Empties – June 2019

Hello,  hello!

Another month seems to have flown by, and I have once again managed to finish up a few things. Let’s take a look, and I’ll let you know if I plan on re-buying (either right away, or adding to my wishlist to purchase eventually) or not at all. I’ll also link to any reviews.

Empties June 2019 - Hask, EVOLVh, Nova Scotia Fisherman and Native

Hask Chia Seed Volumizing Dry Shampoo – I already have a replacement in my stash. I like this one because it doesn’t smell too strong, and it doesn’t make my hair feel weird. Review is here.

Evolvh Smart Curl Hydrating Wash and Conditioner – This was part of the EVOLVh Love Your Curls Discovery Kit that was PR Gifted. The bottles are tiny but I got a surprising number of uses from them. Both are going on my wishlist, as I have other shampoo and conditioners to use up in my stash. Review is here.

Native Deodorant Sensitive Formula in Cotton + Lily – I already have a replacement in my stash, in the Rosé Scent, and the regular formula in Vanilla + Rose. I’ve been using Native Deodorants for over a year now. Review for the sensitive formula is here and the regular formula is here.

Nova Scotia Fisherman Naturally Moisturizing Hand & Body Cream – The only reason why I haven’t replaced this is because they were sold out at my local pharmacy the last time that I was buying body lotion, so I bought something else instead. I’ll definitely buy it again because it works so well and the scent is mild. Review is here.

Empties June 2019 - The Ordinary, Milani

The Ordinary Argireline Solution – This was in my recent mini project pan, it took me longer to finish than I thought it would. I have so many serums on my wishlist that I want to try, so I probably won’t re-purchase for awhile. Review is here.

Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy English Lavender – This was part of a birthday gift that I received. It was a great hand cream for winter, the glycerine made it long lasting. This was never reviewed.

Milani The Multitasker Face Powder in shade 02 Light Medium. This took me so long to finish after hitting pan. I even re-pressed it! I have other face powders to finish in my stash, so I won’t re-purchase right now. Review is here.

Not pictured: Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil – this was a Petit Vour sample. I managed to finish it up, and dropped it in the sink while rinsing it out. I really liked this facial oil, but have a few in my stash to finish up. Review is here.

Empties June 2019 -Makeup De-Stash Essenece, Stila, Tarte, Nyx

De-Stash / De-Clutter of Old Makeup: These are all more than two years old (the white eyeliner is way older than that) – time to de-stash!

Did you manage to finish up much this past month?

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: Post contains two PR gifted items identified above. However my opinion is my own.

 

 

 

Monthly Empties March 2019 – Part 2

March Empties - Skincare

Hello, hello!

Today I have the second part of my Monthly Empties – all my skincare finishes. Part one was all of my bath and haircare empties. And I will comment on if I will be purchasing or not, and link to my original reviews.

Let’s take a look:

March Empties - Skincare

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser Sample – I got this as a free sample in my last well.ca order. The sample was too small for a full review, but I liked it enough that I want to buy the full size to really test it out.

Nova Scotia Fisherman Sea Kelp Lip Balms x2 – I finished one and the Mister finished the other. Great lip balm for winter. I have a ton of lip balms in my stash, so I have no plans on repurchasing for awhile. Review is here.

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield Unscented SPF 28, and Sun Shield Clear Stick SPF 50  *These were PR Samples* I loved these sunscreens, and thankfully they both were nearly finished when I discovered that they were past their expiration dates. I have other sunscreen to use up, so no plans to purchase replacements at this time, but I would highly recommend their sunscreens, as they’re non-greasy and worked well for my sensitive skin. Reviews are here and here.

March Empties - Skincare

Bite Beauty Lip Balm – Another great lip balm, although I prefer their Lip Mask. Again, no plans to repurchase right now, I have a stash of lip balms to use up. Review is here.

Metta Comforting Hand Balm – This was a lifesaver for the winter months! It came in my Petit Vour subscription, and I’m sad that I finished it already. This is going on my wishlist for the fall since I don’t need a heavy duty hand cream in the warmer months. Review is here.

Aromatherapy Associates Hydrating Revitalizing Face Oil – Another Petit Vour subscription sample. This was a nice facial oil – hydrating but not heavy or greasy. I’ve no plans to purchase, as I have several facial oils in my stash to use up. Review is here.

March Empties - Skincare

Poetic Blend The Warrior Serum – I won this in an InstaGram giveaway. This serum is one of the best facial serums that I’ve ever used! My skin LOVED it. I’m hoping to buy a replacement soon. Review is here.

Little Barn Apothecary Aloe + Rosewater Balancing Mist – Another one from my Petit Vour subscription. I love facial mists, especially rose based ones. I have two more in my stash to use up, so no plans to buy a full size right now. Review is here.

So there you have it, I’m pretty happy to have finished up more things from my stash.

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: All products disclosed. My opinion is based on my experience with the products whether I’ve purchased them myself, won them in a Giveaway, or been gifted PR review samples.

My Top 18 Cruelty Free of 2018

Hello, hello and Happy New Year!

I’ve been combing through my blog posts from 2018 and have for you my top 18 cruelty free products for 2018 – it includes bath & body, haircare, skincare and a little bit of makeup. It was really tough to narrow it down to just 18.

Let’s get started! These are not in any particular order, just grouped by category.

Bath and Body:

1. Buck Naked Soap Company Geranium & Purple Clay Sugar Scrub – I’ve been using this all the time, it works amazing to exfoliate and moisturize at the same time. This might be my all time fave sugar scrub! Review is here. (PR product).

2. Buck Naked Soap Company Himalayan Salt Soap – Another staple in my bath / shower routine. It also works well to gentle exfoliate without drying out the skin. Review is here. (PR product)

3. Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Body Oil – I love this body oil, it smells amazing and it is fast to absorb into the skin without a greasy residue. Review is here.

4. Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Body Cream – This smells the same as the body oil, but I prefer to use this one in the cold winter months. Review is here.

Metta Skincare Comforting Hand Balm

5. Metta Skincare Comforting Hand Balm – Although I haven’t had this for very long, I’ve been using it daily and it has really been helping keep my hands soft. Review is here.

Haircare:

6. Kristen Ess Hair Sea Salt Air Dry Spray – This works well to give my hair beachy waves without making it feel crunchy or gross. Review is here.

7. Kariderm Restorative Hair Mask – I love hair masks and this one is exceptional. It makes my hair incredibly soft and really helps to tame it. Review is here. (PR sample)

8. Attitude Super Leaves Volume & Shine Shampoo & Conditioner – I’ve tried three different formulations from this line, and liked them all, this is my current fave because my hair gets uncharacteristically flat due to the cold air and hat wearing. Review is here.

9. Evolvh Ultimate Styling Lotion – This is such a great styling lotion. I tend to use this when I’m going to blow dry my hair because it adds volume and tame my hair at the same time. Review is here.

Wise Men's Care

10. Wise Men’s Care Birch Bark Daily Shampoo – This shampoo doesn’t lather very well, but it manages to clean my hair deeply. And it smells very woody / earthy. Review is here. (PR sample)

Skincare:

11. Poetic Blend The Hero Oil and The Timeless Oil – These facial oils are beautiful. I use each one depending on what I feel my skins needs on any given day. These are a must have in my skincare routine. Reviews are here, and here. (I won these in a giveaway)

12. Poetic Blend The Warrior Serum – I use this serum at night and wake up with beautiful skin. It has AHA, glycolic acid, and ceramides Review is here. (Part of my Poetic Blend giveaway prize winnings)

13. Pacifica Quinoa Sensitive Super Gentle Face Wash – I really like this cleanser, it is super gentle but manages to deeply clean. Review is here.

14. By Anhesa Cedar Face Cream – Another new product, but I’ve been using it a lot these days as it is lightweight yet hydrating, and plays nicely with facial oils and with makeup. Review is here.

15. Sudsatorium Great Gatsby Lip Scrub – This lip scrub is so good. So good! It is bright and minty and my lips are always so smooth and soft after I use it! Review is here.

16. Nova Scotia Fisherman Extreme Lip Care Lip Balm – I’m a lip balm addict. This one is great for winter weather because it protects and hydrates the lips. Review is here.

Make-up:

17. Elate Cosmetics Veiled Elation Mineral Veil – This is such a great loose powder. It gives my skin a very natural, radiance and doesn’t cling to dry patches. Review is here.

18. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream SPF30 – I barely wore foundation all summer because this worked so well to give me the light coverage that I prefer and SPF. Review is here.

Wow, it was really tough to narrow it down to 18! What were your faves for 2018?

Thanks for reading.

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: Please see original blog post reviews for details, all pr samples have been identified.

Nova Scotia Fisherman Extreme Lip Care (Sea Kelp) Lip Balm Review

Nova Scotia Fisherman Extreme Lip Care - Sea Kelp

Hello, hello!

As you all know I am a huge lip balm addict. So when I used up another one from my stash I wanted to try the Extreme Lip Care Sea Kelp Lip Balm from Nova Scotia Fisherman as I’ve previously tried and loved the Cuticle Rescue and the Original Body Lotion. I purchased the two pack from well.ca – one for me and one for the Mister! [info in italics taken from the Nova Scotia Fisherman website]

Nova Scotia Fisherman Extreme Lip Care - Sea Kelp

Premium, all natural moisture and lip protection with a subtle, refreshing hint of sweet orange. […] Never be without coverage and Xtreme Care for your lips. Naturally sealing in moisture to protect against nature’s elements, at sea or on land. Each balm is created using 100% natural ingredients and contains 93% organic materials.

Nova Scotia Fisherman Extreme Lip Care - Sea Kelp

INGREDIENTSCera Alba (Beeswax)*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil*, Fucus Vesiculous (Nova Scotia Sea Kelp)*, Olea Europea (Olive) Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Agave American leaf Extract*, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange), Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Nova Scotia Fisherman Extreme Lip Care - Sea Kelp

The Nova Scotia Fisherman Sea Kelp Lip Balm is an odd greenish shade – likely due to the Nova Scotia Sea Kelp – but don’t let that scare you off! It is a super hydrating balm, not waxy and not too slippery. The scent is very mild, and sweet orange. The moisturizing effect is fairly long lasting as well.

Nova Scotia Fisherman Extreme Lip Care - Sea Kelp

This lip balm is cruelty free, but not vegan as it contains beeswax.

I love that a portion of their sales gets donated to Nature Conservancy Canada.

Have you tried anything from Nova Scotia Fisherman?

Thanks for reading.

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

Monthly Empties – November 2018

Hello, hello!

Another month of products that I’ve managed to finish up. Let’s take a look and I’ll tell you if I plan on repurchasing (or not).

Haircare:

Empties November 2018

Attitude Super Leaves Shampoo in Color Protection (Avocado Oil & Pomegranate) – I finished up the conditioner awhile back. I really like the shampoos and conditioners from Attitude, I’ve tried a few of the formulations in the Super Leaves line, and in fact, I’m testing out another one right now, so I won’t be re-purchasing right away. (Reviews for the Color Protection and Nourishing & Strengthening)

Ouai Wave Spray – This wave spray worked so well for my hair – I love the beautiful beachy waves that it gives, but unless they come out with a milder scent, I probably won’t re-purchase. If you aren’t sensitive to scents, you will probably love this one. Review is here.

Skincare:

Empties November 2018

Formulary 55 Rosehip & Clay Facial Mask – this came in a Petit Vour box. I really liked this clay mask, I think that I managed to get six uses from the package. I have a few facial masks in my stash to use up so I don’t plan on purchasing at this time. Review is here.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin Serum – This was nearly finished when I knocked it over and the bottle shattered on my bathroom floor! Oops! I have so many serums to use up, that I am not buying any at this time until I finished up several more. Review is here.

Personelle Brand Facial Cotton Squares – I use these for removing mascara and swatches. I tend to buy whatever is on sale. These ones were not soft, and tended to leave cotton fibres in my lashes, so I’m going to try to remember not to buy these ones again.

Olverum Bath Oil – Another Petit Vour box gem – I absolutely LOVED this bath oil! I managed to get five or six baths from this bottle. This bath oil is at the top of my wishlist! I’m only buying necessary things for myself right now and this one is a luxury splurge. Review is here.

Poetic Blend The Cosmic Serum – I received this in a mega awesome giveaway package that I had won from Poetic Blend. This is a beautiful hydrating serum, it is on my wishlist to purchase after I use up a few more serums from my stash. Review is here.

Nova Scotia Fisherman Cuticle Rescue – This is a must have for nails  / cuticles! I’m currently using up a cuticle oil from my stash, so I don’t need to repurchase this yet, but again, it is one that I have on my wishlist. Review is here.

Makeup Decluttering:

Empties November 2018

I liked all three of these products, but it is time to let them go as I’ve either had them way too long, or they’ve dried out. The two highlighters Nyx Born to Glow and Soap & Glory Glow All Out were featured recently in my Highlighter Stash, but sadly they’ve started to go off or dry out. The ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip was in the shade Frick n Frack – which I LOVED – has also started to dry out, so it is high time to let it go!

Did you finish up a lot this month? I’m pretty happy with the progress that I making in working my way through my stash and using things up whenever possible, and decluttering when products have been kept too long.

Thanks for reading!

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

 

Best of 2016 – The Body and Hair Care Edit

Hello, hello, and Happy New Year my friends! ❤

Continuing on with my “best of 2016” series, here’s my picks for body and hair care:

Best Body Scrubs:

My all time favourite body scrub is the Bubbling Scrub from Haus of Gloi (which I have zero photos of), but this year I was able to try some other nice body scrubs that deserve honourable mention – the Cinnamon Vanilla Royal Coffee Scrub from Naturelle Cosmetics and the Lavender Sugar Scrub from EQ Natural Skincare.

Best Bath and Body Oil:

I’ve been using the Multi-Nutritive Oils for Body, Bath, and Hair from Nuworld Botanicals ALL THE TIME since late May. In fact, I used the Energy Boost one yesterday in the bath. The reviews are here and here. I love that they are multi-purpose.

Best Body Moisturizer / Butter / Lotion:

My all time fave in this category is the Pumpkin Butter from Haus of Gloi (it was in my last year’s faves), but I’m also loving the Cura-Tif Solid Body Lotion / Body Salve from Ingenium Naturals – it is great for super dry and sensitive skin.

Best Hand Cream & Cuticle Cream:

My picks are both from the same company – Nova Scotia Fisherman. My hands and cuticles get so dry in the winter, and the Naturally Moisturizing Hand and Body Cream and Cuticle Rescue are life savers!

Best Shampoo & Conditioner:

I’m still loving the Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture (Coconut Milk) Shampoo and Conditioner set that I received at their Montreal launch event. I’m looking forward to trying out a few more of their products in the new year.

Best Hair Treatment / Mask:

I got a deluxe sample size of the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask in my September Ipsy Glam Bag, and I fell in love! As soon as I use up my stash of hair treatments / masks, I’ll be buying a full size of this one.

There you have it, all of my picks for the Best of 2016 in Body and Hair Care! Still to come are my picks for the Best of 2016 – The Makeup Edit.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Please see original reviews for individual product disclosures.

Nova Scotia Fisherman

Nova Scotia Fisherman

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing two products from Nova Scotia Fisherman. Did you know that I was born in Nova Scotia?

I was curious about this brand for awhile now, I’d seen the soaps and lip balms the last time I was in Nova Scotia. And then in August, Dal from LittleBeautyLoves and Stashy from StashMatters both reviewed some of their products so I knew that I had to try this brand. I could have ordered directly from Nova Scotia Fisherman, but since I was already placing an order at well.ca to replace some staples, I would just add some products to the cart.

Nova Scotia Fisherman

About the company:

Nova Scotia Fisherman is a family and friend owned company in the heart of Nova Scotia. We are proud to produce a 100% Natural Body care line of products that are infused with Kelp from the shores of Canada’s Ocean Playground, Nova Scotia. […] We use local kelp in all of our products. This slippery ingredient found all along our coast line was used for many purposes in Nova Scotian history. It was a fertilizer, banked alongside houses to keep out winter winds, and used as packing material for shipping lobster.  Nova Scotia Sea Kelp, harvested off the pristine shores, Nova Scotia Kelp (Fucus Vesiculosus ) has amazing anti-aging properties and has been used in health and beauty products since ancient times. It contains a bounty of ingredients that enriches and soothes dry skin.

Now that the weather is getting colder, my hands and cuticles get so very dry, so I knew that I wanted to get the Hand and Body Lotion and the Cuticle Rescue.

Onto the reviews:

Nova Scotia Fisherman

Here’s what the website says about the Nova Scotia Fisherman Lotion:

Our ocean lotion is a premium all natural product that is a real treat for your whole body. You will fall in love with its creamy smooth texture. It is made from plant and tree derived oils and skin friendly botanical extracts. Nova Scotia Fisherman lotion improves skin’s texture, leaving it looking and feeling rejuvenated.

I’ve been using the lotion on my hands every day since my package arrived. It is super hydrating and fast absorbing without being greasy. The scent is very natural and mildly herbal. My hands are already so much softer!

Ingredients:

Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Glyceryl Undecylenate, Cetyl Alcohol, Fucus Vesiculosus Powder*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra (Elder) Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey), Tocopherol, Parfum, Xanthan Gum                                     ** Certified Organic Ingredient

 

Nova Scotia Fisherman

And here’s what the website says about the Nova Scotia Fisherman Cuticle Rescue:

Seabuckthorn is loaded with Vitamin C which encourages collagen production and also softens and moisturizes your cuticles. Great cuticle health means healthier nails, less trouble with hangnails and infection. It really “kelps” to keep your digits in order.

I love this stuff! Even more than I loved the Burt’s Bees Cuticle Butter! The scent is mild and pleasant, more herbal than the Hand & Body Lotion. My cuticles are no longer dry and raggy looking!

Ingredients:

Olea Europea (Olive) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil infused with Fucus Vesiculosus (Nova Scotia Sea Kelp)*, Hippophea Rhamnoides (Virgin Seabuckthorn) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
*Certified Organic

Nova Scotia Fisherman

Have you tried anything from Nova Scotia Fisherman? I want to try the soaps, lip balms and scrub next!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: Incase you missed it at the beginning, I purchased these products!