Category: bath and body

FLOWER Body Mists

I certainly don’t shy away from drugstore beauty. In fact, trolling the aisles of CVS is a pure joy to me. But one of my favorite budget beauty buys is actually from Wal-Mart. Drew Barrymore’s FLOWER Beauty has consistently surprised me with quality.

Her latest foray is in to the bath and body department with four unique Body Mists. I have been reaching for these during pool days or post workout. The four scents are inspired by her fragrances (which I also love). The four options:

Cherished – Comforting and nuzzly floral, captured in a hug of skin musks and powdery notes that surrounds you like a soft cashmere blanket.

TOP NOTES: Morning Dew Accord, Sparkling Cassis, Italian Lemon Blossom
MID NOTES: Iris Petals, Cabbage Rose, Springtime Lily of the Valley
BASE NOTES: Tahitian Vanilla, Clean Cotton Musk, Creamy Sandalwood

Radiant – Striking and confident sparkling floral blooming with dewy greens and freshness.

TOP NOTES: Dewy Greens, Sparkling Italian Bergamot, Watery Calone
MID NOTES: Cabbage Rose, Pink Peony, Magnolia
BASE NOTES: Crystalline Musks, Pink Amber, Blonde Woods

Sultry – Sensual oriental floral that wraps you in a seductive trail of creamy florals, alluring spices and sultry vanilla woods.

TOP NOTES: Purple Plum, Cranberry Cocktail, Pink Pepper
MID NOTES: Night Blooming Jasmine, Cashmeran, Juicy Blackberries
BASE NOTES: Patchouli, Madagascar Vanilla, Sultry Musks

Sparkling Garden – Infused with succulent fruits and an effervescent sparkle for a touch of “happy each day”

TOP NOTES: Frosted Cranberry, Candied Citrus, Iced Pink Peppercorn, Sparkling Pink Champagne
MID NOTES: Raspberry Nectar, Snow White Peony, Pear Blossom
BASE NOTES: Precious Woods, Vanilla Bean, Golden Amber, Cozy Skin Musk

My favorite is the musky Cherish, but Sparkling Green truly is uplifting and I also enjoy the woody, fresh scent. Sold individually for $8.97, Available at Walmart and Walmart.com.

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Soap & Paper Factory Farmacie Moisturizing Hand Cream

I’ve always been intrigued with Soap & Paper products – can the brand name be any cooler? It just sounds like it would look fabulous on my vanity. I have finally had a chance to try out a couple products and they do not disappoint. The vintage packaging and all-natural scents are a joy to use.

This all-natural hand cream has luscious shea butter and nourishing oils. I’ve been trying out Marigold Calendula which has cyclamen, peony and ylang-ylang. I love the cozy herbal feel with just a hint of fresh floral. The hand cream also comes in Lavender and Red Rose Saffron. I can’t wait to pick up Lavender to keep by my bed.

Available at Birchbox.

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Mountain Ocean Skin Trip Moisturizer

This week is nuts! I think the moment school starts again, the whole world speeds up a little bit. So apologies for the quick post. Just wanted to share my favorite late-summer body lotion with you today. If you’re like me, you didn’t have a chance to get to a beach this summer. But Mountain Ocean Skin Trip Moisturizer will (kinda) get you there.

The formula is powered with coconut oil and aloe vera – something I always associate with childhood days in the sand. But you don’t get any of that greasy feeling like when using pure coconut oil. The lotion is super fast absorbing but still manages to pack a moisture punch. The scent is subtle enough that you don’t smell like Spring Break at work – but more like a breath of fresh, tropical air.

Available at Amazon.

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ADORAtherapy Good Mood Boost Mist

I had a moment walking downtown this weekend. I had a terrible summer cold and temps topped 100 here in Tulsa the first time this year. The atmosphere was silent and heavy. While I wasn’t in a terrible mood, I could feel the melancholy. Strange how that happens. When I returned home, I happened on a package from ADORAtherapy/Mood-Boosting Aromatherapy.

This mood spray, aka Clear Away!, was not only perfect to reset my mood. But it was also perfectly light and clean on a brutally hot summer day. The formula has organic sage, peppermint and lemon. I plan on stocking up for travel too – when I so often get super anxious. And a stash at the office is in order as well given how it is super subtle and works in professional environments. Good Mood Boost indeed!

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New Zealand’s 1907Water

Okay, I realize this is a little off topic for a beauty blog, but let me tell you… water truly is the key to great skin. Since I started pounding water about three years ago, my complexion, energy level and even sleep has improved. Plus, I just feel better. But until I visited my high school buddy’s new home a couple months ago, I didn’t realize my water habit could improve even more. She had installed filters in her faucets that produced alkaline water. I couldn’t believe how much better it tasted. I realize that it sounds ridiculous to talk about the taste of water, but I assure you it is actually really much better. And to boot, she also has one of those awesome ice machines that create perfect crunchy tiny cubes. Anyway, back to water…

So what is the science behind alkaline water? It helps balance the body’s acidity levels that can be exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep and poor diet. The folks at 1907Water sent over a case of their alkaline artesian water for me to try at home – I rent so there will be no installing specialized filters in my apartment. And I can happily report that 1907 tastes just as good as my friend’s.

1907Water recently sourced in New Zealand is newly available in the US. The water comes from a 680 feet deep well in New Zealand’s Kaimanawa Ranges. The lower mineral content lends to a smooth and silky finish. And the bottles are made of 100% recycled BPA-free PET and are 100% recyclable.

Next time you spot 1907Water at your favorite spot, pick up and bottle. I bet you love it as much as I do. REport back your thoughts!

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Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil

I seriously hate to post about something that is sold out, but consider this a sort of PSA. If anyone sees this on shelves, snag immediately. And I have been told by the Josie Maran team that they are working on restocking the Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil so get that credit card ready.

I have been a bit ambivalent about self-tanner this summer (just sticking with my tried and true Kate Somerville which is fabulous but hardly new to the routine). That was until this oil came across my desk. I am one to fall hard for an oil and this one is no different. Just happens to be this version is a self-tanning version.

First and foremost, my readers tend to focus in on the scent. I can’t smell a single thing except for argan oil goodness, vanilla and apricot. But those with a more sensitive nose will be glad to hear that in consumer studies, 88% agree the product left no after-scent. So score one for Josie.

The formula is a quick-absorbing and nourishing pure argan oil. The finish isn’t greasy but I do get a golden finish. I applied this rather quickly the first time around, but with the mitt I didn’t need to worry about streaking. The soft and plush fabric actually calms my skin and gives an immediate but natural-looking bronze. The formula also contains coconut water and aloe to smooth and revitalize skin.

I am already well through my bottle of this liquid gold. So I will be sure to let you know as soon as I spot a replenishment for myself. I will be keeping my eye on Sephora.