The June Rotation

As uninteresting as it might sound, I’ve found that actually thinking about and eventually writing down the products that I want to focus on in a particular month, whether it is to focus on using up products, deciding how I feel about them or making sure that I’ve given them a fair trial before providing a full review, is rather helpful. I’ve been doing this for a few months but this month I decided that I would try posting about it.

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Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation | review

I love this foundation to death but I’ve come to curse its thick texture and general characteristic to last forever and ever. I swear I’ve worn it going on 200 times and I would like to finish it up to focus on the other load of foundation that I own. Plus, this and the next product are the only remaining items from my kind of failed Project 10 Pan…

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder | review

Shortly after beginning the blog, I reviewed this powder and my opinions have not changed since; I do enjoy this un-powdery powder for its natural look, semi-matte finish and suitability over dry skin. I’m just nearing the end of the product so I’m making an effort to finish up the remainder.

MAC Blunt Powder Blush

Back in May, I found myself purchasing this darker neutral-toned brown shade for contouring purposes. I enjoyed how it had that nice and blendable matte formula and had none of that usual bronze tone or orange-hued lean so it would be a great option for contouring but didn’t have a muddy grey look either. I’ve really enjoyed using this with a light hand to contour and have found that it pulls less rosy than other contouring offerings that I have, but I’m continuing to work with it.

Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask

I’m obsessed with chemical exfoliants and for ages I’ve wanted to try one of these acidic masks that would not irritate my skin and I’m working on trying this one out. I was using this when I experienced a bout of irritation and dehydration, but I’m by no means convinced that this was the culprit – however, I want to continue trying out this hydrating and exfoliating AHA mask. I’m beyond thrilled that this natural product is inexpensive and formulated  without the usual irritants. The pumpkin, hyaluronic acid and honey intrigued me as well.

L’Oreal La Palette Nude 2

I fell in love with using the somewhat affordable L’Oreal palette last month, as I detailed in my May Favourites but I honestly haven’t given all of the shades a fair try; I’ve found some staple colours in the palette that I know and love and have stuck to the same kind of look over and over. Before informing you all on my final verdict of the palette, I need to try out all of the shades and test the versatility of the palette.

Sonia Kashuk Dewy Luxe Lip & Cheek Balm in 02 Charmed

Back when I went crazy buying lip products at Target Canada’s liquidation sale, I had promised a post that reviewed the collection of them but somehow that never happened. I’m trying to remedy my procrastination on the drugstore lip product front beginning with this dual purpose lip and cheek product that I purchased then. I definitely have to use this truly balmy product more but I do know that I like this truly balmy sheerer tint and that it does provide that dewy coral glow…

What are you making an effort to use as of late?
Maggie, x.

 

The Birthday Beauty Acquisitions

Short story even shorter: I just had my twenty first birthday and because my friends and family know me so well, there were a fair number of beauty gifts and I thought I would share them…

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Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer in SX04 ($58)

I’ve always wanted to try the famous Kevyn Aucoin SSE so as soon as it was available at Sephora, I knew that I was serious about this uber concentrated and oil-infused concealer pot. I’ve been pleased with this concealer despite the praise that the product consistently gets. I do have to say that this shade runs a bit darker and more orangey than I would expect a fair shades with golden undertones to run – but it does work with my bit of a tan on my fair skin. And it might just be even more concentrated than everyone boasts in the best way possible.

Living Proof Extending Curl Memory Travel Kit ($36)

I’ve always wanted to try the sulfate and silicone free products from the brand,Living Proof, so this trial set of their curl range was right up my street so obviously it was added to my list. I must say that all three are rather nice but the Curl Defining Rinse is fantastic – it detangles my hair like nothing else with it’s unique gel texture while adding lightweight moisture.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave In Defining Cream ($23)

Briogeo is one of those other brands that has made sulfate and silicone free products for curly hair that has always intrigued me, so I was thrilled to get the opportunity to try out their curl cream. It’s even more interesting that it has some hold to it and is designed for looser curls as well that works to define them with a lightweight texture.

Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter ($35)

Moisturizer (particularly for the body) is not something that one normally gets excited over, although with my eczema and general sensitive skin issues, I’m more disposed to considering investing more money and time into. Regardless, I loved receiving this fragrance-free nourishing body butter. It’s not exactly miraculous but the concentrated balmy cream is all kinds of lovely and soothing.

OPI x Coca Cola Take 10 Set

Lauren, my nail polish loving bestie, continued her tradition of giving me these exciting 10 piece mini polish kits from OPI and I couldn’t be more happy about it – and I admit it, no matter how materialistic that it sounds. I love the OPI formula and these colours are right up my alley and different from all my other shades, consisting of reds, a corally hue and some nice darker offerings. I’m thrilled to have another tube of Nail Envy and to try the Top Coat, too!

Revlon Nail Enamel in Revlon Red ($7)

Along with a gorgeous scarf and maxidress, my friend, Laura (generously) gifted to me this traditional red polish and while I have not applied it yet, I’m excited about it for three reasons; one being that I’m a red kind of girl, two being that I’ve always wanted to try the classic Revlon formula and three being that I don’t have many colours in this shade family. Will report back.

Sephora Lotus Mask ($8)

I’m a face mask kind of girl so sheet masks have caught my attention once or twice, especially those with beneficial ingredients such as this one but I tend to be put off by the price and the fact that they are a single-use product. I’m really excited to try out this “moisturizing and soothing” one, though. It contains only a tiny bit of fragrance as potential irritations and is full of emollients and soothing ingredients.

Any new purchases to share?
Maggie, x.

May Favourites

Having my twenty first birthday and two year blogging anniversary pass in the last few days, I was anticipating on writing a far more monumental and less mundane post but alas, I’m just sticking to my guns and keeping on schedule with sharing my favourites. There’s not much of a theme unless you count the emergence of summery weather influencing these choices…

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Guerlain Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo in 01 Clair – Brunettes ($60)

I’ve fallen in love with the subtle glow and warmth enhancing bronzer for it’s effortless and seamless skin-like perfecting finish. This limited edition product is quite light for a bronzer but has loads of warmth that reads natural on the skin and adds glow without having an ounce of sheen or shimmer. I also love the pop of peach to be used as a blush without reaching for an additional product.

L’Oreal La Palette Nude 2 ($29.99)

At the beginning of the month I bit the bullet and paid the rather hefty (for the drugstore) price for this rosy-plum hued neutral palette and lucky for me, the investment has been worthwhile – and I’ve been rather pleased with the quality of the shadows. Over half of the palette is matte and surprisingly that is where the shadows shine the most – they are blendable, pigmented and smooth in ways that more affordable shadows rarely are. I’ve particularly loved the dusty lilac matte shade, the rosy bronze deep shimmery shade, the pinky champagne shimmer shade and the warm chocolate matte shade.

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Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Medium Brown ($23)

After finally taking the plunge and actually purchasing the hyped gel-textured product back in April, I’ve discovered the trick to using this uber-pigmented brow product and I’ve been loving the effect since discovering said secret. I find that even though it can be more time consuming, using the tiniest amount of product and pressure and gradually building up the colour delivers a natural-looking brow that is filled in and stays in place.

Lush Ultrabland Cleanser ($16.95 – $29.95)

Early in May, I unfortunately found myself in the LUSH checkout with the smaller size of this beauty, the first authentic cleansing balm that I’ve ever tried. This thick balm emulsifies slightly but feels heavy so its not for everyone, or really anyone that is concerned with products feeling greasy – but I love how it removes makeup whilst leaving the skin soothed and hydrated and does not irritate my beyond sensitive eyes.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment ($30) | review

This hydrating lotion based chemical exfoliant has been an enjoyable step in my daily skincare routine since March and I’ve loved it for months so I’ve included it in favourites posts before but now I’ve fallen in love with it so much that I have to include it again. My sensitive skin doesn’t even feel a tingle from the 8 percent of glycolic acid or the 0.5 salicylic acid and instead feels soothed after being applied. I adore this lightweight product because its multitasking, providing that gentle chemical exfoliation along with nourishing soothing action with its antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients.

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish ($18) | review

With the warmer weather that came in May, the need to actually shave my legs on a semi frequent basis followed and I reached for this soothing and hydrating scrub to smooth out the skin on my legs that are always suffering from some sort of eczema breakout, reduce the flaky appearance and prime my legs for the most comfortable shave. The warm scent and residue are absolutely delightful as is the fact that it actually seems to agree with my skin.

Calvin Klein One Summer Eau de Toilette ($65)

I’ve been happily spritzing on my new perfume daily since gifting it to myself for completing yet another exam period. This scent is marketed as unisex and I definitely agree with that, as it does not read as overly masculine but it doesn’t have any overly perfume-y or sweet feminine notes either. Being someone who shies away from overly girlie scents, I adore this gin and tonic based scent. This year’s variation smells like the beverage in a fresh and not reeking-of-booze kind of way and has a nice citrus hint to it along with a bit of muskiness. I love how fresh it smells, along with its hint of zestiness.

What were your May favourites?
Maggie, x.

Weekly Medley #64/65

In the last few weeks, the two most interesting things that have happened are my constant, steady blogging schedule that I’ve been pleased with and the gorgeous hot, summer weather that we have begun to experience. I accidentally managed to get a tan with only a few hours of hanging out outdoors (reading books and the like), injure myself simply by going out on my first sail of the year, watch ten entire seasons of Grey’s Anatomy and make even more progress on the scented candle burning front…

Recently Updated77While it’s not like I can say that I’ve been pumping out blog posts on a daily basis, I’ve been keeping with a consistent 3-4 posts per week – and that’s without feeling rather blah about the posts. Considering that I’ve actually been having more of a social life than per usual, I’m rather impressed about my consistency. Two posts that I’ve been proud of are my recent candles-only empties post, “Craziness; May Candle Empties”, and the long-in-progress “My Five Favourite Coral Blushes”.

Thankfully, I’ve managed to avoid spending money for the most part, however, I did succumb to the allure of spending money on two skincare products from my local natural store. First things first, I picked up the Aura Cacia Organic Rosehip Oil ($13), as I’m running out of my Caudalie facial oil. I was also intrigued by their selection of Andalou Naturals, a brand that I’ve wanted to try on account of being an affordable natural brand that does not rely on irritating extracts and ‘natural’ alcohol and could not resist picking up the Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask ($15). I’ve been trialing and enjoying these two products, along with testing my trio of products from Peter Thomas Roth that I will be ready to report on soon. I will say that although I do like the Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, it is too irritating slash drying for my sensitive dehydrated skin – I’m currently suffering the consequences of overuse of the foaming cleanser.

I’ve gotten into that summer reading thing along with continuing my candle burning thing. There’s nothing like soaking up the sun with a nice book in your hand and as I’ve mentioned before, my candle burning addiction has continued. I’ve burned a good number of candles as of late and I’m now moving onto burning my remaining Bath & Body Works Flannel Mini Candle even though it’s definitely a cooler weather scent; I love it that much.

Any recent thoughts?
Maggie, x.

Craziness; May Candle Empties

Throughout May I was a candle burning machine, somehow managing to burn through five candles – even though I note that I did not begin burning most of these this month (some I’ve been burning since December) and most of them are not even full sized. It seems that my love for the burning of candles necessitates writing up an entire post detailing the candles that I’ve burned to completion all month and I won’t lie, I do feel like a slightly insane person for writing a single and somewhat lengthy post simply reviewing the candles that I have burned within a thirty day period…

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1. Target Be Peaceful Lavender & Eucalyptus Fragranced Soy Candle ($12.49/16.2 ounces)
  • scent description: N/A
  • It might not have burned among optimal burning criteria of the harshest candle critics but it was an addictive calming candle at a great value that performed well, lasting an insane number of hours and delivering a great but not overwhelming throw
  • smells exactly like basis description in title, with relaxing essential oils
  • I would definitely buy again if Target had not pulled out of our country or if I or someone I knew was taking a trip to the US
  • Only critique would be that there was some mild tunneling on account of the large diameter and single wick and thus the candle burned a teensy bit unevenly

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2. Bath & Body Works Brazilian Blue Waters Medium Candle ($12.50/6.3 ounces) | review
  • scent description: “escape to Brazil’s shores with notes of ocean waves, sea foam and dappled sunlight”
  • collection: Spring 2015 “Brazil”
  • It smells almost exactly as one would expect a water-note candle to smell, but the notes kind of go into weird territory with references to seemingly odourless things, more accurately described as a nice fresh watery scent with some clean light floral in the background
  • The scent does not have the most intensity but it delivers an excellent throw, especially for being a single-wick candle that is not offensive in the slightest, burned nicely with the slightest bit of tunneling at end and burned extremely close to bottom of container
  • It’s not one of my top five candle picks but it’s repurchase worthy
  • My experience with this medium candle has been consistent with the others (so this applies to all) so these are an excellent value or way of trying out scents without committing to the larger 3-Wick, often going on promotions for good deals and lasting for at least as long but with perhaps a bit less intensity
3. Bath & Body Works Sparkling Limeade Mason Jar Candle ($12.50/6 ounces)
  • scent description: “shake up a divine new drink with lemongrass, effervescent tonic water and smooth gin”
  • collection: Spring 2015 “White Barn Market”
  • Although the scent description for this candle is spot-on to my experience with the scent, this candle is nowhere near as sweet and strongly lime as its name would suggest and I would qualify the description even further by calling it a herbal/green gin and tonic scent with some slices of lime in it
  • It was a good burn, only the teensiest bit of tunneling and uneven burn towards the very end but I’m not even fussy about these kinds of things
  • This scent is a definite repurchase as it was my favourite spring scent because it matched my tastes and was quintessentially spring

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4. Bath & Body Works Champagne Toast Medium Candle ($12.50/6.3 ounces)
  • scent description: “pop, clink and sparkle with an effervescent blend of champagne, juicy nectarine and black currant”
  • collection: Holiday 2014 “Celebrate and Cheer”
  • I knew that I would like the scent from the description, as it’s a refreshing fizzy muted citrus but I do not get any hint of that black currant, ideal for the holidays
  • The scent can only be described as gorgeous and the throw was impressive, I burned it both on Christmas Eve and Morning and would likely purchase it again but only for the holiday season

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5. Bath & Body Works Amazon Falls Medium Candle ($12.50/6.3 ounces)
  • scent description: “the scent of fresh water, green rainforest fern and a hint of sunlight, inspired by the breathtaking beauty of a lush waterfall in the remote Amazon”
  • collection: Spring 2015 “Brazil”
  • The scent description only includes one thing with an actual scent, the rainforest fern, and unsurprisingly the fresh fern is the dominant note although I think I can smell some ‘water’ note or a fresh floral note in the background
  • This candle neither has the strongest throw or intensity, however, it is a nice and fresh green scent
  • I do not plan on repurchasing but I do recommend it to those that love fresh green scents and not for people that don’t, if it’s worth anything my father described the scent as a musty basement…
Any Candle-y Thoughts?
Maggie, x.

The Review | Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat

While the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat ($41) is extravagantly priced and doesn’t even come with very much product, coming with a mere 0.15 ounces (costing $273.33/ounce), I have to say that the formula is impeccable and kind of worth the hefty price tag in my blush obsessed opinion. Essentially my thoughts on Diffused Heat remain the same as my thoughts were on the Ethereal Glow shade that I spoke about in great detail in my review here – it has a gorgeous non-powdery texture that blends in synergy with the skin, adding that luminosity without any sort of obvious shimmer particles or sheen.

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The marbleized blush is described as “vibrant poppy” but in my opinion, it’s more accurately a pinky coral with a strong watermelon lean, and more neutral undertones. It has loads of pigmentation so it would be a suitable option even for deeper complexions, unlike the majority of shades in the line. It’s such an instantly brightening shade that can read as a subtle flush with a light hand or more of a dramatically rosy glowing flush – and more importantly the shade with its flattering satin finish is rather unique.

DSC_0627Diffused Heat has become among my favourites, even among my horrifically large blush collection, in the months that I’ve had it. It’s flattering even on uneven texture and dry patches on the cheeks and lasts for the entire day without even fading or starting to look faded or patchy. If you’re into these blushes in the coral shade family and have an interest in trying out the Hourglass Ambient Blush formula, I would highly recommend taking a peek at this shade. I love it especially for low key days where I’m not in the mood to put on loads of makeup and spend a long time doing it, as it adds instant life to the face and makes the skin instantly look less sallow, tired and ill.

DSC_1392Have you tried any of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes?
Maggie, x.

 

Stash Shopping #5

When you get easily overwhelmed by too much choice and have a larger than moderate sized makeup stash as I do, periodically rotating through products to use on a daily basis can be extremely helpful to ensure that you’re switching things up and using different products. It’s particularly helpful to do this rotation at the beginning of each new season, as to switch products up to match the change and avoid buying unnecessary shiny objects. Here we go.

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Revlon Colourstay Moisture Stain in Milan Moment

Last summer I was all about this slightly sheer tangerine balmy staining lip product, but I put it away after the summer was clearly over as it’s a shade that suits the spring and summer the most. I adore the easy brightening shade precisely because of how low fuss and comfortable the cushiony product is.

MAC Sheertone Powder Blush in Tenderling

I long ago reached the point that I could say I needed another blush like a need a whole in my head but that hasn’t stopped me from buying more so it’s easy for me to forget blushes that I have in my collection, even ones that I adore such as this one. I tend to gravitate towards my brighter, more exciting and sheeny blushes so although I love this matte neutral warm-pink leaning shade, I tend to ignore it in favor of more immediately illuminating options.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Stereo Rose

Although I raved about this hyped limited-edition sheeny coral blush recently and I find it flattering even when I’m paler, I have to admit that I have scarcely been digging out this blush to wear during the winter seasons. Now that I’ve gotten a bit more colour – with sunscreen of course! – and have been gravitating towards more quintessentially summery makeup, I’ve dug out this luminous corally hue and have been loving it. I will warn that it’s not for everyone and it can look sunburn-esque on cooler skin tones, or particularly fair ladies.

L’Oreal Glam Bronze Mono in Universal Sun

Although my face is still fair thanks to my meticulous sunscreen application daily, I seem to have acquired a bit of a tan on my body so I’ve reached the point where I find warmer and deeper bronzers flattering and nice to unify the colour of my complexion and my body; last summer, I discovered the fabulously smooth bronzer with red undertones and I’m excited to pull it out again, after finding it difficult to use in cooler weather. Unfortunately, however, I haven’t spotted any of these bronzers in stores in Canada since last summer, although I know they remain available overseas.

Essie Nail Lacquer in Van D’Go

I might have taken a step back from nail polish in the last three weeks or so to let my nails grow and breathe (not literally, though), but I am excited that we’ve reached the time of year where we can comfortably dig out these bright summery hues. I’m perhaps the most excited to pull out this jelly polish that can only be described as a coral leaning salmon pink hue, particularly for the toes. It’s a pink that I can actually get on board with and I find it flattering with even a little bit of colour – whether natural or self-tanner-brought.

Have you rediscovered anything lately?
Maggie, x.

 

 

The Wishlist-come-Birthday-Gift-Guide

I would normally say that more than one monthly wishlist post would be excessive on my blog but this May there’s going to sort of be two. My birthday is coming in a little bit over a week – I’m not saying this for attention, in fact I’m not a fan of this kind of attention – and after frequently being asked what I would like, I thought it would be interesting and different to put together a Wishlisty gift guide post, highlighting products that I think would be nice to receive as a gift along with a few that I’m lusting after myself:

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• Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer ($58): I might have prophetic insight that I will receive a pot of this multitasking concealer and foundation in SX04 for my birthday or I might have ordered it during the VIB Sale and sold it to my parents to gift it to me for my birthday. Regardless, a nice idea for beauty gift are the more expensive cult favourite products like this one that we might find it difficult to invest in for ourselves. This product has only recently become accessible to me in Canada and thanks to
Sephora’s recent acquisition of a few new hard-to-access brands, we now have access to some of these luxurious brands. It also helps that it should actually conceal without problems on my dry patches

•Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Incandescent Electra ($41): I’ve raved endless times about my love for these expensive but gorgeous marbled blushes, and I’ve got my eye on the newly released shade – even though I already own far too many corally glowy blushes. This is another one of those indulgent products that are lovely to receive as a gift, especially because they are difficult to buy for ourselves.

•Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 04 Peach Club ($24): When you’re not 100 percent sure of the recipients make up preferences and what to go for, but you want to give a beauty gift, a nice bright lipstick is the way to go – this moderately priced one is my pick. I adore the comfortable formula of this liquid stain and I think orangey peach shade is a nice brightening one that would suit many

•Caudalie Glycolic Peel ($39): I’m partial to receiving beauty related gifts but I think many females would be thrilled to receive one of these extra pampering products that add a nice ritual to the whole skincare routine once or twice a week, and this gentle peel is particularly attractive to me for this purpose. I’m passionate about gentle acidic products and Caudalie as a brand so this brightening and radiance boosting mask-peel so it was kind of an easy choice. I seriously want to try this product.

•Bath & Body Works Medium Candle in Black Teakwood ($12.50): I think that candles are a great gift but depending on how well you know their scent preferences and their level of obsession with candles, it can be better to go with one of the smaller single wick candles because the scent won’t reach as far, won’t be as potentially as offensive and is not the same level of investment. A safe choice is this repackage of the popular refined and relaxing but cologne-y Mahogany Teakwood.

•Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candle in Black Sands ($22.50): If you’re confident with your choice in candle scents and that your recipient enjoys candles with some strength, I would say to go for one of the classic three wick candles – this ombred-glass number is my current top pick. The packaging is absolutely stunning and the scent is supposedly a mix of aquatic and cologne-y, reminding one of the beach without any of that dreadful coconut. From my own experience, though, I would also recommend Sparking Limeade, Brazilian Blue Waters, Renew & Refresh and Bow Ties & Bourbon.

•’The King’s Curse’ by Phillipa Gregory ($20): I’m a huge lover of books but I think even the less enthusiastic would love to receive a copy of a book such as this one for a present. I would highly recommend any book of Gregory’s Plantagenet series if one has any interest in historical fiction at all – they are relaxing, informative reads that are also highly engaging. I’m eager to read this one, the newest release. Books do make the greatest gifts though, regardless of genre…

 Thoughts?
Maggie, x.

Another Candle Review | Bath & Body Works Renew & Refresh Candle

Another day, another candle review. Don’t worry, this is still a beauty blog and I imagine that it always will be but don’t be completely surprised if there’s an occasional candle related post added to the mix. I may or may not have also become obsessed with reading candle reviews and watching their youtube counterparts as of late and have decided to dip my toes in the endeavour.

DSC_0611DSC_0613Since the beginning of April, I’ve been burning the Bath & Body Works Renew & Refresh 3-Wick Candle ($22.50) and loving the potent but calming fresh scent throughout the transition into Spring and warmer weather – I began using it during the most busy season in university leading into exams and it served me well for boosting productivity and de-stressing relaxing, but it’s also been a fresh but warm scent that I’ve enjoyed even in the warmer weather of May, as I’ve looked for lighter scents but with the same warmth and relaxing feel.

The Packaging

Renew & Refresh is a White Barn Home returning fragrance that comes housed in a lidless slightly sheer medium blue coloured jar with that white label on the front that scents in this signature collection have with matching blue accent. I haven’t had issues with the lack of a lid on any candles but I know some find this to be a great issue because it interferes with storage, throw and the overall strength of the scent – but at any rate, it’s a sophisticating looking blue jar packaging that does not come with a lid, instead being covered with that flimsy dust cover. At the moment the white wicked candle is only available in the 3-Wick size.

Scent Uniqueness & Accuracy

Renew & Refresh is rather accurately associated with the following description: “refresh the scent and ambiance of your home with the blend of jasmine, fresh air and a touch of mint”. It’s a fresh scent with potent jasmine-y warmth and a hint of airiness which might potentially be the mint note, although I’m not entirely certain. As far as these things go, the scent is definitely in tune with its description but it does not suggest that the scent is nearly as fresh based as it is. There are a number of fresh scented candles that Bath & Body Works has offered, but this one is different with its jasmine notes.

Scent Quality

The scent is a subdued one that has an airiness and an air of sophistication to it. However, it’s so fresh that only those who enjoy these kind of scents would enjoy it. As many have noted, it can kind of smell like laundry softener to those that do not like this kind of scent, as others have noted. This is the kind of scent that will not appeal universally but to those who like relaxing scents with fresh notes, this is one that I would recommend checking out.

Overall Burn

I haven’t had too many issues with the burn of Bath & Body Works candles but this one was almost perfect. The only issue to speak of was that it burned slightly unevenly, leaving slight wax remnants on the side and pooling in a slightly uneven way. The candle has burned for a good amount of time – thirty something hours thus far – although the deep pools of wax seem like they are burning rather quickly. There’s minimal soot happening even though I don’t always trim the wicks as often as would be ideal, along with nice high flames and wicks that never shrunk, let alone went out.

Throw

I’m tempted to say that the throw on this candle is absolutely perfect. Although the scent is calming and not the most intense scent, it nicely fills a small to moderately sized room and lingers even a couple of hours following it being extinguished. It lingers and spreads throughout the room without being problematic to those of us who can easily get headaches from heavier scents. My friend, Lauren, and I burned this candle for hours while stressing about our lives together and we both enjoyed the scent tremendously and could smell it throughout without having any problems with feeling sick, despite both being prone to headaches from strong scents.

What’s your favourite scented candle?
Maggie, x.

The Review | Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish

I’m not one that has experience with body scrubs because I have always regarded them as a needless expense and an unnecessary stage in the whole bath or shower routine that I did not want to take extra time doing – also there is the fact that my easily bothered skin, suffering from eczema, has a reactive tendency towards abrasive products has my much less temped to try any sort of products of this variety. Despite this hesitation, I picked up the Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish ($18/300 mL) when Shopper’s Drugmart was offering a 3/2 promotion months back and I’ve grown to really enjoy it even with all of the odds stacked against it.

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The scrub is marketed towards flaky skin, particularly on the legs, and promises to smooth the skin, turning “scaly legs from reptilian to radiant”, which it does while being suitable for skin that’s sensitive, irritated and broken out in some mild to moderate eczema patches, smoothing out flaky patches of skin. Because it includes sea salt as the main exfoliating ingredient, the packaging warns against applying the scrub to irritated skin or abrasions, however, I find that it can be applied sparingly without problem to all skin except the most severe patches and abrasions, likely because there are no microbeads and it instead uses gentler salt, sugar and peach seed powder particles and is formulated with with rich butters and oils that lasts even after the product itself is removed. The residue is lovely, allowing for an easy smooth shave with the most minimal irritation and the smoothest legs afterwards, even on those of us with legs of the reptilian variety.

Ingredients: Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Maris Sal (Sea Salt), Sucrose, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 20, PEG-100 Stearate, Parfum (Fragrance), Prunus Persica (Peach) Seed Powder, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, BHT, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.

I also adore the lingering scent that Soap & Glory refers to as the ‘Original Pink’ fragrance; its an unoffensive warm scent that reminds me of Miss Dior with a bit of vanilla-esque sweetness, spice and calming sophistication.

The bottom line? The Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish has converted me to scrubs because of its ease of use even on irritated skin, actually actively helping a bit with eczema patches, leaving everything smooth and much less flaky, rather than being irritating. It hits the perfect midpoint between being effectively smoothing, sloughing off dead skin cells without being abrasive.

What’s your favourite scrub?
Maggie, x.