theNotice

Who is your favourite indie artist? | A few Monday morning watercolours

June 5, 2017

Leave a comment

It’s June and I’m home! And I’m in love with this commissioned watercolour by indie artist Isabel Hernandez (@panzerwaffle).

It’s a small portrait of Boyfriend and I that I surprised him with on our 2nd anniversary, plus a little portrait of me (below) that Isabel slipped in as a surprise. I can’t wait to finish my gallery wall and get them both hung up.

I would love to fill my home with more art, but it can be tough. I’m still living on a disabled student budget, and art is $$$$. The main piece in our living room is a housewarming gift from a friend of mine. I’m not sure how I ended up with such generous, talented indie artist friends, but hey: I’m not complaining!

It’s weird seeing myself without freckles. Like, I feel like they make up 40% of my face? (The other 60% is all dimple.)

Right now, I’m obsessed with Giselle Denis, an Edmonton indie artist that does just the cheeriest florals. I’m not sure I’m ever going to own one of her pieces, because most of them run upwards of $2000, but a girl can dream, right? There’s so much spirit in every one of her poppies and each of her rivers, and every piece just radiates joy.

That’s the toughest hurdle that I run into when looking for art, honestly. Commissioned watercolours are one thing, but I want my living space to be full of good feelings. Most of our local indie artists are… let’s say “edgy,” which makes it hard to fill a home with happy art. And I’d rather spend a little more and have all of my money go directly to the artist rather than forking out for shipping costs or buying something mass-market.

(Although I’ve been pretty darn tempted with some of the Garance Doré prints at Indigo. I just love her so much!)

What indie artist is strewn across your walls?

What are your walls filled with? Or, even better, how many of you run your own Etsy shops? I know a few of my super-talented blogger friends have started selling their art and printables recently, so please feel free to share your shop in the comments below!

And, of course, I’d love if you could share photos of your own art collections, or links to your favourite affordable artists. Let’s get this ball rolling.

Tags: /Home, Small Business Saturdays

Leave a comment

Maybelline 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palette review, swatches, photos

June 1, 2017

Rae Chen

1 Comment

The product: Maybelline 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palette in Gold

I’ve been covering a little bit too much skincare recently for my tastes. So, when Maybelline sent over a few of their latest launches, I couldn’t wait to get them on my face. I used a bit of Maybelline and a touch of Burberry for some high-low makeup in this post.

Maybelline 24K Nudes formula

You know how sometimes, you try out an eyeshadow formula and you’re just like, “yeah, that’s drugstore”? This palette feels a little bit like that. Maybelline’s lip products are stellar, but their eyeshadow formula tends to be quite dry. The 24K Nudes formula meets those expectations, and none of the shades are particularly buttery or pigmented.

It’s definitely a workable palette, and at a drugstore price, I enjoyed using it. It’s important to have products that bridge the whole spectrum! None of the shades were too sheer, and I appreciate that Maybelline never heaps in chunky glitter.

For wear, these eyeshadows definitely need a primer. As long as I used one, they lasted all day on my lids with no creasing or fading.

Eyes: Maybelline 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palette, The Colossal Big Shot Mascara

Maybelline 24K Nudes eyeshadow swatches (indirect sunlight over primer)

Maybelline 24K Nudes swatches and shades

The 24K Nudes features an edgier colour palette than some of Maybelline’s other palette offerings, but on the whole, the shades deliver. The purple on the second row is soft and desaturated, and the warm brown on the upper row is lovely.

Weirdly enough, what I didn’t love about this palette was the eponymous 24K shade! It’s very pigmented and quite metallic for the drugstore, but the yellow-gold hue just does NOT work for my skin tone. For my colouring, this is more of a fall palette, but I can really see it rockin’ on someone like Joan Smalls or Karen from MABB.

The Maybelline 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palette verdict?

It’s strange – I didn’t dislike the Maybelline 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palette, but I liked the Maybelline Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette way more. The 24K Nudes are a little drier; a little less pigmented. At $11 (in the US), they’re a good deal, but at $17 (in Canada), I think the price is a little steep.

But real talk, though: how awesome are the models behind this palette? I’m digging your level of diversity, Maybelline.

Availability: $11.99 USD/$17.99 CAD at Maybelline, Ulta, and most drugstores and mass market retailers.

Tags: /Eyes, Maybelline, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Spring/Summer 2017

1 Comment

Crash Hotel (Edmonton) review | Time for a little staycation…

May 29, 2017

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

Crash Hotel review: Perfect for a party, but skip it for the romance

I was invited to check out Crash Hotel in May, the weekend before I left for China. A place to crash if you’ve been partying downtown, the hotel offers party suites, regular rooms, and hostel-style beds.

Our Traveller’s King Corner Room was spacious and comfortable, with a gorgeous bathroom and a comfy bed. It features a wall-length desk for those on a working vacation, and everything was very clean (save for a ~~little~~ big critter that I met at 7 AM and woke my partner yelling about.) #JustOldBuildingThings, right?

My one recommendation? For an establishment with super-flattering lighting and a drink called “The Selfie,” there’s a surprising lack of mirrors in their rooms. Dear folks at Crash – a full-length mirror could totally up your social media mentions!

Best places to eat in Edmonton on game day: Crash Hotel Lobby Bar

A review of the Crash Hotel Lobby Bar

My favourite place at Crash is its lobby bar. The hotel itself sits on top of three different food & drink places: the Lobby Bar, Denizen Hall, and Arena Liquor. One kitchen runs both of the bars, but their vibes are very different.

While Denizen Hall is a rowdy arcade and sports bar, the Crash Hotel Lobby Bar is a cocktail & martini bar with a tapas-style menu. It would be a great place for a second date. Just make sure not to go on a game day, because it gets packed!

Crash Hotel Lobby Bar/Denizen Hall review – Brussels ‘n Bacon

I loved the kitchen’s Brussels ‘n Bacon (above), which was so good that my partner and I had it twice. The chickpeas in the dish are deep fried, and the sweet, spicy sauce is unspeakably delicious.

However, our second dish was disappointing. We ordered the mussels with blue cheese, sriracha, and condensed milk (below), and they were so salty that we couldn’t finish the dish. (It may have been a fluke of the day, because our server mentioned that it’s a customer favourite.) We had a midnight snack from Denizen later on, and noticed the same thing: the steak sandwich was perfect, but the pretzel was cold and tough.

Crash Hotel Lobby Bar review – Sriracha Mussels

You have to try a martini when you’re in a cocktail & martini bar, so I tried the Prosec-go. It tasted exactly like boozy cough syrup, and was just as much fun. I also had a modified version of The Donald (no affiliation), which I would absolutely recommend if you like lychee!

The verdict on Crash Hotel?

I’ll be honest with you: we had a mixed experience at Crash Hotel. I really liked it, but my partner really didn’t.

I loved our stay because the rooms are really cool, the location is right downtown, and the bed was vast and comfortable. Everyone was beyond helpful, and seriously: MALIN+GOETZ toiletries in that bathroom? I can die happy.

But Crash is a lot of things. There were drunk guys yelling in the hallway at 2 AM, and I got cat-called so many times that even my 6′ tall white male partner felt unsafe. Plus, parking is a whopping $35 a day, and old buildings have their own problems, like thin walls and pests.

Overall, I would recommend Crash for a younger clientele. With no room service and a noisy environment, it’s not ideal for a romantic staycation–but it’s it’s a very cool place to hang for the night. The hostel-style rooms start at $90 for 4, and the party suite practically encourages gettin’ weird with your friends.

Crash Hotel Edmonton Themed Traveller’s King Room

GIVEAWAY | Come stay at Crash Hotel!

Okay, so here’s the really exciting part of the post. The folks at Crash have offered to give away a one-night stay at Crash AND a $50 gift card to their Lobby Bar!

Whether you live in Edmonton and you’d like to treat yourself to a little staycation, or you’re planning to travel this summer and you want to stop by, this giveaway is for you. It’s open worldwide for 2 weeks, and you must be over the age of majority to enter.

~~Good luck!~~

EDIT 17/07/18: This giveaway has ended. Thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations to Taylor D. for winning!

{ See more of Crash in this outfit post }

Tags: /7. Other, Edmonton, Food, Travel

Leave a comment

The Floral Maxi Dress with Cutouts | When it’s summer but all you wanna do is wear black

May 25, 2017

Rae Chen

2 Comments

I feel like all of this new content is going up so fast. First it was the redesign, then the lingerie, and then the boozy milkshake… and now, it’s this floral maxi dress. I love this dress, and when I had the chance to shoot it in a really cool local hotel, I couldn’t say no.

This floral maxi is everything that I’m about. It’s sheer and affordable, and it toes the line between “slutty” and “demure” just as well as it toes the line between “casual” and “dressy.”

Finding that perfect floral maxi dress

I didn’t nab any great full-body shots of this floral maxi dress in the wind, but you can bet that that’s on my to-do list. Its front features two high slits with a black mini-skirt sewn into the lining, and it makes me feel absolutely elemental when I wear it.

For me, the trick to finding the perfect floral maxi was waiting until I found something that fit all of my prerequisites. The flowers on this one are really tiny, so they’re not overwhelming, and the cutouts feel really fresh. The light, sheer fabric sealed the deal for me–it keeps the dress looking playful instead of dowdy.

I actually came upon this dress as an accident. It was living in the back of my friend’s closet, and she bequeathed it upon me when her ass got too magnificent to fit in it anymore. (No lie. Girl is poppin’.) Happiest happenstance that’s ever happened to my closet.

See you Monday for a full post on this gorgeous location, and next Thursday for some regular ‘ol beauty content! xo

Get the look

OUTFIT

Floral maxi dress by Forever 21 – similar sheer / similar cutout and slit / similar skirt

Clarks suede booties – similar summer style

EYES

Wet n Wild Fergie Take on the Day Eyeshadow Primer (same formula)

Maybelline The 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palette ($11.99 USD)

MAC Eye Shadow Matte2 in Blanc Type

Annabelle Chrome Eyeshadow in Rose Gold ($8.95 CAD)

Red Cherry Lashes #747U Peony ($4.95 CAD)

Maybelline The Colossal Big Shot Volum’Express Mascara in Very Black ($8.49 USD)

BASE

Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer in SX02 ($48 USD/$58 CAD)

Marcelle Monochromatic Pressed Powder in Light ($19.95 CAD)

CHEEKS

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Blush Color & Highlight Kit ($12.99 USD)

Burberry Fresh Glow Highlighter in No. 01 White ($68 USD/$72 CAD)

LIPS

Burberry Lip Colour Contour in No. 01 Fair ($31 USD/$33 CAD)

Maybelline Color Sensational “The Buffs” Lip Color in 955 Espresso Exposed ($7.49 USD)

Tags: /4. Makeup looks, Annabelle, Burberry, Cheeks, Company Review, Event recap, Eyes, Fashion, Lips, Makeup looks: neutral, Maybelline, Spring/Summer 2017

2 Comments

Plus-size swimsuits & summer style | More about that beach bod

May 22, 2017

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

*sponsored post

A few weeks ago, when I posted my Something Wicked Ava review, I mentioned a rather unfortunate part of the fashion world: the lack of options available for plus-size figures.

As a petite woman (I’m 5’2″; petite sizing starts at 5’4″), I have enough struggles finding clothes that fit properly. But for your standard North American woman, that struggle is even harder. Small brands like Something Wicked have nothing for anyone bigger than a 38D/32″ waist, and searching for plus-size swimsuits is even harder.

Surprisingly enough, the brands that I’ve found have been doing the best job of plus-size advertising are fast fashion brands like Forever 21 and online shopping brands like Xehar. So, when Xehar (one of theNotice’s current sponsors) asked me to put together a beach-themed post for Memorial Day weekend, I jumped at the chance.

Unlike a lot of mainstream brands, who model plus-size swimsuits on “in-between” sized models, Xehar actually uses plus-size models to model their clothing. I can’t personally speak to the fit of their clothing, but the models they choose are a beautiful mix of ages, ethnicities, and sizes. And best of all? Their catalogue is un-retouched, and everyone in it looks psyched to be there.

It was so refreshing to see such a wide range of models used by a brand, and I know that’s something that Xehar echoes in their straight-sized Xehar Style line. (I literally squeed when I saw this model’s natural hair.) I’d love to see a little more conscious naming in their products–the shoes above are listed as “tribal flats”–but I think the brand is off to a strong start.

So here’s a little updated definition of a beach bod for today’s post…

BEACH BODY: n. The sunkissed, über-babely body of a person of any race, gender, age, or size, who goes to the beach.

Tags: sponsored/Fashion

Leave a comment

Boozy banana berry milkshake recipe | Living Well with Montel 1200W Emulsifier Blender review

May 18, 2017

Rae Chen

1 Comment

The product: Living Well with Montel 1200W Emulsifier Blender review

When I told you guys that theNotice was going to be expanding into new content this year, I meant it. From lingerie posts to small business reviews, things are getting interesting around here–this emulsifier blender review included.

Of course, if you hand me any type of open-ended food pitch, I’m going to add booze into the mix every time. Emulsifier blenders are great for making things like icy smoothies, salad dressings, and baby food, but I broke this emulsifier blender in with a boozy banana berry milkshake instead.

How to make the perfect banana milkshake

Boyfriend and I have been drinking more banana milkshakes recently than is probably advisable, but we decided to make one more for this post. They’re typically an off-white-on-white-on-white deal, though, so he tossed in a few fresh blackberries and raspberries to give the shake a little colour.

Boozy banana milkshake recipe (serves 2)

1 banana, sliced
A handful of raspberries
A handful of blueberries
1 1/2 cups milk
3 heaping scoops of french vanilla ice cream
2 shots of bourbon (ideally) or spiced rum (if you’re out of bourbon and too lazy to go pick some up)
Cinnamon or nutmeg (to garnish)

1. Rinse berries and slice banana. Get excited for impending sugar and calories.

2. Pulse berries, milk, ice cream, and bourbon together in the Living Well with Montel 1200W Emulsifier Blender until thoroughly blended. Pour into 2 large glasses.

3. Lightly dust cinnamon on top to serve. If you’re feeling fancy, grate a sprinkling of fresh bourbon on top to garnish.

4. Enjoy!

My experience with the Living Well with Montel 1200W Emulsifier Blender

There’s always something special about the first time you use a new appliance. They’re at peak shininess and cleanliness, and it’s all downhill from there.

It’s been a while since the last time I used a blender for the first time, and this one was a beauty. At 1200W, it’s a powerhouse, with stainless steel blades and 4 speed settings. (Although I take issue with “pulse” as a speed. “Pulse” isn’t a speed; it’s a pattern. And I would know.)

The Montel 1200W Emulsifier Blender has an automatic clean cycle to get most of the gunk off of your blender before it has a chance to dry, and its removable parts are all dishwasher safe. That includes the 2L blender, the 20 oz single-serve cup, and the ingredient plunger.

(My partner got way too excited about the plunger. Like, bud, it’s just pushing ingredients down. You don’t need to caress it.)

We’ve already covered the fact that I take issue with how Living with Montel distinguishes settings from speeds, so I’ll just list the buttons available instead. Apart from the power button, there’s Single Serve, Puree, Crush, Soup, Smoothie/Clean, Pulse, High, Medium, and Low. The pre-set functions cover pretty much everything you’ll need your blender for, and then a few more just for good measure.

The Living Well with Montel 1200W Emulsifier Blender verdict?

Living Well with Montel is a new brand by Montel Williams. I’m naturally a little wary of new celebrity brands, but you know what? I really enjoyed using this emulsifier blender. It’s a really nice little piece of equipment, and it offers quite a bit of power for a reasonable price.

Montel’s new 1200W Emulsifier Blender is similar to the Ninja Professional Blender in a lot of ways (which I don’t think was coincidental), and I’m hoping that its motor will hold up just as well. I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces with plenty of green juices this summer!

Availability: $149.99 USD at Living Well with Montel; $93.99 USD at Wayfair.

Tags: /7. Other, Food, Other, Product Photos, Product Review

1 Comment

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil review, swatches, photos

May 15, 2017

Rae Chen

2 Comments

The product: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil

The Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil formula

Despite the name, most lip oils are formulated as film-former bases accompanied by oils for extra moisture. The Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil formula features mainly a caprylol glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, beefed up with castor, sunflower, meadowfoam, coconut, and soybean oils. It’s a 100% natural formula, including the added flavour.

The Burt’s lip oils are just as super-smooth as promised, and they do feel more like a lip oil than a lip gloss when applied. But I think they could stand to make a few improvements. The oil formula sinks in extremely quickly, and I find myself reaching to reapply quite frequently. I’m used to lip balms lasting 3-5 hours; these last more like 2. The twist-pen applicator can also be inconsistent, so reapplication is a little frustrating.

Seriously, though: why do companies keep pushing out these twist-pen applicators? Does anyone like them?

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil swatches: 612 Showering Sunset, 604 Caramel Cloud, 613 Whispering Orchid, 625 Rustling Rose, 621 Crimson Breeze, and 630 Misted Plum

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil review – 612 Showering Sunset, 630 Misted Plum

The Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil shades

Burt’s promises “a hint of sheer color” with these lip oils, and they hit the mark on that point. These six shades all look more or less the same when applied, with minor differences.

My favourite shade of the bunch is the baby pink 612 Showering Sunset (swatched on left), which leave my lips looking really smooth and delicate.

The Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil verdict?

Burt’s Bees is launching quite a few new lip products this season, making the Tinted Lip Oils just one of many. On the whole, I like these, but they could be better. They offer just 0.04 oz of product, and need to be applied extremely generously if they’re going to last for more than an hour.

I’d recommend skipping these and saving your pennies for Burts’ other lip launches, because some of them are great. However, if you really want to try a lip oil, these are a nice, natural option at an affordable price point. They’re pretty hydrating (again, if applied generously), and they’re comfortable to wear.

Availability: $9 USD/$12 CAD at Ulta, Walmart, Walgreens, and more.

Tags: /Burt's Bees, Lips, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Spring/Summer 2017

2 Comments

Lady Lash Ltd: Lash Extensions review, photos, comparison

May 12, 2017

Rae Chen

2 Comments

Sometimes, when you’re working on just the right project at just the right time, everything comes together just right. I’ve never felt that more succinctly than I did while putting together my Something Wicked shoot. The Airbnb that I booked happened to be run by a couple whose sister/in-law owns a lash studio, and I got the chance to try out lash extensions for the first time.

Lady Lash Ltd. is a super-cute Edmonton lash & brow studio that’s run by Nikki Campbell, who is honestly just lovely beyond words. Nikki has ten years of experience as a certified esthetician, and on top of owning and running her own lash studio, she’s also a new mom to a beautiful little boy!

What you need to know about lash extensions

I was lucky enough to have my first set of eyelash extensions comped by Nikki in exchange for coverage in my Something Wicked post, but I’ll be honest: I didn’t used to think lash extensions were for me.

I was always intrigued by them, but they seemed so high-maintenance. On top of that, I’ve seen some pretty terrible lashes in my time – really spindly, too-long ones that tug out your natural eyelashes and twist at the root.

It turns out, however, that none of the myths you’ve heard about eyelash extensions are true. They can look incredibly natural if they’re done well, and they shed naturally with your eyelashes. You’re not supposed to wear mascara with lash extensions and they maintain their own curl, so they’re actually more low-maintenance than mascara and liner.

To take care of your lash extensions, all you have to do is comb through them daily and wash around them with an oil-free cleanser. That’s it! Just don’t pick or pull at them and they’ll last for 2-4 weeks before you need a fill. (I found they started thinning at 2 weeks and looked a little scraggly by 4.)

My experience getting lash extensions at Lady Lash Ltd.

I had a set of Classic lashes applied at Lady Lash Ltd. by Nikki herself, and the experience was incredibly relaxing. Lady Lash is basically Pinterest heaven, and the set requires that you chill with your eyes shut for 90 minutes.

Lash extensions before & after

The Classic lashes are similar in thickness to a set of false lashes with great tapering, and they’re applied in a 1:1 ratio to your natural lashes. The lashes used in the Volume set are individually thinner, but 2-6 of them are applied to each of your own lashes.

Nikki used C and D curl lashes on me, keeping the curlier ones in the centre for a winged out effect. The result was really seamless, and it made my eyes look bigger and more alert than usual.

My verdict on lash extensions?

The best way that I can describe my false lash extensions is that they looked like I had picture-perfect eyelashes 24/7. They required basically zero effort, and no one noticed that I got lash extensions – they looked so natural that everyone just assumed my lashes were naturally luscious and gorgeous.

(Which, lol. They are not.)

I LOVE things that require zero effort, and I love looking like a glamazon fresh out of bed, so I super loved my lash extensions. They’re pricey enough that I’m not sure I’d ever maintain them constantly, but I already miss how easy they made my morning routine. I’ll definitely be getting them again–it’s just a matter of finding an excuse to.

Tags: /Beauty destinations, Canadian beauty, Company Review, Edmonton, Eyes, Product Review, Small Business Saturdays, Travel

2 Comments

Something Wicked Ava Collection review | Adventures in underboob

May 8, 2017

Rae Chen

6 Comments

It’s that time of year again when everyone is pulling out their beach bods*, but I’ll be frank with you. My body’s still not well enough to go to the beach–which is why I’m bringing it to the blog instead.

*BEACH BODY: n. The body of a person, preferably live, who goes to the beach.

One of my goals for 2017 is to expand my blog beyond beauty and sex toys. Today, I’m happy to finally reveal the next natural progression of theNotice: the occasional slip (pun intended) of fashion content.

Something Wicked Ava collection

theNotice will never be a fashion blog, and I will never be built like a fashion model. But lingerie is for every body, healthy or sick, and the Something Wicked Ava collection was too beautiful not to share. (Look at all that glorious underboob!)

The Ava Maxi Skirt is hand-pleated out of silk, and it makes me want to twirl around while yelling “fuck the patriarchy” with flamethrowers in my hands. (Although to be fair, that’s basically my #aestheticgoals). The Ava Half Cup Bra is obscenely comfortable, and the little peephole in the Ava Mini Briefs is delightfully cheeky.

I’d recommend going down a size for the Half Cup Bra, but mine (a 32A, instead of my usual 34A) fits comfortably and snugly.

The Something Wicked story

Unlike most mass lingerie brands, which are owned and run by men, Something Wicked is designed by British designer Leanne Brooke¹. (Take that, Schmictoria’s Secret.) She began at the company in 2012, and is now a partner in the business.

Everything in the line is manufactured in-house in England, and each piece fits like a dream with hand-rolled hems.

My one issue with Something Wicked is that, as a smaller company, their size range is lacking. I know Leanne has mentioned that she’d like to do a range specifically designed for larger cup sizes, so I hope it’s something we get to see soon!

How to wear a half cup bra

If you’re a fan of lingerie as outerwear, the Something Wicked Ava collection is perfect for it. For the bold, the half-cup bra peeks out gorgeously under Parisian-inspired basics. For the timid, the pieces hide away as a confidence-boosting underpinning for any outfit.

A crisp white dress shirt is my ideal pairing for this style of bra, done up without a camisole. (I have it unbuttoned in this post to show off the Ava.) Pair it with black slacks or ponte leggings and a little flick of black eyeliner.

The lines of the Ava are pretty noticeable, but they can be hidden underneath your clothes with a little extra care. A fit and flare dress, or anything with a structured bodice, would be a great choice.

Get the look

OUTFIT

Something Wicked Ava Half Cup Leather Bra (£135)

Something Wicked Ava Mini Leather Peephole Briefs (£95)

Something Wicked Ava Maxi Skirt (£229)

Uniqlo Easy Care Slim Fit Broadcloth Long Sleeve Shirt ($29.90 USD) / Women’s Supima Cotton Stretch alternative ($29.90 USD)

MAKEUP HIGHLIGHTS

Make Up For Ever Pro Light Fusion in 01 Golden Pink ($39 USD/$48 CAD; review)

Make Up For Ever Acrylip Lip Paint in 501 Eggplant ($18 USD/$23 CAD; review)

Estee Lauder Matte Sculpting Lipstick in Commanding ($30 USD/$34 CAD; review) — last photo only

Cozzette S125 Oval Powder Brush ($30 USD; review) — on sink edge

Solotica Natural Colors Mel/Honey ($94.99 USD; last seen here)

Lash extensions by Nikki at Lady Lash Ltd. ($140 CAD)

LOCATION

Candace & Danny’s Place, which I would love to return to! They have such a great space, and they’re just the sweetest couple. (Plus: bonus points for having a super friendly rescue pup.) Book with my Airbnb referral link here.

TEAM

Bryan Tran and Janelle Holod at Affinity Photography

Edits and styling by Rae Chen

Tags: featured/Fashion, Indie brands, Product Review, Sex, Small Business Saturdays, Travel

6 Comments

Aroma Foundry essential oil review, comparison, DIY ideas

May 4, 2017

Rae Chen

Leave a comment

There’s a label on the bottom of each Aroma Foundry box that lists the following: “Good for all-natural buffs, environmentally conscious, when guests visit, and smelly rooms.”

Each item is totally true. I’ve been doing my best to make our home homey just with essential oils, and it’s been going really well so far. My eucalyptus oil blend keeps everything squeaky clean, while my Aroma Foundry diffuser blend (DIY recipe below) makes everything smell fresh.

(Yes, even the bathroom.)

How each oil compares

It can be tough to buy your first set of essential oils, and one of the things I’ve always struggled with is knowing how different oils compare. I haven’t been able to find an easy, comprehensible list, so I decided to make one for you!

The most important thing to do when buying essential oils is to buy from a reputable company. Watch out for labels that don’t say “100% pure” or “essential oil,” and if you’re buying in person, smell the testers. Do they smell “oily” or rancid? Are they bottled in glass or plastic? Is it tough to tell one oil apart from the next just by the fragrance?

I really like Aroma Foundry because each oil is really high-quality and lists its country of origin clearly. If there’s something that you can’t find at Aroma Foundry, I’m also a fan of Thursday Plantation and Mountain Rose Herbs.

Bergamot vs lemongrass vs citronella essential oil comparison

Bergamot doesn’t really fit into this category. It’s a deep, hearty scent, and it smells like a floral rendition of bitter citrus. In small amounts (like in Earl Grey tea), I really love bergamot.

Citronella is very lemony, like lemon cleaner and butter. Most cats dislike the smell of it enough that they’ll avoid any areas scented with it, so I may try using this as a cat repellant on some of my textiles!

Aroma Foudry’s quality of lemongrass is really lovely. This essential oil smells like grassy lemon candy.

Spearmint vs peppermint essential oil comparison

Spearmint smells a lot sweeter and softer than peppermint, like green spearmint gum. Peppermint is a lot spicier, like regular white mints.

Cedarwood vs fir essential oil comparison

Cedarwood is often used as a fragrance base for all-natural perfumes, but it’s one of my least favourite EO smells. It smells like a wet, bitter sauna–some people love it, but I’m not crazy about it.

Fir is easier on the palate, and smells almost mentholated. It smells like a very fresh, minty pine tree.

Lime vs mandarin essential oil comparison

Finally, mandarin is citrusy and a little bitter, like the rind of a mandarin orange. Lime, on the other hand, is hella limey and very strong. I was really impressed by the quality of this one – it has fantastic throw and smells so pure I’m surprised it’s not artificially enhanced.

My DIY home fragrance blend of choice

Tags: /Fragrance, Indie brands, Other, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free

Leave a comment