Empties: CeraVe, Boscia FootLogix, L’Oreal, Rare Beauty

TextSome empties from the past couple of weeks. Yes, not one but 2 Cerave face washes. I had both the foaming cleanser and the Cream to Foam cleanser on the go, and the Cream to Foam is my favourite. It’s a more cushiony texture that’s still washes clean. I liked it and I love the size of these face washes and the price point. Honestly, I’ll never stop buying and using drugstore cleansers.

Boscia retinoid oil was easy to use. An oil always feels moisturizing so I love that. I also ran out of my Boscia body lotion and I adored that! It was light and absorbed quickly!!!

Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé. This is a creamy matte lip colour. I got it free with a Sephora order and I probably wouldn’t rebuy it. I didn’t love this colour and the finish was drying but not long-wearing. I’ve been wearing more glossy lipsticks these days.

The Footlogix foam was a waste of money. I got talked into getting it by my aesthetician and honestly a $10 urea cream feels better and actually makes a difference.

L’Oréal Voluminous Balm mascara. I loved this but I’m not going to rebuy. It got clumpy and ran out pretty quickly!

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Use that Fancy Soap

TextLife’s too short to not use your bougie soap, especially when it’s made by a perfumer. Maria Candida Gentile beauty soap. Sometimes in the shower, I forget what it is I’m using, but the amazing scent of this perfume blows me away.

The scent doesn’t last but it smells amazing in the shower. I’m not sure which particular scent this is, but it’s a mixture of herbal and ambery notes. You can find soaps on the Maria Candida Gentile website.

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Hyperpigmentation Skincare Routine

I’ve been doing this skincare routine since January.  I’d been noticing some pigmentation around my jawline and finally brought it up to my doctor.  She recommended that I use a retinoid and then go from there…

I think the most important thing that I’ve learned is that there’s no ONE ingredient that will do all the work, so it’s better to use a combination of ingredients in your routine. Most importantly, sunscreen will help you keep the results you’ve worked for. And retinoids are still the gold standard in working towards better skin. Here’s what I’ve been using since January, and right now I’m at a place where I like my skin without makeup and I think it has improved.

The first product has to be sunscreen. It has to be. I wear it everyday, yes, even if I’m inside, and if it’s cloudy. There’s just no other way. What if it’s cloudy and then the sun comes out and I’ve gone for a walk? Well, I’ll probably forget to put it on, so I just have it on all the time no matter what. It’s part of my morning routine. I’m using the Murad Environmental Shield. Someone on my Youtube complained about the $70 price tag, but I like it and it’s very moisturizing too. ANY sunscreen is good as long as you’re using it lots.

The second product is prescription tret, yes, prescribed by my doctor when I complained about pigmentation. My skin is still flaking off all the time, but I’ve gotten into a bit of a routine with this. I’ve worked up to using it twice a week with a minimal amount of peeling.
Tranexamic Acid and niacin or niacinamide. Vichy or The A Method. I use one or the other and they’re both pretty gentle actually. The Vichy one also has Niacin in it (vitamin B3) which is known to keep skin looking more clear.  The A Method actually says that their tranexamic acid is at a 10%.  Although it seems high, there’s no stinging on your skin.

Vitamin C at a decent percentage. This Boscia Vitamin C is still one of my favourites. It’s 10% and has a light texture.

10% Azelaic Acid Booster from PC or the Vivier Corrector 2. Both of these are over-the-counter products and they seem to be lasting forever.

Have you tried any of these? Do you struggle with hyperpigmentation yourself? Is there anything you’d want to try?

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How to Choose the Best Roofing Company for your Home

Fixing a roof may not be as expensive as getting a new one, but they are both
investments. Real estate agents invest a lot into house roofing because they
understand its implications in building a home’s value. Whether you are buying a new
roofing sheet or not, your contractor needs to play a role in the selection process. The
quality of your roof also helps to showcase the contractor’s work. Hence, you must
balance the contractor’s proficiency and roofing materials for quality results. Having
understood the importance of proficient roofing company services, what steps do you
need to take?

The Price of Using Established Roofing Companies
Although a higher price does not guarantee quality services, it is one of the criteria of
established roofing companies. However, if you select highly recognized companies
worldwide, you should be ready to spend extra money. You will get the best services
from these highly recognized companies, but you can also try local services. Some of
these local services are experts in the industry but may not have the opportunity to
receive global recognition. You can choose local options while searching for roofing
contractors near me.

Choosing an Understanding Roofing Company
An understanding roofing company often earns loyal customers. Hence, this is a crucial
factor you want to consider while searching for roofing
companies in your area
. An understanding company is always ready to listen to
customers’ inquiries and proffer solutions. Maintaining your home roof may be
challenging, especially when you are new to the system.

You need an understanding company while searching for roofing installers near me.
This is based on the requests and inquiries you are likely to make. If the company lacks
good customer relations, it may frustrate you and prevent you from getting clarity. One
of the clarities you need is to identify the job history of your potential roofing installer. A
reputable roofing company should be able to provide references from last month, based
on request. You can also request certification and licensing documents that prove the
company’s authenticity. Usually, many state regulators will not allow a company to operate without its licenses. Hence, this will save you from any legal issues that may
surface in the future.

Confirm if the Company Uses its Products

Some companies are equipped to use their products during installation, while others
use from other manufacturers. Confirm if the product brands are popular in the market.
This makes it easier to find a replacement for any faulty roofing material. You will realize
that some of these companies have a third-party company as you search for roofing
companies near me. You are safe if the manufacturers are well known in the roofing
industry. It builds your confidence, as you are sure to get nothing short of quality roofing
service.

Consider Nearby Roofing Services

You do not need to look for while searching for roofing companies near me. Inputting
your location as a keyword will help you streamline your search result to your needs.
With the help of Goggle maps, you can also locate roofing companies close to you. It
allows you to reach out faster and relay every complaint you have. Also, a local service
strengthens the safety of your roofing material. You can walk into the store to confirm
that everything is in order. However, a reputable

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Zoologist Bee Perfume Review

I’m full of sugar so sweet gourmand perfumes are not for me. Anything sweet just gets sweeter and I can’t take it.

Many years ago, I was at a perfume event, and we all passed around the same bottle of perfume and sprayed it on ourselves. The lady I was sitting next to asked if she could smell it on me and compared it to what she was smelling on herself. Sure enough, the perfume on my arm had distinct caramel notes, while hers didn’t.

I was wooed by a little sample of Zoologist Bee, which wore so differently than the spray that I have here. When I dabbed the sample on the back of my hand, I got the florals (orange blossom, mimosa), and beeswax, rich and interesting. But when I sprayed this on myself, I got an overdose of sweet honey that seemed to get more and more cloying on my skin as it heated up. I’m not a gourmand-lover at the best of times, and this is a very sweet perfume.

People have told me that the dry down is what kept them coming back… the ginger and vanilla, tonka and benzoin… but they’re all sweet and create a final effect that’s just so sweet that it makes the back of my throat dry and itchy, makes me crave water and a shower.

But, if you’re into sweet perfumes, this one is for you, and Zoologist continues to make interesting perfumes.

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Diptyque Do Son

Everyone deserves nice perfume. At least one bottle.

Some people can find what they love at Sephora or a department store, but others want something different, and if that’s you, then your starting point needs to be Diptyque, arguably the very first niche perfume house ever. Unfortunately, the person at my local Diptyque counter is useless, and insists on selling me Eau Rose, which is the best-seller but definitely not for everyone. It’s the one that’s an easy sell but that doesn’t mean it’s the best.

You need to start with Tam Dao if you want Sandalwood, or Do Son, which is what I put on today after a hot hot day outside.

Do Son came out in 2005 and is a white floral perfume but don’t let that turn you off. It’s actually so much more than that.

Inspired by a vacation resort in Indochina, this scent feels like an upscale resort. The tuberose has coconut with it and a bit of warm green. There’s a slightly aquatic feel not unlike a seabreeze. It’s absolutely perfect for spring or summer, and it really worked today.

I went to the Calgary Stampede today (the greatest outdoor show on Earth?, rides, cotton candy, horses), where the grounds are hot and unforgiving under a July sun, and I kept dousing myself in sunscreen. I needed to change the air when I got home, and reached for Do Son. Probably because it’s been on my mind. Do Son wears quite sheer, and has the rounded corners that are the hallmark of Diptyque. This would be a safe and discreet scent, especially for close quarters. It’s very chill. I have the EDT, but it also comes in an EDP. I find the toilette to be softer, fresher, and I enjoy that.

People say that Do Son is Diptyque’s version of Carnal Flower but they’re totally different. Carnal Flower feels damp, Do Son is watery. Serge Lutens Tubereuse Criminelle is minty, Datura Noir is sweeter.

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L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Noir Balm Mascara Review

The marketing has been everywhere, and I finally tested out this L’Oreal Voluminous Noir Balm mascara. I know… mascara-balm.. it’s weird. Just like lip oils are weird. Every time I use one that’s an oil, I get that sensation of eating pizza as a little kid and having oils all over my lips. I hate it.

Text

Anyway, the idea of a balm mascara appealed to me… this would be nourishing and look good, no? I have a terrible time with normal mascara. it smears everywhere. I have oily lids, and lashes that end up touching my brown bone, so there’s always mascara everywhere, and most days I stick with tubing mascaras, so if I’m smart, this is something I should avoid, right?… well I just had to try it. I mean look at the glass tube. it’s really lux looking and just spoke to me.

I went into a drugstore to mail a package, and got this on my way out. I also smelled lots of perfume, but I also got this.

The wand also sold it to me. I love a rubber-bristled wand.

Turns out I don’t hate this! It goes on so easily. The formula is perfect and it does really remind me of a balm. It’s waxy and not too wet, layers well, and doesn’t flake.

Unlike a balm, this did not smudge and smear all over my face, and I think it looked pretty good at the end of the day, but there was a bit of flaking.

Have you tried this? Does mascara normally smudge on you? Drop your fav in the comments, please!

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Chanel Paris-Venise Perfume Review Video

Do you have a favourite from Chanel?

Perfumer: Olivier Polge

Launched in 2018.

Official notes: neroli, vanilla, tonka.

Available in 50ml and 125ml. I have the 125ml bottle. I ordered online from Holt Renfrew but if you order from the Chanel website, they’ll gift-wrap it and include samples.

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Aesop Tacit

You say basil, I say spaaaa, because that’s what Aesop Tacit smells like.

TextI have a strange relationship with this perfume, and let me know if you’ve ever experienced this: when I’m already in a good mood, I like it, but if I’m in a bad mood, it just pisses me off even more. It’s like a fly buzzing around my head while I’m trying to focus, and I do not enjoy it at all.

So weird.

 

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Scents of Wood Oud in Acacia Perfume Review

This is like warm spiced drink on a cool day, and I think it’ll appeal to a lot of people.

Scents of Wood Oud in Acacia. In a market where everything seems to be done already, this brand ages their alcohol in barrels and then creates the perfume with the result. A resulting woodiness in all aspects of the perfume is part of the brand identity, and Oud in Acacia is interesting because it’s essentially wood in more wood… but without that generic woody dry down we’ve all become familiar with.

TextThis is a slightly sweet perfume, that’s quite ambery, boozy (there’s definitely a rum accord in there), and a bit spicy.  The opening has a yummy candied rose that’s positively delectable, but if you’re not really a rose person, don’t worry because this aspect of the perfume is quite fleeting and doesn’t last very long.  Despite the rose, I actually think that this perfume is fairly unisex.

The oud is sweet rather than being dirty or medicinal. The drydown is absolutely delectable and where the immortelle shines, with its maple syrup facets, and a touch of vanilla adds to the yumminess of this perfume.

This isn’t something I would normally buy or even try, but it’s so beautiful and I’m enjoying it quite a bit.

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