theNotice

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

February 14, 2017

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

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*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

Lancôme La Rose À Poudrer Highlighter: too close to Ladurée? (Nope.)

February 11, 2017

Rae Chen

17 Comments

I will not spend $60 USD/$79 CAD on a single highlighter. I will not, I will not, I will…

Okay, I maybe will.

At least if I bought it I could write a Lancôme La Rose À Poudrer review, right?

Get it: At the time of publication, the limited edition spring 2017 Lancôme La Rose À Poudrer powder blush/”luminous pink highlighter” is available only at Lancôme in Canada.

In the US, it can be found at Lancôme, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s.

Here’s what Lancôme has to say about the La Rose À Poudrer highlighter…

Editor’s note: Bloomingdale’s lists the inspiration as specifically a “’50s French-inspired Bijou box.” I’d be willing to bet that that’s the work of vintage makeup-loving Creative Director Lisa Eldridge!

“La Rose à Poudrer is a giant highlighting rose powder encapsulated in a Parisian boudoir inspired pink box. This elegant and so glamourous pretty box contains a giant rose made of delicate textile.

Each petal encapsulates a luminous pink highlighting powder to apply with the mini Parisian Kabuki for irresistible cheeks and décolleté. Definitely the most poetic highlighter that will bring an added touch of elegance to your bathroom.”

This highlighter is reminiscent of Ladurée’s, but I don’t know… Are the two products too similar to be a coincidence? I’m calling it as a “no,” as Lancôme’s version has shape and shimmer while Ladurée’s features loose petals with more detail and colour, but let me know in the comments if you feel differently!

(To note, Lancôme’s version is also the first to feature fabric rose petals dusted in powder–meaning that the flower itself will always remain in tact, even once you use up the product completely.)

Tags: /Cheeks, Lancome, Spring/Summer 2017

17 Comments

Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil, Ultra-Soothing Balm review, photos

February 10, 2017

Rae Chen

5 Comments

The products: Bioderma Atoderm Huile de Douche (Ultra-Nourishing Anti-Irritation Shower Oil) and Atoderm Intensive Baume (Ultra-Soothing Balm)

When you run a beauty blog, testing products is like constantly punishing your skin for things that it hasn’t done: a never-ending deluge of things that are too oily, too stripping, too scented, too anything.

Which is why it’s always such a pleasure when I get to review Bioderma Atoderm products. Bioderma is a “sensible skincare” brand to begin with, but Atoderm is their range for “very dry to atopic sensitive skin” – AKA my skin exactly. Every single product in the Bioderma Atoderm range is designed to restore the skin’s hydrolipidic film, and they’re all just so gentle and lovely.

I honestly don’t have a lot to say about either of these products, and I think that’s great! It means that I have ZERO things that I’d like to change about either one, which is a rarity.

The four Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gels are each made to target a different level of dryness. The original Bioderma Atoderm Gentle Shower Gel is for dry skin, the Shower Cream is for very dry skin, this non-oily Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil ($19.90 CAD/1L) is for dry/very dry, irritated skin, and the Ultra-Rich Foaming Gel is for very dry to atopic skin.

All four are also made for the whole family, so you can use them on the face, body, and scalp of newborns to adults! They’re lightly scented, and they lather nicely into a thin, easily washable lather.

The Bioderma Ultra-Soothing Balm ($24.90 CAD/500 ml), on the other hand, is completely neutral. It’s godly. The formula has no scent, stickiness, or oiliness and it always does the job–my skin never feels itchy after I use it.

My skin never feels like anything after I use it, actually, which I’m pretty sure is the highest compliment that you can give to a moisturizer. It just feels nice, smooth, and hydrated, even as a facial moisturizer. This is the most nourishing “everything moisturizer” in the Atoderm line (it’s formulated for atopic skin on the hands, body, and face), so maybe I’ve just been living my life wrong before now.

All of the moisture. Give me allll of the moisture!!

The verdict?

For no-nonsense drugstore skincare for very dry, atopic skin, you really can’t do better than Bioderma. Both of these products are gentle, affordable, and silicone-free, and I’m very much enjoying using them.

If you’re on a budget, I’d opt for the Ultra-Soothing Baume before the Ultra-Nourishing Shower Oil – I saw more noticeable hydrating and soothing effects with it, and the effects were longer-lasting. Like the rest of the Atoderm line, it’s safe to use on the whole family, so give it a try if you have a little one whose skin is just extremely displeased with existing unprotected in the world!

(I feel you, tiny human. I feel your pain.)

Availability: Available at drugstores across Canada. New permanent products.

Tags: /Bioderma, Cleansing, Grouped reviews, Moisturizers, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, Skincare, Spring/Summer 2017

5 Comments

Clinique Crayola Chubby Stick collection review, swatches, photos

February 7, 2017

Rae Chen

11 Comments

The products: Clinique Crayola Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Pink Sherbert, Wild Strawberry, and Mauvelous and Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Red Violet.

I love a good beauty collab, but this is the best I’ve ever seen. Clinique’s iconic Chubby Sticks have met their match with Crayola crayons, and the resultant Clinique Crayola collection is cute beyond words.

The collection launches this month and encompasses 10 limited edition shades. Each nostalgic shade is inspired by one of Crayola’s most remembered colour names, for a pairing that just makes me want to scribble on the walls with joy.

Clinique Crayola Chubby Sticks ($17 USD/$21 CAD)

I know I haven’t posted about Chubby Sticks in a while, but rest assured: the love is still there. I rely heavily on these mango and shea butter-loaded sheer sticks for my everyday “no makeup makeup,” and their scent-free colour gets me through the day.

(Plus, I never have a mirror on me and I make really over-exaggerated facial expressions, so if a lip product isn’t sheer, it’s never going to make it to my go-to. You can’t blog if you get arrested for secretly being the Joker, folks.)

There are seven limited edition Clinique Crayola Chubby Stick shades, and I have three of them to share with you today. (Sadly, I don’t remember any of these colour names from when I was a kid. Maybe my mom just didn’t buy the cool Crayola shades?)

Pink Sherbert is a nigh-invisible baby pink, best for those who really want a crayon balm more than anything else. It’s nearly identical to the permanent Whoppin’ Watermelon, so you can skip it if you already own that.

Clinique Crayola Pink Sherbert Chubby Stick swatch, review

Clinique Crayola Mauvelous Chubby Stick swatch, review

Mauvelous is the shade that I’ve been wearing the most, which makes sense: it’s an exact dupe for my favourite Chubby Stick ever, Super Strawberry. I love a mauve lip colour (read: pink and brown), and this one is just as flattering as expected.

Wild Strawberry has more colour than Pink Sherbert but less than Mauvelous, and is closest to Two Ton Tomato from the permanent range.

Clinique Crayola Wild Strawberry Chubby Stick swatch, review

Clinique Crayola Chubby Stick Intense ($17 USD/$21 CAD)

The remaining three Clinique Crayola Chubby Sticks feature the Chubby Stick Intense formula, which you may remember from my Clinique Chubby Stick Intense reviews when they launched.

Bold, opaque, and creamy, the Intense formula offers great pigmentation with a non-drying formula, and Red Violet is absolutely lovely.

Clinique Crayola Red Violet Chubby Stick Intense lip swatches (indirect sunlight)

Clinique Crayola Red Violet Chubby Stick Intense swatch, review

Unlike the rest of these shade names, I actually remember this one! It’s a standard shade in a 24-count box of Crayolas, so it feels the most like scribbling on your lips with a makeup crayon. It is identical to Clinique Grandest Grape (perm), so if you splurged on all of the Chubby Stick Intenses when they launched, you don’t need this one.

If you didn’t, though, then this is my top Clinique Crayola Chubby Stick pick. It gives you the most “oomph” for your money, and it’s one of the core Crayola colours!

The verdict?

It’s not often that I get to say this, but I love Clinique Chubby Sticks just as much now as I did the day that they launched. They’re fun, playful, and wearable – but for those who like a lot of colour, there are also the Chubby Stick Intenses.

The Clinique Crayola collection multiplies the joy of makeup with the nostalgia of scribbling outside of the lines as a child. (Okay, who am I kidding; inside the lines, very meticulously, likely while crying). My top pick from the 10-piece collection is Red Violet, a staple of the Crayola assorted pack and just as punchy as a lipstick as it was as a crayon.

Availability: $17 USD/$21 CAD at Nordstrom, Sephora, and Clinique. An 8-piece mini set is also available for $49.50 USD. Limited edition January 2017.

Tags: Clinique Chubby Sticks/Clinique, Fall/Winter 2016, Lips, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Spring/Summer 2017

11 Comments

Lovetica All Natural Hemp Lip Balm, Natural Deodorant review | Small Business Saturdays

February 4, 2017

Rae Chen

19 Comments

*sponsored post

The products: LOVETICA All Natural Hemp Oil Lip Balm Gift Set (Hemp, Peppermint, Lemon, and Mango) and “Be Gone” Natural Unisex Deodorant

When it comes to natural beauty products, I can be tough to impress. I hold natural brands to the same standards as mainstream ones, and it’s not easy to get the same results with limited ingredients.

LOVETICA, however, pulls it off with the ease of a ballet dancer. They’re a new cruelty-free Canadian brand based out of Toronto, and as I write this, they make only two products: a set of hemp oil lip balms and an unscented stick deodorant.

Lovetica Natural Deodorant ($14.99 CAD)

I need to begin this post by raving about Lovetica’s new Natural Deodorant, because it knocked my bloody socks off. I’ve spent all winter testing out different deodorants for my silicone-free beauty series, and so far, this has been the only 100% effective one.

I’m not a smelly person, but lucky for theNotice, Boyfriend is. To put each deodorant through its paces, he wears each one to work for a week. Then, he gives each one a two-hour intensive test on Sundays by showering, applying, and heading to the gym.

Lovetica’s unscented, unisex deodorant is the only one that has left him totally B.O.-free after every single test. It has a stiffer texture than most indie deodorants so it’s easy to apply, and it works well for both my sensitive skin and his stinky armpits. This clear gel goes on invisibly and doesn’t make my underarms itch, which is a big step up from indie baking soda deodorants.

I don’t know what makes this work so well, but whatever it is, it’s magical. I’m really feelin’ the packaging, too – it’s such a cheery way to start the day!

Lovetica All Natural Hemp Oil Lip Balm Gift Set ($18.99 CAD for four)

Lovetica’s flagship product is their hemp oil lip balm, which is only available in a set of four. They’re excellent lip balms, but I’d really like to see them available separately. You shouldn’t have to buy your lip balms in fours all the time, especially if you have one favourite scent (ahem, lemon) that you want to stock up on!

I have really dry skin, so I’m usually a fan of anything with hemp oil in it. These are no exception: they’re smooth, buttery, and very hydrating. (I’d peg them as more hydrating than Burt’s Bees or EOS, so they’re a good choice for those with chronically dry lips.)

The hemp oil variation of these lip balms is essentially unscented and unflavoured, while the peppermint smells like sweet, tingly peppermint tea. The lemon lip balm is my favourite, with a zingy lemon scent (think lemon sorbet, not limoncello.) And, finally, the mango lip balm smells like the grown-up version of those fruity chapsticks that we all used to buy as kids–you know the ones.

At $4.75 CAD each, these are cheaper than most all-natural lip balms, but they’re a treat to use. I love all four of the flavours in the set, and they’re both very hydrating and very “clean.”

Lip balm is one of those products that usually ends up in your stomach in the end, so the cleaner, the better!

Tags: silicone-free deodorant, sponsored/Canadian beauty, Company Review, Indie brands, Lips, Other, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Silicone-free, Skincare, Small Business Saturdays, Travel

19 Comments

Sliquid H2O, Oceanics, Sassy, Swirl review: an intro to lube

January 30, 2017

Rae Chen

6 Comments

All about lube

Before I get started with a Sliquid lubricant review, I wanted to take a minute to talk about lube itself. As a sex blogger, a bottle of lube is like a tube of lip balm for me*, but not everyone uses it.

The point of personal lubricants is to reduce friction and prevent tearing, which makes lube necessary for safer anal play (ideally something silicone-based) and advisable for use with silicone toys (ideally something water-based, as silicone lubricants can bond with and degrade silicone toys). They’re great for minimizing pain if you have vulvodynia, and they’re a handy aide for anyone who doesn’t produce a lot of their own natural lubrication.

Needing or wanting to use lube during sex isn’t shameful, and it isn’t a sign that there’s something “wrong” with you. All bodies are different, and that’s okay!

Why Sliquid?

I’ll tolerate a lot of “bad” ingredients in my makeup, but not in my lube. Because pink skin is so much thinner and more permeable than the skin that covers the rest of your body, anything you put on your genitals or in your mouth is going to absorb more quickly and at a higher rate than usual. (That’s why sublingual and suppository drugs work.)

So, when it comes to my lube, I like to avoid parabens, petrochemicals, phenoxyethanol, and propylene glycol. I also avoid glycerin, which can convert into simple sugars in the vagina and cause yeast infections.

Sliquid is my lube of choice because they’re a sex-positive company that formulates without any of these ingredients. They have ~~clean, genderless packaging~~ simple packaging on all of their lubricants, and they’re widely available, making it easy to choose a body-safe lube every time.

(EDIT 07/07/20: A very helpful commenter just pointed out to me that Sliquid’s logo contains a giant female symbol in it, which I somehow never noticed. I’m having a bit of a Berenstain Bears moment and I feel like a big dummy, but have updated this text to reflect this new knowledge!)

» Sliquid is available at all of my favourite sex toy retailers, including SheVibe, Come As You Are, and PinkCherry.

Sliquid H2O vs Sassy vs Oceanics: which one is right for you?

There are three main “plain” Sliquid water-based lubricants, and I’ve tried them all. (What? I’ve been planning this review for a long time.) My favourite of the bunch is Sliquid Organics Oceanics ($17.99 USD/$27 CAD/$22.99 CAD), which I find to be just a little more natural-feeling than Sliquid H20.

How these lube formulas compare in texture and feel

The lube that I typically purchase, however, is Sliquid H2O ($15.99 USD/$18.99 CAD). It’s the brand’s flagship product, and it’s usually a few dollars cheaper than the Organics. The difference between the two is practically imperceptible, so with the cost difference in mind, I’d recommend the H2O. (Unless, of course, organic is important to you!)

Finally, Sliquid Sassy ($15.99 USD/$19.99 CAD) is the brand’s water-based lube designed for anal use, and it’s a little more plush than the other two. However, I find that the thicker texture makes it dry a little faster, so I’d actually opt for the silicone based/blended Silk, Silver, or Ride for anal play.

Fancy a flavoured lube? Try Sliquid Swirl

One of the best things about Sliquid is that they make one heck of a flavoured lube. The flavoured Sliquid Swirl line (find it at SheVibe, CAYA, and PinkCherry) includes a wide range of subtle fruity flavours, each as tasty as the last.

Sliquid Swirl lubes are glycerine-free and sweetened with a small amount of aspartame, so they never taste bitter. They’re almost identical in ingredients to the Sliquid H2O formula, but I’ve always felt like they dry out a little bit faster. My current partner doesn’t notice a difference between any of the different formulas, though, so perhaps it’s all in my head.

I’m dying to try the new Swirl Tangerine Peach, but for now, my favourite Swirls are Green Apple (an excellent, lightly-flavoured sweet green apple taste that never gets old) and Pina Colada (a pineapple-y coconut that seems to fit just perfectly with group sex.)

The verdict?

Overall, I’m a big fan of Sliquid lubes. They’re the favourite brand of most sex bloggers, and their popularity makes them pretty easy to find. All Sliquid formulas are free of parabens and glycerine, so they’re body-safe, and the water-based formulas covered here are silicone-free and won’t stain your sheets.

Of the bunch, my must-haves are Sliquid Organics Oceanics, H2O, and the Swirl Green Apple flavour!

Availability: Sliquid can be found at SheVibe, Come As You Are, PinkCherry, and most independent sex shops.

Tags: favourite sex toys/Grouped reviews, Indie brands, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Sex, Silicone-free

6 Comments

FaceOff Cloth review & comparison to microfibre cloths

January 27, 2017

Rae Chen

12 Comments

The product: FaceOff Cloth All-in-One Makeup Remover

The trend of the moment may be silicone makeup sponges, but this week, I’ve been testing out microfibre face cloths. I have the FaceOff Cloth (“Your All-in-One Makeup Remover”), which is one of the more budget-friendly versions of this product: one cloth will run you $12.95 CAD.

How microfibre makeup removers work

Just like in a regular cloth, each fibre in a microfibre cloth picks up particles of dirt, grime, and makeup, trapping them in the cloth. However, the fibres in microfibre cloths are, well, micro. They’re really bloody small, and the more fibers you have, the more surface area you’re working with – so the more thoroughly you can clean something in one swipe.

These particles are then supposed to wash out easily with hot water, which relaxes the fibers slightly and un-traps the dirt. This is mostly true, but my cloth is definitely showing signs of staining.

Swatches – before the cloth! They’re all long-wearing or waterproof products.

How the FaceOff Cloth compares

I tested the FaceOff cloth against two other cloths, all with the same products – a mix of eyeliners, lip liners, and lipsticks. My first cloth tested was just a regular cotton washcloth (Cl). It did the worst job of the bunch, barely removing any product at all.

My second cloth was a microfibre with larger fibers (MF). I wanted to show the wide of variation between different cloths, so I went with a cheap cleaning microfibre. It did quite well, removing just as much makeup as the FaceOff Cloth, but with a little more friction needed.

Finally, the last set of swatches was removed by the FaceOff Cloth (FO). It removed almost all of the makeup, with the least friction necessary. However, it wasn’t perfect; pigment stains were still left on my skin, and you can see in the photos how irritated my skin was afterwards.

Washcloth/microfibre/FaceOff Cloth

My thoughts on the FaceOff Cloth

The FaceOff Cloth worked a lot better than I expected it to, removing as much of my makeup as an oil-based makeup remover would. However, it’s still not something that I would purchase on my own – and for a very good reason.

I have sensitive skin, and even though the FaceOff Cloth feels very soft to the touch, it’s way too aggressive for my skin. In order to remove my makeup with it, I have to wipe pretty firmly, and it leaves my skin feeling really raw each time. It’s the worst in my eye area, where my skin is left bright red and tender to the touch until the next day.

This sensitivity makes sense, because a cloth can’t discern what’s makeup from what’s skin. Alongside all of the grime from the day, the FaceOff Cloth is removing all of my dead skin cells, and likely a few that aren’t quite ready to go yet, either.

The verdict?

As cool as removing my makeup with just a cloth is, I’m not a fan of the microfibre cleaning method. It’s even harsher on my skin than getting a chemical peel at a dermatologist’s office, and I shudder at the thought of doing that to my face every day. So, while the FaceOff Cloth does technically work, I wouldn’t recommend it. It would be way too easy to over-exfoliate your face with this cloth, which risks breaking down your skin’s natural lipid barrier and triggering the overproduction of sebum.

If you must try a microfibre face cloth, I’d recommend looking them up on Amazon, where you can get the same quality of product for half the price. And hey – order yours in black to hide the staining.

Availability: $12.95 CAD at FaceOff Cloth; on sale for $5 CAD at Showcase.

Tags: /Canadian beauty, Cleansing, Product Photos, Product Review

12 Comments

Fitglow Beauty review: Vita-Active Foundation, Bliss Oil, Good Gloss, and Vita-Set Powder

January 25, 2017

Rae Chen

14 Comments

The products: Fitglow Beauty Vita-Active Foundation in VF1, Vita-Set Powder, Good Gloss in Cherry, and Bliss Oil

What happens when a Canadian fitness fanatic with rosacea decides to design an entire range of organic, cruelty-free products? Well… Fitglow Beauty happens, that’s what.

How pretty is the Fitglow Vita-Active foundation packaging?

Fitglow Beauty Vita-Active Foundation ($59 USD) and Vita-Set Powder ($69 USD)

To start us off, here’s one product that I had high hopes for that totally delivered. The Fitglow Beauty Vita-Active Foundation ($59 USD) is, in a word, excellent. It reminds me a lot of my Make Up For Ever Water Blend foundation (VF1 is very close in shade to Make Up For Ever’s Y225), with its light coverage and comfortable finish. The results aren’t quite as seamless–Vita-Blend is more of a thin fluid and less of a wet gel–but I’d still be very comfortable recommending Vita-Active as a cruelty-free alternative to Water Blend.

VF1 is just slightly too dark and yellow for me, but it blends into the skin so seamlessly that it still looks natural. I’ve been wearing it almost daily since it arrived, and for a 95% organic formula, it’s extremely impressive. Heck, it’s so good that even if it was full of chemicals, I’d still be a fan.

Fitglow Beauty Vita-Active Foundation in VF1 swatch: blended, unblended (indirect sunlight)

Fitglow Beauty Vita-Active Foundation review / Vita-Set Powder added on right

I do, however, take a bit of an issue with the brand’s matching Vita-Set Powder ($69 USD). It’s the only Fitglow Beauty product that I haven’t liked so far, and honestly, it makes me far more agitated than it should.

It’s a good product, but it’s not a great one. I found the Vita-Set Powder to be very yellow and pigmented, and it visibly muddies up my fair complexion. You can see it in the before and after photos here; it makes my skin look darker and more yellow than the foundation alone.

But while we’re at it (I’m so sorry, Fitglow!), can we talk about that price tag??? I mean, it’s awesome that the Vita-Set formula touts glacial marine clay and niacinamide (my fave cosmetic ingredient), but that pricing is way out of line. This powder is TINY, and it’s not as finely-milled as it could be. This powder is gritty to the touch, and you can really feel the difference when you’re applying it.

With a few tweaks (less pigment, more finely-milled ingredients, and an adjusted price tag), I think the Vita-Set Powder could be pretty great.

Fitglow Beauty Good Gloss in Cherry ($26 USD)

The Fitglow Beauty Good Gloss in Cherry ($26 USD) feels like a bit of a throwback to natural gloss formulas of days gone by. It’s extremely sheer, smooth, and shimmer-free, with a hydrating formula and zero tackiness.

My lips have been really dry this winter, so I’ve been enjoying my Good Gloss. Its ingredient list is really refreshing (considering how much lipstick I undoubtedly eat in the course of the week), and I love that it adds moisture to the lips with jojoba oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. When I put this on, my lips actually feel more moisturized than they were, which is awesome.

Fitglow Beauty Vita-Set Powder swatch (blended, then heavily), Fitglow Beauty Good Gloss in Cherry

Fitglow Beauty Bliss Oil ($74 USD)

I’ve saved the best for last, and folks… this is the best. The Fitglow Beauty Bliss Oil ($74 USD) is a beautiful, luxurious oil that’s scented with locally-harvested lavender. I can’t stand synthetic or highly-processed lavender fragrances, but this stuff is gorgeous.

Fitglow Beauty Bliss Oil review. Oh, and me – hiiii!

“Bliss” is the perfect name for this product, because my skin was a mess before I found it. Formulated with macadamia and avocado oils, Bliss Oil is the most nourishing oil I currently own. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated without feeling heavy, and it smells simply divine.

(Did you want me to say “simply blissful?” Because I can, but you’ll have to ask very nicely for it.)

Fitglow’s Bliss Oil pretty heavy-duty stuff, though, so I would recommend it primarily for those with ageing or dry skin. Check it out if you have skin struggles that are similar to my own – it’s very glowy and perfect for someone with eczema.

The verdict?

I love getting to check out small(er) Canadian beauty brands, and Fitglow is one that deserves all of the attention it’s been getting. It’s a cruelty-free brand that labels each product with easy to read symbols about each product’s “free of” list, vegan status, and percent organic ingredients, and the packaging for the entire range is really lovely.

I would give the Fitglow Vita-Set Powder a pass, but I honestly loved the rest of these products. The oil and foundation are deserving of an almost cultish following, and I’m looking forward to seeing more from Fitglow in the coming year!

Availability: Fitglow Beauty products can be found online at Fitglow Beauty, Rodale’s, and Ecodiva. All permanent products.

Tags: /Base, Company Review, Grouped reviews, Indie brands, Lips, Moisturizers, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Silicone-free, Silicone-free moisturizers and serums, Skincare

14 Comments

Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême Lipstick review, swatches, photos

January 23, 2017

Rae Chen

14 Comments

The product: Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême (Rouge à Lèvres Intense) Lipstick – all shades

This Spring, Lise Watier introduces an entirely new range of lipsticks: the Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême lipsticks.

A far cry from the mattes, velvets, and liquid lipsticks that inundate the market today, the Rouge Intense Suprême range is the full-opacity sister of the sheer Rouge Fondant Suprêmes that won a 2016 ELLE Beauty Grand Prix award.

The promise: The Rouge Intense Suprême lipsticks promise “rich, intense colour in one swipe” with “incredible hold” and a “hydrating and nourishing” texture. I kinda love that these don’t guarantee X-hour wear, because let’s be honest: products never make it as long as they say they will.

The Suprêmes are packaged in magnetic cases (which is pretty darn classy) and are infused with Lise Watier’s Labrador Tea extract.

Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême Lipstick review – Kelly

Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême Lipstick review – Jasmine

The formula: You guys, I love this formula. I wanted to like the Rouge Fondant Suprêmes, but these — these practically hypnotize you into doing their bidding.

The Rouge Intense Suprême lipsticks feel comforting and glossy, and they have a delicious fruity-tea scent that makes me smile every time. They’re intensely pigmented, and glossiness of the finish endures. Even two or three hours after I apply these, they feel comfortable and emollient, and I can rub my lips together without moving the colour or getting stuck on the finish.

(Resentful? Who, me?)

Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême Lipstick swatch – Kelly

Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême Lipstick swatch – Jasmine

I can comfortably wear these for a good 4+ hours, and the colour wears away evenly throughout the entire lip. At the end of four-ish hours, I need to reapply or add lip balm, but I don’t look like I’ve been eating grapes or living in the ’90s or something.

The buttery formula doesn’t slip around, and it doesn’t catch on lip lines or dry patches. For someone who lives as an eternally-parched cactus, these lipsticks are simply perfect.

The shades: I was lucky enough to be sent all 15 of these new, permanent shades, and I gotta tell you… they are all pretty fab. First, there are the nudes: Clara, Maya, Charlize, Kim, and Daphne. I’ve been getting a lot of wear out of Kim, which is a little more metallic than the rest of the range but looks just gorgeous on.

Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême Lipstick swatches, L-R: Clara, Maya, Charlize, Kim, and Daphne

Then, there are the pinks. Arielle, Olivia, Kelly, Zoe, and Suzan range from a ballet pink (Arielle) to a blinding tomato-red (Suzan, which is definitely going to my Auntie Sue the next time I see her; her bright red lips were basically an icon of my childhood). Of the pinks, Zoe and Suzan are notable for being particularly opaque and creamy.

Finally, there are the big, bold shades. Jade, Jasmine, Mary, Brooklyn, and Caroline are where the Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême lipsitcks really shine. If you’re looking for colour that’s literally opaque in one swipe and wears away with soft-focus berry stains instead of rings of colour, these are what you’re looking for.

Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême Lipstick swatches, L-R: Arielle, Olivia, Kelly, Zoe, and Suzan

These bolds are so comfortable, and they’re quite flattering. Caroline is patchier than the rest, but overall, they perform very well. I went with Jasmine for my wear test, and it lasted without a single sign of wear right up until I had to eat dinner–which, admittedly, was only about a 3-hour span. (Am I the only one who exists in a constant state of “oh god, feed me, I am starving,” when I have a cold?)

The last five shades I swatched (“the bolds”) pack such a punch of pigment that my arm was stained, I kid you not, for more than four days. They couldn’t be rubbed, scrubbed, or oil-cleansed away.

All fifteen of these shades save for Jade, Suzan, and Caroline contain imperceptible microshimmer to give additional depth of colour.

Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême Lipstick swatches, L-R: Jade, Jasmine, Mary, Brooklyn, and Caroline

The verdict?

For a mid-range lipstick, these are expensive at $27 CAD. But you know what? For once in my life, I’m recommending them with NO reservations.

The Lise Watier Rouge Intense Suprême Lipsticks are excellent in every way. They’re very pigmented, they don’t shift around on the lips, they smell amazing, they’re hydrating… I could go on forever. These are the best example of a glossy, opaque lipstick that I’ve tried yet, and I’ve been wearing them daily since they arrived.

Buy one. Hell, buy three. You won’t be disappointed.

Availability: $27 CAD at Lise Watier (Can/US), Shopper’s Drug Mart, London Drugs, and more. Permanent as of Spring 2017.

Tags: /Canadian beauty, Holy Grail, Indie brands, Lips, Lise Watier, Paraben-free, Product Photos, Product Review, Product Swatches, Spring/Summer 2017

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Marcelle Velvet Gel Spring 2017 review, swatches, photos

January 18, 2017

Rae Chen

7 Comments

Marcelle Buff Nude lipliner, Rosy Nude Velvet Gel Lipstick

Also wearing: Fitglow Beauty Vita-Active Foundation in VF1, Marcelle Kohl Eyeliner in Mother of Pearl and Chocolate, Annabelle Supernova Mascara

The products: Marcelle Velvet Gel Rouge Xpression Lipstick, Waterproof Lipliner, and Waterproof Eyeliner; Marcelle Kohl Eyeliner

This spring is all about gel-textured mattes (hello, eyeliner revolution of 2006), and I’m feelin’ it. As much as I love how comfortable and wearable lipglosses and sheer lipsticks are, the occasional heavy matte is just gorgeous – enough so that I’ll make my lips put up with it a few times each month, comfort be damned.

Marcelle Rouge Xpression Velvet Gel Lipsticks and Velvet Gel Lipliners ($11.95 CAD each)

For me, the highlight of these launches is the new Marcelle Velvet Gel Rouge Xpression Lipsticks. They’re a five-piece collection with Karine Vanesse, and they rock.

Marcelle (whom I love, but who tend to fudge their copy) promises that these lipsticks will deliver extreme colour, smooth glide, and an ultra-lightweight feel… none of which I particularly agree with. BUT I still think these (and their corresponding velvet gel lipliners) are pretty great!

Marcelle Velvet Gel Rouge Xpression Lipstick review

Marcelle Velvet Gel “Buff Nude” Lipliner + Velvet Gel “Rosy Nude” Rouge Xpression Lipstick swatch

The Velvet Gel Rouge Xpression Lipstick formula has a matte finish and medium opacity that’s reminiscent of the Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Lipsticks that I reviewed recently. The formula feels heavy and comfortable, and with the liners underneath, the resulting lip is extremely matte.

I feel like matte lipsticks reinvent themselves every 5 years, and this gel trend is just the newest iteration. First there were the powdery mattes, then the silicone-y ones; now, there are the sticky velvets. Like the Rouge Artists, the Marcelle Velvet Gel formula shows wear after only two hours, and it feels really comfortable–until your lips feel suddenly parched and tight, 8 hours later.

Buff Nude + Rosy Nude lip

Marcelle Velvet Gel Waterproof Lipliner review + Universal Anti-Feathering Lip Liner ($9.95 CAD)

My favourite shade of the Velvet Gels is Buff Nude – a gorgeous, putty-brown pink. The lipliners in this collection pack a lot of pigment while the lipsticks are medium-sheer, so for a natural-looking lipstick, I like Rosy Nude… and for lips that look big and plush, I like to layer my Buff Nude lipliner with the Rosy Nude lipstick.

If you decide to dip into this collection (it’s a lot cheaper than buying a Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist + a lipliner, for sure), I would definitely recommend that combo!

Swatches, eyeliners, & more »

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

7 Comments