Category: bath and body

La Prairie Cellular Mineral Body Exfoliator

I’ve got the perfect thing to pick up during Neiman Marcus Beauty Event… I just tried out the new La Prairie Cellular Mineral Body Exfoliator. Not only is it precisely what the doctor ordered to pre-game before summer, but it is just enough to score the gift with purchase tote full of samples!

Off the bat, this gel is truly incandescent – a little surreal beauty for your shower. The exfoliating beads are accompanied by Pure Diamond Powder, Amethyst Powder and Smithsonite Mineral Extract. Because it is so densely packed, the exfoliating action is even. Beyond exfoliating, the formula also is enriched with Olivine Oil, Rose Hips Oil and Camelia Oil to cleanse and soften while the The La Prairie Cellular Complex works against aging.

While the granuals don’t initially melt away, the exfoliation action is very gentle. The scent is very subtle. But the effect is not. My skin was unusually soft, hydrated but not greasy. It was the perfect canvas for a little self tanner. The formula is gentle enough to use a couple times a week, but I’d shy away from every day.

Also, don’t forget to snap some Instagrams of your Neiman Marcus Beauty Event haul. Tag your shot with #NMBeauty for your chance to with a NM Beauty Bundle valued at $2,500.

La Prairie Cellular Mineral Body Exfoliator is also available at shoplaprairie.com.

Stephanie Johnson Spring Collection

I’m like a kid in a candy store. Give me stylish, cute, well-made cosmetic bags in the most cheerful and fresh spring colors and textures and I am a happy girl. Stephanie Johnson did it again with a fabulous collection conjuring neon, organic textures, tropical paradises, and summer glamour. I basically want the entire collection, but here are some favorites that I think should be on your shopping list.

First up, the Charleston Jenny Train Case:

Ibiza Lavender Alex:

Napa Grace Brush Case:

Everglades Coral Katie:

St. Lucia Medium Zip:

The spring collection is now available at www.stephaniejohnson.com.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

Current Sniffs: Favorite Fragrances Right Now

Just in time for that little holiday on Thursday, I thought I’d round up some favorite fragrances that have crossed my desk lately.

Tom Ford Black Orchid: One of Tom Ford’s classic scents, this dark and sensual fragrance is just spicy enough. There is a layer of deliciousness with Black Currant, Black Truffle and fruit. Lotus Wood, Patchouli, Incense and Vetiver play prominently. And I love the creamy vanilla as it dries down.

Ivanka Trump Eau de Parfum: I was surprised to fall for this one. But lately, celebrity-created fragrances have been capturing my heart more than I expected. Inspired by grace and beauty, Ivanka developed a very wearable scent that features both sophisticated and playful notes. Italian Bergamot, Apple, Pineapple and Pink Peppercorn set up a playful top note experience. But Rose, Amber, Vanilla and Patchouli round out with a seductive, warm and sophisticated end.

Valentino Valentina Assoluto Eau de Parfum: Already hooked on the original Valentina, no surprise I love the newer, more intense iteration. Absoluto has the freshness with bergamot and peach, but with the fervor of Italian floral Chypre. Jasmine and tuberose are calmed with vanilla. This is such a great spring-time scent with the giddiness of fruit but sweetness of white florals and vanilla.

The Art of Shaving ‘The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave – Lavender’ Kit

Just a quick break to talk about something for the guys today. And just in time for Valentine’s Day if you are still on the hunt for something for your guy. I had dad try out another Art of Shaving Kit and wanted to share some of his thoughts (Ocean Kelp reviewed here).

These kits contain full-size containers of the following, designed for the four “Elements” of shaving:

Pre-Shave Gel
Shaving Cream
Pure Badger Black Shaving Brush
After-Shave Lotion

This time around, he tested the Lavender Kit. I was a little hesitant to ask him to try something with such a feminine sounding fragrance. But he was game to give it a whirl. Turns out there was nothing to fear because the Lavender is “great with a manly-man aroma.” Good to know!

Dad points out the experience is like taking shaving to the next level. The “Elements” all add to comfort and performance. The Pre-Shave Gel “made the razor glide right over skin instead of how the razor usually lightly drags.” The Shaving Cream is smoother and more luxurious than his beloved drugstore brand. While I don’t think he uses the Badger Brush every day, it is a little classy addition. Last, he particularly appreciated the After-Shave Lotion. “It has been so dry here that I have added moisturizer to my face during the day on many days. Not today – I really think that the Art of Shaving kept me comfortable all day.”

So, ladies… there you go. It has the seal of approval. And I think I got Dad hooked 🙂

Me & The Girls Lavandula Revive Food Scrub and Softening Creme

Yikes, my feet are looking rough. I know it is only January but pool time will be here before you know it. And I have some work to do on these tootsies. I was recently introduced to a natural skincare brand, Me & The Girls. Sharon Hackney, Me & The Girls Founder and CEO, has crafted a line up of organic, vegan products housed in a beautiful AND eco-friendly packaging. With an eye towards trying to stay non-toxic and chemical free, I had to give some of the bath products a whirl.

I’m a sucker for anything lavender so I immediate dove into the Lavandula Revive Foot Scrub during my latest bath time. It is an intense scrub that still manages to revitalize. The organic sugar cane exfoliates while the spearmint butter crème base gives a minty tingle. I’m not pool ready yet, but this is certainly helping.

Post bath, I slathered on Lavandula Revive Foot Softening Creme, loaded with Cupuacu Seed Butter and Avacado Oil. The calming lavender scent is balanced out with just a hint of mint. Slip on some comfy socks and let that stuff go to work. Not only did my feet feel better, but the moisturized skin was easier to care for and looked better.

Also, as a side note, I am also hooked on Limonum Sugar Body Scrub – these guys know how to do a good scrub! You can find Me & The Girls goodies at shop.meandthegirls.com.

Finding Your Fragrance

This morning, I’ll be making my fourth appearance on Great Day Green Country on Fox 23 to talk beauty. Today’s segment will feature four fragrances that run the gamut from floral to green to classic to spicy. There are so many options out there, it can be overwhelming.

To help narrow it down, I look at each fragrance as a sort of personality type. Individuals don’t always fall into one category or like just one “type” of fragrance. I am on the Bohemian side, but I love all four of these fragrances and wear them regularly. But it can help narrow down your focus and get the search started. So, check out this quiz and your answers can give you an idea of where to start your fragrance journey.

1. Your favorite manicure is:

a) Baby pink
b) Clear or no polish
c) A rich jewel tone like emerald or dark purple
d) Bold Red

2. When it comes to your hair, you prefer:

a) Straight and classic
b) A practical pony tail
c) Bohemian, beachy waves
d) In a chignon or French twist

3. What is your favorite accessory?

a) Gold hoops or diamond studs
b) Nature-inspired jewelry or a handmade bag
c) Beaded necklaces, pendants or hobo bag
d) Elegant evening clutch with statement jewelry

4. How do you want your fragrance to make you feel?

a) Classic and refined
b) Energized and refreshed
c) Earthy and feminine
d) Sexy and sophisticated

5. Your ideal after-work way to wind down is:

a) Having dinner out
b) A walk or game of tennis
c) Checking out a gallery opening
d) Being pampered with a pedicure or massage

6. Your favorite beauty look is:

a) The matte face with nude lips and a bold brow
b) The no-makeup makeup look
c) Lined eyes with long lashes and sheer lipgloss
d) The perfect red lip

7. Your “happy place” is:

a) Sailing off the coast of the Bahamas
b) Hiking in the Costa Rican jungle
c) Being on a deserted beach in the South Pacific
d) On a grand European adventure

If you answered:

MOSTLY A’s, try Burberry Body. The base notes of vanilla and cedar give a sophisticated floral scent roundness and you’d love the classic Burberry interpretation of fragrance.

MOSTLY B’s, try Nest Passiflora. The green and clean scent is unique and fresh. Plus, the nature lover in you will be drawn to the beautiful bottle inspired by 18th century botanical art.

MOSTLY C’s, try Nicole, Nicole Richie’s first fragrance. Like Nicole, the fragrance is sensual and bohemian. The free-spirited side of you will love the art deco inspired bottle.

MOSTLY D’s, try Bulgari Jasmine. Your cosmopolitan sensibilities will be drawn to elegant amber and sandalwood. The vintage container has the glamour you love.

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