Category: bath and body

H2O Plus Spa Sea Amber Collection

I feel like I am sounding like a broken record. But this time of year allows for my ultimate indulgence in my favorite, spicy scents like amber. Not only am I wearing a version as a fragrance, but I am also stocking my shower with these cozy scents.

H2O Plus has been a favorite for a while. Their marine-inspired collections are subtly scented and hydrate my dry skin. The Spa Sea Amber Collection is no different. Vanilla and citrus mix well to be both soothing and warm. The formulas actually contain Sea Amber found along the Baltic seashores, upping the nourishing factor.

I’ve been testing out the body care trio: Body Wash, Skin Smoother and Body Lotion. The wash cleanses without tightening skin. And my redness-prone skin is left calm. The Skin Smoother is amazingly hydrating with sweet almond and macadamia oils. And the sea salts exfoliate dry, autumn skin leaving a radiance. Last, the lotion contains H2O Plus’ Hydrating Marine Blend and Cocoa butter that adds moisture but doesn’t leave skin greasy.

My skin has a very subtle scent – it isn’t cloying or overly sweet. To boost the effect, use all three products used together.

Available at Ulta and H2OPlus.com

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Byredo Gypsy Water

Looking for a fall fragrance that is sophisticated and subtle but still cozy and romantic? Don’t miss Byredo Gypsy Water. I have been swooning over the brand since first discovering Byredo here and still cherish the travel size. But this newest addition to my collection is not only full-sized but earthy and sultry – perfect without being over the top.

This Swedish fragrance-maker was inspired by the myths surrounding the Romany lifestyle – something I myself have always been a little fascinated by. Fresh soil, forests and campfires will come to mind. And while I am not a champion outdoors-man, I do love the connotation of crisp fall weather in my scents this time of year.

Top notes include bergamot, lemon, pepper and juniper berries but the last thing I find is anything terribly floral. At first sniff, I get quite a bit of lemon which is delightful first thing in the AM. The incense and pine needles come through next on me. And the finish dries down to the gourmand I love with vanilla and amber.

Some fall and winter scents can be cloying and heavy. This one is light and confident but still cozy and warm. Byredo once again delivers the ultimate in luxury.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Gold Couture Eau de Parfum and GIVEAWAY

As always, I am going to be perfectly honest. Before checking out the newest fragrance from Juicy Couture, I couldn’t help but cringe at the memories of my velour track suits circa 1999. Oh but how things have changed. I tested out this scent at a big event at the beginning of September and was flooded with compliments. Our little Juicy is all grown up.

Viva la Juicy Gold Couture is surprisingly sophisticated but still has that gourmand vanilla and caramel that I love. I don’t think I’ll ever get away from loving those cozy and warm scents. Naturally, I have my favorite amber in there too. It is all balanced with honeysuckle and berries. So take a trip back to your college days with me and go Juicy – trust me… the throwback is all worth it.

Want to roll the dice? Your chance to win a full-size bottle is right here. Just enter using the widget below to win your own bottle of Viva la Juicy Gold Couture Fragrance for yourself. Good luck! (US Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A little fashion note: Probably my top online shopping destination, Shopbop, has a fabulous brother site if you haven’t checked it out. East Dane is celebrating their 1 year anniversary tomorrow. So pop on over and pick up some goodies for your man (or yourself – I’ve been known to pick up a shirt or two from there). They are also hosting a 1-Year Anniversary Sweepstakes on their Instagram page – just look for the #1BigYear hashtag.

Drugstore Beauty Buys

I’ve been so focused on luxe products lately that I decided it was time to revisit some of my budget favorites. I scoured the aisles of my local CVS and found some winners I’d love to share with you. Can you possible imagine a better thing than a beauty buy that works and is at a friendly price-point? I think not…

My skin is irritatingly dry this summer. I am not sure if it is the air conditioning or just the fact that we have had a bit of drier weather lately. Either way, I am trying to remember to slather on lotion day and night. Curel Daily Moisture Original Lotion for Dry Skin certainly doesn’t feel like budget. The formula is rich but still absorbs quickly. And this dermatologist backed line is clinical proven. Plus the straightforward formulation keeps my skin from getting irritated.

The shape might be wacky but it works. NYX The Curve Felt Tip Eye Liner is ergonomically designed for a steady, even application. The formula is a balance: quick drying but nimble and water resistant. Are you a liquid liner beginner? Look no further than this unique low-commitment drugstore version.

The new Reach Complete Care Triple Angle Floss Soft Toothbrush got me to stop reaching for my beloved electric toothbrush. Why you ask? I am hooked on the angled bristles and the way they get my teeth feeling ultra-clean without irritating my gums. And after some research, I am convinced that tongue cleaning is an integral part of tooth care and keeps my breath smelling great (there is a built-in cleaner on the back of the brush). Strange, I know. But try it! World of difference.

// Shop The Post //

image here

Strange Invisible Perfumes

I’m having a moment. I get them every now and then. Thanks to my eight years living in California, occasionally the West Coast just calls my name. Unfortunately, I can’t jet away right this moment – or anytime soon. So my new favorite brand from Venice, CA is whisking me away in the beauty department.

Strange Invisible Perfumes was founded in 2000 by botanical perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis with a passion for authentic, organic, biodynamic and hydro-distilled essences. These hand-blended scents are made in limited batches and distilled in esprit de Cognac and aged for a minimum of six months. That translates into “fancy” in Californian.

But not only luxurious, these fragrances are unique and sexy. The twelve scents are:

AQUARIAN ROSE: Hydro-distilled rose brightens a warm sea of marjoram and sandalwood.
ATLANTIC: A warm, layered composition of bay rum, frankincense and amber with a civilized note of English peppermint.
BLACK ROSETTE: The dark side of roses. Hydro-distilled essences of rose and Moroccan spearmint cling to the menacing aroma of leather.
DIMANCHE: Iris root, hydro-distilled rose, honey and amber recollect leisurely Sunday lunches in Paris.
EPIC GARDENIA: The humid, velvety scent of live gardenias.
FAIR VERONA: Jasmine blooms sparkle with hydro-distillates of bergamot, grapefruit, sandalwood and mimosa absolute.
L’INVISIBLE: Hydro-distilled essences of lemon, bergamot and mandarin enliven a warm heart of vanilla, rose, ylang ylang, jasmine and oakmoss.
MAGAZINE STREET: An opulent perfume inspired by New Orleans. Vanilla, vetiver, magnolia and botanical musk conjure lush gardens wild with history and balconies of black iron lace.
MUSC BOTANIQUE: Organic, hydro-distilled geranium and frankincense enhance crystalline notes of white amber and botanical musk.
PELOPONNESIAN: Notes of mountain sage honey, Aegean sea air, hydro-distilled lime, orange and cypress evoke the ancient aromas of the Peloponnesos in southern Greece.
PRIMA BALLERINA: A satiny bouquet of hydro-distilled rose, white sage, lime and botanical musk.

Even though it is fairly masculine, I have fallen hard for Atlantic. I love it for sporty summer days and it will work perfectly on cozy winter weather. Don’t miss their body products as well. I have been totally hooked on the lavender & vetiver to unwind during and after my evening shower. And they just came out with their first 15ml travel size. So if you are lucky enough to jet away (I’ll live vicariously through you) and pick one of these up!

Available at SIperfumes.com.

Byredo Bal D’Afrique Eau de Parfum

There has been quite a bit of buzz about Byredo in the beauty community. I was captivated by the cool Scandinavian packaging and sexy names of all the scents. Based in Stockholm, Byredo was founded by a painter and has partnered with some iconic perfumers. All the fragrances are inspired by locations or works of art.

These fragrances are specifically crafted with simplicity. My new favorite – Bal d’Afrique – lets the vetiver shine through. And no wonder this one jumped out as a favorite for me… it is inspired by Paris (my favorite city). But it isn’t just Parisian. The scent is infused with African culture: read neroli, African marigold and cedarwood.

To top it all off, Byredo makes the very sexy Byredo Nécessaire de Voyage Collection Calf Leather Travel Case. The leather feels like butter and there is no more fashionable way to freshen your fragrance on the go. Needless to say, their other goodies like bar soaps, body creams, lotions, and travel cases, and candles are on my wish list.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.