Fishy Friday

This is Henry, a stunning 3 foot long Koi that I have befriended. I greet him each day that I am at work, and I pass him whenever I walk from my car to my office (and back again). When we first met, he proved to be quite a friendly fish and would swim up to me when he saw me. Henry is quite remarkable- if I sit down on the bench near his pond he, the other fish, and their 3 duck friends opt to hang out with me. For some time now Henry has responded to my voice- if I call his name he will appear and swim over to greet me from the far reaches of his rather sizable pond. I love this fish!

Kai Eau de Parfum Review

Purchased by me at Barneys New York. Affiliate link at bottom.

My love for Kai knows no bounds, and it was only a matter of time before I cracked under the pressure of my unmitigated adoration and bought their Eau de Parfum. I could only spray it so many times at my sister's house before taking the plunge- so on one of my last trips to Barneys I finally purchased it!

I am utterly enchanted by the Eau de Parfum! The scent itself is a slightly lighter version of their perfume oil (reviewed here) and it is lovely all by itself, but I often layer them together in order to add depth to the scent, and to increase the longevity of the wear time.

The exotic scent of Kai’s signature perfume oil, delicately blended into an Eau de Parfum spray. The Kai aroma is a fresh and intoxicating blend of gardenias and white exotic flowers.

Why the wait?  "We wanted to wait until we found the right balance of ingredients for our first eau de parfum,” said Gaye Rappaport, founder and chairman of kai. “With this new release, we were finally able to capture the signature kai scent in an eau de parfum spray that customers have been asking for.  Finding the right balance between the fragrance and the other ingredients is so important in a spray. We didn’t just want another eau de toilette; we wanted an eau de parfum that embodied the subtle nature of our signature perfume oil.  It took a while, but we’ve finally gotten it right.”

The bottle is crafted from French glass and boxed in signature clean kai packaging. The eau de parfum epitomizes the pure philosophy of kai: breath, life, flow.

Made in the USA.  Kai uses recyclable packaging is paraben, sulfate free and never tested on animals.

Ingredients: SD Alcohol 40b, Fragrance, Water, PEG-8, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid.

Overall assessment: I think that it is painfully obvious at this point that I am completely in love with Kai products, and this Eau de Parfum is a delightful addition to my coveted collection!

$76.00 for 1.7 oz. from Nordstrom and Barneys New York. Affiliate links. Purchased by me.

By Request: Gorgeous Golden Bronzy Green Eyeshadows & Pencils that are Swoon-Worthy!

When I received the request to post swatches of golden bronzy green eyeshadows and eye pencils I wasn't sure that I had enough in my stash to fulfill the request, but as it turns out I did!

1) MAC Powersurge Eye Kohl ($16.00) (reviewed here): A stunning "bronzed-brown with golden shimmer." Powersurge, which is part of MAC's permanent range, is glorious in all of her bronzy goodness. MAC describes Powersurge as a "bronzed-brown with golden shimmer"- which I think is an accurate description minus any effusive embellishments of speech. Powersurge is a bit of a chameleon in that the color modulates depending on the light that captures it. This is a creamy pencil that can easily be smudged, but it also makes a lovely base as well. 

2) Painted Earth SuperWear Gel Liner in Baroque No. 04 ($18.50) (reviewed here): A gorgeous rich golden bronze with a slight olive green undercurrent.The texture of this gel liner is amazingly smooth, and it effortlessly glides on without any pulling or tugging whatsoever. The color payoff is very impressive in this richly pigmented opaque hue. I have experienced no migration or smudging, and once it sets it stays put until you remove it. It has the ease of application associated with gel products, but with the convenience of a pencil. It is easy to create the most beautiful cat eye with no effort. It can easily deliver the precise line and flick associated with liquid eyeliners without the same need for that level skill, or a super steady hand. In that way this is a perfect product for those making their first forays into looks that require greater skill without the fear of making a mess. This is truly one of the very best eyeliner pencils that I have used, and I have used many!

3) Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Silk Eye Shadow in Khaki Pulse No. 06 ($33.00): A gorgeous rich golden bronze. A small sample pot that has lasted a long time! This product is a creamy loose powder shadow that almost applies like a cream shadow. It is very finely milled, and offers unbelievable opaque coverage, but it can likewise be sheered out for a simple wash of color. There is no fall-out whatsoever, and the lasting power is impressive. I will definitely buy this once I finish my sample because the quality is simply superb.

4) Rouge Bunny Rouge Loose Glitter Pigment Fire Drops Caress of Mink ($23.00) (reviewed here): "A scintillating medium taupe brown with pewter-plum highlights." Added to the line up because it really lets you see the true bronze and green character of the other shades. Caress of Mink is an an incredibly complex shade that certainly is a "scintillating medium taupe brown with pewter-plum highlights" as Rouge Bunny Rouge suggests. However, even their description fails to reveal the complexity of this otherworldly shade. There is no question that this lovely hue is in the taupe family of colors, but the true character of this color is unleashed when the sun dances on the surface of the skin revealing the ethereal character of this shade as it modulates from one color to the next. This is makeup magic of the highest order. It is nearly impossible to capture the essence of Caress of Mink with a camera- it really needs to be experienced first hand. Every taupe lover out there needs this in their stash, period! This product in very very finely milled, and of the highest quality imaginable. 

5) Rouge Bunny Rouge Abyssinian Catbird Long Lasting Eye Shadow ($25.00) (reviewed here): An out-of -this-world stunning "metallic bronze with golden highlights." Abyssinian Catbird, like all of the Rouge Bunny Rouge eye shadows, is ultra finely milled, buttery soft, intensely pigmented, highly buildable, and simply extraordinary to use. The quality really is as good as it gets! Simply put, I covet my RBR eye shadows and they are my most beloved eye shadows. While I have a cool leaning skin tone, Abyssinian Catbird makes my Hazel eyes sing!

6) By Terry Silky Eye Shadow Dapple Bronze No. 5 ($40.00) (featured here): A beautiful golden green that is silky smooth! This powder eyeshadow is so finely milled that it nearly feels like a cream when applied. The color and pigmentation are so rich that a single pass will deliver opaque coverage. This is a lovely eyeshadow indeed!

7) NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Paramaribo ($34.00) (reviewed here): The stunning rich golden bronze shade on the left side of the compact. This gorgeous Duo Eyeshadow is described as Metallic Brass/ Metallic Bronze, and it is crazy beautiful, velvety smooth with super-saturated pigmentation. 

The quality of each of these pencils and eyeshadows is very high, and all of them are a pleasure to use. Clearly the only one that I don't own in the full size is the Armani Eyes to Kill in Khaki Pulse, but it is so stunning, and the quality is so amazing that I will definitely purchase it once I finish the sample.

What are your favorite eyeshadows and pencils in the golden bronzy green range?

Empties Post Volume X: May 2013

I was rather pleased that I was able to get through a few full size products this month despite the fact that I was testing out new products. I did use up a few testers, and most surprisingly finished up every last drop of a full size foundation. I also used up a good pile of perfume samples- most of which were taken on my many out of town trips this month. I am generally quite pleased that I managed to finish as much as I did, but I will say that traveling makes it pretty easy to use up samples. They are such great space savers, and they generally provide enough product for a few days of use.

Shave with Benefits Shaving Foam in Pomegranate + Mango (reviewed here): Still a favorite! This is such an amazing product, and it leaves your skin so silky smooth and moisturized!

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water (reviewed here): I love this cleansing water, and it is by far my favorite. I will definitely be repurchasing it. It does a phenomenal job removing every trace of makeup and leaves your skin soft.

Rock Your Hair: Big Hair Rocks Shampoo and Big Hair Rocks Conditioner (reviewed here): These are fantastic products, and the bottles are so cute that I am keeping them as travel refills!

Mary Kay Mini Eye Makeup Remover: I somehow ended up with a small size sample of this makeup remover, and the first time that I tried it it made my eyes sting, but I have pretty sensitive eyes. I ended up using it to remove makeup from arm swatches, and it did a great job.

Reviva Labs Peel Light Skin Peel (reviewed here): This is one of my very favorite face peels- it is so gentle, effective, and fun to use. I will definitely get another one!

REN Multi-Tasking After Shave Balm: My husband used and loved this sample, but left enough in the bottle when he tossed it in the recycle bin that I was able to try a bit while cleaning out the tube. It is very nice stuff.

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (reviewed here): LOVE LOVE LOVE. I continue to use and love this highly effective mask. It dissolves dead skin with amazing efficacy, and leaves your skin clean, clear, and gorgeous!

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers SPF 30 (reviewed here): I love this stuff, and can't believe that I actually finished it. It imparts nice natural coverage with enough radiance to give skin a beautiful healthy glow. I have a huge stash of foundations, BB Creams, and Tinted Moisturizers that I need to use, but once I get through some of these products I will likely repurchase this.

Ole Henriksen Truth Crème Advanced Hydration: I can't really say how well this works because I didn't use it long enough to be able to evaluate it.

Koh Gen Do Macro Vintage Stretch Eye Sheet: I have used a few of these and really like them, but I haven't really used them long enough to really review them. They do make my eyes look rested and moisturized, and that is always a good thing.

Tatcha Classic Rice Enzyme Powder: This is a truly amazing product. I have never had a cleaning/exfoliating product do such a great job cleaning and removing dead skin while leaving my skin baby-bottom soft. You simply add a touch of water to the powder to turn it into a paste and then use it as you would any cleanser. However, the results are anything but run-of-the-mill!

Malin+Goetz Jojoba Face Scrub: This is a very nice gentle and effective physical exfoliant. I really love Malin+Goetz- they make solid products that do exactly what they claim to do.

Kai Perfume Oil (reviewed here): I am still madly in love with Kai. Sadly, I think that I have used the last of my sample vials- these are just fantastic for traveling. I will need to replace my full size bottle of the Kai Perfume Oil pretty soon because I wear it so often!

Assorted Perfume Samples: Nothing stands out or warrants a purchase.

What did you use up, toss, or give away this month?

Memorial Day: A Day of Remembrance

Maya Lin. Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C. (Image source)

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup: May 26, 2013

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany tries out FEVERshadow in Play in the Waves!

Mama Fashionista: Find out why Quinn says "Run, don't walk!" to scoop up the Total Beauty Collection Revlon Edition box!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you love high quality gorgeous taupe eyeshadows, then say bonjour to Fard Metal Loose Iridescent Eyeshadow in Bronze Ora No. 02 (LE) from the Guerlain Summer 2013 Collection! It's utterly stunning!

BeautyTidbits: Need a little hydration therapy for your lips with a naturally pretty flush of color? You got it with It cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Butters!

The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Website: Good exfoliation and cleansing is a must, especially as the weather heats up. Alison of the Advice Sisters reviews the Spa Sonic

Painted Ladies: L'Oreal Power Volume mascara is fantastic and doesn't break the bank!

My Highest Self: Check out Tina's latest mani, nude nails with a black/white graphic!

D.G.S.Beauty: Want to add more nail products to your collection? Born Pretty has some fantastic nail polishes and more!

Beauty by Miss L: Check out this bright pink nail polish by Wild&Mild.

TheFabZilla: Blend, blend, blend. TheFabZilla asks what is the secret to a great eye makeup; plus she reviews Sonia Kashuk duo-fiber crease brush.

Geniabeme: Geniabeme tells you how she controls oily skin with four must have products!

Beauty Professor: 100% natural AND effective? The Beauty Professor is delighted with the pure ingredients and fantastic results of the African Botanics Marula Eye Serum!

Peppermint Lips Beauty Blog: Elf Studio HD Blush in Headliner Review

Beauty by Arielle: Revlon is Launching Some Gorgeous New Shades! Preview the Swatches Now!

Blushing Noir: Eyes are feeling glowy with the new Illuminating Eye Color from Laura Mercier! Check out the sultry summer EOTD!

Perlier 8-Piece Mini Bath & Body Set with Bag: A Scrumptious Review!

Press Samples

Perlier: History and Philosophy

For over 80 years, Perlier has specialized in the manufacturing of products derived from the active ingredients of medical plants. In 1972, Perlier expanded operations to include the development of cosmetics. Using the latest pharmaceutical research and technology. Perlier provides high quality, functional and efficient products that address the specific body and skin-care needs to today's women.

The concept of cosmetic preparations for daily hygiene, providing nourishment, protection and answers to specific problems of the aging process, is the basis of Perlier's philosophy. The image of naturalness, purity, effectiveness AND the unique cosmetic formulations have made Perlier the number one cosmetic company in Italy.

The distinct approach to products and marketing sets Perlier apart from other cosmetic lines. Whereas other companies promote thru magic, fashion, luxury and hope of everlasting beauty. Perlier has a direct, sensible, straightforward approach to serious skin care. Promising no miracles, only efficient results. 

Perlier provides products that are:

- Scientifically formulated

- Studied and tested with Modern Scientific principles with over 80 years of research background

- Efficient and functional in their results producing a real scientific action that can be measured

- Cruelty Free!

Perlier 8-piece Mini Set with Bag: Learn to lavish yourself with wonderfully scented, moisturizing, silky-feeling-skin products. Each mini is moisture-rich and divinely scented. 

Pamper yourself in nature's garden with bath and body favorites derived from blends of natural ingredients. Flowers, botanicals and beeswax are cultivated on 150 acres of botanical gardens to create products with fruit gels that clean and exfoliate, leaving skin soft, supple and feeling fresh. Combinations such as white almond, lavender and green tea cleanse and moisturize while leaving a cool, calming scent. 

Included in this set:

• 1 oz. Honey Body Balm Mini
• 1.6 fl. oz. Honey Shower Cream Mini
• 1.6 fl. oz. Olivarium Bath & Shower Cream Mini
• 1 fl. oz. Olivarium Body Cream Mini
• 1 fl. oz. Shea Butter with Citrus Extract Body Balm Mini
• 1.6 fl. oz. Shea Butter with Citrus Extract Cream Shower Mini
• 1 fl. oz. White Almond Body Cream Mini
• 1.6 fl. oz. White Almond Shower Cream Mini
• Clear Zip Top Bag (9"L x 2-1/2"W x 6-1/2"H)

I first discovered Perlier products as a teenager and became fast-friends with their scrumptious Honey line of body products, and have purchased them as a little treat to myself ever since. I am somewhat embarrassed to confess that my love of their Honey products put blinders on me, and as a result I am only just now trying their other equally delightful offerings.

I) Olivarium Bath & Shower Cream (Mini 1.6 oz.): Key ingredients include 100% organic Italian olive oil. Olive oil in formula comes from century-old trees cultivated without the use of chemical treatments. Helps create a delicate, herbal-scented bathing experience. The rich properties of pure Mediterranean olive oil makes your Bath & Shower a beauty ritual. This nourishing Bath & Shower Cream gently cleanses the skin besides deeply nourishing it. 

The Olivarium Bath & Shower Cream has this intoxicating herbal scent that soothes the senses. Like all of Perlier's products it is unbelievably moisturizing and pleasant to use. Like the rest of their Shower Creams, it does an amazing job as a shaving cream. The scent is really nothing short of amazing. 

Olivarium Bath & Shower Cream Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, LAURAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCERIN, OLIVE OIL PEG-7 ESTERS, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), OLEA EUROPAEA OIL (OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL), HYDROLYZED TOMATO SKIN, SODIUM BENZOATE, STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, CITRIC ACID, PEG-55 PROPYLENE GLYCOL OLEATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, BHT, BENZYL SALICYLATE, CITRONELLOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LINALOOL, HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE, EUGENOL, GERANIOL, LIMONENE, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, CI 42090 (BLUE 1), CI 19140 (YELLOW 5). 

Olivarium Body Cream (Mini 1 oz.): Formula contains 100% organic olive oil, tomato lycopene and other key ingredients. Complex delivers a moisturizing effect to the skin. Clean, herbal scent.

The Olivarium Body Cream is deeply hydrating and fast penetrating. It leaves behind the scent of a lingering herbal infusion that will have you repeatedly smelling your arms and hands! I might have to hide this one from my husband, or I will simply have to buy a huge bottle!

Olivarium Body Cream Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERIN, CETEARYL OLIVATE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, OLEA EUROPAEA OIL (OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL), CETYL PALMITATE, DIMETHICONE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), STEARYL ALCOHOL, HYDROGENATED OLIVE OIL, HYDROLYZED TOMATO SKIN, OLEA EUROPAEA OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES (OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES), PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, METHYLPARABEN, CETYL ALCOHOL, ETHYLPARABEN, CARBOMER, TETRASODIUM EDTA, LECITHIN, TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, CITRIC ACID, BENZYL SALICYLATE, CITRONELLOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LINALOOL, HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE, EUGENOL, GERANIOL, LIMONENE, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE. 

II) Honey Shower Cream (Mini 1.6 oz.): Cleansing formula formulated with honey and other key ingredients. Formula helps moisture-nourish the skin. Honey-scented. Honey Cream Bath is specifically formulated for bath or shower. Enriched with the sweetness of Honey, this soothing action leaves the skin luxuriously soft and smooth. 

I have deep and abiding love for the Honey Shower Cream and Honey Body Balm, and I actually have a visceral reaction to the scent because it has been a constant in my life as long as I can remember. 

The Honey Shower Cream has a deep rich scent that explodes when ignited by the hot water in your shower. It is not only an amazing moisturizing body wash that leaves your skin silky smooth, but it is also amazing to use in lieu of shaving cream. My legs and underarms are left so soft, and I am able to get a very close shave without any nicks. I just love this stuff.

Honey Shower Cream Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, MEL (HONEY), LAURYL GLUCOSIDE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), SODIUM RICEBRANAMPHOACETATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, POLYQUATERNIUM-7, CITRIC ACID, CARAMEL, 2-BROMO-2-NITROPROPANE-1,3-DIOL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, CI 19140 (YELLOW 5), CI 15985 (YELLOW 6). 

Honey Body Balm (Mini 1 oz.): Helps moisture-nourish the skin. Helps improve the appearance of the skin. Honey scent.

The Honey Body Balm is very moisturizing, and it always leaves my skin unbelievably soft, supple, and hydrated. While it does have a very pleasant honey scent, it is not imposing- and therefore will not interfere with other fragrances. 

Honey Body Balm Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, GLYCERIN, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, PROPYLHEPTYL CAPRYLATE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, MEL (HONEY), DIMETHICONE, HYDROGENATED PALM GLYCERIDES, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS OIL (SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL), SHOREA STENOPTERA BUTTER, STEARYL ALCOHOL, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, CETYL ALCOHOL, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), CARBOMER, DIMETHICONOL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE, METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE. 

III) White Almond Shower Cream (Mini 1.6 oz.): Formula cleanses, hydrates, helps protect skin and optimizes firmness in the skin. Scented with soft Italian almonds from Sicily, considered by some to be the best Italian almonds. From the heart of white almond, Perlier brings you softness, moisture nourishment and more youthful-looking skin. Exceptionally rich in Vitamin E, protein, essential fatty acids and age-defying properties, this aromatic bath and body selection features enhanced beauty benefits.White Almond Body Cream, nurturing and moisturizing, enriched with White Almond Oil and Milk, quickly penetrates, leaving the skin supple, and smooth for ultimate protection against dryness. Recommended for even the driest skin. 

If you love the scent of almonds and love a very moisturizing body wash- then welcome to nirvana! When I use this in the shower it makes me crave the little fruit-shaped marzipan candies that I grew up eating!! My skin is left utterly soft, supple and hydrated. Like the other Perlier Shower Creams, this one also does an amazing job doubling as a shaving cream.

White Almond Shower Cream Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCERIN, LAURAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, PEG-60 ALMOND GLYCERIDES, GLYCERYL OLEATE, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS EXTRACT (PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) FRUIT EXTRACT ), PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, SODIUM BENZOATE, CITRIC ACID, TETRASODIUM EDTA

White Almond Body Cream (Mini 1 oz.): Formula  hydrates, helps protect skin and optimizes firmness in the skin. Scented with soft Italian almonds from Sicily, considered by some to be the best Italian almonds.

Another hit! This very moisturizing formula has the delectable light scent of almonds. I will definitely have to buy a bottle once I make my way through this sample because it is just so joyful to use.

White Almond Body Cream Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), GLYCERIN, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, ETHYLHEXYL COCOATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, COCOS NUCIFERA OIL (COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL), DIMETHICONE, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS OIL (PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL), STEARYL ALCOHOL, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS EXTRACT (PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) FRUIT EXTRACT), CARBOMER, XANTHAN GUM, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), CETYL ALCOHOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, METHYLPARABEN, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ETHYLPARABEN, LECITHIN, TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, CITRIC ACID, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, HEXYL CINNAMAL. 

IV) Shea Butter with Citrus Extract Cream Shower (Mini 1.6 oz.): Perlier uses a proprietary process that allows pure shea butter to be extracted and recondensed. Together with other ingredients, formula helps hydrate the skin. Scented with soft citrus notes including lemons, limes and oranges. Soft and creamy formulation contains 25% organic shea butter. 

The Shea Butter with Citrus Extract Cream Shower is so refreshing and moisturizing that it is quite exhilarating to use. It leaves the skin incredibly moisturized and soft, and it also amazing for shaving.

Shea Butter with Citrus Extract Cream Shower Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SHEA BUTTERAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, GLYCERIN, LAURAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), PEG-75 SHEA BUTTER GLYCERIDES, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, GLYCERYL OLEATE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER (BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER)), CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS EXTRACT (CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) FRUIT EXTRACT), CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM EXTRACT (CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (LEMON) FRUIT EXTRACT), SODIUM BENZOATE, COCAMIDE MEA, TETRASODIUM EDTA, CITRIC ACID, LAURETH-10, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, GERANIOL. 

Shea Butter with Citrus Extract Body Balm (Mini 1 oz.): Perlier uses a proprietary process that allows pure shea butter to be extracted and recondensed.Together with other ingredients, formula helps hydrate the skin. Scented with soft citrus notes including lemons, limes and oranges.

The Shea Butter with Citrus Body Balm is an ultra rich formula that has the thickness and density of Shea Butter and the delightful light scent of oranges, lemons and limes blended into one amazingly refreshing citrus fusion. It is deeply hydrating, and will banish any dry patches. It is going straight into my purse because it works wonders on dry hands that are frequently washed.

Shea Butter with Citrus Extract Body Balm Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER (BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER)), ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, PEG-40 STEARATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), PENTAERYTHRITYL DISTEARATE, STEARIC ACID, GLYCERIN, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS EXTRACT (CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) FRUIT EXTRACT), CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM EXTRACT (CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (LEMON) FRUIT EXTRACT), PHENOXYETHANOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, CARBOMER, METHYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, TETRASODIUM EDTA, BHT, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, GERANIOL, CITRAL, CITRONELLOL.

Bath and body products made in Italy; bag made in China.

Overall assessment: I continue to love Perlier products, but now have joyfully expanded my beyond the Honey line- though it is still my favorite! This lovely affordable set is a wonderful way to become acquainted with Perlier products, and trust me when I say they are really fantastic!

Perlier 8-Piece Mini Bath & Body Set with Bag is $19.95, but receive $5.00 off with code: iFabbo5 Use this link to purchase: http://bit.ly/11AB0yu 

@iFabbo
@PerlierUSA
#PerlierOnHSN
#iFabboSHOP

Press Samples. All views expressed are categorically my own. (Unaffiliated links provided by iFabbo for your convenience. I am not receiving any monetary compensation). Stock image provided by iFabbo.

Source

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup: May 26, 2013

• Makeup Demon: Dark, dramatic, alternative style couple photo shoot.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany tries out FEVERshadow in Play in the Waves!
• Mama Fashionista: Who knew hair fragrance could be so awesome (and useful)? Find out why Quinn fell in love with GG Gatsby's Flirt in a Bottle!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Susan Thompson Cosmetics created a real treasure with Zeona, a breathtakingly beautiful pearl-laden peachy apricot Creamy Lip Gloss.
• MakeUpMom123: Huge Spring Fling Giveaway - 44 Winners!
• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L found great eyeshadow duo for natural everyday looks by Dermosil.
• Trés Beau Glamour: Looking for a way to spice up your everyday look with a glamorous touch? Check out this tutorial by Nay she calls Graze Over The Grass.
• Midnight Manicures: Textured nail polish meets Summer colors in the Julie G Gumdrops Collection. See Jeanie's review and enter our giveaway for a complete collection.
• TheFabZilla: She can't believe it either but TheFabZilla is on the roll again with her new batch of product empties!
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel finally has the chance to play with Guerlain's Iridescent Loose Eyeshadow and loves it!
• The Glossy Pages by gloss48: Blogger and beauty junkie Lauren R. shares her science-based skincare obsession, Somme Institute.
• ColorMeSoCrazy: Check out the Water Marbling I did for my Fans!!
• Beauty by Arielle: Why Clarisonic is Worth the Splurge.
• Shades Of Beauty, Inc.: Some Random Blue Polish Swatches...Can't go wrong with Blue.

The Beauty Spotlight Team Weekly Roundup: Memorial Day Weekend Edition May 25, 2013

The Pink Sith shows you that it's not a sin to love red lipstick especially when the lipstick is Lipstick Queen Sinner lipstick in Red!

Attention Tom Ford Cheek Color Fanatics- there is a new "Private Blend" to behold! Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog discovered that Frantic Pink+Wicked=Passionate Pink! This union creates a stunning new must-have shade!

Cindy over at Prime Beauty shows you how to stay to cool and look fab at those pool/beach parties this summer with the new Make Up For Ever Summer 2013 Collection!

Win It!!! Enter Pammy Blogs Beauty's Conair Styling Tools Giveaway!

Beauty Info Zone finds that when MAC Cosmetics does something right, they do it right! See what makes Marcia so happy.

Visionary Beauty takes a departure from her natural shades and goes for the brights of the Dior Bird of Paradise Peacock Palette.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed goes ultra glam with her Bourjois Volumizer Ultra Black Mascara - come admire her lashes and see if you think the extra step is worth the results!

Is London Makeup Girl a Saint or a Sinner when she checks out Lipstick Queen's new shade, Fire Red?

15 Minute Beauty shares 12 common sunscreen mistakes and how to fix them!

Jessika is celebrating three years of polish insomniac with giveaways! You can enter giveaway #1 here!

Perilously Pale has found her new summer pedi polish colour of choice in the OPI Couture de Minnie Collection. This is every pink and red lovers dream, and if you think you aren't a pink and red lover this collection will convert you into one!

What's Inside Lola's Secret Beauty Bag? May 2013 Edition

I love seeing what people carry in their makeup bags, and nothing really satisfies the curiosity of voyeuristic makeup magpies (a club to which I clearly belong) than seeing what people love enough to actually carry with them. For me, anything that makes it into my makeup bag is a real keeper, and here is a glimpse at my latest round of keepers!

While I tend to carry far more lip products than any sensible person would need, I did pack more than usual since I was heading out of town for work. These are a few of the things about which I am currently obsessed, but this is hardly a comprehensive list. There are numerous lip products that I have yet to photograph and review that would have been added were it not for the fact that I cannot yet use them.

Here's the breakdown of the things that I am currently carrying in my purse:

1) First I want to give you a sneak preview of my new makeup bag that I am completely in love with. It is the PurseN Classic Make-Up Case in the Versie Pattern. It comes in numerous different patterns, is very affordable at $18.00, and it measures 7-1/2"L x 4"H x 1"W. I will review it soon so that you can see it close up, but it is a joy to use. The large clear window is very convenient in helping you spot what you are looking for- especially when you pack it to the brim as I did!

2) Maybelline Colorsensational Lipcolor in Born With It No. 015: This is such a delightful Pinky Nude lipstick, and with a drugstore price tag! What's not to love?!

3) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Pout Poppers in Peace (review forthcoming): This is a gorgeous golden nude that is about as stunning as it gets. Nobody knows how to make lip plumpers as well as Susan Thompson Cosmetics- they are definitely the best on the market!

4) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Pout Poppers in Mother Nature: I'm so in love with this gorgeous  "angelic pink with gold flecks" that I have been using it everyday! 

5) Le Métier de Beauté Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick in Palm Springs: This is a gorgeous complex light blue-based pink with the faintest tinge of a mauvey-purple kissed by subtle golden pearl. It's a unique shade, and infinitely wearable. It's just stunning!

6) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Lola's Secret Creamy Lipstick: BEST. PINK. LIPSTICK. EVER! I love Lola's Secret- it is without question the pink lipstick that I have searched for my whole life! The fact that my close friend created it just for me makes it all the more special. Lola's Secret creates the perfect pink pout, and it can be sheered out or built up to maximum vibrancy and opacity. It's amazingly gorgeous.

7) Rouge D'Armani Lipstick No. 501: A succulent beautiful rich pink that continues to charm me. Armani makes amazing lipsticks, and they are undoubtedly among the very best on the market. The Rouge D'Armani formula is simply extraordinary.

8) Tom Ford Lip Lacquer in Pink Lust (LE): I love this formula- it is so moisturizing and comfortable on the lips. That is to say nothing of the fact that this is a gorgeous pearl-rich twinkling pink!

9) Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector No. 04 Petal Shimmer: I am so taken by this lip product that I may just have to add a few more colors to my stash!

10) Burberry Lip Cover in Nude Beige No. 01: The Lip Cover formula is simply amazing, and Nude Beige is an infinitely wearable nude that never makes you look like a corpse! This is definitely one of the prettiest nudes in my collection.

11) Osmia Organics Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair: Lip balm aficionados listen up: you need this lip balm because it is nothing short of amazing! It is the best friend to lips, and the mortal enemy of chapped lips.

12) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Crest Compact: I never leave home without it!

13) Rouge Bunny Rouge Forever Yours...Long-Lasting Lip Pencil in Roald: This has been my favorite lip pencil for quite some time. RBR has an amazingly creamy formula that stays put and never migrates.  Roald is a gorgeous mauve/pink and I reach for it more than any other shade in my stash!

14) Lollia In Love Petite Treat Handcreme: My friend Nicolle gave me this lovely hand cream as a part of my birthday gift this year, and I love it so much that I will most definitely buy a replacement when I finish it. It smells and feels heavenly!

What's in your makeup bag these days?

Osmia Organics Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair- Review

Press Sample

I am thrilled to introduce you to a new company that makes beautiful handcrafted organic skincare products. In fact, I find myself absolutely enchanted by both the line itself, as well as the woman who created it.

According Sarah, the founder of Osmia Organics,

I started Osmia Organics in early 2010, a few months after taking a soap making class.  It was not something I planned.  At all.  But it was love, immediately.

I grew up in Washington, DC.  I went to college there.  I went to medical school there.  I did my emergency medicine residency there. But after traveling to the mountains of Colorado to visit my brother, I knew I needed to move my life here.  Every time the plane landed in Aspen, I had a deep, wonderful, settling feeling in my chest. When I left, that feeling went away.  And when I met my husband, I was so relieved to hear that he felt the same way.  We had our first daughter in DC, and, when I finished my training, we moved our family to Carbondale, which had somehow, inexplicably, always been my home.

Shortly after we arrived here, my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  The worst. Our second daughter was 3 months old when my mom died.  We were lucky enough to be there to watch her go.  The most beautiful moment I have yet known.

Upon my return, and newly motherless, I had some thinking to do.  I knew I didn’t want to work as a full time emergency physician (my mother worked way too much as a lawyer), so I worked part time.  After almost ten years of practice, I became unsettled about the course of my career.  I liked the work, and was good at it.  But the practice of emergency medicine was not what I thought it would be.  The paperwork.  The dictations.  The constant hum of worry in my brain about the existence of human error - that I could miss something with a potentially devastating result.  And there was the upsetting fact that many of the patients I cared for had absolutely no interest in contributing to their own health.  

One day, while on the phone with my college roommate (a lawyer), she told me she had spent the last year making children’s natural bath products in her kitchen, and that she was starting a company and making a go of it (mytruenature.net).  When she said it, it was as if something came into focus for me.  I had been obsessed with lotions and potions, as my husband calls them, for as long as I could remember.  Why not try to figure out how to make them myself, and make them naturally, using only ingredients that I really wanted to put on my skin?  Hence, enrollment in the soap making class.

After that first day making soap, my brain changed.  I thought about soaps and lotions and scents constantly.  I remembered, or perhaps realized, that I loved chemistry. It consumed me. Like when you fall in love and that person is the very first thing on your mind in the morning and the very last thing on your mind when you close your eyes at night.  I even dreamed about it.  I still dream about it.

I spent almost two years in a converted storage room in my great friend Judi’s house, figuring out how to make stuff.  I let myself out to eat, see my family, exercise, and work a few shifts in the hospital.  I made innumerable batches of awful, unusable lotions. I cried over emulsifiers.  I exploded a pot of liquid soap.  I shrieked with joy when i made my first successful cream.  I made my face a living laboratory, and suffered flares of my perioral dermatitis when I used too many products.  I took a perfume class with Mandy Aftel, the world’s leading natural perfumer.  I took classes with Lori Nova, of thenovastudio.com. I studied all of it endlessly, often long after the girls and my husband had fallen asleep.  And, then,  I started to get the hang of it all.

In the spring of 2011, I started weighing options: keep a foot in medicine and a foot in Osmia, or shift my weight and jump in.  I can’t help thinking my mother was involved in the choice.  It seems to me that most dead people, were they capable, would advise most living people to do what they really love. I jumped.

I leased a commercial space in Carbondale.  With the guidance of several kind people around the country (or perhaps they could not stand another email from me, begging for advice), I put together a green facility with a small retail space, a soap making area, a perfumery station, and two “clean rooms” (clean room attire required) for making skin care products.  We launched the store and the website in April of 2012.  This is where we operate today (retail space and clean rooms pictured below). 

I love what I do now more than I could ever have imagined.  I miss a few things about being in the ER, but, in some ways, feel like I am practicing broader medicine now - helping people choose natural and organic skin care products, encouraging them to nourish themselves physically and spiritually, and detoxifying their medicine cabinets all the while.  Guiding people to make healthier choices for their skin, their bodies, their minds, and this beautiful planet seems like a brand of medicine that could really do some good.

Sarah is a true inspiration, and her story serves as a reminder that following your bliss in life can lead to a level of happiness and satisfaction that may just exceed your expectations. Not only is the story of her journey inspiring, but the products that she makes are truly extraordinary. In fact, the care and love with which she makes each one of her products is evident from the first moment that you try them.

One of my great new loves is the Osmia Organics Lip Repair, and as one with a nearly irrational penchant for lip balms I do not say this lightly.

According to Osmia Organics,

Organic manuka honey and myrrh extract are the ancient healers in this powerful lip treatment, which can heal even cracked lips in a day or two. Also suitable for use around (and even in) the nose if needed for damaged skin. Healing lanolin has staying power, to keep this balm in place all night long.

My experience: This is a really lovely lip repair balm that was formulated for dry or cracked lips, but works wonders on lips that are neither particularly dry nor cracked. This beautiful formula will benefit all lips whether they are prone to chapping or not. It deeply nourishes and moisturizes the lips- leaving them soft, supple, smooth, and silky. I have been using it on a daily basis since receiving it, and I can really see a huge difference in the texture of my lips. I carry it in my purse, but I also use it at night before I go to bed, and when I wake up my lips look and feel amazing.

Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair is very concentrated, therefore only the smallest amount is needed to coat and protect the lips. It is a non-sticky richly emollient formula that feels delightfully comfortable on the lips. It has enough slip that it feels wonderful on, but not so much that it slides off. Instead, the lanolin lends itself to the longevity of wear-time thereby eliminating the need for frequent reapplication. All of the natural ingredients give the balm a lovely botanical scent that has a calming aromatherapeutic effect that is an absolute added bonus. In fact, it has such a calming effect that when it is applied right before bedtime it gives me the added little push to fall asleep. This is a truly wonderful lip balm!

Ingredients: [*=certified organic ingredient] ricinus communis (castor bean) oil*, beeswax*, cupuacu butter, lanolin, manuka honey*, calophyllum inophyllum (tamanu oil)*, GMO-free vitamine E oil, wild myrrh CO2, and FCF-free bergamot essential oil*. 79% certified organic ingredients. Lanolin-sensitive individuals please note this product contains lanolin.

Overall assessment: I love Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair, and will continue to gleefully use it as long as it is being made! A+

$22.00 for 0.28 oz. from Osmia Organics. Unaffiliated link provided for your convenience.
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

The Gucci Fall Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue is Stunning!

The Gucci Fall 2013 Collection has launched at Saks Fifth Avenue, and I'm absolutely smitten with the Buckle Clutch (above) and The Top Handle Bag (bottom left).

Unaffiliated links provided for your convenience.Stock image from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Doppelgänger Taupe Alert: Rouge Bunny Rouge Caress of Mink & Guerlain Bronze Ora No. 02- Swatches

As noted in my review of the new Guerlain Fard Métal Loose Iridescent Eye Shadow in Bronze Ora No. 02 (LE) ($35.00 for .02 oz.), it is remarkably similar to Rouge Bunny Rouge Loose Glitter Fire Drops in Caress of Mink ($23.00 1.8 grams or 0.063 oz.). When I say remarkably similar I do mean that they are nearly indistinguishable from one another.

Both shades are a taupe-lovers dream!

Top swatch Caress of Mink, bottom swatch Bronze Ora No. 02

Both are absolutely stunning, but they are so close that you can easily opt for one or the other. Additionally, if you miss out on the Bronze Ora No. 02 (LE) you can rest assured that you can always get Caress of Mink instead. Both are of the highest quality, therefore neither choice will be a concession.

Do you need both? Unlikely, but if you love high quality luxury loose eyeshadows in taupe- then you probably will want one of them.