theNotice

How to apply liquid concealer: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer review

May 8, 2023

Leave a comment

The product: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer

Getting your base layer right can be tough. I, in particular, am lazy—so it’s kind of essential for me to find the right product that does it all. I’m currently fixated on the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer, which I’ve been using non-stop for months. So, let’s talk about how to apply liquid concealer (and how to choose the right one for you.)

charlotte tilbury radiant skin applicator

Charlotte Tilbury Radiant Concealer in 02 Fair: Doe-foot applicator

How to choose the right liquid concealer for you

When it comes to concealers, it’s all about formula. You have to choose something that hits the points you’re looking for. Sometimes, you get everything you want; other times, you have to sacrifice for what’s most important to you.

Shade and ingredients are my top features when it comes to a concealer. As long as something matches in tone and is silicone-free, I can work with different finishes, application formats, and coverage levels. A lot of brands do a crap job at their lightest and darkest ends, making it difficult to find a shade match. (And yes, while this is slightly annoying for me, it’s this is a hellish process for POC with darker skin tones.) The Charlotte Tilbury range stretches both lighter and darker than most, and—I really like this part—features models of the correct skin tone for every single shade, so you can see what they’d actually look like.

I wear a 2 Fair in the Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer, though I have a feeling I could also wear a 2.5 Fair, which has a yellow undertone (for Asian skin!) instead of a pink one. These concealers are silicone-free, which meets my ingredient criteria, too.

charlotte tilbury radiant skin concealer review texture

Charlotte Tilbury Radiant Concealer in 02 Fair (shot on iPhone without flash.)

What about the concealer’s texture and coverage?

Another factor that you might consider while trying to pick the right concealer for you is texture. For instance: I like a cream, but prefer the application of a liquid. I don’t know why; it just feels fancy to my inner 10-year-old, and I’m into making said inner child happy. This little doe-foot applicator in a compact tube may not be the most hygienic method of concealer application, but it feels so damn good to use.

On top of that, I also look at coverage. The Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer is advertised as a medium coverage hydrating product, but which feels accurate to me. I get great coverage on acne, scars, and undereye circles with a single application, even after blending it out.

charlotte tilbury radiant skin concealer review fair 01 02 swatches

Charlotte Tilbury Radiant Concealer swatches in 01 Fair, 02 Fair. Indirect sunlight.

How to apply liquid concealer in the right spots

Okay, here’s the thing. We all know the basics: Apply your concealer under the eyes, around the nasolabial folds, under the nose, on acne scars, etc. Choose a shade that matches perfectly to hide things, or go slightly lighter to lift dark areas like the undereye.

But honestly? Put your liquid concealer wherever the hell you want. I apply liberally and skip foundation, or, in the rare case where I find a foundation I like, I apply said foundation as if it was a concealer.

I like to apply the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer under my eyes, on spots, and under the nose. Then, I’ll add a little more (like, a half-amount) on my chin, which is slightly darker than the rest of my face, and over my nose bridge, which is a little darker as well. I’ll blend out with a dense brush or damp makeup sponge, then set with powder for all-day wear. (The Marcelle loose face powder is still my favourite one, even after over a decade and dozens of other samples.)

If I want to contour a little, I’ll go for a slightly lighter shade of concealer down the centre of my nose bridge and in the inner corners of my eyes. Charlotte Tilbury’s Radiant Concealer is great for this—it’s got that medium coverage and sparkly finish, so it highlights beautifully.

Are you glittering?

Yes. From a distance, this product applies beautifully and seamlessly. But in the sun and up close, it’s full of shimmer—and I kind of love that about it. There’s nothing natural about the finish of this concealer, but the result is so overwhelmingly pretty that I feel like a faerie. Boring, hyper-natural skin was so 2020: It’s all about being supernaturally pretty this year.

Availability: The Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer is $33 USD/$42 CAD. Find it at Charlotte Tilbury & Sephora.

Alternative without glitter: Guerlain L’Essentiel Natural Glow Foundation (higher coverage, matte finish, no shimmer).

—

Disclaimer: This post contains product samples & affiliate links.

Tags: /Base, Charlotte Tilbury, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches

Leave a comment

The best spicy Valentine’s Day gifts: myOne review & more

February 8, 2023

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

So you’ve gotten ready for the perfect Valentine’s Day and now you’re looking at the rest of your plans. Finding the right spicy Valentine’s Day gift can be a struggle, but it doesn’t have to be: It’s time to lean into the holiday and commit to your sexy plans.

Valentine’s dinner is a classic, but let’s be real. It’s also a monster, and not the fun kind that craws under the sheets. Try skipping dinner this year and staying in with ~~a cozy book and early night~~ a slew of sex toys, takeout, and a brain-meltingly good lingerie set.

myONE review: A condom with a perfect fit

I’ve always wondered if the immense number of December babies is the fault of Valentine’s Day. We may never know, but with a comfy condom that won’t slip, we may never have to.

myONE Perfect Fit condoms (starting at $14.39 USD) are newly widely available—and they are fabulous. Using a printed out Fit Kit, ONE narrows down the perfect size for penis-havers and sells condoms for that exact fit.

I’ve had a few product testers give these a go for me & their reports are in: These are as good or—depending on the tester—significantly nicer than one-size-fits-all condoms. There’s less weird crinkling and about-to-pop sensations when the fit is perfect, and because you don’t get any ruching along the penis shaft, you feel more sensation. myONE Perfect Fit condoms come with a free sample pack that includes a comparable size, and changing just one size in length or width is noticeable.

I don’t have a penis, but I do have oddly strong opinions about condoms despite that fact. My verdict on the myONE condoms? These are awesome and I love them, too. They’re on the pricier end, but they feel comfortable, durable, and very thin with great heat transfer.

Slip into something sexy

Condoms are an important part of having safer sex, but they aren’t necessarily… Sexy. The Playboy The Mini Bunny lingerie set is sexy.

Playboy has been doing a lot to change their brand identity over the past decade. Since shifting to digital, they’ve become more diverse, more queer, and started making products that feel decidedly luxurious. They purchased Honey Birdette—the lingerie favourite of online hot girls everywhere—in 2021, and it shows.

Back to this set: The Mini Bunny set is literally everything you could wish for in a Valentine’s Day gift or lingerie set. It’s immaculately crafted, with perfect seams and generous stretch. Look to the thong for a surprisingly wearable mesh ruffle, and the underwire bra for push-up lift without padding.

Despite being sexy as hell, each of these three pieces is silky-smooth and really comfortable. Order before February 9th to get it before Valentine’s Day in the US & order your exact size—every single one of these pieces fits perfectly to spec. (I should have gone with a 32C, not a 32B. A lot of “sexy” lingerie brands size up in an odd way; Playboy does not.) This line goes up to an H cup.

Spicy Valentine’s Day gifts for playtime

I’m not using my Je Joue Mimi Soft ($99 USD/$108 CAD) a lot right now, but you know I love it. This is a toy that I always come back to. It’s squishy and easy to use, with a rumbly motor and uniquely wide design.

Recently, I’ve been feeling all good and warm and soft inside over Je Joue’s new product description for this clitoral vibrator, which emphasizes that it’s designed for use on all bodies and genders. Try this on a clitoris or apply it to the penis shaft, perineum, or frenulum.

I love using and recommending a stroker, and right now, that’s the ROMP Dash Penis Stroker ($34.99 USD/$49 CAD). It’s a phenomenal price for a toy with a fantastic internal texture—the first time I poked my lubed-up finger in there, I literally said, “whoa” aloud. The ROMP Dash is nubbly in a very convincing way.

Like the vast majority of strokers, though, it smells kind of weird. Air it out before Valentine’s Day.

Finally, a recommendation that truly fits every body and toy: Good Clean Love Almost Naked Personal Lubricant ($16 CAD). This is getting so easy to find and I love that! It’s organic, glycerine-free, gender-neutral, and smells like vanilla. Use it with the Dash or any other toy.

Find Almost Naked on sale at Good Clean Love right now, or pop on over to your local London Drugs or Shopper’s Drug Mart, where it’s likely on shelves. Have fun!

—

Disclaimer: This post contains product samples and affiliate links.

Tags: /Product Photos, Sex, The Edit, The Gift Guide

Leave a comment

How to create a perfect Valentine’s Day date night

February 8, 2023

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

So you want to know how to create a perfect Valentine’s Day date night. Honestly? It’s easy. Start with a gift, add some carbs, and toss in a bit of bubbly (alcohol optional). Valentine’s Day is the one date night a year when you’re allowed—hell, when you’re encouraged—to be formulaic, so embrace this as your easy out!

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to pull out a new lingerie set or sex toy, but here’s the best tip I can give you: If you want to wow, don’t stop at flowers. Pick out a small, great gift that your partner will love, be it a new pair of binoculars for your birdwatching babe or a diamond pendant for a classic heartthrob.

I have a stellar gift idea for a holiday like Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately for you, however, my partner reads my blog, and I’m not spilling. DM me on Twitter if you need the extra assistance.

Date night makeup for a perfect Valentine’s Day

theNotice has always had a strong beauty component at its core, so let’s talk Valentine’s Day makeup. Getting dolled up for date night is something that I do as an act of service for my partners, and I really enjoy it. Even though I’m not a big makeup-wearer anymore, I love the meditative process of getting dolled up and I love the way it makes me feel on special occasions.

But it’s Valentine’s Day, so there are some important things to remember. Like: Your everyday makeup needs to be upgraded to last; potentially through a sweaty and messy night.

As a base product, I’m loving the absolutely transcendent glow of Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer ($33 USD/$42 CAD). It wears beautifully and highlights like a charm. I pair that with black liner and KISS Lash Couture Little Black Dress Lashes ($5.99 USD/$9.50 CAD), which are still a favourite after all these years.

On the lips, I recommend Clarins Lip Comfort Oil ($28 USD/$32 CAD) or Clarins Water Lip Stain ($29 USD/$32 CAD). Clarins’ Lip Comfort Oil is my everyday go-to. I wear the original Blackberry; in the new line, I recommend Plum for the same deliciously sheer effect and fruity scent. My current boo likes a little lip balm in a kiss—we’re sharing; it’s a gift with purchase—but the brand’s Water Lip Stain is stellar as well if you want a dry finish. Think Benefit Benetint, but improved substantially for 2023.

Finally, Authentic Beauty Concept Working Hairspray ($25 USD/$31 CAD) all the way to lock in some waves or curls. This stuff smells so sweet and delicious, and it holds wonderfully without being crunchy.

Make Valentine’s Day memorable

The Instax Mini Link 2 is a product that I reviewed for one of my freelance clients, and I love it. I love it so much that I needed a second one so I could tell you all about it. (Thank you, Fujifilm!)

You know I love an instant photograph, but an instant printer? Just as good. Honestly, probably better. With an instant printer, you get the creamy analog look and touchable reality of an instant photo, plus the digital guarantee of perfection. And with the Link 2, you also get a slew of AR features like Animal Crossing borders, AR filters, and digital light drawing. You can even print smudged photos so you’re not out here putting lewds on the internet for free ;)

Instax Mini Links are a popular gift item for graduation and Christmas, but Valentine’s Day is that girl as far as I’m concerned. What better time to create mementos for your sweetheart? What better time to print out some spicy photos?

It also comes in pink.

A non-alcoholic drink you’ll actually want to enjoy

I love a glass of Prosecco (or better yet, Lambrusco) to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but I have to give you another option: Lyre’s Classico. This beverage comes ready to drink—canned or bottled—and it’s so flippin’ good.

Lyre’s is a zero-proof line of beverages. They do a great job of creating nonalcoholic spirits and drinks that are just… Good. These aren’t like drinking a boxed juice, and they’re not like drinking a bland Bubly or White Claw. Instead, Lyre’s flavours are complex and interesting, giving you a great reason to reach for a nonalcoholic cocktail over a boozy one. They’re pricier than something like a can of pop, but their flavour profile justifies the price—it’s just a totally different vibe.

Classico is fizzy and smooth, with a tart crispness and a bright flavour finish. It’s strongly flavoured (something you don’t always see in nonalcoholic beverages) with a big nose and kind of tastes like a grown-up Sweet Tart. Its dry finish tastes very much like you’ve just had a sip of bubbly or, more accurately, a carbonated Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand: Expect lots of crisp green apple and creamy pear notes.

Lyre’s 750 ml bottle of Classico is $18.99 CAD. It drinks like a $20-30 bottle of wine.

Do you plan to create the perfect Valentine’s Day evening in this year?

—

Disclaimer: This post contains product samples and affiliate links.

Tags: /2023, Lips, Product Photos, The Edit

Leave a comment

We-Vibe Nova 2 review: The best dual-stim/rabbit-style vibrator

January 10, 2023

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

The product: We-Vibe Nova Rabbit Vibrator (Dual-Stimulation Silicone Vibrator)

2022 was… Let’s be honest, it was not a great year for me, posting-wise, on theNotice. I got to cover a lot of products I just adored, but the volume wasn’t there! So, for 2023, I’m starting the year off right with a fresh review of the We-Vibe Nova 2, my new favourite toy from the We-Vibe lineup.

For 2023, I’m hoping to post a little more, mainly featuring products that have been stalwart favourites in my collection. We’ll start here, but also on my docket are some new toys from ROMP, a gorgeous Charlotte Tilbury concealer that I use every single day, and probably a little skincare too…

We-Vibe Nova 2 features

Rechargeable: runs for 120 minutes on a 90 minute charge.
Made from body-safe silicone. (It’s nice! It’s very squishy.)
Flexible clitoral arm.
Great control interface: 2 arrows for pattern cycling, 2 buttons for intensity control, and 1 button for Bluetooth control and motor toggling.
Motor can be cycled: internal only, external only, and both.
10 vibration patterns plus customizable patterns in the app.
IPX7 waterproof.
Travel lock.

In the box of the We-Vibe Nova 2, you’ll find the toy along with a magnetic USB charging cable, quick start guide, lube sample, and storage bag.

Why the We-Vibe Nova is one of the best rabbit vibrators I’ve ever tried

The We-Vibe Nova 2 is unique in three ways compared to other rabbit style vibrators that I’ve tried. These three features make this the best rabbit vibrator I’ve ever tried or reviewed.

Firstly, the Nova has a really unique clitoral arm (the external part). Instead of reaching for the clitoris at its tip, it has a large degree of flex. This means that, depending on angles, body types, and physiology, it can make contact on its lower surface, tip, or outer surface. I usually direct online shoppers away from rabbit vibes because there’s a good chance that their clitoris won’t be at the spot where the vibe ends, but the Nova doesn’t have that issue.

Secondly, this rabbit vibe is covered in a really delicious, plush silicone. That makes it perfect for delivering diffuse vibration and makes the clitoral arm feel comfortable no matter where it hits. For my body, the pairing of the Nova’s plushness and size means that I can use it hands-free and it stays in exactly the right spot, which is… *skies open, angels sing*.

Thirdly and finally, this toy uses a stunning We-Vibe motor. We-Vibe makes some of my favourite powerful, rumbly motors, and the one they’ve used here is excellent. This motor is strong, deep, and rumbles through the entire toy, so you can achieve a nice sensation no matter where your body makes contact with the product’s arms.

How does the Nova 2 compare?

The Nova 2 adds a plush, full silicone body to the original Nova model. It has more flex than most rabbit vibrators—in both arms—and comes in both Midnight Blue (featured here) and Pink.

It is, compared to other sex toys, wildly linty. I have no idea why. It meant that I had to edit the hell out of these photos, but its finish feels so nice that I can’t find that I really mind. This is, in my mind, the perfect silicone finish; soft, plush, smooth, velvety… it feels so nice during use and in your hands.

It is linty. And its storage bag makes it even more linty. But it is worth the lint.

Is this an app-controlled sex toy?

Yes! I don’t tend to use app-controlled sex toys because I find most of the interfaces to be so patchy—they routinely drop connection just when you need it the most—but the We-Vibe Nova 2 is a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled app-controlled sex toy. You can control this from the same room or, through paired phones, long-distance.

The We-Connect app gives users control over rhythms, intensities, and vibration placement (internal/external/both). Again, I wouldn’t use the app if given a choice, but you can. (It’s very nice for long-distance partners!)

The verdict?

As someone who routinely, habitually advises people not to buy dual stimulation or rabbit-style vibrators because they can be so hit and miss… I actually love the Nova. It handles all of my critiques of other rabbit vibes to create a product that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

If you’re looking for a dual-stim toy but you’re worried about the product’s fit, the We-Vibe Nova is an awesome product to reach for instead. It won’t deliver pinpoint stimulation, which some users prefer, but its unique design covers a lot more area and will fit a lot more body shapes than other toys I’ve tried of this style.

Also, the fact that its plushness makes it ideal for hands-free use? Stunning.

Availability: The We-Vibe Nova 2 Rabbit Vibe is available for $159 CAD/$149 USD at We-Vibe.

—

Disclaimer: This post contains product samples submitted for editorial consideration and affiliate links. Fun fact: We-Vibe sent me this vibe—I think around the time of its launch—and it sat in my product closet for over a year. I tried it totally on a whim one day while doing product testing and haven’t looked back since.

Tags: /Product Photos, Product Review, Sex, We Vibe

Leave a comment

Black Friday sex toy deals in Canada

November 25, 2022

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

Okay: So I know I haven’t been writing a lot for theNotice this year. But look! To make it up to you, I have a little Black Friday sex toy sale snapshot for 2022. This year’s is for XOXToys, a Canadian sex toy boutique with a commendably vast selection.

*This is a sponsored post from XOXToys with affiliate links, but the content and toy selections are my own.

20% off Black Friday sex toy sale

For Black Friday/Cyber Monday this year, XOXToys is doing a 20% discount sitewide with some products up to 80% off (Nov 23-Nov 28 2022.) I’ve picked out some of my favourite products at really good prices so you don’t have to shop the entire site on your own.

As a sex blogger, I steadfastly believe that sex toys should be accessible to everyone. There shouldn’t be a barrier to pleasure, and especially not a monetary one. So during big sale seasons, like Black Friday and the holidays, I do my best to make sure my readers know where to find high-quality, eco-friendly, body-safe sex toys at reasonable prices.

XOXToys ships discreetly and shipping is free over $49 CAD.

My favourite air pulse toy: The Womanizer Premium

My favourite sex toy of 2022 is the Womanizer Premium, which retails for around $220 CAD. It’s a great toy with a fantastic battery life, waterproof silicone body, and super quiet motor. But the $220 price tag is a lot to spend on a single sex toy.

I’ve been really happy with mine, and actually own more than one so I never run out of charge—but that’s a hell of a price tag to stomach, even though they last for years and have outlived dozens of other toys in my collection. Find it 20% off this weekend for a little savings on my fave.

For an air pulse toy that doesn’t take such a huge chunk out of your wallet, there’s also the Satisfyer line. The Satisfyer Pro 2+ is good, but not as quiet as the Womanizer Premium. It’s covered in ABS plastic rather than silicone, but $39.99 CAD (55.5% off), it’s a fantastic buy.

Dish out a pack of Tenga Eggs

For someone who doesn’t have a penis, I am wholly too fixated on Tenga Eggs (pictured here with the new Lelo Dot.) I just love everything about them: They’re so soft, and squishy, and their textures and patterns look so pleasant.

XOXToys’ box of 6 is 40% off for Black Friday, with six unique, stretchy patterns. (Individual eggs are 20% off.) I find that they’re really great for solo masturbation if you have a penis, but they’re also great for partnered play.

To enjoy the squishiness of a Tenga Egg without a phallic attachment, try one inside-out on a vibrator or massage wand. (The Magic Wand is 40% off at XOX this weekend.) It’ll give your vibrating toy a more plush, diffused texture, dampening and spreading the sensation.

Try something new with a Mystery Box

I haven’t gotten one of these before, so can’t vouch for the XOXToys Mystery Box—but I kind of love the idea of not having to choose. Each Mystery Box, 25% off for Black Friday, contains 3-5 adult toys, sex lubes, erotic massage lotions, arousal gels, or pheromone oils.

If you get one, let me know how it is. I think it’s priced pretty high for what you’re getting, especially when we know that pheromone oils don’t necessarily even contain human pheromones, but I love a surprise. (My recommendation, though? Go for a bottle of Sliquid H2O instead. It’s dependable, body-safe, glycerine-free, and 20% off.)

What sales are you shopping for Black Friday 2022?

Tags: sponsored/Sex

Leave a comment

The best silicone-free shampoos and conditioners for thin hair

October 26, 2022

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

It’s been a minute since my last post on theNotice, so let’s keep things lively—and talk about a bunch of stuff I’ve been loving recently. (I have more things-I’ve-loved coming up soon, too. Keep your eyes peeled for a stellar new concealer, a lovely sunscreen, and a fantastic new sex toy launch.) As we all know, my hair is in a permanent state of crisis. So, here are the best silicone-free shampoos and conditioners for thin hair that I’ve tried in 2022.

The Ordinary haircare review: Scent-free moisture with great texture

I’m absolutely feral for anything The Ordinary puts out. From their squalane cleanser to their Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, I literally cannot get enough. I went through seven tubes of Natural Moisturizing factors in the past year.

As a beauty writer, my beauty product budget is pretty much unlimited. I receive a ton of PR from brands, plus anything that I purchase to feature on theNotice is a write-off. So, if I’m going through half a dozen bottles of one of the most affordable products I’ve ever tried, you know it’s because it’s knocked everything else out of the water.

When The Ordinary came out with their first two haircare products, I had to try them. They didn’t disappoint: The Ordinary Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair ($8.70 CAD) gently removes dirt and oil from my hair and doubles as a foaming, scent-free bodywash. The Ordinary Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner ($8.70 CAD) is also scent-free, and hydrates without weighing your hair down. (So important when you’re looking for conditioners for thin hair.) The Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner is really weird and cool to use—it has an almost waxy texture that goes transparent at the edges.

I bought four more bottles of these after trying these out for the first month, stocking my beauty closet with two extras and leaving two at my mom’s for weekend stays.

Prose haircare: Conditioners for thin hair, thick hair, or whatever hair you have

On the absolute opposite end of things is Prose. Where The Ordinary offers literally only two options for every hair type, Prose tweaks unique formulas to match exactly your hair type. The brand lets you customize your ingredients, fragrances, and hair needs. They even use your postcode to figure out the conditions your hair will be working with.

My Prose shampoo is in the Botanica scent, which I find to be soothing without lingering. My shampoo for my thin hair features jujube bark extract, kale, spirulena, peppermint, biotin, and fermented rice water, and my conditioner for thin hair is colour-safe (it’s tinted lightly purple) and features collagen, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil alongside fermented rice water.

Prose was first recommended to me by a longtime reader, Kate, who swears by the brand. (And she does have really nice hair, so I guess that’s two confirmed pros for Prose!)

Authentic Beauty Company review: One of my favourite conditioners for thin hair

Finally, let’s close up these shampoos and conditioners for thin hair with a sleeper hit: Authentic Beauty Company. I was sent the Authentic Beauty Company Glow collection ($90.90 CAD), which is for coloured hair. The brand makes Hydrate (for dry hair), Replenish (for damaged hair), and Amplify (for thin hair), too.

(My thin hair and I definitely need to try Amplify.)

The brand’s Glow collection smells like sweet baked goods, spicy dried fruits, and cinnamon, and honestly? I don’t hate it. It’s half teen girl living her best life; half gourmand perfume. The entire line is silicone-free—even the hair mask and oil drops—and I kinda like the funky, ultra-modern bottles, even with their twist-on caps.

Out of the three of these sets, ABC is what I keep coming back to. The scent is perfect for fall, lingering deliciously on my sheets, and Glow lifts all of the icky oils right off of my scalp without leaving it feeling tight or itchy. I opt for The Ordinary when I’m going out or seeing friends (scent-free whenever we can, baby!), but this highly giftable range is really stellar, too.

—

Disclaimer: The products in this post were six of many submitted by PR. Only these ones made the cut. This post contains affiliate links & a weird amber necklace I found in my grandmother’s closet.

Tags: /Grouped reviews, Hair, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, The Ordinary

Leave a comment

How to party at Pride: Reviews – Lora diCarlo Carezza, Magnum x Nails Inc, Clarins Lip Oils, and more

June 20, 2022

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

How to party at Pride

Dear reader: you don’t really need a guide telling you how to party at Pride. Not any more so than you need a guide telling you how to party at a regular time of year, that is. All you really need is:

A group of friends that lifts each other up and looks after one another,
A full-bodied appreciation of your own existence, even just for one day,
And a venue that not only celebrates the queer community in June, but all year round.

Magnum x Nails Inc Cookie Duet – Classic Chocolate chocolate dip over Glazed Almond

Magnum & Nails Inc review: Chocolate-dipped, chocolate scented goodness

The first collection in this post isn’t specifically queer, but it has a very inclusive, queer vibe. Nails Inc has a collection out right now with Magnum (the ice cream, not the condoms), and y’all… It’s fantastic.

The Magnum x Nails Inc collection features a gorgeous wide brush design, two must-have brown nail polish shades, and the perfect polish consistency. (Other lovers of brown nail polish will know that it’s hard to find even one great brown shade in a collection, much less two. If you’re searching for a dark nude shade, Classic Chocolate and Glazed Almond are great!)

Nails Inc polishes are about $20 here in Canada, but they apply like a $30 or $40 product. Each shade is easy to apply with a formula that dries quickly and does a great job of self-levelling.

Now, on to the gay shit: these polishes are chocolate scented when they dry. No, I’m not kidding; yes, it’s just as good as you’re picturing in your head right now. They smell like chocolate scratch-n-sniff stickers and they’re the perfect conversational opener for sapphic flirting while you party at Pride.

Magnum x Nails Inc Almond Duet – Glazed Almond swatch & photo

Threads Pasties: What to wear to Pride 2022

Getting dressed for Pride can be intimidating, but at the core of queerness lies a beautiful allowance to subvert expectations. If you want to go to Pride in a rainbow dress and glittery eye makeup, that’s perfect. Go for it! Your other attendees will love it.

That being said, if you want to attend in comfy beige slacks and a dress shirt, that’s just as suitable for a Pride event. I’ve never really liked the feeling of wearing a lot of colour, which can make me feel awkward in queer spaces. But a community that wants to love you for who you really are isn’t going to expect you to dress a certain way just to fit in, and that rule applies to Pride events, too.

Two of the very queer looks I’ve been loving this month are (1) a white dress shirt tied over a bralette and (2) a simple, skin-tight beige dress.

For tight dresses, Threads Invisible Nipple Stickers are a new product in my life that have been unexpectedly wonderful. They’re soft and reusable, and I don’t notice them at all when I’m wearing them—unlike single-use adhesive pasties. I’m a free the nipple! person, but honestly, I don’t want my nips rubbing up against things 100% of the time. Threads are a comfortable, affordable option that look and feel seamless, and my only ask from them as a company is that they release darker shades soon so our whole community can enjoy them.

Parade Cotton Plunge Bralette: What to wear to Pride (continued)

For tied dress shirts, I love a little bralette moment peeking out. Parade’s Plunge Bralette is a new addition to my wardrobe and I couldn’t be happier with it. (Well, I could if they came out with a model with bra hooks, but it’s still pretty great).

Soft, unpadded, and wire-free, the Plunge Bralette offers lift and support through a stretchy hidden band on the interior of the product. I have mine in black, because of course I do, but Parade has so many cute colours and prints that would be perfect for Pride spaces. They use diverse models as well—models that actually look like their consumer base, with rolls, moles, and hip dips—which makes each Parade purchase feel great.

Clarins Lip Oils & Physician’s Formula Diamond Liquid Eyeshadow: What to wear to Pride (it never ends)

You know I can’t do a roundup without adding a little makeup! theNotice, after all, started as a makeup blog—ages ago.

I’m going to be honest: I’m not wearing a lot of makeup right now. I haven’t in ages. It’s basically just Marcelle Precision Liquid Eyeliner, a bit of foundation, and a Clarins Lip Oil. But I still have a couple things to talk about!

For starters, right after I found the lip product love of my life, Clarins up and discontinued it. Thankfully, the Lip Oil line hasn’t been fully cancelled; it’s just been repackaged and relaunched with new shades. The updated line is just as comfortable, juicy, and hydrating as the originals. Pictured here are 03 Cherry and 04 Pitaya, which do a pretty solid job of displaying that some of the formulas are a little more fluid and sheer (Pitaya) while others are thicker and more pigmented (Cherry).

PS: For anyone wondering how to replace my beloved Blackberry, the new 10 Plum is the shade that you’re looking for. The two aren’t identical, but they’re close enough because of their sheerness that I’ve barely noticed the swap!

On the eyes, I’ve been popping a little Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Melt-allic Liquid Eyeshadow on the lid. The Melt-allics are difficult to blend without another product, but they wear well and add an instant, long-lasting duochrome to the lid. They’re often on sale for around $9 CAD at Shopper’s and are very similar to the cult-favourite Stila Magnificent Metal Glitter & Glows, but are less chunky (and notably less than $31).

Playing after Pride: Lora DiCarlo Carezza & We-Vibe Nova 2

You really can’t cover Pride without talking about pleasure nowadays. So, I have a few recommendations for you: one for safe sex, two for sensation, and two for personal pleasure.

I’ve been testing the Lora DiCarlo Carezza for an upcoming sponsored post for Luxury Vibrators, and it’s… very interesting. I’ll get into it more in my upcoming review, but essentially, this toy is a dual purpose one: it offers both finger-tapping sensation and suction sensation, depending on how you use it.

Another toy that I’ve been testing is the gorgeous We-Vibe Nova 2, which is my first Nova model. It’s a rabbit vibe that flexes rather than reaches, so it’s supposed to be a good “fit” for more people than a standard rabbit. Honestly, I haven’t been reaching for either of these toys often—always in favour of my Womanizer Premium, recently—but they’re pretty unique if you’re searching for a new toy to try!

The assumption of Pride, however, is often that you bring someone home with you to celebrate. (Not always, though!) Be them a new boo or an old friend, here are a few final items to tie up this post.

How to party at Pride – the cooldown: Province Apothecary Lover’s Oil, Jems Condoms, Hereward Farms

First up, we have Jems condoms: a safer sex option that comes in cute green packaging. Made from latex and packaged with 100% silicone lube, these vegan condoms contain no other preservatives or ingredients. If you can use silicone and latex, they’re a great option that’s otherwise allergen-free.

Next, we have Province Apothecary’s Lover’s Oil, a Canadian classic that’s great for massages and intimate lubrication. Lover’s Oil cannot be used with Jems (or other latex condoms), but it has a light, woody fragrance of rose and cedarwood to set the mood. Province Apothecary is donating a portion of their sales this month to SOY Toronto, a community development program for queer youth in Toronto.

Finally, to finish your evening, we have a little bath bomb from Hereward Farms, who is donating a portion of their sales this month to buying Pride flags for students at a local school in Orangeville, Ontario. The lavender used in their bath bombs is grown in Ontario, so pop one in the tub and enjoy your locally-soured rest & relaxation!

What are your Pride plans this year?

—

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post were supplied by PR for editorial consideration only. Some of these links are affiliate links. More of them probably should be, but I am tired and I would rather nap.

Happy Pride! I love you!

Tags: /Grouped reviews, Product Photos, Product Review

Leave a comment

The Organic Skin Co. review: The Good Oil, Set the Tone

April 12, 2022

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

I’ve recently started to worry, almost obsessively, that Fern Girl is developing separation anxiety. I’ll leave her alone for an evening, or a day, and the entire time, I’m overwhelmed by how lonely and scared she must be. Like any other millennial who’s been staying at home with their pet literally 24/7 since the start of the pandemic, my guess… Well, my guess is that I’m probably the one developing separation anxiety. Let’s chat about it while we discuss these gorgeous new skincare products from The Organic Skin Co., which used to produce some of my (now discontinued) favourite makeup products.

The Organic Skin Co. The Good Oil review: I want to take this everywhere (but I can’t)

Like Fern Girl, I want to take this oil everywhere. I want to pack her into a little under-the-shoulder carrier and take her with me to get groceries; buy plants; go for dinner on an empty patio. Similarly, I want to toss this oil into every bag I own, adding it to everything from hand lotion to face cream. When I’m staying over somewhere else, I genuinely miss it with an ache in my chest.

(I think I need to start leaving my house more. And probably do so without my skincare, or my cat.)

It’s hard to speak ill of packaging that’s a) completely gorgeous and b) very eco-friendly, but I’m just not sure that this bottle hits the spot for me. Underneath its bamboo cap, which is difficult to screw on and off, it has a finicky little plastic oil-stopper to prevent spills. I find myself having to wipe down the opening of The Organic Skin Co,’s The Good Oil every time I use it, fumbling its lid shut and screwing the cap back on with one hand cupped around my oil, still waiting to be applied.

And yet—I really wish that I could take this oil with me everywhere. With jojoba and caprylic/capric triglyceride (my favourite) as a base and calendula, turmeric, rosemary, and honeysuckle to enrich, this oil is rich and hydrating. The calendula works to calm irritated skin, and turmeric softens with anti-oxidant effects. Rosemary extract acts as a natural preservative, and CO2-extracted honeysuckle gives this serum an incredible scent with some vitamin C and antioxidants to boot.

The glow of The Good Oil

The Organic Skin Co. The Good Oil ($34.95 USD) gives me just the most incredible glow—when I wake up. I find it’s best as a nighttime oil. Two drops of this deliciously fragranced, vitamin C-rich oil mixed into my moisturizer leave me smooth and greasy, with an effect that slowly sinks in over the course of about an hour to reveal just the most beautiful, soft, sweet-smelling skin.

Packaged in responsible materials (with tips for recycling, reusing, and upcycling each product), this oil is a wonderful overnight treatment for skin types lacking a little lustre. I think it shines for dry or dehydrated skin types, and though it’s tough to travel with, it looks beautiful on the sink side.

And hey. Even though its packaging is a little finicky, it’s a lot easier to take with you than your grumpy tortoiseshell cat.

The Organic Skin Co. The Good Oil ingredients view

Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, prunus dulcis (almond) seed oil, prunus armeniaca (apricot) seed oil, calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract*†, curcuma longa (turmeric) root extract*†, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract†, lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract†.

* Organic Ingredient

† CO2 Supercritical Extract

72.2% Organic Ingredients

Pair The Good Oil with The Organic Skin Co. Set the Tone

In my first review of The Organic Skin Co., I talked about how their (now-discontinued) cream eyeshadows somehow made my eyeshadow last for longer without creasing. This toner is much the same: it’s magical.

Set the Tone ($34.95 USD) is made with aloe leaf juice instead of glycerine. It’s the first toner I’ve used that hasn’t broken me out with long-term use, and I think the glycerine-aloe swap is the reason why. It has a beautiful, dense, lush mister that doesn’t seem to be capable of piling on too much product. No matter how many times I spritz, my skin never gets sticky.

And, as a result, I haven’t broken out since I started using this toner.

In general, my skin loves the first few days of any toner, but then I need a little break before I can continue. With this one, however, I’m fine. It adds a little hydration and a gentle rose fragrance before I moisturize, and that’s it. No breakouts.

Simple, easy, and gorgeous. It’s just enough to start to shake up my routine with something different. Something that isn’t just sitting at home with my cat and applying the exact same skincare day after day. It sets the tone for a beautiful, bright new beginning.

The Organic Skin Co. Set the Tone ingredients view

Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice*, rosa damascena (rose) flower water*, betain, caprylyl/capryl glucoside (and) aqua (and) sodium cocoyl glutamate (and) glyceryl caprylate (and) citric acid (and) polyglyceryl-6 oleate (and) sodium surfactin, potassium sorbate, lonicera japonica (honeysuckle) flower extract †, (and) aqua (and) lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract†, rosa damascena (rose) oil, citral, geraniol, linalool, citronellol.

Tags: /Moisturizers, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, Silicone-free moisturizers and serums, Skincare, The Organic Skin Co

Leave a comment

How to choose a Valentine’s Day gift that’s indulgent and flirty

February 10, 2022

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

I could say it a million times, but I’d still get the question: “can you tell me how to choose a Valentine’s Day gift from [shop name] for my partner?”

How to choose a Valentine’s Day gift for the bedroom

If you want to choose a vibrator for your partner out of the blue, don’t. Instead, ask them what they want. The sexiest thing you can do for your partner is to ask them what they actually enjoy first, then take on the labour of researching, reading reviews, and finding the best deal so that you can surprise them with a toy they think they’ll love.

That being said, I always recommend a rumbly toy with a wide range of intensity for a first clitoral vibrator. And, here on theNotice, that toy is always the Je Joue Mimi Soft. With a soft finish, waterproof body, and rumbly motor, it’s the one toy that I find my partners and I universally love. You can read my review of the Je Joue Mimi Soft here.

This Valentine’s Day, I’m also crazy about the JimmyJane Intimate Lubricant ($28 USD; currently on sale for $14 USD). It’s perfectly slick, with great packaging that never clogs and makes it easy to get the right amount. Its water-based formula does contain glycerine and parabens, which not everyone prefers to use, but it’s my absolute favourite lube right now for texture, packaging, and experience.

Valentine’s Day sex toy gifts (luxury edition)

If you’re looking to spend a little more on a luxurious treat, I’m also enjoying the Crave Vesper and Womanizer Premium 2 right now. The Vesper 24K ($149 USD) is an interesting toy that I’ve had my eye on for a while. It’s a demi-fine vibrating necklace, which charges via USB and is plated in 24K gold. The vibrations themselves are very buzzy, and I’m not sure that they could get me off if I tried, but I just… love the idea of a discreet, stunning piece of jewelry that doubles as a sex toy. (Crave also offers silver and rose gold options, which are substantially more affordable. I am, however, and very boringly always will be, a gold person.)

And as for the Womanizer Premium 2? You know I love the Womanizer Premium — and this new version adds 2 new intensity levels and 2 new colours. Find it at Womanizer ($219 CAD, currently on sale for $208.05 CAD) and PinkCherry (USA/CAN).

How to choose a Valentine’s Day gift that smells & looks amazing

I can’t put together a Valentine’s Day feature without a few beauty products, so let’s talk about what I’ve been wearing on my lips recently. There are three products that stand out.

First, we have a classic on theNotice: the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Inks. This one is Voyager, a classic red that’s just so comfortable, vibrant, and long-wearing. It’s my Christmas lip; my Valentine’s lip; my Lunar New Year lip.

Then, we have a new favourite: Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in Blackberry. You have to go read that review — it’s quite possibly my favourite lip product of all time. The lip it delivers is hydrated, comfortable, and kissable, with a wonderful scent and a juicy, translucent finish that honestly even makes me want to kiss myself.

Finally, we wrap up this trio with a recent lip gloss that I’ve been loving: Sephora Collection Outrageous Plumping Lip Gloss ($16 CAD). It’s absolutely not plumping, but 05 Plump It up Red is a lovely, comfortable, minty-finish gloss in a very natural shade for my skintone. These glosses are comfortable on dry lips and easy to find at Sephora in sets and on sale.

Three Valentine’s-friendly fragrances I’ve been loving recently

The first is an old favourite. Serge Lutens Chergui is one of my go-to date fragrances, with a sultry, spicy scent that reels them in. (I also love Nest Indigo, which gets compliments every single time. I should have photographed it for this post, but couldn’t find it — I’m always slipping it into a purse or overnight bag for dates!)

My Burberry Blush is another date-friendly fragrance that I’ll spritz on for a light, sweet, daytime scent, and Anecdote Candles Snow Day is my current crowning jewel. Rather than a personal fragrance, it’s a gorgeous home fragrance in a candle: warm, cozy, and super sweet. (Right now, you can purchase Anecdote’s Candle with a Cause, which donates $5 per Cause Candle to the Loveland Foundation with a minimum donation of $5000. We love to see a minimum donation!!)

Zero-proof Valentine’s Day cocktails

The pandemic has been tough on all of us. For some, that’s meant mixing a few extra at-home cocktails every week; for others, it’s been the opposite, with a substantial cutback on alcohol consumption.

I’m not here to judge either way, but I love having the option to put together a zero-proof cocktail when the occasion calls for it. More and more, I’m finding that I reach for a glass of wine at the end of the day simply because I want a special little treat for myself, and Lyre’s has a really impressive range of alcohol-free spirits. They give you the option of putting together a nice, alcohol-free drink for yourself, and while they definitely don’t taste identical to alcoholic spirits, they’re lovely. You get to maintain the same ritual of measuring, mixing, serving, and enjoying while eliminating or cutting back on your alcohol consumption.

My first-ever non-alcoholic cocktail was at Meat & Pie Co. in Toronto, which I wholeheartedly recommend. Their BBQ and pies are out of this world (literally some of the best I’ve ever had), and the drinks were no different. After having a smokey old fashioned at their zero-proof bar, I was a convert.

Right now, I’m enjoying Lyre’s Apératif Rosso Style (pictured) and American Malt. I found the American Malt to be a little bitter and watery (like many nonalcoholic spirits), so it definitely needs to be served with bitters… but the Apératif Rosso Style is amazing. It’s sweet, tangy, flavourful, and very convincing.

You can find recipes using each on Lyre’s site here to mix up something special for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day.

—

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post were submitted by PR for editorial consideration only. This post contains affiliate links, which help keep theNotice running.

Tags: Maybelline Matte Ink/Food, Fragrance, Sex, The Edit, Womanizer

Leave a comment

Sephora Collection Holiday 2021 Gift Guide

December 24, 2021

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

My Sephora Collection Holiday 2021 package came a little late this year (and then I was super busy), so this is sneaking in just before Christmas—but oooooh, these babies are good. I love a Sephora holiday collection, and 2021’s is no exception. These affordable, brightly-coloured gifts are perfect for makeup lovers who are still putting together their collections, and one item in particular (a post-Christmas advent calendar) is the perfect last-minute gift.

This isn’t the whole collection by any means, but these are my favourite picks of the year.

Sephora Collection Holiday 2021: “Holiday Vibes”

For Sephora’s 2021 Holiday collection, we’re talking lipglosses. We’re talking longwearing liquid lipsticks. (I love theirs — they’re not the very best on the market, but they’re really, really nice for the price.) We’re talking silicone-free masks for your hands, face, and feet; super-soft makeup sponges; cinnamon hand creams. We’re talking multi-purpose colour sticks, lip balm ornaments, massive eyeshadow palettes, and really wonderful lipglosses.

One of the things that makes Sephora Collection’s holiday offerings so great is that they introduce you to a lot of the brand’s fan-favourites. I love their house brand for makeup basics, and their holiday sets are an even better deal. (Especially if you can nab any of the stragglers during Boxing Day sales!)

This year, Sephora’s holiday offerings introduced me to the brand’s Sephora Collection Outrageous Plumping Lip Gloss ($16 CAD). These glosses, included in 01 Universal Volume, 02 XXXL Nude, and 05 Plump It Up Red, are delightfully sheer and minty. They’re lightly sticky, but in that “hot girl from the mid-2000s” kind of way—not so sticky that hot guys won’t want to kiss you.

With their sheer colour and tingling minty effect, these are a beautiful “my lips but better” colour. If you’re just picking up a gloss on its own and have missed the holiday sets, 05 Plump It Up Red is my favourite! It’s a gorgeous, natural-looking, shimmer-free plum that I just can’t get enough of.

The Sephora Collection Holiday Vibes advent calendar

The Sephora Collection Holiday 2021 collection features two calendars. One is a traditional calendar that takes you from December 1st to 25th. I always love these ones from Sephora Collection, because Sephora’s contains a ton of great, tiny products that are perfect for travel. They’re usually around $50, and every door contains a great mini gift—unlike Chanel’s viral $1025 CAD advent calendar, which basically just contained stickers.

Sephora’s traditional advent calendar is great, but their other is genius. Sephora Collection’s Holiday Vibes After Advent Calendar is a post-Christmas advent calendar, and each drop-down box contains two miniature gifts to get you from December 26th to the 31st. You get twelve items in total (all pictured here) for $25 USD, making it the perfect last-minute gift for a Christmas lover that you have yet to check off your list.

Absolutely flippin’ genius, you guys.

This is my last post of the year and I’m already one glass of bubbly into the evening, so I’ll leave you with this one musing: why are we starting our advent calendars on December 1st when we could be using them to get through the after-Christmas slump instead? I mean, that way, they’re giftable, affordable, and honestly—necessary. So many of us are off from work at that time, slogging through thick snow and trying to schedule distanced coffee pickups with friends, only to find that every single local business is closed for the holidays.

Here’s to more after-advent calendars in 2022. Have a wonderful holiday season!

—

Disclaimer: This post contains product samples and affiliate links.

Tags: /Holiday 2021, Product Photos, Product Review, Sephora Collection

Leave a comment