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Travel-sized beauty: How many ml to pack for a month-long trip

June 15, 2017

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Travel packing is one of those things that has always been tough for me. I always know what to pack, but I never know how much to pack. So, when I headed off to Daqingshan Mountain in China for just shy of four weeks this past May, I took the opportunity to pack some travel-sized beauty products to see what would and wouldn’t be enough.

And guess what? I didn’t run out of a single item while I was there.

It’s tough to travel-size your makeup, so what I focused on for this trip was taking the right sizes of the big stuff. Things like shampoo bottles and moisturizers can take up a ton of space in your suitcase, and I’m an over-packer to begin with. Unless I want to start hauling six suitcases around, I’ve gotta go small where I can.

(Insert short person joke here. But hey, the joke’s on all you tall people, because I can comfortably fit in airline seats!)

Travel-sized beauty: Bath, body, and hair products

I brought along a LUSH Shampoo Bar and their Veganese Hair Conditioner, neither of which I particularly love at home – but they performed like champs while I was away. The Shampoo Bar doubled as a satisfactory soap/shaving cream and bath foam when I tried it, too.

I’d estimate that 100 ml of conditioner will last you 2 months if you’re using lots (Veganese is pretty thin) and washing your hair every other day. One shampoo bar will last you a lot longer; I’d say half a year or more.

For my body, I brought a travel-sized Bioderma Atoderm Gentle Shower Gel. I found that I used about as much shower gel as I did conditioner, so 100 ml will last you 2 months if you’re showering every other day. Atoderm lathers lightly, and works well with the Venus Snap with Embrace that I brought with me.

The Snap is tiny, even in my little gremlin hands, and it makes a weird squeaking noise against my skin, sort of like it’s happy to be alive but really unhappy to be at work. It also delivers a crazy-smooth shave, though, so I’m not really complaining. I can torture razors for that.

I also (and I swear this wasn’t intentional) brought along a 100 ml moisturizer. The Karen Phytoplankton Moisturizing Lotion is a little light for me in Edmonton, but it was just right for China. This one’s close to being empty, so I’d say 100 ml of moisturizer will last about 4-5 weeks. (Karen is currently offering 40% off every order on their website until the end of the year with code KAREN4BLOGGERS, so snap this one up now!)

Sunscreen (which I totally over-packed)

I knew I’d be spending a lot of time outdoors in China, so I brought along two things of spray-on sunscreen and one stick. I have yet to find an affordable cream/lotion sunscreen that’s also silicone-free, but let me know if you can think of any!

Neutrogena Beach Defence SPF 60 is my go-to sunscreen, and this is my third bottle of it. It’s cheap and effective, but it’s still sunscreen, so it’s a little sticky and quite perfumed. I also brought along the super-smooth Neutrogena UltraSheer Face & Body Stick SPF 50+ for midday sunscreening.

On days when I knew I wouldn’t have time to shower off my sunscreen before meals, I used Ombrelle SPF 60 Sport, which is also silicone-free. It has a very low scent profile for a sunscreen, but I don’t know–for some reason, it just wasn’t as effective for me. I consistently picked up a bit of colour every time I used this, even though I applied until I was dripping and rubbed it in.

Itty-bitty face care

I wasn’t sure how much facial moisturizer to bring either, so I brought my full-sized Aveeno Fresh Essentials SPF 30. For the night, I also brought a tiny tube of my nighttime fave, DHC Extra Nighttime Moisture.

This mini (0.28 oz/8 g) tube lasted for all 3 1/2 weeks. It feels pretty light, so to be on the safe side, I’d recommend expecting that 8 grams of moisturizer will last you 4 weeks.

What are your travelling must-haves?

Tags: /Bioderma, DHC, Grouped reviews, LUSH, Neutrogena, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Silicone-free, Spring/Summer 2017, Travel

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We-Vibe Touch review, photos: Why I’d skip the We-Vibe Touch

June 12, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: We-Vibe Touch Waterproof Silicone Vibrator

I can’t give you one reason as to why I hate the We-Vibe Touch, but I hate the We-Vibe Touch. It’s an amalgamation of little things, I suppose. I’ve had this toy for a good 12 months, and I’ve gotten blocked every other time I’ve tried to review it.

The We-Vibe Touch specs

The We-Vibe Touch Waterproof Silicone Vibrator is described as an “ultra-powerful, silky-soft intimate massager.” It promises rumbly vibrations and whisper-quiet operation, with 8 vibration modes (4 speeds and 4 patterns on high). It features the same base as the We-Vibe Tango, so it also has a 1-button control and charges via the same adapter. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if the Touch and the Tango turned out to feature the exact same motor and controls, just with a different housing.

The Touch is free of phtalates, latex, and BPA, and is made from medical-grade silicone. Its production is carbon-neutral and it features a rechargeable battery and fully recyclable packaging. It promises up to 2 hours of play on a 90-minute recharge.

My (conflicted) feelings on the We-Vibe Touch

In theory, I really should have liked the We-Vibe Touch. It hits all of my main points: a relatively rumbly motor (though not as rumbly or as strong as the Tango bullet), quiet enough to use discreetly behind a closed door, a silicone body, a rechargeable battery, and a waterproof casing. The shape is unique; perhaps better for some, but just fine for me. And when it works, it works well, delivering (for me) strong, full-bodied orgasms.

Despite all of that, I hate this toy.

The more I use the We-Vibe Touch, the harder it is for me to get off with it. And it’s not like it’s “desensitizing” me (or whatever nonsense right-wingers will tell you about vibrators). Rather, because it fails on me so often, I get more and more timid each time I use it. It’s difficult enough for me to focus on sex to begin with; the added layer of anxiety makes orgasming nigh-impossible.

My We-Vibe Touch acts now how my first We-Vibe Tango did after 2 years. Its battery life is inconsistent, and it can’t really hold a charge. I have to charge it and then use it immediately, because it’s always dead by the next day. I’ve had it last anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes on medium/high immediately following a charge, and every now and again, I’ll charge it and it simply won’t turn on.

The verdict on the We-Vibe Touch?

A few of the reviews on the SheVibe site mention that the battery life of the We-Vibe Touch doesn’t last as long as promised, so I’m hesitant to say that my product was simply faulty. But even if it was… Does that matter? ~~I’ve owned four toys from We-Vibe, and I’ve had the same issues with two of them.~~

Edit 10/11/17: I’ve now owned five toys from We-Vibe, and I’ve had these issues with three of them. I can now confirm that they’ll send a replacement if your toy dies within 1 year from the date of purchase, but you really have to pressure them for it – they don’t reply to emails from the contact form on their website.

Come on, We-Vibe. If you’re going to retail at $99 USD for a single clit vibe, you need to have better quality control.

I’ll be posting about the We-Vibe Tango again soon, so get hyped for that! But in the meantime, my verdict on the We-Vibe Touch is “soft pass.” The motor and shape of this toy are excellent for both broad and pinpoint stimulation, as long as you like your vibrations strong, but the circuit board and battery leave something to be desired.

Availability: $99 USD at We-Vibe. P.S. This toy is now available in beautiful green!

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

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Burt’s Bees Lipstick review, swatches, photos

June 8, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: Burt’s Bees Lipstick in 513 Doused Rose, 524 Wine Wave, 522 Crimson Coast, and 533 Orchid Ocean

The new Burt’s Bees Lipsticks are available in 18 shades, and the shade range is surprisingly good for a drugstore range. There aren’t any wild colours, but the range contains a good mix of non-zombie nudes, punchy pinks/oranges/reds, and a few really satisfying berries.

(Non-zombie nudes: the only kind of nudes you ever want to see, for either interpretation of the word “nude.” Unless that’s your thing.) (IT IS NOT MY THING. I AM WEAK OF SPIRIT AND EASILY FRIGHTENED.)

The Burt’s Bees Lipstick formula & packaging review

I’ve heard some complaints about this packaging (it’s awkwardly long, and has a tendency to crush the lipstick tips), but I really like it. It’s easy to pick these lipsticks out of the bunch, and they’re made from 100% recyclable #5 plastic (60% post-consumer).

Plus, look at those ‘lil honeycombs! They’re so cute!

I find the new Burt’s lipstick formula to be very hydrating for a lipstick, but too slippery overall. The colour slides everywhere on me, and fades fast. I end up with a noticeable ring of colour and gunky outer corners within the hour.

I had high hopes for this formula, because it’s 100% natural and really affordable, but no matter what I did, I just couldn’t seem to make them work for me.

Burt’s Bees Lipstick swatches (one coat, indirect sunlight)

Burt’s Bees Lipstick “513 Doused Rose” swatches

513 Doused Rose is the lightest of the Burt’s Bees Lipsticks that I was sent to try, and it’s the least glossy of the bunch. It’s a medium-pink with cool yellow undertones and (like the rest of the range) no shimmer. ??????

Burt’s Bees Lipstick in 524 Wine Wave – swatch, review

Burt’s Bees Lipstick “524 Wine Wave” swatches

If you want a punchy berry, then 524 Wine Wave is the shade for you. It’s glossy and really well-pigmented, and looks like what would happen if you crossed a berry lipstick with a fuchsia one.

Burt’s Bees Lipstick in 522 Crimson Coast swatches, review

Burt’s Bees Lipstick “522 Crimson Coast” swatches

The ’90s revival has brought back a lot of brick reds and orange-browns, and 522 Crimson Coast is one of them. It’s a subdued orange-red, so it’s not too orange, but it’s definitely retro. If you’re just dipping your toe into the orange pool (which is hopefully entirely metaphorical), this kind of orange is a great starting point.

Burt’s Bees Lipstick in 533 Orchid Ocean – swatch, review

Burt’s Bees Lipstick “533 Orchid Ocean” swatches

???????? Despite the unreliability of these lipsticks, I’ve worn 522 Orchid Ocean out and about a number of times.

I know I “shouldn’t” wear a lipstick that I know is going to fade awkwardly almost immediately, but I can’t help myself. The dark berry of this shade is just so wearable! Thanks perhaps to its medium opacity, Orchid Ocean manages to be dark and moody while still looking totally low-maintenance.

Burt’s Bees Lipstick swatches – 513 Doused Rose, 524 Wine Wave, 522 Crimson Coast, and 533 Orchid Ocean

The verdict on Burt’s Bees Lipsticks?

I love Burt’s Bees, and I feel really badly reviewing this product negatively when I just gave the Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil a “skip.” But while these are nicely hydrating… I just don’t like them.

These lipsticks are very well-reviewed on the Burt’s Bees site, so my feelings on them may well be out of the norm. No matter the shade, they apply really patchily on me, and need to be touched up hourly. My aunt has one of these as well (one of the darker shades), and it wears similarly on her.

I can see these lipsticks working better in a shade that’s close to your natural lip colour, but otherwise, I say skip them.

Availability: $8.99 USD/$9.99 CAD at Burt’s Bees, Ulta, and most drugstores and mass market retailers across Canada and the US.

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

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

June 5, 2017

Rae Chen

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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

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Maybelline 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palette review, swatches, photos

June 1, 2017

Rae Chen

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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

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

May 29, 2017

Rae Chen

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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

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

May 25, 2017

Rae Chen

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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

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

May 22, 2017

Rae Chen

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*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

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

May 18, 2017

Rae Chen

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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

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

May 15, 2017

Rae Chen

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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

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