The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA Review

September 1, 2021 | jodi - a brash attitude

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

Today I’m reviewing the The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA (Hyaluronic Acid) that I purchased several weeks ago. [info in italics taken from the Deciem website]

Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin. This 10% formulation offers mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation.

Contraindications: Lactic Acid should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Please refer to additional sun protection note and other warnings in provided Directions.

Because I know that my skin can be sensitive, I did my usual two rounds of patch testing – on my arm first and then on my neck or chest before trying this on my face. I only use this once a week, and never on the same night as retinol as both have irritation risks.

Surprisingly, this lactic acid does not irritate my sensitive skin, I guess that the Tasmanian pepperberry and hyaluronic acid really work to cancel out the irritation risk from the acid. It gives my sensitive skin a gentle exfoliation which I love.

Acids should only be used at night, and always followed by sunscreen the next day as they can make your skin more sun sensitive. You should always be wearing sunscreen anyways though.

Have you tried this one? Do you have a fave AHA for exfoliation?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: I purchased this!

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane Review

August 20, 2021 | jodi - a brash attitude

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

Today I’m reviewing the Retinol 1% in Squalane from The Ordinary. I’ve been using it for several weeks now, and I purchased this to replace Press Restart – Gentle Retinol Serum from Versed. [info in italics taken from Deciem’s website]

This water-free solution contains 1% pure Retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearances of fine lines, of photo damage and of general skin aging. While Retinol has been studied extensively, it is irritating to the skin and newer technologies exist that mimic the visible effects of Retinol without causing skin irritation.

Retinol can cause significant irritation, redness and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early stages of treatment while skin builds tolerance. If you have not used high-strength retinol formulas in the past, we strongly recommend that you start your retinol regimen with our Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and adjust to higher strengths of Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and Retinol 1% in Squalane as your skin builds tolerance. You will achieve the same end results without the unpleasant redness and peeling along the way.

The Ordinary has several different Retinol based serums, ranging in strength and irritation risk levels. I’ve previously used and loved their Advanced Retinoid 2% Emulsion, which later became the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (moderate strength, low to no irritation). The Retinol 1% in Squalane is their highest retinol formula (high strength, and very high irritation risk)!

Wait a minute, high irritation risk? Don’t I have sensitive skin – I know, I know! I did my patch tests – first on my wrist, and then on my neck and chest, before trying it on my face. This retinol does not irritate my skin! I think that the squalane actually works to counteract the irritation risk, and my skin is quite used to retinoids / retinols.

I like this one, I feel that it does help with fine lines, and my skin has not been prone to redness, irritation or peeling after using several nights a week (for several weeks), I only skip using it if I’m using an acid formula. My skin seems to be far less sensitive these days – I guess that my current skincare routine is making my skin very happy!

If you are new to retinoids / retinol or have super sensitive skin – this is not the product for you, I’d recommend starting with either the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion or the Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, and using every couple of nights until your skin adjusts before moving onto the stronger Retinol formulas. As always, retinol should be used at night, and always followed by sunscreen in the daytime as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. You should be wearing SPF daily anyway!

Have you tried this one?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: I purchased this!

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% Review

August 17, 2021 | jodi - a brash attitude

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

Today I’m reviewing the Pycnogenol 5% serum from The Ordinary. I purchased it several weeks ago because it was a new to me ingredient that I was curious about! [info in italics taken from The Ordinary website].

Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract derived from the pine bark of French maritime pine trees. It contains procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids that work in synergy to rejuvenate the skin, with the aim of enhancing skin hydration and elasticity. With the ability to selectively bind to collagen and elastin, Pycnogenol® protects these proteins from degradation, helping to nourish the skin from the inside out. Being a unique and powerful antioxidant, Pycnogenol® scavenges for free radicals before they cause damage by oxidative stress. It can also recycle oxidized Vitamin C to restore its activity. The Ordinary Pycnogenol® 5% is free of artificial colours. The formula’s deep red colour is due to the high procyanidin content in Pycnogenol®. After application, please wash hands and avoid product contact with light coloured fabric as it may stain.

So in a nutshell, it provides: Antioxidant Support, Enhances Skin Hydration, Rebuilds Skin Elasticity

This serum / solution has such an interesting colour! It can be mixed with other serums and creams to give them boost, but I’ve mostly been just applying it on its own or layering it with other serums (which also boosts the performance of whatever it is combined with). I feel that it really does help increase skin hydration. And I love that it can be used both day and night.

Have you tried this budget friendly serum?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: I purchased this!

Empties January 2020

February 3, 2020 | jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I have my monthly empties. I didn’t finish up as much as I’d hoped, and am SO CLOSE to finishing a couple of moisturizers. But progress is progress when it comes to finishing up things from my stash! I’m on a low buy, so if I say I’ll purchase / re-purchase it means that I would do so eventually. My goal is to only buy necessities.

Skincare Empties:

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA, and Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% – I have at least two more acid type peels to use up, and at least three serums to use up, and so many on my wishlist, that it is doubtful that I will repurchase in the near future. Reviews are here and here.

Derma E Radiance Toner (Glycolic Acid & Rooibos) – I liked this toner (Petit Vour subscription sample). I have other toners to use up, but I really liked this one as it felt gentle. Review is here.

Lavido Aromatic Body Lotion (Mandarin, Orange & Bergamot) – Another Petit Vour sample. I mainly used this as a hand cream, it worked great! I have other body lotions in my stash to use up. Review is here.

Kalos After Hours Soothing Night Cream – A Petit Vour sample. I’m sad that this is empty, it is such an amazing and gentle night cream, especially great for dry and sensitive skin. This one is on my wishlist, as I have a few more moisturizers and creams to use up. Review is here.

Kariderm Moisturizing Protective Cream – This was a PR sample. Another amazing face cream, great for dry and sensitive skin. Lightweight in texture but really hydrating. I would purchase this if I didn’t have a few more to finish up! Review is here.

Makeup Empties:

Catrice Rock Couture Extreme Volume Mascara (Waterproof) – I liked this mascara, but I didn’t love it because it didn’t give me enough volume so I won’t repurchase this one. Review is here.

Maison Jacynthe Fluide de Teint Fluid Foundation – PR Sample. This was in my stash way too long for a liquid product (2.5 years!), so it had to go. I currently have a few foundations in my stash and a list of more that I want to try, so no purchase right now. Review is here.

Hey Honey Trick and Treat Concealer – I think this was an Ipsy Glam Bag sample. A fantastic concealer, I finished it up by mainly using it for toning down the redness in my cheeks on minimal makeup (no foundation) days. I have other concealers to use up currently. Review is here.

Not pictured: Nyx #NOFILTER Finishing Powder – I finally finished this powder! And I cannot find it – I think that the packaging might have gone out in last week’s recycling. I really liked this finishing powder, but I have others in my stash to use up, and a list of powders that I’d like to try. Review is here.

Did you finish up much this month?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: This post contains mostly products paid for by me, and one PR sample.

Empties December 2019

January 6, 2020 | jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello and Happy New Year!

Here’s my final round of empties for 2019 – I didn’t quite finish up as much as I had hoped by the end of the year, but progress is progress when it comes to using up products from my stash rather than wasting them.

As you all probably know, I’m on a low-buy, so if I say I’ll purchase or re-purchase, it means that this product is something that I plan to eventually get once I use up all of that product type in my stash. Let’s take a closer look:

The Ordinary Serum Foundation – This was my second bottle of this foundation. I really like the lightness of serum foundations. I would purchase this one again. Currently using the Juice Beauty serum foundation which I like a lot! Original reviews are here and here.

Native Deodorant in Hibiscus and Mint – I’ve been using various scents of this deodorant for well over a year now. And have two in my stash right now (one regular and one sensitive formulation). I’ll likely re-purchase since it works for me, unless I end up trying something that I like even more. Original review here.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Brightening Gel Cleanser – I love this cleanser, and would buy again for sure. I initially had a sample size from Petit Vour and loved it so much that I bought that full size. Currently have loads of cleansers in my stash, so probably won’t buy for perhaps six months! Review is here.

Luxe Botanics Camu Brightening Moisturizer – This came in a recent Petit Vour box. Loved it. I would purchase a full size if I wasn’t already trying to finish up several moisturizers and face creams. Review is here.

Evolvh Ultimate Styling Lotion – This is my second sample sized bottle. The first was from Petit Vour and this one was a PR sample. It works well for my hair for both wavy and smooth styling. Helps tame frizz without weighing my hair down. I would buy a full size if I ever manage to use up my stash of styling lotions and creams. Review is here.

I’m in the process of doing a massive makeup declutter – so expect a post on that soon!

Thanks for reading,

Disclosure: This post contains mostly products that have been purchased by me, and one PR sample identified above.

Empties July 2019

August 1, 2019 | jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I have my monthly empties for you with links to the original reviews, and whether or not I plan to purchase / re-purchase right away or eventually.

Skincare:

EiR NYC Active Face Wash – This was a Petit Vour box sample. Quite possibly the most unappealing looking foaming face wash, but I really LOVED this one for washing off my sunscreen and makeup at the end of hot and humid days. Definitely going on my wishlist! Original review is here.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG – This is the last product in my mini project pan for serums. You only need the smallest amount for your undereye, so this one took forever to finish up. I really like it, but want to try out something new. Original review is here.

Blissoma Refine Clay Renewal Treatment – Another Petit Vour sample. This was such an awesome mask, I’d love to own a full size. I have several masks to use up, so onto the wishlist it goes. Original review is here.

BKind Sensitive Skin Face Scrub – Yet another Petit Vour sample, a great exfoliating and moisturizing scrub, super gentle. I have other scrubs to finish up but I would purchase a full size of this one. Review is here.

Kahina Giving Beauty Oil Cleanser – Another Petit Vour sample. I loved this oil cleanser, so very gentle and effective. I’m still working my through my cleanser stash, so you guessed it, onto the wishlist it goes. Review is here.

Makeup:

Covergirl Exhibitionist Waterproof Mascara – I liked this mascara a lot. I won’t be repurchasing this one because there are others from Covergirl that I’d like to try. Review is here.

Essence Volume Hero Waterproof Mascara – Similarly, I liked this mascara quite a bit as well, but I won’t be repurchasing this one but there are others from Essence that I’d like to try. Review is here.

Suntegrity Impeccable Skin Moisturizing Face Sunscreen Tinted SPF 30 – Another Petit Vour sample. This was slightly too light for me recently, but I started adding in the KVoss Bronzing Potion Glow Cream and not only did it make the shade perfect for me, it added radiance and made the finish less matte / less drying on my skin. Review is here.

Overall, I’m happy that I’m making steady progress at using up the products in my stash. Did you finish up much this month?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: All products in this post were purchased by me.

Empties – June 2019

July 3, 2019 | jodi - a brash attitude

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Empties April 2019 + Mini Project Pan Update

May 1, 2019 | jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Another month just flew by, and I managed to finish up a fair number of products in my stash. Let’s take a look and I’ll tell you if I plan to re-buy or not, and link you to the original reviews.

Hair, Bath and Body:

Alba Botanicals Hawaiian Body Cream – I LOVE this stuff so much, it smells amazing, and is super luxurious and hydrating. And, it is very affordable. I’ll likely buy this one very soon. Review is here.

Attitude Super Leaves Volume & Shine Shampoo – Another great shampoo from Attitude. I will probably buy this (or another one from their range) at some point – especially because they now have bulk packaging so you can just refill your bottles and save on plastic. I don’t need to repurchase right away as I’m still using my shampoo and conditioner from Oneka. Review is here.

Andalou Naturals Citrus Sunflower Shower Gel – Another gem from my Petit Vour subscription. I really liked this one, so I would buy a full size once my stash is cleared out. Review is here.

Skincare and Mini Project Pan Update:

Pacifica Quinoa Sensitive Super Gentle Face Wash – I really liked this one a lot, so good for sensitive skin. I have several cleansers to use up, so no plans to repurchase right away. Review is here.

Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes Eye Cream – Another Petit Vour gem! Really great brightening eye cream, I use it daily, and have another deluxe sample in my stash, so no need to purchase a full size right now. Review is here.

Lowen’s Natural Skincare Lip Balms in Funky Cold Camelina and Creamsicle – These came in a beautiful PR package. I am a lip balm addict, and I absolutely loved these two. I have a few more from Lowen’s so I don’t need to purchase replacements right now. I’m currently using the Be Local Lip Balm from Lowen’s. Review is here.

Mini Project Pan – Serum Stash Empties and Update: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid and Ascorbyl Glucoside – I was able to successfully finish these two from mini project pan. The Argireline Solution has just under 1/8 left to use up, and the Caffeine Solution has just under 1/4 left to use up. They will hopefully be in my May Empties. No plans to repurchase right now, I’d like to try some other brands.

Makeup De-Stash / De-Clutter:

Urban Decay Lipstick in Fiend – This was nearly finished, but it was so old, and was definitely going off. It was one of my fave MLBB lipstick shades. I don’t even think that this shade exists anymore!

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella – I got this back when Nars was cruelty free, possibly in one of the Beauty Insider annual birthday gifts. It is quite old and had started to dry out.

Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara – Another Petit Vour find. I liked how this mascara made my lashes feel, but my eyes are too watery for this mascara so it just is not the one for me. Review is here.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in Perversion – I’ve been using this and the shade Zero for a million years (repurchased several times). This one is quite old and is dried out, so into the bin it goes. I have a ton of black liners in my stash, so no need to repurchase right now. I’m currently using the Rodial Smokey Eye Pen.

There you have it, all the empties and de-stash for this month! Have you finished up much this month? Do you ever de-stash / de-clutter?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: This blog post contains a mix of products – mostly purchased by me, but some are PR samples (as indicated above). However, my opinion is my own, regardless.

Mini Project Pan – Serum Stash

March 20, 2019 | jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

As you all know, I’ve been trying to work my way through my stash and use things up each month. I have a few serums that are getting a little old, and I really want to commit to finishing them up before buying anything new (and before they go off).

All four of these serums only have approximately 1/4 left, and I’m hoping to finish them up by the end of April. Let’s take a look at what I discovered hiding at the back of my skincare shelf:

The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% – originally reviewed here. I just started using this one again about two weeks ago.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG – originally reviewed here. Another one that I’ve been using every morning under eye creams for about two weeks.

The next two, the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (Vitamin C) and Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion – original reviews here and here. I set these two aside when testing out some creams that had c and retinol in their formulations, because I didn’t want to overdo it ingredient-wise to prevent irritating my sensitive skin. I’m going to alternate between these two serums in my night-time skincare routine.