Category: bath and body

Pinrose

Looking for a new spring scent? Swing by Pinrose, a cool fragrance online store that offers a sampling program and a scent finder. I took their quiz aka “Scent Profiler” and received three “Petals” or at-home samples to try out. I appreciated the flexibility in trying out the fragrances over the course of a week or so without all that department store pressure.

Founders Erika Shumate and Christine Luby built their fragrances experience on the pillars of high quality ingredients and a cheerful, fun experience. Each scent – there are 10 – has three level of notes that they refer to as Smile, Heart and Soul. Smile is the first impression. Heart is the middle notes. And Soul is what remains after a couple hours. In addition, each fragrance is paired with a cocktail and song that evokes the experience.

I tried Treehouse Royal, Moonlight Gypsy and Pillowtalk Poet. I was most drawn to Moonlight Gypsy with its herbal Cardamom, Orange Blossom and Sandalwood. No wonder that its cocktail is one of my favorites – Mulled Wine. Check out all the scents at Pinrose.com and take the quiz here.

Made in the USA. No phthalates and no parabens.

While we are at it… here are some other sales and deals from around the web:

Enjoy 20% off almost everything at Bliss with code 20SPRINGCLEAN through 3/31.

Today is the last day of Friends and Family at one of my favorites, Joie. Take 20% off full-priced items with code JOIEFRIENDS.

Get 20% off all Maya Brenner products at BaubleBar through 3/31. Love these delicate initial pieces!

Get a free full-size Lip Glaze set ($66 value) and free shipping with a $50 purchase at Stila Cosmetics with code LIPGLAZE through today.

Wanderlust From Stephanie Johnson

Anyone else dreaming of the beach? The new collections from Stephanie Johnson have me wanting to pack my bags. While I chose some more neutral bags for my permanent collection, I wanted to share these colorful and cheerful prints today in the case anyone else needs a little tropical daydreaming. And stay tuned for what I added to my collection later this week.

Careyes is a secluded hideaway resort on Mexico’s Pacific coast and inspired the print found on the three bags in front. The vivid shades conjure a bohemian chic. And the ikat reminds of the Aztec culture. Mumbai, long a favorite, is most vibrant in turquiose. I love the sophisitication against the exotic metallic.

Available at stephaniejohnson.com.

Library of Flowers The Forest Parfum Crema and Coco Butter Handcreme

I first spotted Library of Flowers at Neiman Marcus and was immediately blown away by the beautiful packaging. Somehow it managed to be elegant, beautiful and playful all at the same time. I then learned the unique mission of this indie brand – to create memorable journeys through sight and scent. Perfume Author Margot Elena crafts Eau de Parfum, Parfum Crema, Coco Butter Handcreme, Bubble Bath, Perfumed Soap and Bath Oil that all remind me of particular aspects of nature.

One of the most compelling and unique products is the Parfum Crema designed to be used in place of traditional fragrance. The triple-scented rich cream is completely a fragrance alternative designed to be worn alone. Or you can wear it with Coco Butter Handcreme for a more intense, full-body effect.

While I haven’t tried out many of their scents (that each belong to one of three “chapters”) I have been diving into The Forest with notes (or as Margot calls them “characters”):

Top: Oak Bark
Middle: Arctic Moss
Bottom: White Sage

While The Forest does not have my adored amber note, the deep, spicy woodiness is a welcome departure from my usual favorites. And the hydrating deliver approach is curing my sad winter skin. This handcream will have a permanent spot in my purse. Mostly because I love the scent but the ooohs and ahhhs when I pull out the beautiful packaging doesn’t hurt either!

Other scents include Field & Flowers Honeycomb, Linden, True Vanilla, Forget Me Not, Willow & Water, Wildflower & Fern, Arboretum, Kirimashi Air, Moon Shadow and Root.

Shop The Post:

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

Skinfix Body Repair Balm and Rapid Repair Balm

Previously only distributed in Canada, Skinfix is finally available in the US! Yay! This little brand is quite the lifesaver and has come in particularly handy for me the last couple of weeks. Developed based on a family recipe passed down from British Pharmacopoeia, these medicinal balms are proven to work without all the irritating ingredients that can so often be found to treat eczema, dryness, dermatitis, chaffing, razor burn and sunburn.

These balms are made from secret blends of vitamins, minerals, botanical oils and plant extracts. Both balms are dermatologist tested, steroid-free, fragrance-free, hydrocortisone-free and with BPA-free packaging.

Body Repair Balm landed on my desk right as I got my first eczema diagnosis. This tiny (and annoying) patch appeared below my eye last month. My doctor advised me to pick up some hydrocortisone. But I always try to steer clear of unnecessary steroids. I remembered this all-natural balm and started slathering away. Just as the doc promised with the hydrocortisone, that patch was healed in under a week. Now I know that hydrocortisone can harm skin’s natural moisture barrier, so I’ll be turning to Skinfix Body Repair Balm for any dryness or dermatitis from now on. The formula contains colloidal oatmeal, healing botanicals and sweet almond oil. While the texture is very thick, it does absorb quickly into skin leaving behind only a slight stickiness.

Rapid Repair Balm is an amped up version that is specifically targeted for the most injured skin. It tackles chaffing, minor burns, sunburns, razor burn or chronic rashes. Like the Body Repair Balm, this formula is hydrocortisone-free but offers a sort of steroid-free all-natural hydrocortisone. A medicine cabinet staple, it helps with ailments for the entire family. This extremely thick balm doesn’t absorb but sits on top of skin with a little greasiness. But that’s its role as a super healing balm. While each balm is slightly different, I honestly will have these stocked in the future. Their natural properties and ability to treat a wide range of ailments make them invaluable.

Available at Skinfix.com and C.O. Bigelow.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Vitae Eau De Toilette

Well, mission accomplished. I have found my spring scent. While I swoon over NEST Midnight Fleur, I wanted to lighten things up as the weather warmed. And thanks to being a Neiman Marcus Beauty Ambassador, I learned about Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Vitae Eau De Toilette.

Keep in mind, I am loyal to woodsy and musky scents. But this one has a citrusy lightness, translating my favorite moody notes into a spring-worthy fragrance. The spiciness is softened with tonka bean and vanilla. Featured citrus includes Calabrese lemon and Sicilian mandarin. I had to Google Hedione but now that I know it is a floral Jasmine, I can detect just a hint of the heady flower. And of course, guaiac wood provides my beloved woodiness.

Much like Maison Francis Kurkdjian Amyris, previously reviewed here, the scent transforms as it dries down. But I get staying power with increasing softness throughout the day. And it seems to be a crowd-pleaser. Got to love the compliments!

Parisian Francis Kurkdjian built his career crafting fragrances for fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Dior, and Jean Paul Gaultier. In 2009, he struck out on his own to create his own collection, Maison Francis Kurkdjian where he is known for unique scents inspired by the city of Paris.

Available at Neiman Marcus. Shop the post:

Spring Color on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

It is Friday and you know what that means… I’m back on Great Day Green Country and it is time to ring in spring. After a frigid and icy weekend, we have 60s and 70s for the next four or five days (yes, there is a patio in my near future – likely around happy hour today). And what better way to celebrate the warmer weather than some spring shades. Today, I am rounding up the six products to warm things up on your vanity: