ag liquid effects as i am dry & itchy scalp care oil treatment beauty briogeo curl charisma coil custard briogeo rice amino and avocado hydrating and defining hair mask curlsmith curl defining styling souffle curlsmith curl quenching conditioning wash curlsmith essential moisture cleanser curlsmith essential moisture conditioner curlsmith hold me softly style balm curlsmith in shower style fixer curlsmith multi-tasking conditioner curlsmith wash & scrub detox shampoo curly hair hair hair-care haircare living proof no frizz vanishing oil ouai cleansing scalp and body sugar scrub ouai detox shampoo ouidad advanced climate control gel stronger hold ouidad touch-up gel cream shea moisture manuka honey and matura oil intense hydration hair mask

The Late Winter Empties | Haircare

Somehow, the empties bag always creeps up on me, going from “almost empty” to overflowing and overwhelming me to even think about, let alone writing about in a logical way. However, I am proud that I’m getting so much better at finishing up what I have, rather than continuously purchasing without finishing products of the same variety first. I will say that there’s a lot of hair products but there’s also a lot in general. I live in a climate that’s pretty humid most of the year so the drier winter weather really plays a toll on my dry sensitive skin and drier hair and scalp. Okay so I had to split into hair and other but let’s go:

1. Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo ($37 CDN | 237 mLs)

This has been my favourite clarifying shampoo for years at this point, and I didn’t even notice that they re-named it from the Detox Pro-Biotic to the much more sensible Detox Shampoo. Regardless, I haven’t noticed any formula changes (and spoiler alert, I repurchased as I’m using a new tube now), and it remains my favourite shampoo to remove buildup, cut down on itchiness and maintain good scalp health, without drying out the hair. It’s gentle but an efficient enough clarifier with the slightly gritty perlite powder to exfoliate the scalp without harsh scrub particles, several effective cleansing agents that are great at removing build-up while remaining fairly gentle and is soothing on the scalp with lactobacillus ferment and apple cider vinegar. I occasionally experiment with other things but it’s a great gentle clarifier, and it does not require me to deep condition afterwards for defined waves and curls.

2. Ouai Cleansing Scalp & Body Sugar Scrub ($54 CDN | 250g)

This had the signature Ouai scent, deliciously warm floral, and managed to both be a great somewhat-gentle scrub on the body and a scalp scrub. It both worked up a mild lather when massaged onto the scalp, functioning as a shampoo, while helping to gently exfoliate the scalp and to help with some buildup. I enjoyed that it was oil-rich and not overly clarifying but helped with a dry itchy scalp and cleansed sufficiently enough. My favourite way to use it was prior to a traditional shampoo for a spa-experience and gentle but thorough cleanse. It was lovely on the body as well. I would consider repurchasing again, especially if on sale.

3. Ouai Detox Shampoo ($43.50 CDN | 300 mL)

I promise that I’m not usually a huge scent person — especially as sometimes they can trigger headaches or allergies — but the warm floral Melrose Place scent this has is divine. It’s a great clarifying shampoo in its own right and is often more heavy duty of a clarifier than I need on a regular basis, although it’s sulfate free and not super drying. It removes silicones fantastically, buildup, even chlorine and hard-water buildup and is great at cutting through sweat and warm-weather gunk. It’s very concentrated so I’ve had the bottle on the go for over a year and I got good results using it. It kept my hair clean and and as bouncy as if I’d just gotten my hair done for ages, but I found I liked to deep condition afterwards for the best results. I wouldn’t be opposed to purchasing on sale, but it’s more of an occasional clarifying shampoo for me.

4. Curlsmith Essential Moisture Cleanser ($34 CDN | 355 mL)

I decided to try Curlsmith’s ‘newer’ more moisturizing shampoo last spring/summer and into the fall, which in hindsight was not super intuitive of me. I quite like the shampoo but during the summer months, I need more cleansing than other times in the year, as I do quite a bit of sweaty yoga and need to use a lot of hair product to combat the humidity during the weather. In other words, this is a great shampoo but it’s gentler than other ones even in the Curlsmith line, creating a mild lather, but containing oils too. I wouldn’t mind using again, but there’s definitely others that I’d try first. It would be great as a gentle shampoo for winter months or dry hair that doesn’t need a deep cleanse.

5. Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash ($34 CDN | 355 mL)

This is my favourite co-wash of all time and one of the few that I’ve tried that work for me. It’s my favourite in the winter or when I’m restyling my hair after some sort of fail, or my scalp has just started to get itchy but my hair doesn’t feel overly greasy or product-y. It’s glorious because it actually contains a cleansing agent that helps to clean and remove buildup and foams up a little, helping to cleanse the scalp with mechanical action of the fingertips. It’s very moisturizing, has amazing slip and gives me great curl clumps and definition afterwards. I don’t actually need to use a separate conditioner afterwards, and if I do, it’s just a little through the ends to help form curl clumps again. I’ve repurchased; it’s a cold weather staple for sure.

6. Curlsmith Multi-Tasking Conditioner ($37 CDN | 237 mL)

Despite containing castor seed oil, babassu seed oil and murumuru seed butter, I found this conditioner a little too lightweight for my high porosity hair to be ideal as a rinse-out (most of the time), and much too lightweight to be used as a deep conditioner or masque. However, it’s a dreamboat of a leave in for me, when I am reaching for one; I actually am a curl cream kind of girl for the clumping and control they provide so I’m often not using a leave in at all. I find as a conditioner, it’s a little light for me and it’s expensive from the amount of product I need to use on my pretty dense (but fine to medium in texture) head of hair. This would be great for hair that is easily over moisturized and looking for a balance of hydration, moisture and protein. It contains pumpkin seed extracts, some bonding ingredients and hydrolyzed proteins further down on the ingredient list along with some sealing ingredients but I tend to prefer a slightly heavier conditioner to really seal in juicier curl clumps. I would repurchase to use as a leave in because it definitely helps with dryness towards the back and underneath layer of my hair, tangling and all that jazz without interfering with a gel’s ability to form a cast and provide hold.

7. Garnier Whole Blends 5-in-1 Curl Conditioner ($11.99 CDN | 355 mL)

I would have linked this but it appears to be out of stock just about everywhere and I’ve heard it’s on its way out. It’s a shame because I thought it was a good widely available conditioner that was often on sale. It contains dimethicone (fair warning) and can be a bit producty but it’s moisturizing and medium weight, with glorious slip. It always gave me good curl definition after being rinsed out too and nice curl clumps, which is a must for me. It contains coconut extract, hibiscus extract and some nice oils, but it also had some isopropyl alcohol (likely to improve its texture). All in all, I enjoyed using it, but it appears to be discontinued.

8. Briogeo Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating & Defining Hair Mask ($53 CDN | 236 mL)

This is one of my favourite hair masks but I don’t think it’s as much of an all-time favourite as the Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair option — it’s close though — and I’ve been lucky enough to snag it on sale a few times and would do so again. I find it odd that its marketed as being protein free, as there are rice amino acids high on the ingredients list, keratin amino acids and hydrolyzed quinoa itself further down, but I’m not complaining; I actually like the balance of moisture and protein for some curl enhancement and bounce. It’s fairly lightweight but moisturizing and hydrating, formulated with the amino acids previously mentioned (that aren’t going to give you that protein feeling some people are prone to) and avocado oil, castor seed oil, sweet almond oil and shea butter to help seal everything in. I’ve repurchased and would do again. Oh, and it adds great definition and sip. How did I forget that part?

9. Curlsmith Essential Moisture Conditioner ($34 CDN | 355 mL)

This is one of my favourite conditioners I’ve tried and is definitely my favourite from the brand so far (and I adore the Curlsmith brand). It’s fantastic especially in winter as it’s on the lighter end of medium weight but super moisturizing and concentrated. It offers great slip, too, even on uber-tangly hair with minimal product and leaves my hair with great curl clumps as well. It contains shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil and aloe so it’s great for sealing in moisture and adding slip. It helps to give great curl definition too. It’s a definite repurchase for me, especially during the winter. A little bit goes a long way, too.

10. Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Mask ($14.96 CDN | 326g)

This is a great hair mask in its own right but is even more impressive as an affordable one. I will admit that I left mine open for too long and the texture kind of thickened and got weird but it still worked great; the more natural ingredients and not a ton of preservatives does mean that it shouldn’t be left out in the sun and open for too long, however. It’s a more concentrated, thicker mask that still lends a lot of slip, while having that richer texture. It’s definitely a heavier mask with coconut oil, shea butter, mango seed butter, mafura seed butter and baobab seed oil, so it’s great for thirsty high-porosity hair, and it also contains hydrolyzed rice protein towards the middle of the list for a balance of moisture and protein. It also contains honey which I noticed my hair likes and maybe it helps with having great curl clumps afterwards. My only complaint is that sometimes after rinsing out, my hair is so moisturized that I don’t get as much of a cast with my stylers. I will note that I have a wavier texture and this is intended for tighter and drier textures, but it’s still fantastic, for anyone who tolerates heavier weight products. I’ve already repurchased before.

11. Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm ($16 CDN | 59 mL)

With as enamoured with Curlsmith’s products as I am, it’s kind of amazing that this was the first travel-sized product that I’ve bought from them. Having so many products available in the travel size is actually a great idea for trialing products, especially for product hoarders and product junkies like myself. This small tube of their original curl cream actually lasted me months, and made it into my 2023 favourites because of how much I like it. It’s concentrated as it’s so moisturizing and is great for forming and cementing curl clumps with its medium weight. I’ve already since repurchased the full-size as it’s great, especially in the winter and paired with products containing more protein, as it’s protein-free and adds definition and control. If I didn’t mention before, it’s protein-free and pretty rich, with coconut oil, andiron seed oil, avocado oil and more.

12. Briogeo Curl Charisma Coil Custard ($43 CDN | 177 mL)

I love using this custard as a curl cream underneath a harder hold gel, even though it’s designed for textures much tighter than mine — I’m a wavy with some ringlets thrown in — and drier than mine, because with minimal product it really helps to form clumpy curl clumps and hold them together without weighing them down, while adding a bit of hold. It contains castor seed oil, shea butter, rice extract, rice amino acids and hydrolyzed quinoa. Please excuse my yellowed product packaging, as it lasted me quite a while and I left it in my bathroom exposed to sunlight for a long time. One thing I will say is that it’s a product that has one of those thick textures that will change over time if you haven’t used it up in a year or so if you aren’t careful. I will repurchase once I’m through some of the other creams in my stash, as I don’t go through them as quickly as gels.

13. Pattern Beauty Styling Custard ($38 CDN | 443.6 mL)

I really enjoy this super-slippery custard styler as a curl enhancer, paired with a harder hold gel on top, but it doesn’t have enough hold or humidity-resistance on its own for me and my porous hair. However, it gives me super juicy curls, great curl clumps and definitely enhances ringlets, while adding lightweight moisture and definition. I repurchased, but not to use on its own. It contains some polyquaternium-based polymers, linseed oil, irish moss, chamomile and agave so its rich in film-forming humectants and has some structure from the polymers but doesn’t contain anything truly heavy-duty in the hold department. With its lightweight slippery texture, it’s great as a refresher too. You also get a lot of product for the money so it’s not a bad deal.

14. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel Stronger Hold ($29.99 CDN | 250 mL)

This was, I believe, my second bottle of this liquid-y slippery but humidity-resistant gel and it prompted the purchase of the larger size container for better value, I liked it so much. Its hold is very much in the medium-firm category depending on how much product you use — it’s very buildable — but it’s awesome for multi-day hair even in very humid east coast weather in the heat of summer. It forms somewhat of a cast but its hold/longevity can be even better than the cast would suggest when used in ideal conditions. This gel is very lightweight so it tends to give some curl-enhancement, bounce and great volume, while having ingredients that provide stronger hold, humidity resistance and moisture. It contains glycerin, shea butter glycerides, wheat amino acids, hydrolyzed wheat protein and multiple forms of the humidity-resistant polymer, polyquaternium. What this means is that it has moisture to seal my high porosity hair but also has the protein that tends structure and also gives some grit which is great for achieving volume at the roots and root curl. It’s great even on its own and plays well with other gels and refreshes super nicely, even when just glazing over dry curls. I do find you have to watch how much cream you are using with this gel or it will cut the hold drastically; however, it’s great.

15. Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle ($59 CDN | 473 mL)

You can tell that an empties post is long overdue because there’s two of the big buys of this favourite gel of mine, which is roughly what I use in a year — I do seriously love the stuff. Before I’ve described the hold as more of a medium firm but I say unless you heavily layer it, it’s more of a medium for me but it’s a medium that forms a definite cast. It’s wonderful in most seasons, even on its own without a curl cream underneath, except summer, when I 100% need more humidity resistance in my high porosity waves and looser curls. It’s rich in film-forming humectants, like irish moss, flax seed extract and aloe and oils like andiroba seed oil, avocado oil and shea butter, so it’s great at drawing moisture to the hair and sealing it all in; you can see this in the way that it gives incredible ringlets, general curl enhancement and definition. It also plays well with other products and I’ll happily repurchase again. It’s a custard with the hold of a gel, which I adore. If I didn’t already mention, it encourages curl clumps.

16. Curlsmith In-Shower Style Fixer ($37 CDN | 237 mL)

This was the first of the uber-hard-hold gels I tried with the super thick sticky-texture and texturized feel (grit) it leaves on the hair afterwards and while I did really enjoy using it, it’s not my favourite gel in this category — in fact, I prefer the Pattern Beauty Strong Hold Gel. . However, it has incredible hold that lasts through days through humidity and sweaty workouts and the thick texture gives that grit at the roots that really helps to maintain curl and lift at the roots on my finer hair texture. The product is super-concentrated and lasted a while and I got some great results but I found it could get heavy and could elongate my curl pattern. All in all, it’s a good gel and I achieved great results with it but I’m experimenting with some lighter weight options. I will say it does give great curl clumps, however.

17. AG Liquid Effects Extra Firm Styling Lotion ($22 CDN | 237 mL)

This is another one of those uber-watery slippery gels. It’s super lightweight (even though it contains a water-soluble silicone!) and is both slippery and enriched with rice extract, keratin amino acids, silk amino acids and hydrolyzed keratin to add some structure and elasticity to your texture, along with some humidity-resistant ingredients. It works on its own as a styler, but is more of a buildable medium-hold gel , is fantastic to add a bit of extra hold before diffusing in combination with other gels and its amazing for refreshes as its so lightweight and can add some definition and hold. It helps to tighten up looser parts of my texture with the protein it contains, adding both structure and bounce. It’s available at a myriad of places and is often on sale so it’s a great buy for a more affordable versatile gel. I repurchased it again, on a ridiculous sale, if I remember correctly. It’s fairly similar to the Ouidad gel but has slightly less hold and less of a cast and is even lighter in texture and more water-y and slippery.

18. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Touch-Up Gel Cream ($26.99 CDN | 100 mL)

On days where I want to refresh a few singular curls/waves and just bring back some definition without adding in more gel, this is the perfect lightweight product. It has enough slip to re-smooth out the curl clumps and to help with tangling and adds control back but doesn’t add any sort of weight. I also suspect that the hydrolyzed proteins help to give limper curls more structure and a boost back. It works both without water as intended and dampened slightly to refresh larger sections of hair. It’s a favourite.

19. Living Proof No Frizz Vanishing Oil ($45 CDN | 50 mL)

This was an awesome silicone-free weightless oil. It was so lightweight, that I found I went through quite a lot of it so I wouldn’t necessarily repurchase unless it was on sale. It worked well for sealing my style on wash day and adding some polish back (and volume when fluffing the roots) on subsequent days. It contains an interesting mix of oils but remains almost weightless. It’s easily one of the lightest weight silicone-free oils that I’ve ever tried and would be great for fine easily-weighed-down hair.

20. As I Am Olive Oil & Tea Tree Salicylic Acid Dandruff Oil Treatment ($19.99 CDN | 120 mL)

This oil was the absolute best when used as a pre-shampoo oil treatment, as it contains enough salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the scalp and help with dry itchy scalp while detangling, prior to shampooing, and it helps to mitigate the dryness associated with shampooing. I don’t have dandruff but it was great for just your typical dry itchy scalp, which is what I experience. It contains castor seed oil, coconut oil, olive oil, tea tree, piroctone, peppermint oil and a ceramide to nourish the scalp and provide relief in addition to just moisturizing. It came with a lot of product and was affordable with an ingredient list designed to combat dry scalp issues, so I would re-purchase when I have less oils in the future.

What have you finished lately?

aveeno creamy oil moisturizer briogeo curl charisma curl-defining conditioner bumble and bumble bond building repair oil serum cerave acne foaming cleanser charlotte tilbury rock n kohl in bedroom black curl friend collective silk hair scarf curl friend collective silk scrunchies curl smith core strength shampoo curl smith essential moisture conditioner curlsmith curl defining styling souffle curlsmith frizz rescue curl retainer curlsmith frizz rescue finishing serum curlsmith hold me softly style balm dior lip glow oil in rosewood isntree hyaluronic acid natural sun cream laneige water bank blue hyaluronic cream moisturizer natasha denona my dream eyeshadow palette ouidad featherlight touch-up gel cream pattern beauty strong hold gel paula's choice skin recovery hydrating treatment mask paula's choice triple active total repair serum raw der concentrate ceramide plus serum verb curl shampoo

Top 23 Products of 2023

One would think that selecting your favourite products over the last year would be easy and not lead to overthinking and borderline existential doubt, but that was not the case for me. I tried to focus on new (to me) products I’ve tried in 2023 but I also included products that I included last year that I’ve still been loving and using and products from before that I’ve re-solidified my love for. For context, I have fine to medium, high density, high porosity wavy to curly hair and drier eczema-prone skin.

1. Verb Curl Shampoo ($22-27 CDN | 355 mLs)

This shampoo has been great as an addition to my routine, as it can remove silicone, oils, product build-up without drying out the hair afterwards and impacting curl definition when used without deep conditioning afterwards. I would describe it as a regular shampoo but it has the ability to remove buildup quite successfully and helps to keep on top of a dry itchy scalp that tends to flake. It serves me well as someone whose hair require a lot of product and who does fairly sweaty yoga throughout the week without washing in between. It does contain both a water-soluble silicone and amodimethicone (not water-soluble but doesn’t build up on itself), which I suspect are helping to add moisture back into the hair, along with sunflower seed extract and other humectants after thoroughly cleansing the scalp.

2. Curlsmith Core Strength Shampoo ($36 CDN | 355 mLs)

This was a newfound discovery and favourite last year when it was easily my most used shampoo by a wide margin — I think I used it most times I washed my hair — and while I experimented with other lines, I immediately repurchased to use when I finished those up. It’s a lightweight but very gentle shampoo that contains some protein and has the ability to remove buildup (and silicones and general funk) out of the hair, while being just cleansing enough. The formula is quite concentrated so it lasts me like a year with regular use, which is divine. It’s pretty slippery as well and hydrating which minimized the amount of tangling that occurred during the washing process.

3. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl-Defining Conditioner ($38 CDN | 237 mLs)

2023 was the year of finding great rinse-out conditioners for me. This one is concentrated — which is super important because I have a lot of hair that drinks up a lot of conditioner and this is expensive — and both has the right amount of protein to help add bounce and life to the lazier waves and loose curls I have and add some curl-enhancement, while having enough moisture to encourage juicy curl clumps. It has great slip, really seals the moisture into the hair while being light to medium in weight but offering pretty substantial moisture. It contains shea butter, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, rice amino acids, keratin amino acids and hydrolyzed quinoa for an ideal balance of moisture and protein, especially during the humid part of the year.

4. Curlsmith Essential Moisture Conditioner ($34 CDN | 355 mLs)

This is my absolute favourite moisturizing conditioner that I think I’ve ever tried and I was lucky enough to grab two backups at 50% off on the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. It’s my absolute favourite conditioner in dry winter weather — keep in mind that I live on the east coast so the rest of my year is rather humid — and it’s a great moisturizing conditioner year round. In weight, it’s light to medium but the moisture is rich and the best part is the slip is great and it’s concentrated enough that a single bottle lasts me months. Also, I find the moisture lasts until my next wash day, thanks to the sealing ingredients, and contributes to great curl clumps. It contains your usual emollients, slip agents, shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, aloe and numerous plant extracts; I find it to be so moisturizing that it compares to many deep conditioners on the market without being too heavy. My only complaint is that it can make the hair so moisturized that it can be difficult to achieve any sort of grit in the hair afterwards with certain styling products.

5. Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm ($37 CDN | 237 mLs)

Despite being a fairly devout Curlsmith user for years now, I had never tried their original curl cream until 2023 and I found it to be really good. It’s really moisturizing and on the heavier side of medium in weight but when a small amount is used, it really imparts control to the hair and gets super juicy curl clumps. I really like that glycerin is up so high in the ingredient list as it tends to give me hydrated juicy ringlets, that it contains starch to form great clumpy curls and contains a cocktail of sealing oils, coconut oil, andiroba oil, avocado oil and olive oil. It’s rich and protein free but adds great control to the hair and is especially good in drier conditions. Paired with a gel, it gives great curl definition, and it’s great int he winter.

6. Curlsmith Frizz Rescue Curl Retainer ($37 CDN | 237 mLs)

When I saw the highlighted ingredients for the new Anti-Frizz Recipe Line and then heard that the styler did not have hard hold, I was not interested. Boy was I wrong about both of the stylers in Curlsmith’s new line. This jelly is kind of a cream gel or custard that works for me either on its own (with a little bit of harder hold gel glazed over the top to up the hold), as a curl-enhancer underneath a harder hold gel and as a refreshing product a few days in. It contains sunflower seed extract for a little bit of non-penetrating protein, starch to help form great curl clumps and watermelon seed oil, coconut seed butter, squalane and argan oil to seal everything in. It gives really great juicy curl clumps with hold that’s on the lighter end of the medium scale. It’s surprisingly versatile and I’m really enjoying adding it to my routine, but I will say the ingredients suggest to me that this won’t be great as a main styler in the humid summer months, as they offer more limited humidity resistance. However, it is super moisturizing and has great sealing ingredients.

7. Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle ($37 CDN | 227g)

While this is easily my favourite gel of all time — and I’m a girl who loves gel and has tried out many — I did fall back in love with this kind of custard-gel hybrid this year. It does well year round, but in the summer humidity, other gels provide more humidity resistance — as in, it can get fluffy and require some extra refreshing when it’s that humid. The rest of the time, it’s perfect, with buildable medium-strong hold, curl-enhancing and moisturizing without being too heavy. It relies on regular humectants, film-forming humectants like irish moss and flax seed extract and plant oils so it really gives enhanced bouncy waves and curls that do not feel product-y but last days.

8. Pattern Beauty Strong Hold Gel ($38 CDN | 425g)

If I remember correctly, I included this in last year’s favourite post as a new buy towards the end of the year. In 2023, I actually re-purchased it in full-size and really enjoyed using it, so it’s another repeater. It has a super thick and sticky gel texture but it’s less heavy than some other gels in this category. It’s great for keeping moisture in the hair and keeping the hair from drying out, and it’s amazing for humidity resistance but still gives me great grit and texture, especially in the roots. It has strong hold but is more flexible than some gels and it really can set curl clumps in place for long lasting hair. It contains PVP, polyquaternium and VA/VP copolymer for hold, and has glycerin followed by film-forming humectants and a number of plant oils. A little bit goes a long way so in the long run it’s surprisingly affordable, even on my dense high-porosity hair.

9. Curlsmith Frizz Rescue Finishing Serum ($38 CDN | 74 mL)

Curlsmith’s new Anti-Frizz Recipe line was a surprising hit for me, despite there not being a strong-hold styler, or a curl cream, and even though I ordered this during the Black Friday sale as an after thought in order to qualify into a specific threshold, I’ve been borderline obsessed. It’s defined as a serum but it’s silicone-free, so it instead relies on oils, conditioning agents and polymers. A little goes a little long way which is great and it adds a bit of control to the hair when it’s applied and has a touch of hold, while removing any sort of cast and adding some definition. I use it in the place of a hair oil, often in the morning, especially when I’m not doing a refresh. A little bit goes a super long way and it can feel heavy if you overdo it, it does help with frizz and the packaging is super user-friendly and neither annoying to use or breakable, which I really appreciate.

10. Bumble & Bumble Bond-Building Repair Oil Serum ($61 CDN | 48 mL)

I really enjoy this “oil serum”, but I find it to be more of a milk-oil more than anything else and I use it on dry hair, which is likely not the way it’s designed to be used. I use it to either scrunch out the crunch and seal or on subsequent days to tame the mane. I enjoy the durable packaging — it really can make a difference on these products — and I like that it’s lightweight but hydrating and moisturizing, contains bonding ingredients with research a decent way up on the ingredient list and definitely helps with moisture retention. It contains honey, hydrogenated castor oil, apple seed oil, bond building ingredients and glycerin.

11. Ouidad Featherlight Touch-Up Gel Cream ($25.39 CDN | 101 mL)

The wavy/curly hair refresh — my hair sits somewhere between the two — is something that has taken me years to master and yet again this year, I loved and repurchased this product. It’s my favourite for when you aren’t quite at the point of needing much product or a full on wet but need to either spot fix some curls or just smooth things out overall. I either use it as is or dilute with a bit of water to refresh specific curl clumps and it always adds some bounce, reforms curls and minimizes frizz without adding weight and reactivating some of the product already in the hair. Protein is in the first couple of ingredients which both works to re-form the film and adds some structure back and it has humectants and wonderful slip which really helps bring back ringlets. I recently purchased my third tube if that says anything.

12. Curlfriend Collective Emerald Dreams Silk Hair Scarf ($79.95 US)

I never thought I would be the type to rave about high quality hair accessories but here I am. Most of the time, I sleep with the top layer of my hair in a silk scrunchie with this silk hair scarf on top. It’s super silky (great high quality silk) and is actually large enough to stay on my large head while covering the majority (or all) of my hair’s surface. I also love the jewel tones in this one and find that it looks nice enough to wear out and about, especially when twisted into a headband to hide crown frizz. It really helps to reduce tangling in my super-tangly hair and makes it easy for me to get to day 4-day 5 hair.

13. Curlfriend Collective Silk Scrunchie ($24 US)

The second part of my overnight wave preservation relies on this silk scrunchie usually. It’s mulberry silk, doesn’t make me overheat, and preserves volume when I use it to pile the top layer of my hair on the top of my head overnight underneath the hair scarf (or bonnet). I will also use it to pull up my hair throughout the week but I love it for preserving my waves and curls. It’s also great for keeping my roots from flattening overnight.

14. RNW Der. Concentrate Ceramide Plus Serum ($24.79 CDN | 30 mL)

This was a delightful milky humectant serum that I actually really noticed a difference after I stopped using. It’s fragrance free from what I can see and contains glycerin, niacinamide, oat, numerous forms of ceramides towards the top of the ingredients lists and peptides. I found using to really help lock in moisture and give me soothed, plumped and hydrated skin. I surmise that this was great in terms of barrier health and it’s affordable!

15. Paula’s Choice Triple Active Total Repair Serum ($48 US | 30 mL)

It’s becoming quite clear to me that milky serums are my favourite serum texture, as this is another one of them, but it’s more of a state-of-the-art serums targeting smoothness, brightness and barrier function, the latter being what actually tempted me to purchase. It contains 5% niacinamide for barrier function amongst other things, along with other antioxidants, a retinoid and a skin tone evening antioxidant, along with her usual beneficial ingredients. As a regular tretinoin user, I can’t really speak to the results yet but I am enjoying using thus far, and it’s not a product I’ve heard much talk about.

16. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer ($54 CDN | 50 mL)

This moisturizer proved itself to be a real favourite for me, despite not having an ingredient list full of all of the bells and whistles and it coming in jar packaging and being quite fragranced. It contains glycerin, squalane, lactobacillus, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and a ceramide, but in use, it’s quite plumping, nourishing and soothing. It’s a great moisturizer that does exactly that nicely and is not overly pricy of a moisturizer. Makeup also sits very nicely on top of it.

17. Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask ($29 US | 118 mL)

Years and years ago, I remember using this moisturizing mask and liking it but now I adore it. It’s reasonably priced and you get a whole bunch of product for that price and it’s perfect for using with irritating actives, or on skin that’s flaking or dealing with any sort of dermatitis. It’s definitely a thick cream but it sinks into the skin and contains replenishing borage oil, a couple of other plant oils, fatty acids and antioxidants. It also burns minimally on super irritated skin and makes things better overnight.

18. Cerave Acne Foaming Cleanser ($20.97 CDN | 150 mL)

Despite this being a creamy gel cleanser targeted for the face, I bought it entirely for use on the body and I’ve really enjoyed using it to minimize armpit odour (TMI sorry but I’m a stress sweat-er) and to minimize breakouts on the body. It did not flare up my eczema, unless used under the arms excessively, and actually had a creamy non-drying texture which my drier skin enjoyed. It helped to mitigate the effects of sweat in terms of exacerbating body breakouts which was entirely delightful, and I’m sure it would work in the same way on the face, whilst being mild. It contains benzoyl peroxide in a low concentration to reduce the burden of bacteria and reduce the formation of breakouts.

19. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream SPF 50+ ($32.85 CDN | 50 mL)

I find that this mineral sunscreen leaves more of a white cast than I’d like when used on my face, without makeup or sunscreen over the top. However, it was my favourite sunscreen for my neck, chest, back and shoulders in the warmer months. It contains niacinamide and a bit of sodium hyaluronate but the real reason why I enjoyed it was that it was irritant free and it was cosmetically elegant, leaving just a sheer white cast that would go away on its own and a nice moisturized feel that was neither greasy or had that tight velvety feel that I’m not in love with. It did well in sunscreen testing and I found it to deliver really great protection. Any sort of actual tan or burning I developed while using this was 100% user error.

20. Aveeno Creamy Oil Moisturizer ($13.99 CDN | 354 mL)

Back in the warmer weather, I picked up this oil-lotion hybrid product and was pleasantly surprised. In the summer, it alone kept my eczema fairly in check, without using much else, when applied right after bathing. Now, in the winter, it would not be enough on this own consistently — I’m currently trying to be good and work through other products so I can’t test — but I found myself enjoying the gentle non-irritating fragrance and the lightweight but rich consistency the oils provided. As my comments suggested, there are numerous oils in the top of the ingredients lists, along with dimethicone and their signature soothing oat, and because of this it’s light but the moisture lasts without that tight, itchy feeling seeping back in for a good while.

21. Charlotte Tilbury Rock n Kohl in Bedroom Black ($37 CDN)

Strangely enough, both my most used makeup item of the year and my favourite makeup item of the year was this black eyeliner. The formula is impeccable, transferring easily to the upper waterline with full pigment, without transferring to the lower waterline and sets in place, without being impossible to remove and it does not irritate my sensitive eyes whatsoever. I have larger eyes and I find that using eyeliner inside the upper waterline really makes a difference in how complete my liquid liner looks and this one is great. I also enjoy that it’s a normal pencil so it can easily be sharpened for easy application and all that jazz. I also once spent many hours looking for this eyeliner when in reality it just was hidden under my bathroom rug.

22. Natasha Denona My Dream Eyeshadow Palette ($89 CDN)

This is a repeater from last year but I pretty much haven’t reached for anything else eyeshadow wise, since I tried it in late 2020. I love the warm-tinged neutrals that leans kind of plummy and taupe-y, as they stay in that neutral family but are interesting and the kind of shades that I enjoy and suit me (as they are warm). The shadows are easy to work with and last really well for me, and I enjoy the selection in the palette of shimmering lid shades of a variety of depths, options for the crease as well as smokier shades. I’ve been particularly fond of the taupe this year and when I’m in the mood, I really enjoy the plums. It’s versatile.

23. Dior Lip Glow Oil in Rosewood ($54 CDN)

In the past few years, I’ve really gotten out of the habit of wearing any sort of lip makeup. However, this year I’ve been enjoying using this expensive non-sticky balm-gloss hybrid. It’s legitimately moisturizing and imparts just enough colour, adding a kind of my-lips-but-better warm rosy shade. It’s super low maintenance and suits easily chapped sensitive lips and is visible on its own, or looks great paired with lip liner.

What were your favourite products of the year?

briogeo don't despair repair hair mask briogeo don't despair repair rice water protein and moisture strengthening treatment cerave itch relief moisturizing lotion cerave moisturizing cream curlsmith bond curl rehab salve curlsmith core strength shampoo curlsmith curl defining styling souffle curlsmith feather-light protein cream devacurl ultra defining gel ole henriksen beam cream ouidad featherweight tough up gel cream ouidad heat and humidity gel stronger hold pattern beauty strong hold hair gel paula's choice daily replenishing body cream paula's choice 5% niacinamide body serum topicals like butter mist

Early Summer Empties | Hair & Bodycare

It goes without saying that it’s been a hot minute since a post and I wanted to do something wavy/curly hair related to update you on what I’ve been using on my hair and the results I’ve been able to achieve on a daily basis. However, I took a quick inventory on my empty products and they have kind of taken over the bedroom and bathroom so I wanted to talk about them and recycle them before they expand further. Hair-specific posts to come, I promise, and speaking of hair, let’s start there:

Curlsmith Core Strength Shampoo ($33 CDN | 355 mL)

This lightweight but slippery and moisturizing clear shampoo does it all as a standard everyday kind of shampoo for me. It’s gentle, actually helps to detangle my hair rather than worsening snarls that I’m prone to and removes gunk from heavier styling products and even silicones. The gentle surfactants do not exacerbate my eczema, which is a blessing and make my scalp feel generally pretty happy. The formula contains some protein and amino acids which may help give me some bounce and structure to my hair — I’m iffy how effective they are in a shampoo, however — and lasts a long time. I’ve already repurchased.

Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Hair Mask ($53 CDN | 236 mL)

Was this my third tub of this? I’ve honestly lost track. I don’t say this lightly but it’s likely my holy grail deep conditioner, either for the full-on meal deal deep conditioner with the deep conditioning cap and all or just left on for 5-15 minutes in the shower. It’s lightweight but incredibly hydrating, moisturizing and slippery and gives me the best curl clumps and bounce in my curls and waves afterwards. It contains plant oils without heaviness, biotin and hydrolyzed proteins, along with some lovely slip agents. I’m currently using the Briogeo Curl Charisma Hair Mask, another favourite, but I’m sure I’ll be repurchasing this one afterwards. It’s magical how it can be lightweight but also gives a good number of uses for the money.

Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment ($59 CDN | 148 mL)

Given the depth of my love for the original hair mask, I had to try the dual-chambered accompanying treatment. I quite like it but it’s nowhere near as essential to me as the mask. It’s a more concentrated protein treatment, accompanied with a moisturizing and hydrating second chamber, with squalane and sweet almond oil. It contains rice water, rice protein and biotin and gives my hair the protein boost and bounce without the weight or moisture of the mask. I don’t use it as described, on the same wash day as the mask but instead as a conditioner or paired with a regular conditioner. I did repurchase but only because I wanted to test it again and it was a great deal with Fab Fit Fun.

Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve ($39 CDN | 237 mL)

I’ve been enjoying using this bond-builder treatment come protein treatment, but I use it primarily to add some bounce back to my waves and to maintain the condition of my hair with the frequent diffusing I do and mechanical damage that can occur from brush styling. I haven’t used it on truly damaged hair so I can’t speak to it’s ability to restore hair that has already been damaged. I would like to continue experimenting with it so I will likely repurchase with a sale. It contains an intriguing complex of bond-reinforcing ingredients, creatine, chia seed extract and sweet almond oil for moisture. I do notice that some curls that have gone limp do tend to tighten up after use.

Curlsmith Feather-Light Protein Cream ($36 CDN | 237 mL)

This is my favourite curl cream that I’ve ever tried and despite being concentrated, I have finished my third tube of it. I’m pretty sure I had a replacement around the time I was about a third of the way through the tube. As someone with high porosity, fine to medium waves and curls, who has pretty soft water, this helped to clump my curls together and add some grit and structure to my curls that can get kind of soft and limp and lame in parts. The high concentration of protein definitely helps to encourage ringlets and the formula is otherwise light to medium in weight but fairly moisturizing with sweet almond oil and shea butter. It’s a brainless combination under a medium-to-strong hold gel for me.

Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle ($52 CDN | 473 mL)

I won’t pretend to have any clue what bottle or tub I’m on at this point but this is my most repurchased styling product and probably my favourite overall. I went through a phase where I wasn’t loving it as much over the winter but that’s probably because I was heavy handed with it — which can make it go stringy — and it was so dry and mild that I wasn’t in need of the humidity protective quantities. I also think it may have been an older bottle with slightly less hold but I’m uncertain. I’ve repurchased again. It’s a moisturizing medium-weight custard-y gel that contains flaxseed, irish moss and other film forming humectants and oils to help seal the hair. It’s concentrated and buildable, offering medium to strong hold and juicy curl clumps that last when used properly. Despite being protein-free, I find it quite curl enhancing. It’s good in a humid climate, just not quite as humidity resistant as some of my glue-like gels.

Ouidad Heat & Humidity Gel Stronger Hold ($29.99 – 36 CDN | 250 mL)

This is one of those gels that sits somewhere in between medium and strong hold, depending on the amount use and the amount of moisturizing products underneath, but never forms too much of a cast to scrunch out. It’s super lightweight so it offers control in humidity with polymers and film-forming humectants while still giving volume and bounce. The wheat amino acids and hydrolyzed protein is likely responsible for the curl enhancement I get. I’ll be repurchasing another because it’s so lightweight and good in humidity while being curl enhancing. It’s also among the most frizz-reducing gels that I’ve ever used.

DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel ($19 CDN | 89 mL)

I’ve always been a fan of the pre-controversy gel formula and I have to say I enjoy the new one too but not quite as much. I think I miss the hydrolyzed proteins in the original formula and the curl enhancement they added. The new formula has a very similar experience but I don’t find that it’s quite as curl enhancing/defining as the formula I remember. I do enjoy the grit and texture it gives to my first day hair and quite enjoy using it right before diffusing as an extra touch of hold. It’s a medium-firm hold gel for sure that gives decent curl clumps. I would repurchase again to play with more when on sale; I find it really expensive now, but there is still something special about it.

Pattern Beauty Strong Hold Hair Gel ($12 CDN | 85g)

As a white female with wavy hair, I really have enjoyed the Pattern Beauty products, but I acknowledge that they are not meant for me. This one is marketed as for mainly slicked-back styles but it’s my favourite for a good ol’ washday. It’s a thick strong-hold gel that is great on high porosity hair in a humid climate, but doesn’t weigh down my fine to medium (2c-ish) waves when used properly, and locks in my curl clumps for days. It’s a good one, especially as someone who does moderate intensity yoga five or so days a week and only washes my hair twice and is looking to minimize having to restyle their hair completely. It contains a polyquat for humidity resistance, PVP and VP/VA Copolymer to lock in hold, a number of plant oils including curl-enhancing flaxseed oil and a few film forming humectants and really locked in curl definition. This was merely the trail size and it lasted me a while but I would definitely go-for the larger size.

Ouidad Featherlight Touch-Up Gel Cream ($25.39 CDN | 100 mL)

Although my ability to successfully refresh my hair has gone way up as my hair has gotten healthier and better at holding onto moisture, it’s never been something that I can easily achieve on my hair. Sometimes, when I go to refresh my hair for instance, ends up This lightweight cream, however, makes refreshing a breeze. It’s a cream that can be applied on dry hair (or dampened hair) to add a bit of hold and smooth down frizz and is so slippery that I can touch up brush-styling on barely damp sections. I’ve repurchased it because it’s been such a game-changing refreshing product for me that works without being producty, flaky or gunk-y. It’s a lightweight gel cream with some protein that helps with perking up my waves and curls, especially in lazier sections.

Ole Henriksen Beam Cream Smoothing Body Moisturizer ($49 CDN | 190 mL)

This moisturizer contains both lactic and glycolic acid in addition to crambe oil, shea butter, mango seed butter, caffeine and numerous other plant oils and despite the inclusion of synthetic fragrance and inclusion of citrus peel oils towards the bottom of the ingredient list, it actually helped lock moisture into my eczema-prone skin and help improve the texture of my skin overall. I quite enjoyed the bright citrus scent and felt luxe and rich. I would consider picking up again if I saw a sale.

Cerave Moisturizing Cream ($31.99 CDN | 539g)

While there’s never been a cure or panacea for my eczema, this cream is a staple for decreasing flares and minimizing the dry and itchy, especially when applied on wet skin after bathing. I love the practical jar with a pump on it packaging and how much product that you get, even for the money. I don’t find the cream stingy at all — a miracle at times — and the mix of ceramides, petrolatum, hyaluronic acid and other skin identical ingredients moisturize and help with barrier function while sinking into the skin without any residue. I think I’ve probably used over ten containers of this cream and will continue to do so.

Cerave Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion ($22.99 CDN | 237 mL)

Despite the fact that this contains an actual analgesic ingredient, I don’t think I actually experience notable relief from itchiness compared to a well formulated cream alone. This lotion was lightweight but moisturizing and contained barrier-strengthening niacinamide towards the top of the ingredient list, which I tend to enjoy, but I will comment the ceramides were lower on the ingredient list, compared to other products by Cerave . I enjoyed using it as my daily moisturizer but I don’t think I’ll go for this version again.

Paula’s Choice 5% Niacinamide Body Serum ($29 US | 118 mL)

I tried out this body serum on my last Paula’s Choice order in hopes that it might help to improve my eczema that I was definitely battling in the winter. Unfortunately, I found that I definitely had to top it off with a moisturizer to keep the eczema on my legs under control and didn’t witness a significant benefit on my eczema with its use. I will say, I did notice a difference on my chest, shoulders and back with uneven texture and marks from previous blemishes. I have no immediate plans to repurchase but I enjoyed using it. I will say that using it reminded me of how much I love niacinamide in my body products; I just found I went through it too quickly for my liking.

Paula’s Choice Daily Replenishing Body Cream ($25 US | 200 mL)

On the other hand, I tried this lightweight but comforting moisturizer this winter and I loved it instantly, regretting not dipping my toe into their body moisturizers sooner. It was remarkably non-stingy and soothing on my dry and flaky winter skin and maintained its richness while still being lightweight — sorcery, I tell you –, with shea butter, a number of plant oils, glycerin, the ceramide trifecta, squalane, allantoin and some barrier-restoring ingredients. With regular use, it helped keep eczema at bay and I will be repurchasing (likely many times).

Topicals Like Butter Hydrating & Soothing Mist ($39 CDN | 100 mL)

This was one of those impulsive Sephora VIB Sale purchases that I regretted afterwards. I admit, it’s likely my fault as I bought it after I missed the alcohol on the ingredient list, which is something I’m particularly sensitive to and flares my eczema. It was a lovely fine mist with niacinamide, centella, allantoin, liquorice root, urea and a bunch of antioxidant or soothing plant extracts; however, I didn’t get the benefits of the other ingredients because I found it kind of irritating. I can see people loving this body mist, provided that they are not sensitive to the ingredients and love a lightweight moisturizer.

What have you finished?

ag curl fresh definer aveeno creamy moisturizing oil clinique turnaround revitalizing lotion curlsmith curlsmith bouncy strength volume foam curlsmith curl defining styling souffle curlsmith multitasking conditioner curlsmith post biotic conditioner curlsmith super slip primer dr ceuracle vegan kombucha tea essence drunk elephant slaai makeup melting butter cleanser empties espa soothing bath oil ouidad vitalcurl+ styling gel paula's choice defense essential glow moisturizer

The Empties | Fall 2022

Recently, I had a comment (which I love, don’t be afraid to reply to any of my posts) about my earlier curly-wavy hair product posts, asking if I was still doing them. I certainly am and even when I’m not actively posting about hair products, I’m compiling lists and thoughts. However, I wanted to get my reviews of the products I finished out of the way first (and the bag of clutter out of my life additionally); I find these posts particularly valuable as a consumer because it gives longer-term feedback about products that were valued enough to be finished. These certainly will invariably include a selection of hair products that I finished, many of which would be put in the favourites category:

Curlsmith Super Slip Pre-Biotic Primer ($37.99 CDN | 355 mL)

This was/is a slippery pre-shampoo detangler, rich in fermented rice water, some bond building ingredients — totally not advertised — and prebiotics to help with scalp flora and microbiome. By this, I mean that is protects against drying, tangling, friction-inducing effect of shampoo. This slippery product works well but is not crucial for me, because I can use a conditioner in its place to detangle and protect against shampooing. Luckily these days, my scalp health doesn’t necessitate using something with these microbiome-supporting ingredients.

Curlsmith Multi-Tasking Conditioner ($35.99 CDN | 237 mL)

This is a great lightweight conditioner in its own right but it’s my favourite leave in conditioner because of how light but moisturizing it is, the slip it provides and the bit of protein it contains (protein really boosts the uniformity of my waves and curls on my head). It serves as a great base for brush styling on my incredibly tangly hair, lending smoothness to the finished style without weight in combination with my hold products. It contains castor seed oil, babassu kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, murumuru seed butter and shea butter without any heaviness and pumpkin seed extract, hydrolyzed hemp sed and hydrolyzed rice protein for strength and structure. When I started using it last winter, I noticed it was particularly amazing in dry winter weather in the tangly fragile underlay of my hair that’s constantly being aggressed by scarves, coats and precipitation.

Curlsmith Post-Biotic Calming Conditioner ($37.99 CDN | 355 mL)

This was a nice lightweight conditioner without silicones or a lot of butters and oils (but it does contain shea butter and castor oil halfway down the ingredient list), enriched with menthyl lactate for that soothing cooling sensation, tea tree oil and peppermint oil and humectant plant extracts, The essential oils and menthol derivative weren’t irritating on my eczema prone scalp but I found the conditioner a little light for my hair needs. The slip was moderate, but I think I benefit from some more oils and butters. My favourite way to use this conditioner was probably as a co-wash, and I didn’t mind using it in any way. It’s not for me but it’s a great lightweight conditioner for those who struggle with build-up and are looking for something featherweight.

Ouidad Vitalcurl+ Tress Effects Styling Gel ($31-36 CDN | 250 mL)

This gel sits between medium to strong hold for me — but keep in mind I have high porosity hair that seems to absorb the hold of products so it might be stronger for some — that’s quite moisturizing without being heavy in the slightest but lacks a lot of humidity resistance. By this, I mean that in my humid climate, I find it frizzes and loses definition in muggy summer weather. It contains barely any protein, some film-forming humectants, film-forming polymers and a variety of plant oils. It performs much better in cooler weather on my finer high porosity hair and humid environment, not that I wouldn’t use again, but there are other Ouidad gels I prefer.

AG Haircare Curl Fresh Definer ($28 CDN | 178 mL)

This sleek tube houses a cream-gel that’s marketed more as a cream but offers light-medium hold on its own (and adds some hold when you put a gel on top), adding volume, grit and some curl enhancement. It has a rather strong scent of cake batter, combined with essential oils and is not uber moisturizing (thanks to the somewhat drying but pattern-enhancing magnesium sulfate), but regardless, it’s a potent but lightweight styler. I don’t find this to be the most clump-enhancing cream but it definitely tightens up some of my pattern, adding volume, texture, hold and control. I would definitely consider repurchasing after I use up some of the creams and curl enhancers currently in my stash.

Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle ($52-$55.99 CDN | 473 mL)

This gel gives me the closest thing to my soul hair that can be achieved through natural means (and if I play my cards right can even beat curling iron curls), which should not shock any regular readers because I’ve talked about this many times before in empties posts and favourites posts. It’s very moisturizing, — especially for being a gel — light to medium in weight but has flexible medium-strong hold; it gives me clumpy bouncy ringlets that lasts through sweaty workouts and humidity for days when styled correctly, without feeling or looking product-y in the hair. It contains lots of humectants, film-forming humectants and sealing oils. It contains irish moss and flaxseed extract to really enhance my 2c-ish waves and curls.

Curlsmith Bouncy Strength Volume Foam ($34.99 CDN | 222 mL)

Despite the fact that I love every other product in the Strength Recipe line, my first foray into mousse/foam in years has not been love at first use. Unfortunately, I find that when I use this in any amount on my wet hair, it destroys my curl clumps. My theory is that the grit it adds tends to do this in my unique hair. It can work for me, used in moderation in my roots, for some lift especially at the crown where my hair likes to fall limp when left to its own devices. It contains a few proteins in the first few ingredients on the list and a bunch of extracts that I normally love, but I think the gritty texture it adds tends to break apart ringlets in my wet hair, without adding any hold or curl enhancement. The good news is that it’s actually a great refreshing product on dry or damp hair after detangling on day 3-4 hair; it’s just not a day one all-over hair product for me. I do want to experiment with more products of this type, especially for refreshing and some help at the crown/back of my hair that is much looser than the front of my hair.

ESPA Soothing Bath Oil ($46.75 CDN | 100 mL)

My eczema usually does not get along with essential oils at all but I actually really enjoyed using this essential oil based bath oil. The scent was super calming and spa-like with sandalwood, myrrh and rose and the oil really helped to combat the transepidermal water loss from soaking in a tub full of water, leaving my skin with a little bit of moisture afterwards. I was lucky enough to snag this in a Fab Fit Fun sale and would probably repurchase at a discount again.

Aveeno Creamy Moisturizing Oil ($14.99 CDN | 354 mL)

Throughout the humid summer, I happily was using this as a body moisturizer daily after bathing. It was good for combatting my dry itchy legs when my eczema was not flared up — it’s an entirely different story now unfortunately –, and actually locking moisture into the skin. It’s described as an oil but in my experience, it’s more of a oil-based moisturizer (as the sesame seed oil, sweet almond oil and oat kernel oil is blended with glycerin, dimethicone and oat kernel flour) or a body oil-moisturizer hybrid. It has a subtle calming scent — that is synthetic and generally not irritating — and is lighter weight than a traditional cream. It wouldn’t be enough for me on it’s own for my eczema-affected areas but I’m tempted to pick it up again.

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser ($45 CDN | 110g)

I love using cleansing balms in general because of how soothing and nourishing they are and the ease that they dissolve makeup and sunscreen with, and I really enjoyed using this essential oil free balm cleanser. It’s also fragrance-free, just smelling of the sweet almond oils and the other rich oils that the formula contains. In terms of balm cleansers, it’s very rich and dry-skin friendly. It really annihilates makeup, even of the waterproof or sweat-resistant variety, and emulsifies with water, leaving the skin with a nourishing film unless followed with another cleanser. It’s concentrated, but expensive, yet repurchase worthy.

Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Lotion ($53 CDN | 200 mL)

Completely unbeknownst to me, Clinique has had this Asian-style essence-toner in their repertoire for years and I didn’t even know it was a thing, and it’s good. It has a water-light kind of jelly texture and features saccharomyces lysate extract, centella asiatica, caffeine, bifida ferment lysate, acetyl glucosamine, lactobacillus ferment, caffeine and sodium hyaluronate, to help soothe, brighten and hydrate the skin with a wide variety of humectants. It left me with plump skin that was calm and even and contains the probiotic ingredients that intrigue me. I tend to prefer richer toners and essences with more oil content but I enjoyed this.

Dr Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence ($42.90 CDN | 150 mL)

Speaking of milky essence-toners, this one is my absolute favourite. In the summer, I finished my second bottle and I miss it tremendously, especially as the weather is getting warmer and my skin is getting drier. I’ve been trying to hold off on repurchasing, making myself finish what I’ve currently got on rotation first but it’s a losing battle. Regardless, it’s a beautiful milky essence-toner, especially for dry sensitive skin, looking for some barrier support. It’s fragrance free, contains tea extract, saccharomyces ferment, green tea, sunflower oil, sodium hyaluronate and centella asiatica and absolutely nothing irritating. When I use this, my skin is calmer, dewy and plump and generally less angry.

Paula’s Choice Defense Essential Glow Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($33 US | 60 mL)

Paula’s Choice has definitely moved from being a fairly affordable brand, just a little more expensive than your traditional or quintessential ‘drugstore’ brands to more of a midrange or premium drugstore brand. However, there are still a good number of their products that I find to be a good value for money; their well formulated sunscreens are some of these products. This one is a mineral sunscreen that is moisturizing, luminizing and doesn’t accentuate dry patches and texture like most mineral sunscreens do. Basically, it overcomes many of the cosmetic shortcomings of mineral sunscreens and it’s great for dry, sensitive skin. It has a grey-tinge that translates to a slightly blurring finish without a white-tinge for those with fair to medium skin. The dewy and luminous finish is not ideal for those trying to achieve a matte look or those on the oilier side of things. I have and would buy again.

What products have you finished?

banila co clean it zero costs advanced snail 96 mucin power essence curlsmith core strength shampoo curlsmith curl defining styling souffle curlsmith in shower style fixer natasha denona zendo eyeshadow palette ouai cleansing scalp and body sugar scrub pattern beauty styling custard

Summer Essentials

As I started to write and compile this post, the Canadian east coast has been in a heatwave constantly for well over a month, which wouldn’t be so bad if, a, I actually enjoyed this level of heat and if, b, it wasn’t accompanied with the constant mugginess of entering a sauna. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve written a blog post — make that a hot and humid minute — but here are the products I’ve been loving most recently:

Editors note: It may almost officially be Autumn, however, the weather hadn’t leaned at all that way until the present week.

Ouai Cleansing Scalp & Body Sugar Scrub ($50 CDN | 250g)

This was a product that I chose to try from FabFitFun. It was an obvious choice once I knew it was sulfate free — I occasionally have multiple site allergic reactions and get horrific scalp eczema when I use either sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate — and had that signature warm rose floral ‘melrose’ scent that several Ouai products have. It did not disappoint. I actually really enjoy using the scalp scrubby cleanser when I want a gentle cleanse but need some scalp TLC — especially in this weather, with a fairly sweaty yoga regime and a scalp with a general tendency to become unhappy — or as a first cleanse before following with a gentle shampoo. I say this because, the cleansing agents are gentler and it’s not much of a latherer on its own, and I kind of appreciate that, not having an oily scalp. I will say that it’s an oil enriched gritty scrub texture so I can see many people not loving it as much as I do, but I quite like the nourishing sweet almond oil, coconut oil and fermented ingredients. It’s also a gorgeous oily body scrub that doesn’t irritate my eczema.

Curlsmith Core Strength Shampoo ($34.99 CDN | 355 mL)

Another product really contributing to my scalp not lashing out at me was/is this gentle slippery clear shampoo. It’s sulfate free but contains ingredients that remove silicones and other forms of buildup, which has been helpful because having fine-ish high porosity hair in this kind of humidity, I’ve had to go to town on humidity-blocking ingredients like polyquats, oils and I’ve been using some silicones– gasp.Not only does this keep me from getting any buildup on my scalp — in combination with using a clarifying shampoo every little bit –, it has enough slip, letting me detangle my hair with ease, even after washing. I like that there’s some protein as well, as every little bit helps (although it would help more in a leave-in product). It’s also gentle and moisturizing, without heaviness.

Curlsmith In-Shower Style Fixer ($35.99 CDN | 237 mL)

As someone who has the kind of hair that requires lots of product or hold to maintain its structure, high porosity hair that seems to absorb everything in sight and high density hair, I love a good potent humidity-blocking gel. Did I mention that I live in a humid east coast climate with hair that is very impacted by humidity?; In fact, my hair’s reaction to humidity was why I embraced my wavy curls in the first place. With high-hold and humidity-blocking polyquaternium-69 as the second ingredient in this gel, followed by sealing oils and the film-forming humectant, aloe, this has been a god-send for lending maximum control to my hair. True to its name, it has to be used with lots of water, provided you want to be able to distribute its super thick and sticky texture — unless you are refreshing a super-stubborn piece of hair and don’t mind the concentration, that is. It’s very moisturizing and is medium-heavy in weight, but my density and porosity can support heavier products. It’s not the most curl enhancing gel I’ve ever tried, but it holds clumps together beautifully through humidity, sweat and even getting rained on slightly. And it gives the hair some grit, which I enjoy but it can destroy curl clumps if over-used.

Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle ($35.99 CDN | 237 mL)

I couldn’t go without mentioning my holy grail gel that — happily for me — works well in my high porosity waves in every season, even though I will combine it with the former gel to get extra control, hold, and humidity-resistance, to get hair that lasts for 4-5 days with minimal refreshing, even in borderline-repulsive humidity. This gel is moisturizing but is lighter in weight and has much more slip, offering lots of curl enhancement and bouncy curl clumps. It contains a number of film-forming humectants which I’m sure is why I love this gel so much (irish moss, aloe and flaxseed to name a few); film forming humectants prevent moisture loss in my hair and minimizes the frizz and loss of hold in a humid climate. It’s really flexible too, with medium-strong hold, working well in both soaking wet hair, damp hair to refresh and on dry hair to fix wonky curls.

Pattern Beauty Styling Custard ($32 CDN | 443.6 mL)

While I don’t find this true liquid-y custard to have enough hold on it’s own in my humid climate, I’ve found this huge tub of product to be great as a curl-enhancer to sandwich between cream and gel for some extra help in encouraging clumps and ringlets and adding control. It has some polyquaternium for humidity protection, curl enhancing flaxseed and film-forming irish moss. It’s also a great refresher when you get to the point of needing more product without adding crunch when you aren’t completely drenching your hair. It’s super slippery too, which is a help with fine to medium tangly hair, especially when refreshing on less-than-fresh hair.

Banila Co Clean It Zero Purifying Cleansing Balm for Sensitive Skin ($31 CDN | 100 mL)

I’ve been happily relying on this balm cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup (on the off-chance that I was wearing it) and to just cleanse my face. It has a light kind of spa-like scent that I find rather calming and doesn’t irritate my skin, even around my eyes when I’m using it to melt down tenacious eye makeup. It’s great at removing waterproof makeup and water-resistant sunscreen and leaves my skin feeling soothed and hydrated afterwards. I have been known to just splash it off and not even follow it with another cleanser when I can’t be bothered — it has not been a summer with a lot of complex skincare rituals in the equation. The evening primrose oil, argan oil, centella, green tea and licorice root are a nice (albeit unnecessary) touch, as is the non-greasy texture.

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($19.25-$35.25 CDN | 100 mL)

After finishing up some other serums, I’ve been reunited with this snail-based humectant serum. This has been an essential, especially as the weather has been so muggy that I haven’t craved layering more occlusive products and I’ve been really slacking on the skincare in general. The snail itself is very soothing and plumping and is enriched with allantoin, panthenol and sodium hyaluronate, leaving dewy and bright skin. I love this as a humectant serum that really helps to support the skin barrier.

Natasha Denona Zendo Eyeshadow Palette ($87 CDN | 19.25g)

Given that I have been minimally bothered even with skincare in the summer we’ve had here, it shouldn’t be a shocker that I haven’t worn a whole lot of makeup, either. When I’ve been wearing makeup, I’ve exclusively reached for this palette. I have discovered that particularly love when doing basic 2-3 eye shadow looks with this palette, as the finishes and subtle nuances of the shades really stand out with a more pared-down palette. The shimmers have gorgeous sheens that can lean somewhat metallic but the payoff is buildable and the mattes have that muted buildable quality as well. That is not to say that there aren’t bolder buttery metallics in the teal section of the palette, but in all honesty, I’ve been enjoying the more muted warm tones of the palette with a bit of winged liner.

briogeo curl charisma hair mask cerave moisturizing cream cosrx advanced snail radiance dual essence curlsmith curl defining styling souffle curlsmith feather-light protein cream curlsmith wash & scrub detox probiotic drunk elephant protein power peptide resurfacing serum drunk elephant protini polypeptide firming moisturizer kate somerville delikate cleanser kate somerville delikate recovery cream kate somerville goat milk cleanser paula's choice omega+ cleansing balm paula's choice resist super light daily wrinkle defense soap and glory the righteous butter sunday riley juno

The Empties | Early Spring

Mark my words, I know that it’s been well over a month since spring officially started. However, until somewhat recently it’s been blizzard-ing, so forgive me if I consider it still pretty early(ish) in the spring season. I used to worry these posts were boring to read, as I rarely used to finish up much of anything and there was little variety of what I did finish up, always trying out new things, rather than finishing what I had on the go. However, in the last couple of years, I have become a more savvy and restrained shopper, buying less and finishing more:

Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm ($28 US | 103 mL)

After disliking the Paula’s Choice Perfect Cleansing Oil, I’m happy to report that I loved this balm cleanser for nourishing the skin and breaking down makeup and sunscreen. It broke down waterproof eyeliner, mascara and tenacious face products easily enough — but it wasn’t an annihilator in the way that some of these super-oily balms are — with easy-to-use tube packaging and nourishing non-irritating ingredients. It’s fragrance free, doesn’t contain any irritants and actually features lots of fatty acids and some nourishing plant oils to offset any sort of barrier disruption while cleansing. It doesn’t leave a film or anything afterwards. I would buy again, with some sort of sale.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser ($57 CDN | 120 mL)

This is my expensive treatment cleanser of choice and I went onto another back-up that I purchased on sale shortly, after emptying the tube. It’s an oil-rich cream cleanser that removes makeup, soothes the skin without being drying in the slightest. It has a subtle fragrance that doesn’t bother my skin because it doesn’t come from essential oils and is enriched with honey, lactic acid and goat’s milk, along with the grapeseed oil, avocado oil and coconut oil. My favourite part is that my skin is left calmer and moisturized after rinsing.

Kate Somerville Delikate Soothing Cleanser ($57 CDN | 120 mL)

This was a fine gentle fragrance-free milk cleanser but was nowhere near special enough to justify the cost for me. It wasn’t irritating or drying whatsoever and removed easily but it didn’t deliver long-lasting soothing or hydration like the former. It contains fatty acids, ceramides, cholesterol, aloe and miscellaneous other soothing and barrier-repairing ingredients. It kind of reminded me of Cerave’s cleansers with slightly less of a tendency to sting on an impaired barrier.

Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum ($108 CDN | 30 mL)

Last year, I picked up a half-sized sample of this lactic-acid based serum and I’ve happily been using it around 3-4 times per week as a chemical exfoliant and serum in one. It contains 10% lactic acid which helps with overall clarity, brightness and smooths texture, along with amino acids and peptides for hydration and barrier-reinforcement. It’s lighter in texture but contains squalane and some nice rich plant oils along with the myriad of humectants it has. I repurchased a full-size; it’s expensive but lasts a while and is special.

Cosrx Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence ($40.99 CDN | 80 mL)

I did love using this plumping brightening humectant serum, however, going for the niacinamide-enriched version of the essence was completely unnecessary for me, as I have multiple other niacinamide-rich brightening serums on the go. I do love me some niacinamide… This is a dual chamber version of their cult favourite fragrance-free essence, with snail secretion in the one chamber and 5% niacinamide in the other. It also contained panthenol, medowfoam seed oil, sunflower seed oil, allantoin, macadamia oil, sodium hyaluronate and argan oil. I found my skin looked bouncy, plumped and soothed while using this serum but I sometimes had to watch to make sure I wasn’t overdoing it on the niacinamide. I will be repurchasing the original version of the essence that is even more economical.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer ($89 CDN | 50 mL)

I ended up trying this pricy moisturizer because it was sold in the set with the serum, and while I ended up liking it, I’m really not sure it’s special enough for the price for me. It has a lovely comforting plumping texture that’s moisturizing and hydrating without feeling occlusive in the slightest. I enjoyed the myriad of peptides and amino acids it contains to help support the skin barrier and help to bind moisture into the skin and the plumping cushion-y texture, but I didn’t find it concentrated enough or special enough to warrant repurchasing at this price. I did enjoy the airless pump packaging and the lack of fragrance or other irritants.

Kate Somerville Delikate Recovery Cream ($99 CDN | 50 mL)

This is another pricy moisturizer I finished, but on the other hand, it’s special enough to warrant repurchasing, especially when we’re lucky enough to be able to find it on significant sale. It’s a whipped balm that sinks into the skin without stinging in the slightest, soothing the skin and supporting the skin’s barrier — especially a damaged one, like mine certainly tends to be. The texture spreads really far, only requiring a little bit of product, even on my drier and tighter skin, and it offers moisture, comfort and repair without leaving a shiny finish. It features shea butter, ceramides, honey, peptides, plant oils and other soothing ingredients. It’s also beautiful under makeup, helping to minimize the appearance of dry patches and any sort of texture. It also doubles as a wonderful eye cream for those with a sensitive eye area and is wonderful for calming the skin after an allergic reaction. It’s been that kind of spring thus far.

Cosrx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream ($32.57 CDN | 25 mL)

I loved this gentle, fragrance-free eye cream for my delicate and sensitive eye area so much so that I went through it more quickly than I could have, occasionally using on my face in addition to the eye area. I will be repurchasing for sure. It contains snail mucin, niacinamide, sunflower seed oil, sodium hyaluronate and a few peptides. It’s good for plumping up and hydrating the eye area without irritation and wears great under makeup — and I have dry sensitive under eyes that tend to get eczema and allergy-induced irritation.

Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil ($95 CDN | 35 mL)

This was one of the first good essential-oil-free oil blends on the market and it remains to be a longtime favourite of mine. Sunday Riley used ‘superfood’ in its actual meaning — as in harvested from fruits and cold-pressed with a variety of antioxidants — and not as a wellness culture bullshit hype-word, which I appreciate. I’ve long-term appreciated the omega rich blend of oils for soothing, antioxidant protection, locking in moisture and helping to eradicate dry patches. I do not tolerate essential oils well so I’ve always appreciated that this was blended without, without skimping on the benefits of these fruit oils. I’d buy again, especially if I found it on for another deal but I might explore more affordable options, even though the bottle does last for ages. I quite like smelling like a salad dressing, which is precisely the scent the natural oils have without essential oils in the mix.

Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 ($35 US | 60 mL)

I was really slacking on the sunscreen front over the winter, mainly due to laziness. Once I got myself in gear this season, I found myself finishing a tube of the semi-matte finish tinted sunscreen that I had on the go. Because of the slightly mattifying semi-matte finish of the sunscreen, I tend to need to moisturizer underneath. However, the slightly blurring and smoothing finish coupled with the sheer light beige tint, is really flattering on naked skin. I have a backup and I’ll happily enjoy using as it gets hot and humid over the warmer months. It contains a bunch of antioxidants as well, which I enjoy seeing in a sunscreen.

Cerave Moisturizing Cream ($27.99 CDN | 539 mL)

This cream is probably the closest thing I’ve found to an eczema cure with consistent use. It helps to keep the dry and itchy skin at bay that I scratch and turn into a hot mess. The formula is bland, with fatty alcohols, three kinds of ceramides, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and petrolatum. It stings less than most creams on the market — I’m prone to stinging — and contains ingredients to help rebuild and reinforce the skin barrier. It’s probably a forever repurchase from me. I also love the jar with a pump on it packaging; the pump is super easy to use and it’s practical to be able to screw off the lid to get the remnants out of the container.

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Body Butter ($18 CDN | 300 mL)

If I’m not using a fragrance-free barrier-repairing kind of body moisturizer, I’m using one of the Soap and Glory options as a treat because I can actually tolerate them on my eczema prone body, as they have a rich emollient texture and contain fragrance that I love, that isn’t essential oil based, which poses the greatest problem for me personally. My skin can be a bit of a diva, evidently. It’s a warm citrusy floral scent that I find super comforting and the formula has shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa seed butter, glycerin and rosehip oil to help prevent trans epidermal waterloss and the itchy feeling from returning to my body skin. It’s a favourite for a reason. I also enjoy that it’s rich enough to actually make a difference and for me not to go through the tub so quickly.

Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Pro-Biotic ($37.99 CDN | 250 mL)

Another one bites the dust; I’ve finished another tube of my favourite clarifying shampoo. It doesn’t contain traditional sulfates so it’s not overly drying or stripping but it does enough to keep my scalp from getting itchy and flaky and keeps my waves and loose curls looking great. Another bonus is that it doesn’t turn my hair into tangle city, as most clarifying shampoos do. It contains perlite to gently exfoliate the scalp (without real traditional scrub particles that can be irritating), probiotic ingredients to help strengthen the skin barrier — which is obviously a priority of mine after reading this post –, apple cider vinegar and gentler clarifying agents with the ability to remove silicones and heavy oils. It will be another repurchase for sure.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating & Defining Hair Mask ($49 CDN | 236 mL)

Another long-term favourite of mine are these Briogeo masks and deep conditioners. This one was a primarily hydrating mask (that packed a punch despite being lightweight), with some protein, in the form of amino acids in the mix. Interestingly enough, it’s actually advertised as being protein free, despite the fact that there are amino acids high on the ingredient list, and scattered throughout; regardless, I don’t think it’s protein-rich enough to trigger alarm in those with a protein sensitivity. It’s moisturizing and hydrating, with wonderful slip that glides through the knottiest of strands (I can confirm this from experience) while being lightweight yet concentrated. It features sodium PCA, rice amino acids, avocado oil, castor seed oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, linseed oil, chia seed oil, keratin amino acids, rice extract and hydrolyzed quinoa. I found after using that my curls had a bit of a boost, clumping nicely together. I’m currently using their original mask, but I would definitely consider picking up this one again.

Curlsmith Feather-Light Protein Cream ($35.99 CDN | 237 mL)

This was my second or third tube of what I would have to describe as my holy-grail curl cream. Despite its name, it’s a medium moisture but fairly lightweight curl cream with a hefty dose of protein. I’m onto another tube of this curl cream, as it’s reached backup status in my collection. It simultaneously enhances curls with some bounce, adds control and keep clumps defined and intact. It offers light buildable hold on its own, which makes it great for refreshes, using on its own or layering under a gel, as I do in my humid climate on my high porosity strands. It can give a bit of a fluffier look when used on it’s own, which I’ve grown to enjoy the texture and volume from at this point in my hair journey; this is less of a factor when paired with a harder hold gel. It uses sweet almond oil, hydrolyzed rice protein, hydrolyzed hemp seed extract and shea butter for a good protein-moisture balance on my fine, high porosity but abundant strands.

Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle ($55.99 CDN | 473 mL)

My go-to combination of stylers on any wash day that I know will give me great results is the previously mentioned cream in combination with this gel-souffle. It’s more of a medium weight gel, offering medium moisture, curl enhancement, humidity-resistance, medium-strong hold and good control. It’s a super concentrated product so this jumbo size squeeze-bottle lasts for months even on my thirsty high porosity waves and curls and it helps encourage my waves and loose curls into a more defined spiral-y shape and it helps my hair to last 3-4 days with minimal refreshing. It uses glycerin, babassu, irish moss, linseed extract, andiroba seed oil and avocado oil and is the most moisturizing gel that I’ve ever tried, without weighing down my fine waves and curls. Seeing as this is my most repurchased hair product of all time, it’s not shocking that I just opened another one of these jumbo-sized bottles for the warmer weather months…

What products have you finished up?
Maggie, x.

2021 faves anessa perfect uv sunscreen mild ilk best of beauty briogeo curl charisma hydrating & defining hair mask chanel coco mademoiselle cosrx advanced snail radiance dual essence curlsmith curl defining styling souffle curlsmith feather-light protein cream curlsmith wash and scrub detox probiotic dr ceuracle vegan kombucha tea essene drunk elephant protini power peptide resurfacing serum drunk elephant slaai makeup melting butter cleanser dyson supersonic hair dryer huda beauty naughty nude ilia super serum skin tint ion 9 row silicone brush kate somerville delikate recovery cream kosas revealer super creamy + brightening concealer mented cosmetics blood orange liquid lipstick missha time revolution night repair ampoule phrenology hydrate sheer conditioner purito via clearing bb cream shea moisture manuka honey and yogurt hydrate + repair shampoo

21 Products of 2021

I’m doing it! For the last number of months, I’ve had a list in the works of products I discovered and fell in love with in 2021. Every year — I think but don’t mark my words, I might have missed one — I’ve been writing a blog post detailing my favourites from at least one category of beauty, it’s been some time since I did a whole roundup. It might be coming late, but it’s here!

Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Pro-Biotic ($37.99 CDN | 250 mL)

This uber-gentle scrub-come-shampoo is my clarifying shampoo of choice. I don’t experience any build up (even with my more richer products used and heavy hand) using this every couple of wash days and have a happy scalp that doesn’t randomly start itching and flaking (which I’m prone to especially in the winter). It doesn’t contain either of the harsher sulfates that can be stripping (and you know give me dermatitis so there’s that) but can still remove build-up from silicones, oils and the like with the selection of potent but still gentler detergents it contains. I don’t really care about the vinegar and probiotic ingredients used because I don’t think they have enough contact with the hair to lead to benefit but I appreciate the humectants and other hydrating ingredients that keeps the shampoo gentle. This doesn’t ever leave my curls and waves stripped or looking less defined, even without a deep conditioner afterwards.

Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Shampoo ($11.96 CDN | 384 mL)

This was my favourite gentle shampoo that I happily used in between uses of the more clarifying Curlsmith shampoo. It was actually a rediscovery rather than a discovery, but it’s so great, even if a regular shampoo might seem quite boring. It doesn’t contain the traditional sulfates that are prone to giving me scalp dermatitis and are overly drying, instead containing a blend of gentler surfactants, including cocomidopropyl betaine that is really good at removing silicones and oil buildup, shea butter, honey, yogurt, matura seed oil, baobab seed oil and coconut oil. The result is a really gentle shampoo that lathers without tangling up the hair and while providing slip. The scent is a lot but it’s a nice calming perfume-y one. It hits the right balance of cleaning the scalp and removing some buildup, while being gentle and moisturizing. It’s also nice that it’s affordable and lasts me months and months.

Pureology Hydrate Sheer Conditioner ($40 CDN | 266 mL)

For years, I’ve basically put regular rinse-out conditioners to the side, preferring to use deep conditioners in the place of a rinse-out. However, this was the year when not only did I get into using regular rinse-out conditioners, I actually have gotten to the point with my hair that I can rinse out all of my conditioner. This minty conditioner does contain isopropyl alcohol but this is not an issue, provided that you are rinsing it out. It has amazing slip, great medium but lightweight moisture with oils, hydrolyzed wheat protein and wheat amino acids and contains menthol and peppermint oil for a soothing and comforting minty sensation and smell. I avoid menthol and anything minty in skincare but I enjoy it, especially for soothing a scalp that is less than pleased. It detangles snarls like a champ and leads to great curl clumping. I’ve thought about actually going for a salon size of this conditioner, I’ve enjoyed it so much — and you get way better value with the salon sizes.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating & Defining Hair Mask ($49 CDN | 236 mL)

Given how well my fine but dense waves respond to protein, I’m kind of shocked (on a level) that my top deep conditioner discovery of the year only contains small amounts of protein and instead focuses on moisture. It’s a great one for adding a bit of strength with the moisture and TLC it brings. It has a nice light scent that most likely won’t bother anyone, offers out of this world slip and solid medium moisture without being heavy at all, even on finer textures with less density that I have. It features the humectant sodium pca, rice amino acids, avocado oil, castor seed oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, linseed seed oil, chia seed oil, keratin amino acids, rice extract and hydrolyzed quinoa (at the very bottom of the ingredient list). It’s not protein free like it claims, but instead features mainly amino acids which support the strength of the hair and building of proteins overall and a very small amount of a hydrolyzed protein. My hair soaks this stuff up and I’m always left with juicy, smooth clumpy curls afterwards.

Curlsmith Feather-Light Protein Cream ($35.99 CDN | 237 mL)

This cream styler has a lotion texture and offers medium moisture, lightweight weight and structure to the hair with the protein it contains. I actually have managed to use this on its own offering light-buildable hold, but prefer to use it with a gel for hold that lasts in a generally pretty humid coastal climate. This gets my waves and curls to clump and spiral up with that kind of effortless fluffy kind of effect on its own. It’s also a great product for refreshes, as it offers enough hold to bring back definition and clumps without requiring Herculean effort to remove the cast. I’ve used multiple tubes this year.

Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle ($55.99 CDN | 473 mL)

This was my most used and loved gel of the year and was a great combination in my hair with the previously mentioned cream. I’ve graduated from the tubs of product to the larger squeeze bottle — which is much easier to use and get a precise amount of product out — because I love using it so much. It’s a protein-free gel with a thicker milkier soufflé-gel kind of texture — it’s super weird to explain but this is my best attempt — that offers medium control, on the higher end of medium moisture, a ton of definition and curl enhancement. My favourite way to use it is over a cream but I can get great results used on its own, as well. The hold is medium-strong, depending on how much you apply and how much water is in your hair when you apply it. It’s super moisturizing with glycerin, babassu oil, sorbitol, irish moss, andiroba seed oil, flaxseed and avocado oil, and leaves the hair moisturized, bouncy, shiny and defined in a way that lasts in humidity. And, my hair still has volume when I use this, along with glorious curl clumps.

Ion 9 Row Silicone Brush ($17.39 CDN)

2021 was the year that I figured out exactly how to use the ‘denman’ style brush or how to brush style in general. Nailing the technique of brushing through my wet hair with tension helps me to get controlled curls with bounce that last. There was a moment when how to form ringlets and spirals around the side of the brush really clicked and I started to consistently have good wash days that didn’t require much refreshing. It’s the right size on my wavy hair for encouraging clumpy ringlets and also works to define my hair when brushed with tension before styling.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer ($499.99 CDN)

Towards the end of 2020, I bit the bullet and purchased the Dyson dryer after much deliberation, after I had the opportunity to get $100 off. Safe to say, I liked it at first but now I can say that it’s been worth it on my hair. It’s basically the only dryer I’ve ever tried that I can stand to use long enough to get my hair dry because it’s light, and powerful enough to diffuse my hair. Note: I have the kind of hair that hairdressers complain about how long it takes to dry. Not only does it get my hair dry, it offers settings that allow me to get my hair to dry without disrupting my curl clumps that can easily fall apart, and it gets my hair dry without tiring out my arms. It seems ridiculous to have a hair dryer as a favourite, but here we are. Basically it allows me to actually get my hair dried before bed, letting me have better wash days that last, rather than wilting or frizzing out.

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser ($45 CDN | 110g)

While I’m not a fan of a lot of Drunk Elephant’s customer relations and PR choices and marketing, I do really like this product (and another one I’m going to mention), especially as someone whose skin is sensitive to essential oils, fragrance and drying alcohols. This is a true oily balm that decimates makeup, has a truly nourishing texture and leaves my skin feeling soothed afterwards. It is also not an eye stinger. It uses safflower seed oil, açai oil, marula oil, sunflower seed wax, kiwi extract, strawberry extract, cranberry seed oil, borage seed oil, baobab oil, sweet almond oil and more to soothe and replenish the skin while breaking down makeup and sunscreen. It has a thick texture which i enjoy and I particularly enjoy the spoon magnetized to the top of the packaging for scooping the product out — because we all know I would have instantly lost the scoop if it weren’t attached magnetically.

Dr Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence ($43.69 CDN | 150 mL)

This milky essence toner has been a standby in my more pared back skincare routine I enjoyed in 2021. It’s soothing, hydrating, moisturizing and plumping. It contains a whack of emollients, some antioxidants, sodium hyaluronate and centella asiatica. It make such a difference on sandwiching moisture that lasts into my drier skin, especially over the cooler weather.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5x ($37.29 CDN | 50 mL)

This serum has become my no-fuss nightly serum for when I want one serum that will help with my barrier, brighten and generally support my skin health. It contains 5% niacinamide, which minimizes discolouration, helps keep pores clear and supports the skin barrier, what seems like a million humectants, some probiotic soothing ingredients and a few essential oils towards the bottom of the ingredient list. It has contributed to keeping my skin comfortable, soothed and happy and I enjoy not having to think about the serum step and just slap this serum on. I’m not a big essential oil person, but this doesn’t irritate my skin and feels really calming to apply.

Cosrx Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence ($33.49 CDN | 80 mL)

This essence, like many products these days, features 5% niacinamide which supports the skin barrier, functions as an antioxidant and does a little bit of everything, along with wonderfully reparative snail secretion, betaine, panthenol, sunflower seed oil, allantoin and macadamia seed oil. It’s the most plumping humectant serum that I think I’ve ever dried and very calming and gentle. When I’m not using the aforementioned serum, I was certainly using this one. It’s fragrance-free and doesnt contain anything weird, you know, except for the snail goo.

Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum ($108 CDN | 30 mL)

I backed off and kind of chilled out with the actives in 2021, but this was the chemical exfoliant I happily reached for the most often. It’s a serum that contains 10% lactic acid to resurface the skin and boost hydration, along with a robust blend of peptides, which both serve as humectants and strengthen the skin barrier, amino acids that also support the skin barrier and nourishing ingredients, such as antioxidant-rich plant oils. It’s expensive and might not be easily worth the money, especially if you are hesitant to invest in the Drunk Elephant brand from past decisions the company has made, but it’s a multitasking serum that does all of its functions well. It gives me much more even textured-skin, keeps my pores unclogged and functions as a humectant serum that binds water to the skin and supports my skin’s easily upset barrier.

Kate Somerville Delikate Recovery Cream ($99 CDN | 50 mL)

This moisturizer might be housed in a jar and be pricy to boot, but with its airy whipped balm texture and instantly soothing effect on the skin, it’s worth it for me. In fact, I actually have a couple of backups and I was lucky enough to find each and every jar for a significant sale. It never stings or irritates my skin, regardless of what kind of irritated state its been put in. It’s fragrance-free, contains ceramides, shea butter, honey, plant oils and calming extracts. It’s a cushioning cream without being thick and heavy and wears wonderfully under makeup on my drier skin that foundation tends to sit heavily on.

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF 50 PA++++ for Sensitive Skin ($46.49 CDN | 60 mL)

In my experience, this is the ideal water-light sunscreen fluid for those who’s skin is typically too dry and too reactive to tolerate these fluids. It’s a combination sunscreen, containing titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide, along with the new generation chemical filters, Uvinul T-150, Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb S, that are not only more photostable than traditional ‘chemical’ filters, but are also less irritating, too. This is one of the few hybrid or chemical filter containing sunscreens that does not sting my face, eyes or dry out my skin. I attribute this to it being formulated without the drying alcohols used to either stabilized the actives or get the water-light texture, being fragrance-free and using actives known to be easier to tolerate. It leaves a soft focus finish, setting on the skin without being overly drying or matte looking in the least and lasts in humidity and sweat.

Purito Cica Clearing BB Cream SPF 38 PA +++ ($12.59 CDN | 30 mL)

As someone who has grown to love lighter bases and did not wear a whole lot of makeup in the previous year, I’ve happily clung to this lightweight face product as a tinted sunscreen of sorts. Don’t get me wrong, it has substantial medium coverage, but blends really nicely into the skin, leaving a radiant finish that actually works during a heatwave and/or heavy sweating sessions, even without being powdered or blotted or anything of the sort. It’s a combination sunscreen, consisting of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and octinoxate (one of the only traditional filters that I can tolerate), along with niacinamide, the forms of centella asiatica the formula boasts having to reduce irritation and strengthen the skin barrier and iron oxides, to add an added layer of protection against visible light.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 ($62 CDN | 30 mL)

I’m pretty sure the only other base product I used in 2021 was this other variation on a tinted moisturizer come tinted sunscreen. It’s formulated without fragrance or alcohol, and is enriched with squalane, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate and allantoin and has a broad-spectrum zinc oxide for sun protection. As far as tinted sunscreens go, this sits more on the makeup-y side of things, coming in thirty different shades and offering a luminous-to-dewy finish and light coverage. I knew I wanted to try this foundation-thing as soon as I heard about it but I had to wait a while for it to be available in Canada and I wasn’t wrong. Unlike most serum foundations, it sits well on my drier skin, doesn’t cling to texture and blends pretty seamlessly into the skin, feeling lightweight.

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer and Daytime Eye Cream ($37 CDN | 6 mL)

As someone who suffers from hereditary dark circles, a bone structure that makes dark circles and product settling into creases a reality and a dry, sensitive eye area, I know I’m making a lot of work for my concealer. However, when I’m wearing makeup, I always wear concealer under my eyes and this is one of the ones that works without making any of my problems worse. It settles into creases minimally — I haven’t met a concealer that doesn’t do this on my deep set eyes –, doesn’t cling to dry patches or dry out and/or irritate my sensitive eye area. The clean beauty marketing is not my thing, but I enjoy that it does not contain drying alcohol or pounds of masking fragrance. It’s medium coverage but looks like skin and works on patches without perfect texture; I will say that the shade range does, in fact, run horrifically yellow. It’s moisturizing with a blendable, skin-like finish.

Huda Beauty Naughty Nude Eyeshadow Palette ($85 CDN | 0.59 ounces)

I purchased this fairly pricy eyeshadow palette towards the end of 2020 and it’s been my eyeshadow palette standby ever since. The shades pretty much all lean warm — but without being a copper sunset — and sit mainly in the medium-tone family. However, there are deeper shades thrown in to make things smokier, darken the outer corner and to even create winged liner with and there are a few paler shades to add dimension and contrast. It’s not groundbreaking but it’s a great palette for those who like neutral-warm and leaning smokey shadows. There’s a wack of pretty light-to-mid tone metallic shades for the lids, a variety of options of matte crease, out of corner and plain old deeper shades and some more interesting shades, while still being a palette that blends like a dream without being fallout central. I like it for easy two eyeshadow looks and it also is great for more intricate eyeshadow-blending-for-the-soul moments.

Mented Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Blood Orange ($26 US | 5.7 mL)

2021 was not a year for lip products for a variety of reasons: one being that I didn’t wear a whole lot of makeup in general, another being that there wasn’t a whole lot of leaving the house and third, lip products were kind of a moot point and inconvenience with all of the mask wearing. My most worn actual lip product was this deep orange-based rusty coloured liquid lipstick. The formula didn’t really transfer onto the mask, wasn’t particularly drying and didn’t wear off unevenly (from my centre of my lips, leaving a ring around the outside). The shade really flattering on my neutral-warm leaning skin, without being too vibrant because of the deepness of the hue. The formula is long-wearing, as you’d expect, but feels lightweight and comfortable.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum ($135 CDN | 50 mL)

This citrus-patchouli warm floral was a fairly new to me purchase in 2021, and it was easily my most worn and favourite fragrance. It comes the closest to the long-discontinued Dior Miss Dior that was my favourite, but has it’s own distinct identity and great longevity. Its notes are orange, bergamot, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, patchouli, white musk, vanilla, tonka bean and vetiver, but warm citrus-y patchouli is the vibe that it gives off. Day to day, I just will spray this on my clothes, the sillage and longevity is so good that it lingers, but on more of an occasion, I’ll happily do a few spritzes.

What were your 2021 favourites?
Maggie, x.

anessa perfect uv sunscreen mild milk for sensitive skin curlsmith curl defining styling souffle ion 9 row silicone brush kosas revealer concealer pattern curl gel paulas choice complex tom ford tobacco vanille

The Summer Essentials

It might be officially fall now, but before getting onto the lovely symptoms that the change of seasons gives me, I thought I would catch up on the products I loved throughout this hot and humid Summer we had. I’m one of those girls who adores fall, but before I get onto those seasonal-central products, let’s do a roundup of warm weather favourites:

Paula’s Choice Omega + Complex Cleansing Balm ($28 US | 103 mL)

I did not need to add another cleanser to my cleanser rotation this summer, but I couldn’t resist picking this one up. I might have only worn makeup a handful of times over the season, but I really appreciated how well this cleansing balm broke down my tenacious sunscreen. It has the ease of being housed in a tube — and isn’t impossible to squeeze out — and is fragrance free so it doesn’t upset my skin or sensitive eyeballs and breaks everything down like a dream. It actually easily removed waterproof mascara, which I so very rarely use, mainly out of the fear of having to remove it . The fatty acids its enriched with also add to the soothed, comforted feel it leaves behind.

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk for Sensitive Skin SPF 50 PA++++ ($43.69 CAD | 60 mL)

In such a hot and muggy summer and since doing yoga five times per week, — at least a few of which I get super sweaty during — I’ve come to appreciate this velvety liquid sunscreen. It’s a combination sunscreen, featuring zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, Uvinol A Plus, Tinosorb S and Uvinul T 150, and has great photostability and reliability in independent testing, all without irritating my skin in the way that chemical filters tend to. It has that velvety finish that everyone enjoys but without irritating and over-drying my skin out with drying alcohol and has the most minute white cast that dissipates on its own and reapplies nicely. The sunscreen isn’t drying when layered on top of other skincare and I enjoyed how the sunscreen felt on my skin in the heat and sweat and that it doesn’t run into my eyeballs and make me cry painful tears.

Dr Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence ($37.89 CAD | 150 mL)

Essences are a weird skincare product; I love them but they are weird. They either are super-watery products that you pat into the skin immediately after washing (think a first essence) or are a variation on the serum theme, with a real focus on a single or a few key ingredients. This one falls into the latter group and my lord, is it moisturizing. It contains your usual glycerin, green tea extract and water, saccharomyces ferment filtrate, sunflower seed oil, centella asiatica and ceramide np. It has a really interesting kind of biphase texture that turns from the tea-coloured liquid to a calming milk. In my experience, it’s a soothing, calming, hydrating and moisturizing dream. I loved it in the hot and humid weather and I’m sure I’ll be ready to express my eternal devotion to it in cooler temperatures. In the summer, I used it as a serum underneath moisturizer or on its own when I was feeling lazier, and I know I’ll be happily piling it under anything in following months…

Ion 9 Row Silicone Brush ($17.39 CAD)

Even dealing with quite frankly the most ridiculous humidity this summer and starting working out five times week and getting sweaty, I’ve actually probably gotten to the best place with my wavy curls this summer that I maybe ever had. A big part of this is attaining good wash day results after using the denman-esque brush to coil my hair and form curl clumps and spirals that last. Most wash days I use this brush to form spirals and enhance my curl pattern with a curl cream, before scrunching with a gel. This brush has definitely helped me achieve tousled, fluffy loose curls.

Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle ($35.99 CAD | 237 mL)

The first half of the season, I think I exclusively used this as my gel, which is why I actually ended up converting to the jumbo sized bottle. It’s one of those gels that offers medium flexible hold and is actually curl enhancing and clumping by its own right. I get the best results by applying it to my hair after removing excess water with a microfibre towel first and get a slight cast that disappears on its own post drying or diffusing. It’s a glycerin-heavy gel but it performs well enough in humidity if you don’t mind the fluffy look, probably because it’s moisturizing with babassu oil, sorbitol, linseeds, avocado oil and shea butter. Basically the film-forming humectants and oils it contains make it perform well in heat and humidity. This gel has given me some of my most juiciest spirals and clumps and plenty of curl compliments, with its odd custard-y texture.

Pattern Beauty Curl Gel ($32 CAD | 289.8 mL)

Towards the end of the summer, I got the opportunity to try this highly acclaimed gel through FabFitFun and I couldn’t resist giving it a go basically the second the box arrived. I will note that it worked as well on my long loose curls as it does for the tighter types that it was certainly created for. It’s a cream gel kind of texture with medium hold and is very moisturizing. It helps to clump curls together but didn’t weigh my hair down by any means, which makes sense because I think it was intended for big airy but defined curls, rather than a flatter more helmet-y controlled kind of curl. It’s another glycerin heavy gel with aloe, coconut oil, castor oil, wheat amino acids and hydrolyzed silk. It offers maybe medium hold but leaves the curls defined, soft and easily refreshed days later.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum ($85 CAD | 10 mL)

I was not doing a whole lot of perfume during the season, as it was just so hot and humid and I was doing so much swimming that it seemed like a moot point. I tended to only reach for perfume for evenings or the rare actual occasions and I found myself reaching for this expensive perfume. Now, I was happy to be able to try the private blend in this smaller spray, as they are majorly expensive but it is the perfect warm boozy spicy vanilla that doesn’t actually read masculine. It lasts for weeks on clothing and forever on the skin without being headache-y. I can only imagine liking it more in cooler weather.

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer and Daytime Eye Cream ($37 CAD | 6 mL)

While it has been rare for me to wear makeup at all in the season, I did reach for this concealer basically every time that I did. It’s hydrating, has good ingredients, creases incredibly minimally and does not highlight texture or dryness. The mica it contains provides some light reflection, the arnica should theoretically be soothing, the caffeine is brightening and anti-inflammatory and the peptide it contains, sodium hyaluronate and squalane are lovely things for my generally dehydrated and flaky skin. It’s great underneath the eyes, with a full face of makeup or minimal makeup and buffed wherever you need it for a foundation-free face. I will say the colours run incredibly yellow and the first shade I bought (3.5W) could easily make me look jaundiced; the second time around, I went for 1.5C, which was lighter and was marketed as having pink undertones, which works wonderfully under my eyes and on the centre of my face. It isn’t actually cool-toned or overly pink though; it’s more neutral warm and slightly yellow …

What products were your standbys this summer?
Maggie, x.

briogeo chia + flax seed coil custard caudalie vinosource riche cerave itch relief cream cosrx advanced snail mucin power essence curlsmith curl defining styling souffle empties hada labo gokujyun premium emulsion kiehl's creamy eye treatment with avocado la roche posa lipikar baume ap+m laneige cream skin toner & moisturizer nod fractionated eye contour concentrate paula's choice omega+ complex moisturizer skin & co whipped cleansing cream

Cold-ish Weather Product Empties Part 2

Originally, this was going to be a second empties post to follow up the one I did earlier on in the winter. However, May is now around the corner and, therefore, it is safe to say that this is more of an end of winter, early spring kind of post. Winter may have made its way into spring — for the most part –, but this doesn’t mean that my skin on just about every surface of my body is not still dry, sensitive and likely flaking. Lets get to the products:

Skin & Co Truffle Therapy Whipped Cleansing Cream ($28 US | 100 mL)

I tried this cream cleanser thanks to FabFitFun and I enjoyed using it. The second ingredient was sweet almond oil and I found it removed makeup ridiculously well and had a thick oil-rich feel to the cream cleanser. It also contained some soothing plant extracts including witch hazel, which my skin tends to find sensitizing at times, amongst chamomile, calendula and centella asiatica. I did enjoy the moisture left after using this soap-free cleanser but found it could kind of sting around the lash line and eye area when used for makeup removal. However, there are few cleansers that don’t do that for me. I liked using this but it’s expensive for what it is and I want to explore other cream cleanser options. It contains fragrance, in case I didn’t make that clear, but it smells mainly of the sweet almond oil and something subtle and spa-like.

Niod Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate ($68 CDN | 15 mL)

I would never have tried this eye serum if I hadn’t gone for the Caroline Hirons Summer Kit but I did enjoy using it, even as an eye cream skeptic with a very sensitive eye area. It was a nice kind of oily serum texture that never stung around my eyes, or seemed to irritate my dry eyes themselves. It helped with mask-related flaking and sensitivity around my eyes but I didn’t notice any sort of wow results. It contains glycerin, niacinamide, yeast extract, a ton of peptides, natural moisturizing factors, antioxidants and soothing ingredients. There was an improvement of hydration I noticed and maybe a minor improvement in my chronic dark circles. I don’t plan on repurchasing immediately as it’s not cheap and will likely experiment with some other eye products in the meantime.

Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($66 CDN | 28 mL)

Throughout the fall and winter, I developed some eczema around my eyes that never quite went away. Consequently, I’ve been reaching for eye-specific products on the daily and I happily used up this thick fragrance-free balm cream. I’ve had it on the go for over a year — the larger size is actually more economical than you’d expect — and I liked it. It didn’t tend to sting under my eyes, helped with moisture, wasn’t irritating and helped makeup sit nicely, even on my dry and flaky under-eyes. It contains shea butter, avocado oil, hydrogenated castor oil and sodium pca. I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to buying again but I’m experimenting with different products at present.

Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer ($43 CDN | 150 mL)

I love a good calming milky toner and I’m not sure whether I prefer Paula’s Choice’s milky toners or this one. Regardless, I have had another bottle of this fragrance-free moisturizing toner ready to go for months. It has a simple but nourishing and soothing formula with glycerin, meadowfoam seed oil and white tea leaf extract. It’s a great product to use after cleansing to add hydration and combat inflammation immediately after cleansing. My skin always feels less sensitized, nourished and plump. It also helps that it never stings on my skin, even when I have active eczema on my face.

Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Emulsion ($29 CDN | 140 mL)

Despite the fact that I’ve previously loved this traditional lotion-textured hyaluronic acid, I’m not sure I will repurchase again in this form. It’s affordable, coming with a large amount of product, fragrance-free and contains five different forms of hyaluronic acid, along with glycerin, mineral oil, dimethicone and squalane. In the warmer months, it would be possibly enough to serve as a moisturizer during the day, whilst being a fantastic humectant. However, I find that when it’s layered with a bunch of different serums and moisturizers, it tends to pill. I actually ended up using this on my body throughout the cooler months along with on my face to use up. I actually repurchased the traditional liquid form of this product.

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($27.99 CDN | 100 mL)

I happily used this gel-textured humectant serum once or twice every day for a good six months. Despite being labelled as an essence, I think it’s thicker than a traditional essence and, instead, is a more gel-textured serum. I would definitely buy again but I’ve ordered the newer dual-chambered formula with niacinamide to try first. It contains 96% snail secretion filtrate in all of its healing and soothing glory, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, arginine and allantoin. This is an amazing humectant serum on irritated skin from wearing a mask, retinoid-abuse and for those suffering from flakiness and dehydration. Using this, my skin was so much more plumped and hydrated and my post inflammatory redness from breakouts seems to be resolving more quickly from daily use.

Caudalie Vinosource Riche Intense Moisture Rescue Cream ($48 CDN | 40 mL)

I’ve been using moisturizers from this range for years and have maybe happily gone through three tubes. It feels like an instant comforting hug in a tube for dry sensitized skin. Weirdly enough, it does contain some synthetic fragrance but never makes my skin sting even when my barrier is the most compromised and when I’ve overdone it the most. It contains squalane, antioxidant-rich grapeseed oil, shea butter, borage seed oil and fatty acids. I have a number of other moisturizers on the go but I don’t want to go without this one. It’s almost impossibly soothing and rich without feeling greasy. This cream is a godsend on sensitized skin with dry flaky patches.

Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer ($35 US | 50 mL)

I shouldn’t have been surprised when the pump on this fluffy comforting cream stopped dispensing product this morning. I should have known from how much I relied on this moisturizer in this fall and winter and past experiences with this pump that it would give out without warning. Happily, I bought multiples last time after it went out of stock for a while. It’s soothing on the skin, doesn’t tend to sting, definitely helps with repairing the skin barrier and acts as a lightweight barrier cream for under a mask. Interestingly enough, it’s silicone free and shea butter based with glycerin, omega-rich plant oils, fatty acids, ceramides, squalane, sodium hyaluronate and nothing typically sensitizing. It sits well under makeup and sunscreens and offers richness and soothing while still being fairly lightweight. I love this stuff and it’s excellent value for money, even at full price and when I calculate the price into Canadian dollars… This is a product that I wish existed and I knew about in my teenage years. It’s brilliant for when your skin is sore and everything stings.

Cerave Itch Relief Cream ($27.99 CDN | 340g)

My primary eczema sites are my legs and arms, so moisturizing religiously is uber important. I’ve really enjoyed using this thick whipped cream. This rich cream tends to only sting very minimally on areas with broken skin. The texture of the cream is rich but it sinks in quickly and the best feature is that while the cream works to repair the barrier, it features 1% pramoxine hydrochloride to numb the itchiness without irritation. It contains glycerin, petrolatum, shea butter, dimethicone and ceramides. I’ve repurchased it already.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M ($25 CDN | 200 mL)

After I saw the new more eco-conscious cardboard tube packaging, I decided to give this fragrance-free lightweight whipped cream another try. It actually uses citric acid as a preservative, which can be much less irritating than phenoxyethanol and features shea butter, dimethicone, niacinamide, rapeseed oil, vitamin e and extracts with humectant ability. I did find that the cream felt light on the skin to such a degree that I had to use an awful lot of product on my dry body skin and that likely due to the amount of niacinamide, it could sting over more irritated patches. I would use again as a nice everyday moisturizer.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Chia + Flax Seed Coil Custard ($34 CDN | 177 mL)

While it’s called a custard, I found this product a go-to cream with a bit of hold, control and ridiculous clumping. It’s rich but gave good results on my fine mixture of waves and loose curls, helping to hold my spirals together and form in a more controlled fashion. I used this cream every single wash day for months happily and I can confirm, it’s concentrated enough to be worth the money. It contains castor seed oil, fatty alcohols, glycerin, shea butter, rice and keratin amino acids, hydrolyzed quinoa, fermented extracts and a few plant oils. I tend to use this cream paired with a gel but actually does hold up as a single styler. It was an instant repurchase.

Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle ($35.99 CDN | 227g)

Over the past six months, I’ve been trying out Curlsmith products and this true loosely-packed soufflé-texture gel has been among my favourites. It’s concentrated enough that it lasted me months — even using it most wash days — and offered medium-flexible hold that casts nicely with medium weight and medium moisture. For a gel, it’s very curl enhancing and encourages my waves to form spirals, even working well as a single styler. I tended to use it to top a gel for multiple day hair that I didn’t have to think too much about. It contains glycerin, babassu oil, irish moss, flaxseed extract, avocado oil and shea butter. I bought a backup before I even let myself finish this gel.

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