Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum Review

March 23, 2021 | jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello – welcome to / welcome back to A Brash Attitude!

Today I’m reviewing the Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum that I purchased and have been testing for a few weeks now. [info in italics taken from the Shoppers Drug Mart website]

Retexturizing night serum that uses gentle encapsulated retinol and two natural botanical retinol alternatives to help speed up cell turnover, boost collagen production, and smooth wrinkles without irritation.

Creamy yet light texture absorbs seamlessly into skin Made for aging, dullness, and problem skin Clean, cruelty-free, vegan.

This would be a great “starter” retinol if you are new to retinol based products, or if you have sensitive skin. After doing my usual 24 hour patch test, I started using it nightly with no irritation or dryness. The serum is milky in appearance and absorbs quickly, and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy.

Reminder – retinol really should only be used at night, and if you are using retinol, always wear SPF – you should be wearing sunscreen daily regardless of retinol usage!

Have you tried this retinol serum?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: I purchased this!

Indeed Labs Retinol Reface Review

August 14, 2020August 14, 2020 | jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello! Welcome to A Brash Attitude!

Today I have a review of the Indeed Labs Canada Retinol Reface that I purchased for myself a few weeks ago. [info in italics taken from the Indeed Labs Canada website]

retinol reface™ is a 3-in-1 formula combining retinol, bakuchiol, and a retinol-like peptide to help deliver softer, smoother, and visibly younger-looking skin. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, and bakuchiol are considered to be two of the most effective ingredients in helping those with aging concerns. This super-concentrated night cream quickly and effectively targets signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while minimizing redness. Additionally, it enhances skin tone, hydration, elasticity, firmness, radiance, and brightness. retinol reface™ is gentle enough to use on all skin types.

Benefits

Reduces visible signs of skin aging
Improves skin texture and can be used by acne-prone skin
Delivers softer, smoother looking skin
Formulated with retinol microspheres to minimize sensitivity

This is a surprisingly gentle retinol formulation – a great “starter” if you are new to using retinoid based skincare, or if you have sensitive skin like me.

If you are new to retinol, try using it every couple of days to let your skin adjust. And don’t forget to always wear SPF in the daytime, as retinoids make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure – and well, you should be wearing it anyway!

It does help improve my skin texture, and smooths things out, and it helps with fine lines and wrinkles. Price-wise, it is quite budget friendly at less than $20 CAD!

Have you tried this one? Do you have a favourite retinol product?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: In case you missed it at the very beginning, I purchased this!

Weekly Recap June 19th to 25th

June 25, 2017 | jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Just a little recap of the past week’s blog posts in case you missed out on anything…

Monday, June 19th – The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Review

The Ordinary HA 2% + B5 Serum

Thursday, June 22nd – The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Review

TheOrdinaryCS5

Friday, June 23rd – The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% Emulsion Review

I just realized that Friday’s post didn’t have any photos uploaded! Oops, the post has since been fixed to include photos!

The Ordinary Advanced Retinol 2%

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I purchased all the things!

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% Emulsion Review

June 23, 2017June 25, 2017 | jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I have a review of the Advanced Retinoid 2% Emulsion from my recent haul from The Ordinary. All info in italics taken from their website.

This formulation combines two forms of next-generation retinoid actives in a combined concentration of 2% by weight:
These two actives are:
a) Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a highly-advanced form of retinoid which is, in fact, a non-prescription ester of all-trans direct retinoic acid that offers a multi-fold better effect against signs of ageing than retinol, retinyl palmitate and nearly all other forms of non-prescription retinoid;
b) a sustained-delivery form of pure retinol in a protective capsule system which supports both the delivery and the effect of Solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate.
Both forms of retinoid used avoid the irritation associated with retinoid (including retinol) use while delivering better visible results against signs of ageing.

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%

I chose the Retinoid formula because it was supposed to be less irritating since I find that some retinol / retinoid formulations are a little harsh on my sensitive skin. Some cause stinging, and some cause excessive dryness. I’m happy to say that this milky Retinoid emulsion is gentle, but effective. And it doesn’t have a scent!

As always, if you use any retinol / retinoid products, remember to wear SPF. Well, you should be wearing SPF regardless!

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%

This one is also cruelty free and vegan, and costs $9.80 CAD.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carrageenan, Xanthan gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Isoceteth-20, Behentrimonium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Have you tried this one? What is your fave retinol / retinoid product?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I purchased this!

March 2016 Empties

April 1, 2016October 5, 2016 | 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:

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:

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.

OZ Naturals Super Youth 2.5% Retinol Moisturizer

January 15, 2016October 5, 2016 | jodi - a brash attitude

Hello there! Today I’m reviewing the Super Youth 2.5% Retinol Moisturizer from Oz Naturals.

OZ Naturals Super Youth Retinol Moisturizer

Here’s what it says on the website:

A powerful cocktail of antioxidants combine with Vitamin A to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and premature aging due to sun exposure. This results-oriented formulation fights free radical damage as well as restores and renews firmness, elasticity, and thickness to the skin. Vitamin A boasts a long list of clinically proven restorative, anti-aging, and youth-enhancing properties.

The key ingredients are: Vitamin A (exfoliation, skin cell turnover), Hyaluronic Acid (hydration), Vitamin E (antioxidant), Green Tea (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory , Vitamin B5 (moisture, exfoliation), and Jojoba Oil (super skin ingredient – antioxidant, reduce inflammation, moisture, exfoliation).

OZ Naturals Ret4

And here’s the full ingredient list for those of you who are into the science side of skincare (you know who you are! <3):

Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Isopropyl Palmitate (Palm Oil), Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Organic Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower Oil), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil), Hyaluronic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea), Organic Resina Propoli (Propolis), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Citric Acid.

My experience: When I started using this moisturizer two weeks ago at night, I stopped using my Retinol Serum (OZ Naturals) because I didn’t want to over do it with the retinol. For the first few nights, I used the moisturizer alone to test for skin sensitivity /reactivity, and once I knew that my skin tolerated it, I added my Vitamin C Serum (also OZ Naturals) back into my nighttime skincare routine. I find that when I combine the two, my skin GLOWS the next day. With the arrival of colder weather, my skin is normally dry and dull, but my skin seems to just drink this moisturizer up, leaving me with hydrated, glowing skin. I especially like the fact that this moisturizer has no real scent.

OZ Naturals Super Youth Retinol Moisturizer

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

Disclosure: I received this product from OZ Naturals in exchange for an honest review as a part of their Amazon Reviewers Program. I don’t have to blog about it here, but choose to do so. My opinion is very much my own.

Oz Naturals 2.5% Retinol Serum Review

September 23, 2015October 5, 2016 | jodi - a brash attitude

I haven’t done a facial skincare review in a little while because I wanted to test the Oz Naturals Retinol Serum for a few weeks to give my skin a chance to adjust to a new product. If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you will know that I have been using the Resist Retinol Serum from Paula’s Choice for several months. I found that once my skin adjusted to the retinol, I was able to move from using it every second or third night to every night without any sensitivity issues (review is here).

After reading several reviews of various Oz Naturals products, I decided to research the brand, and found that they had recently introduced a retinol serum into their line. Here is a little screen capture from their website about Oz Naturals:

I knew that I wanted to try out several of their skincare products. But since I have sensitive skin, I can only introduce one product at a time so I can monitor whether or not my skin can tolerate a product.

This retinol serum contains a few added ingredients that combined with retinol, are supposed to be have an anti-wrinkle, anti-aging effect. The key ingredients are Retinol, Astaxanthin, and Phospolipids. Below is a quick explanation of the properties and benefits of each (taken from the Oz Naturals website):

Retinol:
This Vitamin A derivative treats fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, dullness, crepiness, and sagging skin you name it, it does it. Retinol speeds up cell turnover, rids the skin of dead cells that cause dullness, and boosts collagen and elastin by stimulating cellular repair at the deepest level of the skin. Retinol also increases blood-vessel formation for better skin circulation, so skin appears much healthier.

Astaxanthin:
A powerful antioxidant with potent anti-inflammatory effects. Its unique molecular structure allows it to reside in the cell membrane, and to protect the inside and outside of cells from free radical attack. Research shows that astaxanthin taken as an oral supplement can help protect the skin from UV damage, minimize wrinkles, and reduce hyper pigmentation.

Phospholipids:
A broad group of naturally-occurring molecules which includes fats, waxes, sterols, and fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E and K.) The main biological functions of lipids include energy storage as structural components of cell membranes, and as important signalling molecules but that’s not all. These “heads and tails” organize themselves into bio-layers that gives them a structure similar to that of skin. Because of this it is said that products that contain them have an affinity with the skin, and a higher tolerance. And, what’s more, phospholipids retain their structure when applied topically.

The review:

I was a little nervous in trying this serum out because it has a 2.5% concentration of retinol in it. When I tried the Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment from Paula’s Choice, my skin reacted badly, with stinging, redness and dryness despite having no problem using the Resist Retinol Serum from Paula’s Choice.

My fear was unfounded. The Oz Naturals Retinol Serum did NOT irritate my sensitive skin at all. In fact, my skin seems to be less easily irritated and less prone to reacting. I think that it is the combination of ingredients that reduces the harshness of the retinol. It works better with my skin that any other retinol that I’ve ever used. It helps minimize fine lines and evens out my skintone.

The serum is light amber in colour, and absorbs quickly into the skin. Very minimal to no scent (a huge plus).

I will definitely purchase this serum again, and I plan on testing out a few other products from Oz Naturals once I use up my current stash of skincare products.

Disclosure: I purchased this!

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

Retinol for Sensitive Skin – My Experience

July 3, 2015September 29, 2016 | jodi - a brash attitude

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).

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)

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)

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!!! ❤