Beauty Vixen

Late Winter 2026 Empties

2026-03-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I last did an empties post, which means it is a great time to show what I used up recently and do some mini reviews.

Skincare:

I don't tend to use up skincare quickly, because I am always trying new things and then forgetting about stuff.

Garnier SkinActive Facial Mist Spray:

This is a great rose based spray, nothing too fancy about it. I liked it about the same as the Trader joe's Rose Water Facial Toner but with a better sprayer.

Clarins Rose Radiance Cream Super Restorative Cream Unisex [sample size]:

This is a surprisingly amazing cream. I really enjoyed using it, I found it very rich and hydrating on my skin. I found myself sad that the sample was so small and that I had used it up so quickly.

BYOMA Cream Moisturizing Gel
I got this in a set I purchased of mini BYOMA products the other holiday season. I liked it and would definitely consider buying a full-size of it. It was pretty light on my skin and absorbed quickly. It was quite soothing on my dry skin.

Clinique 3-Step Clarifying Lotion Face Exfoliator in 3
I have no clue how or when I got this but I am glad I finally used it up. It isn't my favourite toner for exfoliating.

Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer
I got this way back when in a FabFitFun box. I took my time using it up, but I really loved it as a lotion. My skin is always so dry, so it is nice nourishing cream for at night in the winter months. I would buy this again during a sale.

Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules
I picked a two pack of these up months ago at Costco when it was on sale. I really like them, I find them easy to use, remember to use and very rich and hydrating on my skin. I am almost done my second of the bottles, which is really impressive to me.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Eyes Time Complex Capsules
I picked these up at the same time as the face ones. They are nice, but very runny when opened. I find I end up wasting quite a bit every time. I also think if I do manage to use all the product in a capsule, it is way too much for the eyes. I have so much of the second container left, I probably would not rebuy.

Hair and Body Care:

Finesse 2-inp-1 Shampoo + Conditioner
This is Mr. Fox's favourite shampoo. He really likes how it leaves his hair and that it is a 2-in-1 for when he uses at the ice rink or gym. I like that it is about $3, made in Canada and leaves his hair smelling nice

L'Occitane Hand Vanilla Bouquet Hand Cream
This is a fantastic hand cream with 20% shea butter in it and only the slightest hint of vanilla to it. I ended up taking it to work to use it up and finished it in under two weeks.

The Body Shop Satsuma Body Wash
Satsuma is probably my favourite of The Body Shop scents that are currently still being made. I usually pick this gigantic bottle up for the hubby, but he recently switched to bar soap. I managed to use the end bit of this bottle up, and have at least one more in my back up closet. I love how when showering with it, the whole top floor of my house smells like Satsuma for an hour or so.

Dr. Teals Pure Epsom Salt Sooth & Sleep
I got this mini bag of lavender scented bath salts during the holidays in a set. I love Dr. Teal's and welcome anytime I can use their products, recently I switched to other brands that are made in Canada.

Vitabath Original Spring Green Gelee
This is my favourite bubble bath ever. A little goes a long way, it fills the entire house with the smell of fresh green bath and it is made in Canada. I use it about 3 times a week and it always makes the best bubbles. I am onto another bottle right now. I love that it is made in Canada.

Makeup:

Clarice Liquid Camouflage 010 Porcelain
I love this concealer, it has an olive undertone and looks so good on me. But Catrice left Canada, and then discontinued it. I may have gone online and ordered of a 3rd party 6 backups of it when this one ran out and I couldn't find a dupe.

Nudestix Tinted Blur Foundation Stick Light 02
This is a perfect match for my skin tone. It works well and blends nicely. I have at least one more backup.

Mehron Barrier Spray
I used this tiny 1 oz bottle up a while back. I definitely want to pick another one up, but am also considering Ben Nye Final Seal...or both. This is 100% a niche pro item that I like to use once and while to set my makeup.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight Stick
I very much love this pretty little highlighter. I had a great shade for me and blended out perfectly every time. I used this one all up and I guess I could have scooped some out, but liked it as a stick.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Mascara [sample size]
This tiny mascara was great, but didn't last long. Estee Lauder makes very good mascara, so I always like a sample of it.

Almay Brow Styler
I had this way too long, but it is a great tinted brow gel.

Sephora Insta-Brow Waxy Brow Pencil
This automatic brow wax was fantastic, my only complaint is how fast I went through it. It had the perfect consistency for styling my long brows without adding any colour. Next time there is a Sephora sale I would buy again.

Annabelle Retractable Eye Liner in Saffron
This seems to be a discounted shade. Mine dried out a bit too much to continue to use.

In all honesty, I am tossing a lot of lip products this month. I chose to clear out one drawer and realized I had a lot of older products I was not using at all.

Bite lipsticks [minis]
I had a lot of mini Bite lipsticks hanging around, and all, well they kind of are old. I never really reach for them and they are sort of waxy. So time to let go of them.

Bite glosses
These are some type of metallic glosses they made, but I never use them.

Nars and Various Glosses.
I never use these, like ever. BYE

Bobbi Brown LUXE LIQUID LIP
I got these at a Chick Advisor event way back when. I really liked them, but I never ever use them.

Hourglass lipsticks

I didn't even know that I had these.

There you go, a bunch of products I used up and some mini reviews on them.

New For Mary Kay

2026-02-04T20:44:00.000-08:00

Mary Kay Canada launched a few new items in the fall and winter of 2025. I thought, since 2026 is just getting rolling, that it would be a good time to look at the new products that are part of their permanent lineup.

Mary Kay Great Heights Waterproof Mascara $21.00

Get ready for out-of-this-world lashes! Mary Kay® Great Heights® Waterproof Mascara combines waterproof strength with next-level length for stellar eye looks that go beyond.

I love a good waterproof mascara, one that dries down without flaking and stays put all day long. This one is a good mascara for everyday wear. It doesn't pack on too much thickness or length, but it does darken my lashes and define them nicely. If you are a fan of the original Great Lengths Mascara, you will probably like this a lot, but it definitely has less payoff in the length department. I haven't had it flake or smear once. I really think that Mary Kay makes some of the best mascaras out there right now, so it is nice to see a waterproof option being added to their lineup, since it is what I wear 95% of the time.

Mary Kay Shimmer Eye Shadow Stick $25.00

Add a swipe of celestial shimmer to every look with this creamy, easy-to-use eye shadow stick. The smooth, buildable formula glides on effortlessly for radiant colour payoff and all-day wear — no brush or blending required. Available in five out-of-this-world shades that dazzle with dimension. Whether you’re bold or keeping it soft, these versatile sticks make eye-catching beauty a breeze.

I love a good eyeshadow stick, something easy to apply that looks good. But one gripe is that if they have shimmer in it, it never stays put. That is not the case with these shimmer eye shadow sticks. They apply like butter and blend out so well, but then set. They set so darn well that I couldn't make the shimmer migrate when I tried.

These sleek sticks come in 5 shades: Midnight Galaxy, Radiant Bronze, Copper Nova, Golden Sunrise, and Pink Prism.

Mary Kay Multi-Benefit Concealer $22.00

This creamy, full-coverage formula helps blur blemishes, dark spots, and redness while remaining lightweight and buildable. Infused with vitamin E and plant-derived glycerin, it nourishes skin while staying crease- and transfer-resistant. Designed to move with your skin, this long-wearing concealer offers sweat- and humidity-resistant coverage in nine versatile shades. Use it alone, under or over foundation, or even as an eye primer for a seamless, all-day look.

Years ago, I got to try out some excellent concealers from Mary Kay; now they have a whole new formula that comes in 9 shades: Light 1, Light 2, Light 3, Medium 1, Medium 2, Medium 3, Dark 1, Dark 2, and Dark 3.

I tried out Light 1 and Light 2.

These concealers are incredibly pigmented; a little goes a very long way! This is defintly a full pigmented concealer. It blends out really easily onto hydrated skin and doesn't look patchy on me at all. I do feel this style of concealer has the tendency to separate, so I like to flip it around after every use, from upside down to right side up, when storing, to keep it mixed together.

Mary Kay Undereye Corrector $22

Tired eyes meet their match with this lightweight, peach-toned corrector that instantly neutralizes dark circles for a refreshed, wide-awake look. Designed to work seamlessly under concealer, the creamy formula blends effortlessly, delivering a smooth, sweat-resistant finish. Available in two shades—Light Peach and Deep Peach—to complement a range of skin tones.
These come in the same packaging and an almost identical formula as the concealers. They come in two shades: Light Peach and Deep Peach.
Both are extremely pigmented, and a tiny dab goes a very long way to cover undereye circles.
I personally had to mix Light 1 with Light Peach to get a good colour for me, but if I were doing more full glam makeup, it would be fantastic for an underlayer of colour correction that would last all day.

Mary Kay Clinical Solutions Barrier Restore 1:1:3 $56.00

Get fast-acting barrier repair and visible redness relief in one single step. If you suffer from skin redness, dryness, itching, rough texture or overall sensitivity, you may be dealing with a compromised skin barrier. Mary Kay Clinical Solutions Barrier Restore 1:1:3 to the rescue! It’s clinically shown to start reinforcing the skin barrier in just three hours, and reduces the appearance of skin redness in two weeks.

2025 was a terrible year for my skin; it seems my barrier is incredibly messed up. This lotion could not have come at a better time. I found that since using it, my skin has had zero reactions to it. My skin feels hydrated after using it and is generally less red.

I haven't used it enough to see differences in texture, but overall, my skin is much happier, and I know it is a safe product to use, as I am not having any reactions to it.

Overall:

I love these products. I love the Shimmer Sticks the most. I have been wearing them almost daily, and they really don't budge. I had a coworker comment on my swatches on my arm from 2 days prior. They are that good. I love the shades too. I look forward to the possibility of Mary Kay expanding the shade range or even having some matte ones in the future. I can hope. The waterproof mascara holds its own in situations that usually cause my mascara to run. The barrier restore 1:1:3 is soothing my skin more and more every day. The concealers and correctors are incredibly pigmented and have been great for my redness.

You can purchase Mary Kay products at MaryKay.ca or through your Independent Beauty Consultant.

*Porodcuts sent for review purposes, all opinions and views are my own.

Infinitipro by Conair Digitalaire Hot Air Multi Styler

2025-10-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share with you the one thing in all the years that has finally gotten me to be able to actually style my hair, and no, it is not the Dyson Airwrap that I got last year, it is my Infinitipro by Conair Digitalaire Hot Air Multi Styler.

Basically, if you knew me in person, you'd know I am not known for well-styled hair, this seems to be the one thing I have always struggled with, and while there have been great tools over the years that have helped tame my hair into something I enjoy wearing, there has not been one tool to cover all my needs.

The Conair Digitaire Multi Styler is a hairdryer with a long handle and a bunch of attachments: a Paddle Brush, Curling Wand, 1 ¼ Round Brush, and a Drying Nozzle. It has three heat settings, cold, warm and hot, and two speed settings, high and low. It even has a 6-foot-long cord, so I don't get all caught up in myself. All the attachments are ceramic-coated for an even delivery of heat, too.

What have I been using on it and why do I love it? Well, basically, I have been using it as a hair dryer with the nozzle attachment to quick dry my hair most mornings now, and then when my hair is almost dry, I start using the paddle brush.

The paddle brush has a great curve to it, and even in the centre, it has a curve, so I can dry the hair along my head a lot easier. It also helps create a bit of a wave if I want to; either way, it looks great when I am done. If I really want to smooth out my hair and/or add waves to it, I will use the barrel brush.

While I am not the best at this yet, I really love how quickly I can smooth out the flyaways and kinks that are in my hair and create a great wave.

Start to end, it takes about 10 minutes with my hair soaking wet. I love that I don't have to spend a lot of time on it either.

As for the curler, I like it and it works well if your hair is still a little damp, but the barrel brush works so well, I rarely use it.

The attachments snap into place easily; you just have to turn a band to lock it into place.

Do I like this more than my Dyson AirWrap? Yes, I kind of wish I had not spent all the money on the Dyson. It is great, but this is just as good, and I am reaching for it almost every day now, and rarely my Dyson.

The only thing I wish it had was a diffuser or the option to buy one. I have wavy hair that I may just want to dry curly, and I have to dig out another hair dryer to do that (since my Dyson also doesn't have a diffuser). I would love to buy one for it in the future.

Pros:

4 great attachments for most of my needs:

Paddle Brush
Curling Wand
1 ¼ Round Brush,
Drying Nozzle

3 heat settings

cold
warm
hot

2 power settings

low
high

Ceramic-coated attachments for even heat
Internal ionic generator to reduce frizz
6-foot cord
Sells for $110 at Walmart (so much less expensive than other brands) and up $220 elsewhere.

Cons:

There is no diffuser or option to buy one.

Overall, I love this tool! I feel so much more put together and confident when I use it. It is relatively light and easy to maneuver; the attachments are easy to swap and use. I can get my hair done quickly and get on with my day. It also costs soooooo incredibly much less than other tools; it seems like a great option to have around anyway.

Infinitipro by Conair Digitalaire Hot Air Multi Styler is available at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, and Amazon.ca

*This product was provided for review; all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Cleaning Brushes with Ecotools

2025-10-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Cleaning your makeup brushes and sponges is a necessary but tedious task. I know a lot of people put it off, reuse dirty brushes or just don't clean them. I met a few people who don't clean them because they don't know how to. So today I am going to give a review of my latest cleaner from EcoTools and a little tutorial on how to clean them properly. Because honestly, I just can't handle seeing people submerge their whole brushes in video anymore, or people use crusty, dirty brushes.

First up, parts of the brush. There are three basic parts to every brush: the bristles, the handle and in between the ferrule. The ferrule is the metal part that holds the bristles together and to the brush (there is also the crimp, which is where the ferrule is pressed tight). That being said, it is filled with glue to get that job done. The number one thing to know is that you do not want to get water into the ferrule. If you do that glue will dissolve over time, and your brush bristles will fall out. It is not good.

SOOO....Don't submerge your brushes in a bowl; just dip the bristles in the water and soap.

Steps to clean your brushes

Hold brush bristles downward to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule (metal part).
Wet only the bristles with lukewarm water — avoid soaking the handle or ferrule.
Apply brush cleanser or gentle soap to a cleaning mat or your palm.
Swirl the brush gently to loosen makeup and oils.
Rinse bristles downward under running water until water runs clear.
Gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel.

Reshape the bristles while damp.

Dry brushes with bristles facing down — use a brush rack or prop them at an angle to keep water out of the ferrule (I like to use a towel that I have rolled one side up to create a slope) or flat (but downward is better).

Space them out so air can circulate around each brush.

Let them air dry completely before storing or using again.

EcoTools Makeup Cleaner For Brushes, Brush and Sponge Cleansing Shampoo

Ingredients: WATER (AQUA, EAU), DECYL GLUCOSIDE, SODIUM LAURYL SULFOACETATE, LAURYL GLUCOSIDE, GLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM PHYTATE, CITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE

Ok, on to the review. I have tried a lot of cleaners, and this one is really nice. It foamed up a bit, but not too much. The products on my brushes cleaned up with little effort, and they rinsed quite easily. In the end, I needed much less product than I usually do to clean my brushes, which was fantastic, because cleaner brushes with less product means less rinsing and scrubbing.

I also found it really great at getting my sponges clean. I often struggle to get foundation out of sponges, but it made the job slightly better, which is a win for me.

The formula is Fragrance-Free, Vegan, and free of parabens, phthalates, sulphates, and petroleum-based ingredients.

My brushes felt great once they dried., I have tried other shampoos (the very famous baby one) that left any natural brushes I had feeling dry.

Pros:

Cleans brushes well
Rinses well
Fragrance-free
Uses less product
Under $20 CAD

Cons:

None

Overall:

I have countless brushes in my possession. I tend to use them and put them aside to be cleaned and wait until my pile is a gigantic bin full (seriously, I have not counted my brushes, but I suspect I have over 300 of them). All this means I have cleaned a lot of brushes in my day, and I still hate it, but a good cleaner makes it quicker and easier to do while keeping your brushes in the best shape possible, and that is exactly what this shampoo does.

Ecotools products can be found in Canada at Walmart and Amazon.ca

Protecting My Sensitive Skin From The Sun With Blue Lizard

2025-07-30T06:34:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks, a lot of time has been spent on the patio, in the pool or just outside in general. Which can only mean one thing...SUNSCREEN! Specifically, I get to try out a new sunscreen.

My mother-in-law just wrapped up a two-week visit with us. She loves to sit on our patio, which we just gave a mini makeover. Power washed the stones, new lights, new furniture and a new BBQ. It is all quite nice. But with all this time outside, I thought it was the perfect time to try out some new Blue Lizard Sunscreens.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Spray. Developed specifically for sensitive skin, this easy-to-apply spray dries clear and is enriched with soothing organic Aloe. It offers mineral sun protection and 80 minutes of water resistance without fragrances or harsh chemical active ingredients that might irritate your skin.

Now my mother-in-law is really sensitive to skincare, specifically fragrance, even on other people, which is why I tried out Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 first. I love the cream version of this, but was really excited to try out a mineral spray SPF without common irritants.

The spray is even, went on really nicely, and when rubbed into my skin felt smooth, soft and hydrated, just like if I applied a spray lotion. It took maybe 15 minutes to fully dry down, but my skin felt nice all day.

The initial application goes on a bit white, but blends into the skin easily and without a white cast. Compared to other spray mineral sunscreens I have used, it feels softer on the skin with far less white cast. I think the addition of aloe vera really makes it feel soft on the skin without being heavy or greasy.

Pros:

High SPF mineral-based spray sunscreen
Fine Spray
No white cast/ dries clear
Leaves skin soft and hydrated
Fragrance Free
Reef Safe
No titanium dioxide, Oxybenzone or Octinoxate

Cons:

Took 15 mins to dry down, but not really a big deal

Overall: This is a love. I would buy this every time I wanted a new sunscreen in a spray. I went on easily, didn't feel greasy, and it had no white cast. I did a fantastic job when I went swimming of protecting my skin for the advertised 80 minutes of water resistance, and reapplying was easy as well.

Blue Lizard Sport Mineral SPF 50 Spray

Blue Lizard Sport Mineral SPF 50 Spray offers broad-spectrum protection, ideal for athletes. This easy-to-apply spray dries clear and is enriched with skin-energizing Electrolytes. It provides maximum water resistance (80 minutes). Vegan, fragrance-free, paraben free and free from chemical sunscreen active ingredients.

With me loving the Sensitive version, I could not wait to try the Sport spray. I do like their sport cream version, last year I used it while swimming at pool parties, and I held up really well.

This spray went on just as clear as the Sensitive version, so that was a great start. The texture on my skin was a little different. I expected it to feel dry when applied, but it felt a bit more hydrating and almost greasier than expected. I realized at this point, Blue Lizard's idea of a sport sunscreen is long-lasting, but not that dry feeling other brands have. It lasted all day at a pool party, with me sweating, swimming and sitting around. It worked incredibly well.

Pros:

High SPF mineral-based spray sunscreen
Fine Spray
No white cast/ dries clear
Leaves skin soft and hydrated
Fragrance Free
Reef Safe
No titanium dioxide, Oxybenzone or Octinoxate

Cons:

Took 15 minutes to dry down and felt a little heavier on the skin.

Overall: I really like this version and would gladly buy it when I run out. I just like the sensitive a bit more (like a lot vs. love). It held up at the pool and heat, was easy to reapply, but I like the feeling of the other one better.

Blue Lizard Mineral SPF 15 Lip Balm

Nourish and protect your lips from the sun with Blue Lizard Mineral SPF 15 Lip Balm. This vegan lip balm with a natural coconut flavor offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and moisturizes with 8 natural oils.

I have never really loved SPF lip balms, but this one impressed me. It felt and tasted like a regular lip balm, which was great.

It has Vitamin C as well as 8 oils in it (shea, coconut, soybean, sunflower, tea tree, olive, avocado, sweet almond, and jojoba) to help hydrate lips and keep them feeling soft and smooth. It has a mild coconut flavour without having added fragrances to it.

Pros:

8 oils to hydrate lips
Feels nice on the lips
Light coconut scent
Fragrance Free
Reef Safe
No titanium dioxide, Oxybenzone or Octinoxate

Cons:

Only SPF 15, I wish it were higher.

Overall: Great lip balm, feels great on the lips, and it has SPF to it, so it is all together great. No complaints, just a good product.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick

Powerful mineral sun protection is just one swipe away with Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Stick. This Zinc Oxide-based SPF 50 formula was designed with sensitive skin in mind. It glides on easily, rubs in clear, and dries smooth. Throw it into your bag, backpack, or pocket for on-the-go broad-spectrum protection. This sunscreen stick is formulated with 100% mineral active ingredients. It is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and free from potentially harsh chemical sunscreen active ingredients that might irritate sensitive skin. Pocket-sized and TSA-friendly, this is the perfect travel companion to our sunscreen lotions.

I reviewed this last year, and newsflash, I loved it then and I love it now. The only change is the packaging's look.

I love how convent it is to have this stick with me for touchups, it feels great, and it gets my hubby to use his sunscreen. I still like it as a lip balm, but it is great for any place I want to get coverage.

Pros:

Convenient stick format
SPF 50
Fragrance Free
Reef Safe
No titanium dioxide, Oxybenzone or Octinoxate

Cons:

None!

Overall: This remains my favourite sun protectant lip product. It is fantastic to swipe on the lips and get a good amount of protection. The creamy formula is also great for the face, and my dry skin just loves it. Perfect for touch-ups, too.

So what do I think of all the items I got to try out? They are excellent, and I am going to continue to use them until there is no more, then I will rebuy the Sensitive spray and the stick at the very least.

Blue Lizard has proven to me time and again that their products work and they work well. I had a few people message me on Instagram when I posted about their Sensitive Spray saying how much they too loved it, which made me feel great that I was not alone in this opinion.

You can pick up Blue Lizard products at Well.ca, Rexall, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, and Amazon.ca.

*Some products featured were kindly provided for review. All opinions expressed are completely my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my blog!

5 Things I am Loving Right Now - Spring 2025

2025-07-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Spring came and went, and I started this post a month ago and got distracted/stuck. So with that, here are the things I really enjoyed during the spring months.

Conair Double Ceramic Thermal Round Brush*

I picked this up at the end of March and fell in love with it on the first try. My hair has been less than put together the last while, and frankly, I feel frumpy. I got this and instantly have been able to style my hair better and make second or third day hair look like something other than bedhead.

I can give my hair a little flip on the ends, I can de-frizz the messy waves that developed overnight, and I can make air-dried hair look polished.

I really enjoy how easy it is to use, and the fact that it was only $35 was a real selling point. I cannot believe I was looking at ones that were $200 when this one was available at such a good price point.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

I picked some Embryolisse up last year as one of the products for my Vintage Vanity project (which I promise I will get back to), and left it untouched. At the end of March, my skin got very irritated and red. It was bad. As part of my repair routine, I started to use Embryolise. It felt great and smelled amazing. A month back, I got a mini tube in a Shoppers' charity bag, so that one lives in my purse now.

It is a very soothing cream, and I can see why it has been loved since the 1950s.

L'occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream*

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I got this a while back from Butterly to try out. L'occitane has never let me down, and this cream is no exception. It is rich and thick and essentially a 25% Shea Butter cream that is as thick as a Body Butter. It hydrates my skin when dry and cracked, it soothes when it is red and irritated, and it feels nice every time I use it. Best part is I need so little, and it now has a recyclable insert for clean swapping when it is used up.

I like eco packaging ideas, but I know people won't actually rinse and sterilize their containers before refilling properly, and the swap-it-out method, I think, is a great idea.

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick 50+ SPF*

It wouldn't be spring without me using a lot of SPF. While I have a big bin full of face ones I love to use, Shiseido's clear stick has won me over for on-the-go use.

I got this stick at the Shisheido warehouse sale last winter and again at the Lisa Cosmetics sale this spring. I keep it in my purse and use it for touchups daily. I really enjoy the formula, texture and the fact that it won't leak in my bag. It makes touching up my sunscreen so easy, and it feels nicer than any stick I have used before, and it is completely clear, so no mirror is required.

YSL Make Me Blush*-

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This one might not be a shock to anyone. I have not stopped talking about the YSL Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balms or Loveshine Lip Oil Sticks all year long, particularly shade 44. Well, now that I have the blush, I am even more in love. Why can't all blushes blend this well and make me feel this great? Did I also mention I have shade 44 in the cream blush, and that it, too, is fantastic?

Ok, do I love the blush or do I just love shade 44 (Nude Lavalliere)? I think both. The blush looks fantastic on my skin, blends well and is just the right amount of pigment I want. If I want more, layer it with the cream blush. I also have the perfect match for my lips with the butter and oil, so it makes for a really easy wear.

If you are looking for a new blush, I highly suggest you look at these, because they are really nice.
So there you go, 5 things I really loved this past spring. Is there anything you've been loving?

* denotes affiliate link, which may earn me a small commission. - denotes a product I received in exchange for an honest review.

Flexitol, for Fresh Feet All Summer Long

2025-06-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Feet are incredibly important in our daily lives; they support us and take a beating every day. Yet they almost seem forgotten in our self-care routines. Last year, I vowed to be better on my feet, and this year, I am supporting that goal with Flexitol products.

Flexitol Foot Odour Powder Spray*

For about a decade now, I have been using spray anti-perspirant on my feet in the summertime to prevent stinky feet and to prevent excessive sweating. I am known for ruining flats by wearing them after a day of work, and without socks to soak some of that moisture, and the shoes get permanently stinky (like I have had comments on it, they smell). So the spray prevents all that from happening and keeps my feet fresh.

The fact that I had to use my arm pit anti-persperant always kind of sucked. I found a few deodorants for feet, but they were just very smelly perfumes that did nothing for the sweat that happened.

This is where Flexitol comes into play; their Foot Odour Powder Spray is an antiperspirant for your feet. It not only makes them smell great (in a non-flowery way) but also stops excessive sweating down there. The spray is also pretty strong and wide, which is great because not everyone can twist and turn to get their feet up where they need them for an accurate spray.

It kills odours on contact, works for 24 hours, and absorbs wetness. It is fantastic.

Flexitol Heel Magic

I get cracked heels. It started happening a few years back, and now it happens more often than I would like to admit. Heel Magic is just like magic because after just a few days, cracked heels look so much better.

I also get strange tears on my feet as I swim more in my condo's pool every summer. I think the concrete floor just rips it up so fast, especially on my big toe and the ball of my Heel. I started using Heel Magic to help, and it really got my feet on the right path so quickly. I still need to be careful in the pool, but it isn't weeks recovery anymore.

The stick makes for easy application, and the Shea, Olive, and Coconut oils hydrate to help repair and smooth out the skin.

I like to use it wherever I get calluses, not just my cracked heels.

Flexitol Anti-Fungal Liquid & Medicated Anti-Fungal Cream*

Now, foot fungus isn't something I've had to deal with much (I'm fortunate), but my husband goes to the gym and plays hockey several times a week, as well as works on his feet. So he's pretty prone to athlete's foot. In the past, he's tried sprays, and he found them extremely messy and not super effective for spot treating areas.

The liquid is perfect for treating a small area, under toenails, between toes and one toenail. The cream is great for all-over treatment and relief.

The lotion contains Tolnaftate (1%), 15% urea, menthol, and aloe the soothing benefits of menthol and aloe. A combo that helps both kill fungus and keep feet soft.

The liquid contains 25% Undecylenic Acid (which is the maximum strength without a prescription), Urea, Aloe, Vitamin E, Tea Tree, and Eucalyptus Oils. It can kill fungus on the skin but also on the nail, so it can be applied on, under, and around the nail to help combat fungus growth. It's non-greasy, so it's really great for spot treating between the toes and on the nails.

I plan on swimming in my condo's pool all summer long, so I am glad to have this on hand if things start to get a little itchy or look scaly.

Overall, I really have enjoyed trying these products out. I'm ecstatic to have found an upgrade with the Foot Odour Spray. It works so much better than what I was using and makes me feel a lot more confident during this season. The Heel Magic is a staple in my life. My feet stay soft and smooth and look great with little effort and no grease. The anti-fungal products have been great for the hubs, and I'm glad to have them around, just in case.

My must-buy items are the Foot Odour Spray and Heel Magic; I don't think I can manage without them.

*All products were sent for review purposes, and all views and opinions are my own. Links are affiliate, I may make a small commission I'd you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog.

5 Things I am Loving Right Now - Winter 2025

2025-03-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

I never got around to doing a 2024 favourite things roundup, and now that winter is over, I feel like I should share one. The problem is that I haven’t been feeling motivated to write lately. I’m exhausted all the time, and with the little energy I have, I haven’t been able to be creative. On top of that, my skin is a real mess, so I’m not enjoying makeup or skincare right now, which is disappointing. This post should be an easy way to help me get back into the writing flow… hopefully.

1. Neutrogena Transparent Bar

I started using this for my new Vintage Vanity series, and I fell in love. It is a great, simple bar that gets the job done. You can read about its history and how I really enjoyed it here.

2. Belif Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads

Belif's Aqua Bomb line is one of my favourite skincare lines. These pads are pretty self-explanatory; they are toner with PHA in a pad format.

I have a lot of acne popping up along my hairline and dry, flakey skin on my cheeks. These pads have been great for light exfoliation in those areas without irritating anything. The other toner ingredients are super hydrating.

3. Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick

This an absolutely massive stick of Aquphor, with 30% petroleum in it. Because it is a stick, it has different ingredients than the regular Aquaphor, such as avocado oil and wax. I fell in love with this stick because, for the last year, I have had peeling lips. It didn't matter how often I applied balms to my lips; they were terrible. This cleared it up in a week. I also use it on my cuticles and dry elbows as well as on top of my skincare for slugging when dog walking in the winter weather.

I do not believe it is sold in Canada. I had to get it in the USA. The exact same stick is also sold under their Baby Care banner.

4. Hypochlorous Acid

I think we all know how effective Tower 28's SOS Spray is at eliminating unwanted skin issues while still being gentle on the skin. However, I’ve found a similar product that costs significantly less: Microcyn Skin Spray for pets. It’s priced at $29.99 for 240 ml and works just as well.

I used this spray at my previous job whenever a pet had issues like scratching their ears, developing hot spots, or any other irritated skin problems. I even started using it on myself for scratches and bruises, and it worked wonders. When Tower 28 gained popularity for its product, I felt vindicated, knowing that others finally recognized its effectiveness.

I picked up my bottle a few months ago when my dog, Bradley, was chewing on himself to calm and heal his skin. I recently used it on Sterling after he scratched his ear non-stop, making it red and scabby. After applying the spray the next day, everything looked much calmer. I mean, the fact it saved me a visit to the vet alone makes it worthy of a favourite spot.

Now, it’s become my favourite, not just for my pets but also because I've been struggling with acne that I can't control. I started using the spray on my own skin whenever a pimple began to surface, and I noticed that it helped clear them up faster than when I didn’t use it.

5. Vitabath Original Spring Green Bath Gelee

Thinking of a number 5 was really hard. I spend a lot of time in the bath, so I went to have one and it came to me, Vitabath. I used up a small bottle in January and am now working on a bottle double the size. You need so little of it for a ton of bubbles and scent that will fill your whole floor.

They make any scents, but the green is the original and smells the best to me.

So there you go, five things I have loved this winter season. Now, let us hope the weather gets better, and I can spend some more time outside with less dry skin.

Pears Transparent Soap Review - Vintage Vanity

2025-02-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

This is part two of my Vintage Vanity series, I am continuing with the exploration of bars of soap that have stood the test of time. Today I am looking at the British favourite, Pears transparent soap.

History:

Pears was first made in 1807, in all its transparent amber oval bar glory. This British gem is known for having royal warrants leading back to Queen Victoria.

The bar has gone through some changes over the last 200+ years, mainly in 2009 and again for a relaunch in 2016. People really didn’t like the 2009 change, and made a Facebook petition, it lost its Royal Warrant and disappeared for quite a few years as a result. In 2016 it relaunched and tried to win back its old fans. It sounds like it is much better than the 2009 version, but not as good as the original.

The bars were first sold in London in 1807, its transparent colour was due to it being a glycerine-based soap, but was also a big part of its marking, promoting how ‘pure’ it was.

Things that make this bar unique are, a divot in the top, which is due to shrinkage as it sets (not moulding), but people love to smush their old bars into it, preventing waste. It is also clear, which at the time of release, was neat. It has a unique scent that is supposed to be that of an English Garden.

Review:

I immediately did not like the scent of this soap when I opened the box. It was overwhelming and unpleasant to me. I am used to a whole bunch of different types of scents, this was not one I had smelled before. After a few days of the bar in my shower, I either got used to it, or the unboxing potency faded and it was a lot better.

When I used it, I instantly felt a film on my body that I did not like. I did not find it rinsed off well unless I used a body wash mixed with it or afterwards. It wasn't the worst soap film, but not a great feeling.

It did do an excellent job cleaning like all soaps should. I did not smell bad after using it and the bar's scent did not linger.

Pros:

Cheap, at 3 75 g bars for under $4.00 CAD
Easy to find, can find it at dollar stores, grocery stores, and drug stores easily.
Cleans well, and removes odour easily.
Lathered well.

Cons:

I do not like the scent of this soap.
Residue feeling after using.
The scent did not linger.
Soap is wrapped in plastic, so not plastic-free.

Overall:

I did not like this soap. I can see why people got mad about the changes in it. It did not smell good, it did not feel good. I would not recommend it unless you could not find another bar to use.

Ingredients: Aqua, Sorbitol, Sodium Palm Kernalate, Sodium Rosinate, Glycerin, Sodium Palmate, Sodium Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, PEG-4, Sodium Laurate, Alcohol Denat, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfate, Parfum, Gugenia Caryophyllus(Clove) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Carum Carvi (Caraway) Fruit Oil, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Lauryl Alcohol, Tetrasodium EDTA, BHT, CI 17200, CL 47005

*This post features affiliate links. If you use it I may get a small commission. Thank you for your support.

Neutrogena Transparent Facial Bar Review - Vintage Vanity

2025-01-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

This is part one of what I hope is a very long series about vintage beauty products that are still sold today. I decided to hunt down a big old pile of products that have been on the shelves of stores for decades. This included soaps, lotions, balms and lip balms. I started my project with a bar of soap, and well ended up using it for 5 months straight. Which was great because I loved it, but it didn’t help review all the soaps I could.

I also was at a loss on how to even approach the project. I have tried to write one big post for each category, but there have been no reviews. Instead, for now, I am reviewing each item as I use them. Today that is Unscented Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar Original Formula aka Neutrogena Transparent Facial Bar.

This soap has been around since 1954. Manny Stoloroff, the founder of Neutrogena, went to Belgium and found a non-alkaline soap that was created by a chemist there. He bought the distribution rights and called it Neutrogena. In the ‘50s, it became popular for those who did not want the harsher soaps of the day on their face, and people were willing to pay a huge price increase for it ($1 vs 10 ¢ for the competitors).

Today the key thing that continues to make it a special bar is that it is dermatologist-recommended.

Review Time:

Now I used this bar on my body for the most part, I only used it on my face a few times.

I have never really liked bar soap, it has always felt like a film is left all over my body when I am done using it. It doesn’t matter if I use a loofa, a poof or even a washcloth, I feel a film after rinsing. This soap never once did that for me. Every time I washed with it, it felt like I used a body wash. It rinsed clean away.

After every use, my skin felt great, never once dry or tight. That goes for my face too, which is surprising since I have very dry skin.

It is completely fragrance-free, which if you are going to use it on the face, is fantastic. It lathers easily with a loose lather. It did a great job of eliminating odour on my body, so I knew it was getting me clean.

Pros:

- Oil-free

- Ph of 8 (in the ideal bar soap range)

- Dermatologist recommended

- Fragrance-free

- Easy rinsing

- No residue

- Safe for the face (actually recommended)

- Inexpensive (a 3-pack costs $7.50 to $10.00 CAD)

Cons:

- Each bar is wrapped in plastic, so it is not plastic-free.

Overall:

Overall I am shocked at how much I like this bar. Every time I use it my skin feels soft, clean and just overall nice. Which is how I want to feel. As someone who generally hates bar soap, I am surprised I did so well right out the gate with trying out this bar. If this was the only body wash or soap I had for the rest of my life, I would be ok with that.

Ingredients:
Triethanolamine, TEA-Stearate, Glycerin, Sodium Tallowate, Water (eau), Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Ricinoleate, Sodium Oleate, Cocamide MEA, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Stearate, BHT, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Trisodium HEDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite.

End of Year 2024 Recap

2025-01-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

It is the new year, which means it is time for a recap of my Fall and the first two weeks of winter.

My Last recap was for Aug - Oct, so this one is going to cover November and December.

November. I can't remember anything at all. This sounds terrible. The reality is I was trying to finish up school and that took more focus than I really had.

Here are the big things that happened.

The hubs and I went to the US on Remembrance Day to do some shopping. He was in the process of transitioning jobs and was using up his vacation days. I wanted to go to Target and Trader Joe's. We got a lot of stuff and I spent a lot of money for a person who hasn't worked in almost a year. But, it was well worth it, I am still hoarding candy and other food we got. I do love that we went in peak Pumpkin Spice and the start of Gingerbread season.

Since getting access to Shippsy (affiliate link), I haven't been as eager to go to Target, as I can now cheaply order from them.

We went to the Drive-In one last time to see The Wild Robot and Venom: Last Dance. We always have a good time, and I get to cuddle Bradley there.

We also went to the movie theatre to see Gladiator II.

A friend and I went to the Sheshedo warehouse sale and we waited an hour to get inside. I picked up a fair amount of Nars products there.

Shortly after I went to the Lisa Sale with my mother. Lines are back, even on weekday mornings, so that was unexpected. I got some of those glossy Revlon lipsticks that got discontinued right after they went viral the other year and a bunch of Nars liquid lipsticks.

That was my not-too-exciting month.

December was a bit more exciting. I finished school. I really studied for my exams and I applied to graduate with High Honours (woot).

Sterling got this great cardboard gingerbread house from Dollarama. He has been very happy.

After that I got to celebrate my brother's birthday and then a week later 3 family Christmases. It was exhausting but fantastic.

I made family members these hot chocolates with freeze-dried marshmallows as a gift. They all loved it.

I got a record player for Christmas from the Hubs, so I went and picked up some used vinyl around town. I am still trying to figure out a good way of getting records without them costing me $50-75 each.

I've also been driving a lot. I drive the hubs to and from work twice a week. Which has been great. I need to get on the highway though, because I have until the spring to take my final test.

So that was my end of the year, not too exciting, but I did finish school. I hope you all had a great holiday season.

Movie Roundup 2024

2025-01-05T13:34:00.000-08:00

I decided for 2024 to yet again do a movie-watching challenge. This was my fourth year doing a challenge, and I am super happy I finished it. I challenged myself to watch 75 movies I had never seen before. I did this after two years of failing to watch a select number of new movies and new-to-me documentaries, so I decided to combine the two tasks. I succeeded but by the skin of my teeth. So let's break down what I watched in 2024 and what I plan on doing for 2025.

I managed to watch exactly 75 films this year, most of which happened in the second half of the year.

First off, we went to the drive-in again!

I love the drive-in, and I will never stop loving the drive-in. We get to see two movies and it cost less than $30 for both of us, it is such a deal. We get to bring Bradley along and eat great food. I also get to wear pyjamas! It is all lots of fun. I do prefer spring and fall shows because the sunsets earlier and we don't tend to fall asleep during the second movie as much.

This year we saw Kung Fu Panda 4 with Ghostbusters Frozen Kingdom at the start of April then Inside Out 2 with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in July. We didn't go back until November when we saw The Wild Robot and Venom: The Last Dance. By far the earliest and latest we have gone to see movies there.

In theatres, we saw quite a few films and with the expectation of Twisters, we saw all of them at an independent theatre, Imagin Cinemas. We love it there because they are cheap ($11 movies and $8 matinee) and they have huge reclining chairs.

We saw Dune 2, Deadpool and Wolverine, Twisters, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Alien Romulus, Transformers One, and Gladiator 2 in the theatre this year. I must say it was nice to just go to the movies a lot this year, it reminded me a lot of when we were dating.

I went yet again to Drunken Cinema with my pal Melissa to see Scream movies. This time it was the Sequils, Scream 2 and Scream 5. We really love this series and have now officially seen all the films in the series at the Drunken Cinema experience. I do feel the first time we did Scream 2 the opening scene was so much fun live, but this time there were a lot of newbies and it was surprisingly less lively. It truly is a meta moment to be waving around a glow stick and screaming while a Ghost Face runs around you while you watch that opening scene.

I watched a bunch of bad movies, just in the hopes of watching something new that I had not watched before, which actually made me a bit sad.

Which brings me to my goals for 2025.

I plan on watching 52 new movies this year. That makes it one a week, a realistic goal that I will not struggle to get to by the end of the year. I also plan on making a list of classic movies I still need to watch and make an actual effort to watch them this year (yes, I finally watched Citizen Kane this past year, so at least I can cross that one off the list).

Follow along with me on my Letterboxd this year and see how well I do at meeting this year's goal.

Holiday Gift Guide For 2024

2024-12-05T08:53:00.002-08:00

The holiday season is here, and with that comes the gift-buying season. I think we all have many people we need to buy gifts for this year, and it can be a bit daunting. So I have decided to showcase a few items that I really am enjoying as gifts this year.

Tea Runners Christmas Gift Subscription*

If you know me, you know I love tea. Tea Runners offers a fantastic subscription service that delivers four unique teas monthly. It's perfect as a self-love gift, but they also have Christmas Gift Subscriptions where the recipient can choose their preferred teas.

On Christmas morning, the recipient receives a notification along with a note from the sender and the option to select their preferred box: Original Teabox, Black Teabox (a selection of 4 different teas), Herbal Teabox (all herbal, rooibos, peppermints, honeybush, chamomile teas), or Pure Teabox (this is just straight teas no flavours or blends in it).

Each box includes four different types of tea tailored to the theme, that they get to fully customize, with 20-30 grams of tea per pouch, providing enough tea for 30-40 cups. The box also comes with a pack of 10 filters. The receiver can customize their delivery schedule, pause or skip shipments, and even change their address. Making it great for anyone who may not drink tea as fast as me.

The sender can choose to send 1 box ($29), 3 boxes($79), 4 boxes ($104), 6 boxes ($149), or even 12 ($288) boxes subscription. I just ordered a box of their Pure Teabox for my mother-in-law for Christmas morning since she lives in the Yukon and we can't see her on Christmas morning.

I think this is such a great gift! I really love Tea Runners' quality and their unique seasonal varieties. You can check out a review I did in 2022 here.

Quo Holiday Gifts

Quo always has great beauty gift ideas. I love how they always seem to have the best trendy ideas. From their Crackers that have lip gloss in them, to brush sets at a great price, they always have great gifts.

This year I could not resist their Reusable Forehead and Under-Eye Pad Set ($28). It comes with a reusable forehead mask and a set of reusable eye masks. As well as a mini rose quartz roller and a mini eye massager. All in a tin to store it.

I also grabbed their Hand Cream Collection ($15), which has 5 different scented versions of their hand cream. It has Shea Butter, Vanilla, Dragon Fruit, Avocado and Blueberry. I think these make great gifts as a set, but also broken up into little stocking stuffers or add-ons is really nice, and at $3 a cream, a great price.

Dr Teal's Holiday Collection Tin Set ($19.99)

Every year I pick myself up a Dr. Teal's gift set. This year I got this cute trio set. It has three of its best-selling scents in a mini Epsom Salt Soak and Mini Foaming Bath. It is a great break-apart gift, but also a great way to try out 3 different scents for just $19.99.

This year features Relax & Relief (eucalyptus and spearmint), Melatonin (lavender and melatonin) and Soothe 7 Sleep (lavender), all wrapped up in a reusable tin.

There are also since-scented sets for $9.99 out there, but I think this is a much better value.

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Iconic Hollywood Lipstick Trio Set ($44)

I love good lipstick, and this might be my favourite little set in a while. It features 3 of Charlotte Tilbury's lipsticks, in a mini size. Now I find most sets with minis from her brand have Pillow Talk or some variation of it, so it was really nice to find this set that did not have Pillow Talk in it, mainly because I have more than one already.

The set has 3 1.5 g Mini lipsticks, Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen (classic, bright blue-red), K.I.S.S.I.N.G Satin Shine Lipstick in 90s Pink (warm rosewood pink), and K.I.S.S.I.N.G Satin Shine Lipstick in Icon Baby (warm nude baby pink).

All three shades look great, I love the retro Hollywood glam look they are going for. Hollywood Vixen is just stunning and the main reason I got the set.

Clarins Iconic Lip Oils Collection ($84)

I love Clarins' lip oil, they are great for dry cold winter months. This set is the perfect gift to give to someone who also loves the brand, lip oils or just likes to treat themselves.

The set has two full-size and two mini of Clarins iconic lip oils. Honey and Pitaya in full size (7 ml) and Raspberry and Strawberry in mini size (1.4 ml).

It is a great value set because $40.

Byoma Barrier Boosting Heroes Set ($30)

BYOMA is a great brand that really focuses on boosting the skin barrier. I have tried a few products and have had great success so far.

They have a holiday set which features five of their products and a bag. For the price, this is a great way to introduce someone to the brand at a bargain price.

The Kit Includes 15ml Hydrating Serum, 15ml Gel Cream, 15ml Rich Cream, 5ml Eye Gel, 20ml Jelly Cleanser, and a bag. I picked mine up at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Masque Bar Pretty Animalz Merry Masking Set ($10)

Masque Bar makes great masks, and their Pretty Animalz line is quite popular.

This set has four winter-themed animal masks, Moose, Polar Bear, Reindeer, and Penguin.

This set is great for any sheet mask lover in your life. I am personally going to break the setup in so that I can give some to each of my nieces, I know they are going to love them.

Wet n Wild Hello Kitty Collection

Wet n Wild has a bunch of adorable Hello Kitty items out right now to celebrate her 50th anniversary.

There are so many great items out there, Hello Kitty-shaped mirrors, a mascara and lash curler set, but I picked up the Hello Kitty Brush Set ($25) and a Hello Kitty Ombre Blush ($12).

I know my nieces love Hello Kitty and so do many adults. Wet n Wild consistently had fantastic brushes at a great value. I figured they would make a great gift for anyone who is looking for brushes in their lives. Also, the blush was just too cute to pass up.

Dove Pepper Mint Bark Products
I saw a display for Dove's new limited edition holiday scents and fell in love with the Pepper Mint Bark. Available in Body wash, hand wash and body scrub, I picked up all three.

It smells like what the holiday peppermint bark ice cream would smell like if you turned it into a body product.

There is also a sugar cookie sprinkle version, but as a mint and chocolate lover, I picked the peppermint up. Think they would make great stocking stuffers. My only wish is that they made a body lotion or body butter because I am in love.

There is my gift guide for 2024. I personally think I picked out some good things, many of which I am honestly keeping for myself, which is how much I like the items. I do think they will make great gifts. Happy Holidays!

* denotes a product was sent for review. All the other products were bought with my own money. Some links are affiliate links, where I could earn a small commission from a sale. I appreciate your support.

Aug-Oct 2024 Recap

2024-11-19T21:34:00.004-08:00

Hi Everyone, I haven't done a recap in a long time. It has gotten out of hand now and, frankly, a little intimidating. I am going to try to recap the last few months with some of the highlights, and I just hope it isn't too long.

August:

August was a lot of schoolwork. My semester was wrapping up, and I had a huge group project to do that involved a lot of work. It was terrible because group projects should not exist for online college. It is terrible. Anyway, that took up a ton of my time, as did swimming and family get-togethers (also involving pools).

We attended Scarborough Rib Fest. It was tasty, and we always loved to go.

I also needed a new computer, mine was from 2011, so I got a Mac Mini. One big bonus of being a student is the Apple student discount. I hate that my version didn't have any front ports or an SD slot (I know, they aren't a thing anymore), so I got this base for it that looks great. It also has a slot for an SSD if I want to add one.

September:

September brought my birthday, a new school semester, and one last pool get-together.

My aunt and I went to Stratford to see four plays. We always have a great time, and I really enjoyed it there.

The hubs and I also did some eating along Yonge St. in North York, there was a food fest.

October:

October brought my mother-in-law from the Yukon for a visit. She stayed with my sister-in-law for a bit and then with us. We drove out to visit a few times while she was with the SIN and even took her to Hamilton to buy Quilting supplies and a dinner at Victoria's Steak and Seafood.

We all got a prefix, and I have to say, as someone who doesn't like steak, it was really good.

Since I was in school on my own schedule, I decided to take her around town while she was with us. One thing she wanted to see was the Quilts Made in Canada exhibit at the ROM. She had a great time and learned a lot about the history of quilts in Canada.

I attended a Drunkin Cinema at the Revue Theatre with my friend Melissa. They were showing Scream 2 and Scream 6, the sequels. We have now gone 6 times and seen all the movies in the franchise. I really loved seeing Scream 2 the first time there. It was a real meta moment with the opening scene, this time, it just wasn't as lively, but we had a great time.

I wish there was some more excitement going on, I mean, we had a gas leak. It was resolved in a few hours. Bradley got a Boo Basket, his nickname is Boo.

OH, I started to drive. I have been trying to actually learn to drive for about 7 years now. It has been slow and awkward. While my mother-in-law was here, I took the car to drive us places. I then just started taking it whenever driving the hubs to and from work on those days. It has been great; my confidence is high, and I really enjoy the freedom I now have.

Here are some random pet pics of Sterling and Bradley to round out the post. I hope you all have had a wonderful last few months.

Everyday Lifestyle Upgrades

2024-11-19T11:03:00.009-08:00

Lifestyle things are a part of our daily lives, but I feel I don't always give them the respect they deserve. Today, I wanted to talk about a few things I really have been enjoying lately and have improved my quality of life.

I was inspired by the video of Danny Pudi talking with Larry King, stating a cup of coffee and socks are his luxuries. It made me think sometimes you really appreciate things that are just there in your life, and you are grateful that they are there.

Brita Water Filter

We got a fridge with a water filter a few years back, but we don't have a hookup for it. After decades of seeing my hubs reach for any cold beverage in the fridge instead of just getting water, I decided to finally get a Brita. But I didn't want a pitcher, I knew that wasn't for us. So, I got one with a dispenser. It lasts forever between refills (it holds 27 cups of water), and getting a cool beverage whenever we want is easy. The water tastes better, too.

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Until we actually get that fridge water dispenser hooked up, this is the one thing in our kitchen I use daily that I really wish I had gotten years ago.

Nespresso

We got a Nespresso Original machine for Christmas 2019, and it saved me during lockdowns. I can make the hubs his straight espresso, and I can make my lattes. They both taste great, and I don't miss Starbucks at all. When it comes to pods, I like Nespresso, but we often get Lavazza or Illy. This past week, we chose to take advantage of a Black Friday deal and get a Vertuo machine using our credit card points. Now, we can also have easily larger cups of coffee on demand that actually taste good.

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I feel if you love a fancy coffee but don't have the willpower or energy to use an espresso machine in the mornings or the money for a fancy machine, these are perfect for you. They cost less than $150, and you get fancy coffee with just the press of a button. I gave away a Keurig I got years ago because it made weak and terrible coffee, this is a whole different world.

Heated Blanket

My basement is where we spend most of our time, and it can get chilly. Right now, we're postponing turning on the heat. So a heated blanket is really nice. I often get really cold, so it's a nice little treat to not have cold toes while watching a movie. I also find I get really chilly in the evenings as I settle in for the night, as my body is no longer moving and cooling down. I also really hate having cold feet.

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A post shared by Costco Finds Canada (@costcofindsca)

This honestly wasn't something I ever thought I needed, but I truly love using it every evening. I picked mine up at Costco a few years back and use it almost every day.

Candle Warmer

this one is ridiculous, but I wanted one forever. They are lamps that warm up your candles, so you don't have to worry about lighting them and forgetting about them.

I picked up two at Marshall's, and they've been great. I no longer worry I am going to burn my house down with candles, and my house smells great.

The lesson really is that if you want something for a long time, you probably should just go get it, in my case two.

Ember Mug

This one is odd. Last November, I decided I wanted an Ember mug for when I started at home college. I did not want to worry about my tea or coffee getting cold. I almost bought one in the USA at a Best Buy but chose not to. The next day at Costco back home, I saw it on sale for $110. I put it in my cart so fast. It was such a good deal.

This mug has a charging base and uses Bluetooth through a phone app to keep your hot beverage at the right temp for long periods. Now mine is a 414 ml, this year's Costco model has no handle but a lid.

While I love the mug, it isn't big, and I find if I am going to drink my drink fast it isn't necessary. But for my second cup of tea of the day that I sip, it is great.

It does have a limited battery time, and the time it takes to cool the cup to the right temp does come out of that battery life, so maybe don't turn it on right away. For coffee, that is already the right drinking temp, it is probably the ideal mug.

Basically, I love it, but it still has flaws. I also love my Yetti cup for keeping things cold or hot forever! It is usually on my desk with ice and water or iced tea.

Fresh Ground Coffee

I went to Bluesky (hey, follow me there if you are using it) and asked for suggestions. My friend Melissa said fresh ground coffee. I fully agree. I love my Nespresso because they simplify the task with little thought, but nothing beats fresh ground coffee.

Last summer, we went to the Yukon and Alaska, and our gift to ourselves in each place we visited was locally roasted coffee. Now my father once got me a little $15 coffee grinder, and it has done us well over the last 20 years, but getting a burr grinder that ensures a consistent grind is so much better. I am eyeing getting one after the holiday season so that we can start refilling out Nespresso pods and using some fun coffees we have been getting.

On that note, I have been getting coffee at Bean Wise, which has a few locations. Their German Chocolate Cake Coffee makes the whole house smell amazing.

So those are the little luxuries I like right now. I honestly want to start thinking this way more often and appreciate what I have and why I have it. Does it serve a function? Does it make me happy? Is it something I have wanted forever? Is it going to give me a mini upgrade? Is it going to make my life better? These are all things to think about.

What are your everyday luxuries?

* This post features affiliate links, I may get a small commission if an item is purchased. I appreciate your support of the blog.

A Novice Gets A Tan with Tanologist

2024-11-06T17:26:00.002-08:00

Confession time, I have never used a self-tanner before. This might be a little shocking, but I just never wanted to until now. This past summer, I started to think maybe a tan would look good on me. That being said, I was in no way going to get an actual tan outside, I have 4 family members who have fought skin cancer. This is where Tanologist comes in.

I decided to use their Medium Tinted Self Tan Mousse. They make a colourless version, but I chose the tinted guide version to help me apply it, especially since I am a novice.

The instructions are easy to follow:

Moisturise dry areas like hands, elbows, knees & feet
Apply to the skin in sweeping motions from head to toe using a tanning mitt & wash hands thoroughly after application
Shower off guide colour in 1-4 hours, depending on the desired end result

I used a tanning mitt I got on sale at Shoppers to apply it. The application was easy, and the product went on really smoothly. I was surprised how even it all went on with the mitt.

The scent is that of green tea. I had heard for decades how bad self-tanner smelt and was so surprised this smelled wonderful. It 100% smells like The Healing Garden's Green Tea scent from the Y2K Era. I know this because I loved it so much that when it got discontinued, the hubs bought out a discount store of roll-ons of it for me. I still have a body spray and an eau de toilet hanging around. The fact is smells just like that to me is very endearing.

I waited the full 4 hours before having a shower to wash off the guide colour. I found the guide colour helpful, but it was kind of orangey. While I waited those 4 hours, I wore some dark pyjama pants around the house. The formula was mildly tacky, even when dry, but nothing that bothered me and my pants never stuck to my legs or anything that drastic. It never transferred anywhere, either.

The tanner on my right leg vs my bare left leg.

The results...

Since I had no clue how this all worked, I can say that I may have gone a bit heavy around those dry areas, even though I moisturized. I also have some hyperpigmentation just below my knee area, so I probably should have gone and moisturized, too. Oh well.

Well, I like it. It is strange to see me with a tan or any type, but it is a nice change, and the one I was looking for. I don't look orange, which was a fear, I just look tanned. I will definitely use it again. I am actually thinking of using their Daily Glow Lotion for the rest of my body. I like the idea of adding a hint of colour and moisturizing daily.

left is bare legs, middle is with the tanner and guide on, right is the final result.

Pros:

Easy to use
tinted guide to help with even application
great colour
not orange
smells like green tea to me
didn't stain clothing
inexpensive - Sells for $24.99 CAD or $21.49 USD
comes in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark

Cons:

Is a little tacky when applying

Overall:

I am really happy with how my tan turned out. It is fading nicely and evenly, which is also great. It smelt good. It is a fraction of the cost of the other brands out there. There isn't much downside if you want to try tanning out.

You can find Tanologist products at Shoppers Drug Mart or Target.

*Products were sent for review purposes, all views and opinions are my own.

Empties - Fall 2024

2024-11-05T14:54:00.076-08:00

I haven't done an empties post forever, but I was tidying up and tossing a few things, so I may as well do a post.

Hubby stuff...

The hubs tend to use up his face washes the quickest.

Mary Kay Foaming Beard Wash

This foaming was in the shower for a while, but he liked both the scent and the fact it was foaming. He requested more, but it was a limited edition, so instead he is going to be using a few Jack Black beard wash samples I received.

L’Oréal Paris Men Expert Pure Power, Anti-Imperfection Scrub, Exfoliating Face Cleanser With Salicylic Acid

This wash has exfoliating beads and salicylic acid in it, which is great for his acne-prone skin. He liked it a lot, but we are moving back to PanOxyl for a while, it really is the best for his acne.

My Stuff...

Sol De Jannero 62 Body Fragrance Mist

I got a mini of Sol de Janeiro 62 and then a set with 4 that also included it. It was then I put a focus on using it up. I'm actually shocked I did, I like the scent and will keep on using the next bottle.

Bathorium Crush Bath Soak Northern Sage Recovery

I'm a big fan or Bathorium and this tiny pack didn't take too long to use up. I have a few more of their larger packs to use up, and I'm going to work on that the next few weeks.

Pantene Miracle Intense Rescue Shots Dry Hair Treatment

I buy 4 packs of these minis when they go on sale. They're pretty good shots of concentrated hair masks. I used two this round,

Pure Standard Products Epsom Salts

As much as I love other bath products, I always have a 5kg tub of this stuff from Costco around. I usually use one up every 3 weeks or so. I do mix it into other products, it lets me stretch other products out.

Teas..

Teas aren't something I use up quickly but do have a lot of. Last week I was shocked to learn when I decided to make an Excel sheet of all my teas and realized I used some up.

Tazo Passion (Herbal Tea)

Passion is the original tea used in Starbucks passion tea. I have a backup box, so I won't be buying another

Tazo Wild Sweet Orange (Herbal Tea)

Sweet orange I picked up in the US last fall and really fell in love with. It is naturally sweet and smells just like oranges. If you are a fan of mulled apple-type teas and like oranges, I think this one is worth trying. Lucky for me, it is now in Canada and I can get a box just about anywhere. I am going to wait until the new year to get another box in an attempt to use up some of my other ones.

Teavana Darjeeling.

I got this when Teavana was still around. I used to use my star rewards from Starbucks on ounces of tea. I have so many black Teas I forgot about it. When I was making a tea spreadsheet I found it and decided to use it up.

That's it for empties. Hopefully, I do another post at the end of the year.

5 Things I am Loving Right Now - Summer 2024

2024-10-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, summer is over, but it was 24 degrees out the other day. It is so warm and sunny it feels like late Summer. With that, I thought it would be a great time to talk about the 5 things I have liked the most this past summer.

The products are going to be hanging out with my Feather Friends from the summer collection. I do not know how I became a person who fell in love with decorative birds, but here I am ordering ones for the holiday season.

Biore UV Aqua Rich 50 SPF

I got a four-pack of these at Costco in the spring. I really enjoyed it. It is one of the few sunscreens that does not burn my eyes, which is a big deal in the hot summer months.

I did a full review here if you want to read it. They did a very good job of adapting the Japanese formula for the Canadian market, considering we do not allow all the ingredients here (which I really hope they update soon).

Dr. Scholl’s® Ultra Exfoliating Foot Mask *

I used this in the early summer to prepare my feet for sandal season, and it worked great. I had thick and flaky skin on my feet and didn't want to get a pedicure. I used it again after my pool closed. I tend to kick off the rough walls of the pool and get cuts, so I had to wait until after they healed to use it again.

I did a full review here. I love the multi-pack, which means I don't have to worry about picking up more and how well it just works. I also like that there is a lotion version, so I can keep the smooth feeling going as long as possible. Their Ultra-Hydrating Food Mask is also fantastic.

Pixi On-The-Glow Blush/Bronzer

I picked these up when I did a Shoppers Drug Mart order and have loved using them. Everyone talked so much about how great they were, and I now see why. I really liked using them in the hotter months for a glowy blush look. Really nice formula.

Joico Air Dry Styling Cream

Since I swam from Canada Day to Labour Day pretty much daily, I did not want to damage my hair more by styling it with heat. I ended up using this no-heat styling cream instead and let my hair air dry. I do really enjoy how my wavy hair decides how straight or curly it wants to be every time I wash it, this product helps it do that without weighing it down while preventing frizz.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush / Trader Joe's Brazil Nut Butter Products

Ok, I know it is not a single product...but hear me out. I went to Trader Joe's in June after a concert at Fallsview. I picked up the three Brazilian Nut Butter items they sell, Body Butter, Body Scrub and Body Wash (they all cost $5.99 USD). They are apparently a dupe of the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush scent. Since I have two minis of the Sol de Janeiro body spray, I figured I would focus on trying to use one up.

Since they all go so well together (I do not think the TJ is a dupe of the scent; the TJ smells a bit different), I just started using all 4 products daily. As a result, I used up a mini body spray by the end of September. Mission accomplished for intentionally using up a product.

So there you go, those are some of the things I really enjoyed this past season. I am actually looking forward to some fall weather in the next few weeks. The trees are now a great shade and I always enjoy walks with Bradley when we aren't going to pass out from the heat.

What have you been loving lately?

* denotes products sent for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

The Inkey List Hair Care Line Review

2024-09-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

I placed an order with The Inkey List online quite a while back. I was worried about whether there would be any customs or duties, but they ship the orders from Canada and the sale was done in Canadian funds, so it was a super easy process.

Now I am a huge fan of The Inkey List, I was at their Canadian launch 4 years ago and have been using their skincare ever since.

Now they don't offer shampoo and conditioners, but they do have hair and scalp treatments. I picked up the Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Hair Treatment, Peptide Volumizing Hair Treatment, Shea Oil Nourishing Hair Treatment, Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, and the Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub. A few items I wanted to try were sold out.

First off, I really do love that The Inkey List makes the whole figuring out where the product fits in your routine easy with their packaging. In this case, I am a little confused because a few of the items give the option to "Boost your Shampoo/Conditioner", but do not give any instructions for it and don't list it for those products on their website.

Secondly, I really like that their hair products are easily distinguished from their skincare products by being a different colour, but hate that it is black plastic. While there are claims that it is recyclable and non-carbon, my city, and many others do not take black plastic.

Finally, I love that the brand gives all the info you need on the box and inside it. Nothing is hidden and I really enjoy that.

So with that, here is a review of all the products I got.

GLYCOLIC ACID EXFOLIATING SCALP SCRUB / $20.00

This is a scrub in a bottle with a nice tip to help apply it right to the scalp without any mess. It has both chemical and physical exfoliators. Apply it wet or dry before washing your hair and let it sit for 10 minutes. The result is an exfoliated scalp and a protected microbiome. All this is supposed to help with hair growth, scalp health and hair volume.

I fully reviewed this in my Scalp Scrub Showdown Part 3, and let's just say it isn't the best Scrub. I do enjoy using it, but know it's not really lifting much.

When I first bought it, it retailed for CAD 16.99, it went up $3 in two years.

SALICYLIC ACID EXFOLIATING SCALP TREATMENT / $22.00

This is very similar to the Glycolic Acid Scrub but without the physical exfoliators. It uses just chemical ones to help remove buildup and help with itchiness of the scalp. This one is particularly good for those with excessive oil production. There are other ingredients to help hydrate the scalp and reduce redness.

I also reviewed this in Scalp Scrub Showdown Part 3, it also failed to remove buildup.

When I first bought it was sold for CAD 18.99, it went up $3 in two years.

SHEA OIL NOURISHING HAIR TREATMENT / $9.99

This is a basic hair oil made up of Shea Oil. Shea is so well-loved for hair care so having a liquid version seemed pretty amazing to me. Shake the bottle and apply a little to your hands and then to your hair, wet or dry.

The formula is quite thin, which I was not expecting when I first applied it. I used far too much because it just poured out into my hands. My hair as a result was a little too oily. Since then I have been very careful not to apply too much and have seen great results. I really love how easy it is to add to my routine to make my hair softer and healthier.

After over a year of reaching for this, I will say I wasted about half the bottle because of the huge whole and liquid texture. This is its biggest failure. I still don't love the scent, but I like to use it post shower lightly or pre-shower heavily as an oil treatment. You can't go wrong with Shea for your hair so I would buy it again but maybe put another lid on it.

This product is no longer sold by The Inkeylist, which makes me feel a whole lot better about my feelings on it. The bottle's opening was too big, it was too runny and it smelt strange. That being said, it worked well, it was shea oil.

HYALURONIC ACID HYDRATING HAIR TREATMENT / $15.00

Just like with our skin care, Hyaluronic acid for the hair attracts moisture to the hair and helps hydrate it. It is meant to be added to hair post-washing but can be used any time to wet or dry hair to help with hydration and frizz.

I still can't really get this to work for me. I don't know what it is about it, but it's just another step that doesn't result in anything great for my hair.

It says you can use it to boost your wash, I tweeted the brand and was told to use it while conditioning. It didn't really do much.

When I first got this it was CAD 11.99, it went up $3 in 2 years.

PEPTIDE VOLUMIZING HAIR TREATMENT / $19.00

A lightweight serum for your hair that helps with thickness and volume. Like many of the other hair treatments, it is meant to be used wet or dry but recommended post-washing.

I once again didn't really end up with great results from this one. I don't know if I'm using it right or if my hair is just too long. It's ok at best for me.

When I bought it, it was CAD 14.99, so it went up by $4 in two years.

PCA BOND REPAIR HAIR TREATMENT / $19.00
I picked this one up a bit later. It is a spray that you add to damp hair to help strengthen it. It uses Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid to help bond repair your hair and other conditioners to make it a leave-in to help keep your hair strong.

This is definitely my favourite in the lineup. I like using it daily and find my hair is responding well to it. It has almost no scent to it. My only complaint is the pump, it is strange for some reason and you need a lot of finger strength to use it.

My Thoughts:

Pros:

High-quality products
Reasonably priced
Packaging lets you know quickly it is not their skincare line

Cons:

Had to order online (is now in Sephora stores in Canada though)
Black plastic (no recyclable)
Products didn't work great for my hair type (wavy, dry-damaged)

Overall, I really enjoyed adding these products to my hair routine. It was nice to try a new brand without spending an arm and a leg (although the prices did go up since I ordered them so long ago). The Salicylic and Glycolic acids were so easy to apply to my hair, which is refreshing when most scrubs are messy to use. I just wish they were more effective at lifting my degree off my scalp.

When it comes to repurchasing, I don't know. I don't think I would get any right now. I still have the PCA repair, and would probably repurchase it when I run out. I am currently trying The Ordinary's glycolic peel for a scalp scrub. I do think they are comparable.

I think, if you like The Inkey List, try it out, but don't expect the world. There is a good reason on Sephora the line has mixed reviews.

In the end, I like the brand, but most of these weren't for me.

*I purchased everything with my own money. There are some affiliate links in this post. I appreciate your support of the blog.

Skipping My Pedicure with Dr. Scholl's Ultra-Exfoliating Foot Mask

2024-08-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

*This post features PR Samples.

While it’s not something I often discuss, I struggle with dry skin and calluses on my feet. The buildup can get so bad that little bits of skin pull away, forming hangnail-like strips. It’s not fun. Despite using pumice stones and files, I can never achieve the same results as a pedicure. However, pedicures often involve using a razor on my feet, which I can’t do at home.

This year, I decided to try something different: Dr. Scholl’s Ultra-Exfoliating Foot Mask. Unlike other exfoliating foot masks, it comes in a 3-pack, which I find to be a better value. The mask uses a proprietary blend of alpha hydroxy acids, essential oils, natural extracts, and urea to exfoliate dead skin and moisturize.

Each pack includes a pair of booties that should be worn for 60 to 90 minutes. You need to pull the booties open at the top, ripping the opening that keeps everything sealed inside. Once on, there’s a little tab that holds each boot shut. I always struggle with this part, as I do with other masks.

Once the booties were on, I watched a movie for 90 minutes. I laid a towel down and put a pair of knit socks over the boots so I could walk without slipping.

Here’s a quick overview:

Key Benefits:

Exfoliation: The alpha hydroxy acids help to gently peel away rough, dry, and flaky skin.
Hydration: Urea and essential oils deeply moisturize and soften the skin.
Ease of Use: Simply slip on the booties, leave them on for 60-90 minutes, and then wash your feet. Peeling typically begins within 2-7 days and can continue for up to two weeks.

How to Use:

Wash and dry your feet thoroughly.
Slip on the booties and secure them at the ankle.
Leave them on for 60-90 minutes.
Remove and discard the booties, then wash your feet with warm water.

I chose to leave them on for the full 90 minutes because previous brands didn’t work for me, even after two weeks. I just was waiting for some peeling to happen and it never did.

My Experience

I felt a tingling sensation, but nothing too intense, which the packaging says is normal. I enjoyed the minty smell, reminiscent of foot cream. Previous masks I’ve tried smelled of citrus, so I preferred the mint.

before feet

Washing everything off was easy, and my feet felt nice that night. The next day, my feet felt dry, similar to being out in the sun and slightly dehydrated. I read that you shouldn’t moisturize during the shedding period, so I didn’t.

By the end of the week, I noticed peeling. The packaging says peeling can start in 2-7 days and take up to two weeks to complete.

peeling, revealing soft skin.

The peeling started on the softer areas of my feet, which I didn’t expect. A few days later, my heels and toes, where I had the thickest skin, began to peel.

feet peeling process.

You shouldn’t pick at the skin but use a washcloth while bathing to loosen and remove excess skin. I found that soaking in a bath helped accelerate the process quite a bit. Swimming even more so.

My feet after

Dr. Scholl’s Ultra-Exfoliating Foot Mask 3-pack

Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Water, Lactic Acid, Urea, Isopropyl Alcohol, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Lepidum Meyenii Root Extract, Tamarindus Indica Seed Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Surgarcane) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Betaine, Hydroxyethylcelluose, Sodium Citrate, Salicylic Acid, PEG-60 Hydrogentated Castor Oil, Menthol, Disodium EDTA

Pros:

3-pack makes buying more affordable and easy
Available at drug stores and mass retailers
Smells like mint
Easy to use
Worked well even on really dry and cracked skin
Mess-free

Cons:

Can't think of any

Overall:

I really liked these masks. They let me skip a pedicure this summer. I got almost all my dead skin off, it wasn't perfect, but I had a lot of dead skin, calluses and cracks going on. What was left was easy to remove later with a pumice or by using Dr. Scholl's Ultra-Exfoliating Foot Lotion (it is basically a lotion version of the masks that you can use to remove dead skin and hydrate at the same time).

My biggest tips would be, to wear socks over the boots so when you go to walk and even rinse your feet off, you don't rip them or slip. Also, soak your feet over the next few weeks a bit to speed up the peeling process and let you scuff off that skin.

I would definitely use these again and buy them again. They have been the best peeling foot masks I have ever used.

*This post features PR samples. All views and opinions are my own.

June 2024 Recap

2024-07-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

June is done, and so is half of 2024. This has flown by. This whole year is so crazy since I am for the first time in my life not working, but also doing school at home. It is all wild.

June was exciting, we had a little road trip, I spent two nights away from home, which I never do and I got to see lots of family.

Puppy time

I love puppy time, I get to spend my days with my darling Bradley, but for over two weeks we had his little wife stay with us, Sophie. Sophie is fun, cute, sassy and most importantly a good cuddler. She is a great study buddy for me.

We also celebrated Bradley's Gotcha Day. It is hard to believe this cutie has been our life for 8 years now. Here is a cute photo of him the day we got him, and now 8 years later with the same toys.

Niagara Falls

For Christmas we got Rich's dad and stepmom tickets to see Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at Fallsview in Niagara Falls. The concert was in June, so we booked an hotel for the night.

We got an early start to the day by dropping off the pups really early with a friend, so we ended missing all the traffic, so we went to the Niagara on the Lake outlet mall. I got a great hat at Colombia that has a spf of 50 and some Satsuma body wash at The Body Shop. I also got a few goodies at the Estee Lauder outlet (The Cosmetic Company Store), where I got 4 mac pan shadows for just $14. I also got some more Bumble and Bumble hot oil.

We then walked around Niagara Falls downtown area. It is super touristy, but we got fudge and that is all that matters. We also got soaked walking along the falls. I will never not be impressed by the beauty of the falls.

It then rained a lot, that we had a quick dinner with his dad and saw the concert.

Frankie Valli turned 90 in May and well, it shows. The concert was about 75 minutes long and while he was impressive, I do not know how much he was actually singing. Sorry to say it.

We definitely enjoyed the hotel pool and hot tub, both that night and in the morning.

Cross Border Shopping

The next morning, after having breakfast with Rich's family, we drove to the US side to check out Target, Trader Joe's and Walmart.

I am extremely neurotic and have lists made up before we go, but still got stuck for 2 hours in the line to get into the US.

Walmart was a hit, got lots of food and goodies. Target was a bit overwhelming and I honestly did not have enough time to look around as I would like. I feel such pressure not to be there too long and the store is a mess to find things. I am actually really glad I have Shippsy now to get things shipped here from Target.

Finally Trader Joe's was a huge success. I got so many yummy things as well as beauty items.

I was a great weekend away.

Family Time

My sister had a girls pool party the next weekend. I got to have another sleepover. I had a blast and got some puppy love from my nephew, Stevie.

We also went and visited Rich's dad for Father's Day and the next day visited my brother and his family for diner. All very good family time. We also spent the Canada Day weekend Sunday at his father's with our nieces and nephews. So a lot of family time this month.

Neighbourhood fun

every year in June, my neighbourhood has a little street party. I went, paid my yearly dues for the community organization and got a bunch of tickets. I ended up with some cotton candy, popcorn, pizza and entered in some draws. I ended up giving most of my tickets to a neighbour who has 4 kids. I also got some goodies at some food trucks that came.

I also went to the Willowdale garage sale. Willowdale is where I grew up, and I am really close to it. They put together a listing of 50 garage sales but also had a parking lot set up with many vendors. I got a little cooler the hubs had said he wished he bought last year, so a good win for me. It is nice seeing communities all come out and gather like that.

That is about it this month. I had a good time and my weekends were pretty full. I am trying my hardest to keep up with my classes, but find it a little more challenging than I would like.

I hope June was good to you.

Blue Lizard Sunscreen Review

2024-07-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Sunscreen is the one product we fly through the most in our household. Buying massive multi-packs and having them only last a month, that is normal for us, we just do not handle the sun well and we need lots of sunscreen.

With all this said, I was ecstatic to try out some Blue Lizard products this year. They are an Australian mineral-based sunscreen brand that has been around for over 20 years. If there is one thing I know, Australians take their sun protection very seriously.

Now, mineral sunscreens aren't everyone's cup of tea, but lots of people love them. I have always been in the middle; I like the right formulas and in the will be drawn to the sunscreen that works best for me and my household. In other-words, I am willing to try and use them all.

They have a few formulations, Sheer, Sensitive, Sport, Kids and Baby. Sheer and Sensitive have both a face and body product in their ranges, and Kids, Baby and Sensitive both have a stick version.

All their sunscreens are:

• Mineral based sunscreens - using Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide

• Fragrance-free

• Paraben-free

• Sweat and Water Resistant for 80 Minutes

• Reef safe - no Oxybenzone or Octinoxate

The Sensitive tubes and the Sport tube have Smart Cap Technology, which means the clear caps turn purple when in the presence of UV rays. It is shocking how purple they turn, even in the shade. It is a great reminder to apply and reapply your sunscreen.

Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ and Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face SPF 50+

Blue Lizard's Sheer line boasts that it is a sunscreen that rubs on smooth and dries clear. It is formulated with Shea Butter, Antioxidants, and Vitamin E. The face version has the hyaluronic acid in it as well.

How do I find they worked? Good, surprisingly good. The face formula is watery, so shake it up and be careful when you open it, it could pour out a bit. It applies smoothly and blends in well. It blends in quickly so there isn't too much time needed to rub it in and did not leave any white cast or streaking on me.

As for the body, it is also a bit runny, but absorbs nicely into the skin with minimal rubbing required. I actually really liked that it was thinner, so I didn't have to spend as much time blending it in and it reduced the application time needed.

Both formulas left my skin soft and dewy, but not greasy. It was definitely a nice feeling, like after one moisturizes the legs and they want to keep on touching it.

Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 and Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Blue Lizard's Sensitive line is fragrance-free (all their products are though), making it ideal for those that can be irritated by other sunscreens. It doesn't have the Shea Butter or other moisturizers the Sheer line does, because it is more focused on sensitive skin vs the feel on the skin. The face version does still have hyaluronic acid in it to help hydrate and claims not to clog pores.

The Sensitive Face sunscreen only seems to come in 30 SPF for now in Canada. I there is such a small difference between 30 and 50 SPF that I really could not tell any difference in coverage. .

Both the face and the body are thicker than their Sheer counterparts. They have a bit more of a traditional sunscreen thickness and feel, as a result I did need to rub them in a bit more. The end result was nicely covered skin that good, not dry or itchy like some sunscreens can leave me. The New York Times Wirecutter declared this their favourite sunscreen this year. They cite the non-chalky texture and ease to apply as reasons to love it.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Sunscreen sticks are always great to take with you on the go for touch ups, this one is a tiny little guy that goes with the Sensitive line. This formula only uses Zinc Oxide (20%), there is no Titanium Oxide in it.

I really like it for my lips, I do not find it moisturizing for my lips though, I just like that it is a stick.

The husband was complaining about how working outside his lips were not just dry, but he was afraid of the exposure to the UV rays. I told him to start using it and it has been great. He also keeps it in his work bag for touch ups. He applies the Sensitive at the start of his shift but as the day goes on his hands get dirty and the stick makes for an easy clean way to touch up.

Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 50

The Sports Sunscreen is meant to give you more time doing activities outside without the sunscreen coming off.

It, like all the others, is good for 80 minutes of sweating and water activities, but I did find it held up in the pool so much better. I used it in a saltwater pool, chlorine pool and a hot tub. In all three situations, the water beaded up on my skin and my husbands.

It is the thickest between the Sheer and Sensitive formulas. It was a minor pain for the hubs to apply to his hair arms, but it held up so much better than any sunscreen he has tried this year in the water.

Overall,

I really like this line. I appreciate their variety of formulas, for both the face and body. I like that they are reef friendly so you have options when traveling. As well I like how they feel on my skin.

The Sport is by far my favourite, just because I spend so much time swimming in the summer and often burn quickly in the water. I haven't had that happen yet, and when I get out of the water I can see the sunscreen is still on my skin and working. For the face I think the Sheer is my favourite, but would definitely buy the Sensitive face sunscreen again.

You can find Blue Lizard products at Well.ca/Rexall, London Drugs, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix and Indigo.

*products were both bought by me and sent to me for review purposes. All views and opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliate links and I may or may not earn a small commission. I appreciate your support of my blog.

5 Things I am Loving Right Now - Spring 2024

2024-06-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

Summer officially started last week, so I thought it would be a good time to reflect on what I have really enjoyed using this past season. It has been a long time since I did one of these, but they always inspire me to write a little and to me that is a good thing.

1. Kiehl's Since 1851 Beyond Screen UV Serum SPF 50

I got this for free from Topbox in exchange for a review, and I loved it. It is a combo of serum and sunscreen that works incredibly well on my skin.

It is light in texture, absorbs quickly and is loaded with collagen peptides. It is basically skincare I really enjoy using that happens to have spf 50 in it.

I am also very much loving Belif Aqua Bomb Broad Spectrum SPF 50, which I did a full review on here. I am pretty much loving the skincare with lots of SPF trend.

2. Dove Glow Recharge Body Wash

This is Dove's latest body wash, it has a brightening serum with vitamin C and exfoliating minerals in it, as well as a light tropical berry scent.

I have been using it since March and really enjoy how it lightly exfoliates my skin everytime I wash without being harsh or drying. It makes my skin look more even in both texture and colour while getting me nice and clean (pool season just started so I am really going to be using it a lot now).

3. YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick

I got two of these from Butterly to try out, oh my gosh these are the best. Imagine a lipstick and a lip oil had a baby in stick format. They feel slick and slippery, smell like watermelon and give a kick of colour to your lips. So in love.

I love how they feel, I love the look, I want them all. I have been carrying one around in my purse all spring and I just can't get enough. Tip, Shopper Drug Mart, The Bay and Holt Renfrew all sell it for $5 less than Sephora. They also may still be listing it as YSL Loveshine Hydrating Lipstick on their sites, it is the same product.

4. Belif Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream

I have been using this one for a long time now, and this past spring it has gotten lots of rotation at night. I really like how light it feels but also how heavily hydrating without actually being heavy.

If you like Belif's creams, you are going to like this one.

5. The Face Shop JEJU Aloe Fresh Soothing Gel

My skin has always reacted well to aloe, and I have always had aloe growing in my homes. I remember being a 4 year old and getting my face bit by a dog and having my parents treat it with a fresh chunk of aloe from a plant. I just repotted mine and have 44 new plants growing in my home.

This time of year I find myself reaching for aloe vera a bit more often as I get more exposure to the sun and I find my skin gets drier from swimming. I struggle sometimes to find a good pure aloe vera gel, lucky I found this one from The Face Shop.

It is 95% aloe vera, it absorbs almost instantly without any stickiness or residue. I can even use it with my microcurrent devices, which I love. Best of all, it is massive at 300 ml.

Ok so that is it, what I am loving right now. I am sure it will change a bit now that summer has started, but these were the things I love the most the last few months.

* some products were sent for review purposes with no obligation to post about here. The views and opinions are my own and honest. Some links may be affiliate links and I may or may not end up getting a small commision from them. Thank you for supporting my blog, I appreciate it.

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Canadian Version Compared to the Japanese Version

2024-06-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

Bioré has a reputation for have an absolutely fabulous sunscreen....in Asia. Their UV Aqua Rich formula has a bit of cult following, and where I live, Canada, you cannot buy it legally in stores. See Canada and America have some pretty outdate sunscreen regulations sunscreen regulations, which means we haven't had any new sunscreen active ingredients in since the start of the 90s. This just means people in Canada have been buying this cult favourite online or asking if stores have it behind the counter, until now.

Bioré launched earlier this year their North American version of their sunscreen. I picked a four pack up at Costco.

Since I happen to have a bottle of the Japanese formula from last summer and my new bottles of the Canadian formula. So let's compare the formula descriptions and then see how I feel about the formulas.

Japanese Version - Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence SPF 50+ PA++++:

Water, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, ethanol, BG, isopropyl palmitate, titanium oxide, bisethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyltriazine, ethylhexyltriazone, dimethicone, crosspolymer (lauryl methacrylate / Na methacrylate), hydrogenated polyisobutene, diethylaminohydroxy Hexyl benzoyl benzoate, silica, hydrous silica, mica, dextrin palmitate, dipentaerythrityl tripolyhydroxystearate, (Acrylate / alkyl acrylate (C10-30)) crosspolymer, triethoxycaprylylsilane, cetanol, glyceryl stearate, hydroxy Ethyl cellulose, polysolvate 60, polysilicone-9, Al hydroxide, K hydroxide, royal jelly extract, Na hyaluronate, tin oxide, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, EDTA-2Na, BHT, fragrance

First off, there are a few versions of the UV Aqua Rich in Japan, I happened to have found the Light Up Essence version when I was in a store last year. It has a SPF of 50+ PA++++, which means it "Very good UVA protection, up to over 95%. Filter time up to 16h", which is from what I understand as strong as their ratings go for sunscreens. It is made in Japan and has a waterproof formula with an essence in it.

Its active ingredients are Titanium Oxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, and Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine.

Canada's formula - Biore UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50:

Active ingredients (w/w) Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 7 %, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 5 % Inactive ingredients Aqua, Alcohol Denat., Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dextrin Palmitate, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Glyceryl Behenate, Cetyl Alcohol, Limonene, Sorbitan Distearate, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Linalool, Geraniol, Disodium EDTA, Citral, Sodium Hyaluronate. Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. F

This formula has an SPF of 50, which means it filters out 98 per cent of UV radiation. It is made in Canada in a carbon neutral plant, which I think is fantastic. It is supposed to be based on the Japanese water-based formula and is vegan. It comes in both 30 and 50 SPF.

Its active ingredients are Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene.

Japanese version on the top, Canadian version on the bottom.

What do I think?

The bottles are similar and the only thing to really say is that I prefer that the Japanese version have a bit more of a tip to it and makes it less messy to apply.

The Japanese version feel a bit more watery coming out of the bottle, but not a whole ton. I applied it to the right side of my face, and the Canadian one to my left for a week. After the first day I couldn't really notice an actual difference. Both blended it well, did not sting my eyes at all (I did my lids and got sweaty, nothing stung or ran). When I looked in mirrors, my right side, which had the Japanese version on it, seemed a bit more shiny. But they both felt the same on my skin and when I touched my face. I really could not tell any difference between the two on my skin.

Japanese version on the top, Canadian version on the bottom.

Overall, I think they feel identical on my skin, and cannot tell a difference at all. They are hydrating and light on the skin, it feels just lovely. I love that they both are skincare with solid SPF going on for them. They do not sting they eye and don't seem to run on my face. There is a good reason Bioré has such a good reputation for their sunscreen and it shows when using it. I have no regrets that I bought four bottles of it, they will get good use this summer.

May 2024 Recap

2024-06-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

May feels like it finished before it ever began. I feel like this summer is going to fly by.

Here is a look at what my May looked like:

Summer Classes:

My summer classes have started. I am hopefully going to just as great this time around. They are still 100% online without actual classes. It is all self taught.

Door Open Toronto:

Doors Open is a fun weekend where places that aren't normally open to the public can be toured by the public. In 2019 we did a 1910s school house near us. This year we went to the The Ismaili Centre and the Aga Khan Museum, and the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre.

Both were really interesting. The JCCC had demos and explanations of many activities they do there, as well as a history museum and an art exhibit.

The Aga Khan had free tours and viewing of their gallery as well all their theatre. There were quite a few pop-up art events going on too, such as musicians.

We had previously done the museum and done tours there, so we mainly sat and had coffee and looked around before heading to the Ismaili Centre.

There they told us about the building, the history of the Ismaili Centre in Canada, let us see the prayer room and facilities. We couldn't take photos, but it was gorgeous.

Gardening:

May brings gardening season. We went to our favourite nursery and got tomatoes, herbs, celery, Boston lettuce, iceberg lettuce and Swiss chard. I'm very excited for my garden this summer.

Royal Botanical Gardens -LILACS!!!:

Burlington and Hamilton have the Royal Botanical Gardens. Their Lilac selection is one of the worlds largest and most diverse. My aunt and headed out there during peak lilac bloom-age and walked around. It was fantastic! I love lilacs and getting to see so many, lush, large, blooming, beautiful shrubs was amazing. So many colours, so many scents.

Speaking of Flowers:

I took a lot of photos of my property and its blooms in April and May. Our townhouse property just has so many large older trees that bloom. Mainly pink and red crab apple tress but also other flowers I am less familiar with. I just took so many photos.