Coconut Oil For The Nose? YES!

I have mentioned my love for coconut oil before.  I believe my first post to this blog was about coconut oil.  You can see that post BY CLICKING HERE!  I wanted to shine a little light on coconut oil again, though, because it has been a lifesaver recently!

My entire household has caught some kind of nasty little bug and we've all been sniffling and sneezing.  It is a lovely sight.   HAHA, no...not even a little bit.  Our noses have become so raw and even with the nicest lotion tissues, they are getting red and angry.  I should have done this from the get-go, but I blame pregnancy brain on not properly coming to this conclusion faster....  Coconut oil is saving our chapped noses.  I took a bit out, allowed it to warm so it became a liquid, and rolled a q-tip through the oil.  I took the coconut oil soaked q-tip and swabbed it around the tip, nostrils, and under our noses.  It immediately provides relief.  Within 24 hours of continuous application our noses are less red and the dry, chapped parts are going away.  WHEW!

It even works for chapped lips.  With the stuffed up, yet running, noses we have....  we have become mouth breathers.  Seriously, what is more sexy than the picture I am painting for you?  Anyway, because of this we are also getting dry lips.  I don't particularly like the feel of just coconut oil on my lips.  It seems a bit too thin.  So, what I do is apply a generous amount of coconut oil to the lips, allow it a few minutes to soak in, and then I go back with another moisturizing balm to apply over the top.  This way I feel that I am doubling the moisturizing action.  I'm getting the deep moisturization from the coconut oil and then a moisturizing and protective barrier from the balm. 

I have also been using it religiously over my entire body (not the face) to help moisturize my ever growing pregnancy belly and body.   I love the way I smell after coating myself.  It even mixes well with a good portion of fragrances I choose to wear.  

I just wanted to share a few other things that can be done with coconut oil.  It is such a wonder product!  

The photos of the coconut oil in this post were from quite a while back.  I have used several different brands since then.  I am currently using one that I can get from Kroger.  It is UNREFINED (which is what I recommend over this refined kind).  Also, when you are picking up coconut oil, don't just grab a jar from the regular aisles.  Make sure you are looking in the organic, natural products for one that is of higher quality and will have more health benefits. 

Autumn Boots!

I have been lusting after a good pair of tall, flat boots for a while now.  I am pleased to announce..  I HAVE FINALLY BOUGHT SOME!  No, I didn't buy the most expensive, fancy-dancy pair at the department store.  I'm a mama to one with another on the way, not to mention Christmas is just around the corner. So, I got mine from Target....  and let me tell you, I have zero shame in admitting that is currently the highest dollar store that I am willing to buy my shoes from.  Moving on!

These are the Mossimo Supply Co. Kamari Tall Buckle boots in brown. The color they actually are is lighter than what is advertised on the target site.  Here, you can take a peek for yourself:  Boots, boots, everywhere boots!  I prefer the color they actually are.  It is more of a tanned color.

They have a small heel at only 3/4 inch.  They are listed at 15 inches tall, which lands just at the bottom of my knee.  They're a fantastic height, in my humble opinion. 

I love that they are so incredibly comfortable and easy to get on, too!  They are pull on boots, so there isn't a zipper or anything on them.  If they were tight, that might bother me, but I find that I can easily slip them on and they aren't too snug around my calf.  I have room to get them on and off, which also means less bunching of jeans that go into the boot.

They have a worn in, relaxed look and feel to them.  They aren't too crisp and straight up and down like a lot of riding boot styles.  The material is just soft enough so they have some slight crinkling to them.  In my opinion, it isn't in a bad way.  It just looks like a favorite pair of boots that have been well loved and worn.

These will run you $39.99 at the moment. Not too shabby!

October Favorites

I could say "Where has the time gone?" or "Sheesh! I can't believe it is already November!"  ....but I won't jibber-jabber. Let's cut the small talk and just jump right in with the favorites!  

I have three favorites that should have been in this skincare-esque section but only two have been photographed.  The first are these facial cleansing pads.  They are soft on one side and textured on the other for exfoliation.  I have been using these to apply my toner after cleansing my face and also in the morning with my astringent as a morning refresher to remove my evening skincare products. They work well, do the job, but I will say they aren't actually lint free.  No big deal, though.

The second item is the Burt's Bees sensitive eye cream.  It only takes a tiny bit.  It is gentle, but applies a perfect amount of moisture under my eyes.  It has a slightly minty scent that I quite enjoy. I don't feel any kind of tingle, though, from that.  

The third item, which isn't photographed, is my pure virgin coconut oil.  The brand doesn't matter so much, as long as it is as pure as I can get it.  I have been slathering myself in it.  I've loved using coconut oil as a body moisturizer for some time now, but have really appreciated it since being pregnant.  I feel good about using it, it smells fantastic, and is a godsend for a pregnant belly.  I think of the hot sauce commercial... "I put that sh*t on everything!"  I use it to remove my makeup, I use it in the ends of my hair (lightly) after showering, I use it all over my body as a moisturizer, I will eat a tablespoon of it for health benefits, I cook with it......  it is amazing stuff!  Get some!

In the fragrance field there are two perfumes I have reached for the most often.  The first is Coach Poppy.  My husband tells me this is one of his favorites from all of my perfumes.  That is my queue to wear it more often! HA!  Who doesn't want to smell delicious for their husband?  I have a full review on Coach Poppy HERE!  

The second perfume is L de Lolita Lempicka.  This is one of my favorites from my stash.  I've come to enjoy it year round.  I also have a full review on this perfume that you can find HERE!

This last grouping of products is mostly eye shadow but I also have a blush and eyeliner tossed in.  I have gone simple with my shadow this past month.  I've let my lips be the stand out, but because I have rotated with numerous different colors I couldn't include any for an actual favorite.

In the top, left is Ulta Mystique eyeshadow.  On the bottom, center is Ulta Truffle eyeshadow.  In the top, right is Milani baked blush in Rose D'Oro.

To the left is Michael Marcus Amazing eyeshadow. In the middle is Ulta Toast eyeshadow. To the right is Ulta Silk eyeshadow.

The eyeshadow here is from the Wet n Wild 8 pan palette Comfort Zone. The very bottom pan on the right side is the one I have been using a lot.  The eyeliner is Rimmel Scandaleyes in nude.

All of the shadows I have shown (with the exception of one) have been worn completely (or nearly completely) on their own.  As I said, I have been going for a very simple eye this past month.  The colors I have been wearing hold their own, though.  I may go in and define the crease with a deeper color, but beyond that, these are pretty much it.  

The exception that I mentioned above is the Michael Marcus shadow.  I haven't been wearing that on my eyes.  I have actually been using an angled liner brush and brushing it through my brows.  It defines nicely and isn't overpowering or too bold.  

As for the blush, it is an amazing fall color.  It gives that chilled look to the cheeks, but if you tap off your brush to remove the glitter specks, it is quite natural looking.  I highly recommend that color for everyone, light or dark complected. 

I think I may have included this liner in my favorites for last month.  It lasts nicely and also gives a bright eyed, awake look.  I can sometimes have reddish on the waterline and this perfectly cancels that out.

That is pretty much it for this month.  Let me know the items you have been wearing/using through the month of October.

Manna Kadar Mascara

This mascara was an item that I received in my October Wantable Makeup Box.  I have a hard time finding a mascara that really makes me happy. I don't have particularly impressive lashes naturally.  They are short(er), don't hold a curl very well, and are light in color.  I was really hoping this would be a home run.

As you can see, the brush is a very standard, traditional style brush. The bristles just wind up to the tip and taper off at the very end.  I usually have better luck with the more standard mascara wands.  This one, however, didn't really do anything for my lashes.

The shape actually reminds me a whole lot of the original Maybelline Great Lash.  I did use that one for years and years when I was a teen.  As I've gotten older and played around with more mascaras, I realize just how unimpressive Great Lash is.  Well, this one falls short as well.  

It may have added a tiny bit of length but beyond that it was an extremely, extremely natural mascara.  The bristles on the wand are placed too far apart and the gaps between scoop the lashes and just apply color.  It doesn't give anything to build on and it was quite wet.  It actually made the curl I did before application droop back down. 

I have worn this several different times but each time, before leaving the house, I coat another mascara over the top to build on it.  In these photos, however, it is just the Manna Kadar mascara.  I took the photos before applying a different mascara over the top.

It saddens me that I cannot recommend this mascara.  I did receive it complimentary of Wantable Box, but it holds a retail price of $19.  I can't justify that. 

If you have tried this mascara and have had better luck, please leave me a comment and let me know!

Michael Marcus Refillable Eyeshadow: Amazing

Now that I have had a good chance to wear this eyeshadow, I wanted to put up a post with my thoughts on it.  First let me start by saying this was one of the products I received in my Wantable Box. You can click that link to be taken to my other blog where I posted an unboxing.  You can see all of the products I received. 

The packaging is very simple.  It is a silver compact with a clear flip-top lid and the shadow sits inside.  I did notice that the name of the color is nowhere to be found, except on the outside box.  I don't keep the boxes, so if I ever wanted to know the name, I'd be out of luck.  Now, the name could very well be on the underside of the pan itself.  However, I didn't try to pop it out because I didn't want to ding the shadow. Even if the name IS on the underside of the pan, that is still less than ideal because I don't plan on pulling the pan out of the compact each time I need to see the name.  This is a very minor detail, though, and I'm nit-picking.

As I mentioned in my unboxing post, I was originally underwhelmed by this color.  I like the color and it is something I can easily see myself wearing.  However, it just seemed like a very safe color to send in a box.  Also, when I had test swatched it on my finger it was extremely pale.  I could hardly see any color transfer to my finger.  That had me worried. Now that I have worn it several times, I have changed my mind.  I love the shadow.  Absolutely love it!

It is a greyish brown in the pan, so I suppose you'd just say taupe.  When I put it onto my lids (over TFSI) it shows more brown than the grey.  It can be worn as an extremely light wash or with a flat shadow brush and a bit of "packing on" it can be built up for more color pay off.   I did layer it just a bit to get a deeper color from it, but I am satisfied with the color I can get it to.  I still can't claim it is highly pigmented, though.

I will say this isn't the most buttery and smooth shadow I've ever worked with.  It is somewhat powdery, but nothing that really causes too much of a problem.

Something that I love is that it is a matte shadow.  Mattes are my favorite.  I find them easy to wear and give a nice, clean look to the eye.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a bit of shimmer every now and again, but if given the choice between the two, I'll always pick matte.

It does look like there is some sheen to the shadow, but that is coming from another shadow I lightly brushed on with this shadow.  I'm wearing Amazing with a bit of maroon from one of the Wet n Wild trios as well as Nutty from the Wet n Wild single. 

This retails for $24.00 USD.  While I enjoy wearing this shadow and will continue to do so, I can't say that I'd pay $24.00 to repurchase it.  That seems rather steep considering it doesn't have high pigment and is a bit powdery.  I am able to purchase other high end and even drugstore shadows that are better.  Since this isn't a unique color either, it is easily dupable with something more affordable.  

Product Obsession! Scented Wax Bars

For quite some time now I have had a love affair with scented wax bars.  They have taken the place of nearly all candles in my home.  Having children running around, I feel better about flameless wax warmers than I do a candle burning.  I know some will argue, "what about the hot wax?"  Well, the wax isn't hot enough to cause any kind of severe burn.  Candles create hot wax too...  as well as an open flame.   Either way, point blank...  I've converted to wax warmers. As you can see in my photo above, I'm rather obsessed.  I have a basket that is decorative when closed, but inside it conveniently hides away all of my bars. 

A couple of weekends ago I was switching out the fragrance in the warmers throughout the house when I realized I didn't have anything pumpkin scented!  SHOCK! HORROR!  I made sure I bought some later that day.  Yes, I am that lunatic. I had a couple of fall appropriate scents, but I had my heart set on pumpkin. 

I came home with four new waxes.  One isn't shown here because it wasn't a bar, rather a single tart (in the scent pumpkin spice) that I already have melting down in my living room warmer. The three bars I selected are all from ScentSationals.   They are in the scents: vanilla pumpkin cream, country hayride, and harvest fair. 

I have not used the vanilla pumpkin cream one yet.  When I sniff the bar, though, it is divine.  You definitely pick up on the mix of pumpkin and vanilla.  My husband said it reminds him of an actual pumpkin pie.  I have to agree.   If you close your eyes and smell it, you almost anticipate being handed a slice of fresh pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream on the top.  Mmmmm!

I have country hayride in one of my bathroom warmers.  It smells like Michael's craft store when you first walk in.  It is spicy and incense-like.  It is thick and almost smoky. 

I have harvest fair in another of my bathroom warmers.  It is fresh and crisp.  I think of cutting open a pumpkin or gourd and that smell that comes along with doing so mixed with cider.   I think there is a touch of cinnamon in it, too, warming the fragrance a bit.

All of them are delicious and perfect for fall.  The ones I have already used are keeping my home smelling awesome. 

Here you can see the 6 little cubes that comes in the bar.  You only need 1 cube at a time and it will last quite a while before you need to add another or replace entirely.

Product Obsession! Pumpkin Spice Creamer

The first weekend of autumn, during my weekly grocery trip, I hunted this baby down!  I needed to have some pumpkin spice coffee.  I'm not keen on buying my coffee at big chain coffee shops very often, so I wanted to be certain I could have my seasonal fix at home. 

I found that Kroger has put out a creamer in their store brand for a fraction of the price of the others.  I picked up one, and my husband pointed out that I tend to act as though I need half my mug filled with creamer, so I had better get two.  HAHA!  In my defense, I did very well and I didn't blow through the jugs nearly as fast as either of us had thought.   With me cutting down my caffeine intake, I drink one small mug of coffee and that is it for the day.

This creamer is delicious!  It gives me exactly what I was looking to satisfy when I think of autumn drinks.  The pumpkin is there but not disgustingly overpowering.  It is perfect.  It only takes a tiny amount, too, to get the flavor running through the coffee. 

Let me know, have you been indulging in any seasonal drinks yet?  What flavors do you enjoy?

Product Obsession! Tums

We're about to get real fancy with this product obsession!  HAHAHA!

Okay, so perhaps this isn't really an "obsession" as much as it is a "necessity" right now.  Either way, it has been something I've had to reach for often as of recent and because I'm so thankful for how well it works...  I must feature it.   I'm sorry.

As many mamas out there know and understand well, one of the very fun symptoms that comes along with pregnancy is acid or heartburn. No, we don't all experience this little doozy, but many of us do. And, if you are someone who does/did during pregnancy, you will know just how much of a beast it can be. 

My heartburn and acid has kicked in full force this past month.  When I was pregnant with my first child I relied on the chewy, cherry flavored Rolaids. They worked well and tasted like a candy.  It was fantastic.  This time around, I headed to the store looking for those.  Store number one didn't even carry the brand.  Confused and frustrated, I went to another store.  Then another.  And another.  I looked online to see what the deal was and found out that Rolaids went out of business after sawdust and other not-so-fantastic-non-food-items were found in their product.  Instead of a recall, they shut down?  Either way, I was left without my tried and true acid relieving product.  I had to settle for Tums.  

I browsed through the many flavor options and decided that Wintergreen sounded the most appealing.  When I say there were a lot of options, I really mean that.  I felt as though I were standing in front of a wall completely filled to the brim with any and all flavors imaginable.  

Now that I've been using these for a little while, I can safely say that I didn't just settle.  These work fabulously! I can pop two into my mouth, chew the chalky little tablet up, and within a few moments I'm completely relieved of the volcano of fire in my chest and throat. 

Let's talk about the taste and texture.  I have mine in Wintergreen.  I love the flavor.  It reminds me of the pale green Tic-Tacs.  They may even be called wintergreen, too.  They even smell nice.    The texture, however, is less than ideal.  In all fairness, it is a Tums and we all know that Tums are chalky little tablets.

I was given a list of medications that are safe during pregnancy and Tums were listed, so I'm pleased for that. I'm glad to have these on hand.  I probably won't need to buy another bottle before the baby comes because there are 96 tablets in my bottle.  You only need two tablets for each dose.  So far, my acid hasn't gotten any worse than needing to take one dose every couple of days.  I'm fairly certain I am set.  However, should I run out, I'd more than happily buy these exact ones again.  (my husband would probably prefer a different flavor...  like cherry...  because he said it creeps him out that these are minty)

Sneak Peek At My October Wantable Box

Over on the other blog I have a full unboxing post for October's Wantable Box.  Hop on over there to see the products inside and some of my initial thoughts on what was received.  

Product Obsession! Caress Passionate Spell

There have been a handful of products that I have been absolutely gaga over now that the seasons are switching over to fall and the cooler weather is moving in.  I wanted to spotlight on these items individually.

One of the first things is this body wash.  I'm sure if you are reading this, you've already heard a ton about it.  This Caress shower gel is getting a ridiculous amount of hype right now.  Is it worth it?  

YES YES YES!

I gave in and decided to purchase this after hearing/reading rave reviews on it over and over.  I'm pleased to say that it was worth the buy. This is the Caress body wash in Passionate Spell.  The scent is supposed to be "passion fruit and fiery orange rose."   When I smell this I pick up on a citrus-like note as well as a deep, sexy something (I'm assuming it is the rose).  It is perfect for the cooler weather because it smells very cozy.  

The fragrance lingers on your skin after getting out of the shower.  It may not last a ton of time, but for a short period after I've showered I can still detect it.  I don't mind this, in fact I enjoy that, because it also works well with nearly all of the autumn perfumes I've been wearing. 

The great thing about this shower gel (on top of the other points I have mentioned) is that it is easy to find.  Pretty much any personal hygiene section in a store should carry this.  Everywhere I have been does.   Another bonus?  Coupons will be easy to get a hold of to reduce the already affordable price even lower!

I highly recommend you at very least pick up a bottle and sniff it while at the store.  Don't be surprised to find that you fall head over heels in love with it, though, and will have to buy it right then and there!

September Favorites

Whew!  It has been a very long time since I've put up a post on the vanity table!  Sheesh!  I'll work on changing that.  I'm trying to be more active on here and on the nail blog.    As I mentioned on the nail blog, things have just been crazy and being pregnant makes me tired. I'm struggling to find the energy to blog.  

Let's jump right in.  Now that the weather is giving peeps of cooler temperatures, I've been in the mood for some of my deeper fragrances.  I've pulled out two great fall perfumes.  The first is a Bath & Body Works Eau De Toilette in Sensual Amber.  This one is really nice alone as well as layered with things like vanilla. Mmmm!  I've given a full review on it HERE.

The second fragrance is wildly popular and well known.  It is Thierry Mugler Alien.  While I do have the EDP (eau de parfume), the particular one I have been wearing recently is the EDT (eau de toilette).  I dab on only the tiniest of bits, otherwise it becomes extremely overpowering.  I haven't put up a review on the EDT as of yet, but it is very similar to the EDP...so, if you'd like to see my full review on that one, it can be found HERE.

This past month I've been reaching for these two eyeliners quite often.  The first is by Ulta and it is in the color Moss.  I've been wearing it on the upper and the lower lid.  I like to smudge it out just a bit.  The second liner I constantly reach for is the very popular Rimmel ScandalEyes in Nude.  I've only worn this on my waterline.  I love that it takes away any redness from lack of sleep and gives me a wonderful bright-eyed look.  I highly recommend that to EVERYONE!

For my shadows I have gone more fallish.  I'm really loving the autumn-like colors in my makeup.  The two that I've gone for most frequently are Wet n Wild Envy and Ulta Safari.  They're both so pigmented and rich.  The Wet n Wild one is, admittedly, more buttery.  Both are beautiful, though!

I am a huge fan of stains.  I love them for hot weather because they last so well and are lightweight.  I love them for the cool weather because they look very natural and wind-kissed.  Let's just agree that they are awesome all the time.  The first one is Vincent Longo in the color Liquid Kiss.  The second is Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel in Rosy.  These are both good reds.  They look amazing on the cheeks AND the lips. The Vincent Longo one is a touch more berry-red in its coloring while the Pixi one is more of a true red.

I know people prefer to see swatches as they'd be worn, but I didn't prepare ahead and take photos as I wore them. Sorry!

1. Ulta eyeliner in Moss
2. Rimmel eyeliner in Nude
3. Wet n Wild shadow in Envy
4. Ulta shadow in Safari
5. Pixi stain in Rosy
6. Vincent Longo stain in Liquid Kiss

June Favorites

This past month I found myself only reaching for the same handful of items.  None of them are too wild and out there.  For the eyes, I stuck mostly to neutral colors and for the lips and cheeks I did peachy pink colors.

This browbone shade from the 8 pan Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette I used a lot.  I would apply it all across the lid by itself for some brightness, yet simplicity, or I would sweep a bit in the inner corner.  I never actually use it on the brow bone.  I'm not a fan of shimmery shadows on my brow bone.

From the same palette, I used the other brow bone color.  It is more of a brown/taupe.   I really enjoyed this one for a slightly darker eye look without being too deep.  Even this one is quite lovely done simply.

Obviously, I reached for Wet n Wild a lot.  This is another.  This is a single pan shadow in the color Nutty.  It shows up with more brown and more warmth on my lids than it appears in the pan.

For my cheeks, I wore Sonia Kashuk Super Sheer Liquid Tint in Poppy.  It smells like amoxicillin.  HAHA, that sounds weird, but I always thought that smelled good.  I'm thinking this was their attempt at a bubble gum scent.  It isn't unpleasant, in my opinion.   But, this leaves a very nice pinky-coral flush to the cheeks. 

On my lips, I have been using another Sonia Kashuk product.  It is the Ultra Shine Sheer Lipgloss in Cheerful.  It doesn't deposit a lot of color because I have pigmented lips.  There is only a hint of color for me.  I think if you have paler lips this would show up better.  But, when I am being simple and minimal, this is amazing.  Plus, it isn't sticky and goopy on the lips.  Oh, and it has a brush applicator.  Not a doe foot.

A stand out polish this past month was Julep's Martha.  It is extremely pale pink.  I absolutely loved wearing it.  It is ultra feminine, delicate, and just all around lovely on the nails. 

This next item is going to seem strange.  I have ADORED using my aloe plants.  I will either snap off a tiny piece from the tip of the leaf, or remove the entire leaf, cut what I need, and refrigerate the rest.  I cut open the leaf and use the aloe inside on my face.  After showering and using my astringent (which I will discuss in a future natural skincare post), I will massage the aloe vera gel into my face.  It helps with redness and really soothes the skin.  It also leaves my face feeling amazingly soft.  I think everyone needs an aloe plant (or five).

I have been rotating around three different perfumes this month.  I've been loving Lolita Lempicka Coral Flower for the scorching hot days.  It is a balmy, sea air kind of perfume.  It reminds me of walking along a beach side.   The other is L De Lolita Lempicka.  I also wear this one when it is warmer.  I originally bought it to wear in the winter, but discovered it transforms to a perfect summer fragrance.  The final perfume is vera Wang Princess.  For days when I don't want anything too strong or something that could offend, I spritz this on.  It is my easy, go-to perfume. 

For a more thorough review of the perfumes, check out these previous posts:

• Lolita Lempicka Coral Flower
• L De Lolita Lempicka
• Vera Wang Princess

Scented Wax Bars

Last weekend, I was out running some errands and picking up some stuff for indoor potted plants.  I was shopping at Meijer, and every time I am there, I have to swing through the plug-in warmer section and sniff any new bars they might have.  I found a couple that I hadn't noticed before.  Originally, I had four, but ended up putting two of them down.  One was a sugared almond (or something like that) and the other a coconut lime.  It smelled okay, but was pretty heavy on the lime and not so much on the coconut.  

The pink one is hibiscus rose from the brand ScentSationals.  The purple one is soft lilac petals from Hanna's At Home.   I haven't tried any from that line yet (H.A.H) but have seen and sniffed several from its/her line. 

The hibiscus rose is just that....  you can tell there is a tropical flower, but it is balanced by the rose.  It is a beautiful combination.    The soft lilac petals really smells like actual flowers.  It smells like the kind of flowers you'd find just taking a walk through a neighborhood that has houses with newly bloomed spring flowers in the front yards.  It is so realistic it is crazy!  I'm amazed at how well they've captured this smell.  

I bought these because I think they'd be amazing to have warming and scenting up my home this spring (the tiny bit left) and summer.    It just gives a freshness to the home that is energizing and cheery.  

If you have a tart warmer, what kind of scents are you burning?

Say Goodbye To Google Reader!

We're getting close to the date when Google Reader (which a lot of us have used/are still using) will disappear.  I've already switched over to following the blogs I enjoy on BlogLovin.  It is easy-peasy to switch over and import everything from your Google Reader to BlogLovin.  On their page they have instructions on how to go about it.

BlogLovin also has a nice, clean layout that I think you'd enjoy. It makes it simple to see the newest posts from people you follow, you can see how many people are following you, etc.

Switch over, guys, if you want to keep getting updates about this blog's posts along with anyone else you follow!  :-)

(click the icon below to start following SpritesVanity.blogspot.com)

Ralph Lauren Blue (for women)

Blue for women was created in 2005 by David Apel and Pierre Negrin.  It is considered a floral fragrance, and mostly worn in warm weather.  It is a busy perfume with a lot of fragrance notes making up the juice.

I have seen on several different sites that Blue has been discontinued, yet I've also read that you can still buy it directly from Ralph Lauren, as well as many department stores and etailers. So, I'm not entirely certain.  However, it would seem that if you are still interested in buying it, it IS possible to do so.  I know you can get it on beauty.com or drugstore.com.

In my order, I was also given a couple of samples.  I got a muslin cloth and facial wash, shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask, as well as an Urban Decay Primer Potion.   But, this isn't a review about those, so...  Moving on!

Initially, I'm a bit overwhelmed by gardenia and jasmine.  To my nose, it is heaviest on gardenia.  It does have a green and aquatic quality to it that definitely evokes thoughts of hot weather and being surrounded by blossoming flowers.

Once it settles on the skin, the floral is more bearable and not so sinus-stinging but still definitely there.  It doesn't fade away.  I can no longer tell specific notes apart from one another.  I do detect something citrus-like mingling with the flowers, but nothing in particular. I can just tell there is a sharp, bright burst of citrus.

I can't imagine wearing this any time other than summer... or hot spring days.  The cooler, early days of spring (or fall & winter) I don't think this would work right for.  I know a lot of summer scents are energizing in their particular notes.  This one, in my opinion, softens down and is just relaxing.   I'm sure tons of people already own it, or previously owned it.  However, if you've never sniffed it, I highly recommend seeking it out and doing so.  It's quite a lovely perfume.

Julep's DD Creme & Concealer

I'm normally not so quick to write a review of a product, however, this particular time it didn't take long to form an opinion.  This month, I selected the Modern Beauty box from Julep.  Inside, it came with their new DD Creme & the matching DD Concealer.    I was very excited to try these out because BB cremes have become all the rage.  Also, they really hyped these products up.  I really expected something phenomenal from them.

Initially, everything seemed fine.  The cardboard box seemed to be made of quality material.  The lettering was sleek.  And, I was still holding that hope for an amazing, out of this world product.

The same went for the concealer.  As you can see, I selected both in the shade "light".  They only had 3 colors to choose from.  Since I am very fair, I selected their lightest option.  I knew I was taking a risk here because it is difficult to match very fair skin.  The video they had put out on their facebook, though, showed a woman who seemed to be a similar color to myself.  The foundation and concealer blended on her like a dream!  All indications that this could end well, right?  WRONG!

I'll start with the concealer.  This seemed to be an area most people had problems with.  You look at the bottle, and while small, seems like you should still have enough inside for multiple uses.  I mean, this isn't supposed to be a sample size.  This baby retails on their page for $32.00 and Mavens get the exclusive pricing of $25.60.  Even if you selected one of their boxes this month, you paid $19.99 or used Julep points (aka: Jules) equaling 2,000 points. A concealer that is that much should be amazing, right?  Well, I wish I could let you know.  Unfortunately, there was only enough inside my tube for one use.   I had to fight with my tube to even get that small amount out.  I struggled to get just barely enough to apply under my eyes.

Squishing and squeezing the bottle did little good for me.

This tube is mostly filled with air.  

Another point that worried me....  Neither of my tubes had the sanitary foil seal over the opening.  Some girls said theirs did.  The fact that some did, and some didn't, is even MORE concerning. That tells me it should have been there, but that mine did not has me worried. 

You can see, nothing more is going to come out of this tube unless I cut into it and scrape whatever might be stuck to the inside walls.  And I don't feel I should have to fight that hard for a brand-spankin'-new product. This is worse than trying to force the last pearl of toothpaste out of a tube!

Some girls said their DD Creme was filled similarly....mostly air and not enough product.  Well, I can't tell for certain, but I imagine mine was filled properly.  It seemed to have an okay amount of product inside.  However, my problem was the consistency of it.  It was so extremely oily!  When I initially squirted some out, it was half pigment and half oil substance.  I thought "okay, I just need to shake this one up."  So, that's what I did.  Upon initial application, it seemed fine.  However, within 20 minutes, it was breaking down on my face.  I have never seen a foundation-like product break down this quickly.  I might expect a bit of breakdown after wearing it all day, in the heat, on an oily face that is sweating.  But, a fresh application shouldn't start breaking down like this.

Let's not even start on the fact that the "light" is far too dark and orange for someone who is fair.  I have even gotten a bit of sun and, still, it is too dark.   I would have to do some serious sunless tanning to get this to work. That's just not my thing.

Here, I have included a close up shot of the breaking down of the DD Creme.   Come on now!  This is ridiculous!

Monday morning, shortly after they opened, I called in.  I spoke to a woman and explained the problem.  Initially, I felt that I was getting brushed off.  Kind of a "Thanks for letting us know.  This helps us in product development."  But, I didn't feel like my concerns were being remedied.  I have 2 products that I cannot use.   I didn't feel it was fair to just walk away and no solution be had.   I voiced this and let her know that I'm not trying to be difficult.  However, I feel cheated and would like to return, exchange, or be refunded these products.  

As of posting this, I am still in the middle of working with customer service to find a solution.   The last contact I had was offering to send me another bottle of the concealer but they wouldn't be able to do the same for the DD Creme because they are sold out of the "light" shade, but would be happy to send me a "medium."  This doesn't feel like a solution to me.  So many girls are having problems with their concealer, so another bottle isn't going to fix it.  That just gives me 1 more application.  It would seem that most everyone is receiving empty concealer tubes.  I don't want another empty tube.   As for the DD Creme, I don't want a medium because I will never be of a coloring that would be able to wear "medium" foundation.  Also, until there is some certainty that the manufacturing has changed and there aren't so many duds, I'm not comfortable chancing another oily tube.  So, I am still out 2 products.  

I have my fingers crossed that this will all come to a happy conclusion.  I think, typically, Julep has good customer service and work to find positive solutions.  So, once this is all said and done, I will be sure to update what finally ended up happening with this dilemma. 

Oh, also!  When I spoke to customer service, I was asked to send in pictures of the problematic products.  These are the same photos I sent in to them.

Also, please don't mind my chipped polish.  I have been putting off repainting them until closer to an event I am going to.  I assure you, they are freshly painted now though!  :-)

UPDATE: As of Thursday, the 6th my issue has been resolved.   We had a couple of back and forth emails until a satisfactory resolution was found.  In the end, I did get the equal amount for the box back in Julep Jules.  So, I'm pleased.   I would have loved to have two products that I could actually use, but with one empty and the other separating, it just isn't possible.  :-(  I'd like to think they will be going back to the lab and figuring out why the products ended up having these problems and improve upon them. Everyone was very excited to try a new face product for this summer, but many were left disappointed.   Better luck next time?  Let's hope.