Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60), Organic Rooibos Leaf Extract (Aspalathus Linearis), MSM (Dimethyl Sulfone), Blue Tansy Oil (Tanacetum Annuum Flower Oil), Meadowfoam Seed Oil (Limnanthes Alba), Organic White Willow Bark (Salix Alba), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus), Organic Neem Seed Oil (Melia Azadirachta), Organic Rosemary Leaf Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis), Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus), Organic Alcohol, Xanthan Gum

Cosmessential - B-Three + The Calm

Cosmessential has given me a coupon code for my lovely readers to get a free 15ml travel-size product with a purchase of a full size serum. This is not an affiliate code, I don’t make money if you purchase. The code is: TRAVEL.

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: In case you missed it at the beginning, these were PR Gifted. However, my opinion is entirely my own. Also – this blog post contains a coupon code (not an affiliate code).

Cosmessential Premium Facial Serums Reviews – The Grande + Essential-C

Hello, hello!

Today I am reviewing two of the Premium Facial Serums recently PR Gifted to me from Cosmessential – The Grande (Anti-Aging) and Essential-C (Brightening). Last week I gave you a sneak peek of the surprise package that I received (info in italics taken from the Cosmessential website).

Cosmessential - The Grande, Essential-C

Here’s little bit about this Vancouver based, Canadian company, sister brand to GummiBands (previously reviewed here):

With experience centered in Canadian award winning spas and salons, we developed Cosmessential over five years with three key principals in mind:

  1. Effective, all inclusive skin care serums
    Most skincare available on the market today has fewer than 3 key active ingredients. Not because you can’t use more at once but because brands want you to have to purchase multiple items to achieve all of your desired results. Our skincare targets all facets of each particular skin goal at the same time saving you time and bathroom counter space. 
  2. Quality Ingredients with Karma
    Our products are certified vegan and animal cruelty free by leaping bunny and includes at a minimum 60% organic sources. Combining powerful plant based essences from nature with effective science we have been able to create a stable and incredibly effective range of products that compliments almost any existing skincare routine.
  3. Stewardship
    Cosmessential Cosmetics is committed to helping make the world a better place. We strive to include a charitable aspect to every part of our business and are always looking for new avenues to explore in the philanthropic arena.

Let’s take a closer look at The Grande and Essential C facial serums, starting with The Grande (full size $87 CAD / $66 USD).

Cosmessential - The Grande

ANTI-AGEING FACE SERUM -With 25 Key Active Ingredients, the Grande Facial Serum targets all areas of skin care and anti-aging. Deeply moisturizing but with a light feel that absorbs nicely, this serum is lifting, firming, smoothing, brightening and conditioning.

Skin Types: All Skin Age: 35+ for consistent use, 25-35 may use one bottle/year as a “booster” product. Not recommended for use on skin under the age of 25.

Directions: After cleansing and toning apply 1-2 pumps of serum to the face and decollete, lightly massaging in upward motions until all of the product has absorbed into the skin. After application wait 60 seconds before applying a day cream or sunscreen. Can be used morning and evening. For sensitive skin start with once per day, 3 days per week. Product may have a slight foaming action if applied to damp skin.

This is a beautiful lightweight, yet super hydrating serum. It has all of the key anti-aging properties and ingredients for moisturizing, anti-oxidant, soothing, brightening, firming / smoothing. It works well with my fine lines (yay), and doesn’t cause any dryness or irritation for my sensitive skin. I’ve been using this serum at night.

Ingredients: Rose Flower Water (Rosa Damascena), Organic Aloe Leaf Juice (Aloe Barbadensis), Emulsifying Wax (Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60), Glycerin, DMAE Bitartrate (Dimethylaminoethanol Bitartrate), Meadowfoam Seed Oil (Limnanthes Alba), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus), Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Carrot Seed Oil (Daucus Carota Sativa), Hyaluronic Acid, Coenzyme Q10 (Ubidecarenone), Provitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin A Palmitate (Retinyl Palmitate), Alpha Lipoic Acid (Thioctic Acid), Provitamin B5 (DL-Panthenol), Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Organic Sugar Cane Extract (Saccharum Officinarum), Organic Bilberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Myrtillus), Organic Sugar Maple Extract (Acer Saccharinum), Organic Orange Peel Extract (Citrus Sinensis), Organic Lemon Peel Extract (Citrus Limon), Organic Cranberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Macrocarpon), Organic Alcohol, Castor Oil (Ricinus Communis), Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Now onto the Essential-C ($72 CAD / $54 USD):

Cosmessential - Essential-C

VITAMIN C FACE SERUM -A combination of 3 different types of Vitamin C from 5 different sources helps give skin a multi-faceted boost. Ideal for evening tone, counteracting dullness, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and aiding in the reduction of hyper-pigmentation, Cosmessentials Essential-C Serum is an ideal addition to almost any skincare routine.

Skin Types: Normal-Combo Skin Age: 21+ for consistent use.

Directions: After cleansing and toning apply 1-2 pumps of serum to the face and decollete, lightly massaging in upward motions until all of the product has absorbed into the skin. After application wait 60 seconds before applying a day cream or sunscreen. Can be used morning and evening. For sensitive skin start with once per day, 3 days per week.

My skin does really well with Vitamin C based serums – it just makes my skin look so bright and healthy and I didn’t have any sensitivity issues with this serum. It plays nicely with moisturizers, sunscreen and makeup.

The five different Vitamin C’s are: Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl Palmitate), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid),  Organic Cranberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Macrocarpon), Organic Red Raspberry Fruit Extract (Rubus Idaeus), Organic Blueberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Corymbosum), and are combined with a bunch of calming, moisturizing, anti-oxidant ingredients.

Ingredients: Organic Aloe Leaf Juice (Aloe Barbadensis), Glycerin, Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa Canina), Emulsifying Wax (Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60), Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl Palmitate), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus), Phenoxyethanol, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Organic Cranberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Macrocarpon), Organic Red Raspberry Fruit Extract (Rubus Idaeus), Organic Blueberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Corymbosum), Organic White Willow Bark Extract (Salix Alba), Organic Alcohol, Organic Neem Seed Oil (Melia Azadirachta), Organic Rosemary Leaf Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis), Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus), Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Cosmessential - The Grande, Essential-C

As well, Cosmessential has given me a coupon code for my lovely readers to get a free 15ml travel-size product with a purchase of a full size serum. This is not an affiliate code, I don’t make money if you purchase. The code is: TRAVEL.

More reviews of the Cosmessential Premium Facial Serums to come!

Thanks for reading,

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: In case you missed it at the beginning, these were PR Gifted. However, my opinion is entirely my own. Also – this blog post contains a coupon code (not an affiliate code).

 

Currently Testing – Cosmessential Premium Facial Serums

Hello, hello!

I received a little surprise PR package in my mailbox from Cosmessential – a sister company to GummiBand (who I have previously worked with). They are a Canadian company, based in British Columbia that just released their new premium skincare line of four serums.

Cosmessential Premium Facial Serums

These serums are vegan, cruelty-free, and contain a minimum of 60% certified organic ingredients:

The Grande (anti-aging), Essential C (exfoliation and brightening), The Calm (anti-inflammatory) and B-Three (for problem or sensitive skin)

Reviews to follow soon!

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: PR Gifted products, however my opinion is always my own.