Woodwick Hearthwick Candles - Lavender Spa

I needed to seriously de-stress. not just in a general life sense, but deeply and subconsciously as well. 'Lavender Spa' appealed to me at this time.

This is a nice lavender candle which crackles loudly as it burns.
It is especially loud because of the larger wick surface.

The sound and the lavender scent it very soothing.

This would be a really nice alternative to a fireplace.

Because of the larger wick, it doesn't last as long as other candles of the same size.

Price: 1/5 ($47)
Scent: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
-.. --- . ... .- --. --- --- -.. ... -.-. .-. ..- -... .... . .-.. .--. ··--··

Podcast Review - Sleep With Me

I am yet to finish an episode of this show... because I keep falling asleep.

Ramblings, observations, and tattered stories, told to you in a relaxed manner by our host Scooter lull you to sleep. 
It's a bit like falling asleep with the television on except you aren't woken up by the blasting of an obnoxious advertisement.

Scooter doesn't focus on a concise story line and that is part of the genius, you aren't kept awake by focusing on a story.

It's interesting enough that you are happy to put it on and listen to it, but not so interesting that you stay awake.

I have been told that it gets quieter and more rambling as it goes on, but I can't confirm that, I've never been awake for that long.

Thank you Scooter, I look forward to going to bed now, sleep onset insomnia can't win against your show.

Category: Self Care
Rating: 5/5

Dr. Severin - For Women - Body Aftershave Balm - Original

I got this from the May Glossybox and was really looking forward to trying it.

Before I even took of the seal on this, there was white powder (plastic? free cocaine?!) cap... 

As a balm, it really is more of a gel.
It is soothing, it does the job.

However, you should probably never use it, because of the smell.
It's a mix of generic-male-marine, weird herbs, and hospital disinfectant.
And it's strong.

It is less potent after being on for a little bit, but still there and unpleasant.

It's like they just slapped some lame men's aftershave in a bottle and said 'This is for ladies now!'.

If you are going to sell a product that people they are meant to put over their skin, perhaps don't make it smell like the memory of serious illness.

Update: I noticed a few hours later that it gave me a rash...ugh.

Price: 2.5/5 ($49.77 for 200mL)
Scent: 0/5
Effectiveness: 0/5

Eau Thermale Avène - Soothing Moisture Mask

You put this mask on as a thick layer, wait 10-15 minutes, then dab off the excess with a cotton pad.

I, however, washed it off. 
It smells like mouldy oats and I don't need that smell staying on my face.

I did try dabbing it off and seeing how my skin felt... you can't just dab this! It leaves a weird residue on your face.

My skin felt a little better after I washed it off, both nothing great.

Price: 4/5 ($37.99 for 50mL, about 10 masks)
Scent: 1/5
Effectiveness: 1/5

Masquerade! - Lacura Spa - Cloth Facial Mask - Soothing

Brace yourself, it's Aldi again! :o

But unlike most Aldi reviews, I loved this and can't fault it! The soothing mask contains aloe vera and had a good amount of serum on the mask.
Very faint green smell and the mask easily fitted to the face :)

Masquerade! - nügg Face Mask - soothing

I was scared to try this, given I don't like the scent of chamomile, but it was actually very mild in terms of scent.
It was quite soothing (as the name suggests) and really enjoyed it.

It contains linseed, cranberry and grape seed oil as well.

Masquerade! - Etude House I Need You, Mugwort

This mask is meant to be soothing and brightening, with mugwort, honeysuckle, peach and ginkgo biloba. I really liked this one! My skin felt lovely afterwards :)