Naruko Canada

Monthly Empties – March 2018

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’d like to share my monthly empties with you. I’ve been making great progress in using up products in my stash and only purchasing replacements as I use things up!

Skincare:

Empties March 2018

Natura Siberica Saaremaa Moisturizing Hand Cream – I’ve been using this hand cream since I was gifted it when we were in Estonia in August. I’m sad that this one is empty, it was so good! Hopefully I’ll be able to get my hands on another tube via the Mr’s Eestie family. Review is here. (Gift from family)

Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream – This small pot of cream was heaven-sent! I used this one up during our cold snap and it really helped with any dry patches. Review is here. (Petit Vour subscription paid for by me)

The Ordinary Argireline Solution – At first I wasn’t sure that this watery serum was doing anything, but I noticed a difference after around 2 to 3 months. I use it on my forehead and around my mouth. I just got a backup of this one. Review is here. (Purchased by me)

Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Hydrating Sheet Mask – I actually remembered to keep the package for my monthly empties! This facial mask is gloriously rose scented and super hydrating. There is tons of essence / serum. I think I only have one more of these masks in my stash. Review is here. (PR Sample)

Sothys Crème Jeunesse / Youth Cream – This was such a beautiful facial cream. I used it day and night all winter. Very rich and hydrating without feeling heavy or greasy. Review is here. (PR Sample)

Farmacy Beauty Clear Bloom Cleansing Oil – This was probably the first cleansing oil that I had ever used. It works so well to effectively yet gently remove makeup and deep clean the skin without drying it out. I’m currently using the Farmacy Green Clean Balm, so I don’t need to replace this one just yet. Review is here. (Purchased by me)

The Ordinary HA 2% Serum – This might be the second or third bottle that I’ve used up. Since a lot fo the products that I use have HA in them, I don’t feel that I need to replace this for the hopefully upcoming warmer weather, but will probably return to this serum in the colder months. Review is here. (Purchased by me)

Makeup & Essential Oils

Empties March 2018

Now Essential Oils Peaceful Sleep / Peaceful Night Blend – This one is used nightly at our house. It is a lovely blend of orange, tangerine, lavender, chammomile, ylang ylang and sandalwood. I’ve already re-purchased the 30ml bottle. (Purchased by me).

Essence Volume Styliste 18h Curl & Hold Mascara – I liked this mascara, but I prefer the False Lash one better. Review is here. (Purchased by me).

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream – This was great because it has a high SPF, but I want something with lighter coverage. Plus I’ve had it since 2015, so it was time to get rid of it. Review is here (Purchased by me).

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Nude Cream – I never wear this pink toned nude lipstick, and the scent is starting to go off, so it is time to declutter this one from my stash. Review is here. (Purchased by me).

Empties March 2018

So there you have it, I think that I made great progress in working my way through my stash this month! How about you, have you finished up much this month?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure – all products have been identified as being either gifted (from family), PR, or purchased by me.

April 2016 Empties

April 2016 Empties
| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Can you believe that April is nearly over already? Just a few products used up this month:

April 2016 Empties

Hair and Body Care:

April 2016 Empties

The Body Shop, Deep Sleep Comforting Milk Bath Float – I loved this foaming bath milk. If I didn’t have a stash of bath and body products to use up, I would buy this one again. The original review is here.

The Body Shop, Wild Rose Hand Cream – I loved this hand cream, but the metal tube cracked and split open before I was finished using it. Not only did it leak hand cream every time I used it, it was sharp enough to slice open my finger. I won’t repurchase this unless they change to a different packaging. The original review is here.

Consonant, Intensive Therapy Organic Hand Cream – Stashy sent this one to me as a part of her Totally Awesome Giveaway. I love, love, loved this hand cream. I will be purchasing a replacement the next time that I make an order from well.ca. The original review is here.

CO LAB, sheer invisible dry shampoo in Rio scent – This is my second can of this dry shampoo. It works well and I like the scent. I’ll be picking up a replacement this afternoon. The original review is here in my March Empties post.

Skincare Empties:

April 2016 Empties

Oz Naturals, Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum – I’ve gone through several of these serums since my first purchase. Love this stuff. I’m currently testing out some other products right now, but will likely re-purchase this at some point as it works so well with my finicky skin. The original review is here.

Naruko, Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Night Gelly EX – this stuff is so amazing. I love the rose scent (true rose, not cloying synthetic rose scent). It made my skin so soft, smooth and glowing. I’m currently testing out some other products right now, but will likely purchase this at some point as it works so well with my skin. The original review is here.

Oz Naturals, Vitamin C Facial Cleanser – I liked this cleanser more than the Ocean Minerals one. It worked well for my sensitive skin. I might repurchase at some point, but I’m testing out some new things right now. The original review is here.

Make-up Empties:

Both liquid liners are from Essence. I didn’t use them very often and the pen dried out, and the wand got clumpy – both from lack of use. Despite having a big love for Essence, I won’t be repurchasing either of these liners. The original reviews are here.

That’s all for now. Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Please see original reviews for individual product disclosures.

 

March 2016 Empties

March Empties
| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello! I cannot believe that it April already!

I managed to finish up a few things in my stash this month.

Haircare:

March Empties - Haircare

I’ve reviewed the Not Your Mother’s Way to Grow Long & Strong Shampoo and Conditioner as a part of my Project Focus 10 Collab (reviews are here and here). I will probably buy these again once I use up whatever other shampoos and conditioners that I have in my stash. Or I might try one of the other shampoo / conditioner combos in their range. I really want to try their Beach Babe Soft Waves spray, and their Clean Freak Dry Shampoo.

I haven’t actually reviewed the COLAB dry shampoo in Rio (tropical scent) yet. But it works well with my crazy wavy hair when I want to go an extra day without washing it. It leaves my hair feeling fresh, and adds volume. It says on the package that the scent is papaya and pineapple but I only smell the pineapple, thank goodness as I really dislike the scent of papaya.  I’ve already purchased a replacement in same scent.

Skincare & Makeup:

March Empties - Skincare & Makeup

I finished up quite a few makeup and skincare products this month, most of which I have reviewed on the blog previously.

The two lipsticks, aren’t technically empties, but they are getting pitched as both of them have dried out and the scent is starting to go off (both are more than a year old). Despite that, I did love both the Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Violet Volt, and the Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Wonderchilde. I’ve swatched them both previously, you can see them here. I haven’t replaced either of them as of yet, because my list of lipsticks that I want to try is suuuuuuper long.

I’m sad that I’ve used up the Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask. I loved this and used it at least once a week from the time that I purchased it. The original review is here. I haven’t replaced it yet, but probably will after I knock a few other masks off of my wish list.

The OZ Naturals Retinol Serum. This took me ages to finish because I had started to use the Super Youth Retinol Moisturizer and didn’t want to overdo it on the retinol use. I haven’t replaced this yet as I still have about half a tube left of the moisturizer to use up.

Sample pack of Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. This came with my bottle of EradiKate. This exfoliator really is intense for sensitive skin. It was just on the edge of me wondering if it was a healthy tingling sensation, or it my face was going to melt and burn. But as soon as I washed it off, my skin was fine, so I guess that it was an intense tingle. This stuff looks really gross (it is dark green) but my skin looked amazing after using it. It is pricey though, so I’m not sure that I will buy the full size unless I’m planning on a splurge.

The Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Complex EX serum worked so well for my sensitive combination dry skin. I’m really sad that this one is empty. I loved the way that it worked in conjunction with the Night Gelly. My skin is just so hydrated, smooth and rosy when I use them. The original review is here.

Trial size of Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster. This stuff is amazing when you need a boost of hydration. You can use it directly on the skin like a serum, mix it with your moisturizer, or even mix it with your foundation. This stuff was great during the cold winter months when my skin gets particularly dry and sensitive. I haven’t replaced it yet, but most likely will in the fall. The original review is here.

Another one from the Project Focus 10 Collab is the Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. I used this religiously for 10 weeks, and it made a huge difference! The original review is here. I will likely replace this, or will try the similar product from Lush.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Please see original reviews for disclosure of each product. Most of these products were purchased with my own money.

 

 

Naruko Jing Cheng 60 Actives La Creme

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello there! Today I’m reviewing the last of the items that arrived from Naruko Canada, the Jing Cheng 60 Actives La Creme. This tiny jar (1.6oz / 48gr) of facial cream is packed with sixty different botanicals!

Here’s what it says on the website:

Benefits: A fine-velvety cream that contains 60 Eastern and Western natural botanical extracts which nourishes, repairs and strengthens the skin.  Not only stimulates collagen production to boost elasticity and firmness, but also deeply hydrates, smoothens wrinkles, rejuvenates and balances skin tone.

Directions: Apply a dime size amount onto the fingertips, and evenly massaging onto the face, neck and eye area until it is fully absorbed.  Rub your hands and use palms to press cheeks, forehead and chin for 5-10 seconds to enhance the absorption of the cream.

Skin Type: All skin types, especially aged skin with wrinkles, dullness, sagging and poor absorbency

Formulated WITHOUT: – Parabens – Sulfates

Ingredients: There are so many ingredients, that it takes up two sides of the box – this was very difficult to photograph, and the print is tiny. Hopefully you can read them.

Naruko Jing Cheng 60 Active La Creme

 

60 La Creme 2

Naruko 60 Creme5

My experience: This cream thick, is almost putty-like in texture, until the heat of your hands warms it up, and you press it into the skin. It is insanely moisturizing. I used mainly for super dry spots, or wrinkle prone areas (I have some fine lines, not major wrinkles so I applied it there). This cream is highly scented, almost perfume-like, which is a bit of a problem if you are sensitive to scents like I am. Although I did love the way that this beautiful cream made my skin feel, I can’t get past the scent, so sadly, this is not the cream for me.

 

This concludes the reviews of all the things that I received from Naruko Canada. Thanks again Naruko Canada!

Naruko Jing Cheng 60 Actives La Creme

If you missed them, my reviews for the NRK eye and Naruko cheek masks, the Rose and Botanical Sheet Masks, Night Gelly, and Serum are here, here, here and here.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: PR sample sent by Naruko Canada. My opinion is my own.

Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Complex EX (Serum)

Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Complex EX
| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello! Continuing on with my review of the goodies that arrived from Naruko Canada, today we have a serum – Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Complex EX.

Here’s what it says on the Naruko Canada website:

Benefits: Deeply hydrates and relieves dryness. Repairs the cuticle to improve the moisture content and the water-locking capacity. Relieves the tight feeling and improves the problem of peeling. Improves the dullness and pores, make skin color even.

Directions: Apply generously all over face after cleansing and massage for better absorption.

Skin Types: All skin types, especially for dry and dehydrated skin

Formulated WITHOUT: – Parabens – Sulfates

Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Complex EX

My experience: Similar to the other products in the line that I’ve tried (the sheet mask and night gelly, reviews here and here), this clear serum has a fresh from the garden, true rose scent, which I am in love with. The texture is a little thick, but not quite a gel, and absorbs into my skin quickly leaving it feeling refreshed and hydrated. Since I’ve been using the Rose and Botanics line, my skin is a lot less dull and my complexion appears bright and rosy. I’ve loved everything that I’ve tried from the Rose & Botanics line.

Stay tuned for the final product review from this box of treats sent from Naruko Canada. (Thanks again, Naruko Canada!)

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: PR samples sent by Naruko Canada, but my opinion is based on my experience of the product.

Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Night Gelly EX

| jodi - a brash attitude

Continuing with my reviews from the box of treats sent to me from Naruko Canada, today I’m talking about the Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Night Gelly.  Thanks again Naruko Canada!

Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Night Gelly

Benefits: Hydrates skin immensely to supply and lock in water. Helps maintain skin’s metabolism. Strengthens the skin’s health and oil balance. Makes the skin firm and improves wrinkles.

Directions: With the included specula, retrieve two pea-sized amount and apply evenly over the face each evening. No rinsing necessary.

Skin Types: All skin types, especially for dry and dehydrated skin

Formulated WITHOUT: – Parabens – Sulfates

60ml /2.1 FL. OZ.

Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Night Gelly

Packaging: As you can see, the packaging for this line is gorgeous. And, like the sheet mask box, it can be repurposed, this one into a business card case. (I’ll be putting them together over the weekend, and will post pics).

My experience: This is a gel textured night moisturizer, but to be honest, I’ve also been wearing it in the day time since our weather turned cold right after Christmas. I needed an extra moisture boost and it delivers! It is light, but adds loads of hydration without making me greasy. And as an added plus, it plays nicely with my make-up. (Also, check out the little spatula that comes with it!)

 

Like the Rose sheet masks that I reviewed on Monday, this gelly has a fresh from the garden, true rose scent *swoon*. So if you don’t like roses, then this is not the one for you. I love true rose scents, so I’m in heaven. The scent doesn’t linger once absorbed into the skin, in case you were wondering.

I loved this one. ❤

If you missed my previous Naruko reviews, they are here and here.

Disclosure: PR sample provided by Naruko Canada, but my opinion is my own.

Naruko Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Hydrating Mask

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello there! Today I’m reviewing another one of the lovely treats sent to me from Naruko Canada – the Rose & Botanic HA Aqua Cubic Hydrating Sheet Mask. I received a full box of these masks (10 per box), so I’ve been using them once a week. This was my very first sheet mask, so I’m super excited to talk about my experience. Thanks again Naruko Canada! ❤

 

First off, here's what it says on the website:

Benefits: Deeply hydrates and lock in water to provide moisture to skin. Improves the lack of moisture condition of the skin caused by seasonal changes and prevents the imbalance of oil and water. Works well with collagen and maintains the skin’s firmness, reduces wrinkles and enhances its elasticity.

Directions: After cleansing apply mask evenly onto face wait for 15-20 minutes. Remove mask and continue with usual skin care routine.

Skin Types: All skin types, especially for dry and dehydrated skin

Formulated WITHOUT: – Parabens – Sulfates

My experience – This was my very first time using a sheet mask, so there was a bit of a learning curve to getting the mask on my face evenly. Because this mask has LOADS of essence, it was slipping down bit until I laid back on the couch and relaxed for 20 minutes of rose scented bliss. The scent is a true “out-of-the-garden” rose scent, which is so lovely in my opinion, but if you don’t like rose, or scented products, then this is not the one for you. After the 20 minutes were up, I removed the mask and massaged the essence into my skin until it fully absorbed before continuing on with the rest of my skincare routine. This mask worked so well with my sensitive skin, and it made it feel really hydrated, and dare I say, rosy. Perfect for this time of year.

I love this one! ❤

Here's the link to the Naruko Eye and Cheek Masks in case you missed it.

Packaging – It is gorgeous, and it turns out that each box can be re-purposed into various storage boxes – like a pencil holder, business card holder, the instructions are in the box. The sheet mask box turns into a storage drawer. Really cool. I’ll be doing this as soon as I use up all the masks. And as an added plus, the packaging is printed with soy ink.

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

Disclosure: PR samples from Naruko Canada, but my opinion is my own!

Preview of Upcoming Posts

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello my lovely friends!

I just wanted to pop in this morning to give you a little sneak peak of a few upcoming posts: on Wednesday I will be closing out the year with a Best of 2015 for Makeup and Skincare post.

And I will be starting 2016 with a number of new skincare reviews since I was sent a box filled with a generous number of products to try from Naruko Canada. I am currently in the process of testing everything out. In the box were a few different sheet masks, an essence / serum, a gel night cream, and another facial cream.

Naruko Canada

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