Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Le Grand Engagement

Commitment is tough. Commitment can be life changing! This is probably why I alter the paint color in my kitchen every six months! So, perhaps you can relate to my slight identity crisis, when it comes to fragrances.

I've had my experimental phases in regards to scents. I've tried being that girl who can rock a different musk per her mood, outfit, or plans for the day. That chick who rolls up wearing a simple perfume oil? I've tried to be her. I've also attempted to be one of those gals, loyal to the array of Victoria's Secret products, but discovered that she and I are just not compatible. What have I learned from my perfume-capades? That I strive to be a serial mono-atomizer. I want to be a lady who loves her one and only. I need a signature scent!

Enter: Violette, by Tocco. Inspired by the gorgeous floral blooms that ornament the Champs-Élysées, this bottle of heaven is inspired by the youthful spirit of first love.

The pros say this:

Top Notes: Italian Bergamot, Ginger Oil, Coriander Seed Oil
Middle Notes: African Violet, Bulgarian Rose, Black Currants
Bottom Notes: Creamy Cedarwood, Cashmere Musk, Touch of Benzoin

I say that I smell hints of ginger delightfulness and blasts of floral deliciousness. Wearing Violette makes me feel special. In Violette, I feel wealthy in my little black (clearance) dress, powerful in my work frock, and still pretty in my sofa-bound yoga pants. Who doesn't want to be THAT girl?!?

If you can't tell, I'm really into this stuff. We've been together every day for two weeks and going strong. I think Violette may just be the one I commit to!


TOCCA Violette Eau de Parfum (50 ml) retails for $68 at Anthropologie and Sephora stores nationwide, C.O. Bigelow and online at www.tocca.com

Maybe Melvita


Every time I try a new body butter, lotion or balm I am crossing my fingers that I have found The One. That perfect concoction that smells like heaven, sinks in like nobody's business and  finally ends my flaky Michigan winter legs.

Melvita's APICOSMA Body Ultra-Nourishing Body Balm almost meets this criteria. The organic, patented mixture of three honeys- Thyme, Acacia and Orange Blossom- has a nice thick, creamy texture that works in quickly and and leaves skin feeling soft.  After a few days of continued use I conducted my winter skin black tights test to see how much dry leg powder flakies were left on the tights once taking them off. Sure, it's a tad gross, but I have mad dry skin! The results were much improved from my usual lotion, but not jaw-droppingly better. Also, I'm not a fan of the Orange Blossom scent. Maybe because it's a bit too summery for the middle of winter? With it's three honey mix I was hoping for something more soothing and warm.

Overall this is definitely a quality body balm that I would recommend to someone who enjoys a citrus scented beauty product. As for me, I'm still holding out for The One.



Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Seeing Red... And Liking It!


A few personal facts: 
1) My lips are always dry and therefore I am addicted to chapstick (a college stint on Accutane= blemish free skin, but also an ongoing Aquafor dependence).
2) As a direct result of #1, I loathe lipstick (never hydrating enough).
3) I want to be Kate Moss (but really who doesn't?!).

So it was a true beauty experiment when I plucked down $4.99 at Target recently for a fire engine red tube of Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick, Color 01. 
Lo and behold, this nude mouth die hard was wonderfully surprised- the super flattering reddish-blue hue went on smooth, stayed vibrant throughout the night and most importantly, didn't make my lips feel like the Sahara. 
The bright shade might not be an everyday go-to (old Aquafor habits die hard!), but I am quite excited about rocking it on future nights out. 


A tip of the tube to you, Ms. Moss! 

Mally Beauty Giveaway Contest!!!!



Free products!! Free products!! 
Did you hear me?? FREE PRODUCTS!!!

From January 25, 2013 through February 3, 2013, Mally Beauty will be hosting a “Mally Beauty Makeup Bag Makeover” Pinterest contest in which four winners will be announced! 

All you need to do is show Mally Beauty how you would refresh your makeup bag! Here is how: 

Here’s how it works:
·         Follow @Mallybeauty on Pinterest
·         Create a Pinterest Board titled, “My Mally Beauty Makeup Bag Make Over”
·         Repin your favorite Mally Beauty Makeup Bag and five (5) Mally Beauty products from Mally Beauty’s “Makeover” Pinterest board
·         Get Creative! Pin additional images that inspire the look you want to achieve!
·         When your board is complete, post a comment under this pin with a link to your board

Monday, January 28, 2013

Pantone~Color Charged Graphic Lacquer in Emerald

SEPHORA and Pantone's 2013 Color of the Year beauty collection features the color of positive energy, possibility, power, and nature-you simply must try Pantone's line up of electric, gemstone green. Say hello, shake the hand of, kiss the lips of, and cop a feel of Pantone Emerald!

This Emerald collection sold Exclusively at SEPHORA features glitter dust, eye liner, mascara, and eye shadow in this drool-worthy hue, as well as lip color and blush in complementary tones.

Having recently sampled a taste of this line, sampling my new favorite color in Color Charged Graphic Nail Lacquer, I am now completely obsessed with Pantone's Emerald collection and may need to check myself into product rehab, or at least attend a few product junky anonymous meetings (while rocking this versatile, elegant shade from SEPHORA, of course!).

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Wei East China Herbal Age Delay Hand & Body Perfection


I'm a hand cream girl. I use it every day at work and I need something that is thick, rich and hides my overgrown cuticles. Well folks, this is it! It's gloppy and heavy with a delicate flower scent and the best part-it keeps your hands hydrated for hours. So much so that when you wash your hands as the day goes on, you can still feel the creaminess. At $6 this is a bargain. #buyitnow

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Avon Fragrance Favorites Sampler for Him


This combo pack comes with 8 mini bottles of various scents so that your man 
can try on a musk or two before committing! 

Unplugged: A pretty woody scent, slightly spicy and very manly.
Musk Marine: A cool, fresh, clean smell with notes of mint.
Derek Jeter, Driven: Fresh & clean, with bits of fruit and spice. 
Derek Jeter, Driven Black: A bit woody, with hints of citrus. My husband's fave of the sampler.
Urbanedge: Fresh and floral.
Black Suede: A very spicy mix of lemon and suede.
Wild Country: The perfect mix of floral and wood-a great, masculine scent.
Mesmerize: An extra strong, spicy combination. My least favorite of the bunch.



Eau Thermale Avene~Skin Care for oily, blemish prone skin


My typically pretty normal skin has recently taken a turn to combinationville, which has proven extremely difficult to take care of! I've tried products for combo skin, but each attemt tends to either dry me out or oil me up, never clearing up any blemishes I may have. Voila! Enter: Eau Thermale Avene skin care for oily, blemish prone skin!! Simply 3 weeks using this french, fancy pants brand's delightful Cleanance Gel,  and light, airy Emulsion-Lotion before bed (I found it a bit too strong for both day and night usage) has left my skin well balanced and clear! Oooh la la, indeed!