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Green Beaver Natural Deodorant Stick review, photos

March 9, 2017

The product: Green Beaver Natural Deodorant Stick in Unscented, Tea Tree, and Vetiver

As much as I wish every product I review for theNotice could be a hit, sometimes, reality sets in. Not every product is going to work for every person, and unfortunately, the Green Beaver Deodorant formula just didn’t work for me.

The Green Beaver Deodorant promise

Green Beaver is a Canadian company that makes all natural, ecocert, cruelty-free products. They’re a relatively small company, and they’re based out of Hawkesbury, Ontario.

My first introduction to Green Beaver was their toothpaste, which I used on and off growing up. I went off of it in my late teens, but Green Beaver is a brand that I always loop back around to, like some kind of weird, extended Groundhog Day.

This time, I was looking for an aluminum-free, silicone-free deodorant to feature on theNotice. Green Beaver makes quite a few, and they’re formulated to deliver 24 hour odour control. The Green Beaver deodorant formula features Canadian-grown labrador tea (a favourite ingredient of fellow Canadian brand Lise Watier) and sage oil to fight odours.

The Green Beaver Deodorant results

I tested all three of the Green Beaver Deodorants that I was sent on both Boyfriend and I for months. But every time, I reached the same results: they just don’t work with our body chemistry.

I was hoping that the added essential oils in Tea Tree would be enough to battle any extra odours, but it just didn’t work out that way. These actually made my sweat smell. I usually have no body odour at all, but when I use these, I’m noticeably smelly by midday.

Boyfriend had the same results, but to a lesser degree. He really liked the smell of Tea Tree (it’s a very pure, clean tea tree scent), and will sometimes use it on his days off. At work or at the gym, though, he sweats through the Green Beaver deodorants within an hour. His sweatiness is his superpower, and one day, it’s going to help him escape from a dastardly plot.

The verdict?

I really enjoyed the stick format of these deodorants, and I love how easy they are to find in Canada. For those with sensitive armpits, the Green Beaver deodorant formula is non-irritating and smoothly textured. Vetiver is definitely my favourite scent (it’s very earthy and masculine), and Boyfriend loves Tea Tree.

However, the Green Beaver deodorant blend of labrador tea and sage oil wasn’t enough to combat odours on my partner and I. He’s just as smelly with these as he is without, and I’m typically more smelly with them than I would be without. I know I’ll come back to Green Beaver again, but these deodorants are a miss for me.

Availability: $5.99 CAD each at Green Beaver. Green Beaver can also be found at most natural health food stores across Canada and online at both Well.ca and iHerb.

Tags: silicone-free deodorant/Canadian beauty, Green Beaver, Grouped reviews, Indie brands, Other, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free

Annabelle Cosmetics Eye & Brow Palette

March 2, 2017

Rae Chen

1 Comment

The product: Annabelle Cosmetics Eye & Brow Palette

As a beauty blogger, my least favourite part of my job is finding wonderful, expensive products. I would never judge a product for its price point, but at my core, I’m a pretty frugal person. It’s tough to find something amazing, recoil in horror at the price tag, and then still feel justified in recommending it.

I know that makeup is inherently a luxury category, but I love finding great products that won’t cost an arm and a leg. Accessibility to the mainstream is so important to me, and access to high-quality makeup is something that I think everyone deserves. Is makeup a human need? Of course not. But it’s not something that should be restricted by income or class.

The Annabelle Eye & Brow Palette is one of those rare finds that’s both well-made and accessible to all income levels. At $12.95 CAD, it’s not the fanciest product–it’s packaged in thin, light plastic and has a scratchy little brush. But the shadows inside are excellent.

On primed eyelids, these eyeshadows last all day on me. I put them through a solid 12 hour-test, naps included, and was able to repeat the test with no creasing and only slight fading. They blend well, and on the lids, they look great–not too chunky and not too sheer.

Annabelle Eye & Brow Palette packaging

Annabelle Eye & Brow Palette swatches

This palette leans warm, and I didn’t love the way it swatched… But then I tried it on. It’s a beauty on the lids, and looks low-maintenance and sexy even on cool-toned skin.

If I could tweak this palette just a little, I would have added one more shimmery highlight. (I wore it with an Annabelle Chrome Eyeshadows in my post-Valentine’s Day makeup look with it.) And, because I hate powder eyeliners, I’d have tweaked the formula of the mattes as well. They’re designed to be used as pressed powder eyeliner or brow definer, so they’re less blendable than the rest.

I get the intention behind it, and it’s not a bad idea. I just rely on having one dark, cool-toned eyeshadow per palette so I can smoke up my lashline, and it was tough to do with a brow powder.

The verdict on the Annabelle Eye & Brow Palette

If you love neutral eyeshadows, this palette is definitely worth adding to your collection. It’s a great example of drugstore eyeshadows done well, and while it may not be as buttery or shiny as a department store eyeshadow palette, I love how affordable it is.

The Annabelle Eye & Brow Palette Eyeshadows wear just as well as any good high-end eyeshadow, and it offers a really good mix of shades. Plus, it’s affordable and lightweight, so it’s ideal for high-risk makeup scenarios. You know: date night, travelling through customs, impromptu sleepovers…

Availability: $12.95 CAD at Annabelle.ca as well as drugstores and mass market retailers across Canada.

Tags: /Annabelle, Canadian beauty, Eyes, Indie brands, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Spring/Summer 2017

1 Comment

Treat Yo Self: Valentine’s Day edition & a Sova giveaway

February 14, 2017

Rae Chen

14 Comments

*sponsored by Sova

…Or maybe treat yo shelf? You know, your makeup shelf?

It’s that time of year again, and by “that time of year,” I mean “the time of year in which coupled humans typically exchange dead plant life for affection.” And, while I love a bouquet of roses as much as the next girl, I’m doing something a little different on theNotice this year.

Here are 10 picks that you can treat yourself (and your top shelf) to this Valentine’s Day. Because really, who loves you more than you*?

Shop this widget by clicking through on any product!

Win some joy (with this giveaway!)

As much as I believe in treating yourself when Valentine’s Day comes around (and you can bet I’ll be buying myself some chocolate) (okay fine you caught me; I already have), I really enjoy giving gifts to other people, too. I’m a total sucker for surprising my partners with presents, chocolate, or cute dates, and I’m super excited to get to bring that mentality to theNotice this year.

My friends at Sova offered to sponsor this post and host a giveaway of their Sova CommandO Vibe ($99.99 USD), which I could not be more excited about. One lucky reader will get to add a discreet new remote-controlled vibe to their toy collection! It’s the same one pictured in the editorial spread above, and it features a rechargeable vibe with a battery-operated vibrating remote.

I had fun testing out the Sova CommandO for this post, but I’d love to see a few small changes made in the future. The remote, for instance, would be better if it didn’t vibrate. It’s annoying to hold and burns through batteries like nobody’s business. (Plus, it channels most of its vibrations backwards, into the pop-off end.)

I’d like to see slightly less buzzy vibrations as well, although these did the trick–they’re surprisingly strong, and very quiet. I actually found this toy easier to get off with than the Leaf Life or Lelo (ahem) Siri!

Additionally, I appreciate that Sova is a brand developed by women, but it would be great if their marketing wasn’t specifically “designed for women.” Inclusivity of all genders is an important part of the sex industry (and something I’m trying to be more conscious of addressing in my writing), and broadening its stigma-free stance to include all individuals would be a great thing for the brand going forward!

Enter to win this duo below.

Treat Yo Self Valentine’s Day giveaway

—

*Puppies. Puppies love you more than you do.

Tags: sponsored/Annabelle, Eyes, Fashion, Fragrance, Hair, Lips, Lise Watier, Marcelle, Product Photos, Sex, The Edit

14 Comments

Paula’s Choice RESIST Brightening Essence | Getting picture-perfect for the holidays

November 30, 2016

Rae Chen

7 Comments

Paula’s Choice RESIST Brightening Essence review

The product: Paula’s Choice RESIST Brightening Essence

I like to start every brightening/whitening post the same way: with a reminder that I don’t think that whiter or brighter skin is “more beautiful” than darker skin, ethnic skin, or hyperpigmented skin. Brightening products are a great option to have for those who choose to use them, but I don’t think anyone should feel the need to.

(You’re beautiful just the way you are!)

Why use a brightening product?: I have had countless sales associates tell me that I need to brighten my skin due to my ethnicity, but respectfully: fuck that noise.

I was really interested in this product because my skin holds a tan, and I don’t want my choice of holiday dress this year to be limited by my tan lines. But that’s not the only reason to use a brightening product: if you feel like your skin looks a little dull and you want a bit more glow, or if you have pigmentation that makes you uncomfortable and you’d like a slightly more even skintone, then brightening products could really help you outN. If you want extreme results, then opt for a peel or treatment instead.

How it works: I like the Paula’s Choice RESIST Brightening Essence ($42 USD) in particular because it’s very gentle. It’s not sensitizing the way peels can be, so just make sure to layer under sunscreen during the daytime and use sparingly — the formula pills if you over-apply.

The formula uses licorice extract, arbutin, vitamin C, and niacinamide to brighten the complexion, plus a blend of sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid to add moisture to the epidermis. It’s free of silicones, parabens, and fragrances, and it hasn’t been tested on animals.

But does it work?: In short, yes. I used this “essence” twice a day on my chest tan (a rather unfortunate cross between a scoop neck and a v-neck) for two weeks straight, and I think my skin looked brighter and more even at the end of the test.

The only thing that confused me about this product is that it’s marketed as an essence, but it’s NOT a K-beauty essence. It’s applied like a serum and it acts like one, so why not just call it a serum? I mean, I know it’s just a thing that brands are doing nowadays, but… it’s confusing. Stop it, skincare industry. Stop it.

The verdict?

If you’re nervous about holiday photos and you want to get a leg up over the competition (everyone has that hot cousin who always looks better than you in photographs; goddammit, Kylie, why are you so pretty), then right now is exactly the right time to start a brightening regimen.

The Paula’s Choice RESIST Brightening Essence is effective and unobtrusive, and more or less feels like a “nothing” step in your skincare routine wherein you’re applying water and waking up two weeks later with results. (Huzzah for skincare products that are easily added to/removed from your routine!)

Availability: $42 USD at Paula’s Choice and Nordstrom.

Keep reading! »

Tags: /Fall/Winter 2016, Other, Paraben-free, Paula's Choice, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, Silicone-free moisturizers and serums, Skincare

7 Comments

Neal’s Yard Orange Flower Facial Oil, Wild Rose Beauty Balm review, photos

October 25, 2016

Rae Chen

4 Comments

The products: Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm & Orange Flower Facial Oil

In the beauty industry right now, one of the toughest things to figure out is whether or not the “natural” brand you’re working with is truly natural or not. Sometimes their ingredients lists can be deceptive; sometimes their practices don’t quite line up with the natural beauty ethos.

Neal’s Yard Remedies, however, is the real deal. It’s a massive beauty brand that has maintained all-natural, cruelty-free, organic-when-possible ingredients since their inception in 1981, and they’re family-run by different families in each country that they exist in.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm ($72 CAD)

This beauty balm did none of the things that I wanted it to. It wasn’t hydrating enough to use as a moisturizer on my super-dehydrated skin, and (I think because of the hemp seed oil,) it had a tendency to make me break out if I tried to make it work anyways.

But: it was so humbly amazing at so many other things that it has become one of my favourite “luxury” products anyways.

The Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm is just that: luxurious. Unlike most beauty balms, it melts upon contact and is smooth and silky, so it doesn’t tug at your skin. Its first ingredient is organic wild rose seed oil (hence the price tag). It smells even more amazing than you’d expect, and every time I pick up the heavy glass bottle, I can’t help but feel a little bit spoiled.

My two favourite ways to use it are as a cleansing-exfoliating balm with a muslin cloth (included) and for facial massages. I gave Boyfriend his first-ever facial using this stuff, and he was GLOWING when I was done!

Neal’s Yard Remedies Orange Flower Facial Oil ($55 CAD)

I was also sent the Neal’s Yard Remedies Orange Flower Facial Oil, because the Wild Rose Beauty Balm wasn’t quite hydrating enough for me. The Orange Flower Facial Oil is definitely more hydrating, but the two together don’t quite do the trick for me – I’m VERY dehydrated in addition to being dry, so while the two are really lovely together, I still need a little bit more.

I noticed that Neal’s Yard doesn’t make very many products that specifically target extremely dry skin, so the range is perhaps beset for those with normal, oily, or lightly dry skin types – just something to keep in mind.

With its $72 CAD price tag and perfectly-toned artwork, I thought that the Wild Rose Beauty Balm was Neal’s Yard’s one big product… Until I tried this oil. It’s just as gorgeous as the balm, if not more so, and it isn’t just an overpriced bottle of orange flower oil, either.

Instead, it’s a carefully thought-out blend of organic macadamia seed, jojoba, hemp, and pomegranate seed oil (I bloody LOVE pomegranate seed oil), amongst others, and it’s scented with neroli, ylang ylang, and mandarin peel oil.

The verdict?

I really loved both of these products, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them – as indulgences. (Hmm… perhaps for a special someone in your life this Christmas?) They’re not hydrating enough for someone with extremely dry skin to use as part of a daily regimen, but they are nothing short of a joy to use.

If you do a lot of at-home facials or spa days, the Wild Rose Beauty Balm is a must, and if you love neroli, then the Orange Flower Facial Oil definitely is, too.

Availability: Available at Neal’s Yard Remedies worldwide. Both permanent products.

Keep reading! »

Tags: /Cleansing, Grouped reviews, Moisturizers, Neals Yard Remedies, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, Skincare

4 Comments

MIYU Hydrate Mi tea review, photos | The prettiest teas in Canada!

September 13, 2016

Rae Chen

2 Comments

The product: MIYU Beauty Hydrate Mi Beauty Tea (Pairing No. 1)

Two years ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing MIYU’s original essences and tea pairings for you guys. Today, I have the chance to re-review their recently repackaged Hydrate Mi Beauty Tea , and I could not be more excited to share my thoughts!

» MIYU Beauty is a Canadian company founded by cosmetic chemist and former blogger Connie Tai. Connie and her husband Peter just welcomed their second little one into the world in August (hi, baby Christian!)

The new packaging: The new MIYU packaging features premium loose leaf tea in eco-friendly packaging, and you guys, I am in love. The tins are gorgeous and totally gift-worthy, and they seal up quite tightly to keep your tea fresh for as long as possible!

Even the new labels are more eco-friendly – they’re printed on Forest Stewardship Certified paper.

The teas now come in refillable Deluxe Edition and Everyday Edition format, which feature tin canister and resealable foiled pouch packaging, respectively. MIYU is also now offering drawstring-style tea filters to pair with their loose leaf tea, which, again, somehow seem more luxe than the stuff you’d get at the grocery store. (They scrunch up nice and tightly!)

Hydrate Mi vs De-Stress Mi: MIYU’s Hydrate Mi tea is now made without sugar pearls, and it features green rooibos with vitamin C-packed goji berries, rose petals, and notes of pear. I find the tea to be quite light and well-rounded, with floral and fruity notes.

The De-Stress Mi tea, now also free of sugar, blends peppermint tea, Chinese liquorice, and chamomile blossoms for an uplifting and anti-inflammatory blend.

The verdict?

I’ve probably gone through a good four bottles of MIYU Beauty Essence since my original review, and I’m happy to start drinking the Hydrate Mi tea pairing again, too.

The MIYU teas really turn tea-drinking into an experience – you’re not just sitting down with a grey David’s Tea bag or an old box of Lipton’s. Instead, the MIYU teas feel like they could have just fallen off of a shelf in a Parisian boutique, and they’re feel-good teas all around: they’re made to be good for you, your skin, and the environment.

Availability: $14 CAD-$25 USD at MIYU Beauty.

Keep reading! »

Tags: /Canadian beauty, Indie brands, MIYU Beauty, Other, Product Photos

2 Comments

Duckish Lotion Stick, Body Butter, Bath Salts review, photos | DIY Pedicure Kit

July 25, 2016

Rae Chen

2 Comments

The product: Duckish DIY Pedicure Kit (customized) – Duckish Mint Bath Salts, Pink Grapefruit Body Butter, and Lavender Lotion Stick

Okay, so I really wanted to feature Duckish as part of my Small Business Saturdays series, but things keep coming up on Friday nights and I really didn’t want to wait any longer. So we’ll call this one Small Business Mondays instead, I guess!

Duckish is an all-natural Canadian beauty brand with just the absolute cutest packaging. (I want to own basically everything they make.) Their products are all cruelty-free, handmade, and free of icky things like parabens, synthetic fragrances, and silicones.

Mint Bath Salts ($9.99 CAD)

I wanted to focus my review on Duckish’s body butter and lotion stick, because I’ve been dying to try them out for what feels like forever–but this kit includes bath salts and a pumice stone on a rock, too. The pumice stone is pretty standard fare, but the bath salts are more then just plain ‘ol rock salt.

They’re a blend of Dead Sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, and Epsom salts, with sweet almond oil and organic coconut oil to add a bit of hydration to your bath or foot soak. Each scent comes with a unique blend of essential oils, too; the Mint one is made with eucalyptus and peppermint (two of my all-time favourite oils.)

Pink Grapefruit Body Butter ($11.99 CAD)

Funnily enough, I was most excited for the Duckish Body Butter, but their lotion stick stole the show for me. The Body Butters, I think, are best for those with dry or weathered skin – not so much for Sahara-like dehydration.

The Duckish Body Butter formula is definitely a classic one, with a thick, creamy formula that’s heavy on the shea, and honestly… I didn’t like it. It’s surprisingly creamy for an indie body butter, but non-“mainstream” (The Body Shop, L’Occitane, Bliss, etc.) butters just don’t seem to be hydrating enough for me – this one just kinda sits on my skin, leaving hands feeling both vaguely greasy and so dry that they’re itchy.

Some people love these kinds of body butters, though, so just keep it in mind when ordering! Oh, and a warning for all my fellow crazy cat ladies: there’s just enough citrus oil in Pink Grapefruit to scare Tunakitten away from me when I’m using this, but not quite enough to make the olive oil in the formula palatable to my nose. :(

Lavender Mini Lotion Stick ($6.99 CAD)

Duckish’s description for their lotion sticks is:

“Lotion? In a stick? Is this real life? Yes, yes it is!”

And you know what? They couldn’t have been more accurate with that statement. These lotion sticks are crazily good – the mini one is perfect for mess-free application on the go, and the formula is spot-on.

I have really dehydrated skin, and the Duckish lotion stick definitely works better for me than their body butter. It melts immediately upon contact, basically turning into a light oil that absorbs immediately into the skin, and it feels so lovely – not greasy at all.

The verdict?

I love buying Canadian when I can, and Duckish makes that really easy. You’re not sacrificing packaging or price, and my only two reservations about the line are small ones: I’d have liked to see a bit more fragrance in their EO and a wider online availability, but both of these are things that will be remediated naturally, as the brand grows.

If bought separately, the three Duckish products in this kit come out to $28.97, so buying the kit essentially gets you a free pumice stone. If I was re-ordering for myself, though, I’d take all $29.99 and put it toward a hoard of lotion sticks!!

Availability: $29.99 CAD. Duckish just recently began shipping to the US in addition to Canada, so use code DUCKISHUSA to get $5 off all US orders over $20 until the end of the month.

Keep reading! »

Tags: /Canadian beauty, Company Review, Grouped reviews, Indie brands, Moisturizers, Other, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Silicone-free, Skincare, Small Business Saturdays

2 Comments

Swan Squeeze Kiss rechargeable vibrator review, photos (BMS Factory “The Swan Kiss”)

July 15, 2016

Rae Chen

6 Comments

The product: Swan (BMS Factory) Squeeze Control “The Swan Kiss” vibrator

A little while ago, I posted a review of an absolute powerhouse of a vibrator: the Swan Wand.

Today, I have another Swan toy to share with you, and I’m just as psyched about it–but for very different reasons. This little guy doesn’t have the girth, power, or battery life of the Swan Wand, and yet, I find myself reaching for it even more often.

The features: The Swan Squeeze Kiss is a weird dude. It’s whale-shaped (well, if whales had segmented bodies) and squishy on the sides of its biggest segment, almost like a really firm balloon.

It has all the basics that you want in a good sex toy (waterproof, submersible, rechargeable, 100% silicone), and has a solid run/charge cycle of 3 hours each. It’s also very quiet, which is excellent!

Instead of clicking a button to increase the speed of the Swan Kiss or change its pattern, everything is squeeze-based. The harder you squeeze, the stronger the toy will vibrate. To lock in a speed, you click the button while squeezing; to set a pattern, you turn on “Mimic Mode” and squeeze to your heart’s content.

In terms of strength of vibration, the Kiss is good, but it’s not great. It’s more powerful than my Leaf Life, but is less powerful than my We-Vibe Tango or Je Joue MiMi Soft (admittedly my two favourites). It sits in the middle ground for rumbliness as well; more rumbly than Lelo, but not quite rumbly enough for my tastes.

Swan Squeeze packaging – Teal (also available in a much less epic pink)

What makes it special: What I really love about the Swan Kiss, though, isn’t its squeeze control–in fact, I’d prefer a remote. What I love about it is its shape.

The Swan Kiss only has one motor in its middle segment, but the vibrations transmit well through silicone. It makes the little “whale tail” flicker as the vibrations gently touch a surface, stroking in a “come hither” motion if you arc from a low speed to a high one.

So, um. That’s cool. Cool is one word for that. (Another appropriate one may be “hrrrrngh.”)

But EVEN COOLER than that is that the Swan Kiss can be used hands-free and internally thanks to its “100% play area.” Try it with the tail pointing downwards and the rest of the toy wedged easily between your thighs, or by using the balloon portion internally, with the rest of the toy resting on your vulva and clitoris.

(Anatomically correct words! Know them. Love them. Embrace them.)

As an internal toy, the Swan Kiss isn’t designed to be used other objects, but it stays in place very well for me. If it had more rumble or more power, it might just be my perfect vibrator. (As it is, it’s lovely, but not an all ’rounder for me!)

eeeeeeeeee!

The verdict?

Whereas the Swan Wand is something that I think would do well in any sex toy arsenal, the Swan Squeeze Kiss is more of a niche product. You have to specifically like hands-free toys to really get the most out of it, but for those who do, it’s an excellent choice – the best I’ve ever come across.

It has a very respectable run time and is a great way to experience pleasure while your hands are doing other stuff. I’ll let your imaginations take it from there.

Availability: $99 USD SRP/$79.99 USD at SheVibe.

Additional photos & more »

Tags: /Other, Product Photos, Product Review, Sex, Swan

6 Comments

Micellar water reviews: Garnier, Bioderma Hydrabio & Sensibio, Marcelle 3 in 1

May 27, 2016

Rae Chen

24 Comments

For those of you who don’t already know, micellar waters are water-like makeup removing solutions. They use hydrophilic/hydrophobic “micelles” to break down makeup with the power of an oil while still having the texture of water, and they’re… kind of fantastic.

Ever since trying the Marcelle 3 in 1 (formerly the Marcelle Essentials Cleansing Water), I’ve been smitten with micellar waters. They’re an awesome way to gently remove makeup with no silicones and no oily residue, and while they break down makeup as well as many bi-phase makeup removers, they don’t set tubing mascaras the way an oil will.

Nowadays, there are a ton of micellar waters on the market – so here’s a comparison of four of the best.

4. Bioderma Sensibio Make-up Removing Micelle Solution ($26.95 CAD/500ml)

Sensibio is the mother of all micellar solutions. Invented in 1995, Sensibio/Créaline just celebrated its 20th anniversary – and one bottle is still sold every 3 seconds worldwide.

The Sensibio range is fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin, and the micellar solution replaces your make-up remover and toner. But, as much as I love Sensibio, I think that 20 years of competition and new technologies can make a better product.

The packaging: Bioderma’s packaging is a classic, but the lids are very fragile and snap off if you open the circular top from the wrong angle. Bioderma is available in the widest range of sizes (100 ml to 1L, depending on your country.)

The product: While gentle and fragrance-free, I find that Sensibio is a little drying, especially in the eye area. Sensibio is the least effective makeup remover of these 4.

The price: $26 CAD per 500 ml

3. Marcelle 3 in 1 Micellar Solution ($19.95 CAD/300 ml)

The Marcelle 3 in 1 Micellar Solution was my first cleansing oil, so it has a special place in my heart. It’s Canadian, it’s fragrance-free, and it comes in awesome packaging.

The packaging: The best of the bunch! The 3 in 1 comes in a sturdy flip-top push dispenser. However, it only comes in the one size, and there is no open-cap version available for q-tip dipping.

The product: More effective than Sensibio, but slightly more astringent.

The price: $33.25 CAD/500 ml

2. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water ($8.97/400 ml)

Garnier’s SkinActive micellar waters (also available in blue/waterproof) are the newest micellar waters on the block, and I’ve gotta give it to ’em: they’re really not bad!

The packaging: Sturdy lid & slim bottle. However, the SkinActive line is a blatant ripoff of Bioderma, which is a big turn-off for me.

The product: The SkinActive Micellar Water is more effective than Bioderma Sensibio and less drying than Marcelle’s. It feels slightly more “soapy” than either of the two.

The price: $11.21 CAD/500 ml

1. Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturizing Micelle Solution ($24.90/500 ml)

Hydrabio is Bioderma’s newest micellar water, and it is by far my favourite of the line. It’s optimized for dehydrated/dry, sensitive skin, and for my fragile, dry skin, it is the most gentle of the bunch.

It’s very fragranced, however (it smells kind of moisturize-y floral), so it’s best for sensitive-fragile skin, not sensitive-“allergies galore!” skin.

The packaging: Fragile lid & wide volume range (see above).

The product: The most gentle AND the most effective of these four. It’s a little more “slippery” feeling, but it completely melts away even my waterproof gel eyeliners. (This is the #1 micellar water in Canada!)

The price: $24.90/500 ml

The verdict?

While I would prefer it without the fragrance, I find Bioderma’s Hydrabio micellar water to be both the most gentle and the most effective micellar water in drugstores right now. However, all four of them are honestly very good – good enough that you should never have to return to non-micellar makeup removers ever again!

There are still a handful of micellar waters that I have yet to try, though, and I would love to hear your thoughts on them. Hit me up in the comments to rave about your favourite micellar water!!

Additional photos & more »

Tags: /Bioderma, Cleansing, Garnier, Grouped reviews, Marcelle, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, Skincare

24 Comments

The Swan Wand (BMS Factory) vibrator review, photos

May 17, 2016

Rae Chen

3 Comments

The product: Swan The Swan Wand Rechargeable Waterproof Silicone Vibrator

The Swan Wand features: The Swan Wand is Swan/BMS Factory’s most powerful toy, and it’s not hard to see why. This thing is like a walking, talking gold standard, except it neither walks nor talks.

It’s fully waterproof with a 100% silicone finish, features two independently controlled motors, and cycles through 7 functions independent of speed. The Swan Wand has a travel lock mode, charges via USB, and runs for up to 8.5 hours on a 4 hour charge — like, for real. I usually need to charge toys after every use, if not more (cough We-Vibe cough), but holy magical snickerdoodles, I’m on like my tenth orgasm with this thing and it’s still holding strong.

How it performs: This dual-ended toy is, without a doubt, stronger than anything else I own. It’s relatively quiet for its intensity, but turned up, yeah, it’s gonna make some noise. It does send vibrations up the “handle” (aka the end that’s not in use), but it’s plenty strong enough to actually massage sore muscles. Think of it like a rechargeable Hitachi, but designed for internal use and less buzzy. (And cheaper!)

Like the Leaf Life I reviewed recently, the Swan Wand contains a PowerBullet motor, so it feels similar. However, this PowerBullet motor is stronger and rumblier on low than the Leaf Life is at its highest, and it’s a little more “thuddy” overall. Worth noting, though, is that the larger end of the Swan Wand is pretty big – it’s about 2 inches wide with zero give, and I am nowhere near brave or flexible enough to attempt to use it internally. It makes a great handle, though, and it’s definitely one for the size queens!

The Swan Wand dimensions

The Swan Wand Rechargeable Vibrator review

How it feels: The Swan Wand is extremely powerful and moderately rumbly. It has nearly invisible seams and a velvety silicone finish, so you’ll need to use it with a good water-based lubricant. (Sliquid Oceanics is my current favourite!)

As an external vibe, it’s not my favourite toy. It’s good, but I prefer spot vibrations to broad ones. That being said, this is one of the few internal vibrators that doesn’t bore me to death if used externally (the other is the Rosa Rouge), but it’s almost too powerful — like, I can get off, but it kinda hurts.

As an internal vibe, it is excellent. Its powerful motor gets put to good use and really resonates through your body, and the gentle curve to the Swan Wand’s smaller end hits the spot just right for me. It’s actually far stronger than I would ever need; I like it best at levels 1-3, and only crank it up to max to massage my muscles during non-sexy-times or get off super quickly.

The Swan Wand controls. How sleek are those? (They’re super satisfying to click, too — like the tops of fountain drink lids.)

What sets it apart from the crowd: Achieving orgasm with a partner has always been really difficult for me, and it’s always been a big source of anxiety and self-consciousness in the bedroom. On a bad day, it can easily take me 45 minutes to achieve orgasm with a partner present, but if I pair a clit vibe with the Swan Wand, I can get that down to 15 minutes. (With a clit vibe and a great dildo on said bad day, I’m probably looking at 20-30 minutes.)

For me, 15 minutes is a pretty big deal — it makes me feel like less of a “burden” in a relationship, and as a result, it makes it easier for me to get off the rest of the time, too.

The verdict?

If you don’t yet own an internal vibe that you love, BUY THIS. BUY IT RIGHT NOW.

I don’t like saying that toys “will work for everyone,” because that’s a load of crap, but this one works for me. It’s insanely strong, has a battery life that puts even my MacBook to shame, and gets me off faster than anything else that I own, as long as I pair it with a clit vibe. (And I mean, why wouldn’t I? If you’re gonna go for the good feels, you may as well go all the way.)

I know that my list of must-have sex toys is ever-changing, but this one gets classed right up in there in the legends with my VixSkin and MiMi Soft. 10/10 would recommend to a friend; 10/10 would also buy for a friend if I loved them enough.