Essence

Empties July 2019

Empties July 2019
| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I have my monthly empties for you with links to the original reviews, and whether or not I plan to purchase / re-purchase right away or eventually.

Skincare:

Empties July 2019 - Skincare - EiR NYC, The Ordinary, Blissona, BKind, Kahina Giving Beauty

EiR NYC Active Face Wash – This was a Petit Vour box sample. Quite possibly the most unappealing looking foaming face wash, but I really LOVED this one for washing off my sunscreen and makeup at the end of hot and humid days. Definitely going on my wishlist! Original review is here.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG – This is the last product in my mini project pan for serums. You only need the smallest amount for your undereye, so this one took forever to finish up. I really like it, but want to try out something new. Original review is here.

Blissoma Refine Clay Renewal Treatment – Another Petit Vour sample. This was such an awesome mask, I’d love to own a full size. I have several masks to use up, so onto the wishlist it goes. Original review is here.

BKind Sensitive Skin Face Scrub – Yet another Petit Vour sample, a great exfoliating and moisturizing scrub, super gentle. I have other scrubs to finish up but I would purchase a full size of this one. Review is here.

Kahina Giving Beauty Oil Cleanser – Another Petit Vour sample. I loved this oil cleanser, so very gentle and effective. I’m still working my through my cleanser stash, so you guessed it, onto the wishlist it goes. Review is here.

Makeup:

Empties July 2019 - Makeup - Covergirl, Essence, Suntegrity

Covergirl Exhibitionist Waterproof Mascara – I liked this mascara a lot. I won’t be repurchasing this one because there are others from Covergirl that I’d like to try. Review is here.

Essence Volume Hero Waterproof Mascara – Similarly, I liked this mascara quite a bit as well, but I won’t be repurchasing this one but there are others from Essence that I’d like to try. Review is here.

Suntegrity Impeccable Skin Moisturizing Face Sunscreen Tinted SPF 30 – Another Petit Vour sample. This was slightly too light for me recently, but I started adding in the KVoss Bronzing Potion Glow Cream and not only did it make the shade perfect for me, it added radiance and made the finish less matte / less drying on my skin. Review is here.

Empties July 2019

Overall, I’m happy that I’m making steady progress at using up the products in my stash. Did you finish up much this month?

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: All products in this post were purchased by me.

Essence Volume Hero Waterproof Mascara Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing a fairly new waterproof mascara from Essence Cosmetics, makers of some of my favourite mascaras – the Volume Hero Waterproof formulation. [info in italics taken from the European Essence website as I couldn’t find the waterproof version on the Canadian site]

Essence Hero Mascara - Waterproof

The popular “volume hero” mascara for maximum lashes is getting some reinforcement: in combination with a waterproof texture, the new version creates endless lash-volume that can handle anything! The plastic volume brush absorbs a lot of bulk to reach each individual lash.

  • Waterproof mascara for endless volume
  • Plastic volume brush
  • Long-lasting, dramatic look

If you’ve been following me awhile, you will be familiar with my criteria for mascaras. But I’ll repeat them here:

I am very picky when it comes to my mascara because I have long, stick straight lashes, that are fairly light in colour despite being a natural brunette so I have to curl my lashes before I apply mascara or else it looks like I don’t have any eyelashes. AND my eyes are quite sensitive, and a lot of mascaras irritate my eyes. Add to that the fact that my eyes water easily, so my mascara must be smudge-proof and water-resistant (or waterproof).

To summarize, I have seven requirements for 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 and 7. non-irritating to my sensitive eyes.

Essence Hero Mascara - Waterproof

So how does it measure up? The first time that I tried this mascara, I didn’t love it. But by the third use, my opinion started to change. It ticks all the boxes for me, and I would give it a 6.5 out of 7, with half a point taken off as it can get clumpy if you aren’t careful. I find that cleaning the brush end off before using does help to reduce the clumping risk.

This mascara is super black and adds volume to my lashes and holds a curl for my stick straight lashes. All in all, I like this one.

Have you tried this one?

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I paid for this!

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).

 

Best of 2017 – Makeup

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’m sharing my top makeup picks for 2017. These are all new to me products that I’ve tested out during the year, and do not include any old favourites. These products are the most used, and most loved additions to my makeup collection in 2017.

Best of 2017 Makeup

Masion Jacynthe Fluide de Teint / Fluid Foundation (PR Sample) – This is the perfect foundation for this time of year when my skin needs extra moisture as this is a hydrating and dewy finish foundation. I’ve been adding in a little of one of my paler foundations to get a perfect shade match for my winter pale skin. Reviewed here.

The Ordinary Serum Foundation – This is a great all year round foundation as it contains some SPF, and is lightweight, with what I would call a semi-matte finish (not a super flat matte). I have this in two shades (1.2P and 1.1N). I’d like to try the 1.1P next. Lately I’ve been mixing the two together to make the perfect shade for me! Reviewed here and here.

Milani The Multitasker Face Powder – I use this powder to set my Maison Jacynthe Fluid Foundation, to make the finish is little less dewy, and to cut down on shine on my nose for other foundations. Reviewed here.

Maison Jacynthe Illuminateur / Illuminator  (PR Sample) – I have this in the shade Sparkling Sun, a pale gold toned highlighter. It is great for adding a subtle glow to the skin. Out of all the highlighters that I own, I seem to use this one the most. Reviewed here.

Hey Honey Active Propolis Cream Concealer – This concealer works so well for the under eye area as it hydrates and conceals. Reviewed here.

Best of 2017 Makeup

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipsticks in Pepper, Rhubarb, and Verbena – I’ve been wearing these lipsticks ALL THE TIME since purchasing my first one in the spring. The best lipstick formula I’ve ever tried. Reviewed here, here and here.

Sothys Paris Velvet Effect Lipstick in Rose le Pic (PR Sample) – This lipstick formula comes close to the perfection of the Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick. It is a very wearable rose shade that I’ve been wearing a lot. Reviewed here.

Essence Cosmetics The False Lashes Mascara – This is the best non-waterproof mascara I’ve ever tried. My eyes water easily, so most non-waterproof mascaras are a no-go for me. This one has everything I look for in a mascara – deep, dark, ultra black, volumizing, lengthening, AND hold a curl without flaking or running / smearing. I need to pick up a new tube asap! Reviewed here.

What were your most favourite products for 2017?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: All PR Samples identified, the rest have been purchased by me. My opinion is my own.

Weekly Recap Oct 23rd to 29th

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Just a little recap of the past week’s blog posts in case you’ve missed out and want to catch up…

Monday, October 23rd – Hey Honey Active Propolis Cream Concealer Review

Wednesday, October 25th – Essence The False Lashes Mascara Review

Friday, October 27th – Lip Edit Fall 2017

Guess what? I now have over 2000 followers here! Thank you to each and every one of you that follows, likes and comments! ❤

 

Essence The False Lashes Mascara -Extreme Volume & Curl

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I have a little review of another mascara from Essence – The False Lashes Mascara Extreme Volume & Curl. [info in italics is taken from their EU website]

Essence False Lashes Mascara

extra volume, extra curl. the curl fiber brush ensures maximum volume and curved lashes with a false lash look.

My lashes are long and stick straight, so I have to curl my lashes before I apply mascara or else it looks like I don’t have any lashes. As well, my eyes are sensitive so many mascaras irritate my eyes.

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

So how did this mascara measure up?

The False Lash Mascara is not a waterproof formulation, but despite this, I found it to be fairly water-resistant and smudgeproof for my eyes. If you don’t blot off the end of the wand before applying, you will get clumps. But over all I don’t find it to be overly flaky or clumpy. That being said, I don’t wear more than two coats of mascara – I think that three coats would not work well for this one.

Essence False Lashes Mascara

Colour-wise, it is super, mega, dark black – my absolute favourite. And it is definitely volumizing and holds a curl well for me.  And most importantly, it did not irritate my sensitive eyes.

It is a little difficult to remove than some non-waterproof formulations, but since I usually wear waterproof mascaras, it is nothing that a bit of coconut oil can’t remove.

Overall I would rate this one at 6.75 out of 7 – even higher than the Essence Lash Stylist 18H Curl & Hold Mascara (review is here).

What is your fave budget friendly mascara? For less than $5, I think that Essence mascaras are a great choice.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

Empties – February 2017

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I have my monthly empties for February. I didn’t finish up as much as I thought I would this month. Sometimes a product just hangs on and takes forever to finish up that last little bit! But I have been really good at sticking to low buy where I have to use things up before buying more.

Empties - February 2017

Skincare Empties:

Empties - February 2017

Just two products. I am SO close to finishing up two facial cleansers, one moisturizer and that Sukin facial mask.

Saje Sensitive Elixir  (Serum) – This worked really well for whenever my skin was going through a super sensitive stage – especially after Photorejuvenation sessions (to be blogged about very soon, as I’m going for my last session this afternoon). Originally reviewed here. I can’t replace it until I finish up a few more serums in my stash, but it is on my wish list.

Pixi Glow Mud Mask* – I got this one in May at last year’s Toronto Generation Beauty event. I mostly only used this for spot masking, so it lasted quite awhile! Originally reviewed here. I would love to try more products from Pixi Beauty, if I manage to find a Pharmaprix (Shoppers Drug Mart in Quebec) that carries the range.

Makeup Empties:

Empties - Feb 2017

Only two of these are actual empties, the rest are trash or expired.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc: I FINALLY finished it! Original review is here. This is a great foundation, but I won’t be replacing it for awhile as I have a few different ones on my wishlist that I’ve love to try.

Maison Jacynthe Concealer in Light Beige (Anti-cernes 01 Beige Legér)*: This one was nearly finished when the last bit cracked off. Original review is here. I’m not sure if I would purchase a replacement, as I prefer a wand type liquid concealer. Near the end, I found that the concealer had started to get dried out, so it didn’t apply as smoothly as it did when I first started using it.

Tarte Tarteist Lash Paint*: I got this at the Gen Beauty event last year. This one should have been put in an empties post several months ago, but it was lost in my stash. Original review is here. I just did not love this one, so I will not replace it.

Essence the Gel Nail Polish: I love Essence, but I hated this nail polish. It is watery, streaky, and chips incredibly easy. I purchased this at Gen Beauty. I never actually got around to reviewing this one.

I go through my lipstick stash every couple of months and check to see if anything has gone off – my criteria threefold: 1 has the colour gone off? 2. has the texture changed? 3 has the scent changed or gone off? Sadly a few did not pass the test!

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in F-Bomb: Ok, this is my all time fave red lipstick. They don’t even make the Revolution Lipsticks any more! I’ve had this in my stash FOREVER. But they did revive the shade in the new Vice Lipstick line, so I’ll have to check it out to see how the formulation compares. As you can see in the photo on the left, the colour is going off – it almost looks dusty or fuzzy (GROSS).

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Lovelight: This one has started to dry out, and the scent is just starting to go off. I like the shade, but I don’t love it, so I’m not sad about pitching this one.

Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss lip Colour in Adrenaline: This one is also a discontinued product. It had dried out terribly and the scent has gone off. I used to love this pink toned metallic red, but haven’t worn it in a very long time.

Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster in Buff: I mostly only ever used this one as a lipstick topper. The texture and scent have changed, and I think that the colour has also gone off. I don’t remember the last time that I’ve worn this.

Hair, Bath and Body:

Empties - Feb 2017

Bausch & Lomb Re-Nu Contact Lens Solution: Not my absolute fave contact lens solution, but I love that they make a travel size version. I just got new contacts again (finally), so I’ve been wearing my glasses less often.

Nu World Botanicals Multi-Nutritive Oil in Energy Boost*: I absolutely LOVE this stuff! I use it in the bath, in my hair, on my body after a shower. I want to replace this, but until I use up a few more things in my stash, it is going on my wishlist. Original review is here.

Hask Argan Oil Repairing Conditioner: I finished the shampoo up in the previous month. This is a great shampoo for hair that is dry. I’d like to try more from Hask, but again, until I clear out more of my stash, I won’t be buying any more shampoo or conditioner. Original review is here.

Herban Cowboy For Her, Maximum Protection Deodorant in Love: I just could not finish this one. It really does not work with my body chemistry. At all. It makes me smell worse than if I had skipped deodorant completely. Yuck. Original review is here.

There you have it, all the empties and trash for the month of February. I’m making progress in cutting down the size of my stash, and spending less money.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Purchased by me, except for products marked with an * (PR sample). However my opinion is my own regardless of whether I purchased the product or got it for free.

 

Best of 2016 – The Makeup Edit

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello! Today I’m showing my picks for my “Best of 2016 Makeup” picks, a few are faves from last year, and most are new for this year.

Best BB/ CC Cream:

it cosmetics1

This one made my faves list again this year – the Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50 from IT Cosmetics. I only use it in the warmer months because the shade Light is too dark for me this time of year. I want to try it in shade Fair, but I have some things to use up first.

Best Liquid Foundation / Best Powder Foundation:

My fave liquid foundation is the Nars Sheer Glow yet again this year. But I have a tie for best powder foundation – the Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder (that I recently panned) and the Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation (that I’m close to panning). I’m trying to decide whether or not to re-buy, or to try something new.

Best Concealer:

One of the concealers is a fave from last year, the Nyx HD Concealer in Porcelain, and the other one is the Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector, both of which I use daily!

Best Lipstick:

This was a tough one to pick since I have so many faves, but I’ll go with my two most worn lipsticks – both are ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip in shades Dopey and Frick n Frack.

Best Highlighter:

ColourPop SuperShock Cheek - Butterfly Beach

Another ColourPop Super Shock Cheek, this time in the shade Butterfly Beach – the PERFECT rose gold highlighter.

Best Blush:

Nyx Ombre Blush

My most reached for blush is from Nyx Ombre Blush in shade Mauve Me, with an honourable mention going to the Essence Silky Touch blushes.

Best Brow Product:

Nyx Tinted Brow Mascara - Espresso

This year I have two picks that I’ve been using sometimes on their own, sometimes together – the Nyx Tinted Brow Mascara and the classic Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil.

Best Palette:

I only purchased one palette in 2016 because I own so many single shadows. I use the Tarte Tartelette Matte palette more than any other shadows in my collection!

Best Mascara:

This year I have a tie between the Essence I ❤ Extreme Volume and the Annabelle Big Show Mascaras – both in the Waterproof versions. Both give my lashes volume, are super black, hold a curl, and don’t clump or flake on me.

So there you have it, my picks for the Best of 2016 Makeup! Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Please see original reviews for disclosures, all are identified.