Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter

I have always been a lover of coconut scents; but not all coconut scents have met with my approval. I guess it has come down to my preferring a more smoky coconut, you could say. I don’t like them sweet and I don’t particularly like them smelling like suntan lotion. And I don’t like them to overpower me or those around me! Not everyone likes coconut, plus I prefer my scents to be my little secret!

Nothing will transport you to that warm tropical island faster than this deliciousness in a tube! It is a divine coconut scent with a touch of warmness and toastiness. Not sweet and icky, but a coconut a grownup can enjoy. I love that the body butter absorbs quickly and leaves no residue. It is uber moisturizing so it’s the perfect cream for the cold winter months. Pacifica has a range of scents from fruity to floral; the formulation is 100% vegan with no animal testing, free of parabens and does not contain anything harmful to people or the environment. The price point is very affordable considering that some can run upwards of $50! You can enjoy 8oz for$18, how great is that! For a complete scent experience, team it with their shower gel and perfume in the same scent and be scented from head to toe in Indian Coconut Nectar! I get mine at either Sephora or Whole Foods Market, but have also seen it at Sprouts as well.

My Best Products for 2010

With the new year upon us, I wanted to recap on some products that were a constant in my routine in 2010. Some of the goodies have been a long time staple but some are new found loves that I think will be around for awhile! With so many new product releases and promises of the best and brightest, it’s a chore to weed through them all and find things that I absolutely love enough to use consistently. Since I love trying and testing things, I use all kinds of stuff that I like and use here and there, but these are just a few of the items that are staples in my routine. Believe me, there are more that I use regularly but you would be here forever; hence my name Product Junkie! I hope all had a safe and happy New Year and thumbs up for the best and brightest in 2011!

Edward Bess Lipstick-Edward Bess is my long time love, and at the top of my list are his decadent lipsticks. The shades are fabulous for any skin tone and regardless of any shades I’ve tried they all seem to work fabulously with my skin tone. The formulation is super creamy, wears well and super sleek in packaging. I’m not thinking this item is going to disappear from my list of favorites any time soon.

 Origins re-usable water bottle- I have several of these bottles that I use almost daily. In an attempt to buy fewer bottles of water I'v began using my home water cooler and filling these for use during the day. Originally the bottle cost $15 for a 16oz bottle which seems a bit expensive, until you look at the cause you are supporting. The purchase of each bottle helps support Origins campaign to replant tree's in area's that have been depleted. So, in my opinion purchasing this bottle has helped to to be a bit more environmentally friendly in two forms, using less plastic and replanting tree's. I"ll go for that!

 philosophy purity made simple cleanser-this cleanser is my life saver and will never leave my routine. It is a simple product to use and tackles several issues at once. It removes makeup, tones and cleanser all at the same time. However, for me it’s the mildness that hooked me. My skin is finicky and sensitive and this cleanser has never irritated it.

Chanel Hydramax + Active Lip balm- I love the creamy texture of this lip balm not to mention its excellent moisturizing capabilities. Now that winter is upon us it can wreak havoc on our skin and most importantly the lips. This balm keeps them soft and moisturized and absorbs quickly so if you want to apply lipstick immediately after, you can.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Polishes-I love this brand for what it doesn’t have! No toluene, DBP, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and absolutely no animal testing. Not to mention that the lounge itself is just an absolute joy to visit. The polishes offer less of the “nail polish” smell and wears exceptionally well considering what is missing from the formulation. I recommend using a ‘sticky’ type base coat, even better is theirs, and you are set for a beautiful manicure for a week.

L’occitane Apricot Flower 95% Shea Butter- When all else fails; Shea Butter is the perfect treatment for all of your skincare needs. I use this on my cuticles, lips, dry heels and even on my hands when they are going to be exposed to the elements. It’s perfect for travel and its compact tin fits perfectly into your pocket, just in case you will be without your purse.

Laura Mercier Body Wash- I love Laura Mercier for her gourmand bath and body line, the products are creamy and non drying and oh so yummy. I could probably do with a less expensive body wash, but this is my little luxury at bath time!

Guerlain Lingerie de Peau foundation-With my never ending search for the foundation that would make me look perfect but still look as if I'm not wearing any, this has come up top so far this year. It becomes one with your skin and gives a perfect airbrushed look. It has a sheer to medium coverage and an ever so slightly luminous look for that fresh appeal. So far so good, so lets cross fingers that it lasts through 2011!

Teavana Tea’s- Teavana teas are a pure indulgence for me, And I just cannot live without them! This is truly an investment in my health and wellness, not to mention the superb cup of tea.

philosophy's holiday greetings

As all who read my blog know, I LOVE philosophy’s holiday sets. No exception for this one! It’s absolutely yummy and once again, I am wishing they made these little pretties in the full sized items. But for now I will enjoy them while I can.

The set contains the most scrumptious Brown Butter Cookie 3-in-1 and Coconut Macaroon Body Butter with a Pink Frosted Cookie Lip Shine to add shimmer and shine for a delicious holiday pout. The wash is 4oz and the body butter is 2oz with the lip shine in full size. The set comes housed in a box shaped like a mailbox with holiday scenes which is perfect for gift giving should you chose to gift this. I gifted it, right to me, myself and I! I love foodie comfort scents and this one has hit the spot. Especially with the cold weather upon us, this gives me just the right amount of comfort and joy. It’s a sweet cookie scent but not so sweet that it overwhelms. And the body butter is wonderfully yummy and doesn’t clash with the wash. I’ve been using this with my night time bath so I can enjoy the scent while I am relaxing for bed. How’s that for getting relaxed for a good night’s sleep!

It’s a philosophy Christmas

My favorites to get and give are the goodies from the philosophy holiday collection. Most are available now with the remainder to be released mid October.


christmas morning set $20

 the gingerbread girl body lotion-$16

 the gingerbread girl shampoo, bubble bath, shower gel-$16

silent night body lotion-$16

heart of the season shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath-$16

 candy cane lane gift set-$25

 warm and toasty gift set- $25

 glow and behold shampoo, bubble bath, shower gel-$16

 silent night shampoo and shower gel-$16

 

Laura Mercier for Holiday 2010

Some of these are already available on Lauramercier.com but expected to be at select counters mid-October.



Eye Colour Sampler ($48)

Travel Brush Set ($85)

Mini Lip Glacé Set ($48)

Cool Petite Eye Palette ($28)
Warm Petite Eye Palette ($28)
Color Wardrobe ($98)

Cool Palette

Warm Palette

Color Wardrobe

Crème Brûlée Set ($40)
Almond Coconut Milk Set ($40)

Almond Coconut Milk Collection ($75)


Crème de Pistache Collection ($75)

Soufflé Body Crème Sampler Set -($50)

Crème Brûlée Candle($32)


Crème de Pistache Candle ($32)


Warm Roasted Chestnuts Candle ($32)

Creme Brulee Candle

Creme de Pistache Candle

Warm Roasted Chestnut Candle

photo's courtesy of Lauramercier.com

Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia

Due out in September is Jo Malone’s newest collaboration with Christine Nagel. Christine Nagel has worked with Jo Malone on past projects, and although considered a master of perfumery herself, she understands the Jo Malone philosophy. English Pear & Freesia, inspired by the autumn season is a sensation of juiciness, with a top note of King William Pear, a heart of freesia and patchouli, and an ending of white amber and musk. A unique fragrance to the Jo Malone collection, there is no doubt it will be fruitiness with sophistication. The release is anticipated to consist of a 30ml and 100ml parfum, a bath gel, body cream and candle. I predict that since the fragrance is releasing with a full collection right out of the gate, it is going to be an in demand collection!

Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Balm

The newest addition to Jo Malone’s Vitamin E skincare collection, the Vitamin E Body Balm fits right into the highly nourishing and deeply moisturizing line. It is highly concentrated to immediately soothe and hydrate parched skin. Long lasting conditioning effects replenish skin restoring its softness and sumptuousness while it is instantly absorbed leaving nothing behind but skin ready to be touched. Definitely a treatment item, it’s highly addictiveness might make this an everyday item!

KenzoKi Part 1(continued)-Sensual Bare Body Cream

The ‘Sensual’ fragrance from Kenzoki is based on the scent of steamed rice, soft and sensual; the soft scent of skin. I first encountered the skincare and bodycare of the KenzoKi line when Nordstrom used to carry it. It then went onto Sephora for awhile and I was thrilled that we were starting to distribute this fabulous line in the US. It is based on Japanese skin care technology and we all know and see how advanced they are; ever see a Japanese woman with bad skin? Unfortunately, it’s one of those lines that the mass markets here didn’t catch onto. But its fabulousness is not diminished because of it. It’s now only sold on Kenzousa.com, one site I visit often for replenishment of my KenzoKi products. It’s an extension of the Kenzo line and we all know and love Amour, so just imagine this scented line to be of that family, just a touch lighter and softer.

Continuing the ‘Sensual’ ritual, follow your bath with a slathering of Bare Body Night Cream. You will drift off to sleep with a dose of deep nourishment and a tiny hint of the ‘Sensual’ scent to relax your mind and body. It is called a night cream, but I use this as an everyday body cream and of course, it works just as well during the day! It is a soufflé texture, is highly nourishing and hydrating but it absorbs very quickly. It is just ever so slightly scented with the ‘Sensual’ fragrance, so you can use the Sensual Beneficial Water after, or a spritz of your favorite perfume. Again, this follows the tradition of blending science with nature giving you the perfect balance of performance and pleasure! Available in a 6.8oz jar for $48 at Kenzousa.com

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

With the dry winter months upon us, it’s the time of dry, itchy skin. It does not matter how much lotion and cream I put on, I can’t seem to make the moisture last all day! But no more! I heard the raves on this cream and had to try it. I am not sorry! Its non greasy and super light whipped texture make this perfect to use as your daily cream. Better yet, layered with your favorite lotion or cream, it maximizes the performance. The soothing ingredients of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, eucalyptus oil and ceramides makes this a must have for anyone with dry, itchy or scaly skin, or if you have irritant eczema, allergic eczema or keratosis pilaris, Ultra Repair Cream will keep your skin soothed and protected. It’s deeply hydrating and exceptional penetration quality provides instant relief for all skin conditions. Even those with the most sensitive skin can enjoy the healing and protection of this fabulous cream. Use it on your face or all over your body for complete body care. My routine has been to apply this right out of my bath, apply my favorite cream, and my skin stays moisturized all day. No more ashiness and dryness! I give this cream an A+ for performance and a B for price. At $28 for a 6oz jar, it can be pricey but not bad for something that actually works!

We wish for "A Perfect World"

Origins “A Perfect World” Collection

It’s still very hot and we are in the midst of summer so it’s hard to look ahead and think about what we will incorporate into our beauty routines for the upcoming winter months! But I’m a girl who plans ahead, plus it gives me reason to start buying those things I love! Origins has a collection I use not only during the winter months but all year round whenever I want to pamper myself. “A Perfect World” consists of a body wash, hydrating lotion and hydrating body cream. All are superbly lush and nourishing; loaded with hydrating butters and white tea to keep you flake-free and looking young all year round. When it’s hot and I don’t need the deep nourishment of a body cream, I use the body wash and lotion. But when the winter months are upon us and I need that extra bit of hydration, out comes the body cream! Both the lotion and body cream are highly hydrating; absorb quickly and oh the soft heavenly scent! And don’t forget about Origins commitment to using ingredients that are natural and friendly to not only our bodies, but the earth!

Lush Vanilla

LUSH HEAVANILLI MASSAGE BAR

Vanilla beans (pods) are the dried unripe fruits of the orchid vanilla planifora. Every flower is pollinated by and and each blossom produces a single bean that is normally harvested after 8-9 months. Vanilla pods and vanillin extracted from them are used as flavorings in cakes, ice creams and custards. Vanilla absolute has a soothing, soft, creamy scent that most people find extremely calming and comforting, Lush uses 220 pounds or 20,000 vanilla pods each year. No wonder we smell so good!-(Lush)

With the harsh heat of the summer months, I usually need something a bit more intense and moisturizing for my skin moisturizing needs. A butter bar can be too much for my daytime use, but I load up at bedtime and let the moisturizing benefits soak in. When I wake up, head to toe is soft and well nourished to take me through the day. Just a touch of a light lotion in the morning is all I need. Heavanilli butter smells of sensual jasmine, vanilla, tonka and cinder. Soft and sensual, what a better way to soften and scent your skin than with a massage of yummy vanilla scented Heavanilli massage bar.