theNotice

Lady Lash Ltd: Lash Extensions review, photos, comparison

May 12, 2017

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

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

What you need to know about lash extensions

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

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

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

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

My experience getting lash extensions at Lady Lash Ltd.

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

Lash extensions before & after

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

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

My verdict on lash extensions?

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

(Which, lol. They are not.)

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

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

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Something Wicked Ava Collection review | Adventures in underboob

May 8, 2017

Rae Chen

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

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

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

Something Wicked Ava collection

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

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

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

The Something Wicked story

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

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

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

How to wear a half cup bra

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

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

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

Get the look

OUTFIT

Something Wicked Ava Half Cup Leather Bra (£135)

Something Wicked Ava Mini Leather Peephole Briefs (£95)

Something Wicked Ava Maxi Skirt (£229)

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

MAKEUP HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOCATION

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

TEAM

Bryan Tran and Janelle Holod at Affinity Photography

Edits and styling by Rae Chen

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

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Aroma Foundry essential oil review, comparison, DIY ideas

May 4, 2017

Rae Chen

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

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

(Yes, even the bathroom.)

How each oil compares

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

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

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

Bergamot vs lemongrass vs citronella essential oil comparison

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

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

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

Spearmint vs peppermint essential oil comparison

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

Cedarwood vs fir essential oil comparison

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

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

Lime vs mandarin essential oil comparison

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

My DIY home fragrance blend of choice

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

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Mother’s Day gift guide | FOREO Luna Mini 2 review

May 1, 2017

Rae Chen

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*sponsored by FOREO

Not sure what to get for Mom this Mother’s Day? Neither am I, but here are a few suggestions… If your mom likes candles more than she likes power tools. (What? My mom is hard to buy for.)

1. Get her buzz on with the FOREO Luna Mini 2

I’ll be upfront with you guys: I’m a big fan of FOREO, and when they asked me to put together this Mother’s Day gift guide, I jumped at the chance. A facial cleansing device makes for a great gift, because they’re such a little luxury–they’re really effective, but at the same time, they’re not a mandatory part of any skincare regimen.

I’ve reviewed the Luna Mini before, but the FOREO Luna Mini 2 is a big step up. It has longer bristles and more power, with 8 different power intensities. It’s also larger on the whole, with a softer silicone. It’s a lot closer to the Luna 2 than the Luna Mini was to the Luna, and it really is a joy to use.

» Get 15% off all devices until May 14th with code FOREO4MOM at Foreo.com.

2. & 3. Add a matching cleanser & mask duo

I like my skincare matchy-matchy, but with my picky skin, that almost never happens.

The FOREO Luna Mini 2 comes in a swath of different colours, though, so it’s not too hard to colour-code your skincare. I really like the black Midnight FOREO Luna Mini 2 with a foamy cleanser like Bella Aura’s Gentle Purifying Cleanser & a nice purifying mask (this one is the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask.)

FOREO Luna Mini vs Luna Mini 2

4. Create a relaxing frame of mind

I like doing little pamper sessions every now and again, and there’s no better way to set the mood than some soothing tunes and a great fragrance. A candle with a lot of throw, like the Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay candle, will easily do the trick.

5. Add some height

Okay, so it’s time for some real talk: once you’re over the hill, things change. I had a great talk with my mom the other day about, you know, dryness, but that’s not the only way in which things change after menopause.

Most women find that their hair naturally thins once they’re over the hill, so a little volume boosting root powder never goes awry. I really like the new generation of gritty, water-based root powders like the Matrix Height Riser for fast, easy volume.

6. Get obnoxiously matchy-matchy

My mom and I are pretty close. So a few weeks ago, while shopping online for a few new essentials, we bought matching flash drives.

It’s not necessarily a big gesture, but it’s one of my favourite Mother’s Day gift ideas. Whether it’s matching thumb drives, matching phone cases, or matching FOREOs, buying in twos is just a really lovely way to say “hey, I love you and I want to carry you around everywhere with me, mom.”

What are you doing for Mother’s Day this year?

Tags: sponsored/Foreo, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Silicone-free, Spring/Summer 2017, The Edit

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Tatcha The Essence Plumping Skin Softener review, photos

April 27, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: Tatcha The Essence Plumping Skin Softener

How the Tatcha Essence works

The Essence is 98.7% made up of Tatcha’s “hadasei-3” complex, which, honestly, I’m a little unclear on. It’s a filtrate of a combination of ingredients, which could mean a lot of things.

From the sounds of it, the hadasei-3 complex is water infused with green tea, rice, algae, and yeast, and then filtered for impurities. (Think Whole Foods asparagus water, but with skin-conditioning agents and antioxidants.)

I am inherently wary of paying more than $100 for water in any context, but the fermentation of the ingredients produces low levels of lactic acid. It’s always nice to have something in your skincare regimen that will gently try encourage cell turnover, and a small amount over a long period of time is a great way to introduce acids if you have sensitive skin.

My experience with the Tatcha Essence

One of the first things that I noticed about the Tatcha Essence (I’m sorry; I just can’t bring myself to say “the Tatcha The Essence”) was that it doesn’t contain any glycerine. Instead, it’s light and hydrating without any heaviness or stickiness.

Beauty essences are basically just fancy toners that you use without cottons, but I really like this one. The packaging is luxurious and easy to use, and it’s easy to press just the right amount of The Essence into your skin. The essence itself pours slowly out of a sculpted spout, and it has the texture of a heavy water.

As a young ~~and spry~~ 24-year-old, I can’t speak toward dramatic anti-ageing results. But after just a few weeks using the Tatcha Essence, my skin does look pretty good. The fine lines that I’m starting to get around my mouth (thanks, super dry skin) are less noticeable, and I’m feeling less dry around the perimeter of my face.

The Tatcha Essence verdict?

I was never a fan of the toner movement, but I’m kind of into essences. They’re a splurge, but they’re lightly hydrating and easy to add into your skincare regimen. Tatcha’s The Essence is beautifully formulated and packaged, and for each bottle sold, some of the profits go to Tatcha’s Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures partnership.

The most surprising thing that I learned while writing this review, however, was that the price point for the Tatcha Essence is totally on-par with the market. Niche beauty essences typically seem to run anywhere from $80-140 CAD, and that’s not even the high end. SK-II’s sits at $225 CAD for the same amount, so $114 isn’t that bad–but it’s still pretty crazy.

I think I could definitely live without The Essence in my life, but as far as beauty essences go, I do very much enjoy this one.

Availability: $95 USD/$114 CAD at Sephora, Spring, and Barneys.

Tags: /Indie brands, Moisturizers, Other, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, Skincare, Spring/Summer 2017, Tatcha

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Ecotools Perfecting Blender Duo, Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend review, photos | Drugstore gems

April 24, 2017

Rae Chen

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The products: Ecotools Perfecting Blender Duo complexion sponge, Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend eye brushes

When I started wearing makeup, it was tough to find affordable tools and brushes that were actually good. The market has really opened up in recent years, though, and two of the brands at the forefront of everything are Ecotools and Real Techniques.

Ecotools Perfecting Blender Duo ($15.99 CAD/intl)

Ecotools were one of the first super-soft synthetic makeup brushes on the market, but they can be a bit of a mixed bag. Some of their brushes can be poorly made (I can’t tell you how many of my Ecotools ferrules have just popped right off their handles), and their bristles are a little too soft. They can feel almost staticky or oily, which is a little bit too much like being petted by the Penguin–or a penguin–for my tastes.

Where the brand excels, though, is its breadth. They make makeup brushes, konjac sponges, exfoliating puffs, dry brushes, hair brushes… the list goes on.

This spring, Ecotools is adding the Ecotools Perfecting Blender Duo to their lineup, and these little guys are absolutely excellent. If you’ve tried the Real Techniques complexion sponges, these are very similar–both brands are owned by Paris Presents.

I prefer using the Ecotools Perfecting Blender Duo damp, although it can also be used dry. Both sponges are soft, bouncy, and durable, and the flat angles are a great compromise between precision and speed. The wedge tip lets you get really sharp edges where and when you need them, and the rounded base stipples them out really easily.

I know that not everyone always wants two sponges, but the fact that these are sold in a kit is really helpful. The smaller one is firmer and smoother, delivering heavier coverage in a more precise location. It’s also less absorbent, so it’s perfect for creamy undereye concealers.

Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend brushes ($14.99 CAD/intl)

When it comes to choosing between the two brands, though, Real Techniques is definitely my favourite. They make great products, and I love the long ferrules on their makeup brushes.

I already own an alarming number of Real Techniques makeup brushes, but these ones don’t seem extraneous. If you don’t own the Real Techniques Starter Set, there was probably a gap in your eye brush collection; these satisfy that need perfectly.

I’ve always thought that what made a great brush (or a great anything, really) is that it isn’t interchangeable, and these aren’t. The Deluxe Crease Brush (the rounded dome) is a lot firmer and denser. It picks up a lot of eyeshadow with a light touch, and it blends it out just as rigorously.

The Base Shadow Brush is more tapered and lightly-packed, and it delivers and blends a medium wash of colour. Both are excellent brushes, if a little bit large for my lids, and neither can be swapped out functionally for the other.

The verdict?

Sure, it used to be hard to find great tools at the drugstore–but it isn’t anymore. The Real Techniques Eye Shade + Blend brushes round off the Real Techniques range nicely, and the Ecotools Perfecting Blender Duo is an affordable, durable alternative to high-end sponges like the Beauty Blender.

Availability: Look for these brands at Walmart and Rexall in Canada.

Tags: /Ecotools, Product Photos, Product Review, Real Techniques, Spring/Summer 2017, Tools

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Dove Shower Foam review, photos

April 20, 2017

Rae Chen

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The product: Dove Shower Foam in Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla, Deep Moisture, and Cucumber & Green Tea Scent

Did you know that Dove hasn’t developed a new format for a shower product in 20 years? It’s true: the last time they did, it was 1987.

This year, they’re changing things up with a skin cleanser that’s altogether new to the brand–a foam. It follows the same mentality as the Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel that I reviewed last spring, with a lighter texture that rinses off more easily (and gently).

The Dove Shower Foam formula

The new Dove Shower Foam focuses on cleansing the skin without stripping away its moisture. It uses Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate and Glycinate as its main surfactants, which are gentler alternatives to SLS. (They’re so gentle that they’re used in facial skincare as well!)

The formula also contains stearic acid and glycerin to help lock moisture into your skin, and it’s easy to rinse off. I’ve been using it all month to soap and shave, and it works well for both.

I’ve been a little spoiled when it comes to shower products over the past few years, and I can’t remember the last time I used something mass market. But guess what? While they’re a little more stripping than the shower oil that I was using previously, I’m happy to say that the Dove Shower Foam formula is pretty neutral! These foams aren’t too drying, and they never sting.

The Dove Shower Foam scents

Dove released their Shower Foam lineup with three different scents: a soapy “Deep Moisture” scent, a sweet Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla scent, and a light Cucumber and Green Tea scent.

The three are virtually identical in use, so feel free to choose based on fragrance, not function. I love the way Dove does cucumber scents, so I really like the cucumber and green tea one. I don’t get any green tea notes from it, but it’s a refreshing smell nonetheless!

The Dove Shower Foam verdict?

The new Dove Shower Foams are simple, easy products. Each bottle contains more than 250 pumps of product, and they’re just so satisfying–like, they’re inexpensive, but the plastic pumps don’t feel cheap.

The Shower Foam formula is about as hydrating/drying as Dove’s Beauty Bar formula, so let that guide your purchase. I’d definitely reach for one of these over a bar, but I’m biased: I’m not a fan of bar soap, and I’m a sucker for anything whipped or foamy!

Availability: $7.79 USD/$7.97 CAD at most drugstores, mass market retailers, and grocery stores. Permanent as of January 2017.

Tags: /Cleansing, Dove, Product Photos, Product Review, Skincare, Spring/Summer 2017

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Annabelle Cosmetics Eye Primer, Eye Shadow, Skinny Palette review, swatches, photos

April 18, 2017

Rae Chen

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The products: Annabelle Cosmetics Spring 2017 eye launches

↳ Annabelle Eye Primer in Beige, Chrome Single Eyeshadow in Rose Gold, Matte Single Eyeshadow in Pink Lemonade, Skinny Palette in Taupe Neutrals, Skinny Gel Eyeliner in Black Onyx, and Brow Show Gel in Medium/Dark

Annabelle dropped a huge eye collection for spring/summer this year, and I’ve been itching to share it on theNotice. Unfortunately, my review was delayed by a week thanks to a rather farcical mistake that I made last week, but now we’re back and ready to go!

It’s a big collection, so I’ll try to get through it as quickly as possible. Think of this as a Cole’s Notes review, except more wholesome.

Annabelle Cosmetics swatches: Skinny Gel Eyeliner in Black Onyx, BrowShow Gel in Medium/Dark, “Rose Gold” Chrome Eyeshadow, Eye Primer, “Pink Lemonade” Matte Eyeshadow. On lightly primed skin in indirect sunlight.

The new Annabelle Cosmetics eyeshadows

Annabelle has revamped their range of single eyeshadows, and the new line is organized by finish. Annabelle Cosmetics eyeshadows have always been a favourite of mine from the drugstore, and I swear–with each reworking of the line (which they seem to do every five years or so, as technologies advance), they just get better.

The new Annabelle Single Eyeshadows ($5.95 CAD) are available in a matte, metallic, satin, or chrome finish, and (lo and behold,) I LOVE THEM. I tried the matte Pink Lemonade and the chrome Rose Gold, and both performed really well.

Pink Lemonade provides a really nice, blank canvas to work on if you have fair skin, and the formula wasn’t too thick or too chalky. For a drugstore eyeshadow, it has great pigmentation.

Rose Gold, on the other hand, is just a fucking stunner. It gives the same wet-look shimmer as you’ll find in brands like Clarins and Shu Uemura, but again: it’s five bucks. It has a “metallic foil finish” and a moist texture, reminiscent of bouncy blushes and fresh Colourpop singles.

The Annabelle Cosmetics Chrome Eyeshadows are a little light on pigment, but they’re gorgeous popped onto the middle of the lid after you finish your eyeshadow look.

Annabelle Cosmetics Skinny Palette in Taupe Neutrals Basics

The Annabelle Cosmetics Skinny Eye Palette

The new Annabelle Cosmetics Skinny Eye Palettes ($9.95 CAD) are offered in six “colour harmonies.” I checked out the very neutral Taupe Neutrals Basics, which leans a little warm.

Annabelle Cosmetics Skinny Palette in Taupe Neutrals Basics – swatched on bare skin (above) and with the Annabelle Eye Primer (below)

I honestly don’t know why anyone with the Annabelle Smokey Nudes and Eye & Brow Palettes would ever need other eyeshadow palettes, but the Skinny Eye Palettes are nice. They’re extremely compact, and texturally, they’re good for the price. I would have preferred if the chocolate brown shade was an eyeshadow (it’s actually a powder eyeliner), but it’s still a nice inclusion.

My only complaint is that the Skinny Eye Palettes are a little boring. For just a few dollars more, I think the full-sized Annabelle Cosmetics palettes are a lot more fun to work with.

The Annabelle Cosmetics eye accoutrements

I was really excited to try the new Annabelle Eye Primer ($8.95 CAD), but primers in pots are not usually my friend. This one was about the same–it does a great job of adding intensity to your powder products, but I found that my eyeshadows creased after 3 hours. It’s definitely better than nothing, though, and it’s worth noting that the formula is both paraben and silicone-free.

That’s rare as heck, so I’d still recommend giving it a try if you’re ‘cone-free.

I also checked out the new Annabelle BrowShow Gel ($8.95 CAD), which was nice–but not a must-have for me. I’m not crazy about tinted brow gels, so I’m sticking to their Skinny Brow Liners. (The BrowShow Gels are also paraben and silicone-free!)

Annabelle seems to be really into the “skinny” and “gel” thing right now, because their Skinny Gel Eyeliner ($8.95 CAD) is new to the range, too. It has good intensity and creaminess, but like with Annabelle’s EyeInk2 Liquid Eyeliner Duos ($10.95 CAD) from last year, it didn’t last. I get raccoon eyes with both in under 2 hours, primer or none.

The verdict?

Dooooo it.

The new Annabelle Cosmetics eyeliner is a skip for me, but the rest of these launches were pretty solid. The Annabelle Chrome Eyeshadow Singles are a total must-have–I’ve literally used mine in every eye look I’ve done since opening it, including this one. And, hey. If you buy them in every single shade available, I promise not to judge.

(Although I might be a little envious of you.)

Availability: $5.95-$9.95 CAD at Annabelle.ca (US/Canada shipping) and at drugstores and mass market retailers across Canada.

Tags: /Annabelle, Canadian beauty, Eyes, Grouped reviews, Indie brands, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Spring/Summer 2017

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New 11/04/17 | So I did a really dumb thing

April 11, 2017

Rae Chen

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In a move surprising absolutely no one, I did a REALLY dumb thing this week.

The What:

My fibro has been pretty bad recently, and as my fellow sufferers of chronic pain and fatigue will know, that can only lead to one thing: brain fog. I can do some pretty silly stuff when I’m all groggy and disoriented, but this is by far my worst-ever move.

I accidentally shipped my laptop to another blogger.

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The How:

“How on Earth did you manage to do that, Rae?” You may be thinking. Or, for the less generous and forgiving of you, perhaps that’s just a simple, “What the fuck, Rae.”

Well. I was filming some backpacks for a new post on Best Buy this week, and part of the filming involved putting my laptop in a backpack. As soon as I was finished filming and taking notes, the bags went back into their shipping boxes and onwards to my French counterpart on the blog.

I think you can infer the rest from there.

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The Now What:

So, while I can’t give you this week’s planned post because all of my files are AWOL (but hopefully on their way to Myriam and back to me soon), I can give you this instead: a little lust list of the beauty world’s newest and shiniest.

Click on the widgets to shop!

Tags: /7. Other, New This Week (& etc)

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LUSH New Shampoo Bar, Veganese Conditioner, R&B: review, photos

April 6, 2017

Rae Chen

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The products: LUSH New Shampoo Bar, Veganese Hair Conditioner, and R&B Hair Moisturizer

I recently got the chance to try out a trio of Lush silicone-free, vegan haircare products, and I wanted to get them up on the blog as soon as possible. Though they weren’t the right products for my hair type, the Lush New shampoo bar shares an important message that I’m happy to see being broadcasted.

#BeCrueltyFree with LUSH New Shampoo Bar ($11.95 CAD; tin $3.95 CAD)

I’ve seen a lot of weirdly named products, but this is the strangest. Lush’s spicy new shampoo bar is simply called “New.” (It’s labelled as “Lush New Shampoo Bar 2017” on the packaging).

Each bar is labelled with a wooden stick reading “#BeCrueltyFree,” in English and Chinese, so I’m not really sure why they didn’t just name it that. It would have been so easily searchable and hashtagable!

I really like having the option of a solid shampoo, and the Lush New Shampoo Bar is par for the course. A little goes a LONG way (two swipes is plenty for my entire scalp), and it smells like cinnamon hearts.

As much as I like the cruelty-free theory behind this bar, though, I didn’t love the execution. While the bar contains rosemary and nettle to soothe irritation, the large amounts of SLS and cinnamon leaf oil dried out my scalp and left my skin feeling sensitized.

I LOVE that Lush formulates all of their products in a cruelty-free environment, but I’d love to see them modernize some of their formulas. The Lush New shampoo bar would have been so much more awesome if it was SLS and artificial dye/fragrance-free!

Go weightless with the Lush Veganese Hair Conditioner ($9.95 CAD)

Alright, I’m gonna say it: for my hair, Veganese is a crap pairing for the Lush New Shampoo Bar.

If you have baby-fine hair or you’re looking to co-wash, then sure, Veganese is going to be awesome. But I have dry-ish hair to begin with, and these two together turned my hair into straw.

The Veganese formula is really interesting, though. It’s made on a lavender and rosemary infusion base, and thickened with agar agar. You have to use a ton of it for coarser hair, but it’s vegan and optimized for super-fine hair!

Stay smooth with the Lush R&B Hair Moisturizer ($25.95 CAD)

I am nowhere near as smooth as this “hair moisturizer” (AKA leave-in conditioner) smells. It’s perfumed with orange blossom and jasmine, and the formula features fair trade olive oil, avocado butter, and coconut oil.

My hair definitely feels smoother and silkier when I use this, but it weighs it down as well. Lush R&B is ideal for hair that’s curly and thick, not straight and thin. Is it a good moisturizer for thin, dry hair? Yeah, it’s not bad. But the formula shines on curls, and I just don’t have those to give.

The Lush New, Veganese, and R&B verdict?

I really just want to take all of these products and push them at my friends. They’re all great in their own rights–but none of them are ideal for my hair.

New would be fantastic for travelling with, Veganese would be great on super fine hair (think natural blondes), and R&B would do amazing things with naturally curly hair. Actually… As I type that, I think I know exactly who these products should go to.

I’ll see you on Monday, folks. I’ve gotta go be a product fairy for the weekend.

Availability: All permanent products at Lush.

Tags: /Grouped reviews, Hair, LUSH, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, Spring/Summer 2017

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