June 2016 Empties

June 28, 2016 | jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Can you believe that June is nearly over already? This year is flying by so quickly!

June 2016 Empties

This was supposed to be yesterday’s post, but I was away over the weekend, and didn’t get my photos taken and edited until this morning. Oh well, better late than never!

Onto the empties – I finished up quite a few products this month. I’ve been really trying to clear out my stash of things before buying new ones.

Nuworld Botanicals Stress Relief Multi-Mineral Bath Soak* – I loved these bath salts, and once I finish clearing up my stash, I plan on replacing them. Original review is here.

Caprina Fresh Goat’s Milk Foaming Milk Bath+ – I received this as a birthday gift in April. I don’t think that I reviewed this one already but it was ok. I had to use nearly half a bottle to get a decent amount of foam to happen. I probably won’t purchase this one.

Haus of Gloi Haus Amber Pumpkin Butter – I absolutely LOVE Haus of Gloi stuff! I have a few more Pumpkin Butters in my stash to use up, but I’ll definitely replace them once finishing up a few more.

Oz Naturals Sweet Almond and Macadamia Nut Body Butter* – I loved this one, especially on days that I did not want to wear a scented product. I would buy this one again, but not until I clear out my stash. Original review is here.

Haus of Gloi Bubbling Scrubs in Snow Wolf and S’mores – I will always buy the Bubbling Scrubs from Haus of Gloi. I LOVE THEM. Again, I have a few more in my stash, but as soon as I’m nearly finished, I’ll be making a Haus haul. I don’t think that I’ve ever reviewed these scrubs, I’ll have to put that on my list!

Lush Rehab Shampoo (Restauration) and Veganese Conditioner (Vegetalien) – I would buy the Rehab Shampoo again, but the Veganese Conditioner is too light for my crazy mane of hair. Original reviews are here.

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter Shampoo and Conditioner* – I did like both of these as they really helped keep my hair colour bright and refreshed. I’m testing out some new shampoo / conditioner combinations right now, so I’m not going to be replacing these ones any time soon. Original review is here.

Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask – This is one of my holy grail skincare items for winter. But really, any time my skin needs a moisture boost. I’ll be buying this one again in the fall / winter. Original review is here.

Shiseido Facial Cotton+ – These cushy facial cotton pads were a part of the runner-up prize that I won from Stashy’s awesometastic giveaway. These are super mega luxurious! I’m sad that they are gone, because even though I loved them, I normally buy whichever ones are on sale. Original review is here.

Paula’s Choice Resist Cellular Defence Daily Moisturizer with SPF 25 – I liked wearing this with just powder, but it did not play nicely with liquid foundation. I’ve had this for quite awhile now and the last bit started to go off, so into the empties bin with this one. I probably won’t replace it, as I prefer to use a higher SPF.

Skinfix Inc Ultra Rich Body Butter* – Another beautiful body butter, so rich but not at all greasy. This one is totally stash worthy. I’ll be picking one up! Original review is here.

Au Naturale Creme Concealer – I haven’t used this one in ages. I remember really liking it when I got it. But it has since dried out so it is getting pitched (and the container will be recycled). Original review is here.

Elf BB Cream – I really liked this one, but won’t be re-purchasing as I prefer a high SPF in my BB Creams. It worked well with my skin and didn’t feel too heavy. Original review is here.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

I’ll be back on Thursday with my June Favourites – I know, my Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule is off this week. Next week I plan on returning to my usual schedule.

Disclosure: Most (but not all) of these products were purchased by me.Products marked with an asterix * are either freebies or PR samples given for testing and review purposes. Products marked with a plus sign + are either personal blog giveaway loot or were gifted to me.

Best of 2015 – Skin, Body and Hair Edit

December 30, 2015 | jodi - a brash attitude

As 2015 draws to a close, I just wanted to thank you for following, reading, commenting and liking my posts. I started this blog in March and I did not think that I would have over 500 followers in less than a year. So thank you! ❤

Here’s my “Best of 2015 – Skin, Body and Hair” and links to the original reviews.

Best Cleanser:

Tied for best cleanser, I have two, the first being the REN Purity No. 1 Cleansing Balm (review) and more recently the Farmacy Clear Bloom Cleansing Oil (review).

Best Serum:

Again we have a tie, both are from OZ Naturals, the Hyaluronic Serum and and Retinol Serum (reviews here and here).

Best Moisturizer:

PC Mask1

Technically this is a facial mask, but the Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask works amazingly well as a super moisturizer for skin that is super dry in the winter (review here).

Best Mask:

Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask – I still use this at least once every two weeks (review)

Best Eye Make-Up Remover:

I’ve been using Grapeseed Oil to remove my waterproof mascara for years, and it is still my go-to because most eye make-up removers really irritate my sensitive skin and sensitive eyes (review). My runner up would have to be the Bioderma Sensibio (review), which is funny because I didn’t love it at first.

Best Body Moisturizer:

Oz Naturals Sweet Almond & Macadamia Nut Body Butter

My holy grail is the Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter, but a close runner up would be the OZ Naturals Sweet Almond and Macadamia Nut Body Butter (reviews here and here).

Best Bath Treat:

Lush Rose Jam1

Of course this one would be from LUSH! So many to choose from, but my all time favourite would have to be the Rose Jam Bubbleroon *swoon* (review). My photo is of the older version, the new one looks a lot prettier.

Best Hair Care Items:

I didn’t review very many hair care items, but the Haus of Gloi Hair Oil is one product that I’ve been using for a few years, and I swear by it for taming my beastly hair, haha! (review). Second place goes to my favourite dry shampoo from Zabana Essentials. I still don’t love the packaging, but I love how fresh, clean and soft it makes my hair, and the lavender and mint scent is gorgeous (review).

There you have it, my Best of Skin, Body and Hair Care for 2015! Thanks for reading and have a beautiful 2016! ❤ ❤ ❤

Disclosure: See the original reviews for individual product disclosure statements.

Lush – The Comforter Bubble Bar

September 21, 2015October 3, 2016 | jodi - a brash attitude

I’m still slowly working my way through my little haul from Lush. Previous reviews from the haul are here, here and here.

I love having a nice hot bath, and adding in a bath bomb or a bubble bar just makes it all so much better! This time I used one of Lush’s Bubble Bars called The Comforter. Here’s what it says on the Lush website:

When life is getting you down, crumble The Comforter under hot, running water for passionately purple water and creamy, comforting bubbles. This massive slice of vibrant fruitiness gives you the feeling of being enveloped in a warm hug and gently consoled by the friendly fruity aroma of a blackcurrant candy. It was created to bring a real sense of comfort to people, just like a real comforter would. Snuggle in, and stay undercover until you’re ready to face the world once again. Even better, each bar creates two baths of fruity comfort.

I love this one, the blackcurrant scent is unbelievable, and it creates loads of bubbles.

The description says that you can get two baths worth of bubbles, but I’ve already used this one twice, and I still have enough left for a third bath! Not only is the scent glorious, and the amount of bubbles impressive, it is extremely moisturizing on my sensitive skin. I don’t know what the lush bubble bars look like elsewhere, but they are oval shaped, kind of like a slice of a loaf of homemade bread, and not perfectly round like pictured on the website.

The water turned a nice pink, not purple at all as described on the website. Thankfully there was no tub staining, and only minimal clean up – the cocoa butter sometimes leaves little bits that re-solidify when they cool off if you miss a spot cleaning the tub – but it is easily wiped up.

I will definitely be buying this one again.

Disclosure: I purchased this partly with my own money, and partly with a gift card given to me from a friend.

Thanks for reading, and have a beautiful day!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Lush’s Rose Jam Bubbleroon Review

September 2, 2015October 3, 2016 | jodi - a brash attitude

Happy Wednesday!

Continuing on with my reviews from my Lush mini haul (here). On Monday I reviewed the Rose Queen Bath Bomb (here). Today I’m reviewing the Rose Jam Bubbleroon.

So what is a Bubbleroon?

The Bubbleroon is our newest style of Bubble Bar inspired by delicious, handmade macaroons. Rose Jam is based on a decadent traditional Turkish recipe for rose jam that our Turkish rose absolute supplier shares with us every year, and is made with our sophisticated new rose perfume. Rose oil and rose absolute not only smell amazing but they are also fantastic for soothing dry, sensitive skin. The rosy fragrance paired with the coconut oil “icing” that sticks the two halves of this Bubbleroon together make for a majorly moisturizing, softening and luxurious soak.

I love love love rose scented bath and body products and this one does not disappoint! The scent is nicer than the Rose Queen Bath Bomb in my opinion. The scent is really close to the Turkish Delight Shower Smoothie and Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner. And as an added plus for me, no floaty petals and twigs! My bath was filled with loads of pale pink bubbles, and my skin was beautifully moisturized. It also left a faint rose scent on my skin which I LOVE. (Please note: The photo doesn’t really capture the soft pink colour of the bubbles as the lighting over my bathtub is not the best)

Verdict: I LOVE IT! I will definitely buy the Rose Jam Bubbleroon again!

Disclosure: The mini haul was partially paid for by me, and partially by a gift card given to me by a friend.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Lush’s Rose Queen Bath Bomb

August 31, 2015August 31, 2015 | jodi - a brash attitude

This is the first review of one of the bath treats from my mini Lush haul that I posted about (here).

The Rose Queen Bath Bomb is the one at the very top of the photo. On the Lush website, and in other bloggers photos, it is much brighter pink in colour than the one that I got. But as you can see, the inside of the bath bomb is quite pink:

I picked this one for two reasons, the first being that I love rose scented bath products, and the second being that I was told that it was being discontinued, so I knew that I had to try it.

On the Lush website, here’s what they say about the Rose Queen Bath Bomb:

Full of blossoms, petals and a sensuous new rose fragrance, this one is a splendid, sophisticated bomb fit for a queen. When LUSH co-founder and Bath Bomb inventor Mo first dropped one of these in a tub to show everyone her latest invention, she asked if there were enough petals. Everyone said they thought there was plenty, but Mo went ahead and put lots more in to really spoil us!

As you can see from the photo, and read from the description, there are loads of petals in there.

Now onto the bath! It fizzed up very quickly, turning the bathwater a lovely shade of pink, and filling the room with the gorgeous scent of roses. As you can see, there are petals floating in the water.

The lighting over my bathtub is not the best, so next is a photo that the lighting has been tweaked slightly to try to give a better approximation of the actual colour of the bathwater:

Overall I did enjoy this bath bomb. I loved the rose scent and the amazing moisturizing properties. I didn’t even need to use body butter afterwards! The colour of the water was pretty as well. My only complaint is all the damn petals! It was like there were petals and twigs and random other bits of plants and flowers that stuck to my skin when I got out of the bath. And worse, the amount of petals (and other debris) that I had to clean out of my bath after draining all the water!

I’d forgotten that I’m not a fan of bath bombs with petals in them. If you don’t mind bits and bobs floating around in your bathwater, then this is the one for you to try before they discontinue it. I’m glad that I picked this one to try even though I didn’t enjoy the mess of petals. Would I get this one again, no. Not unless they made a petal-free version.

Disclosure: This was part of a mini-haul that was partially paid for with a gift card from a friend, and partly paid for by me.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Lush Rehab Shampoo and Veganese Conditioner

August 11, 2015September 30, 2016 | jodi - a brash attitude

Continuing on with my Lush reviews (mini haul post here, Catastrophe Cosmetic fresh face mask here and Hair Doctor hair and scalp mask here), today I have the Rehab / Restauration Shampoo and Veganese / Végétalien Conditioner.

My hair is thick, wavy and prone to frizz in humidity and dryness at the ends. It wants to be gigantic. And I have a sensitive scalp (or more accurately I’m sensitive head to toe).

Here’s what it says about Rehab Shampoo on the Lush website:

Put damaged hair into rehab

Bleach, dye, styling products and heat can really take a toll on your hair’s health. Treat your damaged hair to some serious recovery time in the shower with Rehab shampoo. Rehab is about bringing your hair and scalp back to life and repairing it with an array of nutritious ingredients. A blend of fresh fruit juices clarify hair and scalp with active enzymes, while herbs work their magic on tired scalps. It doesn’t take long for this shampoo to restore your hair’s vitality!

The key ingredients are oils (olive, jojoba and almond oil), the fruits (papaya, mango, pineapple, and kiwi), and the essential oils (lavender, peppermint, rosemary and juniper). The shampoo lathers really well, and makes my hair and scalp feel super clean without feeling stripped, or without feeling like it has left a residue. The scent is amazing, I really smell the pineapple, lavender, mint and rosemary (thankfully I don’t smell the papaya – I have an aversion to papaya because it smells faintly of vomit to my nose – tmi, maybe). My only complaint is that there are alcohols and parabens in there, and I try to avoid them as they often irritate my poor sensitive skin. So far, no adverse reaction, but I’d be a lot happier if they weren’t in there. Would I buy it again, yes, but if I can find a similar product that doesn’t have alcohols or parbens, then I will choose that instead.

Here’s what is says about Veganese Conditioner on the website:

Vegans and fine haired folks around the world rejoice! Veganese is our lightest, conditioner that takes hair without volume and makes it go va-va-VOOM! The majority of LUSH products are vegan, but making a vegan conditioner without lanolin took us a few years to perfect. It was worth the wait. We use agar seaweed gel as a natural hair softener instead of lanolin, and blend in generous helpings of lemon oil to create the perfect vegan conditioner to leave you with tons of gloss and shine. We also added in the scalp soothing effects of lavender and rosemary to keep you sorted on top.

The key ingredients are agar agar (seaweed), lavender, rosemary and lemon. The really does help add shine and gloss to my hair. I love the citrusy, lavender and rosemary scent. I don’t use a hair dryer in the warm months to give my hair a break, so the lightness of the conditioner is fine. But once it gets cold and I start blow drying my hair, I think that I will need heavy duty conditioner instead of this one. Again, my complaint is that there are parabens in this conditioner. Would I buy it again, yes, but if I can find a similar product that doesn’t have alcohols or parbens, I will choose that instead.

The Rehab shampoo is available in three different sized bottles (100, 200 and 500ml, ranging from $13.95 to $39.95 CAD), and the Veganese conditioner in three different sizes (100, 200, and 500ml, ranging from $9.95 to $32.95 CAD).

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Disclosure: I purchased these products.

Lush Hair Doctor Treatment Mask for for Scalp and Hair

August 7, 2015September 30, 2016 | jodi - a brash attitude

This is one of the things that I picked up in my little Lush haul that I had posted about here. I decided to try the Hair Doctor Treatment Mask for the same reason that I chose the Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask (reviewed here) – not only has my face been super sensitive, my scalp has been as well. It is also a fresh mask, so it needs to be kept in the refrigerator, as it does have an expiry date.

Fresh from the fridge, Hair Doctor is our deep-cleansing herbal hair treatment that specializes in soothing troubled scalps and nursing hair back to health. Bursting with fresh peppermint oil, Hair Doctor treats the scalp to a tingly, revitalizing sensation as the deep-cleansing fuller’s earth gets to work lifting oils and buildup from the hair and scalp. We mix in super hydrating coconut oil and sweet almond oil to soften hair, and voila…You’re left with a beautifully shiny, voluminous mane.

How to use: Apply to dry hair, and gently massage your scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes – I actually left mine on longer because I lost track of time. Then you just shampoo and condition your hair as you normally would.

My experience and verdict: It doesn’t look very appealing. But it smells amazing, I can really smell the peppermint and rosemary. It makes my scalp tingle in a calming, soothing way, not in the “oh no! Am I taking a reaction to this?” kind of way. I love this mask, and my scalp is feeling less irritated and sensitive. I will definitely buy this again.

Available in the Lush stores, in a 100g recyclable tub, for $15.95 (CAD).

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Disclosure: I purchased this!

Lush Fresh Face Mask – Catastrophe Cosmetic

August 5, 2015September 30, 2016 | jodi - a brash attitude

My skin has been super mega sensitive lately which is pretty terrible, because my skin is already quite sensitive at the best of times. I love face masks, but have to be careful about what I use since my skin tends to react badly to parabens, alcohols, perfumes, and tea tree oil (I’m actually ALLERGIC to tea tree oil). Since I was at the Lush store to buy shampoo and conditioner I decided to see if they had any face masks that would work for my weirdly sensitive skin.

After looking at a few different masks (and smelling them, of course), I decided to buy Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask. Fresh Face Masks are preservative free, so you have to keep them in the fridge in order to prevent them from going bad, and because of this, they can only be purchased in-store.

Here’s the description from the website:

Prevent disasters by taking regular care of your skin with our deep-cleansing, nutrient-rich blueberry mask. The little blue bulbs are packed with vitamins, and blended into calamine, rose absolute and chamomile blue oil to soothe redness, irritation and cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. This one is wonderfully soothing on sensitive skin. Treat your face to Catastrophe Cosmetic as often as you can to keep your skin looking its best.

Sounds like a perfect fit for me!

I’ve used it at least four times since purchasing, enough times that I feel that I can give a solid opinion. I just used it again this morning. After washing it off, my skin feels like it has been deeply cleaned, and it feels soothed and less irritated. It has a very faint blueberry scent, not offensive at all. As will all clay based masks, if you leave it on too long it will start to crumble and flake off everywhere. I find that the easiest way to remove it is with a wet cloth to remove most of it, followed by a couple splashes of water to get any bits and residue left behind. I will definitely be buying this one again!

Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask comes in a 60g tub (which is recyclable, and if you turn in 5 of containers, they give you a free face mask!), and costs $6.95 CAD. As I said above, the Fresh Face Masks can only be purchased in the store due to being preservative free.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Disclosure: I purchased this!

Mini Lush Haul – Whaaaaaaaaaat?

July 23, 2015July 23, 2015 | jodi - a brash attitude

Mini haul? Whaaaaaaaaat? But wait, aren’t a minute Jodi, aren’t you doing NO BUY JULY?

Yes, I am, but I am placing products that I’ve either run out of, or am about to run out of, which is ok by the NO BUY rules that I’m following.

All of the labels in the Lush store here in Montreal are in french, so I’ve decided to include the names both in english and en français. I got: fresh facial mask / masque frais (Catastrophe Cosmetic / Cosmétique catastrophe), hair treament / traitment capillaires ( Hair Doctor / Docteur cheveux), shampoo / shampooing (Rehab / Restauration) and conditioner / revitalisant (Veganese / Végétalien). As well, I received two sample shower smoothies / lait frappés (Turkish Delight / Délice Turq and Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner / Revitalisant corporel à l’argan de Ro).

Reviews to follow once I’ve had a chance to use everything long enough to have an opinion.

Have a beautiful day! ❤ ❤ ❤

Disclosure: I bought these things!

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