Paula’s Choice

June 2016 Empties

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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.

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.

 

 

Best of 2015 – Skin, Body and Hair Edit

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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:

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.

 

Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster – Sensitive Skin Review

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I’ve been using the Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster from Paula’s Choice since late May / early June. I think that I’ve been using it long enough to really give my opinion on how this product works for my sensitive skin. So, what is hyaluronic acid anyway??? It is explained on the Paula’s Choice cosmetic ingredient dictionary as:

Component of skin tissue that is used in skin-care products as a good skin-identical ingredient. Hyaluronic acid can boost skin’s moisture content, reduce inflammation, have cell-communicating abilities, and help prevent moisture loss (Sources: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 2014, pages 177–184; The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, March 2014, pages 18–26 and May 2014, pages 150–180).

PC Hyaluronic Acid1

This is what they have to say about the Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster serum:

What makes this product unique?
This liqui-gel treatment contains a specialized mix of hyaluronic acid plus other key repairing ingredients which work immediately to visibly plump skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It also boosts the hydration and anti-aging benefits of any moisturizer or serum to help prevent moisture loss and reinforce skin’s barrier function.

PC HAB2

Who is this product for?
Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster is for anyone who wants to boost the results from their moisturizer or serum by adding wrinkle-plumping hyaluronic acid plus other anti-aging ingredients for healthy, glowing skin. This formula is suitable for all skin types, including breakout-prone skin.

PC HAB3

My experience: It is a scentless, colourless, weirdly textured liquid in a dropper bottle, not quite a gel, but thicker than a liquid. You can apply a couple of drops to your skin by itself, or mix it in with your moisturizer, or even with other serums. It quickly soaks into the skin. I found my skin to be less dry, and more moisturized, but not at all greasy. I found that my fine lines seem to disappear and my skin is definitely brighter. My only complaint is that because the glass bottle is not clear, I can’t really tell how much of the product is left. Shaking the bottle doesn’t give me any hint either as the glass is thick.

Verdict: I love this! I will be replacing it soon for fear of running out!

You can buy the Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster on the Paula’s Choice website, it comes in a full size bottle (0.67oz $45 USD), and in a trial size as well (0.12oz $16 USD)

Disclosure: I purchased this!

Retinol for Sensitive Skin – My Experience

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My skin is extremely sensitive, and I also have taken allergic reactions to products, so I test EVERYTHING on my arms for at least 24 hours before testing on my face.

I’ve tried various products with retinol over the past couple of years. I wish I had kept track of everything that I’ve tried. The ones listed below I have tried over the past year, and this is my experience of trying them out. Your experience might be different than mine because everyone’s skin is different, as are sensitivity levels.

With any retinol product use, sunscreen is a MUST! And you should be wearing it anyways!

First up we have Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol (1.7oz, $29 USD, mini sample 0.05oz $1 USD).

PC Retinol1

As per the Paula’s Choice website:

Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer contains a unique complex of ingredients proven to remodel your skin by building and preserving collagen, firming skin and protecting against moisture loss. The feather-light, silky texture provides substantial hydration. The active ingredients in the Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer are proven to make a visible difference in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, and skin firmness.

My experience – This one is probably the best place to start if you’ve never used retinol based products before. I moved from using this every second night, to every night within a few days of using it. I think that it did help with fine lines and evened out my skin tone. But over our colder than usual winter, I didn’t find it gave me enough hydration, so I decided to try out the next retinol in serum form:

Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum (1oz, $40 USD, mini sample 0.034oz $1.50 USD)

PC Retinol2

Described on the website:

Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum is an exclusive formula that utilizes a proprietary blend of highly stabilized retinol, potent antioxidants, and skin-repairing ingredients. Its soothing, silky texture goes to work immediately to help skin of any age look and act younger. Anti-irritants reduce redness and soothe sensitive skin, and the serum helps fade red marks from past breakouts. With ongoing use, you will see fewer wrinkles, smoother skin, and improved skin tone.

My experience – I love this serum. It mixes well with other serums (like vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid). It really does go on silky. I think that because my skin was used to the moisturizer with retinol, that it made switching this one so easy. I think that it is helping with fine lines, and my skin is definitely smoother. I would recommend this one, but if you have sensitive skin, try to gradually introduce it if you’ve never used retinol based products before (like every third night, and then move to every second before using nightly.

This final product, I had received with a recent Paula’s Choice order, as a gift with purchase. Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment (1oz, $55 USD, trial size sample .16oz, $20 USD)

PC Retinol3

According to the website:

Combined with potent antioxidants, Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is specially formulated to smooth and firm skin by helping to boost cell regeneration and stimulate collagen production. Its creamy lotion texture absorbs quickly and goes to work immediately to refine pore size, reduce deep wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots—it can even help breakouts, too! Licorice, oat extract and other anti-irritants help to minimize the irritation some people may get from products containing high amounts of retinol. You’ll be amazed at how much younger and radiant your skin will look and feel.

My experience: This one is in lotion form. It was way too strong for my sensitive skin. It stings, as in OMG GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF NOW! I didn’t use this one long enough to notice any benefits. I thought that I would be able to use this one since my skin had already adjusted to the previous retinol products. Nope. If you have sensitive skin, I would steer clear of this one.

All three products can be purchased on the Paula’s Choice website.

Disclosure: I paid for the two full sized retinol products, and third one (the trial sample size) was a gift with purchase.

Thanks for reading!!! ❤

Oil Booster and C Booster

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I will admit that I am a huge fan of the skincare products from Paula’s Choice since I started using some of their products in September 2014. I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin, so I have to test everything on my arm before putting it on my face. And, I have to test each new product separately so that if I do take a reaction, that I am able to pinpoint exactly which product is causing the reaction. I really love that you have the option of ordering trial sizes of their products, because not every product will work for your own unique skin type. Continue reading →

Hi, welcome to a brash attitude!

| jodi - a brash attitude

To have a brash attitude is to be assertive, confident, bold, audacious, and daring.

For one person, being brash might be to try a color or product that they wouldn’t normally think of using. For someone else, it might mean super-bold, dramatic or in-your-face type make-up look. Both are wonderful and should be encouraged!

I’ve dealt with having uber-sensitive skin my entire life so trying new things can be daunting. I’ve reacted to products that are baby-safe. Soaps and bubble baths, mascaras and lip balms, you name it, I can probably tell you that I’ve had a reaction to it!  Having sensitive skin does not mean that you have to miss out on amazing products, you just have to be a little more cautious about the products that you use. I read the ingredients labels and I test EVERYTHING on my wrist before it touches anywhere else on my body or face.  Because really, there is nothing worse than submerging yourself in a bubble bath only to suddenly fee the onset of a head to toe allergic reaction. Trust me, it sucks! Sensitive does not have to mean BORING! Continue reading →