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Reviews
NOMA Baxter 4-Blade 6-Speed Ceiling Fan with Integrated LED Light Kit & Remote, Matte White, 48-in
I recently got the NOMA Baxter 4-Blade 6-Speed Ceiling Fan for my living room and I love how seamlessly this modern simple fan integrates with my old century home ceilings. My review is broken down in the sections below. DESIGN: This matte white... +
I recently got the NOMA Baxter 4-Blade 6-Speed Ceiling Fan for my living room and I love how seamlessly this modern simple fan integrates with my old century home ceilings. My review is broken down in the sections below.
DESIGN: This matte white fan is sleek and contemporary, and works really well in various interior styles, from minimalist modern to historic homes with old-fashioned finishes. There are four blades in two different colour options - one side is white, while the other is a light grey/brown wood-like finish, which I think is a very unique and practical feature of this fan. The fan light also provides you with options - it's dimmable and can emit both cool or warm lighting. I also love that this fan comes with a remote, which makes operation so convenient!
PERFORMANCE: One of the key performance highlights of this fan is that it has a powerful DC motor and yet it is so quiet! All the fans that I've ever had in the past only have a couple of settings, but this one has six, giving you so much control over the airflow! This is key for me at night when I'm trying to sleep. The fan's motor also allows for both summer cooling and winter heat distribution, promoting energy efficiency, with its reversible motor.
INSTALLATION: I only have basic home DIY skills, but I have installed light fixtures before, so I figured this couldn't be that much harder. I was a bit confused/uncertain by the instructions, so I watched a few Youtube videos on fan installation and that helped immensely. I was able to install this myself since the mounting bracket holds pretty much entire the weight of the fan, making it easy to do the wiring and rest of the install. Some of the fan parts had screws in them that you had to first take out, and I found that a couple weren't properly fitted to the holes, resulting in me accidentally stripping a few screws that wouldn't come out easily. Otherwise, install was a breeze!
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Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum Eye
This might be my new holy grail eye serum! Despite the fact that many people say that you don't really need a specific serum or moisturizer for under your eyes, I beg to differ, especially if you have dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness... +
This might be my new holy grail eye serum! Despite the fact that many people say that you don't really need a specific serum or moisturizer for under your eyes, I beg to differ, especially if you have dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, or crow's feet. This serum penetrates deep into the skin, immediately hydrating the delicate skin around my eyes, leaving the skin looking more vibrant and brighter!
First off, let's talk about this bottle! It has a beautiful mirror-like finish that's so shiny and sleek, which just looks so lovely on my vanity. The dispenser button functions in a unique way that's hard to describe, but makes using this product so fun! The serum comes out of three little holes, with each hole dispensing a different component of the serum, which then all mixes together. Applying it feels like a dream - the texture is so silky and it glides on effortlessly. It does leave behind a slightly sticky feeling that doesn't really go away, but the appearance is not greasy at all. This isn't an issue at nighttime, nor during the daytime, since my concealer applies over top easily and it actually keeps it from cracking throughout the day! I've been using this serum for a couple of weeks now and I TRULY have noticed a significant improvement in the appearance of my under-eye area. Fine lines were visibly diminished, dark circles were noticeably reduced, and my skin looked plumper and more radiant overall.
Here are some note-worthy ingredients in this serum:
𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞-𝘼𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜: niacinamide, adenosine, vit E, peptides
𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨: caffeine, vit C & E
𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨 + 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨: HA, glycerin, jojoba, vit F, and multiple fatty acids and glycols
𝙀𝙭𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙩: CSA
I received this product for free for my honest review.
@lancome.official #EYEHCFTRIPLESERUM #TRIPLESERUMEYECA
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Ozonol® Non-Stinging Ointment
Ozonol Non-Stinging Ointment is a really great option for those looking for quick and effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory relief of various skin irritations without the typical sting of an antiseptic formula. I love it contains so many... +
Ozonol Non-Stinging Ointment is a really great option for those looking for quick and effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory relief of various skin irritations without the typical sting of an antiseptic formula. I love it contains so many soothing and healing ingredients for those with sensitive skin, including lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, and beeswax. The antimicrobial/antibacterial effects are provided by natural ingredients like camphor (the oil comes from the wood of the Asian evergreen camphor tree), oregano oil, and ichthammol. The active ingredients are phenol (prevents growth of bacteria) and zinc oxide (treats/prevents skin irritation). The ointment glides smoothly onto the skin, forming a protective barrier offering relief for minor cuts, scrapes, burns, itching, and insect bites. The scent was a bit strong and medicinal, which is from the camphor oil, but it fades over time. Overall I'm super pleased with this product! -
L'Occitane Redefining and Cellulite-Reducing Artichoke Body Cream
L'Occitane's Artichoke Body Cream is a medium consistency, luxury cream that claims to reduce cellulite and redefine skin texture, so I put it to the test. First off, this packaging looks like something you'd get at a high-end store in France - the... +
L'Occitane's Artichoke Body Cream is a medium consistency, luxury cream that claims to reduce cellulite and redefine skin texture, so I put it to the test. First off, this packaging looks like something you'd get at a high-end store in France - the container is made of thick glass with beautiful raised lettering and a green/gold metal lid. Texture-wise, the cream is both rich and absorbent. It glides onto the skin smoothly, sinking in almost immediately. I will say that it leaves a bit of a shiny, greasy, slightly sticky residue, which I don't mind on my body, but I don't really love using it on my hands.
The key ingredient in this cream is artichoke leaf extract. Some benefits include: reduction in acne, eczema, rosacea, dry skin, wrinkles and fine lines. It can also improve skin tone and elasticity. It contains some emollients (shea and sunflower seed oil) and antioxidants (caffeine, vit E) as well. I analyzed the entire ingredients list in detail and I was surprised by how few "beneficial" and "stand-out" ingredients it contained. On top of that, there were some not-so-great perfuming ingredients (fragrance, eugenol, menthol), which can be allergenic and bad for sensitive skin.
The scent is fresh and botanical, which I liked at first, but after wearing it for some time, I found that it almost started to seem a bit intense and harsh, and reminded me of something I might find at the Body Shop. It sort of lacked that "high-end" smell that I'd expect from a product like this.
Overall, this cream is incredibly hydrating and I love using it at night after I shower. My skin is instantly moisturized and I have noticed a bit of a reduction in the stretchmarks and cellulite on my thighs, so I will happily keep using it!I received this product for free for my honest review.
- Product received for free from L'Occitane Canada in exchange for an honest review.
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Giorgio Armani PRISMA GLASS LIP GLOSS
I recently tried the Armani PRISMA Glass Lip Gloss in Shade 02 - Candy Halo, which is the loveliest shade of pink! This high-end gloss is right up my alley because it's super hydrating, non-sticky, and is more of a lip oil than a gloss. The biggest... +
I recently tried the Armani PRISMA Glass Lip Gloss in Shade 02 - Candy Halo, which is the loveliest shade of pink! This high-end gloss is right up my alley because it's super hydrating, non-sticky, and is more of a lip oil than a gloss. The biggest draw for me was that it contains 15% plant-based squalane, which is a powerful emollient that quickly absorbs into the skin, repairs dry skin, evens out texture, and restores suppleness. I bite my lips a lot which results in me often having dry chapped lips, making it difficult to find lip products that look good. This lip gloss has truly been a godsend in that aspect!
The formula is so glossy and juicy, giving my lips a really plump high-shine look that just catches the light in all the right ways. I like to wear it alone or layered over lipstick - both give a really stunning result. There are seven shades to choose from, including soft nudes, vibrant pinks, and deep reds, all of which I think would suit a large range of skin types. This gloss also has great longevity that really holds up throughout the day, with minimal need for touch-ups.
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Urban Decay Face Bond Waterproof Foundation
Urban Decay is a makeup brand that I know we all trust and love, including myself, so I could not wait to get my hands on their new Face Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation! I tried the shade Light Medium Cool as someone with a fair to medium... +
Urban Decay is a makeup brand that I know we all trust and love, including myself, so I could not wait to get my hands on their new Face Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation! I tried the shade Light Medium Cool as someone with a fair to medium skin tone with cool undertones. I will say off the bat that this does have more of an orangey warmer tint to it, so if you have cool/olive skin, this won't be the match for you. Once the foundation is blended out on the skin and dries down, the orange tinge does mellow out a bit.
In terms of coverage, I'd say this foundation is completely buildable! Whether you're aiming for a sheer everyday look, or full coverage and glam, this foundation has you covered. A few drops will give you a nice lightweight, breathable base that evens out imperfections. You can also layer it up to cover up blemishes, dark spots, and even acne scars without it feeling like a cakey mask.
This formula is also waterproof and long-wearing, so I put it to the test on a busy day filled with meetings, errands, and even a gym session, and it totally held up! I didn't experience any creasing, fading, transfer, and found it to be quite sweat-proof! I have very dry skin, even in the spring/summer, so the fact that the formula contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and niacinamide (3%), means my skin stays hydrated, despite this foundation having a matte finish.
- Product received for free from Urban Decay Canada in exchange for an honest review.
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Grown Alchemist Skin Renewal Serum
This lightweight gel-like serum is so deliciously hydrating and is made up of a really cool lineup of ingredients. Grown Alchemist is known for its commitment to using natural and effective ingredients, and this one is packed with potent botanical... +
This lightweight gel-like serum is so deliciously hydrating and is made up of a really cool lineup of ingredients. Grown Alchemist is known for its commitment to using natural and effective ingredients, and this one is packed with potent botanical extracts and bioactive ingredients, formulated to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. First we have niacinamide, which is one of my favourite skincare ingredients right now - it's a multi-functional skincare superstar that helps with anti-aging, skin lightening, skin barrier repair, oiliness, and is anti-inflammatory. It also has Ashwagandha, which protects against UV, pollution, and climate damage, and also reduces inflammation. It's also got some other nice soothing ingredients like Vit E, panthenol, and HA. I was disappointed though how many perfuming ingredients it has, including some of the most harmful ones, like geraniol, linalool, and citronellol. It also contains rose geranium, which is the main scent of this product. It's pleasant overall, but a bit overpowering. Despite some of the poor ingredients, I do like the key beneficial ingredients it contains, and I love how this serum feels on my skin - it soaks right in, is hydrating, and brightens my skin.
- Product received for free from Grown Alchemist in exchange for an honest review.
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Grown Alchemist Instant Smoothing Serum
This vegan hyaluronic acid serum is very hydrating, lightweight, almost silky in consistency, effortlessly gliding onto the skin without any greasy residue. The consistency is watery and it is unscented. I apply this immediately after cleansing and... +
This vegan hyaluronic acid serum is very hydrating, lightweight, almost silky in consistency, effortlessly gliding onto the skin without any greasy residue. The consistency is watery and it is unscented. I apply this immediately after cleansing and putting on a hydrating toner, then I layer moisturizer on top. As much as I feel like this serum does what it's supposed to, it really is just HA and not much else. The ingredients list only has 4 ingredients: Water, Sodium Hyaluronate (the salt form of HA), Benzyl Alcohol (solvent/preservative/fragrance), and Dehydroacetic Acid (preservative). You're literally paying $75 for 25mL of plain old HA.
- Product received for free from Grown Alchemist in exchange for an honest review.
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YSL LOVESHINE LIPSTICK
I almost always find myself reaching for a subtle sheer lipstick over a bold, pigmented, matte lip, since I find they just suit my face and complexion SO much better. That said, YSL's new Loveshine Lipsticks immediately caught my eye! They're... +
I almost always find myself reaching for a subtle sheer lipstick over a bold, pigmented, matte lip, since I find they just suit my face and complexion SO much better. That said, YSL's new Loveshine Lipsticks immediately caught my eye! They're marketed as "lip oil sticks" that provide "24h hydration" and give your lips a wet, shiny, plump look.
Firstly, YSL never disappoints with their high-end lux product packaging. This bullet lipstick has a beautiful silver metal case, with a clear window in the middle showing the product inside. Upon application, the lipstick glides on effortlessly, with a rich, creamy texture that feels so indulgent and hydrating on your lips. What sets this lipstick apart is its unique formula, which is infused with light-reflecting pigments, creating a luminous, glossy finish. The formula also contains nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, pro-xylane, fig pulp, and 6 pure nourishing oils. The smell was also a nice surprise, which is a very light watermelon/peach scent. In terms of longevity, the lipstick has strong staying power, but since it is more of a lip oil, I do find myself reapplying throughout the day similar to a lip gloss or chapstick.
The shade Nude Lavalliere (44) is a lovely coral pink with a hint of shimmer, which matched my olive skin tone beautifully and just added a radiance and glow to my overall makeup look. It reflects light so beautifully and my lips just look so plump and full when I put this lipstick on. I also like that although the pigment is sheer, the colour IS buildable. I can't wait to try out more shades!
I received these products for free for my honest feedback.
#yslbeauty #loveshine #yslloveshine
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YSL Lashclash Mascara
As an avid mascara enthusiast who's always on the search for the best mascara that gives volume and lift that lasts all day, it's safe to say that I've found one of my new favourites! I recently tried the new Lashclash Mascara by @yslbeauty and was... +
As an avid mascara enthusiast who's always on the search for the best mascara that gives volume and lift that lasts all day, it's safe to say that I've found one of my new favourites! I recently tried the new Lashclash Mascara by @yslbeauty and was unbelievably impressed!
First off, this packaging is SLEEK! The simple matte black tube embossed with shiny royal blue "YSL" on the side just screeeams luxury. Honestly, I feel so bougie whenever I use this mascara. The wand itself is conical and quite thick (thicker at the base), and the bristles are really dense. I'm typically used to using a thinner straight uniform brush with rubber bristles, so it was a bit of an adjustment, but overall was super easy to use and apply. With just a few swipes, my lashes underwent a noticeable transformation - the bristles evenly coat each lash, lifting and separating them with precision. I applied two coats and my lashes appeared noticeably longer, thicker, and more voluminous, achieving an almost "falsies" look!
The "wear test" also won with flying colours - my lashes remained curled and defined, without any smudging or flaking until the evening. The formula is an intense black pigment that added drama and depth to my lashes, really making my eyes pop. Despite its bold impact, the mascara felt surprisingly lightweight, avoiding the heavy, clumpy sensation that some mascara formulas have.
Obviously with any luxury brand, price can be a downside for a lot of people - one tube costs $40 but after trying premium mascaras compared to drugstore, I can say that the difference is noticeable and worth the investment for me. #yslbeauty, #lashclash, #lashto300, #ysllashclash
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