It's About Thyme! (Sorry I Couldn't Resist)

Searching for a last-minute Mother's Day gift?

Thymes Studio Collection is an adorable tin packed with amazing scents any sophisticated mama is sure to love.

Aqua Coralline: Imagine bamboo leaves, crisp driftwood, pure waterlily and white cyclamen all mixed together in a bowl... Yeah, I had no idea what that would smell like either, until I tried this fragrance—a fresh, sparkler perfect for every day.

Jade Matcha: At first I was nervous about this one because it went on a little spicy. But it settled in to be SUCH an all-around lovely scent, I couldn't get enough of it! 

Kimono Rose: I tried this in the cologne spray sample as well as the rollerball version. The latter I felt didn't last very long on the skin, but the cologne sampler spray was a nice pretty powder that lingered.

Lotus Santal: Super sexy, yet classy, light and down-to-earth. This is my new summer date night pick! (That is, if summer ever gets here! Huff!)

Rosewood Citron: A little sweet, a little girly— definitely the most femme offering.

Tiare Monoi: Nicely bright, but a bit too sweet for my liking.

Thymes fragrances can be found on the company website as well as the finest independent specialty stores nationwide.

All Hail The Killer Queen

Her style is bananas, her voice beautiful, her lyrics span from silly to inspiring and now, she can add a super bomb fragrance to her resume! Katy Perry's Killer Queen is delish! This uber feminine, ultra light, and instantly addicting scent is not only wearable day and night, but it also comes in a bottle that is glamorous, girly, and down right adorbies. Need a little luxury in your life? Add this royal treat to your collection!

Aroma-roma-ma

My gosh I love a write up where I can incorporate a play on the lyrics to Bad Romance, one of my all time favorite pop jams (and videos). What can I say? I love me some Gaga. And you know what? Her perfume, FAME ain’t so bad either.

First and foremost, the scent's unique, cutting edge technology is pretty bomb. The liquid itself is black, but when sprayed comes out clear. Mad props on that alone.

Plus, the packaging’s total commitment to its Haus of Gaga-ness carried throughout is commendable, as it lists the perfumes notes as “tears of belladonna, crushed heart of tiger orchidea with a  black veil of incense, pulverized apricot and the combinative essences of saffron and honey drops” with gothic-cool corresponding images.  

And well, yes, that ingredient mash up renders a scent that is pretty lovely. It starts off sweet on the skin, but then dries to something more musky, mysterious and luxurious. Which is more than a lot of celeb-perfumes can boast. I was pleasantly surprised.

Gotta love that Gaga!

A few packaging/marketing materials:

Eau de Ehhhhh

Bath & Body Works Forever Red fine fragrance mist is exactly what you might expect from the popular retailer- commercial, fruity, and forgettable. 

The packaging is cheesy and the scent is not unlike what your chain-smoking great aunt Martha might douse herself in to unsuccessfully smother years of tobacco abuse. 

Maybe I'm just a snob now after my previous post...the customer reviews on Bath & Body Works website feature non-stop raves...but I'm just not into this. There are too many special and unique perfumes out there. I feel as though you'd definitely be selling yourself short with this one. 

Bath & Body Works, I'm a fan of your hand soaps, but your fragrances, not so much!

This product was provided to the author free of charge. You can find it and more at bathandbodyworks.com, as well as search for a local retail store near you.

Crazy for Krigler

One of the many fantastic perks of being a beauty blogger is that sometimes you get to try out awesomely lush and pricey cosmetics. 

And one of the many brutal aspects of being a beauty blogger is that sometimes you get to try out awesomely lush and pricey cosmetics!

Which explains why I am now hopelessly addicted to Krigler's legendary perfumes that retail for $175 for 1.7oz., and $255 for 3.4oz. I MEAN COME ON! 

The joke is totally on me, because I always proclaim what a scent snob I am and how it's a futile search for a new personal scent because nothing meets my standards. Well, apparently my standards can in fact be met. For $175!

And the situation grows worse- I don't just love one of the three scents I was given to test out. I love them all. Even the patchouli one! Especially the patchouli one! And I normally loathe patchouli! What wicked scent sorcery is this?! 

Lovely Patchouli 55, Subtle Orchid 10 and Lieber Gustav 14 are all uniquely incredible and definitely demonstrate the Krigler ethos "to complement, not overpower the wearer." Each is meticulously crafted to evoke a dynamic spirit and story. For example, Lieber Gustav 14 conjures the wild and lavish world of 1910's Berlin, and a love letter between a young woman and her fiance. 

With more than 15 other perfume options to choose from, it's worth it to select a few samples (Priced $15 and under each) to figure out what chords strike your olfactory fancy. 

But if you end up like me, wild about every one but unable to justify the steep price tag of a full bottle... Well, don't say I didn't warn you!

Krigler perfumes, candles, soaps and skin and body care products can be found at their New York City boutique in The Shops at the Plaza, 1 West 58th Street, and online at krigler.com

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

One Stuffed Stocking

Santa was exceptionally generous this year and 

filled my mantle-hung booty with all sorts of irresistible products!!

Check out what the big guy gifted me:

TIGI Dual Bronzer- This combo pack provides whatever you need on any given day! Feeling like you need a bit of bronze? Hit up the right side of this gem! Simply looking for a highlight to your cheek bones? Use the left! For a perfect, sunkissed glow, blend the two together!! This is a must have-especially during the winter when our skin lacks a bit of mother nature shed vitamin D.

Essence, Stay All Day Concealer-Santa really did think of everything!! I love this long lasting stick that hides my facial imperfections. It's easy application and beautiful blendability (is that a word? it is now!) make it a new key player in my arsenal of products!!

Lady Gaga, Fame- When she isn't belting out kick-butt pop and dance jams, abusing the piano in the best possible way, or rocking a meat-suit, Lady Gaga is designing perfumes! Contrary to popular belief, this is not a bottle of blood and semen scent, but rather a feminine fluid with notes of saphron, honey, and apricot!

Essence, Color & Go- Any super busy gal on the go who also loves a fresh manicure needs this polish in her life!! These cute little bottles of fun come in endless hues and really do provide a quick drying, professional finish.

Avon, Luxe Clutch Eyeshadow-This adorably packaged, mirrored compact contains 10 tempting shades of shadow, ideal for day or night! I plan to make this my go-to for eye lid hues at home or travel!

Essence-Stay All Day Long Lasting Eye Shadow-Santa knows I'm a hard working chick, who often puts in some long days, so this delicate yet powerful shadow is a must have to keep looking fresh faced throughout it all! I'm loving the shade "For Faries", but per the usual, Essence has an eye shadow in every flavor imaginable!

Say "oui" to BBW

WHO:            Bath & Body Works
WHAT:           Welcome to Paris Event
WHEN:           Saturday August 11th, 1pm-5pm
WHERE:         Select Bath & Body Works Stores Nationwide
WHAT:           Bath & Body Works transports you to the city of lights on Saturday, August 11th to celebrate the launch of their Signature Collection From Paris, With Love - three alluring scents inspired by the “je ne sais quoi” of the captivating city. From the moment you step into the store, you’ll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, tastes, and of course, scents of Paris.

Experience the most romantic city in the world at your local Bath & Body Works:
·        Get a whirl wind tour of the iconic city through our new Parisian inspired fragrances –Paris in Bloom, Sweet on Paris,Paris Nights and one of our top fragrances, Paris Amour.

·        Enter for the chance to take home the ultimate Paris fragrance experience- full size shower gel, body lotion and fine fragrance mistin one of the From Paris, With Love fragrances.

·        With every full size Signature purchase, guests will receive a gift featuring aSweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Mini Candle and trial size Body Lotion as well as aCaramel Apple PocketBac and holder all together in a sweet mesh bag. These items are not available in stores until September so quantities are limited!

Visit the Event Page at Facebook.com/BathandBodyWorks or go to BathandBodyWorks.com/Event for a full list of participating stores

Make your mom smell wonderful without dropping a fortune

You love your mother, but don't have the $80+ an ounce to spend on the fancy perfumes?

You can still give a great scent without going broke-- Smart!

o Beyoncé Heat Rush ($59 for 3.4 fl oz.: Department stores nationwide):Heat Rush instantly captures attention with sparkling top notes of passion fruit, blood orange and Brazilian cherry.

o Reveal by Halle Berry ($35 for 1.7 fl oz.: Mass merchandisers nationwide): Reveal opens with a sparkling burst of naturally fresh, fruity top notes.

o Faith Hill True ($31.50 for 1.7 fl oz.: Mass merchandisers nationwide):The perfect complement to Faith’s first fragrance which embodies her strength and confidence as a woman.

o Celine Dion Pure Brilliance ($33.50 for 1.7 fl oz.: Mass merchandisers nationwide):Pure Brilliance is an exhilarating fruity floral that opens with a sparkling combination of Pear, Apple, Green Leaves and Freesia.

o GUESS Seductive Wild Summer ($52 for 1.7 fl oz: Department stores): This scent opens with vivacious notes that signal a true summer scent: lushly floral with a musky base.

o Baby Phat L♥V ME($28 for 1.0 fl oz.: Target and Walgreens, nationwide): This powerful, flirtatious fragrance captures the essence of feminine strength.