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Sweater weather | Getting cozy for the winter like…

February 6, 2018

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2018 has been, so far, pretty stellar. But I’ve been struggling with my fibro since the start of the year, and it’s been tough to get posts up on time.

So, for today, I’m falling back on an old photo that I love but never got around to posting. It was (and still is) my go-to sweater weather outfit: a cozy knit with a pair of stretchy pants.

I’m wearing the Dynamite Kate Dark Wash High Rise Skinny Jeans ($49.95 CAD) here, and I bloody love mine. I’m not sure if they’re being made in traditional denim or legging-like super stretch this season, but these are SO comfy! They stain lightly and stretch out over time, so they’re not the perfect pant, but it’s totally worth the trade-off for my hip tension. (If anyone wants to recommend a legging-like pair of denims that don’t bleed colour, I’m all ears.)

This sweater weather-approved top is a chunky cotton knit from Banana Republic. It’s from a couple of seasons ago; similar at Nordstrom/ASOS.

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Snapped by Bryan Tran last winter (and held onto for 11 months because let’s be honest, I’m a trash fire).

Tags: /Fashion

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Funkit Toys NoFrillDo BC silicone g-spot dildo review

February 1, 2018

Rae Chen

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The product: Funkit Toys Nofrilldo Silicone G-Spot Dildo

I am… Not the best consumer. I don’t always want the newest thing, or the shiniest toy, or the sparkliest glitter. (That last one’s a lie. I totally always want the sparkliest glitter). But I feel a lot of guilt when I purchase things from big companies, and I do my best to buy ethically. I’m a big fan of small businesses, locally designed products, and genuinely good humans.

Kenton of Funkit Toys may not be a genuinely good human, but if he isn’t, he’s at minimum a chaotic neutral with body bag full of very good puns. And I’ll take that. I’ll totally take that.

“Every NoFrillDo has a shape causing them to occupy a set amount of space. This means they can be put in a hole, and the flared base means your doctor doesn’t have to know.” -Funkit Toys

Why buy a silicone sex toy?

I talk about this often, but it’s never too late to add more information! While jelly and PVC sex toys (you know, the floppy $10 “novelty adult toys” you can pick up at a soggy-floored Love Boutique) can leak phthalates and have porous surfaces that foster bacterial growth, pure silicone sex toys do not.

All surfaces are technically “porous” on a molecular level, but silicone is referred to as non-porous because its pores are so small and hydrophobic that, when washed with soap after every use, it won’t play host to microbial cultures. Basically, once you wash it, it’s clean; the same cannot be said for jelly toys.

You’ll need to be careful not to use silicone-base lubricants with your silicone sex toys (the only thing that’ll degrade solid silicone is similarly-bonded liquid silicone), but it’s more durable than most soft materials: solid silicone can be heated to 125˚C for short periods of time in order to be fully sterilized.

But don’t take my word for it. Lilly at Dangerous Lilly has a great, in-depth post on silicone sex toys that will tell you all these things and also like, six million other, very interesting things.

NoFrillDo B/C vs the BS Atelier Small G-Spot Ella

The Funkit Toys NoFrillDo concept

Silicone toys are expensive for brands to produce, and they’re a burgeoning niche. As a result, it’s tough to find affordable silicone. (Blush Novelties’ Luxe Cici line offers some of the only other options for silicone dildos under $30 USD. My favourite dildo, the Vixen Creations VixSkin Mustang, is $99 USD.)

But here’s where indie makers are your true friends. Kenton, my fave internet pun bro, started an Indiegogo campaign last month to make an affordable silicone dildo. (Kenton’s regular Funkit line looks more like this). He ended up raising 465% of his funding goal, which helps fund things like buying a massive amount of silicone, making moulds, and completing orders.

“NoFrillDo is the “Cup Ramen with Veggies and an Egg” of dildos. If you can afford a fancier dildo, support the creation of fancier dildos. It’s worth it. If not, though? I think you should be able to buy a safe, non-toxic sex toy without worrying about rent.” –Funkit Toys

There are three NoFrillDo shapes, which come in CYMK colours. (Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). They’re a mind-blowing $24 USD each, no matter the shape or colour – which is insane.

My thoughts on the NoFrillDo Bluetini G-Spot Dildo (or, the B shape/C colour)

I am super, super picky about my dildos. And this one was good, but… It’s really not for me.

The NoFrillDo B is the line’s shorter, thicker model. It’s 6.5″ long and 1.36″ thick, with two bumps on the end. The NoFrillDo models are all made from shore 20A silicone, which is described as “similar to medium steak.”

I’m going to level with you right now. I really like Kenton, and I think the NoFrillDos are really good toys. But I’m a super picky person, and I don’t love using my B/C.

“NoFrillDos come in colors, making them visible to the human eye. Several of these colors are not pink.” -Funkit Toys

This lightly translucent cyan is a beautiful colour, and the smooth finish does well with a lot of lube. But the firmness of this toy means that its 1.36″ diameter is slightly too wide to be comfortable for me. I don’t like my steaks done to medium, and I don’t like my dildos to be that solid, either. I love a LOT of squish, and though I hope every day that someone is going to start producing a low-cost soft silicone dildo, I’m doubtful that that’ll happen anytime soon.

The Funkit Toys NoFrillDo verdict?

I have a list! If any of the following are you, you totally need a NoFrillDo:

My meatsuit enjoys using firm silicone toys
I enjoy either: medium-wide girth (get the B), curved dildos (get the G), or helical designs (get the R)
I want to buy my first sex toy, but have been putting it off because they’re all so damn expensive
I like sex toys, and I want to support a punny, thoughtful, genuine creator

And here are the reasons in which you may not need a NoFrillDo:

I am swimming in money. Swimming in it. I can barely find my bed beneath all of these piles of money. (Get a Funkit Toy instead.)
My bits are picky and demand softness. (Get some VixSkin instead.)
I like insertable toys, but I want them to vibrate. (Dude, why have you gotten this far in this review? Go here.)

Availability: $24 USD from Funkit Toys or SheVibe. $20 USD for a surprise NoFrillDo.

PS: I’m hankering for an excuse to try the G/M, so leave me a comment or send me a tweet if you’re curious about it, too! I’d love to have a reason to buy and test an appropriately-sized NoFrillDo, selected in advance instead of in an excited flurry.

Tags: /Fall/Winter 2017, Indie brands, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Sex, Small Business Saturdays

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NYX Wild Spirit, True Vixen, Flashy, Wisteria, Smoke Me review, swatches, photos | PURPLES

January 26, 2018

Rae Chen

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The product: NYX Pin-Up Pout Lipsticks in True Vixen, Flashy, Wild Spirit, Wisteria, and Smoke Me

Last fall, I started playing around with a few of NYX’s Pin-Up Pout lipsticks. And by “a few,” I mean “the entire gosh darn range,” so I’ve been playing with them and swatching them for a… While. (Spoiler: NYX Wild Spirit is by and far my favourite shade of the entire range, which is why I’m starting with the purple shades.)

What? I get overloaded when there are too many things happening at once. It’s not like anyone is surprised by this information.

NYX Wild Spirit Lipstick swatch

The NYX Pin-Up Pout formula

It’s been a while since I’ve worn a traditional opaque lipstick (dry-touch liquid formulas like NYX Liquid Suede and Maybelline Matte Ink have been keeping my food-oriented priorities and me occupied), but I… Actually really enjoyed these. The purples are all surprisingly easy to wear, and they totally deliver on the “extra plush” formula that NYX promises.

NYX True Vixen Lipstick swatch

The NYX Pin-Up Pout formula is soft and creamy. It wears without stripping my lips of moisture, and it has a really great cream finish (my fave)! That means that each shade feels comfortable and non-gritty, and all of these purples are shimmer, glitter, and gloss-free.

I’ve been a monster this month and I seemingly can’t go more than two hours without drinking or snacking, so unfortunately, I don’t have a wear time on these for you yet. (It’s at least three hours without getting dry, but I have a feeling it’s more like 4-5.) I’ll make sure to test them more thoroughly before reviewing more shades, so keep your eyes peeled for that!

NYX Smoke Me Lipstick swatch

NYX Wild Spirit swatches (Plus True Vixen, Flashy, Wisteria, and Smoke Me, I guess.)

NYX True Vixen is a sexy, dark cranberry shade. It was my least favourite of these five – the formula is a little more slippery than the rest, which means the berry stain is a little translucent at times. NYX Flashy is a more vibrant berry.

NYX Wild Spirit is an absolute stunner; a dark violet that pulls blue. It had a perfectly clingy formula, and is best worn with either a blue-violet liner or overtop foundation or concealer, as it’s very much not the same colour as your lips. I would recommend this one five hundred times to anyone with a cool skintone who is on the lookout for a good blue-based purple.

L-R: NYX True Vixen, Flashy, Wild Spirit, Wisteria, and Smoke Me swatches

NYX Wisteria is a bright lavender with both blue and red undertones, reminiscent of (but warmer than) NYX Sway. Finally, NYX Smoke Me is a badass grey-violet. It, too, is best worn over foundation or concealer, but it’s pigmented enough that you can get away wearing it on its own.

The NYX Pin-Up Pout Lipstick verdict?

At $8 USD a pop, the NYX Pin-Up Pout Lipsticks are truly a steal. They’re a great, cruelty-free, scent-free formula at a really accessible price point, and the packaging is awesome – it’s simple, but each lipstick shows the colour inside with a plastic disk. (I’m sorry, but I like tops like these way more than colour stickers or see-through tops.)

When I first started blogging, you really only had one good option for drugstore lipsticks: the Revlon Super Lustrous range. Eventually, other things slowly became less utter garbage, and so on and so fourth, but … I don’t know. What I’m trying to say is that I’m very sleepy, and these are just a heck of a lot better than what was on the market ten years ago, and it makes me really happy that they exist.

And hey, they don’t even have that gross lipstick-smell of drugstore buys of days gone by, so there’s really no excuse for you not to buy NYX Wild Spirit.

Availability: $8 USD/$10 CAD at NYX (US/CA), Ulta, Target, and Rexall (CA).

Tags: /Fall/Winter 2017, Lips, NYX, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches

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Make Up For Ever Artist Face Color H106, B306, S118 review, swatches, photos

January 23, 2018

Rae Chen

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The products: Make Up For Ever Artist Face Color in H106 (shimmery champagne highlight), B306 (shimmery mandarin blush), and S118 (dark shadow sculpt)

Last fall, Make Up For Ever launched their Artist Face Color – 34 cheek shades with a “highly-pigmented, blendable, and long-lasting powder formula.” I tried three of the new line (one blush, highlighter, and sculpting shade) this winter to round out my makeup collection. All three of these are shades that I didn’t really own before now, and it was interesting getting to play with each of them!

The Make Up For Ever Artist Face Color formula

The Make Up For Ever Artist Face Color formula uses “atomized pigments” and emollient oils to deliver high-impact colour. They’re mixed with silicones and dry oils to make the pigments easy to blend. (I don’t react to silicones if they’re in small enough amounts, and these cheek products seem okay on my face.)

I like my cheek products a little dry, so these seemed very, very creamy to me. The formula is on the denser side, but it’s easy to blend whether swatched or with a brush. All three shades wear for the majority of the day on me, with the highlighter’s thinner formula fading first.

Make Up For Ever ARtist Face Color swatches, L-R in natural light: H106, B306, and S118

Slipping out of your grove: H106, B306, and S118

As I mentioned earlier, these shades are… Totally not me. I like my cheek products cool, sheer, and matte, but I wanted to get out of my usual groove with these shades.

So instead of going with a fair contour, a pink blush (Lancôme Aplum and Rose Fresque are still my forever faves), and an ivory highlighter, I selected a dense gold highlighter, an orange blush (!!), and a dark contour.

And you know what? I really liked it. I’ve been wearing the same shades for so long that it was refreshing to mix things up, and even though I’m probably never going to use S118 again, I’m quite pleased that I tried it. (It’s way too dark, red, and pigmented for my complexion, but it would be AWESOME on someone with a deep, warm skintone.)

H106 is a little drier and thinner than the other two shades. It’s very warm, frosty, and gold. It’s dense for a highlighter, but is a lot more translucent than the blush and contour shades in this line. B306 is a really satisfying, springy orange-coral. It’s warm, but it sheers out on my face to blend in well – but I bet it (and H106, for that matter) would look awesome on someone with a medium skintone. It’s a lot denser than the highlighter, and has more of a lustre than a shimmer.

(I’m thinking Becky/@chavien. Girl, you need these two.)

The Make Up For Ever Artist Face Color verdict?

The Make Up For Ever Artist Face Color singles are very, very pigmented – and that’s a good thing. They’re beautiful, dry, soft, and easy to blend, and I definitely think they’re worth it at $29 CAD. My word of advice, however, would be to find swatches (or, better yet, swatch them in-stores) before buying! These pack a lot of pigment and shimmer, and there isn’t a lot of room for shade missteps.

I really enjoyed using the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Refillable Makeup Palette, too. All sizes are $2 USD/$2 CAD at Sephora (which I swear has to be a mistake), or you can get a filled cheek palette for $45 USD/$56 CAD. (That’s the equivalent of buying two cheek products and getting the third, and the palette, free.)

Availability: Single pans are $23 USD/$29 CAD each. Permanent at Make Up For Ever and Sephora.

Tags: /Cheeks, Fall/Winter 2017, Make Up For Ever / MUFE, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Uncategorized

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Grey hair, Olaplex, and more | New 18/01/19

January 19, 2018

Rae Chen

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I haven’t done one of these in a loooong time, and there’s so much out there that’s new right now!

I’m most excited that you can now get Olaplex outside of the salon – I’ve been thinking of transitioning to grey hair (NO PROMISES), and this is definitely a check in the “pros” column! Aside from that, I have my eye on a few things from Milk and Natasha Denova. Those duochrome eye shadow cushions…

How about you?

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”2996366″]

My grey hair inspiration of the moment:

A post shared by Jaye 🔮🦇🕸 (@spookyjaye) on Jan 19, 2018 at 8:43am PST

A post shared by PAU DICTADO (@paudictado) on Jan 14, 2018 at 11:39am PST

A post shared by PAU DICTADO (@paudictado) on Dec 20, 2017 at 12:50pm PST

Tags: /New This Week (& etc)

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Juvente Day Cream, Night Cream, Eye Cream review, photos

January 15, 2018

Rae Chen

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*this post was sponsored by Juvente.

The products: Juvente Parfaite Day Cream, Absolue Night Cream, and Radieuse Eye Contour Care

Late last year, I was introduced to a new, Canadian skincare company called Juvente. Designed to provide users with a plant-focused cosmeceutical option for their skincare, the 98% natural brand targets free radical damage to combat the signs of ageing.

As I’m sure longtime readers know by now, I love anti-ageing products–but not for their anti-ageing properties. Instead, I love how they provide deep, dermal hydration (a must-have for my dry skin), and I really appreciate the fact that they minimize damage caused by pollution. So, because there’s no better time to start a new skincare regimen than the beginning of the year, I thought I’d kick off 2017 with a skincare post!

Juvente products are free of silicones, gluten, parabens, mineral oil, animal byproducts, and phthalates, and the brand is committed to never using microbeads, artificial colourants, or SLS. Their packaging is designed to reduce the brand’s carbon footprint, right down to the vegetal ink. (I’d love to see future iterations of these products with glass bases instead of plastic – it’s a more eco-conscious alternative, and would be incredibly satisfying to use.)

The science behind Juvente

Juvente calls their product range a “7/3 solution.” Each product uses 7 key ingredients, with 3 key actives.

The crowning ingredient of this line is beta-glucan, extracted from GMO-free oats. It’a water-soluble polysacchraide that, like hyaluronic acid, can absorb right down to the dermis, where it’s been shown in vitro to stimulate collagen synthesis. The products also feature anti-inflammatory oat-derived avenanthramides, and astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that comes from the sea. (It’s a micro-algae extract from the carotenoid family.)

The Juvente Anti-Ageing Day Cream – Parfaite ($107 CAD)

The Juvente Parfaite Day Cream comes in packaging with a sunny yellow stripe. It has a very subtle sweet, floral fragrance, and a cushy, almost gelatinous texture. It absorbs easily and is moderately hydrating – I’d like to see more hydration for the price, but it should work well for anyone with normal to combination skin.

These products get their pink tint from astaxanthin, which helps protect against UV damage, but this day cream doesn’t contain SPF. I enjoy my Juvente Day Cream, but I’m going to level with you: I don’t use it unless I know for certain that I’m going to be indoors all day long.

As any skincare junkie knows, sun damage is a key part in slowing down free radical damage. I know most luxury day creams don’t contain SPF (and I will forever wonder as to why), but I’d really like to see an updated version of this day cream in the future with a physical sunscreen component.

The Juvente Anti-Ageing Night Cream – Absolue ($103 CAD)

I also tried out the Juvente Absolue Night Cream, which has a super-subtle herbal fragrance. Honestly, the scent is so faint that it just smells good. Clean, but like nothing at all. Like the other Juvente products, this one is very experience-based: it has that cushy texture, hefty packaging with super-smooth threads, and just the barest hint of fragrance.

The Juvente Night Cream is creamier and heavier than their Day Cream, but I definitely need to pair it with an oil or some squalane. (Thanks, Alberta.) The packaging, however, is just a pleasure to use, and I hope it’s here to stay.

Tags: sponsored/Canadian beauty, Grouped reviews, Moisturizers, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, Skincare

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Je Joue Classic Bullet Vibrator review, photos, comparison

January 11, 2018

Rae Chen

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The product: Je Joue Classic Bullet Vibrator

I’m a big fan of Je Joue, so when I found out that they’d be making a bullet vibrator… I was psyched. My We-Vibe Tango is forever in a state of “I’m almost dead but I’m not going to warn you beforehand, because I want it to be a surprise!”, so I was well ready to move onto the Je Joue Classic Bullet Vibrator instead.

The Je Joue Classic Bullet Vibrator specs

The Je Joue Classic Bullet is described by the brand as “the luxury version of the Classic Bullet,” with a medical-grade silicone finish and a waterproof body. It’s 4.75″ by 3.25″ with a width of .875″.

What I really love about the Je Joue Classic Bullet is that, unlike most bullet vibes, it has a 3-button design: (+) and (-) buttons to control intensity, and a (~) button to cycle through patterns. The buttons are raised on the side of the toy but sit fairly flush, so they’re hard to press accidentally. This leaves the base open for direct micro USB charging, so there are less pieces to carry around (and, if you’re me, lose).

The three new Je Joue bullets are all different shapes on the same base, all with the same 3-button design. They charge in 60 minutes, which gives you up to 1.5 hours of use. The bullets have 5 vibration levels and 7 pulsation patterns, and they come with a silicone finger… Thing.

The Je Joue Classic Bullet in practice

The weirdest thing about the Je Joue Classic Bullet is definitely the finger sleeve attachment. It’s designed to create a “more hands-free experience” by strapping the toy to your finger, but like… That doesn’t actually make any sense? Like, just as many hands are involved? I guess there’s no more clutching at the toy, which is nice, but then you have to disentangle your fingers anyways to turn up the intensity.

The sleeve is a super-stretchy silicone that fits over two of my fingers. It’s a cool inclusion, and I think some people will enjoy it, but I’m glad that it’s included in the box (because I’d never purchase it on my own). The most interesting thing about it is that it’s made to be reversible; as in, you can turn the toy to the back of your fingers and get both skin-to-skin contact and (some) vibrations.

The Classic Bullet is as rumbly as Je Joue’s other toys, which was the one thing that I was worried the brand wouldn’t be able to translate into a bullet vibe. It’s thicker than standard bullet vibes (i.e. the ones that you can insert into dildos), but that seems kind of irrelevant: you wouldn’t be able to comfortably slide silicone into silicone anyways.

The Je Joue Classic Bullet Vibrator has a soft, velvety finish, and the vibrations range from very thuddy (on low) to intense and more buzzy (on high). Its vibrations on high are comparable to the vibrations of something like a Lelo or JimmyJane toy; that is, they’re buzzier than I’d like, but not buzzy like $10 bullet vibes are buzzy.

How does the Je Joue Classic Bullet compare to the We-Vibe Tango?

I prefer the We-Vibe Tango’s size for pinpoint stimulation. It has a rumblier motor on high, and as a result, feels much more intense. I use it more often than my Je Joue bullet.

I prefer the Je Joue Classic Bullet’s charging method and controls. It has a far more reliable battery, and actually lasts for 90 minutes on its 1 hour charge. (My Tango lasts about 40 minutes on a 90 minute charge. It advertises 2 hours of use.) I have a better track record with Je Joue toys, too; my Mimi Soft lasted me 3 years, while my Tangos usually die within 1 year. At $59 USD, it’s also cheaper than the Tango, and more likely to go on sale. It has a rumblier motor on low.

Both are rechargeable, body-safe, discreet, and quiet.

My verdict on the Je Joue Classic Bullet Vibrator?

I enjoyed using the Je Joue Classic Bullet Vibrator, but I still prefer the Mimi Soft. The squishiness of it is what made it so ideal for me, not the motor alone; it’s pleasing to use on your own, but also feels more comfortable for me during sex, when everything is sort of… Stretched out and in different places. The Je Joue Classic Bullet Vibrator doesn’t have that advantage for me, because its squishiness is only on the tapered tip.

It’s still an excellent bullet, and at $59, I’d recommend it – with two caveats. If you need pinpoint stimulation, these may be too large; similarly, if you want a bullet you can insert into other sex toys, this one won’t work. I prefer the We-Vibe Tango over the Je Joue motor in use, but if slightly buzzy vibrations aren’t an issue for you, the Je Joue Bullets are all-around better toys.

Availability: $59 USD at Je Joue (who sent this item in for review), $59 USD at SheVibe, $64.99 USD at Lovehoney (G-Spot version), $59 USD at Peepshow Toys.

Tags: /Je Joue, Product Photos, Product Review, Sex

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theNotice’s Best of 2017 | Makeup, skincare, and haircare

January 8, 2018

Rae Chen

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For a blogger, I feel like I don’t try that much new stuff… But compared to your average consumer, I definitely do. Here are my best of 2017 picks in makeup, haircare, and skincare, plus a little bit about why I love them.

All of the products in this post are things that I use no less than weekly, and/or that I’ve re-bought at least once.

My six top products of 2017

There’s more on each of these in the appropriate sections, but here it goes: Annabelle Chrome Eyeshadows, Annabelle Skinny Brow Pencils, and Pür Cosmetics Eye Polishes for makeup; The Ordinary Squalane, Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Soothing Balm, and SkinFood Black Sugar Honey Mask for skincare.

Best of 2017: Makeup

My top three makeup products of the year are the Annabelle Chrome Eyeshadows, Annabelle Skinny Brow Pencils, and Pür Cosmetics Eye Polishes, hands down.

The Chrome Eyeshadows give an unreal “shattered” glitter finish to any eye look, and the Pür Eye Polishes are the perfect weightless base for that look. They don’t intensify eyeshadows like a proper eyeshadow primer does, but they do prevent creasing, at least for me. (I talk about the Skinny Brow Pencils non-stop, so you don’t really need to hear that again. They’re very good and very cheap, although I do wish they wore for longer.)

FACE

Base: Rodial Airbrush Foundation (transferred to a glass jar); Pür Cosmetics 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15; Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation

Powder: Marcelle Cosmetics Translucent Powder (loose and pressed)

Colour: Make Up For Ever Pro Light Fusion in 01 Golden Pink; Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow Instant Look palette; Rodial Blusher in South Beach

Other: MAC Glitter in 3D Silver (okay; I don’t use this weekly, but it is super pretty.)

EYES

Lashes: Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes in Shy (which I carry around in an old Red Cherry container, because boxed lashes are super cumbersome); Esqido Mink Lashes in Starlet and Radiance; Duo Lash Glue in Translucent; Clinique Full-to-Flutter Mascara; Annabelle Supernova Mascara

Eyeshadow: Inglot eyeshadow quad (these are so lovely to work with, but I always find that my Inglot eyeshadows disappear entirely by the end of the day); Clinique Wear Everywhere Greys Eyeshadow Palette; Pür Cosmetics Eye Polishes (no creasing! These are great solo or as a base); Annabelle Chrome Eyeshadows (SO pretty – Rose Gold and Gold are my favourites.)

Pencils: Lise Watier Automatique Eyeliner Stylo in Platine (I’m on my second pencil); Annabelle Skinny Brow Pencil in Universal Ebony (I’m on like, my fifth of this one)

LIPS

Sheer: Burberry Lip Colour Contour Pen in 01 Fair; Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy in Framboise Craquante; Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster; Revlon Lip Butter in Plum Perfect

Opaque: Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink in 50 Voyager (kiss-proof and sexy as hell!); Annabelle TwistUp Lip Colour in Vamp; Make Up For Ever Acrylips Lip Paint in 501 Eggplant

Best of 2017: Tools & Brushes

Tools: Tweezerman Mini Tweezers; Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Brushes: NYX Cosmetics Pro Fan Brush (the best for highlighter!); assorted brushes from Cozette; assorted brushes from Real Techniques

Best of 2017: Skincare & Haircare

My top three skincare products of the year are The Ordinary Squalane, Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Soothing Balm, and SkinFood Black Sugar Honey Mask. They’re all really no-nonsense products that perform super well and all happen to be budget buys.

The Ordinary’s squalane is high-quality and hydrating for under $10; the Bioderma balm is the same, but for a lotion. It’s a little pricier but it’s absolutely enormous, and it hydrates without feeling sticky. I’m also a die-hard fan of that SkinFood mask (I get mine from Take Good Care) – it makes my skin so darn soft.

FACE

Serums: The Ordinary Squalane; L’Occitane Divine Youth Oil (I’m on my second bottle); No. 7 Youthful Replenishing Face Oil; Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel (the best hyaluronic!)

Treatments: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%; Neutrogena Spot Treatment; SkinFood Black Sugar Honey Mask

Cleansers: Paula’s Choice Resist Hydrating Cleanser; B.Liv Drench Me Cleanser

Moisturizers: DHC Extra Nighttime Moisture (I’m on my second jar); Aveeno Fresh Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer SPF 30 (I’m on my fourth)

Lip balm: Lovetica Lip Balm, all the way!

HAIR & BODY

Hair: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap; Batiste Lotus Dry Shampoo

Body: Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Soothing Balm (I just re-purchased this at Shopper’s!); Ahava Liquid Dead Sea Salt (use it before a shower for the closest shave you’ll ever get in your life); Paula’s Choice Resist Weekly Retexturizing Foaming Treatment 4% BHA (my holy grail for treating keratosis pilaris); Lovetica Natural Deodorant. LUSH Body Conditioners, Bath Bombs, Shower Gels, and Sympathy for the Skin Hand & Body Lotion

Other: Thursday Plantation Eucalyptus Oil (for cleaning & as a mouthwash) and Tea Tree Oil (for yeast infections)

Best of 2017: Fashion

Here are a few of my most-worn items of 2017. I haven’t posted about all of these on theNotice yet, so I’ve included shopping links to help you track down the same (or similar) items. Some of them are affiliate links, but these are the only shoppable links in this post – everything else goes directly to a review.

ACCESSORIES: BonLook Myrtle Glasses in Rose Dazzling (more photos); E.L.F. Zhou Monarch Choker in Black (matching cuffs)

VELVET: WORKHALL Studio Moeah Dress in Plum (I looooove this dress); Ardene Crushed Velvet Crop Top

COZY: Abercrombie & Fitch flannel (similar)

BOOTS: Geox Inspiration Wedges (more photos)

I’m going to close out this post with a few of my favourite fashion shots and product photos from 2017 (click to read the posts), but: What did you love last year?

Tags: Maybelline Matte Ink/Bonlook, Extremely dry skin, Grouped reviews, Holy Grail, Product snapshots, Silicone-free, Silicone-free moisturizers and serums, The Edit

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Bijoux Indiscrets Maze Chokers, Magnifique Chain review, photos | A trio of temptation

January 4, 2018

Rae Chen

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Happy 2018, dear reader! How’s your year going so far? Mine’s picking up steam quickly: I started with the flu (hence the sudden almost-two-week hiatus) while freezing half to death in -30˚C weather, but now I’m sitting cozily at home in a balmy, snowy, -1 degree city with a not-insubstantial part of the Bijoux Indiscrets Maze collection lying out in front of me to start the year.

Bijoux Indiscrets was one of my favourite brands of 2017. I’ve already shown the Bijoux Indiscrets Maze Tassel Choker in Brown ($35 USD/$45 CAD) and Maze Wide Choker in Brown ($45 USD) in this Tobi LBD post, but I wanted to share a few snaps of the products themselves, too.

See you Monday with more of my 2017 faves!

The Bijoux Indiscrets Maze chokers

The Bijoux Indiscrets Maze chokers (although let’s call ’em what they are: fashion collars) are cute as heck, but they do have one flaw: they’re made for fashion, not heavy play. A single firm tug on either choker will snap its connecting ring, and any oils or lube residue on your hands will stain the (very believable-looking) brown vegan leather.

But… They’re super cute. And $35 for a choker this unique is a good price – which is one of the many reasons why I love Bijoux Indiscrets so much. Their products can be a little pricier in small, sex-positive boutiques, but on the whole, they’re very affordable for kinky gear.

There’s a little more on these chokers in this post, but my verdict? Buy them, but do it because they’re cute, not because you want to use them in the bedroom.

Availability: $35 USD & up at Bijoux Indiscrets. Select styles available at Blush Lingerie.

The Bijoux Indiscrets Magnifique collection

I also shot the Bijoux Indiscrets Magnifique Metallic Chain Shoulders & Back Jewelry in Gold ($40 USD), and I love/hated it.

On one hand: it’s a really unique product, which Bijoux is great at. And it’s reversible, so it’s kind of like a 2-in-1. AND it comes in both gold and silver, so it doesn’t matter what your colour palette is. AND ON TOP OF THAT, it’s nickel-free, making it safe for many people with allergies.

Bijoux Indiscrets Magnifique Metallic Chain Shoulders & Back Jewelry in Gold. Worn with: Victoria’s Secret bralette (similar/similar/plus size), Lens Republica/Solotica Natural Colors Contact Lenses in Mel/Honey ($94.99 USD; seen also here), and Maybelline Matte Ink Lipcolor in 40 Believer. Other makeup listed here.

However. Despite all that, it’s not a product you should wear if you’re a perfectionist, like I am. I spend half my time worrying about which strands are out of place, or which have twisted, or which aren’t on quite right… It’s a nightmare. It’s definitely one of the most unique pieces I own; I just trend towards things that are easier to wear, like these collars.

I like this chain against bare skin, but I love it most layered over a black dress or top.

Availability: $40 USD at Bijoux Indiscrets.

Tags: /4. Makeup looks, Bijoux Indiscrets, Fashion, Grouped reviews, Indie brands, Makeup looks: neutral, Other, Product Photos, Product Review, Sex

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LUSH Merry and Bright set review, photos | Last-minute holiday gifting

December 22, 2017

Rae Chen

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If you haven’t purchased all your holiday gifts yet this year… It may be too late for you, cosmically. But in all practical aspects, LUSH has you covered! Their gift sets are super easy to give, and kits like the LUSH Merry and Bright set come pre-wrapped.

I really like the Merry and Bright gift set because it’s a little outside of the norm for the brand. There are no bath bombs, fizzies, or melts in the entire set! (And okay, so maybe I’m a little bummed about that, but I still have bath bombs from Halloween to use up. 2017 has been a great year for baths and I!)

The gels and conditioners in LUSH Merry and Bright

Instead of bath bombs, the Lush Merry and Bright set ($85.95 CAD) contains mostly shower gels and body conditioners. It’s a shower set, not a bath set – which I think makes Lush a little more accessible for all of the bath-haters out there.

(I know you’re out there. I, too, was a member of your ranks not so long ago.)

The set includes Lush’s classic Rose Jam and Bubbly shower gels (100 ml each). They’re perfect for travelling, but honestly? I prefer them for just regular use. The 100 ml containers are easy to pick up with my arthritic hands, and they’ll be used up before I get bored of the scent.

Bubbly is a new-to-me shower gel, and I really like it! It’s fruity and orangey, with a nice, almost jello-like gel texture.

The Lush Merry and Bright set contains not one, not two, but three body conditioners, too.I really like Lush’s body conditioners for lazy days, because I don’t have to moisturize when I get out of the shower. Ro’s Argan is the brand’s standby; a fruity, rose-scented in-shower body conditioner that you apply after you soap and rinse off, and Christingle is a cooling, minty confection.

Buck’s Fizz is another orangey scent, with enough gold shimmer to just sparingly stick around after you dry off. This is more or less a dead ringer of Bubbly for me, and the two smell a lot like my Lush Celebrate from 2015. (Which, somehow, still hasn’t gone bad, or run out.)

The rest of the rest

There’s one small body lotion in this set: Once Upon a Time, a lightly green-tinted, apple-scented lotion. Everything else is just sort of a miscellany of items, from a cola-flavoured lip scrub (Santa Baby) to a rough Salt and Peppermint Bark body exfoliator.

The set finishes with Candy Cane, a minty, skin-softening roulade. If you haven’t tried a roulade before, I’d recommend poking one sometime – they’re really weird. I think I like them? But their squishy, sticky texture is definitely unique.

This is going to be my last post before Christmas, so if I don’t see you until after then: happy holidays, dear reader. It’s been quite the year!

Tags: /Holiday 2017, LUSH, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, Skincare

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