Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Review

I have always loved the world of beauty. In fact one of my first jobs ever was working as a perfume demo at a local department store. Yes I was one of those ladies! but I have to say despite the majority of shoppers finding us perfume demonstrators annoying I loved it. Demo-ing allowed me to talk to people about all things beauty, play with different luxury makeup and to discover the world fancy fragrances. Now I’m not one to knock a Brittany perfume, but while my friends were wearing Fantasy my access to fine fragrances allowed me to dabble in Chanel, Dior and Hermès. One of my favourites of the time was Classique by Jean Paul Gaultier and between you and I it still holds its own today and here’s why… 

The juice. Classique is a what I would call a traditional spicy oriental. While it’s not as spicy as Dior’s Addict or Chanel’s Coco it has that subtle warmness kind of like a cashmere sweater on a cool spring day. The notes also include warm vanilla, a subtle dash of rum and a touch of rose. The overall effect is smooth, slightly powdery with a slight touch floral. It’s a the kind of fragrance that’s a feels like a comforting hug, from a well-groomed lady. It’s classy and as it wears the vanilla, and amber make this one hell of an intoxicating fragrance. 

I wish I could sit here and say that it was the scent that attracted to me Classique, but the truth is it’s all about the bottle. I think over the years this women silhouette bottle has been replicated time and time again. However between you and I it’s never looked quite as good as the original Classique. While I’m not one to purchase any fragrance based on bottle shape I have to say I thoroughly enjoy displaying this on my dressing table. 

Classique is warm, easy to wear and inviting. While it might not be as popular as Chanel No 5 or Dior’s J’adore, Classique holds its own. It’s both loveable and kind to its wearer and the bottle is a standout. If you’re looking for a new fragrance put that bottle of celebrity fragrance down and try Jean Paul Classique, I can't recommend this stuff enough. 

Let’s Hit the Bottle… With Philips Avent!

With so many baby bottle options out there, finding the right one for your little one can be a daunting task. When I first had Everleigh I was all into a ‘hippy’, ‘earthy’, ‘natural’ lifestyle. Now I’m not knocking any lifestyle choices out there, but I use these terms very loosely on myself because this organic, hippy way of living only lasted 3 months (and I’m being generous). It basically ended when my cravings for donuts became a full-fledged addiction and when my exclusively breastfeeding ways became ‘I need sleep, someone give her a bottle’. 

Keeping up with the organic mama (but paired down) theme we opted to use glass bottles. It didn’t take us long to realize this option wasn’t the best. The bottles were heavy, breakable and as Everleigh learnt how to toss them off her high chair, these heavy bottles became a safety risk for our dog, Lola. The next bottle we opted for was plastic, lightweight and less of a hazard for the pets in our house. However the pitfall to this popular baby bottle was that it had about a million parts. Which means there are a million parts to wash and to inevitably lose. Should you want to skip out on the bottles inner workings, the bottle leaks and by leaks I mean they empty. Trust me I have a sour smelling diaper bag to prove it. 

Stinky, discouraged and now an owner of terrified dog my bottle experiences where nothing short of a catastrophe. What I was craving was a baby bottle that was easy to wash and toss friendly. Something that loosely resembled a breast, and something easy for Everleigh to hold. Just a simple, easy to use baby bottle… 

My bottle journey lead me to Philips Avent Natural bottle and between you and I haven’t looked back since. Firstly these bottles are easy to wash, and uncomplicated to put together. The bottle itself only contains 3 parts (not including the lid) and they can be easy washed by a regular kitchen sponge. You could use a bottle cleaner should you be feeling fancy… I truthfully never feel this classy. Next up, I love that the Avent nipples are interchangeable. Meaning should I want to make Everleigh’s sippy cup a bottle in a pinch I can do so. For trips and vacations packing an extra nipple as oppose to a whole bottle can really save room in your carry on. 

Breastfeeding moms also will be happy to know that this bottle really imitates the natural contours of a boob… I can’t believe I just said that! However as my own breastfeeding journey comes to an end it’s nice to see Everleigh take comfort in her bottle through this transition. Furthermore this bottle doesn’t leak, has an anti colic valve, it's easy for baby to hold and it’s BPA free. 

Whole heartily we have loved this bottle, in fact my only regret is not using this bottle sooner. If you’re someone who’s having a disaster bottle situation I can’t recommend the Philips Avent Natural bottle enough. Likewise if you are pregnant or know someone who’s pregnant this is a gift that will save a lot of guesswork. Definitely on the top of my Mama must haves is the Philips Avent Natural Bottle.

*This blog post is sponsored by Philips Avent and PTPA. All opinions on my blog are entirely my own. Our family has throughly enjoyed these bottles, and would recommend them for any parent out there!

Philips Avent Bottles Giveaway - March/April 2017

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm

I’ve done so many skin care reviews lately I thought today let’s keep thing simple and talk lip balm. Not that skincare is complicated, but just because lip balm is one of those products that doesn’t require much research, testing or insight. It’s the kind of product that you can try once and even in the first application formulate some sort of opinion on. So with its cute mauve and mint green packaging let’s tackle Pixi’s Shea Butter Lip Balm. 

While Pixi calls this a lip balm, I would consider this an anti-lipstick. Meaning you’re getting all the pigmentation you would in a lipstick but as far as texture goes this is as light and as hydrating as a lip balm. The formula features moisturizing shea butter as well as protective vitamin C. In comparison to many glossy finished tined lip balms I’ve tried Natural Rose applies semi-matte on my lips. Actually I have to say natural rose is a stunning true your lips but better colour. Which is perfect if you want to get on the matte lipstick train but fear having dry prune like lips all day. 

Pixi’s Shea Butter Lip Balm the kind of lip product that you can just throw on, making it a perfect low maintenance product for girls on the go. In addition the packing is cute, the formula doesn’t contain any nasties and at $10.00 a pop it’s an excellent budget friendly lip product. For all those MAC lipstick lovers out there I find the scent almost identical. If you’re on the market for a new lip product or if your just a balm addict like myself, definitely check out the Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm.

The Ordinary Buffet Serum Review

I am really having a moment with Deciem products right now. There products and brands philosophy is completely cutting edge and their Ordinary range is dare I say revolutionary. Yes, other brands take note the Ordinary is all about effective ingredients that give you scientifically proven results but at a fraction of the cost. The Ordinary range can do this by using already established formula's. Meaning you are not getting cutting edge technology here, but you are getting well-known formula's that work. Actually the whole range has made me reevaluate the some of the skincare I already own; I love Sunday’s Good Gene’s but is it really worth it? Furthermore this range could bring quality skincare to the masses, which I am 100% in board for. I digress; today I’m reviewing Deciem’s Buffet Serum so let’s begin. 

Buffet really is an all you can eat experience for your skin. It features hyaluronic acid that helps plump and hydrate your skin by retaining 1000 times weight in water. I have to say my skin responds well to hyaluronic acid, making it one of my favourite ingredients of all time. Next this serum features Matrixyl 3000 which is a peptide that mimics the effect of broken down collagen. The damaged collagen structure actually causes your skin to react by making more collagen and elastin. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy this serum also contains Matrixyl and Matrixyl Synthe C. These two peptides help stimulate collagen and repair damage done to the face. 

Buffet also features Syn-ake. This ingredient mimics the effect of snake venom, allowing for temporary muscular paralysis. This totally sounds terrifying but it’s not trust me, I see Syn-ake like a topical form of Botox. It works, but just like Botox the effects are short-term. Interestingly products that usually use Syn-ake typically cost a small fortune, however since this is a part of The Ordinary range you’ll be happy to hear that this product is very affordable. 

So all this technology in one small glass bottle I know your dying to know how much does it cost. The truth is this serum is an absolute steal coming in at $14.80 per a 30ml bottle. The texture is light and the serum itself is easily absorbed by the skin. While some people have categorized this as an ‘anti-aging’ product I would say if aging is on your mind you can use this. Also since this serum is oil free and scent free oily skin types and sensitive skin types can use this too. I should add the Buffet is also cruelty free, paraben free, vegan and silicone free too. I can’t say enough positive things about Buffet because it’s the kind of product that you need to stop what you’re doing and get a bottle ASAP.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors Review

Lately I have been trying out some products from The Ordinary and I have to say they have changed the way I look at skincare. I would even as far as to say these products will change the skincare industry. The Ordinary Range features products that offers familiar technology, but at a fraction of the price. Meaning this line isn’t meant to be cutting edge, but the formulas are effective and fairly priced. Clinically tested formula’s, inexpensive prices, no nasty ingredients and no BS marketing tactics this is the kind of mission statement I wish more brands had. 

I love The Ordinary range, however my first experiences with Deciem (The Ordinary’s mother company) were not the greatest. Back in the day I was testing their hair removal serum. Between you I found this product hair removal serum slightly on the confusing side. Now three years later, I am happy to report there is nothing confusing about Deciem’s, The Ordinary range it’s just straight forward respectable skincare products. Over the past couple of months I’ve tried a few things about Deciem and the truth is I don’t have a single bad thing to say. 

… I can seriously talk all day. So let’s start my chain of Ordinary reviews with one of my favourite products thus far Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. 

Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) is a simple moisturizer. This product aims at keeping the outer layer of skin protected and hydrated. This product despite being simple contains everything your skin needs this including 11 plumping amino acids, nourishing fatty acids and hydrating hyaluronic acid. The overall result is a moisturizer that really locks in moisture, but doesn't feel greasy or heavy. In fact this moisturizer is vegan, paraben free, fragrance free, oil free, cruelty free and the handy plastic tube makes it portable and sanitary.

So how much does this handy moisturizer cost? $5.90 Yes people this moisturizer happens to be one of the best beauty deals I've ever seen. In comparison to other moisturizers I've tried this bargain moisturizer holds it own. Perfect for most skin types including dry, sensitive and acne prone skin I can't recommend this enough. So if you were on the market for a product that has cutting edge technology this might not be for you. However if you needed a really good moisturizer, that works you need to stop what your doing and get this now. 

$5.90 and can be bought here. 

February Favourites

A part of this month was spent on the beach, which the other part was spent in a parka. Basically what I'm getting to is I have one hell of a mixed bag of favourites for you. I also have a new skin care range I've been trying which I am absolutely ecstatic about. So ladies (and gents, I'm not leaving anyone out) here are my February Favourites.

MAC Patina

Patina is an excellent everyday, work friendly wash of colour. I've blogged about this in the past but I just can't get over how perfect this shade is, even alone. If you have rushed mornings and crave a pretty wash of colour MAC Patina is a makeup bag must.

Fresh Sugar Lemon Lotion

I love the Fresh Sugar Lemon scent its fresh, zingy yet some how remains classy. The Fresh lotion is amazing as it's both light weight, and yet ultra hydrating. I've used up three bottles of these over the years and I will continue to buy more.

On a side note I love using this after a long day in the sun. I find the refreshing scent works well in humid weather too.

Deciem The Ordinary

I am currently testing out some of The Ordinary products and I have been absolutely obsessed with this range. Currently, I've been using the Natural Moisturizing Factors, Buffet, Lactic Acid 10% and there Hyaluronic Acid 2% and I have been in love. I've been so smitten with these product's that each product deserves a review... which I'm going to do! However for now all you need to know is these products are inexpensive, but feature some solid skincare ingredients. They are a must!

Trust me a review to come soon!

Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist

Another skincare obsession for me over the past month has been the Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist. This mist is by far the best facial mist I've ever tried. To be honest I don't even know why I'm calling it a mist because its so dense in hydrating hyaluronic acid that it should be called moisturizer in a bottle. If you needed a midday refresh Pixi's Hydrating Milky mist is for you. Likewise if you have normal to oily skin this would be the perfect easy hands free moisturizer.

I love all of my favourites here, but I have to say I am super excited about the Deciem products. As mentioned I do have reviews coming soon so do check out the blog soon. Anyways I hope all of you are having an excellent weekend and thank you for stopping by. 

Etival Aqua Serge Night Butter

I didn't know anything about Etival skin care. And to be honest after hours of trying to find something, anything about the range I'm still back where I started. Let's go back to the beginning... shall we? 

I was walking through a drugstore (as one who is obsessed with skin care usually does) and I saw the majority of the Etival range on sale. Typically, I am not this impulsive but there was something about the baby blue box and the claims of hydration that made me think 'this could be the next best thing'. I also liked how they threw butter into the name. In my mind I was expecting a balm like moisturizer, thick, hydrating and perfect for my dry prone skin. 

In reality this moisturizer is a far cry from my expectations. Firstly, this 'butter' moisturizer is has a gel consistency. If you were thinking, this must be moisture central ... think again because this moisturizer is mildly hydrating (and I'm being generous). Next up, the scent. Typically, I'm not one to knock a product due to scent, but since this had so much perfume that it actually burnt my skin I thought it should be noted. What I'm getting to is Etival's Aqua Serge is pretty much everything I would expect from a cheap drugstore moisturizer. 

To further add to my frustration Etival's website does not feature ingredient listings or contact information. Etival doesn't even have Facebook page, nor does it have Instagram or Twitter. The only thing that I was able to tell from Etival's website is that it's sold at Shoppers Drug Mart. Which leads me to believe that this is Shopper's Drug Mart's attempt to get some market space in the skin care world. 

I love trying new skincare in hopes that there is an affordable hidden gem out there. Etival Aqua Serge Night Butter is not this product. It's drying, overly scent and poorly formulated. The lack of online support also aids to my frustration. Even though this came in at the $10.00 mark this product is a huge pass for me. 

Regular price ??? I payed just $10.99 and it was on sale. 

Bought at Shoppers Drug Mart