Wednesday, September 26, 2012

September Favorites!

This month I decided to feature products that I am coveting right now, but that I haven't yet reviewed (save for two items that I just reviewed this week). These are either new products in my arsenal, or those that I have recently rediscovered and am reaching for with great frequency. I am hopelessly smitten with these products, and this post is my Ode to them! That said, I will keep my comments short and sweet since I will be reviewing each of them individually in the coming weeks.

Skincare Products Left to Right and Clockwise:
1) Sponge Krema Imeras (Anti-Aging Day Cream)- I am generally not prone to purchasing skincare products before trying a sample first since my combination skin can, at times, be rather reactive to new things. However, I am so taken by Sponge Skincare products, and they work so well for me that I wasn't at all reluctant to buy Krema Imeras before trying it. This is an antioxidant rich anti-aging daily moisturizer that is infused with Linden, Sage and Rosemary. The smell is delectable and it feels divine on the skin. I'm so glad that I bought this-- it's definitely another hit from Sponge!

2) Sponge Krema Triantafillo (Rose Sage Cream)- I tried several sample packets of Krema Triantafillo, and knew that I was going to buy a bottle before I finished the first packet. This lovely cream can be used day or night and is a sumptuous tactile experienced. It is infused with Rose Hips and Sage and was specifically formulated for sensitive skin. It is light and hydrating, and it feels soothing and comfortable on the skin.

3) Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil- Olio Lusso is an ultra luxurious face oil that I am finding rather addictive and intoxicating. First of all this delightful elixir smells of Jasmine which is known for having a calming effect, and which is an effective skin softener. What I find remarkable about this oil is how quickly it sinks into the skin (more so than any other face oil that I have used) and leaves it hydrated and glowing. I was concerned that I would be off put by the scent, but instead am delighted by it. The scent does fade, but the benefits of this liquid gold do not! I'm in love!

5) Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder- This is simply an extraordinary product. This is a water activated enzyme powder that exfoliates the skin without any harsh abrasives, and it literally leaves your skin baby soft. Unbelievable product!

6) FutureDerm Time-Release Retinol 0.5- I love using retinol products at night, and this one is a highly effective gel-based formula that packs a real punch. While it is gentle, it really means business. It also has a very reasonable price point- which is even better!

7) Reviva Labs Microdermabrasion Pomegranate Scrub (reviewed here)- This is the best scrub that I have tried in a very long time. It is so gentle and effective, and my skin is glowing and smooth with a renewed clarity after use.

8) Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil- I am a big fan of cleansing oils, and this is the best one that I have ever tried. It is formulated without mineral oil, and is ideal for all skin types according to Tatcha. It cleans everything off of my skin effortlessly.

9) Rodin Olio Lusso Lip Balm (reviewed here)- This is my new favorite lip balm, without question. It leaves my lips so hydrated, and it feels so comfortable on the lips. It doesn't hurt that the gorgeous minimal modern packaging is so lovely to behold either.
Haircare Products Left to Right:
1) Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Shampoo- I have used this shampoo at many different times over the years, but hadn't used it in a long time. It is a low lather ultra moisturizing natural shampoo that is perfect for my naturally curly hair. The smell is delicious, but does fade. I forgot how much I loved this shampoo!

2) Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner- This really is the perfect companion to their Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo. This conditioner is ultra moisturizing, and it leaves my hair with soft curls.

3) Rodin By Recine Luxury Hair Oil- Just a few drops of this wondrous oil, and my hair is soft, manageable, and shiny. I like to use it as a styling aid by adding a few drops to my damp hair, but it can also be used as a scalp treatment, a deep conditioner, and can be brushed from roots to tips. This magical blend of oils is truly amazing!

4) Oribe Curl By Definition Crème- This is one of the best curl enhancing creams that I have ever used! It leaves curls soft and frizz-free without ever being crunchy!! It also imparts a luminous shine that is simply gorgeous!

5) scrünci hair ties- I love these hair ties! They are inexpensive, they don't pull the hair, and they are so easy to find!
Body Products:
1) Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Body Oil- Like the face oil, the body oil is ultra moisturizing. This oil smells delightful, just like the face oil, and it also sinks in very fast. It leaves the skin glowing and soft,  and it is simply divine.

2) Kiss My Face Active Life Stick-Cucumber Green Tea Deodorant- While my uncontested favorite deodorant is the lovely one made by Kai, I always have more than one deodorant in rotation at a given time (usually about three of them, actually). I love Kiss My Face products, and so when I was at Whole Foods the other day I picked this one up because it smelled so yummy. I really like it, and it works well.
Makeup Left to Right:
1) Rouge Bunny Rouge Forever Yours...Long-Lasting Lip Pencil in Roald (Pure matte, pale mauve)- Rouge Bunny Rouge definitely makes my very favorite lip pencils, and Roald is a real stunner. Their lip pencils are creamy, long lasting, beautifully pigmented, and gorgeous!

2) Le Métier de Beauté  Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss in Uma Paro- This is the perfect vampy lip gloss for people afraid to wear bold vampy lipsticks.  Of course you can wear it on top of a vampy lipstick, like Bali, to really vamp it up-- but you can also sheer it out and wear it alone! The formula is superb, and it is moisturizing and non-sticky-- making it an amazing product.

3) Rouge Bunny Rouge Sweet Excesses Glassy Gloss in Mousse Fandango (dark tone milky pink with the barest whispers of grayish mauve and a touch of silver micro pearls)- The Sweet Excesses Glassy Gloss formula is extraordinary. It imparts a brilliant shine, is non-sticky, and is moisturizing. Mousse Fandango is a lovely milky pink that is a bit more sheer than pigmented, and it gives lips the perfect pink pout.

4) Rouge Bunny Rouge Succulence of Dew Sheer Lipstick in Murmurings (Wet effect, sheer cool damson)- Murmurings is a plummy red hue with a touch of brown. The sheer formula is somewhat buildable, and it leaves your lips with the perfect moist shine. There is the perfect amount of cushion, and this formula is inherently comfortable on the lips. I love this color, and I find it so easy to wear.

5) Rouge Bunny Rouge When Birds Are Singing- Long-lasting Eye Shadow in Solstice Halcyon (Semi-matte mauve beige)- I would say that Solstice is more of a mauve beige taupe in color, and a gorgeous one at that. The formula is soft and silky, applies like a dream, and looks amazing on. This is the perfect shadow when you want a wash of color with some eyeliner and that's it. This is definitely one of my all-time favorite eye shadows.

6) MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes Mat Black OL- Once you apply this pencil, it really won't budge. It's truly an amazing eye pencil.

38 comments:

  1. Hmmm...looks like someone had a fantastic time at the Barneys beauty event!!! :-) Can't wait to read your reviews on the Tatcha cleansing oil and the Sponge moisturizers!!

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    1. LOL!!!!!!!! I did!! The Tatcha Cleansing Oil is AMAZING!! The Sponge moisturizers are delightful, as is the rest of the line-- as you know. Did you end up shopping the event? If so, what did you end up getting? Is the Ladi oil still working for you? Have you tried the cleanser or the Krema Imeras yet? I'm dying to know what you think!!

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    2. Wish I had fun news to report!! But I decided not to shop the event...couldn't make up my mind so I took that as a sign - ha ha! :-) Had a slight setback with skincare. When I was in Dallas something started clogging and giving me some spots. The only new things I had tried were a toner which I had been using for a few weeks already and the Ladi Avokanto. I stopped the Ladi first since that was the newest. After a couple days the spots were worse so I stopped the toner and within 24hrs the spots started disappearing. So now I'm all cleared up and started using the Ladi again just last night and this morning. This is my long way of saying that I haven't tried the Krema Imeras nor the cleanser yet. So the clock starts all over before I'll add anything else new...le sigh...it's so frustrating how reactive and sensitive my skin has become over the last year!

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    3. I had a feeling that you might do that! The gift bag was not as good as the ones from the preceding bag events-- so you didn't miss an unbelievable bag.With all of the flying that you do-- I imagine that alone would/could wreak havoc on your skin. I wonder if that accounts for the setbacks that you have had in the last year. You definitely have a very sensible approach to adding in things slowly so as not to disrupt the balance. I wonder if you have also perhaps developed some allergies to ingredients (or maybe just triggered them). It might be a combination of those things. I hope that your skin normalizes quickly!!! <3

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    4. Hi Lola! I really liked my Barneys gift bag - it had tons of samples of products I was really interested in trying. I was disappointed in the size of some - like the YSL serum, but I will at least be able to tell if I have a bad reaction before committing and I really liked the bag itself. I think it's worth waiting for this event if you are buying products you can only get from Barneys, like Sponge, Tracie Martyn, or Rodin. What do you think about Sunday Riley being sold at Sephora? I wonder how well the skincare line will do as it seems like one you need a lot of guidance in choosing the correct products. (hope that made sense!) Thank yo for the awesome post on your September favorites - can't wait for the full reviews.

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    5. Hi Nina! I'm so glad that you are happy with your Barneys gift bag. I similarly noticed that the sample sizes were considerably smaller-- especially the YSL serum-- oh well! I will definitely continue to shop the event either way- plus Barneys is my favorite store, and I find nothing quite as heavenly as their Apothecary department!! Well, I always find it a little strange to think of buying high-end skincare at Sephora-- there's something about the ravaged opened packages, used up testers, and SAs whisking by with their headsets on that never struck me as amenable to a luxury shopping experience. Plus it also has seemed to me that not everybody has received the same training with all of the products available-- so it's not the first place that I think of when I want to buy expensive skincare that requires guidance from a thoroughly versed salesperson who actually uses the line, and therefore knows it intimately. That said, repurchases during F&F seems like a viable option. I'm so glad that you liked this post!!! xxoo

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  2. Wow, so many products I have never heard about. Intrigued by the Sponge brand.

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    1. Hi Mafi!

      Sponge is a phenomenal line made in Greece. I can't say enough good things about the products that they make!! It is well worth looking taking a look at Sponge! I love your Empties post!!

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    2. Thank you! The brand look really nice, bit pricier for me but maybe for a occasional treat ;)

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    3. You are so welcome-- I thoroughly enjoyed it! It is definitely a splurge worthy brand-- when it's time for that special treat!!! They do have lots of sample packets if there is a retailer near you. :-)

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  3. Hi, Lola, you went all out for Rodin, good for you!..I need to try more of the Sponge skincare line, I just finished Krema Lambrini. It was excellent! I switched to Natura Bisse Diamond Extreme Cream and Diamond Drops and loving this routine so far.

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    1. Hi Rola, I am definitely loving Rodin and Sponge right now!!! I tried to pick up Krema Lambrini, but the Rep said she thinks they are going to be repackaging or something-- they have been out for a while at the Barneys BH. It's still on the website, and I have seen it online at a few places, but will either wait for a Beautyhabit sale, or for then they restock at Barneys. I have used a few Natura Bisse products and think it is an excellent line!!!

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  4. You and I can't wear the same colors in cosmetics but we love the same brands!

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    1. We definitely love the same brands across the board!!!!

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  5. I also like Tatcha skincare, can't use it every day because my skin is too sensitive but I like the effect I got (especially with the powder and serum). What a lovely favourites haul! I am desperate to try the Oribe hair mask, I heard a lot of good things about this one / Claire.

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    1. HI Claire!! Tatcha is phenomenal, but I definitely wouldn't use the enzyme powder every day-- I think that it would be too much for my skin on a daily basis. I'm so glad you enjoyed this post!!! The Oribe hair mask is lovely!! I finished mine a couple of months ago. I also LOVE their Signature Shampoo and Conditioner. It's definitely a pricey luxury line, but the products are divine! <3

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  6. I am curious of trying out the body products. I sometimes experience having dry skin. By the way, is this ideal for dried out skin? And what about the deo, does it reduce excessive sweating?

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    1. The Rodin Olio Lusso Body Oil is very nourishing and moisturizing-- I don't have dry skin, but my elbows do get dry, and this oil has worked wonders on them. It's really lovely, and it smells divine! You might want to try a sample or test it out in the store to see if it works well on your dry skin. It is very concentrated-- a little goes a long way, and if you apply it to slightly damp skin fresh out of the shower- then it soaks in very quickly! You can also layer it under a body cream if you require added moisture. The Kiss My Face deodorant does not have an antiperspirant component-- so it will not do anything to reduce or stop sweating. Thanks for stopping by!! Have a lovely day!

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    2. Thanks!!! I will try it and see how it works on my skin.

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    3. You are so welcome, Ana. Keep me posted and what you think if you do end up getting it. I am currently pretty obsessed with it! :)

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  7. Such a lovely post, I enjoyed reading it.
    Xaimarys ♡
    www.tongue-tiedx.blogspot.com

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    1. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the post, Xaimarys!! Have a lovely day! <3

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  8. Wow this post is amazing. You have SUCH amazing taste in skincare/bodycare/haircare that I am ALWAYS left lusting after whatever you feature. The Sponge products I still would really like to try. I also just tried a sample of the TATCHA Classic Rice Enzyme Powder the other day and it was instant LOVE. Haven't gotten a chance to try the One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil yet, but I'm excited! And of course, the Rodin products. I've been lusting after them from afar for a while and you have all the Rodin products!!! WANT!

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    1. I'm so happy that you like this post, Becca!! That means a lot coming from you!!!!!! Well, my taste definitely most often exceeds my budget-- because I have trouble walking away from skincare/bodycare/haircare products that I'm obsessed with. I can only lust after these things for so long before I cave! Tatcha is such an amazing line, and the Classic Rice Enzyme Powder really is a phenomenal product. For that matter, the One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil is an insanely great product! Sponge is definitely one of my very favorite skincare lines of all time, and I'm definitely having a major love affair with everything Rodin right now as well. She's coming out with a cleansing powder at some point that I would really like to try! Such expensive habits we have!!!!!!

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  9. Aaaaaaaaahhhh, now I want to try Rodin oils so badly!

    You've also put the Aubrey hair stuff on my radar. Honeysuckle and rose sound amazing!!!

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    1. Rodin products are pretty amazing- and they are available in Canada!! It's worth checking out!

      I love Aubrey shampoos & Conditioners-- but this is definitely my favorite. I suspect that your beautiful wavy hair would like the misture, and the smell is really yummy!! xoxox

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  10. Hey there. I was wondering if you have tried the amore pacific enzyme peel and if you have, how does it compare to the tatcha enzyme peel? Their descriptions seem very similar and I love my amore pacific.

    Thanx -

    Rachel

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    1. Hi Rachel,

      Thanks for stopping by! I have not tried the Amore Pacific Enzyme Peel- so unfortunately I have no way to compare it to the Tatcha Classic Rice Enzyme Powder. As the name suggests, the Tatcha product begins as a powder-- you add a touch of water to it and then rub your hands together and turn it into a bit of a paste-- then you wash your face with it. It is really an extraordinary product-- it cleans thoroughly and leaves your skin unbelievably soft and glowing. I really love it!! You do have me curious about the Amore Pacific Enzyme Peel though!! What makes you love it? How does it work, and how often do you use it? I have only been using the Tatcha Classic about once a week, but plan to start using it a little more often because the results are so great! xx

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    2. It's the same principle. It comes in powder form, you add water, it forms a paste, and you wash. I love it because my skin is incredibly sensitive and most manual exfolients cause my skin to break out. This cleans the dead skin off my face and makes it incredibly soft, without being too harsh. It literally sounds exactly like the tatcha, so I was wondering only because they are the same price point and if you liked this better then I would try it when I finish my bottle...I might do that anyway! I included a link to the item on sephora so you can take a look at their description and the amazing reviews.

      http://www.sephora.com/treatment-enzyme-peel-P232931?skuId=1161694

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    3. Thanks for the link, Rachel! I think that you might like the Tatcha one a lot-- they actually have three versions- on of which is called Gentle. The Rep told me to get the Classic because I have combination skin, but I also tried samples of the Gentle as well. You might want to see if you can get a few samples to see which version you like, and to see whether you like it as much as your tried and true Amore Pacific Peel. I got several samples before trying it and was so taken by the results that I bought the full size jar. I also really like their Cleansing Oil-- it's very effective at removing every trace of makeup!

      Let me know if you end up trying Tatcha-- I would love to see what you think, and to see which one you prefer!! I'm going to try to get a sample from Sephora-- you now have me completely intrigued by the AP Powder!! Have a lovely Sunday!! xx

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  11. Love your range of hair care products they are really great and much amazing products...

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    1. Thanks, Tracy!! I am really loving these products! Thanks for stopping by! Have a lovely weekend! :)

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  12. Because of you I want to collect all Sunday Riley products, Sponge, and Tatcha :)
    -Jen

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    1. Hi Jen! completely understand! Thankfully the Barneys Bag Event is coming next month-- that way if you do indulge in any of those goodies you can get some nice gifts with purchase. Sponge is ESPECIALLY generous with their Step-Up gifts!! I don't really need anything, but I probably won't be able to resist getting Sponge back-ups!!

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  13. Thanks for letting me know Lola. I also have combination and slightly acne prone skin . I'm thinking about purchasing ceramic slip, good genes, Juno and start over . From sponge I am very interested in the gel katharisiko along with the krema lambrini. Would you recommend these products to someone with my skin type? Also I am trying to decide if I want juno or rodins oil but I cannot decide:( I am looking for something with the most benefits.
    -Jen

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    1. Hi Jen!!

      Nice choices!! If you can find the Krema Lambrini snap it up!! My Barneys hasn't had it for a while- someone told me that they THINK that it might it is be getting repackaged or something- I tried a sample and LOVED it, and I definitely want to get it. I saw that it is still available at BeautyHabit though. I have combination skin- though generally not really acne prone. I have used all of the products that you are talking about and have had no problems with them. However, that doesn't mean that certain ingredients in them won't trigger break-outs with you. With skincare, I am really a proponent of trying samples first to see how well the products work for your skin- I find that it really pays to do that! That's what I always do, and it has saved me piled of money on things that didn't woe for me-- of course it has also caused me to spend piles of money as well! :-)

      Of all of the products that you have listed my absolute Holy Grail products are the Gel Katharisiko- because it is unbelievably gentle and yet cleans thoroughly. I have never found a cleanser more magical than this one! My second absolute Holy Grail product is the Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil. PURE MAGIC for me! I used Juno for years and years, and then added in Sponge Ladi Avokanto-- both are very nice, but Olio Lusso is in a league all by itself- at least for me. Not only does it sink in faster and give my skin a deeper glow, but it also completely eliminated two little dry patches on my face (one on my nose and one on my chin). I was told that Juno would take care of it, and it did absolutely nothing to heal those spots, nor did Ladi Avokanto, but Rodin Olio Lusso eliminated them altogether- so for me it has by far the most benefits. Of course what works for my skin may not for yours, but it has never bothered my combination skin (very active tzone for reference). In fact it has really worked wonders to balance my oil production. Honestly my very best advice is to get samples of all of the products and test them out before you buy them! Rodin doesn't have prepackaged samples, but you can ask that they make it for you. <3

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  14. Also do you know what kind of step up gifts they will be having next month?

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    1. Not yet- My contact told me that she would let me know as soon as she has the details. I will touch base with her soon to see what I can find out. As soon as I know I will do one of my mega bag event posts. :-)

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I love reading all of your comments and interacting with you- so please do not hesitate to share your thoughts, and to ask questions. Remember that what you have to say is of interest to all of us! Always feel free to email me directly as well. SPAM and advertising links will not be published.

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